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On Dating: My Parents Don't Approve
[Monthly Columnists – Wendy van Eyck] My parents don’t approve of my boyfriend. I’m not the best person to write dating advice because I didn’t go on my first date till I was 26. And then I broke up with him four weeks later. I’m not the kind of person who plays games with peoples feelings but I didn’t know what else to do when my parents didn’t approve of my first boyfriend. As a young teen, I’d decided that dating for the sake of gaining a long list of boyfriends just wasn’t me. I settled that there were two boxes that needed to be ticked in my mind before…
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On Depression: When God Seems Distant
[Guest Post by Mary DeMuth] – Sometimes God seems distant. Here’s why. When we lived as church planters in France, I felt abandoned by God. Why did He take me across the ocean only to abandon me? I read the Psalms where David lamented, and I deeply identified with him. Oh how I understood his sadness, how far God felt from my day to day situation. I grew depressed, despondent, and nothing seemed to be able to revive me. Not the awesome food. The beautiful scenery. Or the sweet people. I remember railing at God, nearly shaking a fist, wondering why-why-why He wooed us to France only to experience deep…
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Anxiety is a Gift
[Guest Post by Teri Antti] – Anxiety is a Gift? Yes! A Blessing! I once read that true peace can only be sustained when what you say, what you believe and what you do are all the same thing. At the time I read this anonymous quote, my thoughts, beliefs and actions were as far from being aligned as you could possible imagine. I was in a season during which my anxiety was at an all time high. I could not leave my house. Fear had found its way into every ounce of my being. I was rapidly loosing the confidence to even parent my three daughters. I had a…
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On Depression: Overcoming Low Self Esteem
[Guest Post by Tara Burke] – I struggled with depression during my teenage years — I felt that I had nothing to show for my life; nothing to offer anyone. While recently at a seminar for performing arts and missions, one seminar attendee asked the question of how to check one’s pride when receiving accolades and attention. This question stirred another one in me–what about when someone’s pride isn’t the issue? What about when the issue is whether they are any good at all? While I kept a happy face, I never told anyone how I really felt. I felt like a failure–a Christian wasn’t supposed to be depressed! All…
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On Writing: Can You Still Pay The Rent (and Utilities)?
[Guest Post by Allison Vesterfelt] – A few years ago I quit my job because I wanted to write a book. A book. I write it that way because that’s how I saw it in my mind. So much drama, so much mystery. Writing a book (you have to say it that way if you want to understand) was going to be the best thing I had ever done in my life. Quitting my job happened because someone asked me this question: “What would you do with your life if you didn’t have to worry about money?” My answer to the question was, obviously, that I would travel across the country…
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Start Writing Now Synchroblog
I’m asking you to share tips on how to start writing now through Thursday the 24th. As a full time writer and published author of three books, I know what it takes to get published. I also know that I didn’t get to be published without the help of writing mentors, encouraging family members, and online friends. I’ve also had the privilege of launching new and promising writers myself. Some old. Some new. My favorite part about being in the writing and publishing business is being able to pass along wisdom. Because no writer is an island. This is where you come in! I am looking for YOUR writing tips.…
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78 Reasons To Write Your Story
78 Reasons To Write Your Story I have been blessed to host 78 guest bloggers since April, 2010, and I hope to keep adding to the list. Why? Because I believe it’s important to share your story. In fact, I believe God calls us to write. Twice in Scripture it says, Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does (1 Chronicles 16:24 & Psalm 96:3). I hope each and every quote will push you over the edge to where you finally have NO MORE EXCUSES but to write. Whether you write in the privacy of your own journal, an online blog, social media,…
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On Dating: Hope for the Holidays
[Guest Post by Jenny LaBahn] – Is it really possible to have hope for the holidays? Because the holidays for a single person can be like pouring salt on an already opened wound. The loneliness is already prominent. The feeling of being a “misfit” at various functions already exists. The unfulfilled longing is already present. For many, this season only serves to further exacerbate the struggle that resides within. It seems to be a constant reminder that we are, in fact, still single, still alone, still waiting. (As if any of us really need a reminder). Most married people don’t seem to grasp this concept. It would seem that it…
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On Dating: Everybody's doing it
[Guest Post by Alexandrea J. Wilson] – Because I grew up in a Christian home–I knew better than to believe the lie that everybody’s doing it. I went to the True Love Waits conferences and even pledged to be faithful to God until it was my time to share that special wedding night with my husband. Even when my friends started to lose their virginity, I stood firm because I knew I made a promise to God to save sex for marriage. My confidence in my ability to execute self-control made me think that I would be able to endure any temptation–on my own. I wouldn’t need to fall at…
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Don't Be Afraid To Date
[Guest Post by Krista Back] – What makes one afraid to date? New relationships are wonderful; they are full of smiles, giggles, flirting, stomach flutters, and interesting conversations. However, even in the midst of embracing the excitement and newness of a dating relationship, in the back of my mind I also find myself apprehensive and worried. “What if this will one will turn out like every other relationships?” “What if he hurts me like the others?” “There is no way this will work.” I always end up dealing with this internal struggle between all the good and fun emotions of a new relationship, and the fear I might have my…
