What Happened to Christian Discipline?
The Great Commission of Matthew 28:20 is the call for every believer to lead a life of spiritual productivity. We are not called to merely consume the things of God; we are mandated to produce disciples. Because the Christian life is holistic - affecting every part of...
A Typical Day in My Life as a Work-at-Home Mom
‘ve blogged about morning routines and evening routines and even shared a tutorial on creating a daily routine. I love routines! But my love for routine isn’t based on what they are, but what they do for me (sorry, Routine!). Routines are good only if they help you live your life effectively for Christ. If a routine doesn’t improve your life spiritually, physically, and emotionally, it’s not serving it’s purpose.
Five Reasons You Struggle to Be Productive
The Christian life should be a productive life.
Jesus Himself was the picture of productivity – everything He did, He did with intention. Why then do we struggle to be productive? I think the Enemy knows that distraction (even in the form of good things) will keep us from living effective lives for the gospel.
That’s why productivity isn’t just for self-help gurus. We tend to treat being productive like it’s incongruent with being spiritual, but the two are vitally connected. A productive spiritual life – achieved through discipline of mind and heart – overflows into a productive career, home, and life at large.
Real Love is a Tangled Necklace
When I got back from the gym this morning, there he was – half-dressed for work in a button down shirt – bending over the necklace. Gently, carefully, painstakingly untangling the knotted chain. Patiently working through each knot. Taking thought for the small and insignificant of my life before tending to the important of his.
The Holiday Gift Guide for Christian Young Women
The fact that I’m thinking about Christmas gifts this early in the game says something for how I’ve grown in the last two years. I’m very much a “last minute” shopper! As I reviewed some products this fall, I realized that other Christian women might enjoy the items I’d discovered. Since I’m frequently asked where I buy my coffee, Bible, commentaries, and clothes, I thought – why not compile a holiday gift list from my favorite items?
This is by no means an exhaustive list (I’ll need a separate list for books alone!) but it highlights some of my favorite products and companies of 2016.
How to Find Purpose When Waiting Hurts
It has become crystal clear that His grace is more than enough for us, and that even as we wait for answers to our prayers, nothing in this life and in this world is more worthy of pursuit than His very presence. We know that this contentment and ability to rejoice in Him in the midst of pain-filled waiting is only possible because of His grace, and we praise Him that other people are seeing it and are being encouraged.
Gilmore Girls Gospel: Loving the Lorelai Next Door
We like the Gilmore girls because they typify real life, but when people like Lorelai show up in our neighborhoods, churches and schools, we forget our evangelistic responsibility. We forget that it’s Lorelai who needed love so much she sought it all the wrong ways. We stand aside, the “Mrs. Kim”s of the world, only emerging to condemn and correct – but never to give, love, and listen.
When to Say “I Love You” in Your Dating Relationship
To say “I love you” is a big step in a dating relationship. Love carries with it the weight of potential covenant and future intimacy. But how do you know when to say “I love you”? Like many of the relationship decisions discussed on this blog, the timing of “I love you” will look different for each couple. Even so, this individuality should be guided by biblical principles. God gives us His wisdom for questions like these.
5 Reasons to Give Thanks For Your Singleness
Maybe you’ve spent the month doing a Bible study on giving thanks or posting “30 days of thanks” on your Facebook feed. Giving thanks is an excellent way to defeat discontent and focus on the Lord’s provision, but sometimes we fail to thank God for the things He’s given that we don’t actually like.
5 Questions to Ask If You Never Get Asked Out
Why do some girls get asked out often, and others not at all? It’s a pressing question in Christian dating culture, and one I’ve been watching for a while. In fact I’ve had my thumb on the pulse of the “asked out” problem for quite a while now. And while there’s no easy answer for why some people never get asked out and others do, I think it’s worth discussing..
The Difference Between Being Liked and Valued
A man who loves God will know you’re not just a “good girl” who wants to be liked. He’ll know you’re a sinner saved by grace. He won’t just like you for what you can offer him; he’ll love you for what God is doing in your life, and for how well you’ve submitted to His leading. Only a man who knows Christ can see your flawed, failing heart and choose to love you anyway – and do it over and over again for the rest of his life.
