We do desperate things when we long to be loved. We will go to dramatic lengths to experience love, confirm we are loved or show others we are lovable. From people-pleasing and attention-seeking to fixing our behavior and becoming a doormat, there is nothing off-limits to what we’re willing to do in order to experience that elusive thing called love…

The focus for today's devotion is straightforward: to pause and give thanks. Below you'll find Scriptures along with a few reflective exercises designed to help you express gratitude for the growth that has occurred in your life…

Sometimes life brings interruptions that are far more serious than being interrupted in the middle of a conversation or someone knocking on the door during our favorite television show…

If we are not careful, our prayer requests can morph into strict demands. We stand our ground and pester God for insight. We insist He changes our circumstances according to our time frame and in the way we see fit…

After a long day at work, I plopped down on the couch, flipped on the television and tried to unwind when suddenly something went swooshing by me. WHAT WAS THAT? I wondered if I was delirious and seeing things out of pure exhaustion. I went back to flipping channels, and then ZOOM...something buzzed by me again. I knew I wasn't going crazy when I heard a thud and some very loud squawking…

Songs bring us to places. We hear a tune, and instantly we're transported back to our childhood, high school years, or a significant event of the past. Songs provide us with information. It's why we know that Jenny's phone number is 867-5309 and that the mode of transportation for that small-town girl who was living in a lonely world was a midnight train…

As I let it slip from my fingers, I smirked at my partner and said, "Let's HOPE we don't make scrambled eggs!" Along with the rest of my science class, we were standing on top of our middle school's roof participating in the classic egg drop experiment…

When we added Megan, a puppy with black curly hair, to our family, I overlooked one crucial detail: taking her out in the middle of the night. Her dark coat makes her blend into the surroundings, and her boundless energy sends her darting from one side of the yard to the other. Keeping track of her whereabouts is nearly impossible, and panicking over potentially losing her has become routine. Now, I only brave the backyard with my cell phone flashlight on. While it doesn't illuminate the entire yard, it allows me to keep her within view.

It's possible to obey and follow the rules but entirely miss the point. Any parent knows this to be true. A child can clean up their play area by shoving all their clothes, dolls, legos, and art supplies under the bed. Your little one can share their toy while muttering under their breath how unfair it is…

Very few films define my childhood more than The Karate Kid. I was seven years old when the big-screen introduced me to Daniel Russo, Mr. Miyagi, and the villainous Johnny Lawrence. Being teased and bullied as a kid myself, I couldn't wait to see the Cobra Kai crew get their comeuppance…

I’m not a fan of driving in general, but I despise traveling back to my hometown. As much as I adore my extended family, I do everything in my power to avoid getting behind the wheel and jumping on I-95…

While you read this devotional, don't mind me. I'll be crying in the corner, realizing I only have a year until my oldest daughter heads off to college…

I'm a sucker for inspirational sports movies, especially ones centered on the underdog. Rudy, Friday Night Lights, Hoosiers, Miracle, Remember The Titans, Field of Dreams…the list goes on and on. If any of these films happen to be playing, cancel all my plans for the day…

God establishes my steps - this implies a sovereign planning and a secure ground upon which to walk. The stability of our walk rests in our willingness to delight, worship, and trust…

Often the difficulty we have with Scripture is not due to a lack of comprehension but rather an unwillingness to put those truths into practice, especially when it comes to dealing with difficult people. For instance, take today’s passage found in Romans…

Full transparency: I've never been one to make my bed. As a teenager, my mom's mantra as she would shake her head and close my door was always, "his room, his mess." We won't speak of the college apartments and dorm room experiences. It's as sketchy cleaning-wise as one would expect…

At one point or another, we’ve wrestled with the questions of “Why am I here?” and “What is my purpose?.” We all want our life to count. We all desire to make a difference and leave our mark on this world. Yet, the pressure to find “our thing” can overwhelm us…

We all have flaws; none of us immune to struggles. We often receive this statement in two vastly different ways. Some of us relate immeasurable more to our weaknesses than our strengths, to the point where we define ourselves by our shortcomings. This mindset, where all you can see are your faults, leads to despair…

For as long as I can remember, my youngest daughter Paige has been into crafts. She loves to cut, color, and create. Everything in her mind is an art project. So much so, that I probably should buy stock in Hobby Lobby now…

If my math is correct, I could grab a turkey leg at Thanksgiving, kick up my feet, and not have to come back into the office until after the ball drops welcoming 2024. Not to brag, but I have that much vacation time saved up. Considering my childhood hero was Cal Ripken, the consecutive game record holder in baseball, it's no wonder that I struggle to take a day off from work…