Meet Abigail Ruth Brenner
So I’ve been on a bit of an adventure… Will you join me? (And my 9-year-old imaginary friend named Abigail who I’d love for you to meet, plus her people?) I’ve been trying to find... Read more
I’m Tired, Lord {30 Day Devotional Series}
Tired minds tend to go in loops. You start with one thought, get lost on the way to the next, and come back to where you started. Each day for the next 30 days, I’ll... Read more
Introducing Bite-Size Peace Devotions
Once upon a time in college, I was responsible for planning a chapel service. I racked my brain for weeks. Who should speak? What topic would serve best? How could I format it all to... Read more
For the Joy Set Before Him
Imagine you can have everything you’ve ever truly wanted. Deep, perfect relationships with everyone you love. Life with God, seeing Him face to face without any cause to doubt that you are fully known and... Read more
Do Not, For the Sake of…
What makes you lose your cool with or about someone? I have my own list. I’m sure you can think of a few personality traits, habits, or opinions that tempt you to anger and impatience. ... Read more
What We Need Most When We Feel Left Out
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”... Read more
God Endures
I often read Hebrews 11 when I need a reminder that hard and perplexing circumstances can be endured by faith. It helps me to persist, seeking to honor God by faith when my sight feels... Read more
My Favorite Tree
Meet my favorite tree. If you look closely you’ll see that only half this tree’s trunk is present, and there’s no middle inside. Still, it bears leaves every year, and its branches stretch higher and... Read more
2024 Good List
Keeping the tradition alive! Here are some good gifts I’ve been grateful for in 2024. -Matt’s persistent, consistent patience -Seeing the first two Abigail books in readers’ hands -Returning to favorite vacation spots -Discovering the... Read more
Kids Need to Know Faith Is More Than “Being Good”
“Be good,” we say to little ones as the babysitter arrives. “Be good,” we say to school-age kids before they go over to a friend’s house. “Be good,” we say to teens before they drive... Read more
3 Ways to Encourage a Child Who Leans Toward Legalism and Perfectionism
“Ready, set, let’s head out,” I told my Sunday School group. Everyone clamored into line eagerly except for one little girl. I urged her to join us. “But you didn’t say go,” she uttered dejectedly.... Read more
Sometimes Growing is Shrinking
Someone told me recently that living within our God-given limits is good. A lot of someones have told me similar things, almost like I’m bad with limits… Ahem. God has been reinforcing the message, putting... Read more