Have you ever found yourself swept away by your emotions, letting them dictate your actions and thoughts? One morning, I had a breakthrough that might resonate with you—not during a quiet devotional but in the middle of a workout.
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The stockings were bulging, their toes showing wear,Full near to bursting, weight too great to bear.
I looked up the word “invited” from Matthew 25:35 using one of my favorite websites (there’s also an app), www.BlueLetterBible.org. In the original Greek language, the word is synagō, and it’s the root of the word synagogue. It means–
How can we know the truth about what comes next? In this 7-session video-based Bible study workbook, Jennifer explores the subject of Heaven from a biblical perspective. But… only one in five of your neighbors goes to church, and those who do attend many different denominations. Your neighbors probably don’t speak “Christianese” around their dinner tables, so phrases like “the Lord laid it on my heart” or “having my devotions” or “intercede in prayer” sound foreign.
Day after day, He is constantly creating, sustaining, and providing for us in ways that we should never overlook. Linda hosted a Neighborhood Cafe for ten years, and she’s here to help us discover the presence of our Heavenly Father in seemingly insignificant daily experiences. Your neighbors probably don’t speak “Christianese” around their dinner tables, so phrases like “the Lord laid it on my heart” or “having my devotions” or “intercede in prayer” sound foreign.
Jennifer hit a wall of depression and discontent that shook her to her core, undermining many of her past assumptions about her faith. It’s for anyone who needs hope when life doesn’t make sense – for all who reach for a God who feels distant. As Jennifer tackles the six big questions of faith, she will help you: Trust God more than your feelings.
By Lysa TerKeurst What do you do when God’s timing seems questionable, His lack of intervention hurtful and His promises doubtful? Life often looks so very different than we hoped or expected. But she’s also discovered that our disappointments can be the divine appointments our souls need to radically encounter God. In It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, Lysa invites us into her own journey of faith and, with grit, vulnerability and honest humor. Whether we’re dealing with daily disappointments or life-altering loss, we can find unexpected strength as we learn what it is to wrestle well between our faith and our feelings.
Author and speaker Karen Ehman knows firsthand how people pleasing locks us in a prison, trapping us in unhealthy habits which distract us from our true selves and our God-given purpose. With honesty and practical wisdom, Ehman explores why we fall into people-pleasing behaviors and offers advice for how we can break out into the freedom God has called us to. Your neighbors probably don’t speak “Christianese” around their dinner tables, so phrases like “the Lord laid it on my heart” or “having my devotions” or “intercede in prayer” sound foreign.
When your perspective of how life should go replaces God’s, you doom your quest for security, peace, and joy before it even starts. Thankfully, there is a better way. Join Shannon as she shares what she has discovered about her own control struggles and about God from studying seven Control Girls in the Bible. Whether it was Eve’s desire to know instead of trust, Sarah’s inability to wait for God to move, or Rebekah’s controlling hand on her family’s future, each of these women’s stories contain warnings and lessons for us today. Learn how you too can lay down this burden of trying to control everything and find rest in surrendering to the One who truly is in control.
This question looks back at the section called New Testament 2.0 on pages 62-64 when we read about Jesus saying, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Peter watched as Jesus dismantled everything the Jews held most dear, even the “wonderful stones” and “wonderful buildings” his disciples admired in their magnificent temple (Mark 13:1). Jesus knew something much better was coming when all believers would become the temple of his Holy Spirit, but that could only happen after Jesus’s own body was destroyed—and resurrected!
This question looks back at the section called New Testament 2.0 on pages 62-64 when we read about Jesus saying, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Peter watched as Jesus dismantled everything the Jews held most dear, even the “wonderful stones” and “wonderful buildings” his disciples admired in their magnificent temple (Mark 13:1). Jesus knew something much better was coming when all believers would become the temple of his Holy Spirit, but that could only happen after Jesus’s own body was destroyed—and resurrected!
Friend-of-a-friend introductions are the best! That’s how I met Jennifer H. Yates, and I’ve been learning from her ever since. Her background in teaching shines through her many books and resources, and in her relationships. She’s taken the time to mentor and coach me on writing, teaching, and publishing. And she took the time to write such a wonderful endorsement for “Cup of Hope” that it’s printed on the back cover and featured prominently wherever you buy books online!
