,

Not Sure You Can Trust Jesus for Everything? These 3 Examples From When I Started Life Over from Scratch Prove That You Can

,

What do you do when the bottom falls out from under you?

When you're suddenly facing a divorce, illness, loss of income, or anything where the ground no longer feels solid beneath your feet?

In those moments, we can choose to trust Jesus - or not.

Back in 2011, after almost ten years of marriage, I started my life over with a divorce, my dog, a degree but no job, and whatever possessions could fit into my CR-V. It could have easily been the darkest period of my life. Yet Jesus showed me, in three specific and powerful ways, that I can trust Him with literally everything and anything. …

,

What Jesus Told Me Through a Sarah McLachlan Song that Made Me Cry (and What He Wants to Tell You Too)

,

Yep - you read that correctly. Jesus + Sarah McLachlan! Jesus has a habit of speaking to me through the arts - music, movies, books.

Recently, I was revisiting some good 'ole '90s Sarah McLachlan for the first time in ages. And when a particular song came on, playing for the first time from my playlist, Jesus immediately spoke through its lyrics in a very powerful way.

And the message wasn't just for me. It was for all of you, too. …

,

Our Identity in Christ: What That Really Means and the Dangers of Seeking It From the World Instead

,

Our identity, and where it’s rooted, affects every aspect of our life.

The decisions we make, the activities and emotions we engage in, where we find our value - not to mention our relationship with Jesus.

So the question is: where is your identity rooted? Is it truly in Christ? Or are you seeking your identity - and thus your value - from people and things of the world? (Maybe without even realizing it?) …

, ,

Recently Left a Toxic Relationship? 3 Must-Haves for Your Healing Process as a Christian Woman

, ,

Toxic relationships definitely leave behind their share of hurt and damage.

Whether it's a marriage, dating relationship, or co-worker situation, the results are often the same. Pain, uncertainty, and a bit of an identity crisis. Not to mention the self-examining questions, such as: How did I not see the truth? What could I have done better? And how in the world do I move forward? …

,

Think Your Creative Gifts Aren't Vital to God's Kingdom? Here Are 4 Mind-Blowing Reasons to Think Again

,

In the Church at large, creativity often isn't seen as a major tool.

"In the beginning, God created..." (Genesis 1). Yet when it comes to helping to bring unbelievers to Christ or feeding God's children, creativity is largely absent. As a result, for those of us who are highly creative, we can often feel as if our creativity doesn't have a place.

But what if I told you that your creative gift - whatever it may be - is super vital to the Kingdom? What if I told you that perhaps God has imbued you with creativity for such a time as this? …

, ,

Survivor Mode vs. Your Savior: 3 Ways a Survivor Mentality Severely Limits Your Relationship with Jesus and How to Overcome It

, ,

Hard Truth: Survivor mode and a thriving relationship with Jesus cannot co-exist.

Why? Because survivor mode is a short-term, fear-based way of thinking.

Sure, it's a common mode to form when we've lived through abusive relationships; starting over from square one; dire financial hardship; or any other experience where the bottom seemingly fell out from under us.

But we want to move closer to Jesus. We want to be empowered by Jesus. And our identity *is* in Jesus. Which means that, ultimately, a survivor mode has no place in our relationship with Jesus. …