I’ve been surprised to see how my being pregnant has brought out different sides of people. Mainly very strong opinions from people I’m close to (and not so close to). There’s something about being pregnant that seems to draw advice right out of people, whether I ask for it or not. Some advice I’ve been … Continue reading How To Give Good Advice (3 Tips)
The life of faith is meant to be a joyful existence. But too often joy feels like something that’s just beyond our grasp. We may get flashes of it, but life can feel like a struggle. It can feel mundane. It can even feel pretty bleak.But we know that joy is part of the fruit … Continue reading 5 Things That Steal Your Joy And How To Fight Them
If there is one criticism that’s levied against Christians more than any other, it’s that we’re judgmental. That we’re morally superior and hypocritical. To be sure, part of this criticism is unfair. Oftentimes, the whole Church gets lumped in with the horrific stances of some fringe groups that could only loosely be identified as Christian. … Continue reading Are There Times When Christians Should Judge?
If you pay attention to the news (or even just your newsfeed), then you probably know that a recent measure in the New York State Senate has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. The bill expands access to abortion.This conversation is always accompanied by very strong emotions--and rightfully so. What we’re talking about is the fundamental … Continue reading How To Approach The Abortion Conversation
I very clearly remember a time in my life when I had no cares in the world. When my biggest concern was whether or not I would have enough time to squeeze in my favorite show between homework and dinner.At what point did I leave the careless lifestyle of my childhood and trade it in … Continue reading 2 Ways to Conquer the Stresses and Anxieties of Life
At age 19, I sensed God calling me into pastoral ministry. I’ve never doubted that calling from the time I first became convinced of it. But it’s taken so much learning and growing to get to a place where I just now feel that I’m coming into my own. I’m beginning to grow into the … Continue reading 8 Roadblocks That Keep You From Your Calling
I will be the first to admit that I have an unhealthy relationship with money. I’m always afraid all my money is going to run out and I’m going to be homeless. The best way to describe my relationship with money is fear-driven. In my defense, my family was far from financially stable growing up. … Continue reading How To Trust That God Will Care For You Financially
I’m going to let you in on a little known secret among pastors and church leaders. Youth pastors get to have all the fun. Pastors in student ministry get to go to summer camp, amusement parks, and on beach trips. Youth pastors eat pizza at midnight with students. They play all the latest video games. … Continue reading 3 Reasons Why Youth Pastors Are Real Pastors
Thanksgiving is here! For us, that means a bit of a fuller schedule and a whole lot of food. (We’re a fan of the food.) But this is the time of year when we become more intentional about coming together with friends and family to celebrate and be thankful for all God has provided. But … Continue reading 5 Ways To Cultivate A Lifestyle of Thankfulness
It’s no secret that we live in a culture of “recreational outrage.” People seem to genuinely enjoy becoming upset and annoyed in a very public way--whether on social media or otherwise. (But mostly on social media.)It’s also true that in order to avoid criticism, “say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” So in any age, if … Continue reading How To Respond To Your Haters In A Healthy Way
