A guest post by LaVonda McCullough of www.lavondamccullough.com/.   Do you remember any of your firsts? Your first date, first kiss, first day of school, first home? Our first apartment was small and quaint, with lots of charm. We had everything we needed as a newly wedded couple. We enjoyed sharing candlelight dinners atop two upside-down milk crates adorned with a handmade quilt from my great-grandmother. The atmosphere of our home was warm and inviting, our very own haven like the Garden of Eden Bible story.   A few of my co-workers lived in a more affluent area of town, drove newer cars, and carried designer handbags. Like Eve, my thought-life and fixation on what I didn’t have was affecting the "condition" of my heart. I had become fixated and learn more...

A guest post by Janelle Esker of thepeacefulhaven.com.   Exactly a year ago, my son was shot and killed in his native Honduras at age 28. I never know how to introduce myself anymore.  Do I have five or six children now that one lives with Jesus?  My sons' death illuminated just how much of my identity is wrapped up in being a mother. I have both biological and adopted children.  I can closely identify with Rachel and what she can teach us about motherhood. Although your circumstances may be different, my guess is you can too.   Who Was Rachel in the Bible?   We meet the charming and beautiful Rachel around 1875 BC in the book of Genesis. You see, Rachel is the daughter of Laban, who was the brother of Rebekah, who is the mother of her betrothed learn more...

A guest post by LaToya Edwards of WomenFindingGod.com.   I used to walk around with my head down all the time. It wasn’t something I was very conscious about. At least not until the pastor at my new church said 5 words to me: “Hold your head up Sis.” Those 5 words spoke to me in my fog and woke me up to my reality -- I had been walking around in a cloud of shame.   Poor choices over the years landed me in a situation that I almost didn’t make it out of. It was hard and ugly. My children suffered greatly, I lost all my friends and I almost lost my sanity. All because of a decision I made. I wanted to fade into the background. I sat in the back of rooms in a corner. I didn’t speak. And I did my best to avoid eye contact with anyone. I didn’t want to be learn more...

A guest post by Mindy Kiker and Jennifer Kochert of www.flourishgathering.com   What makes a friend not just good but great? Think of the women who walk with you, celebrating the joys and supporting you in the sorrows. What qualities do you value in a trusted friend? Friendships between women are complex, but they’re worth figuring out because we need one another. Sometimes a girlfriend is the only one who truly understands us. One of our favorite friendships in the Bible is revealed early in the Gospel of Luke.   Who Were Mary and Elizabeth in the Bible?   We’re first introduced to Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, and her husband Zechariah. This elderly couple has long experienced the pain of infertility when one day Gabriel shows up promising the faithful priest that learn more...

A guest post by Katie M. Reid of katiemreid.com.   He’s alive! That’s what I wanted to shout as I sat in the quiet church service. We were singing a stirring song of praise, but many seemed to be whispering or not even singing. I felt the need to turn down my volume so I wouldn’t stand out. But my frustration grew as I wondered why others weren’t audibly declaring their affection to their Savior. Whether you are more introverted or extroverted, more reserved or more expressive, worshipping God is an important part of our faith. While I was tempted to boss the congregants into singing with more gusto, two sisters from Bethany (in Luke 10:38-42) changed my perspective. Their story taught me a thing (or four) about worshipping God.   Mary and Martha in the Bible: Two learn more...

A guest post by Arabah Joy of arabahjoy.com.   Have you ever heard the phrase, "She's such a Jezebel?" If so, you probably know this is NOT intended to be a compliment! Jezebel in the Bible is a woman in which none of us wishes to be compared. Thousands of years after this woman walked the face of the earth, she continues to be the epitome of shameless femininity. Even today, when searching the name Jezebel, here are the synonyms you'll find associated with her: hussy, tramp, wench, prostitute. Not exactly what we aspire to personally or want for our daughters, right? But do you know why she earned such notoriety? Today I'd like to share a bit about the infamous Jezebel in the Bible and what we can learn from her example.   Who was Jezebel in the learn more...