Welcome to day 26 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find every post in this series indexed here. 3.1 million children die every year because of malnutrition and starvation. {source} Little girls are sold as sex slaves for $165. {source} ISIS is infiltrating refugee camps to murder Christians. {source} This morning on Facebook I shared a blog post titled, "The Day Human Trafficking Got a Name. His Name Is Daniel." This sobering account of one woman's ... [Read More]
Sunday Meditations || Psalm 71:14
Welcome to day 25 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find an index of every post here. We begin each week with an opportunity to pray and reflect on the Word. This Sunday meditation is based on Psalm 71:14. As this new week begins, Lord, fill my heart with gladness for all You've done for me and in me. I'm easily distracted by the negative but I long to choose hope! Guide my eyes to Your face and my ears to Your whispers. Place my feet in Your path and my desire in ... [Read More]
3 Reasons the Church Matters
Welcome to day 24 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find every post in this series indexed here. We're wrapping up the discussion about DEPENDENCE today. In a society that values self-sufficiency and independence, one of the most radical ways we live counter culturally is to acknowledge our need for relationship both with God and with others. We were created with an inherent desire for connection with God and community with others. As believers, we also have a ... [Read More]
I Need You
Welcome to day 23 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life! You can find every post in this series indexed here. I spent yesterday morning at my grandmother's house. We sat at the table in her breakfast nook and chatted about life. I shared with her how tired I am right now and how hard parenting a teenager is. She smiled and assured me it would get better — but it might take awhile. My cousin came by and my grandaddy joined us at the table and we caught up on the doings in each ... [Read More]
I Can’t Do It All
Welcome to day 22 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find all the posts indexed here. You know those days when you finally fall into bed and realize you were busy all day but you can't really think of anything you actually accomplished? Yeah, me neither. {If only there was a sarcasm font for that last sentence!} Yesterday I was talking to Scott about our schedule for the next few days and I said, "Basically, we're busy until Casiday's birthday in February." We ... [Read More]
What Does Forgiveness Look Like?
Welcome to day 21 of STAND OUT: 7 traits of a counter cultural life. You can find a list of every post in this series here. Do you have a particularly difficult relationship in your life? I'd imagine most of us do or have. And while the particulars of these relationships may vary, one thing is likely true: we have been hurt multiple times by the person who likely is unaware or unwilling to acknowledge the hurt. And honestly, it stinks! Perhaps others are aware of the situation but, ... [Read More]
