Embracing Grace

Encouragement for the Emotionally Weary Mom

October 5, 2016 Leave a Comment

Sometimes I feel like I have to have it all together. Actually, since that’s the goal I feel like I should all the time and consequentially I feel like a failure because I don’t. My house isn’t perfect. My form of discipline is constantly needing tweaking. I don’t have the perfect come back to the snide remarks people throw. Speaking of the upcoming election, I don’t understand how our country got to this point. It would be laughable if it wasn’t true. SNL doesn’t need to do a parody of the debates because they’re funny on their own. Funny and simultaneously disheartening. I don’t know if I’m going to homeschool for the rest of my children’s schooling lives. Some days I don’t know if I can make it through the week. I don’t know if I will ever lose those 20 pounds I promise myself I’ll lose before the next family picture day. I don’t know what to do with the jute rug I bought that sheds all over the place. I hate it but it wasn’t cheap. I don’t know if we’re going to the beach as we had planned because there is an impending hurricane coming to the coast. Actually, maybe I know that one but I don’t know if we’ll reschedule before it gets too cold or hold off till next year. I could go on and on and on but you get the point right? There is so much that I don’t know.

I don’t know as many Bible verses as I wish I did but I’m working on that. I wish I remembered more from my theology classes from college. I wish everything wasn’t a debate these days so I don’t have to win these arguments…even if they are only inside my head. Is smoking bad? Should Christians drink alcohol? What kind of music most honors God? Is kneeling during the pledge wrong? Matt Walsh stirred up an old question, can a Christian be pro-choice? Ahhh, I think I know the answers to these questions. I’ve spent hours and hours and hours thinking about them and others like them. You know what dawned on me today? It’s not a new revelation but it felt new today. I don’t have to know it all.

I don’t have to have it all figured out.

I don’t. The end.

It’s good to know what I believe and why. I believe in teaching doctrine from a young age. It’s important. Everything else though, it’s okay if I don’t know it all. I’ll never know all there is about God but I don’t think that yearning for knowledge should ever stop.

I don’t have to win every breastfeeding/bottle feeding debate or cloth diaper/disposable diaper debate. I don’t have to have the debate in my head when I read one going on on the internet. I can scroll on. I don’t have to know the pros and cons of CIO/attachment parenting methods. I’m past that stage now and I don’t need to stay up to date on those debates.

I don’t know what the future holds but as cliche as it is, I know Who holds the future. I do. I’m intimately connected with Him. I can talk to Him anytime I want. No appointment necessary.

So what if my house isn’t completely clean? I have kids and I’m pouring my life into them right now. They’re constantly growing which requires me to change discipline methods sometimes. That’s a good thing and it doesn’t mean I’m doing something wrong. I’m just adapting to the situation before me. …and it’s okay if I do mess up. We’re human, right?

We don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll learn as we go.

Filed Under: Faith, Fear Tagged With: Future, Mom, Uncertainty

Teaching Kids About God

February 3, 2016 3 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

“Let the little children come” is a very familiar verse of scripture and a key topic in many parenting sermons. But what does it mean today to “let the little children come?” The Apostle Matthew records the story in his Gospel of people bringing their little children for Jesus to lay hands on them (Matthew 19:13-15). The disciples rebuked the people and wanted to send them away. Perhaps they thought the children were bothering Christ; he had more important things to do. Jesus corrects them saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (NIV, Matt. 19:14).

Of course, we think to ourselves. How could anyone think Jesus doesn’t want to see the kids? Sounds like a pretty dumb mistake to most people. But what does it look like to bring our children to Jesus today, now that he is gone back to heaven? How do we apply these verses to our growing families? How do we make sure we are not making the same dumb mistake the disciples did in our families? Let me give you three important ways to bring your children to Jesus.

First, we should share our testimony and the story of our day-to-day encounters with God with our children. Jesus may have gone to be with his Father in heaven, but he sent his Spirit back down to live with us. Twice in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Christ. Jesus makes it clear that he and the Holy Spirit are one when he promises to send the Spirit to the disciples. This is what Jesus says after explaining that he is going to the Father to prepare a place for them.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” (John 14:18-20 ESV)

Jesus is not describing the second coming here. He is describing how he, through the Holy Spirit, comes to live with each of his children. So you see, Jesus has remained here and lives within the heart of everyone who believes.

