Did you know that I have been writing at Intentional By Grace for the last eight Christmases? Crazy, right? Well, today I want to share with you what I’ve written and collected over the years, so that I can bring some Christmas inspiration your way. Or at least I hope it inspires you. 🙂 Whether …
Why Choosing Joy in Trials Might Be Easier Than You Think
We don’t choose faith to avoid trials. Our faith is made genuine through our trials. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in …
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Are You Letting Fear Masquerade as Wisdom?
Over Memorial Day weekend, my family enjoyed a 4-day camping trip at Sherando Lake in Virginia. There was zero service, so we were totally unplugged the entire time. It was glorious. On one particular day, we opted for a pretty strenuous hike. With our munchkins in tow (7, 4, and 2), my husband and I, …
When You Wonder if You Disappoint
Do you ever wonder if you disappoint God? Then keep reading … The wind swirls causing little wisps of hair to fall across her face. The sun beats down warming the moist cold enveloping the earth’s early morning. The lone goose flies low over the water looking for breakfast. Black, long legs of a dog …
How to Stay Motivated to Live Intentionally When Life Gets Overwhelming
Are you having a hard time staying motivated to live intentionally for the glory of God? In today’s Intentional Conversation, I’m sharing three of my best tips to stay motivated when life gets overwhelming. Welcome to Intentional Conversations Each Thursday, I post a new video to my YouTube channel with an Intentional Conversation. Intentional Conversations …
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Put Your Plans Aside and Start the New Year This Way
As we open a new calendar year, many of us are reflecting over the previous year and making plans for the year ahead. There is just something about the blank slate of a new calendar year that makes you want to start fresh, get organized, and be intentional with your time. We inevitably turn our …
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Follow the Leader Isn’t Just a Kid’s Game
“Come here, kids. Come and circle around me so you can hear me. We are going to play a fun game called Follow the Leader!” It had been a long time since I’d watched a game of Follow the Leader played out by elementary-aged children. “Get in a line behind the birthday boy. That’s it! …
Do You Have the Courage to Live as Nothing?
Sometimes humility is the pathway to relief. After weeks of hard parenting moments, many, many tears, and very little margin to think adult thoughts, relief finally came. A friend gave me two options: take my kids for the afternoon or bring my family dinner that night. A mother-in-love showed up with an knowing heart, and …
Jesus Cleaned Up a Mess He Didn’t Make, Too
Jesus Cleaned Up a Mess He Didn’t Make, Too – Do you need to learn to be a student of your Savior? One who goes to Him in her time of need and gets the grace she needs for this moment? The moment when all she can see is the cross instead of the empty …
How Cancer Gave Me Unshakable Faith
Guest post by Nancy Backues As a self-proclaimed Type-A planner, I am passionate about my lists. I like accomplishing things because then I can cross those things off my list! I like having a plan, and I love sticking to my plan! Unfortunately, my beautiful plans are often interrupted by circumstances beyond my control. In …
Not My Will but Your Will Be Done
“If you are not living in touch with God, it is easy to blame Him or pass judgment on Him. You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His …
The Day My Tank of Sufficiency Maxed Out
My tank of sufficiency was maxed out. I was at the end of myself. What do you do when the trials come and you have nothing left? The days have been full as we minister in a town that is 90% unchurched, manage our work at home lives, prepare for an upcoming road trip, and …