Deeper Life: James – Day 5

Prayer God, I’m facing a long day. I’m struggling in my heart and just need peace. I need confidence. Everything feels overwhelming. Is it true that you can speak to me through your word? Will you prove that to me today? Will you open my eyes as I read and show me that you’re there? […]

Deeper Life: James – Day 4

Prayer I don’t have many words today, God. Please just open my eyes to see you here in James’ letter. What do you want to say to me today? I’m listening. Scripture James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and […]

You’re Not Alone

I’m standing in my sweatpants and sock feet scrubbing piles of dishes, feeling incredibly alone and wondering, “Why?” I’ve been texting several close friends and my sister today. I’ve had a good visit with a friend this morning. A couple of things have gotten canceled or postponed because of illness lately, but still. I blame […]

Deeper Life: James – Day 3

Prayer Hello, God! It has been a rough day and I am just asking you to quiet my mind and heart. Please help me to focus as I spend time with you. I want to see you in your word today. I love you. I need you. Thanks.  James 1:9-12 Now the believer of humble […]

Deeper Life: James – Day 2

Prayer God, thank you for meeting me here today. You have given me so much! This mug of coffee, ten minutes of peace and quiet, the dishwasher running in the kitchen. Show me what you want me to see in your word today. What are you saying to me through James’ letter? I want to […]

Deeper Life: James – Day 1

Prayer God, here we go starting a new study of your word. These are YOUR WORDS. Please speak to me as I read. Open my eyes. Soften my heart. I need you, God, and I want to know you more. 1:1-4 From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve […]

A Closer Walk on a Dreary Monday

It’s a cold and gray February Monday. There are piles of clean and dirty laundry, in the bedroom and basement. I’m on my third cup of coffee. My baby girl is waking up after far too short of a nap. To be brutally honest, I’d like to transport myself somewhere. Maybe to a cozy little […]

How to Have a Holiday Worth Remembering

There are picture perfect moments you’d like to treasure in your heart forever. And there are times you’d prefer absolutely no photographic evidence so you forget them as quickly as possible. Most of those polar opposite moments come around holidays…one of those being tomorrow. Valentine’s Day. Sometimes you love it. Sometimes you hate it. Most […]

Launching into James: Intro

Hello friends! Soon we start reading James together. I wanted to briefly share some background info on the book and some basics for this study. Context to James Let’s start with a story. Did you know Jesus had several half-brothers and sisters? One was a man named James. Imagine growing up with a brother who […]

Specifics for Bible Study

Okay, so imagine with me you’re on a first date. The conversation goes like this: “So where do you work?” “McDonalds.” “Do you have family in town?” “No.” “What do you like to do for fun?” “Read.” Et cetera. No added information from them. No follow-up questions from you asking for more details. No reciprocating […]