It is amazing how many parents keep their interactions with the Spirit of Christ to themselves. How are our children, who do not yet believe, supposed to meet the Savior you never talk about your relationship and how he helps you? When the Spirit of God convicts you, don’t just confess your sin; let them know that God, by his Spirit, brought conviction. Share the testimony of how Jesus made your once dead heart alive again.

Second, take your children to church every Sunday. The church is the new temple of God; it is a living temple (2 Corinthians 6:16, 19). God’s people are the living stones (1 Peter 2:5) that make up this new temple, and Jesus is our Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). He is the head of the church, and we are the body (Colossians 1:18). Every believer presents a living illustration of God’s saving work. It doesn’t take long in a vibrant church, full of faithful believers, for our children to recognize how different they are to the unsaved community around them. That helps them grow in their desire for Christ and become a part of God’s redeemed community.

Did you ever notice how often our children listen to strangers better than they listen to us? The impact other believers can have on your children to introduce them to Jesus should not be underestimated. When the church reinforces what you’ve been teaching at home, it validates the discipleship of your children and helps protect them from the lies of the world. So don’t just attend the Sunday service, throw yourself and your family into the life of the church.

Finally, teach your children theology. Theology, simply put, is the study of God, and Jesus is at the center of that study. Jesus said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) When we study the truth of God’s Word with our children, we are giving them Jesus, who is the Truth. A careful study of scripture reveals that the whole story, from Genesis to Revelation, points us to salvation in Jesus. When it comes to theology, some parents make the same mistake the disciples did. They think children are too young to learn theology. Which means their children don’t learn all they need to know about Jesus. Don’t make that mistake.

Don’t be fooled. We teach our children theology every day. When you get angry at the guy who cut you off driving your family to the store, your life is teaching them theology – that God is not in control. When you watch TV programs that go on for hours, never mentioning God, you are teaching them theology – that God isn’t that important. When you live your life day in and day out without prayer, you are teaching them theology – that you can work things out yourself. Proactive theological instruction helps us counteract the poor theology they receive.

So, while we strive to live godly lives, we need to take time to teach our children the truth about God. Who he is, where he came from, who they are, why they sin, and how they can be saved. All that is theology and learning those truths will lead them to Jesus.

Share what God is doing in your life with your children, take them to church, and teach them good theology. Remember, all you have to do is introduce them to Jesus. He is the one who works to transform their sinful hearts.

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Marty Machowski is a family life pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, where he has served on the pastoral staff for more than 20 years. As leader of their children’s ministry, he has worked for many years to develop kids’ Bible curriculum and devotional material that connect church and home. His passion is equipping families to understand the Bible as one gospel story and help them share that with their children. His latest release is The Ology.

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: children, discipleship

What is faith?

January 29, 2016 Leave a Comment

The simplest answer according to Merriam-Webster is strong belief or trust. But let’s look deeper.

We have faith in many ordinary things. For instance, I have faith that my car will start. I have faith that a chair will support my body. I have faith that my friend will keep our conversations private. With multiple positive experiences, my confidence increases to the point that I’m willing to risk taking action. I depend on my car, sit in the chair and share with my friend.

The Apostle Paul describes faith in God as “being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see” (NET, Heb 11:1).

We can spend our entire lifetime growing from a simple belief that God exists to being sure and certain, but an important turning point occurs when our trust becomes strong enough to support action.

Paul also says “without faith it is impossible to please God” (NIV, Heb 11:6), then lists Biblical examples like Abraham and Moses who obeyed God without knowing His grand plan.

Abraham’s family must have thought he was crazy to relocate them from the cradle of civilization to an unknown destination. With hesitation, Moses left his safe, fugitive, shepherd life to return to the scene of his crime and challenge Pharaoh, the world’s most powerful man. We should be especially encouraged because both Abraham and Moses were ordinary, imperfect men who became great because they stepped out in faith.

Great faith involves trusting Him enough to follow Him into the unknown.

Why is it important to trust God? Isn’t it enough to believe in Jesus?

Yes… but following God leads to fulfillment beyond your imagination! Knowing the story of the cross is far different than allowing Jesus to change your life.

