Have you seen the social media meme “treat yourself”? It challenges us to indulge. Treat yourself through chasing comfort. Always put yourself first. This world tells us to choose self-gratification and personal advancement. If it feels good, it must be good. But Scripture offers a […]
Tag: prayer
Names Matter
At a powerlifting meet, the coach of my competitor introduced himself and then asked for my name. After I said, “My name is Alida,” he laughed and said, “I’ll probably make up a name for you by the end of the day because I’m terrible […]
Communion, Not Combat
These past few years, I’ve written a lot about my practice of prayer walking. And I’ve been asked if it’s like marching around a wall trying to bring it down. That made me wonder: What if the way we think about prayer has quietly shaped […]
Make Your Life a Prayer
I used to think that to make your life a prayer required grand gestures. You know, like hours of crying out to Him each day with a list of petitions, or shutting yourself away from the world in a quiet retreat. I’m not condemning those […]
It’s My Heart
It’s after midnight, and I’m the only one awake. That seems to be the story of my days lately. I’m back in the gym, eating healthy, and sleeping more than I’ve slept in the past, yet something is still off. It’s my heart, I think. […]
The Real Power of Christmas
“Oh God, please, please, pretty please, with sugar on top, let Santa bring me a sister!” This wish enshrined in a prayer was the plea of my 8-year-old heart. I thought I had figured out the real power of Christmas. I begged God, Jesus, and […]
My Sacred Anchor
90 minutes after sitting in the chair at the dentist’s office, I rise to leave with an anchor securely in place. The professionalism and excellent care by this all-female crew is impressive. It wasn’t part of my prayer request. However, I’m always grateful when God, […]
Living Offended is a Choice
“Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is a choice.” I saw this quote on a friend’s social media page. For me, it is a profound truth about the human experience. Our social media feeds, the local news, and even casual conversations can be breeding grounds […]
Shameless Persistence
“Shameless persistence.” My BFF briefly told me about a Bible Study session she led last week. I remember her using this phrase from Luke 11. “I tell you—because of your shameless persistence, even though it’s the middle of the night, your friend will get up […]
The Sin of Not Praying
I don’t even know her. She’s a friend of a friend. Each time she messaged me, it was to provide an update on her physical, emotional, or financial situation. Her “pray for me right now” arrived in my inbox at strange hours. I’ve heard that […]