Friend-of-a-friend introductions are the best! That’s how I met Jennifer H. Yates, and I’ve been learning from her ever since. Her background in teaching shines through her many books and resources, and in her relationships. She’s taken the time to mentor and coach me on writing, teaching, and publishing. And she took the time to write such a wonderful endorsement for “Cup of Hope” that it’s printed on the back cover and featured prominently wherever you buy books online!
“In Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? Amy Lively achieves two of my favorite things: engaging teaching and deep Bible study. This thoroughly researched study of 1 Peter weaves the scriptural threads of Peter’s story together in ways that will challenge the mature Bible student and thrill the newest. As I connected my story to Peter’s in the book’s practical exercises, I had both ‘aha’ and ‘oh ouch!’ moments. This is the resource you need to fan the flame of hope.”
“In Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? Amy Lively achieves two of my favorite things: engaging teaching and deep Bible study. This thoroughly researched study of 1 Peter weaves the scriptural threads of Peter’s story together in ways that will challenge the mature Bible student and thrill the newest. As I connected my story to Peter’s in the book’s practical exercises, I had both ‘aha’ and ‘oh ouch!’ moments. This is the resource you need to fan the flame of hope.”
Not just for juicy slices of turkey and heaping piles of mashed potatoes, or my special cranberry salad – no, I’m ashamed to admit, I got greedy for my family. Origin: Blend of Thanksgiving and friends You’re probably ordering pizza the night before Thanksgiving, and so are your neighbors – it’s one of the Top 5 days for pizza deliveries*. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Acts 2:46 * I know you want to know… the other 4 days are Halloween, Super Bowl Sunday, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Not just for juicy slices of turkey and heaping piles of mashed potatoes, or my special cranberry salad – no, I’m ashamed to admit, I got greedy for my family. Origin: Blend of Thanksgiving and friends You’re probably ordering pizza the night before Thanksgiving, and so are your neighbors – it’s one of the Top 5 days for pizza deliveries*. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Acts 2:46 * I know you want to know… the other 4 days are Halloween, Super Bowl Sunday, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
According to my car, the outside temperature was 103 degrees. But inside the car, where a glitch caused the air conditioning to intermittently stop working, it felt like the surface of the sun. My GPS showed a solid red line of traffic on the parched Florida highway stretching on for miles and miles.
According to my car, the outside temperature was 103 degrees. But inside the car, where a glitch caused the air conditioning to intermittently stop working, it felt like the surface of the sun. My GPS showed a solid red line of traffic on the parched Florida highway stretching on for miles and miles.
It’s pure gold when words of endorsement come from women doing the real work of ministry, with boots on the ground and arms around their women.
It’s pure gold when words of endorsement come from women doing the real work of ministry, with boots on the ground and arms around their women.
Because this is a question you dear readers ask all the time, here’s how to I transition from Open House to Bible Study:
These quotes are from real correspondence I received from women who wanted to start a Neighborhood Cafe Bible study… until they got scared. It was originally published in 2010 but still holds true today.
In the summer of 2020, I taught the Bible study that would become Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? at ClearView Community Church in Colorado. Sitting six feet apart in every other row of the sanctuary, with just as many women joining online, together we faced this scary season of mass trauma, fear, and uncertainty. A theme emerged for each chapter of 1 Peter, along with the beautiful face of a dear friend who had struggled and triumphed in that specific area. And in the middle of the hot mess that was 2020, each of them bravely and graciously agreed to fill your cup with their hope –
In the summer of 2020, I taught the Bible study that would become Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? at ClearView Community Church in Colorado. Sitting six feet apart in every other row of the sanctuary, with just as many women joining online, together we faced this scary season of mass trauma, fear, and uncertainty. A theme emerged for each chapter of 1 Peter, along with the beautiful face of a dear friend who had struggled and triumphed in that specific area. And in the middle of the hot mess that was 2020, each of them bravely and graciously agreed to fill your cup with their hope –
I remember vividly the first time I heard her name. I was taking a personal retreat for Maundy Thursday but had set aside time for a call with a literary agent I was trying to impress. Blythe Daniel told me that Kregel Publishing had used a new hybrid book and Bible study format with great success with an author named Shannon Popkin. As soon as I Googled her, I wanted to be her friend.
I remember vividly the first time I heard her name. I was taking a personal retreat for Maundy Thursday but had set aside time for a call with a literary agent I was trying to impress. Blythe Daniel told me that Kregel Publishing had used a new hybrid book and Bible study format with great success with an author named Shannon Popkin. As soon as I Googled her, I wanted to be her friend.