As a young mother, I learned how to see God’s hand in my everyday life. I’d review each day before bed to identify His activity. He nudged me to interrupt my busy schedule to call a friend and it turned out to be what both of us needed. When I heeded what seemed to be a fleeting thought, I saw God’s protection.

With this evidence, I followed the quiet voice in my soul more frequently. He led me to opportunities I would have missed on my own. I began to see that He loves me and knows what’s best (imagine that!). Over time I became confident that God is trustworthy. This prepared me to answer His call to scriptural blogging, even though it felt scary.

In hindsight, I see evidence of His guidance throughout my life. With continually growing faith, I rely on His promises and trust that He’s in control even when I face difficulties.

How is this kind of confident faith developed?

Faith is a personal journey. While there’s no formula, there are habits that will position you for growth:

Ask for God’s help. In Mark 9, a father lacked faith and prayed for Jesus to “help me overcome my unbelief”.
Get to know God’s character and promises by reading the Bible. We must know Him to trust Him!
Seek God in constant conversation. Talk to Him throughout the day.
Watch expectantly for His activity in the world and in your life.
Identify with Biblical characters as ordinary, broken people that God used. Be reassured by God’s faithfulness throughout the ages. He can be trusted!
Respond to God when you feel His calling. As you respond and see God’s trustworthiness, your faith will grow.

What one step will you take to grow stronger in faith?

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: Faith

Bringing Faith into Family Time

January 9, 2016 Leave a Comment

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We see the statistics about how the family is struggling. The divorce rate for both Christian and non-Christian homes is now about the same. Our children are facing their own hardships, whether it be bullying, drug abuse, cutting, or even suicide. The world in which we live in is compromised by evil. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What can we do? Where do we start? Where is God in all of this?

God gave us these words of Paul from 1 Timothy:

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Then hope starts to return. Yes, we are in a battle, but we’ve been called to fight the good fight. And with the Lord’s help and guidance, we can indeed turn back the tide on the depressing statistics. Here are a few ideas for starters:

Try to eat a meal together three times a week: Statistics show that the likelihood of drug abuse, depression, and even struggling in school is drastically reduced in homes that participate in family mealtime. Don’t stress about what the meal is, just that it happens. Running late? Pick up a pizza or rotisserie chicken. If you have a little more time, a frozen lasagna works well. Crockpots are also great because they create a welcoming, delicious aroma as people walk through the day after a busy day. When you sit down together as a family, you are making a commitment to spend time together. This is your time to connect after the day, a time to pray together, a time to talk together, to feel that we are in a place where we belong and where we are heard.

At my table, we often go around and do “best” and “worst” parts of each of person’s day. We support each other in the low times, and celebrate the high times together. Just being in the presence of my family keeps me connected with them. They might not be able to tell me what’s going on, but I get a much better sense just by looking around at their faces.

One of my son’s friends joined us for dinner and was surprised that we said the Lord’s Prayer together in unison before eating — and that we actually had a kitchen table. This friend had an extended countertop in the kitchen where the family put together meals, but then they would go to various rooms to eat—downstairs, bedrooms, living room. A missed opportunity, and sadly, this person has struggled with major depression and in school.

Have a bedtime routine: Even though my kids are older, I make a commitment to connect with each one of them before they turn in for the night. Sometimes it’s having a cup of hot tea together or listening to the “drama” of Instagram and friends. Other times, it’s just sitting on the end of the bed and being present. Regardless of their age, this is a time where kids can relax and prepare for rest, however, it’s also a time where anxiety can spike. She is worried about her test tomorrow. He is concerned someone will want to fight on the bus tomorrow. What about that teacher who might not accept late work?

Bed time is also a great time to for praying. I emphasize the fact that not only do I care about them, but God also cares about them. Many times I get surprising answers about things I never would have known about just by asking, “How can I pray for you?” A beautiful result is that they are beginning to model that question back to me.

Make a commitment of going to church: Even if the family is sick, and we can’t physically get to church, we will watch a service on TV, do a family devotion, or listen to an audio Bible storybook. The point is to set aside time to God, at least once per week.

Weave faith into your everyday life: We have a tradition of praying in the car before leaving on a big trip. We ask for the Lord’s presence with us and that He will give us safe travels and protection. We also pray whenever we see an ambulance or Life Alert helicopter. We live near a hospital, so this is a regular occurrence as we drive around town doing errands. I love how my kids initiate it now when they see these visual reminders to pray for others.

