I have loved words for as long as I can remember.

I was just a little girl sitting in Mrs. Dombrowski’s first-grade classroom when Little House in the Big Woods was placed in my hands. I didn’t have the vocabulary to explain what was happening inside of me, but I understood something important even then: words had power.

I want you to love the Bible. Not simply to own one or read it occasionally, but to know what it is, why you can trust it, and how it can change your everyday life.

One of the most common objections to Scripture is this: “The Bible contradicts itself.” But does it?

God often leads us by the scenic route. Learn how to trust His timing, embrace unexpected detours, and find purpose and joy along the journey.

Several years ago, I wrote StormProof: Weathering Life’s Tough Times. Today, I’d like to share an excerpt from that book because, as the years have gone by, I’ve been reminded again and again that not one of us will make it through this life without weathering a storm or two.

The Lord often reminds us of things we already know. Not because we've forgotten them completely, but because sometimes we simply need to be reminded.  He has reminded me again and again that there are simple things we can put in place that help us cultivate a joyful heart right in the middle of everyday life.  And this little list is one that I have returned to many times over the years. I've reminded myself of these things, and I want to remind you.

There are some books that enjoy a season of popularity and then quietly fade into history. Their message captures the attention of one generation, only to be forgotten by the next. Trends come and go. Authors rise and fall. Best-seller lists are constantly changing.

Life doesn't always unfold the way we planned. Unexpected turns can leave us feeling disappointed, confused, or uncertain about what God is doing. But our faithful Father is never surprised by the path ahead. Today, Hope Johnson reminds us that even life's detours are part of God's beautiful purpose, and we can trust Him with every chapter of our story.

Every morning is a fresh reminder of God's faithfulness. No matter what yesterday held, His mercies are new, and His hope never runs out. Today, I'm delighted to share an excerpt from my friend Jennifer Dukes Lee's new book, How to Love Your Mornings. My prayer is that these words encourage you to meet the Lord with fresh expectation and discover His grace waiting for you at the start of each new day.

“Put your backpack on the table. Hand over your camera, your phone, and anything else in your pockets.”

A short pause and then, “NOW!”

A Chinese police officer barked orders at me with force. He stared at me without blinking while I complied.

“So, what brought you here today?” 

I was a therapist trainee at a counseling center for one of the largest churches in America, and my caseload was rife with unhappy couples, struggling teens, weary singles, and people with bouts of depression and anxiety everywhere else in between. 

Have you ever been halfway through a conversation when you suddenly realized that you weren't listening at all?

You were looking at the person. You were nodding at all the appropriate moments. You might have even thrown in an occasional "uh-huh" or "I understand." But if you are honest, your mind was already crafting your response. You were preparing your defense, gathering your thoughts, or deciding exactly what you wanted to say next.

We never know how God might use a simple act of kindness, a genuine friendship, or a faithful prayer to change someone's life forever. In today's guest blog, author, speaker, and pastor Cara Shine shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a Jewish home with painful misconceptions about Jesus to discovering His love through the compassion and prayers of faithful Christians. Her story is a powerful reminder that the way we love others matters—and that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Healthy friendships don't happen by accident—they are built through intentionality, time, and care. In this thoughtful excerpt from Friend-Wise, author and speaker Becky Harling reflects on the life-changing lessons she learned during her battle with cancer and how that season clarified what truly matters most. Becky shares why complacency can quietly erode even our most meaningful relationships and offers biblical wisdom for cultivating friendships that are deep, life-giving, and lasting. Her words are a timely reminder that the friendships God has entrusted to us are treasures worth investing in.

One of God’s greatest gifts is the legacy of faith that is passed from one generation to the next. In this heartfelt excerpt from Twenty-four + One: A Mother’s Story of Faith, Love and Miracles, Ash Ruddy shares a deeply personal Mother’s Day story and reflects on the faithful women who helped shape her life. Her words are a beautiful reminder that when life feels uncertain, the faith of those who have gone before us can become an anchor for our own souls.

The prophet Habakkuk lived during a season of moral decline, political unrest, and spiritual confusion. As he looked around at the culture in which he lived, his heart was deeply troubled. Violence was rampant. Justice seemed absent. Evil appeared to be flourishing unchecked.