Tag: freedom
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Discovering the Strength to Endure
“I’m going to let you struggle, but I’m not going to let it kill you.” These were the final words I heard before hitting a new personal record for bench press. I called over my trainer to spot me, just in case I didn’t have the strength to finish the movement. Normally, I’d be confident…
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Invited In
“So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out…
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Victory in Jesus’ Name
Life lately: a season of answered prayers Also life lately: a series of unexpected setbacks It’s an interesting dynamic. As much as I’ve been thanking God for all the blessings, I’ve also been praying for the places I’ve felt defeated. Fear tries to convince me of worst-case scenarios, despite the courage I’ve had to move…
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When You’re Up Against a Wall
“Thank you for seeing me at the wall.” A girl with a lemon-patterned wristlet whispered to me. She smiled at me as she made her way into the church sanctuary. She hadn’t been to a service in years and I was the first face to welcome her in the lobby. When I met her, she…
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Don’t Forget The Armor
When midnight prompted 2023 to begin this year, I didn’t anticipate big changes. I just wanted to get some sleep before an early morning at church. It was supposed to be a happy new year. I originally was going to share about how I woke up, exhausted and running on a few hours of sleep,…
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When You Need To Let It Go
I’m currently in the midst of two situations: One where I’m ready to move on and leave the former things behind me. The circumstances are too unhealthy and no longer sustainable. Another where I have no choice but to give up my desires and my ways. The outcome is too far beyond my control, regardless…
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When Grief Turns into Joy
Two years ago, I created my first floral preservation projects. I referred to the process as “making my favorite flowers, my forever flowers.” The excitement and vision I had captivated me into pursuing this creative endeavor. I appreciated the delicately placed petals and every hour of baking, pressing, and air drying. After some time, I…
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To Save My Life
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” – Luke 9:23-24 (ESV) A few months ago I wrote about…
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From Weakness to Wholeness
“They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.” – Isaiah 61:4 (ESV) I live in New England, but I’m not a winter weather person. And if you know some of my story, I entered an incredibly difficult season…
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Intentionally Losing My Life
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” – Luke 9:23-24 (ESV) A few years ago, I’d never imagine…
Consider the Joy 