Perhaps I’m not very fond of surface-level conversations because, as an introvert, I appreciate connecting with friends on a deep level—like one-on-one meetings at cute coffee shops and after-church conversations that last until the pastor turns out the lights in the sanctuary. Although big gatherings can be intimidating to me, small gatherings are my happy place. I enjoy getting to know people better by asking good questions and by giving good answers to their questions. Here are a few characteristics that I believe are essential for having meaningful conversations.
An Encouraging Reminder for the Weary
I rarely have my quiet time anymore. I barely have time for my family, except on weekends. I haven’t set aside real relax time in a while. I rely on coffee to get me through the workday because I can’t stay awake to…ahem…work. All I want to do is crumple into a ball and cry. Or watch TV. Or sleep.
3 Ways to Handle the Wait Without Losing Your Faith
This post was written by author, speaker, and teacher Wendy Pope, who has written multiple books for women. When I read her book Wait and See: Finding Peace in God's Pauses and Plans, I related to the stories she shared about seasons of waiting (especially her season of waiting to become an author). In this post, she provides three practical ways to wait with trust and hope in the Lord.
Interview with Dr. Zeb Balentine
For this post, you're going to learn a lot from professor, author, and worship leader Dr. Zeb Balentine. I met him a few years ago and had the privilege of serving on a church worship team under his leadership. If you have any interest in worship, teaching, writing, or publishing, then keep reading!
3 Possible Lies You May Be Believing About Your Childhood Salvation
As a girl who prayed to trust Christ as my Savior countless times after I initially did as a little child, I know that voice well. I completely understand the urge to “re-do” my salvation. But the belief that the first time we asked Christ to save us wasn’t enough is often a lie from Satan. Here are a few of the top reasons that Satan gives for why our childhood salvation wasn’t enough.
Dear Idol
I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. I’m wondering why I devote so much of my time and energy to you. I mean, you’re not the best thing that’s ever happened to me. In fact, you’ve left me feeling miserable, guilty, and anxious quite often.
A Reminder for the Girl Who’s Been Let Down
Think of this post as a letter from God to you. Obviously, His real letter to us is His Word. But I felt like God was sharing these things with me when I was let down recently. He spoke words of comfort, assurance, and strength when I felt distressed, insecure, and weary.
5 Questions to Ask Yourself if You’re Lonely
Loneliness is rampant in our culture, and the COVID-19 pandemic only made it worse. I've personally experienced loneliness at different times in my life, and it's really rough. However, thankfully, we aren't helpless regarding loneliness. If you're experiencing loneliness, ask yourself the following questions to see what you can do to lessen it.
3 Things Visitors at Your Church Want You to Know
Now, church isn’t a place where I can chat with the friends I grew up with; it’s a place where I have to make new friends. Now, church isn’t a place where I have a regular pew and a regular crew; it’s a place where I have to pick a random seat and smile through awkward introductions. Now, church isn’t a place where I can greet visitors; it’s a place where I have to receive a grand tour so that I don’t get lost on my way to the bathroom. So as a church visitor who’s quite introverted, here are three things that I’d like to tell regulars at the churches I visit.