Dating is supposed to be fun. While Christians may not do everything that their secular counterparts do, that doesn’t mean we cannot enjoy life. I hope this list gives you some great ideas to explore new things, have meaningful conversations with your partner, and strengthen your love for one another. If you are married don’t stop dating! It is one of the single greatest contributing factors to marriage satisfaction.

In my house most people call me “Mom.” That means I gave birth to a couple of the members of our household, two of them to be exact. While the title of mom implies that biologically I am responsible for their upbringing it encompasses so much more. I didn’t have any grand ideas about how beautifully warm and fuzzy motherhood would be. I had done enough babysitting and nannying to know that children can be tiny terrorists. However, I didn’t fully understand ALL that it would require.

Jesus’ first words after his temptation when he began his public ministry was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) There is no mistake in this being the first thing that Jesus started to tell the world. The bible is full of examples where humanity when off the rails away from God. Then God who is rich in mercy would call them to repent and return to him. When humanity repented then God’s punishment was removed, postponed, or lessened. When humanity refused, God’s punishment and judgment would be carried out as He promised. Jesus compels us to repent because the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Why is this so important?

When you think of being a Christian being dangerous is probably not an adjective that comes to mind. I associated terms like meek, calm, mild, kind, and forgiving to Christians, not dangerous. Aren’t we called to be lovers, not fighters?  The answer is yes, and no. We are called to love and serve others but also to fight hell and all its schemes here on earth. This sometimes requires us to confront difficult circumstances, people, governments, and authorities. Jesus was the most dangerous person in the Bible but there are other people who led a dangerous life including; Peter, Stephen, Paul, John, Lydia, and James among others. They were people who not only believed in the risen Jesus but they influenced the world with their testimony. They stood up for what they believed and faced grueling consequences.

There are three types of faith steps that require a lot of courage and where I have discovered people struggle the most to move outside of their comfort zone. The three types of courageous faith steps have to do with finances, relationships and calling. Each of these areas tests our willingness to trust God. In different ways, they force us to make a choice between courage and complacency.

Fast forward a couple of decades and becoming a born-again Christian, I had fear around the idea of meditation. I, like many Christians, felt that it was an Eastern Religion practice and it was unbiblical. I steered clear of meditation and stuck to conscious prayer. That was safe. However, as I began to read the Bible more I started to see that not only were there several passages pointing to prayer AND meditation. Christian meditation was possible.

No one really wants to admit that they discriminate or have prejudices. I still hate admitting what I am about to tell you. The fact that I fear this group of people and go out of my way to avoid engaging with them makes me sick. I have justified my discrimination as discernment for many years. Until recently.

I was turning toward home when I realized I needed a few things at the store. I picked up some fruit, dishwashing soap, and a loaf of bread. I was heading to checkout when I saw her. My new neighbor walking directly towards me. I knew it was her because she was wearing the same clothing I had seen her in only a few minutes before. This was the do or die moment. I knew God was calling me out to PRACTICE WHAT I PREACHED!

Does this sound familiar? You fall into bed and even though you are exhausted you run through the endless lists of tasks for tomorrow. You feel the pressure to keep hustling. Even though many of us are working from home and have limited activities thanks to the global pandemic we are still “striving” to get it all done. Did you know this endless rushing is actually an attack on a spiritual promise of rest God? We are meant to have rest. God not only gives us rest but it is one of the commands in His word. (Exodus 20:8-11) Let’s unpack these three lies we believe about rest so we can reclaim what is rightfully ours.