This week, I’m excited to be sharing a guest post from my dear friend Kay Gleaves, who has some encouragement for you to keep believing even when things look bleak.
Kay is a fellow devotion writer on the Joyful Life team, an expert encourager, and an all around amazing woman of God. I know you will be inspired and uplifted by this powerful devotion—I certainly have been!
Some kids don’t want to grow up, but when I was a kid, I wanted to grow up as quickly as possible. I loved celebrating birthdays and starting new grades—undeniable signs that I was moving closer to the freedom of adulthood.
Though I’m a full-fledged adult now, I still long to grow up. Only instead of pining for physical independence, I’m longing for spiritual maturity. I yearn to experience more of God’s presence, to better understand His love and wisdom, and to touch more lives through my ministry. And sometimes, just as when I was a kid, I want to hurry the process...
Read MoreDo you want to become the leader in your home, church, or community that God created you to be?
With his book I Am David, Pastor Jimmy Evans has created a great source to help you do that.
Drawing examples from the life of King David—of one of the greatest leaders of all time—he teaches ten lessons for growing in greatness and becoming all God created us to be, even in the midst of formidable challenges…
Read More“Are you willing?”
I felt God ask me this question recently. Over the last few weeks, it’s continued to echo in my heart, and as I’ve reflected on the Christmas story, I’m in awe more than ever of Mary, a woman who was willing…
Read MoreDo you want to spend more time in God’s Word, but life keeps interrupting? The phone rings, the dog gets into the trash, a neighbor stops by unexpectedly…
In the busyness of life, it can be challenge to carve out quiet time. Yet, the reality remains that nourishing ourselves with God’s Word is vital to growing in faith and relationship with Him.
The good news is you don’t necessarily have to be sitting down with your Bible and a cup of tea in order to get a good dose of Scripture…
Read MoreLife is busy. The list of of every day commitments and necessities goes on and on: phone calls to make, clothes to launder, church events to attend. There are baby showers, doctor appointments, and birthday parties. Dishes to wash, snow to shovel, groceries to buy…
Still, in midst of it all, I rarely miss a meal…
Read MoreDo you have a Bible verse that is particularly close to your heart? One that you aspire to live by and live up to?
One of my favorites is Jeremiah 17:7-8:
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. (NIV)
I love this passage because it taps into some of my deepest values and topics I’m passionate about…
Read MoreSometimes, try as I might, peace eludes me. I do all the things that usually help ease worries: thankfulness, deep breathing, journaling, planning, praying, reading the Bible, making sure I’m getting enough rest and exercise…But like a stubborn dandelion, the worry keeps popping up…
Read MoreIn my last post, I shared about how science gives us a glimpse into what happens in our brains when we speak or think positive or negative words.
I am fascinated by the brain, and I love how science helps us understand how we function, giving us guideposts for living a more vibrant life.
But the power of words is no modern discovery...
Read More
Hi! I'm Carina, and I'm here to help you connect with God and discover and share your unique gifts.
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