Respect. Aretha Franklin sang about it, Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke about it, teachers in primary and secondary schools preach it every day. And yet, here we are in a world where good examples of genuine, unconditional respect are hard to come by, especially in the news. I feel pretty… Read More »Why Everyone Deserves Unconditional Respect
On a beautiful autumn day in 2009, my husband and I pledged our commitment to each other in a small country church packed with people. I wore my grandmother’s 1940s wedding dress and walked down the aisle on my father’s arm as friends performed original music composed by yours truly.… Read More »True Commitment: Be the One Who Follows Through
Do you know how to be a good listener? No, seriously. Do you truly know how to listen so others will talk and share their deepest hurts? Their darkest fears? The opinions and beliefs they know you won’t agree with? Good, honest listening has become something of a lost art—and… Read More »How to Be A Good Listener (And a Better Evangelist!)
Many years ago, I read a book about a character who had a third ear hidden on the back of her head, and through it, she could hear others’ thoughts. She knew if what someone said aloud matched his or her true intentions. It was meant to be silly, but… Read More »Warning: Control Your Thoughts Now, Before They Control You
Do you know how to love God? How many people never, ever ponder that question? Some assume believing in Jesus is enough. Combine that with a prayer of thanks every now and then, and you’re good to go, right? Bonus points for going to church on Christmas and Easter or… Read More »How to Love God: What is God’s Love Language?
Spend enough time at any Christian church, and you’ll hear one animal species mentioned so often you might find yourself glancing around to see if there are any standing in the aisles or chewing the altar flowers. Sheep. Only they’re not spoken of in the context of good farming practices… Read More »Why God Compares Us to Sheep: A Shepherd’s Perspective
It’s a powerful promise wrapped inside a vivid picture: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” To “flee” something is not to back away cautiously or make a casual retreat. Fleeing implies an act of desperation—a high-tailed, heart-pounding race from danger. If you resist the devil, he will… Read More »Teens & Spiritual Warfare: Why You Must Always, Always Be on Guard
Is biblical modesty unfair? Does God expect more from girls than guys? If a guy lusts after you, is that your fault? And can you still love fashion, look attractive, and honor Christ at the same time? If you’ve wrestled with these questions about modesty, you’re not the only one. Few topics… Read More »5 Important Questions About Modesty—And Their Answers