At several key points in my life, a book has come along just when I needed it. In the last few months, there have been two: my friend Natasha Metzler's Emma and the Reasons, and Kingdom Single by Tony Evans. Some books tell you that singleness is valuable, a gift even: these books helped me to feel ... read more
How to View Your Sexuality as a Single Woman
Sex.If you grew up in a conservative Christian home, you may not have discussed this much – if at all. For many women raised in the church, sexuality is a topic reserved for engagement and beyond. Prior to marriage, it may be discussed in a one-time “talk” focusing on biology and basics, but ... read more
how to nourish your soul as a busy woman
There was never enough time for me to get from martial arts on one side of town to dance on the other. Uniforms and bags, children bickering, static on the radio, a one-year-old strapped into the car seat none too happy to be along for the ride.I was already tired from classroom teaching that ... read more
You Are Not Too Busy
My mom tells the story of her college days, when she held a part-time job, managed a full class load, had a fulfilling social life, participated in extracurricular activities, turned all her assignments in on time, and maintained a decent GPA. Her classmates who didn't have a job or extracurricular ... read more
Speak Forth
Speak to me inside of her. That was the word the Lord whispered into my heart the day I hit my knees in prayer for a friend.I had struggled in our relationship. We were in a Bible study together and it seemed that no matter how I tried to encourage her in her walk with the Lord, my words were ... read more
Do You Know Who You Really Are?
I don’t remember every word they said; I just remember the way I felt.I was a young teen. I’m not even sure how old. Maybe fifteen? We were at a church function, perhaps just a Sunday service. I was alone in the bathroom and when I stepped out I heard two voices talking. For a long time I ... read more
How to Find Soul-Deep Security from the Source that Never Runs Dry
"Look at all those green leaves!" someone says.We all stand around, arms crossed, shaking our heads. A beautiful, healthy tree has crashed to the earth with no warning. Or, seemingly healthy, that is. Deep roots, strong trunk, sprawling branches, bright green leaves; it's all there. "Was there ... read more
Bearing Fruit In Season
I am an architect, but I'm not.I am a missionary, but I'm not.Sound confusing? Maybe the confusion subsides when we embrace a view of vocation as separate from that of career -- as something that far surpasses nine to five work hours, salaries and benefits, something that begins to describe ... read more
skip the identity crisis & choose freedom
If I could write a letter to myself ten years younger, I wouldn't write wistfully: you have zero gray hair! you aren't yet jaded by burnout! you have so much enthusiasm! I know now how much joy will come wrapped up in the painful lessons of life and I will almost pity the shallow happiness of my ... read more
what it (really) means to put your identity in Jesus
It was another college party. I was the odd man out, the one who didn't actually go to college at all, the one who didn't know the songs playing from the iPod in the corner. I was the one sitting on the back of the couch, wondering what to do with my hands. I looked at other people, dancing and ... read more