I think that we place a lot of pressure on ourselves as parents and grandparents to teach our children about faith. It certainly does feel overwhelming sometimes. However, I have learned so much about faith through the eyes of children, my own, as well as others. Jesus talks about how strong the faith of a child is, and that we all should seek that depth kind of faith (Isaiah 11:6; Matthew 19:4).

God is with us on this journey of parenthood. He knows our heart, hears our prayers, and is with us every step of the way through life’s journey. He wants what is best for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and we can trust in that.

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Catherine DeVries has written 20 books for children, including the bestselling The Adventure Bible Storybook and Let’s Learn about the Lord’s Prayer, the first in the HeartSmart series which focuses on learning scripture through story and song. As associate publisher of Children’s Resources at David C Cook, she leads product development for The Action Bible collection.

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: devries, Faith, family, lord's prayer

What’s that Smell??

January 8, 2016 Leave a Comment

“Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant

offering and sacrifice to God” Ephesians 5:2 (NIV).

I could see the billowing smoke before I even opened the door to our garage.

My big, fat, Greek nose was right – our house was on fire! Literally falling up the stairs, I screamed for my husband and son to get out of the house! The firemen arrived and extinguished the flames. Then they escorted us away from our home. It was midnight, all the neighbors had returned to their beds, so we took our smoky, smelling selves to the nearest hotel.

I returned to our home the next morning and was greeted by the awful, putrid odor only smoke can leave.

As I walked through our home, that horrible smell penetrated and permeated everything.

Even after months of repairs, rebuilding and repainting, that unwelcomed odor lingers and will not soon be forgotten.

In contrast, I fondly recall warm and inviting smells.

The heady scent of freshly cut pine boughs intermingled with homemade chocolate covered cherries and Greek pastries. These are the smells I welcome wafting through our home.

While both smells have distinct characteristics and both make and leave a definite impression. One is overpowering, leaves a negative impression, and isn’t something you want to be near while the other is welcoming and inviting and leaves you wanting more.

Have you ever considered the metaphor of fragrance to describe your spiritual life?

For believers in Jesus Christ, our lives should demonstrate the penetrating influence of Christ in our lives. As we allow our lives to reflect His goodness, the unique and inviting aroma will be pleasing to Christ and to others.

This priceless fragrance isn’t sold in stores, nor is something you can manufacture; this fragrance is a natural extension from knowing Jesus Christ in a personal relationship. As we abide in Christ we spread the sweet fragrance of His goodness like a lovely perfume.

Everyday our attitudes, as well as our actions, exude a fragrance. It will be one that draws others to Christ or deters them from ever wanting to know Him.

Will you consider using some of your best characteristics to invite others into the family of Christ?

Is God pleased with the fragrance you’re wearing? If not, how can you change it? Draw near to God and allow Him to redirect you.

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: fragrance, godly living, house fire, smell

5 Ways to Memorize Scripture

December 26, 2015 2 Comments

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I hear voices in my head. Do you hear them too?

Is there an internal voice speaking words you remember from childhood? “Chew with your mouth closed.” “Fasten your seatbelt.” Some of these phrases are so ingrained that they’re part of who you are. The speaker’s words live on in you.

By reading the Bible, God can be that voice.

The Bible reveals God’s character, gives guidance for right living, and makes promises He will never forsake. I encourage you to read scripture daily in order to discover a personal God and develop an active relationship. As we become familiar with His Word, He will bring verses to mind that offer comfort, provide courage, and inform our decisions.

The wise author of Proverbs 3:1 (NIV) says: “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.”

Store, as in keep, hide away, preserve…memorize.

Groan! Memorizing scripture is too hard! My mind doesn’t work that way anymore. I can’t!

I hear you! But without realizing it, you’re constantly memorizing new things through frequent exposure.

Do you sing along to the latest hits while driving? Can you identify the product whose slogan is Just Do It.

Or bake your favorite cookies without a recipe? Do the keystrokes for your favorite online store flow from your fingertips automatically?

Congratulations! You memorized! Was any of it difficult or unpleasant?

