motivation | encouragement | support
Faith-related posts featuring a devotional, reflection, Bible study, or prayer.
Previously, I’ve shared a full Bible study featuring ten different women of the Bible. Some were well known; others were lesser known. I was fascinated by their stories and enjoyed learning about them. I thought I’d take that idea and create a devotional series featuring five other women of the Bible. Each one shows what … Read more
Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and in a variety of contexts. Division abounds: in our country, in our workplaces, in churches, within families. What kind of impact could we have if we carried a mantle of kindness? If we let … Read more
Jesus loved. Period. Jesus didn’t exclude or belittle. He cared about all the people on the margins: the poor, the vulnerable, immigrants, the oppressed, and everyone else. When we look closely at Jesus’ life, we see a whole lot of radical. Radical inclusiveness, love, compassion, and so much more. We can strive to be radical … Read more
A dear friend gifted me The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin, and it’s absolutely delightful. Reading it feels like you’re sitting down with Shannan with cocoa and talking about life. What is important? What have we learned? How can we do better? How can we laugh at ourselves? It’s full of wisdom, sweetness, … Read more
Fall has a way of slowing us down before the holiday rush. The days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, and we begin to reflect on the year that’s passing. Gratitude practices become a grounding rhythm, reminding us of God’s presence in our lives and helping us notice the everyday gifts we might otherwise miss. … Read more
Advent is a season of waiting, watching, and wonder. We often turn to familiar scriptures and traditions, but this year, I wanted to invite us to look in different places: along the edges, in overlooked moments, and in the spaces where God’s presence quietly shines. In this four-week Advent study, Light in the Margins, we’ll … Read more
Here I offer a short devotional based on Philippians 4:8. It would be perfect to share with a small group or committee, or to use for your personal reflection. I love Philippians 4:8. It’s a steady reminder about where our focus belongs. As a rule, it’s best for our focus to be on good things. … Read more
Are you looking for a devotional that fits your life and values? Whether you’re drawn to the rhythms of the lectionary, looking for a weekly theme to reflect on, or hoping to dive deeper into your spiritual journey, there’s a devotional out there for you. In this post, I’ll feature a handful of meaningful devotional … Read more
Psalms and Proverbs are rich in wisdom and full of deep emotion. Part of the “wisdom literature” section of the Bible, they offer insight on the human experience and a practical guide for navigating life’s challenges. I’ve always enjoyed these books of the Bible, and I thought it would be interesting to draw together verses … Read more
The Lord’s Prayer has always been deeply meaningful to me. Over the years, I’ve heard many inspiring sermons on it, and its words have consistently resonated in my heart. Now, as part of the United Methodist Church, I appreciate that we recite this prayer together every Sunday. It’s a sacred rhythm that grounds me and … Read more