Devotional

Five Things I Learned from My Husband’s Life-Threatening Illness

“Inoperable.” “Stage 4.”  “Radiation won’t help.” “Aggressive cancer.” These are things I was told about my husband Kent’s sudden, alarming condition two months ago. But I was also told important…

Devotional

God, Who is Greater Than Our Hearts

If our hearts are our emotional houses, we have lived in them, as in our literal homes, too long and too exclusively the past few months. I can tell that people…

Devotional

You’ve Never Had Your Favorite Before

I once had a family visiting for lunch, and their little girl came into the kitchen and asked what we were having for dessert. I said, “Caramel ice cream.” And she said,…

Devotional

In the Darkest Night, Draw Near, Hold Fast, Consider Others

In the darkest season of my life, I was lifted decisively out of the pit by a passage in the book of Hebrews. The three simple commands embedded in it…

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The Gospel According to Sinners

We have all been troubled by stories from those who have been abused or betrayed by the church. Sometimes these anecdotes stymie us as we try to share the gospel. When…

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Thoughts on Growing Older

Today I had a lovely conversation with a Christian sister approaching 80—years, not mph. We had just finished Sharon Betters’ and Susan Hunt’s Aging with Grace, and that led us to…

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Falling Down Laughing

Originally published on enCourage. Events of the last couple of years have robbed us of several wonderful things, and one of them is laughter. Oh, we’ve had a few humorous…

Devotional

I’M A MESS-TERPIECE

That was my conclusion the other day when I mentally reviewed footage of my most moronic moments. Once I was hosting a meal after a funeral, and in trying to…

Devotional

LIFE-FAKING MINISTRY AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

LEAH FARISH|GUEST In their new book, Life-Giving Leadership, Karen Hodge and Susan Hunt explain that life-giving women’s ministry comes from confidence in Christ, not in ourselves. Without it, they warn, women’s ministry can…

Devotional

THE SANCTITY OF LIFE

In honor of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (January 20), I want to tell you a true story. My friend Cassandra was pregnant—with twins.  They were eagerly anticipated, and already…