encouragement
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Masterpiece In the Margin: See Beyond the Mistake
I make mistakes—a lot. My kids even have a running joke about my tendency to run into stationary objects with my vehicle. It’s true; there is a fresh dent, a new scratch, and a crack in my car’s frame to prove it. I just can’t seem to get it right, and every time I walk
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Day 196: The Weight of the Wait
I once wrote about being 154 days into my own personal wilderness. Today is Day 196. How vast is this place? They tell you that in times of waiting, you must rely on hope. For a while, shimmers of it kept me moving, fueled by the belief that good things were just around the corner—clinging
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Tigger or Eeyore: Who Are You Showing Up As?
I recently scored a free “adventure pass” from the library for a local museum. It was a niche spot with minimal interactive displays, a hyper-specific subject matter that my children cared little about, and a “waste of time” warning from a friend. Still, I grabbed it. It’s an iconic landmark in the city I’ve called
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A Valiant Warrior: Prepared for Impact
Imagine a valiant warrior. What do you see? Chiseled features? Metal armor? Is it like a gladiator or a knight? Maybe camouflage. Is the warrior wearing a helmet? Are weapons drawn? What powerful armament is carried by such a warrior to aid in the annihilation of the enemy force? I see the stern eyes gazing
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Prison of Pressure: “You’re on Your Own!”
“You’re on your own!” Is that a curse or a blessing? I find myself wavering on a tightrope stretched between independence and reliance. Independence sounds amazing in theory. It says: I am responsible. I am dependable. I am capable. I take pride in my efforts and my ability to “just get it done.” But the
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Facing a Goliath: The Champion and the Shepherd
Facing Your Goliath Are you facing a “Goliath” today? It might be a daunting life situation, an overwhelming mountain of tasks, or a season of deep self-doubt. Perhaps you are standing before a problem that seems to have no solution—an issue you know you cannot handle alone. It feels too big, too strong, and it
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The Wild One Falls: Lessons from a Two-Year-Old
I have three children. They are awesome. Being very close in age (the three of them were born within three and half years of each other) allows for ample play together. My son, the middle child, can best be described as a “bro”. He is your buddy, he is fun, he is silly, he is
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I Will Not Waste This Wait: Chains Will Fall Later
Am I a waiter? Not the kind in a restaurant, though the principle is the same. A waiter relies on a customer to have a need, to enter the establishment, and to place an order. Without that customer, the waiter simply leans against a wall, sits in a booth, or folds napkins. Their purpose remains
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You Don’t Have to Prove Anything
Scripture Reflection: Matthew 27:12-14 “When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.” The Courtroom of the Living
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Hop Up! You Are Strong Enough
As a parent it is difficult to watch your child struggle. My youngest daughter has consistently been on the small side. She has remained in the 2nd percentile for her age throughout her life. People see her and think she is so cute. In 3rd grade she was confused as a kindergartener. She hates this,