Why I’m Glad I Journaled to My Future Husband
Journaling to your future spouse shouldn’t be about your spouse. It shouldn’t be about you. I’m glad I journaled to Josh not because I felt more connected to him, but because it drew me closer to God. These letters helped me navigate my singleness with complete trust in His character and love, and they are living proof that even the hardest years of our singlehood can bring glory to God if we live them well.
How to Fight Sexual Sin in College
College culture is a prime place for sexual strongholds to begin. Secular universities provide ample opportunity for alcoholism and partying, both of which inhibit our ability to walk by God’s Spirit (which is why alcohol is a gospel issue). The additional pressures of exhaustion and stress make use emotionally vulnerable, and many students seek out coping mechanisms for their loneliness or overwhelm. All of this, partnered with a lack of godly discipleship and accountability, is fertile ground for sexual compromise – and Satan knows it.
“Just Get Married”: The Worst Advice for the Sexually Struggling
many churches encourage struggling couples to “just get married”, rather than deal with the spiritual root of their consistent failure. Because the idolatry of sex, affirmation, and desire was not rooted out prior to marriage, it will manifest itself again within marriage.
Why Home Management Matters (Even While Single)
This week Lisa and I are discussing how to manage the basics of home life and why home management matters for the long term. Good home management cares for those you love, and when done well, also allows time for you to pursue other interests.
How to Decline a Date With Grace
Most of the emails I receive ask how to meet, greet, and date godly guys. But once in a while I get a letter asking how to turn a guy down. And to be honest, this is just as important a topic as the other three! It’s flattering to be asked out, but when you...
How to Transition From Singleness to Marriage
This week on my podcast Lisa and I answer a listener question. No, it’s not a mini-episode. This topic couldn’t be contained in ten minutes! Today we’re tackling how to move from singleness to marriage. We discuss five areas that will help you learn to share your life with your man.
How to Improve Communication in Your Dating Relationship
In this week's mini episode on Uniquely Woman, Lisa and I answer a listener question: How can you improve communication in your dating relationship? While it may seem like communicating in marriage is more difficult than during a dating season, I propose that dating...
It’s Time to Be Okay With Never Getting Married
She who grips her life – her wants, wishes, desires – will lose it. But she who loses her life – lets go of her dreams, pins them to the Cross, lets them die – she will find abundance and freedom.
So to you, dear girl: If you’re tired of the holding pattern, stop.
If you’re tired of waiting, stop.
If you’re sick of a less-than existence, stop.
5 Questions to Ask on the First Date
Any first date comes with a side of pre-date nerves.
As you imagine every possible scenario for how the first few minutes will transpire, you might be wracking your brain for conversation topics. Does he like the same music? What if he doesn’t? Do I ask about his family? Hobbies? Life goals?
The first date is, in a sense, a litmus test for relationship viability. It’s a guy’s – and girl’s – first chance to see if this is the kind of human with whom they’d like to spend time.
What If Your Sexuality Was Your Evangelism?
Purity has a cost: It is uncomfortable, unpopular, and difficult at times. Purity is why I no longer wear leggings as pants, don’t watch many TV shows, and rarely read fiction. I don’t do these things because they are inherently evil. I made these choices as I grew in spiritual maturity. The closer I press to the heart of God, the less I think of my Christian “liberty” and the more seriously I take my Christian responsibility.
How to Overcome the Fear of Singleness
Your singleness speaks loudly for the gospel of Christ. Jesus saved you so you could be pure, whole, and confident. There was no caveat to that call – no “you’ll be confident once you’re married”, or “you’ll be fulfilled once you can have sex”. The gospel – when embraced, loved, and lived – is enough.
How Virginity Affects Your Marriage
The day my husband confessed his sexual history to me, I sat quietly as he told me the truth. I wasn’t shocked. But I knew that – going forward – we’d need to work on our relationship in ways others would not.
Is it Wrong to Pursue My Dreams After Marriage?
Lisa and I are excited to announce the start of a weekly Q+A mini episode on our podcast, Uniquely Woman. In addition to our regular episodes we’ll tackle one listener question in under ten minutes.