Seasons

Right around the fourth of July every year, I feel myself start to already transition to that feeling that summer is almost over. How silly is that? Really summer is thriving at that point. Instead of unreservedly enjoying the season, I begin transitioning my thinking to what is next. This is true with life in general. If we’re not careful- in the middle of something good we’ll transition our mind and emotions to the “next”. God does want us to live in the next or even the past—He wants us to live in the now. His mercy for you in now- today. His joy for you is now.

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joie miller
Dating: Is It On A Whim Or On The Word?

Let’s dive into dating! I want to speak to the girl who is in a relationship but may be wondering, “Is he the one?” “Is this God’s will for my life” “How do I navigate this new season the right way?” These are all questions you should be asking yourself and praying about. Praise God that in EVERY season we don’t have to go off on a whim, but we can stand on God’s Word for direction. Let me also preface by saying as God-fearing women, even though we are in this world, we are not of it. Nothing we do will look like what the world does and that includes dating. In fact, dating done right is the opposite of what the world tells us…being spirit led not emotionally led, pursuing purity as opposed to “consider it a test drive before buying the car”, letting God’s Word be the guidelines in your relationship, not the romance movie or novel, and intentionally dating based on God’s instruction not just dating around and crossing your fingers you’ll find the right one. Contrary to the saying “you have to kiss a few toads before finding prince charming.” Friend, you do not have to get your heart broken in order to find Mr. Right. Here is how…

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Kourtney Leech
Guest Post: Vacation Ideas

If saving money this year is your goal, try:

~ Staycations

This can be a blast and allow you to spend all your funds on activities. Take a few days off from work and visit the local zoo, water park or amusement park. Find a place to swim together like a lake or the local beach, go on a hike or rent bikes and ride a local trail. Find some activities that help you relax and be together as a family.

~ Camping at a State Park

Borrow a tent and load up the family for an outdoor adventure. If you’re not familiar with camping, find a friend to tag along with to show you how to enjoy the adventure.

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Guest User
Stick It Out

Do you find yourself wanting to quit often? Let me encourage you that if you're going to move forward in any area of your life, you must learn to get sticky! What do I mean? You have to become a person who overrides the temptation to bail out when things get uncomfortable, boring, or even challenging. Getting sticky means that you adhere, or stick quickly, to what you believe God for. To fasten yourself to something so that you become one with it.

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joie miller
Rethink Rest

“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

When was the last time you truly rested? Maybe you’ve been waiting all year for a vacation, the chance to lounge back in a chair and get some sun. Maybe your idea of rest is sleeping in on Saturday or heading to the gym. Most of us would define rest as disengaging from stress. I remember when my kids were babies and people would tell me to make sure I was getting enough rest. Their good intentions were sweet yet almost laughable. The responsibility I carried to take care of tiny humans didn’t afford me the opportunity to rest.

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joie miller
Present Versus Distracted

The other day my 15-year-old daughter was leaving to go somewhere, and I asked her, “where in the world are you headed?” She looked at me perplexed and responded, “mom—we had this conversation, and you gave me permission to leave for a friend’s house.” Suddenly, I remembered a slight interaction regarding plans. Had I once again agreed to something while I wasn’t paying attention?

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joie miller
I'm Not What I Feel

What personality type are you? I feel like I am asked this question of self-awareness often. There has been an Enneagram craze that leaves everyone analyzing the behaviors of one another based on this personality quiz. No matter what personality type you are or what quiz you have taken, self-awareness is a benefit that will serve you in many areas of your life. Self-analysis should always cause you to be a better version of yourself. God created us each unique and different. Romans 12:6 says it best, “Let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other’s or trying to be something we aren’t.”

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joie miller
Run Your World!

Are you running your world or is your world running you? Are you tired of being bullied by piles of laundry, grocery lists, and PTA meetings? When is the last time you sat down with a good book, exercised, or had quality time with your spouse? Life will run you—or you can run it. Let me reiterate a quote by leadership guru John Maxwell, “The secret to your success is hidden in your daily routine.”

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joie miller
God, Is That You?

How do I know I'm hearing from God? Have you ever asked yourself this question? I know I have! The Bible tells us that faith requires full confidence in God, knowing that the enemy loves to take our prayers from a place of confidence to a place of wonder. I wonder if this desire is mine or God’s? I wonder if God is offended that I'm asking for this? I wonder if it’s God’s will to do this in my life. Your faith goes to a whole new level when you transition from wondering to knowing! So, how can you move your faith from wondering to knowing?

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joie miller
Relationships Done Right

Relationships are a beautiful thing but sometimes they don’t feel like it. The enemy thrives in drama, chaos, bitterness, jealousy, and backbiting. These types of relationships aren’t a blessing at all. Before you came to know Christ, maybe your relationships looked like an episode of the Bachelor or Real Housewives, but after we come to know Christ, everything, including relationships, begins to change. Whether it is a relationship with a co-worker, spouse, child, family member, or friend, let God redefine what relationship means.

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joie miller
Move Your Mood

Do you find yourself struggling more and more to fit exercise into your daily routine? If so, we encourage you to keep reading for your inspiration on why you should still be focusing on moving your body.

Studies have shown that 10-20% of women deal with some form of mild to moderate depression throughout the year. However, you do not have to fall into this category of women. As a woman of God, you know you should focus more on prayer time and getting into the Word of God as these symptoms hit, but did you also know that exercise is a great, natural stress reliever?

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Guest User
Here For It

You’ve got this! Do you ever just need someone to affirm the fact that you can do whatever it is that you’re up against? I know it is nice to have that affirmation, however it is not always there in the moment I need it. Sometimes, I need to dig deep past my feelings and give myself a Holy Spirit pep talk! The Bible talks about the word of God rightly dividing between soul and spirit.

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Guest User
Anchor In Hope

Through Jesus there is victory ahead. So much so that even our soul can be steadfast and secure. When trials hit and life gets complicated, how does your soul respond? Are your emotions all over the place or are you anchored in Hope? There is a person you can anchor into that no matter what the waves look like around you, you can be sure that you’re not going under!

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joie miller
Why Are You Crying?

My question to you today is, are there moments when you pray, yet respond in fear as if your prayers aren’t going to be answered? Or do you override your fear and worry with praise and gratitude as though your prayers have already been answered?

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joie miller
The Resurrection and The Life

Easter is about life and victory. Jesus said,"I am the resurrection and the life." When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the story was seemingly over, but with His resurrection comes hope! Jesus defeated sin and conquered the grave, and because He did, hope is alive in you!

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joie miller
Do Not Enter

I am always trying to come up with new activities and traditions for our family of seven.This year, I decided to integrate a Seder meal to kick off Passover. Passover is the celebration of the Exodus that the Children of God made out of Egypt—out of bondage and into freedom. Reference Exodus 12.

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joie miller
How To Operate In Wisdom

The Bible talks about wisdom a lot! In fact, the book of Proverbs tells us that we should desire wisdom above even wealth. I don’t know about you, but if wisdom is the key to walking in blessing—I want it. So, how do you operate in wisdom? Here are some insights I have found in the Bible to ensure that you are on the path to wisdom!

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joie miller
Love Us To Redemption

Jesus came to redeem and to transform. The word redeem means to buy back. To redeem something is a dramatic change. Jesus doesn’t only want to redeem us, but also to transform us. There are several ways in which Jesus loves us to redemption…

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joie miller