I’ve always said that living my books is hard and writing them is easy, but selling them is the hardest part of all. Truth is, without a team of people committed to spreading the word, most books gather dust on warehouse shelves.
I met Jennifer and her husband, Dr. Phil, at the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference in 2009. She was superstar, yet so approachable. I won a door prize at her session and signed up for womensminstry.net, which they founded to equip women in ministry to lead well. This chance encounter led to wonderful friendships with Jennifer, Dr. Phil, and the WM staff – and an invitation to write for her ministry.
I’ve always said that living my books is hard and writing them is easy, but selling them is the hardest part of all. Truth is, without a team of people committed to spreading the word, most books gather dust on warehouse shelves.
I met Jennifer and her husband, Dr. Phil, at the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference in 2009. She was superstar, yet so approachable. I won a door prize at her session and signed up for womensminstry.net, which they founded to equip women in ministry to lead well. This chance encounter led to wonderful friendships with Jennifer, Dr. Phil, and the WM staff – and an invitation to write for her ministry.
Cook Out with gate open, or even in the front yard and let neighbors know they are welcome to join. If you have a skill, let neighbors know that you can use it to help them for free. Make a routine of taking the family to a evening recreation spot (pool, jump zone, etc.).
After a twenty year hiatus, I returned to Jesus wholeheartedly. After two decades walking without Him, I was all into The Greatest Commandment.
After a twenty year hiatus, I returned to Jesus wholeheartedly. After two decades walking without Him, I was all into The Greatest Commandment.
If you’re the one who is thirsty for a refill of Living Water, let my friends speak to how this book will quench your soul:
Have you ever been trolled? A troll is someone who makes inflammatory comments just to get an emotional rise. They try to manipulate a conversation by making provocative jabs. Basically, they are a bully. Maybe you’ve been trolled online like I have. Maybe there’s a troll in your neighborhood who becomes irate whenever you mention anything about your faith in God. You might even have a troll in your own home who delights in tearing you down. What’s the best way to handle a troll? How will you respond when you are intentionally, meanly provoked?
In 2012, these godly men blessed me for ministry: (l-r) my loving father, my amazing husband David, my sweet father-in-law, Pastor Mark Pfeifer, and my spiritual father and pastor Ron Grubb.
I wish Rebecca George would’ve written this book before I had the crazy idea to start a neighborhood Bible study. I could have used a coach like her when I had no idea where to start or what to do, when it felt overwhelming and scary. If I’d had just a little more gumption and realized just how much grace was there to help me, I might not have put off this Great. Big. Goal. for as long as I did.
I wish Rebecca George would’ve written this book before I had the crazy idea to start a neighborhood Bible study. I could have used a coach like her when I had no idea where to start or what to do, when it felt overwhelming and scary. If I’d had just a little more gumption and realized just how much grace was there to help me, I might not have put off this Great. Big. Goal. for as long as I did.
Working sequentially through Peter’s small but mighty letter, you will discover how to: Make sense of pain that seems endless and pointless by understanding God’s timing and intention Trust God on the not-so-good days React to chaos and confusion with a calm, clear-headed, Christlike response Apply five simple and effective coping strategies when your world is turned upside down Shed the shame of past mistakes and share your story for God’s glory Let’s set aside our hopeless fears and hopeful fantasies and set our hope fully on God’s faithfulness. 