It's a privilege to have Suzanne Jackson sharing today! We met through the blogosphere -- though I don't really remember the details of when or how -- and I love her heart for ministry. She and her family are embarking on a journey with a brand new ministry focused on bringing the gospel to Scotland, one of my favorite countries. {If anyone ever needs a luggage-carrier for a trip there, I'd love to volunteer!} I asked if she would share a little about their ministry, their plans, and how you could pray for them. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Wanted: Energetic gospel-driven couple to immerse themselves in developing partnerships to support church [...Read More]
Co-heirs with Christ: From Suffering to Glory
May 13, 2013 By 6 Comments
There's a lot of suffering in this world, which I'm sure is no news to you. Job uncertainties, scary doctor visits, financial woes, prolonged waiting, personal loss, estranged loved ones, physical suffering, life-changing injuries, political upheaval, religious persecution... Heartache, betrayal, loss, physical pain, emotional agony, and uncertainty all make their way into our lives at sometime or another. And often more than once. Sometimes, multiple types of suffering at the same time. Do you ever wonder why you have to face those things? Do you remember who you are in Christ, and wonder what you did to deserve such suffering? After all, as children of God we are also co-heirs [...Read More]
Resources for #TouchingtheHem
May 9, 2013 By 4 Comments
I'm so excited to announce the estimated release date for Touching the Hem is.... {drum roll, please} June 3, 2013!!! Well, that's estimated still. But it's close enough that you can go ahead and put it on your summer reading list! And in preparation for that release, I want to let you know a few options for keeping up with news, specials, and other related resources. Touching the Hem on Facebook Make sure you like the facebook page for Touching the Hem! It's pretty much my "hub" for sharing updates, specials, and other interesting facts. For instance... I should be getting some cover images pretty soon, and you can get a sneak peek if you're following the page! And [...Read More]
When Life Gets Too Busy
May 6, 2013 By 6 Comments
I've lost track of how often I've told people lately that life is "too busy." And generally, those people repeat it right back to me... We are busy people. That's just the way life goes. But quite often, we are too busy. For instance, you might be too busy if... -- you can't find time to get the rest you need. -- you can't sleep whenever you do finally get to rest, because your mind keeps racing with all you have to do. -- you don't have time to fellowship with God's people, your family in Christ. -- you have little time to feast on God's Word. -- you view people as interruptions rather than opportunities to minister. -- you don't have time to spend a few minutes [...Read More]
When Your Sponge Runs Dry
April 29, 2013 By 9 Comments
You are a sponge. And so am I. We drink in whatever we're surrounded by. And when we're squeezed too tightly, or over-saturated, we let it out again. We go through phases of soaking and seeping. We take in encouragement, then offer it to friends in need. We take in unkind thoughts, then direct those unkind words toward loved ones. We take in {you-name-it} and share it with the world. It doesn't happen like clockwork: one thing in, one thing out. It's more like overlapping waves of the sea: one-thing-after-another-after-another -- getting and giving all muddled up at the same time. Sometimes your sponge runs dry. And you go through weeks of taking in, wondering and awed by [...Read More]
Who Was John Newton?
April 25, 2013 By 14 Comments
You probably know of John Newton as the man who penned the famous words of Amazing Grace. You might even know a little of his story -- maybe about him being a slave-trader or living a rough life on the seas. But there's so much more to John Newton than that. For instance, did you know he fell hopelessly in love with his future wife (Polly) when they were only in their mid-teens? Did you know he was famous for writing hundreds of letters by hand? God truly led him in a miraculous way. So many times, he could have been destroyed either physically or spiritually, and yet God spared him. Saved him time after time, although he wasn't yet trusting in the Savior's redemption. I [...Read More]
Comfort from Psalm 63
April 22, 2013 By 2 Comments
If you need extra encouragement today, spend some time in Psalm 63. Meditate on it. Pray it back to God. Let it be your heart's cry to your Savior. Cling to Him. And find comfort in the shadow of His wings. Read Psalm 63 Share with me! What's your favorite Psalm of comfort? Want more comfort? Read God's Word with me this week: Tuesday: Judges 1-3, Psalm 69:1-18 Wednesday: Judges 4-6, Psalm 69:19-36 Thursday: Judges 7-9, Psalm 70 Friday: Judges 10-12, Psalm 71 Saturday: Judges 13-15, Proverbs 18 Sunday: reflection or catch-up day Monday: Judges 16-18, Proverbs 19:1-14 [...Read More]
Tribute to Boston, 4/15/2013
April 19, 2013 By 7 Comments
I grew up about an hour south of Boston, and part of my heart is still there. I grieved along with my friends who were there. I mourned for their losses. I cried out to God for mercy, right along with them. I gave thanks for every report of someone who was safe -- whose plans changed "last minute" -- people who normally watch the marathon right there at the finish line. And after the initial shock, after making sure my closest loved ones were safe... I started looking for the good. For reasons to give thanks. For reasons to hope. Because even in the midst of tragedy... God is still merciful. And so, my tribute to my city. My offering of thanks to God, for His constant [...Read More]
21 Days to Finding Purpose in Pain
April 17, 2013 By 7 Comments
I've shared Stacy William's blog with you before -- Finding Purpose in the Pain (where I'm a regular contributer) -- and now I'm thrilled to share her brand new devotional book with you! 21 Days to Finding Purpose in Pain is a devotional for those facing prolonged anguish from physical or emotional turmoil. It draws from Stacy's own personal battle with chronic pain. She doesn't gloss over the hurt, or offer a quick fix, but instead meets us right where we are -- on our knees, raw and hurting. Each day's entry contains gems from God's Word, relevant examples from Stacy's own journey with chronic pain, and a prayer to focus the reader's thoughts on biblical truth. 21 Days to [...Read More]
Salt of the Earth
April 15, 2013 By 2 Comments
Pin this! How can you be the salt of the earth? Well, what does salt do? It seasons, adds flavor, highlights the essence of the original dish. So as a Christian, you should... Season your relationships with love and holiness. Add the rich flavor of truth to your conversations and interactions. Highlight the essence of God's character in your daily life. If you don't... if your speech tastes unloving and unholy, if your relationships highlight the world's discord, if your life is seasoned with selfish desires and lusts... then are you truly being salt in this world? Or have you lost your flavor? Question: How do you faithfully remain "the salt of [...Read More]
