Every night, my nine-year old daughter prays the same prayer: “Lord, please bring my mom a godly, athletic, sexy, rich, smart, involved man who loves us all very much.” Yes, as a single again, I long for God to bring that man into my life—and my daughter has managed to capture the image of a […]
My name is Dena, and I am divorced. There. I said it. I have worn the scarlet letter “D” around my neck for four years now. It was not a word that I ever wanted—or expected—to define who I am. As a matter of fact, it’s the last title I ever expected to be associated […]
Below is a brief synopsis of my friend’s life. Cole’s life has been redeemed, from alcoholic to servant of the one true God. It doesn’t matter what is in your past; God can use it for His glory when you surrender to Him! “But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who […]
I have been overwhelmed in recent weeks by the stories you, the readers, have been sharing with me. Many of you have experienced storms similar to mine. Others are in the midst of financial ruin, health issues, addiction. I would love to hear your story and–with your permission–share how God has resurrected your life. If […]
My house is THE house in the neighborhood. You know…the one where all of the kids hang out, help themselves in the kitchen, walk in the door without knocking. When I get home from work, I am typically greeted by about five teenage boys shooting hoops in the driveway. I’ve walked in my kitchen expecting […]
To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven (Karen Sunde). I’ve spent a lot of time lately contemplating sexual purity. Before I was married, I held to very high standards of purity. I never allowed myself to be in a situation where I might be tempted to compromise my standards. I filled my mind […]
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) Several months ago, I was reading Mark 9. It contains the story of a man whose son was possessed by a demon. The man came to Jesus begging him to help. He said to Jesus, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us […]
God truly works in mysterious ways. As I’ve mentioned before, I love to write. In high school, I was editor of the school yearbook. When I wrote essays for scholarship applications, I always indicated that I wanted to be a writer. In college, I majored in journalism. I am one of those strange students who […]
In the month of May 2013, Oklahoma was hit—HARD. Every single day, I drove by areas of tornado destruction. On every street, there were piles of trees by the road. Fences blown down or propped up with pieces of wood. Roofs covered with tarps. Signs blown out or down. Trees lay across fences. In the […]
From this day forward, I serve God by his Spirit, I boast in Christ Jesus, I put no confidence in the flesh—though I have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: called to ministry at age 10, valedictorian of my high school […]