1 Peter 1:1-25 Lesson 5: Michelle's Story Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 1:22-25 A Second Cup 1 Peter 2:1–5:14 Expand each lesson to access online resources and read the Scripture passages online. Lesson 1: The Chosen (St)one Tap the verse to view: Read Luke 20:9–20 A Second Cup Romans 5:6-8 Compare Matthew 7:24-25 with Matthew 16:18 1 Peter 2:1-25 Lesson 2: Living Stones Tap the verse to view: Read Acts 4:1-12 and 1 Peter 2:1-9 A Second Cup Jeremiah 29:1-14 Hebrews 4:16 and Hebrews 10:19-22 1 Peter 2:5 Romans 12:1-3 Philippians 4:18 Hebrews 13:15 Hebrews 13:16 Revelation 8:3-4 Lesson 3: The Stones Cry Out Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 2:9-15, 1 Peter 2:20-21; 1 Peter 3:9; 1 Peter 5:10 A Second Cup Acts 26:16-18 Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4 Lesson 4: And Chosen to Suffer Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 Peter 4:13 A Second Cup 2 Corinthians 1:222 Corinthians 5:5Ephesians 1:13-14 Isaiah 41:8–13 Lesson 5: Kelly's Story Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 2:17 Follow Josh’s journey here. Lesson 1: Soul Renovation Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:1–6 A Second Cup Colossians 3:5–17Ephesians 4:17–5:14 1 Peter 4:1-19 Lesson 2: Heaven Forbid Tap the verse to view: Read Matthew 16:13–17:8 A Second Cup Matthew 16:21–23Matthew 26:30–35John 13:1–11Acts 10:9–35 Philippians 2:5–8Philippians 2:9–111 Peter 5:10 Ephesians 3:14–21 Lesson 3: Out of Darkness Tap the verse to view: Read Luke 22:24–34, John 13:1–11, Mark 14:32–42, and Luke 22:54–62 A Second Cup Luke 22:32 Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28 Lesson 4: Into His Marvelous Light Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 2:21–25, John 21:1–19, Acts 2:1–4, and 1 Peter 5:10 A Second Cup Romans 2:4 Philippians 3:13–14 Romans 8:34Hebrews 7:25Hebrews 9:24 Psalm 33:16–22 and Ephesians 6:10–18 Lesson 5: Sarah's Story Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:1–5 A Second Cup 1 Peter 1:1-3:22 and 1 Peter 5:1-14 Expand each lesson to access online resources and read the Scripture passages online. Lesson 2: Love Soulfully Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, and Acts 10:1-48 A Second Cup Romans 5:5Colossians 1:8 (NLT)1 Thessalonians 3:121 Thessalonians 4:9 Matthew 7:12Luke 6:32John 13:34 Romans 5:3–5 Luke 7:41–47 Lesson 4: Serve Gracefully Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:10–11 and Acts 1:1–3:26 A Second Cup Romans 12:6–81 Corinthians 12:1–11Ephesians 4:11–12 1 Corinthians 9:16 Lesson 5: Praise Joyfully Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:11 and Acts 12:1-25 A Second Cup John 21:19 and Hebrews 12:2 Acts 12:21–23Psalm 115:1 Psalm 118:1-29 John 17:1-26John 13:1Matthew 26:26–29John 13:3–5Matthew 26:30 Click here to listen to free hope-filled worship music!
Working sequentially through Peter’s small but mighty letter, you will discover how to: Make sense of pain that seems endless and pointless by understanding God’s timing and intention Trust God on the not-so-good days React to chaos and confusion with a calm, clear-headed, Christlike response Apply five simple and effective coping strategies when your world is turned upside down Shed the shame of past mistakes and share your story for God’s glory Let’s set aside our hopeless fears and hopeful fantasies and set our hope fully on God’s faithfulness. 1 Peter 1:1-25 Lesson 5: Michelle's Story Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 1:22-25 A Second Cup 1 Peter 2:1–5:14 Expand each lesson to access online resources and read the Scripture passages online. Lesson 1: The Chosen (St)one Tap the verse to view: Read Luke 20:9–20 A Second Cup Romans 5:6-8 Compare Matthew 7:24-25 with Matthew 16:18 1 Peter 2:1-25 Lesson 2: Living Stones Tap the verse to view: Read Acts 4:1-12 and 1 Peter 2:1-9 A Second Cup Jeremiah 29:1-14 Hebrews 4:16 and Hebrews 10:19-22 1 Peter 2:5 Romans 12:1-3 Philippians 4:18 Hebrews 13:15 Hebrews 13:16 Revelation 8:3-4 Lesson 3: The Stones Cry Out Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 2:9-15, 1 Peter 2:20-21; 1 Peter 3:9; 1 Peter 5:10 A Second Cup Acts 26:16-18 Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4 Lesson 4: And Chosen to Suffer Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 Peter 4:13 A Second Cup 2 Corinthians 1:222 Corinthians 5:5Ephesians 1:13-14 Isaiah 41:8–13 Lesson 5: Kelly's Story Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 2:17 Follow Josh’s journey here. Lesson 1: Soul Renovation Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:1–6 A Second Cup Colossians 3:5–17Ephesians 4:17–5:14 1 Peter 4:1-19 Lesson 2: Heaven Forbid Tap the verse to view: Read Matthew 16:13–17:8 A Second Cup Matthew 16:21–23Matthew 26:30–35John 13:1–11Acts 