Living the New Life
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When evil looms, will you pray this prayer? Galatians Devotional 7
Darkness. Brokenness. Evil. Sickness. I’m not going to recount the news cycles of the last few weeks, but if you’ve scrolled the headlines, you’ve seen enough to make your heart break, anxiety rise, or anger spark, more so if events hit close to home. Or maybe you’re becoming numb to tales of pain, violence, and…
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Are You Serving Up “Rightness” or Kindness? Galatians Devotional 6
Ever been caught between the choice to insist you’re right and the choice to extend kindness? This week, I’ve asked my friend and previous guest-poster Dena Hobbs to discuss why the spiritual fruit of kindness matters, especially in this climate of polarizing rhetoric and harsh criticism. Enjoy Dena’s wisdom and then check out some of…
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Where Do You Cultivate Patience in a Right-Now World? Galatians Devotional 5
Four years of college and they’ve got me working the switchboard. Waste of time. That was younger me at my first job in a high-tech firm’s marketing department. When they said I’d work with technology, I didn’t realize that meant operating the phones from the receptionist desk. Surprise, surprise, when I shared such injustice with…
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Will You Let Peace Put You Back Together? Galatians Devotional 4
“Sarah, I need you to pray with me right now.” That was how I ambushed a new friend at a writer’s conference just a few days ago. What had started as a joy-infused time of skill sharpening and networking had now ushered in my anxiety gremlins as I rehearsed a list of shortfalls. Article ideas…
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How Will You Stay Joyful? Galatians Devotional 3
This week I’m sweating for Jesus with some fantastic rising 7th graders who’ve chosen to serve needy families by doing yardwork and hosting a VBS in a Houston-area park. Translation? LOOOONG days of dirt, fire ants, and other creepy crawlies, not to mention stuffy church-van rides and lots of last minute changes to their VBS…
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Is Your Love Growing? Galatians Devotional 2
I love sweet, summer strawberries. I also love new shoes, puppies, vacations, and my family. Like everyone else, I throw that word “love” around a lot, but I also know the way I feel about my husband and kids is different than the way I feel about relaxing poolside in July. Something in that kind…
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Who’s Your Soul Gardener? Galatians Devotional 1
Summer is smoldering away here in Houston, and it’s got me craving bowlfuls of berries. One of my favorite summertime treats is simply fresh or frozen blueberries with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of natural shredded coconut. My kids call it my pretend ice cream and look at me with pity…
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Houston, We Have a Pollen Problem
Pretty sure this is the worst pollen season in Houston history. I say that every year, but y’all, it’s been going on for 6 weeks now. McLeod worked so hard the other day cleaning the outdoor furniture. Didn’t last long. I broke down and washed my car. As of last night, it’s got a light…
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When the Past Has You Tied in Knots
“I have tried and tried to forgive him. I want to forgive! But I just can’t seem to forget. Now, I’m so afraid of being hurt again by someone else.” Ugh, that’s a hard place to be, and anyone who’s gone through pain and betrayal can probably relate. In fact, after this dear woman shared…
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That Time My Dog Was Almost Lunch
On Tuesday, I was rambling around the lake with Bali, my fluffy little troublemaker of a dog, when a massive eagle flew over our heads and settled in a tree nearby. The bird was a motley-colored juvenile, so at first, I thought it was a hawk from the coloring. But no hawk is THAT big,…