Family Blog

3 Simple Reminders of Who God Is

Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day tasks of life, that we forget simple truths about who our God is. We fall into a mindset of focusing on life’s struggles–neglecting what we’ve learned about God’s goodness.

So today, we want to take some time to remind you (and us!) about God’s character so that we’re better prepared to walk through life with hope and love.

1. God Created Us. First and foremost, we need to remember that God created us. He designed our innermost being and therefore knows us better than anyone else. This means that He is the best person to turn to in times of trouble because He is sovereign and just.
2. God Will Never Leave Us. It’s also important to remember that God will never leave us. We all face trials in life: we lose our job, we get into arguments with our spouse, we mess up as a parent, we find out a friend is sick. But no matter the situation, we have to keep in mind that God is always with us–working things together for our good!
3. God Will Always Love Us. Above all, we must always keep in mind that God loves us. No matter how far we’ve strayed from him, no matter what we’ve done, and no matter how guilty or shameful we feel, God will never stop chasing after our hearts.

What are some other truths about God that we need to be reminded of? Share your thoughts in a comment below!

The Power of Your Mind

Have you ever heard that saying, “What is down in the well comes up in the bucket”? In other words, what we feel in our hearts eventually comes out of our mouths–good or bad.

For some of us, this is a comforting thought because our minds are full of good things. We have love for our neighbors, admiration for our spouse, and care for our children.

But for others, this is an uncomfortable thought because our minds are darker than we’d like to let on. We are constantly battling jealousy over our neighbors, bitterness towards our spouse, and frustration towards our children. We can’t imagine if what was down in the well came up in the bucket! So how can we take the first step to changing this?

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think on these things.” This is God’s instruction to us. If we want to speak kindly, then we must think kindly. When you begin to judge or doubt or lust, chase those thoughts out of your mind! Instead, focus on what is true and honorable and pure.

So this week, we want to challenge you to reset your mind and fill your heart with good things!

How to Press on Through Failure

You’re going to fail in life; it’s inevitable.

You’re going to upset your client. You’re going to disappoint your boss. You’re going to forget your friend’s birthday. You’re going to offend your spouse. You’re going to break a promise to your kids. In life, failing is inevitable.

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But the story doesn’t end there. Your moment of failure isn’t your final moment. Instead, it’s up to you to stand up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.

God’s word encourages us in Philippians 3:14 which says, “…one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.”

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So don’t let your past keep you in chains. Ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and press on!

What to Do When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

Are you disappointed with the way your life is turning out?

Maybe you had a very specific plan for how you wanted your life to go. Maybe you hoped to be married. Maybe you hoped to have kids. Maybe you hoped to own your own business. Maybe you hoped to be free of debt. Maybe you hoped to own your own home.

We all have hopes and dreams. But oftentimes, life doesn’t go as planned.

So what do we do when we look around and realize that our lives are not where we hoped they’d be? Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

In other words, we’re called to trust God despite unforeseen or discouraging circumstances. And we must remember that change is always possible when our faith is in Christ.

How to Stay Content

Contentment is not an easy thing to experience in today’s culture.

We face commercial after commercial after commercial, enticing us with the latest trends and fashions and gadgets. There’s always something new vying for our attention, promising to (finally!) make us happy.

So how can we remain happy and optimistic and content in our lives despite the culture we live in?

Philippians 4:12-13 says, “I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation: whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

In other words, we need to stop chasing after what we don’t have. We need stop believing that more money or more love or more affirmation will make us happy. And instead, we need to rest in who God is and the strength we have in Him. Because this is a blessing that will never be taken from us. Then, and only then, will we find true contentment.

Why You Don’t Have to Figure it Out

Over the years, it’s inevitable that we learn. We grow and change and figure things out. We understand what’s good for us and what’s not, what’s healthy and uplifting and what’s unhealthy and harsh.

And in the back of our minds, we begin to believe that one day we’ll have it all figured out. So we strive for that day, hoping that eventually no more mistakes will be made.

But here’s the truth: we’re never going to have it all figured out. Never. Life is one long season of learning, and we will continue to learn lessons each and every day. And while this may be discouraging to hear, it’s actually a blessing in disguise. Why?

Exodus 14:14 says, “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” In other words, God doesn’t want us to have it all figured out. He doesn’t want us to have it all together. Instead, He wants us to be able to rely on Him and His perfect grace.

So don’t worry about figuring it all out. Simply lean into God and know that He will continue to fight for you.

What the Bible Says About Love

There are a million different definitions of what love is.

Some say love is what makes you happy. Others say love is finding your soul mate. Still others say love is finding someone to make your life complete.

But that’s not quite what the Bible says…

We’re told in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

That means that love isn’t about being served…it’s about serving someone else! It’s about putting them first. Love is showing patience and selflessness and perseverance to your spouse.

So don’t look to your spouse to fulfill all of your needs. That’s what God is there for! Instead, love them well by looking for new ways to serve them and care for them each and every day.

How to Keep Your Work in Perspective

It’s all too easy to find our identity in our work.

We work all day every day, putting our heart and soul and sweat and tears into it. And soon, our meetings and deadlines and schedules take over our lives.

Now, there’s nothing innately wrong with work. In fact, God created work to be a good thing. But when we allow work to define who we are, disaster is sure to follow. Why? Because failure is inevitable. As humans, we’re bound to make mistakes. And all of a sudden, a missed deadline and a reprimand from our boss leave us feeling inadequate.

Instead, God wants us to find our identity in Him. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…” In other words, we are the apple of God’s eye! And there is nothing we could do to ever change that.

So go out and work with excellence this week…but don’t allow your failures (or your successes!) change how you view and value yourself!

Becoming Your Spouse’s Biggest Fan

We could all use a little more in encouragement in our lives.

We’re constantly facing disappointments, failures, and letdowns. So when a word of encouragement comes along, it can go a lonnng way.

For those of you who are married, a huge part of your role as a spouse is encouraging your partner. You’re responsible for pouring love and affirmation into their life. So what are some simple ways to do this?

By reminding them of who they are in Christ. By writing them a quick note of encouragement. And by being their biggest fan in life! 

1 Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, for love covers over a multitude of sins.” So we want to challenge you to love your spouse deeply this week by encouraging them as they go out into the world!

Your Daily Dose of Courage

Oftentimes, we fall into the trap of thinking courage is meant for just superheroes.

We believe courage belongs to the risk takers, the adventurers, and those who are bold enough to escape the ordinary.

But the truth is that we all need courage. You and me. Every day of our lives. 

We need courage to face our kids’ teachers when we’re called in for a conference. We need courage to step into the doctor’s office and hear our aging parent’s diagnosis. We need courage to simply get up and face another day at work with an unfair boss.

But where do we get courage? In Deuteronomy 31:6, we’re told, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” In other words, our courage comes from the knowledge that God is always with us!

So be courageous as you finish up this week, knowing that God is with you no matter what.