10:9–35 Philippians 2:5–8Philippians 2:9–111 Peter 5:10 Ephesians 3:14–21 Lesson 3: Out of Darkness Tap the verse to view: Read Luke 22:24–34, John 13:1–11, Mark 14:32–42, and Luke 22:54–62 A Second Cup Luke 22:32 Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28 Lesson 4: Into His Marvelous Light Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 2:21–25, John 21:1–19, Acts 2:1–4, and 1 Peter 5:10 A Second Cup Romans 2:4 Philippians 3:13–14 Romans 8:34Hebrews 7:25Hebrews 9:24 Psalm 33:16–22 and Ephesians 6:10–18 Lesson 5: Sarah's Story Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:1–5 A Second Cup 1 Peter 1:1-3:22 and 1 Peter 5:1-14 Expand each lesson to access online resources and read the Scripture passages online. Lesson 2: Love Soulfully Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, and Acts 10:1-48 A Second Cup Romans 5:5Colossians 1:8 (NLT)1 Thessalonians 3:121 Thessalonians 4:9 Matthew 7:12Luke 6:32John 13:34 Romans 5:3–5 Luke 7:41–47 Lesson 4: Serve Gracefully Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:10–11 and Acts 1:1–3:26 A Second Cup Romans 12:6–81 Corinthians 12:1–11Ephesians 4:11–12 1 Corinthians 9:16 Lesson 5: Praise Joyfully Tap the verse to view: Read 1 Peter 4:11 and Acts 12:1-25 A Second Cup John 21:19 and Hebrews 12:2 Acts 12:21–23Psalm 115:1 Psalm 118:1-29 John 17:1-26John 13:1Matthew 26:26–29John 13:3–5Matthew 26:30 Click here to listen to free hope-filled worship music!
🎶Fa la la la la, la la la la!🎶
Is it the season to be busy? Overwhelmed? Overcommitted? Is it the season for celebrating “God with us,” or complaining about others with us in line at the grocery store and the post office? Planning presents and fancy Christmas dinners takes a lot out of a gal. Christmas doesn’t have to be so hard.
Join me along with church leaders in the San Diego area for a “Love Your Neighbor” Summit on October 6-7.
Join me along with church leaders in the San Diego area for a “Love Your Neighbor” Summit on October 6-7.
Not knowing what to do is nothing new, and neither is this strategy for figuring out how to handle a crisis. Read 2 Chronicles 20 for the back story, then apply it to the situation that is plaguing you today.
Not knowing what to do is nothing new, and neither is this strategy for figuring out how to handle a crisis. Read 2 Chronicles 20 for the back story, then apply it to the situation that is plaguing you today.
My husband and I spent the last two years building friendships with our neighbors. We are at the point in our relationship where we get each other’s mail when we are out of town and have coffee once a month together.
Running from God is a skill I developed early in life. I abandoned my faith for 20 years, but even though I’ve returned to Him – fully committed, all in – sometimes I still find myself taking off like a sprinter at the starter’s gun. Certain commands make my skin crawl, some verses slay me so I put them away for another day when I feel more spiritual, when I have time, when the stars align and obedience will be more convenient.
They say, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
(Photo: Unsplash) They say, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” They are wrong. The illness may be terminal, the divorce may be final, the loss may be permanent. Paul was beheaded, Peter was crucified—indeed, “more than they can handle.” The Bible teaches that God won’t allow more...
My beautiful friend (and my literary agent) Blythe Daniel and her precious mother, Dr. Helen McIntosh, have written a beautiful book to help us express exactly what makes our mama’s so special.
My beautiful friend (and my literary agent) Blythe Daniel and her precious mother, Dr. Helen McIntosh, have written a beautiful book to help us express exactly what makes our mama’s so special.
Have you ever heard the audible voice of God? The closest I’ve ever come was an unforgettable moment when He directed me to look out my window at the women around my home.
Have you ever heard the audible voice of God? The closest I’ve ever come was an unforgettable moment when He directed me to look out my window at the women around my home.
You know why I wrote How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird? Because I was a bad neighbor, and I was definitely weird. Here’s how God dealt with my reluctance to lay my daily planner on the altar, as featured in a guest post with my friend Twyla at The Uncommon Normal.
