Like many of you, I have loved ones who are deeply impacted by the Los Angeles fires and the ongoing aftermath. Some close friends live just blocks from the Eaton Fire flashpoint and 90% of their Altadena neighborhood is gone. As of this writing, their house is still there … and so they and their kids are still there, with no water or electrical service, trying to protect their home from constant wind-borne embers, flaring hot spots, and roving looters. Read more
On I Wish You Could Hear This, my husband Jeff and I will offer the proven and surprising steps to help you thrive in your life, faith and relationships. It’s almost like having a secret decoder ring for your relationship tripwires, unproductive thoughts, or confusing work dynamics. Read more
As many of you know, each year we unveil our annual roundup of the top 10 blog posts from the previous year. (If you’re already frustrated at not being able to keep your New Year’s resolution, read #5. I think you’ll be encouraged.) Think of this top 10 list as your cheat sheet of lessons from 2024—a collection of the topics and stories that resonated most with our readers. Read more
But of course, the New Year is especially time to look ahead! There are several exciting things on the horizon in our ministry that I’ll tell you about as soon as I can. I can’t wait to blow the lid off what my team has been dreaming up for you. I’m not sure whether I keep them busy or they keep me busy, but either way we always have you in our hearts and minds. You’re the reason we do what we do. Read more
Merry Christmas, friends and ministry supporters! I am thrilled this week to introduce you to my Blog Coordinator Kristy Floyd. She works so faithfully behind the scenes, mapping out the blog posts we bring to you regularly. Out of her own time in Luke Chapter 2, she was moved to write a prayer for us, and I can’t think of a better way to usher out 2024 than to usher us into God’s presence. Feel free to say this prayer out loud and make it your own. May this season be a beautiful one for all of you. - Shaunti Read more
This week I’ve invited my staff to share a favorite tradition or memory, and you will not be disappointed! From a simple nativity set that meant something big to a little girl, to a Stretch Armstrong action figure that actually stretched so far it broke, enjoy the humor and heartwarming memories from my team, with a special note from me at the end. Read more
Most kids enjoy the Christmas season, but it can be stressful. The Christmas ballet dress rehearsal and the World History final and making Christmas cookies with Aunt Molly are all this Tuesday. And you have plenty going on, too! So do a few simple things to purposefully establish your home as a place for relaxation. Place soft, comfy blankets near the couch, dim the lights so that the Christmas tree lights are prominent, play holiday music, and be okay with the fact that your kids’ finals study sheets are still strewn all over the kitchen table when your sister arrives. Whatever makes sense in your space, give your kids the gift of a peaceful home. Read more
Some marital stress is inevitable; every relationship has its share of challenges that come from sharing life with another imperfect person. However, unaddressed stress over the long term is not just annoying—it is what eventually leads to marital burnout. So make sure your marriage isn’t starved of time and attention. And evaluate the pressures on your marriage and find ways to lighten the load where possible. Read more
What if we prepared our hearts for Thanksgiving in a slightly different way this year? What if we thanked God for all we don’t even know He has done? There are innumerable ways God has protected us that we have never seen. Psalm 91:11 says God commands His angels to guard us! I like the NLT version, which says: “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” Read more
I’m taking a page from that playbook to look at five ways to stop arguments before they start—phrases we can use to work with, rather than against, our spouse when conflicts arise. I’d recommend you literally stash these as a cheat sheet in your purse, wallet, or some easy-to-grab location, and then use them liberally in the heat of the moment. Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In