El Roi: The God Who Sees Me Life feels heavy sometimes, doesn’t it? Disappointment, grief, betrayal—they press down on us, making it hard to take the next step. Some of the deepest wounds come from those we trust most. People we cherished and believed in can turn against us, creating false narratives that feel impossible to untangle. And yet, I know I’m not alone in this. These past few weeks, my heart has carried much. They’re the kind of burdens I used to share with my mom. We’d pray together, and she always had a timely word from the Lord—a verse to meditate on, a prayer to lift me up. But she’s not here anymore, and oh, how I miss her. She knew me well. She knew my husband well. She knew our hearts and loved us deeply. That kind of love is rare, and I don’t take it for granted. While the world looks at the exterior, God looks at the heart. “Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). He is always seeking hear...
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Can We Talk About This? Why is it that believers can sometimes be so harsh with one another? Have you noticed that when a believer makes a mistake, it often feels like a little gang of “perfect” people comes after them with vengeance? This self-righteous response reveals a heart issue. Instead of being quick to extend grace, we become fixated on the faults of others while ignoring our own. Yet Scripture reminds us: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10). Many unchurched people I’ve spoken with have shared stories of being hurt or disappointed—often by fellow Christians. That pain is real, and I don’t dismiss it. At the same time, we know our ultimate hope isn’t in people but in Christ alone. You’ve probably seen the phrase, “If you left the church because of people, you were never there for Jesus.” While there’s some truth ...
Blue Christmas: Hope for the Hurting During the Holidays The holiday season is here—twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the hustle and bustle of family gatherings. But for some of us, this time of year can feel heavy. Grief, loss, and loneliness may seem more intense against the backdrop of festive cheer. I get it. The world seems to expect joy and togetherness, but what if you’re not feeling that way? Maybe you’re missing someone deeply, especially at Christmastime. For me, it’s my mom. I miss her more than words can express. For others, it might be the loss of a spouse, a close friend, a child, or even a dream. We all carry different burdens, but they often feel heavier when everyone around us is celebrating. The Meaning Behind Blue Christmas: You might have heard the term "Blue Christmas" before. For many, it brings to mind the classic Elvis Presley song about missing someone during the holidays. For others, Blue Christmas has come to symbolize the grief and sorrow that...
Facing Thanksgiving Anxiety with Grace The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but for many, Thanksgiving feels like walking into a minefield. Whether it’s navigating awkward questions, juggling responsibilities, or trying to meet everyone’s expectations, the stress can steal the joy before you even sit down to eat. After my last post about the approaching holidays, several friends and blog readers reached out to share their struggles with Thanksgiving family gatherings. Many spoke of the anxiety that creeps in as they try to juggle everything: keeping a picture-perfect home, finishing the endless grocery list, catching flights, or navigating financial constraints. But the most common source of stress wasn’t the logistics—it was the conversations. Uncomfortable questions like, “Are you dating anyone?” or, “When are you having kids—or more kids?” can feel overwhelming. Then there’s the comparison game, where someone inevitably points out that one cousin who seems ...
As the holidays approach, I’ve noticed many posts from dear friends who are missing loved ones—and I’m one of them too. Grief is such a strange thing. It looks different for everyone, comes in waves, and evolves over time. I still remember when my husband buried his mother on December 22nd and then led worship for every Christmas Eve service just days later. With a steadfast heart, he encouraged, loved, and led the congregation to worship Jesus with their whole hearts. That’s what it means to truly belong to the Lord. Anyone else might have been overcome with sorrow, but he stood firm because his eyes were fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). This is my second Christmas without my mom, and some days are just plain hard. Even though I know I’ll see her again one day because of the promise we have in Christ, it still hurts. I miss the simple things—calling her to share something silly, asking for her prayers, or just hearing her voice as we talked about l...
Seeking God for Who He Is, Not Just What He Can Give Us As believers, we often fall into a mindset of seeking God primarily when we need something. Our prayers can turn into lists of requests, our worship clouded with thoughts of our own needs, and our quiet time with God shifts into problem-solving sessions. But what if we shifted our hearts to seek God for who He is, rather than simply for what He can do? Scripture points us toward a relationship with God based on reverence, awe, and love, independent of our desires or circumstances. In the book of Psalms, David expresses a deep yearning for God, not just in times of need but in all circumstances. In Psalm 27:4, he writes, “I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple” (CSB). David’s longing was simply to be near God, to experience His presence, to dwell with Him. His heart’s desire was centered on G...
Ah, here we are—November! The month when leaves take their final, glorious bow, the aroma of all things pumpkin spice fills the air, and we get to savor the cozy comforts of sweaters and scarves. But beyond the pumpkin pies and harvest tables lies the true gift of this season: gratitude. As we enter this month, traditionally marked by thanksgiving, we’re reminded of God’s unchanging goodness and the abundant blessings He showers over our lives. For some, Thanksgiving stirs warm memories of family gatherings and laughter; for others, it’s a reminder of heartache or empty chairs at the table. Wherever you are on that spectrum, my prayer is that you’ll find refuge in the One who is always present, always faithful, and always worthy of our thanks. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all that we don’t have or everything that seems to be going wrong. Life is full of its own trials and little heartbreaks—believe me, I understand! But did you know that cultivating gratitude isn’t just a nice idea...