You know why I wrote How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird? Because I was a bad neighbor, and I was definitely weird. Here’s how God dealt with my reluctance to lay my daily planner on the altar, as featured in a guest post with my friend Twyla at The Uncommon Normal.
(Photo: Unsplash) For just a few seconds, I almost forgot. I almost forgot the pandemic that infected us with disease and death, fear and worry. I almost forgot the grieving families, courageous caregivers, exhausted essential workers, anxious unemployed, and the lonely neighbor I barely took the time to notice on...
“Hopeless” sees no possibility of success, and “hopefully” is just an expression of my desired outcome for my current circumstances based upon my feelings. Grammatically, “hopefully” is an adverb that modifies the rest of the sentence. It’s structurally dispensable: You can toss it out and lose nothing except the speaker’s emotion about the real subject. “Hopefully” is an expression of how I feel about what I’m about to say. When we pry these emotional words apart, we can invite God’s power to enter in the tiny space between them.
Share the love in your neighborhood by accepting the Love Your Neighbor Challenge!
Share the love in your neighborhood this February by accepting the Love Your Neighbor Challenge!
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to love your neighbor, it’s coming up soon! On Sunday, February 13 at 6:30 PM EST on NBC, the Las Angeles Rams will take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. This is one day when everyone loves football!
As I sat staring out my bedroom window at the random houses in view, I thought about each of their stories. I was broken, unable to move, and in excruciating pain. My suffering consumed every moment except for when I prayed. So, I prayed a lot. I prayed for the unseen brokenness inside of each home. My eyes shifted from one house to the next, praying for their stories, unbeknownst to me—but God knew. There must be some people hurting as much as me.
As I sat staring out my bedroom window at the random houses in view, I thought about each of their stories. I was broken, unable to move, and in excruciating pain. My suffering consumed every moment except for when I prayed. So, I prayed a lot. I prayed for the unseen brokenness inside of each home. My eyes shifted from one house to the next, praying for their stories, unbeknownst to me—but God knew. There must be some people hurting as much as me.
My pastor called and said he was meeting with several other pastors and lay leaders in the area, and he wanted me to join them. It was early 2020, and my news feed was filled with social unrest, Coronavirus updates, and racial tensions. We were gathering for prayer and discussion, asking God to show us how to respond to what was happening in our world.
My pastor called and said he was meeting with several other pastors and lay leaders in the area, and he wanted me to join them. It was early 2020, and my news feed was filled with social unrest, Coronavirus updates, and racial tensions. We were gathering for prayer and discussion, asking God to show us how to respond to what was happening in our world.
“Do you have suggestions on books or studies that work well when a group is first getting established? If the group gels, I figure the group can help decide on the next study, but choosing the first topic is up to me.” Julie Hostesses like Julie understand that choosing a...
Full of stories and humor along with facts, tips and lists, Kathi offers a down-to-earth guide that will show you how to face the unexpected with confidence, relying on God’s strength and plan rather than giving in to fear and anxiety. Her step-by-step plan is easy to implement and will help anyone become a better steward of their resources as well as be the neighbor who can help in a crisis rather than needing help themselves. Kathi’s goal is to equip you to be the front line of helpers in any crisis from a natural disaster to a friend’s job loss. When it comes to your home, peace is possible… Longing for a place of peace from which you can love others well? The Clutter-Free Home is your room-by-room guide to decluttering, reclaiming, and celebrating every space of your home. Let author Kathi Lipp (who once lived a life buried in clutter) walk you through each room of your house to create organizational zones that are not only functional and practical but create places of peace that reflect your personality. Kathi will help you tackle the four-step process of dedicate, decide, declutter and “do-your-thing” to reveal the home you’ve always dreamed of, and then transform it into a haven that reflects who you truly are meant to be. In her inimitable style, Kathi offers easy and effective ways women can restore peace to their everyday lives simple and manageable long-term solutions for organizing any room in one’s home (and keeping it that way) a realistic way to de-stress a busy schedule strategies for efficient shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, and more Full of helpful tips and abundant good humor, The Get Yourself Organized Project is for those who want to spend their time living and enjoying life rather than organizing their sock drawer.
