Beauty From The Ashes
Wednesday marked the first day of Lent with Ash Wednesday services happening around the world in the Christian community. Growing up, my childhood church and family didn’t readily practice giving up something of value for Lent, and even into my adulthood, I haven’t consistently given up anything. However, of the years I have participated, God has met with me in this annual season of waiting … Continue reading Beauty From The Ashes
How Far Does Your Ripple Spread?
As an ordinary Christian, sometimes I can feel discouraged that somehow I am inadequate to spreading the Gospel’s good news. Surely pastors, preachers, clergy, and those employed by the church are more qualified to share about Jesus, right? Wrong! When I get into that mentality, I am ignoring the types of people that Jesus called to follow Him and be his disciples. If He called … Continue reading How Far Does Your Ripple Spread?
Is It Christian Enough?
Have you ever put yourself out there, only to find that instead of praise and applause you received critique and judgment? With the release of my book, Taking Care of Mama, I have been sharing it with other Christian mamas to hopefully, enjoy and spread the word about this new resource for mothers who are trying to balance looking after themselves and their little ones. … Continue reading Is It Christian Enough?
The Spirit Intercedes
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27 As I was drifting off … Continue reading The Spirit Intercedes
How Dry Are Your Bones?
Ezekiel has never been my go-to choice of chapters to read in the Bible, but one particular chapter has made a big impact on my current season of life—being present to enjoy the moment before me and also waiting humbly and patiently for things to come. Ezekiel chapter 37 is titled, The Valley of Dry Bones in which Ezekiel has a vision of a valley … Continue reading How Dry Are Your Bones?
Our Spiritual Tree
A couple weeks ago, we were at my in-laws house and the family tree was pulled out. My nine-year-old daughter was fascinated by all of these people who came before us on this scroll of many names. My mother-in-law’s father had roots back in the Netherlands and we enjoyed conversations about what their lives would have been like and speculated about what propelled them to … Continue reading Our Spiritual Tree
What Can I Give Him?
Amidst the Christmas preparations and the final week of school, I found myself preparing gifts for the teachers. Writing out cards of appreciation and baking chocolate orange cookies, I was focused on giving to others. And after an appointment in the city, I did one last round of shopping for a few presents for our children and the cousins. Genuinely, I love preparing gifts and … Continue reading What Can I Give Him?
Red Light, Green Light
Do you remember that childhood game? Children would line up and the teacher would hold up a green circle symbolizing, “Go,” and all the children would speed across the room. Next a red circle would mean you had to, “Stop!” And everyone would abruptly come to a halt. Similarly, life itself can feel a bit like, “Stop and go,” just like the childhood game or … Continue reading Red Light, Green Light
Expectations In Friendship
Before children, I think I was a decently considerate friend—spending time, calling or sending messages, and posting birthday cards on time were all routine activities. However, since having children, I have had to let my previous standards slip, while struggling to keep up with the daily demands of raising a family. Often, as a mother, it is all I can do to keep up with … Continue reading Expectations In Friendship
It Just Takes One
I remember, what seems like ages ago, applying for university as a senior in high school. All of my friends were applying to at least three to four schools to make sure they would receive an offer and then hopefully have the choice about where they wanted to go. Having viewed multiple options, I felt specifically called by God to go to a fashion school … Continue reading It Just Takes One
Joy A. Mead 