Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matt. 22:37-39 NIV) What does it mean to love our neighbors as ourselves? Inherent in Jesus’ command is the…
I used to think self care was selfish. If I’m honest, it was because I was jealous. As a classic overly responsible, perfectionistic overachiever, the thing I most longed for was the ability to say no and find rest. And so, because I didn’t understand and couldn’t seem to manage my own self care, I…
As 2015 was wrapping up, I realized the year had been an incredible gift. It was full of things I love: new friendships, travel, laughter, discovering new authors, serving others, loving intentionally, and being adventurous and daring with my own personal story. I wanted to bottle up all the good and carry it with me…
Dear friends, it’s February. According to statistics, the majority of the people who made New Year’s resolutions a month ago have already let those vows slip, slide, or even fall apart completely. Chances are you’re among them. If you are, I’m guessing you’ve experienced moments of discouragement or even feelings of failure, and we’re only thirty-one…
“Temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.” ~Chinese Proverb It’s no coincidence that this devotional has been incredibly difficult for me to write. I have stared at this blank screen for a week straight. I finally convinced myself that I would just quit trying to write this post…
Hawaii is a paradise. Stunning landscapes, pristine beaches where every sunset settles a thousand diamonds across the deep cobalt water. Close to shore the white foam waves crash out of turquoise pools onto beige sand. My husband Russ and I were the only two people on the beach each morning. We wanted a front row…