Her Sides

During one of our family devotions, my daughter asked us to read the story of the prodigal son together. She read the passage and then, as families often do, we paused to share what stood out to each of us. This is one Bible story that is rich with meaning—disobedience, pride, repentance, forgiveness—but, as we discussed, one truth rose above the rest for me: the depth of the father’s love .   I found myself reflecting not on the son’s rebellion, but on the father’s heart. The son squandered his inheritance, walked away from home, and made choices that led him into hunger and shame. Yet when he returned, broken and uncertain, the father did not interrogate him or rehearse his failures. Instead, he ran toward him with open arms. He wrapped his arms around him. He restored him to his rightful position as a son.   That image stayed with me—the father’s embrace. An embrace that overlooked faults. An embrace that welcomed home a son who had nothing left to offer except repen...

This past year can be summed up in one word: shifts . Shift after shift, wave after wave—life kept moving, giving barely a moment to catch our breath. Many of us have felt stretched, shaken, or even uprooted. Foundations we thought were solid were exposed as fragile. Questions we never imagined facing became part of our daily reality. Yet, as the year turns to December, there is a sense of calm that reminds us of the shepherds hearing the angels declare, “Joy to the world.” Even after storms, peace can arrive. God uses life’s shifts—not to break us—but to purify, redefine, and rebuild us into stronger foundations.   Shaking That Strengthens Scripture says God will “once more shake the heavens and the earth” so that the things that can be shaken will fall away, but what cannot be shaken will remain (Hebrews 12:26–27). Life’s storms often reveal: a belief to surrender, a fear to face, an identity to release, a strength we didn’t know we had. The shaking isn’t the...

Distractions Are Sneaky Thieves Distractions are like little snack thieves at lunchtime — subtle, sneaky, and quick. They grab your attention with something small and harmless, and while you’re looking away, your “snack” is gone. But these thieves aren’t after food — they’re after your time and focus . They pull your eyes off what truly matters and drag you toward things that, in the long run, don’t count for much. If we’re not careful, distractions slowly eat away at the things that deserve our focus — our faith, purpose, and peace . The Real Danger: Losing Focus, Not Faith One of the greatest dangers for a Christian isn’t losing faith; it’s losing focus. The enemy knows this. His goal isn’t always to destroy your belief in God, but to divert your attention from Him. If he can get you to stop looking at Jesus, he can make you lose balance — just like Peter did when he walked on water. As long as Peter’s eyes were fixed on Jesus, he stood firm. But the moment he looked...

Like a seed planted in rich soil and warmed by the sun, our lives flourish when we are rooted in the right place. Your environment can make or break you. The space you choose to live and grow in shapes how far you go and how much of your God-given destiny you fulfill.   Take a look around you—who fills your world? Are you surrounded by people who encourage you, speak faith into your life, and energize your spirit? Or are you in an environment that drains and wears you out?   You may have all the talent and potential in the world, but without an atmosphere that nourishes you, growth will be stunted. Just as plants need water and good soil, you need the right surroundings to thrive.   It’s time for a heart check: Who do you spend your time with? What’s the nature of your work or home environment? If it’s not growing you, it’s time to make a change.   Change isn’t always easy—you may not be able to walk away immediately from a negative space—but you can ...

“ Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord , and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers .” — Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)   To love God’s Word and meditate on it day and night is to live like a tree planted by streams of living water. This is the picture Psalm 1 paints for us—firm roots, steady growth, and fruitfulness in every season. Staying rooted in Scripture keeps you evergreen—full of life, strength, and the ability to withstand whatever storms may come.   Think of a tree by a riverbank. Its roots are not easily shaken, because they draw life from a constant, unfailing source. That is the life God promises to those who delight in His Word: a life nourished from within, not drained by circums...

To live a life that's bold, purposeful, and joyful is to confidently believe that God is always orchestrating your life for good . That belief gives you the courage and backbone to live the life He's called you to—a life that is open, free, and impactful in every sphere you find yourself. I know that's everyone's dream. If given the choice, that’s the life we'd choose. While we can't always predict what life will hand us, there are three key ways to help us live boldly —even in life's joyful and sometimes challenging moments. Think of these as principles for bold living : Trust God Make intentional choices Cultivate a heart of gratitude When we practice these, we tap into a life overflowing with purpose, joy, and divine favour . Trust in God's Sovereignty "…God rules in the affairs of men and gives it to whomsoever he will." — Daniel 4:17 That’s reality. As humans, we are limited—our best efforts are just that: our best. Th...