encouragement
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Hope in Desperation: Two Stories, Twelve Years, One Savior
God works in the details. This message is given to comfort us, reminding us of His presence and His care. Jesus told us that even the hairs on our head are numbered. In Psalm 139, we learn that God searches us and knows us completely—our thoughts, our journeys, and our very inmost being. We see…
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Comfortable in the Darkness – Time to Wake Up
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) I have the wonderful job of waking up a middle schooler for school. Every morning at 6:15, I open my eldest daughter’s door and step in. At the…
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The Power of an “Even If” Attitude
Daniel 3:17–18: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” The God…
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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…