Faith

Don’t scale mountains, level them. I am not a mountaineer. Camping and hiking—no, thank you!  “Roughing it” has always been a stay at the Holiday Inn. While I prefer the comforts of an all-inclusive resort, I’ve spent many trips pioneering through wild terrain. Whether mountain high or valley low, the enemy attempts to erect monumental obstacles in life that divert …

I was 10 years old on vacation visiting family.  It was an unofficial family reunion. It was always pretty cool to see my family from all over congregate at my grandma’s house in Mexico. Lots of food, lots of games and lots of fun. “Let’s race!” someone shouted. Of all the games that we played, that was the one I …

We are creatures of habit. We like predictability and regularity. We like to know what’s coming. Some of us might seem more adventurous than others or might like to live with a little spontaneity; but for the most part, the way we perceive and order our lives is by repetitions. Sun up, sun down. Repeat Wake up, go to work, …

Recently I read Philippians 2:1-5 with new spiritual eyes as if for the first time with joy in my spirit, yes, but also with deep conviction. Here Paul painted a picture of the consideration and grace we owe one another in God’s family. God pierced my heart and spirit with this passage. If you have any encouragement from being united with …

When I came to faith in Christ back in college, my mind was rough, to say the least.  It was packed with rapid-fire emotions and thoughts of aggression, anxieties, lusts and everything else which vie for the mind of men. I was living in a fraternity house, trying to figure out life as a new follower of Christ, and loving …

When was the last time someone patted you on the back and said, “Don’t give up hope!”? Memes, movies, testimonials, self-help books, friends and Bible verses all tell us to expect a rendezvous with joy. We are told that we shouldn’t lose hope when life seems enveloped in darkness, disappointment, loss or uncertainty; but after enough gut-wrenching disappointments, it appears …

Ahh … July! Summer is in full swing, and the heat is high. I’m enjoying the beautiful, hot days, though, because the winter snowstorms that hit the northeast made winter seem like it was never going to end. As much as I love winter and snow (I’m a Florida native and always wanted to live in the snow), I was …

As I was walking up the gigantic hill towards my NYC apartment, I noticed a silver 10-cent coin glistening in the sun. I heard the Lord’s still, small voice whisper, “Pick it up.” My quick and unfiltered response was: “That’s silly, I don’t need 10 cents, plus the guy sitting on the stoop will think I’m pathetic, or poor, or …

What troubles your mind today? What distressing thoughts or concerns are stealing your peace and joy? Poor self-image? Negative self-defeatism? A wayward child? A prodigal past? Unanswered prayers? God’s silence in the midst of your storms? Job stress or possible loss? Home foreclosure or other financial needs? Confusion about God’s will for your life? What you can and cannot control? …

Back in my college days, I sensed God beginning to speak to me that marriage was part of His plan for me. I remember hoping that it would be, but I often wondered if I was hearing right. I’m now entering the latter part of my 30s (the very latter part) and like many girls, I have a desire to …