• How to Reach Out to the Heart of God
    inspiration,  love,  relationships

    How to Reach Out to the Heart of God

    I was not excited when my husband and I went with two of our closest friends to see the new movie adaptation of Cats.  Although I do enjoy musicals, I’d rather see a live show than a movie (except for maybe High School Musical…Go Wild Cats!). And let’s be honest, Cats is CREEPY.  The costumes, sultry CGI movements, and don’t get me started on the odd plot about cat sacrifice.  If you love Cats, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. I actually did find redeeming qualities to this film that struck me deep. Even beyond the incredible ballet dancing and Jennifer Hudson’s ballad was a theme often overlooked in modern…

  • What a Disney Princess Taught Me About Faith
    Disney,  faith,  Jesus

    What a Disney Princess Taught Me About Faith

    Am I the only one who’s so excited for all of these new Disney live-action movies? I absolutely loved Aladdin and the Cinderella remake that came out a few years ago. But the Disney remake I am most excited for (and nervous about, to be honest) is The Little Mermaid. Ariel has always been one of my favorite princesses, but for all of these years I never really questioned why. Then one day a dear friend and I discussed Disney princesses and the influence they hold over children. She pointed out that Ariel was quite flawed. I mean, she’s a 16 year old mermaid who trades her voice and basically…

  • The Promise of His Presence
    inspiration,  Jesus,  life

    The Promise of His Presence

    Why is it that you can seem to have everything, and yet feel so empty and alone? This world promises us happiness and fulfillment in so many ways: money, relationships, jobs, new experiences–the list goes on. The Hollow Promise  But what happens when that’s not enough? What about that hollow feeling? The one tugging at you, making you work until your knuckles bleed, so you can forget that it’s there. The hollowness that leaks out as tears as you lie awake in bed at night. The hollow feeling that makes people cut, starve, and lash out at others? This post isn’t pretty, but it’s real and raw. Because I’ve been…

  • 3 Ways Gratitude Will Change Your Life
    inspiration,  thanksgiving

    3 Ways Gratitude Will Change Your Life

    I used to keep a detailed gratitude journal. I challenged myself to write at least 5 things a day that I was thankful for–even on the toughest days. Although this might seem like a cute positive thinking exercise, there is so much more to a lifestyle of gratitude. I found that even on my worst days when having a chronic illness made me bedridden or when I felt the heavy weight of being single press in on me, I could still choose gratitude. Gratitude not only changes our thinking; it transforms our whole lives. Here are 3 ways practicing gratitude has transformed my life and faith. Re-tracing God’s Faithfulness When…

  • Finding Your Anchor in Life's Storms
    inspiration,  life

    Finding Your Anchor in Life’s Storms

    I shall not be moved; I shall not be shaken. How many times have I repeated these familiar Bible verses in my mind, thinking that as long as I am truly rooted in God, nothing will ever rock my world. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8 NIV) But the world keeps rocking and rolling all around me, and sometimes, no matter how hard I cling to the grace of God, I find myself rolling along with it. I shake with every burst of bad news. I tighten my grip as my feet slip on unexpected…