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How God Uses Long-Distance Bible Study Fellowship
Seven years into our marriage, my husband and I have lived in four different states. We’ve been a part of five churches in that time, and had plenty of in-between, “church-seeking seasons”, too. With so many seasons of transition, participation in Bible study has looked a little different for me. Thankfully, God’s Word isn’t bound…
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The Grace of Choices
“It’s no big deal,” I told myself and others when I failed to make edible bread- again. On the one hand, it wasn’t that big a deal. Whether I’m an excellent bread-baker or not doesn’t affect much in my daily life. But on the other hand…I stopped trying to bake bread. A handful of failed…
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My Shrug, God’s Shrub
There’s this shrub in our yard. When we moved in, it was bare like everything else. I couldn’t figure out what it was, or what to do with it. So, while I learned about our other plants and began tending garden, this shrub was left for God to manage. It was a harrowing experience. My…
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Seeking God’s Will in Disappointment
I received my first official rejection email from a publisher. It would be nice if I could say that was years ago and God has since used books I authored to point people to himself. However, I only recently got the email. When the disappointment hit, I assumed: I’d close my laptop and stop writing…
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What God Has for You Today
It’s a new day. What if it’s a good one? God has a few things for his followers today (and every day.) They’ll make whatever your schedule holds better. You don’t have to take them or appreciate them, but you can if you’d like. His offer is free and wide open. {Join me over on…
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Why I Don’t Want to Be Full
“What are we arguing about again?” my husband asked. After some discussion, we came to the conclusion. We were arguing because I was bored. Being bored makes me rather grumpy. How about you? Some of us Type A people believe relaxation involves a checklist. Doers tend to associate a full schedule with a full heart.…
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Paradox of Perfection Book Review
“Umm…” My husband said hesitantly as he reviewed a recent work project of mine, “Did you want me to give feedback on this?” Taking a deep breath, I braced myself and nodded. I had expected, “oh cool,” not the implication there was a problem. “The word ‘success’ is spelled wrong,” he grimaced. So it was.…
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Giving Up
Do you know the icebreaker question “if you could meet anyone, who would it be?” Usual answers seem to include famous historical people, Bible figures, and celebrities. But for me, one of my top answers is Laura Story… Elvington. The singer, yes. But also the writer, mom, wife, and friend. God has used her words…
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What You’ll Find In a Stronghold
THE LORD IS GOOD, A STRONGHOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE, AND HE KNOWS THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM.” –NAHUM 1:7 A refuge, by itself, is a place that offers sanctuary and safety. It is a figurative expression in Scripture describing God as our security. He offers us a place that we can retreat…
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Raw Vs. Refined Knowledge
“I know where babies come from!” exclaimed the second grader as his classmates stared. A little girl had asked something related, and this boy could hardly raise his hand high enough. It was typical for him- he had an answer for everything at 7 years old. That being the case, we didn’t want to know…