Wondering What God is Calling You to Do? How Your Desires Can Be a Clue

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Wondering What God is Calling You to Do? How Your Desires Can Be a Clue

I used to be suspicious of my desires. I was devoted to God and determined to do what was right, and I worried that what I wanted would distract me from God’s plan or that my desires might be self-indulgent or impractical.

But through studying the Bible, I've come to understand that rather than impulses to be resisted, our dreams and desires are often signals God uses to lead us into His purpose and callings for our lives…

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Are You in a Season of Slow or Uncomfortable Growth?

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Are You in a Season of Slow or Uncomfortable Growth?

I’ve long since mastered walking and talking, but now I’m learning to do other things. And sometimes it feels really uncomfortable and looks really awkward. Sometimes, I feel frustrated by how far out of reach some of my dreams and goals seem. I feel like a toddler, knowing I’m meant to run but not yet able to advance beyond a few wobbly steps.⁠..⠀

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A Simple Way to Develop a Deeper Understanding of God's Love

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A Simple Way to Develop a Deeper Understanding of God's Love

…I know it’s completely appropriate for me to sing to God in this way, but for God to sing such words of passion to me—simple, humble, human Carina? He really loves me this much? He really adores me? It felt almost sacrilegious to believe that He would sing to me like this…

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Do You Have a Dream but Feel Like It's Being Drowned by Life Circumstances?

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Do You Have a Dream but Feel Like It's Being Drowned by Life Circumstances?

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!

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End of the Month Resources: Building Connection With the Young People in Our Lives, Plus Encouragement for Those of Us With Sensitive Personalities

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End of the Month Resources: Building Connection With the Young People in Our Lives, Plus Encouragement for Those of Us With Sensitive Personalities

Through various situations I've found myself in recently, I've been reminded of my sensitive nature, and I have felt a little bad about it at times. But there are some really good things about being a sensitive person. This article encouraged me by pointing out some of the strengths of sensitive people…

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When What God Is Asking You to Do Feels Like More Than You Can Handle  

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When What God Is Asking You to Do Feels Like More Than You Can Handle  

We each have callings and assignments, and God invites us to participate in various projects or ministries with Him. Our initial response may be excitement: “Yes, I’ll partner with you God!” But once we start the process, we may begin to think it’s more than we can handle…

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When You Feel Stretched by Circumstances or Relationships, Remember This (Plus End of the Month Resources!)

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When You Feel Stretched by Circumstances or Relationships, Remember This (Plus End of the Month Resources!)

There have been several situations involving several people this past month where I have questioned my ability to help in the way they needed. But as I acknowledged my weakness and drew on God’s strength, I’ve seen Him come through in some amazing ways…

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5 Ways to Hold on to Hope in the Midst of Disappointment

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5 Ways to Hold on to Hope in the Midst of Disappointment

Last year was the year of delayed dreams and disappointed hopes.

We suffered sadness and setbacks, and as we move into 2021, I think we're all hoping for better days ahead. Yet, as eager as we are to leave the struggles of 2020 behind, it's easy to feel the discouragement of past months creeping back in—especially in light of current events…

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Three Things That Help Me Say No to Fear and Yes to God's Plans (Plus End of the Month Resources!)

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Three Things That Help Me Say No to Fear and Yes to God's Plans (Plus End of the Month Resources!)

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…

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When Life Feels Heavy

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When Life Feels Heavy

During one of my recent Advent readings, I read Isaiah 9:4, where, speaking of Jesus, Isaiah said, “For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders” (NLT).

This assurance that our burdens will be lifted jumped out at me and brought a surge of comfort, but what stood out to me even more is what Jesus does with our burdens…

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Are You Feeling The Call To Something More But Afraid To Say Yes?

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Are You Feeling The Call To Something More But Afraid To Say Yes?

Maybe you’re in the same place I was twelve years ago: Feeling the call to something more, but afraid of what it might mean, terrified of what might be required of you.

And maybe you need to hear what I needed to hear: There’s something unique set in you.

You might be trying to deny it, or ignore it, but it’s there, and it matters…

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This Thanksgiving, I'm Thankful For You!

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This Thanksgiving, I'm Thankful For You!

I also want to remind you how much you matter to God.

Ephesians 1:11 tells us that “because of what Christ has done, we have become gifts to God that he delights in, for as part of God's sovereign plan we were chosen from the beginning to be his, and all things happen just as he decided long ago" (TLB)…

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Feeling Self-Conscious About Your Imperfections? Here's How God Feels When He Sees Your Mistakes

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Feeling Self-Conscious About Your Imperfections? Here's How God Feels When He Sees Your Mistakes

As adults, we don’t usually give ourselves so freely. Whether we’re artists, or teachers, or singers, or bakers, we often feel that our offerings are not worthy if they are not perfect. We stress and ruminate over perceived mistakes. But, just like a loving parent or caregiver, God isn’t concerned with perfection…

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Do You Wonder If You're Growing Spiritually?

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Do You Wonder If You're Growing Spiritually?

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.⁠..

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Are You Wishing For An Opportunity To Move Forward In Your Goal Or Dream? Grab Hold Of These Four Biblical Keys To Open Doors

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Are You Wishing For An Opportunity To Move Forward In Your Goal Or Dream? Grab Hold Of These Four Biblical Keys To Open Doors

A few days ago, I decided to browse through some of my old journals. I picked up an orange Moleksine notebook, which contained entries from 2018.

Inside, I found this prayer:

“God, what I would really love and could really use to grow as a writer…is to be a regular contributor to a great Christian website, like (in)courage or iBelieve or Joyful Living [Joyful Life.] Please let a door open like this for me.”…

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Just Because God CAN Do Something, Does That Mean He WILL?

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Just Because God CAN Do Something, Does That Mean He WILL?

Recently, I wrote this in an Instagram post:

“We tend to keep our expectations low, because we’re not convinced of God’s promise to do ‘infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes’ (Ephesians 3:20 TLB).⁠”

In response, a reader asked, “Ephesians says God is 'able' to do infinitely more, but does that count as a promise that He will?”…

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