Pray for emergency responders and ongoing search efforts; for the many people affected by these storms as they grieve and recover; for volunteers and community leaders as they assess the situation and begin to serve the hurting. Long after the disaster spins out of the 24-hour news cycle, remember to pray for those whose lives are still disrupted and hurting.
An unprecedented swarm of deadly nighttime tornadoes tore through several states from Friday, December 10 into Saturday, December 11 leaving a long trail of death and destruction. Search-and-rescue efforts continue; more than 100 are feared dead.
Here are five simple, powerful, and affordable gifts to share the joy of Christmas with the people living around you. Gifts open doors for natural connections that can lead to spiritual conversations.
Here are five simple, powerful, and affordable gifts to share the joy of Christmas with the people living around you. Gifts open doors for natural connections that can lead to spiritual conversations.
We’ve heard the Christmas story a million times, but if we read it with fresh eyes and soft hearts we just might find ourselves in this magical tale. It begins in Israel:
We’ve heard the Christmas story a million times, but if we read it with fresh eyes and soft hearts we just might find ourselves in this magical tale. It begins in Israel:
Or is it the season to be busy? Overwhelmed? Overcommitted? Is it the season for celebrating “God with us,” or complaining about others with us in line at the grocery store and the post office? Planning luncheons and brunches and fancy Christmas extravaganzas takes a lot out of a gal, even with a team of elves to help.
Or is it the season to be busy? Overwhelmed? Overcommitted? Is it the season for celebrating “God with us,” or complaining about others with us in line at the grocery store and the post office? Planning luncheons and brunches and fancy Christmas extravaganzas takes a lot out of a gal, even with a team of elves to help.
Some people have the spiritual gift of hospitality… while others of us provide coffee and then forget the cups and spoons, and we’re out of sugar, and then… oops, we made decaf by accident. Others simply prefer intimate conversations to big parties.
Have you ever suffered from spiritual nimbyism? It attacks when we fear losing everything we know and love – so we protest, “Not In My Backyard (NIMBY)!” Since Jesus placed neighbors in close proximity and commanded cheerful hospitality, we need to figure out what it looks like to love them well right in our backyard, front yard, and living room.
Have you ever suffered from spiritual nimbyism? It attacks when we fear losing everything we know and love – so we protest, “Not In My Backyard (NIMBY)!” Since Jesus placed neighbors in close proximity and commanded cheerful hospitality, we need to figure out what it looks like to love them well right in our backyard, front yard, and living room.
Because this is a question you dear readers ask all the time, here’s how to I transition from Open House to Bible Study:
God doesn’t divide our days into “sacred” and “secular” blocks of time. In His Kingdom, everything is spiritual. Every moment is an opportunity to show others the love of Christ, in your neighborhood or at your workplace.
God doesn’t divide our days into “sacred” and “secular” blocks of time. In His Kingdom, everything is spiritual. Every moment is an opportunity to show others the love of Christ, in your neighborhood or at your workplace.
Most of us feel guilty about Christ’s command to love our neighbor, but let’s be honest – we don’t even know most of the people living around us.
Most of us feel guilty about Christ’s command to love our neighbor, but let’s be honest – we don’t even know most of the people living around us.
It was 2013 when I was first introduced to this talented, insightful, and godly woman. Blythe Daniel of The Blythe Daniel Agency is super sharp, well connected, and highly respected in the Christian publishing world. She knows this industry inside out, from blogging to writing her own book and representing authors in many genres. She even signed her own son to write his first book in middle school!
It was 2013 when I was first introduced to this talented, insightful, and godly woman. Blythe Daniel of The Blythe Daniel Agency is super sharp, well connected, and highly respected in the Christian publishing world. She knows this industry inside out, from blogging to writing her own book and representing authors in many genres. She even signed her own son to write his first book in middle school!
A friend of a friend who became a friend of my own, Heather shares a love for her neighbor with a humble (and hilarious) heart. She’s super smart yet approachable, a rare combination of wisdom and kindness you’d love to live next door to yourself… especially if her famous mermaid cupcakes are involved.
A friend of a friend who became a friend of my own, Heather shares a love for her neighbor with a humble (and hilarious) heart. She’s super smart yet approachable, a rare combination of wisdom and kindness you’d love to live next door to yourself… especially if her famous mermaid cupcakes are involved.