Storing God’s Word in your heart can be just as easy, enjoyable, and so much more valuable than “I’m Lovin’ It.”

Consider these ideas to increase your exposure to scripture:

– Sing your Scriptures.

If you hum Sunday worship hymns long after the service ends, load your digital music library with songs containing scriptural lyrics. Two of my favorites are By Name I Have Called You (Angotti) which quotes many verses and Thy Word (Grant/Smith) based on Psalm 119:105. Singing scripture is enjoyable and long lasting! I still remember Psalm 100 from a first grade cherub choir song.

– Create a slogan.

Start with short, effective phrases. Speaking aloud the words “Get behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23 NKJV) is effective for battling temptation, but be careful to say it with a smile when a friend offers a cookie. Breathe in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee with a cheerful “This is the day that the Lord has made.” In time, you can add “let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 ESV)

– Put pen to paper.

Writing words out longhand imprints them in your memory. Post sticky notes containing verses that speak to you on your computer screen. (Here are some cute and lovely butterfly sticky notes!) Create signs with decorative lettering to hang where you’ll read them frequently. Print photos with scripture from Pinterest.

– Pray God’s Word.

Prop scripture cards between the salt & pepper shakers to add a verse of thanks to your mealtime grace. Or fill a pretty box on your nightstand with God’s promises to begin your bedtime prayers.

– Do it daily.

A variety of devotionals are available to connect you with God’s Word. Find one that’s delivered in a manner you’ll commit to reading, like a verse-a-day calendar, scriptural email, or favorite pastor’s blog. Choose a version you can understand so you’ll ponder and apply the verse throughout the day.

As the Bible becomes more familiar, God will be the voice that’s talking in your head, guiding your direction, strengthening your resolve, and comforting your soul.

Knowing His Word will help you to trust His promises and make wiser choices.

I pray that your life is blessed by storing God’s Word in your heart. “…with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 KJV)

Do you have any out-of-the-box methods to memorizing Scripture?

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: Bible, God's voice, memorize scripture, memory

No Fear

December 1, 2015 Leave a Comment

“For God did not give us the spirit of timidity (fear) but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Healthy fear warns us of danger and prepares us to react appropriately. However, the type of fear referred to in this verse is an “unhealthy” fear. It gets in the way of what our Heavenly Father has already given us: His power, His love, and His self discipline.

Unhealthy fear overwhelms us with doubt and insecurity; it drains our spiritual life and physical strength. It steals God’s peace from our hearts, and robs us of joy in our daily lives. It causes us to become stagnant; unable to move ahead with the things God has planned for us. It’s important to remember that unhealthy, paralyzing, controlling fear is not from God, it is one weapon our enemy Satan uses to interrupt, discourage and destroy our relationship with our heavenly Father.

Are you struggling with unhealthy fear?

Take a closer look at 1 Samuel 17:32, “David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.””

David could have cowered in the corner with an unhealthy, paralyzing fear at the thought of facing such insurmountable odds, yet David’s confidence in God was so strong; he actually volunteered to face the giant Philistine.

David saw his giant problem from God’s perspective and knew he already possessed everything necessary to face his enemy head on (literally). This confidence allowed David to rest in God’s power and inexhaustible strength in order to defeat his enemy. Because David’s reliance was not on himself but on the ONE who supplies everything required, the giant was defeated.

As we follow David’s example and look at our giant problems from God’s perspective, we have the same assurance that God’s very presence will sustain us as we use the tools He has already provided.

For years, I battled against this unhealthy fear; I allowed it to interrupt my relationship with God and others. It stole peace from my heart and joy in my daily life. Recognizing the ungodly source of this unhealthy fear, I now rely on the truths in Psalm 91:14-15,“’Because he loves me,’ says the LORD, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.’” (NIV)

These verses have taught me the value of swapping the four-letter word fear with the four-letter word – hope.

By placing our hope in God not circumstances, we’re able to assuage unhealthy fear and face any giant in my pathway with confidence. No fear.

Friends, are you living with unhealthy fear? Are you ready to replace it with the courageous and confident hope that’s found in trusting God alone?

I’d like to challenge you to read and meditate on one “fear not” verse everyday for 30 days. What other verses encourage you to love in the hope of God and not the fear of uncertainty?

