In one of the malls near our house, there used to be a set of play cars and trucks that children could sit on and “ride”. If you put a few coins in each machine, the cars would slowly move…
3 Ways to Deepen your Prayer Life
Last summer my kids and I planted a small garden for the very first time. We planted small lettuce and tomato plants, and were very excited when a couple of weeks later the lettuce plants began flourishing. The lettuce grew so…
Why Your Story Matters (Speak Up 2017)
I didn’t know what to expect when I walked through the doors of the Great Hall. I grasped my conference binder in one hand and lugged a heavy tote bag in the other. The large conference room was filled with…
The Power of True Joy
I remember singing the song “I’ve got the joy down in my heart” as a child. Singing about joy is one thing. But how do we truly live lives filled with a deep, unshakable joy in the midst of difficult…
Three Truths from God’s Word you can Bank on
“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Baker, but we can’t allow you to withdraw from your account today.” I stared at the bank teller in utter confusion as she handed me back my driver’s license. All I need is twenty bucks–I can’t…
Five Ways to be a P.A.R.T.Y Girl
When I was about three years old, my parents threw me the biggest birthday party of all time. Though the only part I actually remember from my party was a large, bearded magician standing in front of me as his…
When Truth Pierces through Pain
“Christin, you are pretty, but it’s too bad that you’re black.” Her words pierced my soul like a razor-sharp dagger. I was in Central America, thousands of miles from my home on a college study abroad program. The beauty of…
Healing in His Hem
It was a bleak fall day, just weeks before Thanksgiving. I was in the first trimester of my fourth pregnancy, when I realized I was bleeding. “Oh God, please.” I whispered. A subsequent call to my OB landed me in…
Are you a Woman of Vogue or Virtue?
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Prov 31:10 The other day I was perusing the children’s picture book section of our local library, searching for fun books to read with my…
How to Experience the Power of God in the Midst of Suffering
Several years ago I traveled with my family to see one of the most powerful flowing water sources in the world–Niagara Falls. As we approached the falls, you could hear the roar of the water crashing into the river below. The…
Pursuing the Pearls of the Kingdom
What do you own that has the most material value? You might say your house, property you own, or your vehicle. Isn’t it interesting that material possessions with the highest monetary value often fluctuate and depreciate over time? The moment we drive…