Where God's Word Meets Our Mess
Though I had some preconceived notions about the writers' conference, it turned out to be much different than I had expected. It helped me realize (or re-realize) a few important things about my writing craft and my relationship with God. So whether or not you’re a writer, here are two lessons I learned at my first writers' conference that apply to anyone who belongs to Christ and wants to use his or her talents for His kingdom.
As you know, TTT is a place where God’s Word meets our mess. It’s where I share personal stories + Scripture to encourage you. And I realize I write about the importance of “being real” with others quite often. But I also realize it can be difficult to do that in a co-ed setting, like a co-ed small group through your church. That’s why I want to share three practical ways you can be transparent in your co-ed small group (without being awkward).
It’s perfectly normal to feel deflated when someone criticizes you (or something that you’ve done). Receiving negative feedback can be really hard, even when the person giving it has the best of intentions. That’s why I want to offer you some guidance on how to receive it well. So friends, here are three biblical ways to deal with criticism.
Recently, I’ve been trying to figure out what steps to take next with my second book since I haven’t had success connecting with a literary agent or publisher. In this season of waiting, I’ve reached out to several authors to ask for their advice. I’m grateful for each piece of advice I’ve received from them, but there’s one specific piece of advice that really stood out to me—and I want to share it with you.
Today's post was written by author Barb Winters, whose book Sexpectations: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Healthy Relationships was published earlier this year. In addition to being an author, Barb is also a speaker, certified Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialist, certified mental health coach, and founder of Hopeful Mom: Supporting Parents in an Online World. Her experience helping her son overcome a pornography addiction will give you hope if you're struggling with a porn addiction—or honestly any addiction—that you desire to be free from.
As I recently wrote in an open letter to single girls regarding the "church search," there are factors that do matter and factors that don’t matter. Things like worship style, preaching style, sermon topics, seating or décor arrangements, and service times can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time. But the three things that shouldn’t fluctuate—and should be the key factors in your search for a new church—are included below.
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.
A couple weeks ago, I was tasked with a long, tedious assignment at work that has produced much frustration and discouragement in my heart. I’m so done with this assignment, but unfortunately, I can’t actually be done for several more weeks. Staring at a screen all day certainly seems bad for my physical health, but it also seems bad for my mental health. Is data verification what God truly destined for me? I believe that—at least for this season of my life—the answer is yes.
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.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 