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.

Have you ever looked at a barren field and wondered how anything could grow there? The soil appears lifeless, cracked, and dry. Yet, it's often in these seemingly desolate places that the most beautiful gardens emerge. Our lives can be much the same way. In our moments of brokenness, when we feel shattered and useless, God sees fertile ground for growth and transformation.

We all have those moments when life seems to overwhelm us. You know the feeling - when you're scrolling through social media, seeing everyone's highlight reels, and you're sitting there feeling like you just can't measure up. It's in times like these that an ancient story about a man named Isaiah becomes surprisingly relevant.

Life is a lot like a beautiful symphony, with each of us playing a unique instrument. And when we learn to appreciate and embrace the diversity in our lives, something truly magical happens.

The last thing you want to talk about on a Tuesday is rest. You’ve just dealt with Manic Monday. The upcoming weekend is still a long way off with a wealth of appointments, demands, errands and obligations standing in your way. Right now, rest is either the furthest thing from your mind or the only thing you can think about.

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…

It's 7:30 AM on a Friday. The alarm blares, jolting you from sleep. As you fumble to silence it, your mind already races ahead to the day's tasks: that important meeting, the pile of laundry, the kids' soccer practice. In this ordinary moment, faith might seem far removed. Yet, it's precisely in these everyday instances that our faith is put to the test and has the potential to flourish.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I can't wait to finish work so I can do something meaningful for God"? If so, you're not alone. Many of us have fallen into the trap of dividing our lives into "sacred" and "secular" categories. We see our jobs, daily chores, and mundane tasks as separate from our spiritual lives. But what if I told you this division is nothing more than a carefully crafted deception?

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a rut, going through the motions of life without really feeling alive? Maybe you've settled into a comfortable routine, but deep down, you sense there's something more. This is where many of us find ourselves – in our comfort zones, protected from risk but also shielded from growth and wonder.

Amid the daily grind of life, it’s easy to lose sight of God's presence, especially in our work. We often compartmentalize our faith, relegating it to Sunday mornings or quiet times, while the rest of our week feels disconnected from our spiritual life. But what if we could adopt a posture of faith that allows us to experience God in the ordinary moments of our workday?

Glen, my father-in-law, has to be the most "frugal" person I know. He's always looking for ways to skirt the system, especially regarding the one checked bag rule that most airlines have in place…

Some people make works of art with paper and pen or a brush and a canvas. Others turn a lump of clay into something truly remarkable. But then, there is Erik Varszegi. You can find his art form in most kid's playrooms - Legos.

Self-denial isn't resigning oneself to a life of misery and drudgery. The opposite is true. Dying to ourselves and living for Christ is where absolute joy, security, and purpose reside. But, to rest in this state entails work and intention on our part…

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…

Have you ever watched a gardener tend to their plants? They don't just plant seeds and walk away. They water, prune, and nurture their garden daily. Our faith in God requires similar attention and care. Jesus often used agricultural metaphors to explain spiritual truths. He spoke of seeds, soil, vines, and fruit. These images remind us that faith, like a plant, needs cultivation to grow and thrive. But what does this look like in our daily lives?

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…

A little light makes a big difference to its surroundings. I recently learned this lesson the hard way…

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…

You don't need to trust anyone if you think you have everything under control. But, here's the thing about control - it's an illusion at best. The only predictable thing about living in this world is its unpredictability.

Understanding is a beautiful and powerful thing. It's more than just gaining information or facts - it's a means of transformation. When we truly understand something, it has the power to shape and change us from the inside out. Too often, we approach truth and wisdom with an attitude of control. We want to contain it, define it, and ensure that others comply with our understanding of it. We create systems and structures to hold truth captive, rather than allowing it to take root in our lives.