Uncompromised

Got our Advent devotional in the mail yesterday, year 12! Even as a teenager, our son got excited about it. There is something about opening that little package each year, the anticipation, the familiar cover, the feeling of starting something meaningful together. In the middle of all the beautiful lights, music, decorations, and the busyness of the season, this tradition gently reminds us to keep our hearts focused on Him, the true reason we celebrate. As I get older, I treasure these moments even more. The years go by so fast, and the quiet times with family, reading a passage together, talking about what it means, sharing our thoughts and prayers, become the memories that truly last. These moments shape our hearts and fill us with joy that no one can take. Philippians reminds us to rejoice in the Lord always, and Romans encourages us to trust in Him so that we overflow with hope and peace. Nehemiah tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and when we anchor our hearts in H...

Good Friday: The Depth of His Love Sisters, Today is Good Friday, a day that brings a quiet weight to our hearts. It’s the kind of day that makes us slow down and sit still, even when our minds want to run ahead to Easter Sunday. But today is meant to be different. Set apart. A day to remember the cost. I woke up this morning thinking about the Cross, not in a theological way (though that matters deeply), but in a personal way. As a wife, a mom, a ministry partner, a woman trying to hold it all together most days, I needed to be reminded that Jesus carried more than just a wooden beam up that hill. He carried me. He carried you . He carried our brokenness, our shame, our guilt, our exhaustion, our tears cried behind closed doors. Every betrayal, every anxiety, every time we’ve felt unseen or misunderstood, He bore it all. Silently. Willingly. Lovingly. Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” Not just the sin, but the grief. The sorrow . The heav...

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 tha...

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...