This month marks a year since our lives changed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout these twelve months, we have regularly talked as a family about naming the good things: the time we’ve had together (so much time), the sourdough bread my daughter made, budget savings in several categories, and so on. As vaccinations continue…
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4 NIV). I have a tendency to get wrapped up in worry and anxiety. I spend large amounts of unproductive time concerned about whether something I said or did was received in a manner I didn’t intend. I fear…
For most of my life, I have been a non-confrontational person. I hate conflict, and I especially hate bringing up something in conversation that might cause conflict. I have also had trouble being vulnerable about myself and my experiences. So if a topic means being vulnerable and potentially causing conflict, my instinct is to shy…
I spent 2020 assessing my faith. Here are some of the questions I asked myself: How many of my beliefs are actually based on what’s in the Bible? How much of my faith is rooted in my own concept of Christianity? How much is born out of my culture or my life experiences? It was…
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 NIV) One of the best features of social media is groups. Years ago, I joined a Facebook writing group that formed out of a book launch…
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18 CSB) Like everyone else, I went through some discouraging times in 2020. To understate the obvious, things were a bit difficult last year. It seemed like the general feeling of discouragement bled over into simple, everyday tasks as well….