The first word BUT links this verse to what comes before it, so let’s back up— Peter wrote these words to the church at a time when you could be seriously harmed—even killed—for being zealous for good, for God. Do not be troubled.” That’s why some of my best advice for how to love your neighbor is, “DO IT SCARED.” The first phrase of 1 Peter 3:15 looks a lot to me like the first and greatest commandment. This is the third in a three part series that uses 1 Peter 3:15 to answer the question, “HOW do I love my neighbor without being weird?” Follow on the blog, Instagram and Facebook.
This is the third in a three part series that uses 1 Peter 3:15 to answer the question, “HOW do I love my neighbor without being weird?” Follow on the blog, Instagram and Facebook. The first word BUT links this verse to what comes before it, so let’s back up— Peter wrote these words to the church at a time when you could be seriously harmed—even killed—for being zealous for good, for God. Do not be troubled.” That’s why some of my best advice for how to love your neighbor is, “DO IT SCARED.” The first phrase of 1 Peter 3:15 looks a lot to me like the first and greatest commandment.
If anyone ever asks you how you’ve stayed married and sane at the same time, or how you’ve held yourself together during the tragedy of the past year, or how you’ve managed to keep breathing let alone smiling after the loss they’ve witnessed from across the street—they’re more than curious. Well, you might need more proximity.) The dictionary definition of HOPE is “an optimistic state of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large.” Double-tap if the world’s version of HOPE isn’t working out for you. Christianity doesn’t need to be argued or debated: it is gently, respectfully, magnificently described in living color as we sit side-by-side and share of our personal experience walking with Christ down the dusty, difficult road that finally led to hope.
If anyone ever asks you how you’ve stayed married and sane at the same time, or how you’ve held yourself together during the tragedy of the past year, or how you’ve managed to keep breathing let alone smiling after the loss they’ve witnessed from across the street—they’re more than curious. Well, you might need more proximity.) The dictionary definition of HOPE is “an optimistic state of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large.” Double-tap if the world’s version of HOPE isn’t working out for you. Christianity doesn’t need to be argued or debated: it is gently, respectfully, magnificently described in living color as we sit side-by-side and share of our personal experience walking with Christ down the dusty, difficult road that finally led to hope.
This is the first in a three part series that uses 1 Peter 3:15 to answer the question, “HOW do I love my neighbor without being weird?” Follow on the blog, Instagram and Facebook. “How do I find HOPE?”“Where do I go to get HOPE?”“Could I borrow a cup of HOPE?” In the apostle Peter’s letter to the very earliest followers of Christ 2,000 years ago, Peter wrote ONE single verse that tells us everything we need to know about HOW to love our neighbors. This is the first in a three part series that uses 1 Peter 3:15 to answer the question, “HOW do I love my neighbor without being weird?” Follow on the blog, Instagram and Facebook.
Julie and I met in 2016 when she invited me to speak at her church on Long Island at a beautiful women’s outreach event. While many event coordinators are concerned with scones and tea, Julie only cared about one thing: discipleship. Fast forward five years, and Julie is still focused on helping women lead an intentional life of faith.
Julie and I met in 2016 when she invited me to speak at her church on Long Island at a beautiful women’s outreach event. While many event coordinators are concerned with scones and tea, Julie only cared about one thing: discipleship. Fast forward five years, and Julie is still focused on helping women lead an intentional life of faith.
Basically, depression feels like being alone, like nothing matters, and like nothing will help change that. On top of that your brain is lost in some weird fog and your thoughts are mush, so even trying to focus on the tasks you should be doing is challenging.
Basically, depression feels like being alone, like nothing matters, and like nothing will help change that. On top of that your brain is lost in some weird fog and your thoughts are mush, so even trying to focus on the tasks you should be doing is challenging.
Reflect upon how the pandemic has affected you in the areas of personal loss, health and wellness, community, economic impact, vocation, and mental health. Check the appropriate response to calculate your Coronavirus Quiz score. Envision your neighbors’ homes, and try to answer these questions for the people who live nearest to you. How has their experience been the same or different from yours?
Reflect upon how the pandemic has affected you in the areas of personal loss, health and wellness, community, economic impact, vocation, and mental health. Check the appropriate response to calculate your Coronavirus Quiz score. Envision your neighbors’ homes, and try to answer these questions for the people who live nearest to you. How has their experience been the same or different from yours?
My sweet friend Tiffany Edwards has been placed in an unexpected mission field that’s a world apart… and also right outside her front door.