Filed Under: Faith

Life Lessons I Learned from a Friend

November 30, 2015 Leave a Comment

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Written by Jill Lynn Buteyn

My friend Kara Tippetts was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of thirty-six. She recently flew away to heaven at the very young age of thirty-eight. Typing those words feels surreal. I still can’t quite fathom that she’s gone. But to state her life in two sentences simply does not work. She was instrumental in changing many lives during her battle with cancer and blogged regularly at MundaneFaithfulness.com. She became known as Kara Tippetts—the dying woman who wrote the letter to Brittany Maynard. But she was much more than that to those of us blessed to know her in life and the many that followed her words before that letter.

Kara had the gift of creating community and beautiful friendships. She wove people together and made it look easy. She believed in loving big, in pulling more people in even when she was weary and tired and fighting cancer. She was wise, often able to pinpoint a solution or speak into a problem without judgement. Throughout the time I knew her, she spoke into my life and the lives of thousands of others. Here’s a few things I learned from her that I’ll always hold close.

Kindness matters. “Love is kind” is scrawled on a chalkboard in my kitchen. It’s my reminder that when I’m at my end, when I’m weary and exhausted as a mother, wife, even just as a person, that how I act toward others in those moments are not excused. I’m not saying I never fail at this. Just that I strive to be kind even when I don’t feel kind. I’m learning to listen to my kids, to take the extra moment to explain why. Again, I’m so not perfect in this area, but Kara greatly impacted how I think about parenting and how I act toward others.

Love big. Kara often talked about big love. Recently, someone asked me, what exactly does this mean? I would say it means letting other people into our lives, our homes, even our hard. I easily come to the end of myself—my limits. But loving big is extending beyond what we feel capable of in loving others. Leaning into God and the love he has for us and our people. This doesn’t mean you have to start spouting your innermost secrets to the next person you see. But you can move toward people, grow relationships, and find some havens for your heart while in turn being that for someone else.

When fighting anxiety or fear, go to the worst case scenario. When I’m overcome by fear and anxiety, logic flees. My mind runs ahead, coming up with all kinds of scenarios. Sometimes pretty crazy ones. Kara and I were talking about this once. She told me she liked to go straight to the worst case scenario. Name it: what is the worst thing that could happen? Go all the way there. To the scariest of the scary. Sometimes just naming it takes away some of its power. Then ask yourself, would God be with me through that? Every time, I find the answer is yes. It doesn’t always make the fear vanish, but it helps me realize I’ve been running ahead, assuming God wouldn’t be present when that is nowhere near the truth. Just knowing he would be with me, no matter the trial, is such a relief.

Most days, one, if not all of these life lessons cross my mind. Kara was a great example of doing what she preached. How easily she could have hidden in a dark hole as her earthly life was slipping away. But she didn’t. She continued to point others to Jesus, to kindness and love and grace until the last days of her life. And because she obeyed, we’re blessed to have her words and her wisdom with us still.

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Jill Lynn Buteyn is the co-author of Just Show Up: the Dance of Walking Through Suffering Together, written with the late Kara Tippetts. Buteyn is also the author of Falling for Texas, an inspirational novel, and a recipient of the ACFW Genesis Award for her fiction work. Buteyn lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children.

Learn more about Jill Lynn Buteyne and Just Show Up at www.jill-lynn.com and on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: cancer, fallingfortexas, jilllynn

Free Ebook: Pilgrim’s Progress

June 25, 2015 Leave a Comment

Right now you can download a free copy of Pilgrim’s Progress from Amazon (originally $5.99). The price of this ebooks is currently $0.00, but that could change at any time so be sure to verify the price before checking out.

If you haven’t read this before you’ll want to snag it while it’s free. I often think of the illustrations from this book that I haven’t read in many years. It’s a fabulous book!

Filed Under: Depression, Doubt, Faith, Fear Tagged With: Books, eBooks

Free Ebook: Just Us Girls – Bible Study

June 25, 2015 Leave a Comment

Right now you can download a free copy of Just Us Girls: A Bible Study on Being God’s Girl in Middle School from Amazon. The price of this ebooks is currently $0.00, but that could change at any time so be sure to verify the price before checking out.

Filed Under: Depression, Faith, Self Esteem Tagged With: Bible Study, Devotionals, eBooks