Because December...

We hope your holiday preparations and travels are blessed this week! Let's pray we're women awake to God's presence in every passing season. Joy is ours in Him! Check out the link below to an article inviting us to consider living aware, hope-filled, and grace covered this Christmas...

"Because December..." at Unravel Grace


Merry, Merry Christmas!

Women of Advent Part 3

Anna the Prophetess

Invariably as the Christmas season draws to a close, well meaning friends will inquire, “Did you get all you wanted?” or “Was time with your family everything you hoped it would be?”

There are any number of answers to these questions. Some years we do, some we don’t,  and some fall exceedingly short of any semblance of “happy” holidays. Truth is, what we expect from these sentimentally charged days, changes from year to year.

Anna is a church figure fondly esteemed. Her personal biography impressive; from the tribe of Asher, daughter of Phanuel, a prophetess. Her legacy impeccable; never leaving the temple, she worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. And many a beautiful baby girl has been named in her honor.

What isn’t talked about as much is, she had a husband she shared a home with for seven years. Then, for some sixty four years, she lived as a widow...no husband, no home. I wonder how long it took her to turn the life she thought she would have, and the life she actually had, into grateful devotion? I wonder, if asked if she got all she wanted, what she would’ve said in year 3 at the temple, or year 12, or year 49?

It’s emotionally easier on us to sum up a life well lived than to chronicle the years one by one. But 64 years is 64 years, regardless of the era in which one lives. Days are long, challenges arise, expectations shatter, friendships wane. And Anna was no less a victor and a failure than we.

Yet her life is celebrated because of the faithfulness it displayed. The accumulation of all the lonely days and sleepless nights didn’t distract her from her worship, but became a part of it. As a result, she was present when Mary and Joseph brought the baby to the temple; she was there to touch the tender cheek of the one she’d prayed and fasted decades for. In living every day, come what may, she didn’t miss the moment. She saw the Lord, her promised king, in infant form.

Isn’t that what we really want?  To see Jesus face to face? To know him so well, we’d recognize him anywhere? Then take heart, dear soul, your years count; each empty, tragic, wonderful one of them.

Love the Lord, all you his saints. The Lord preserves the faithful... Psalm 31:23

- Elizabeth D. 

Our God Shows Up Big

God did save us once for all eternity by his son on the cross. But he didn’t just save us once – a long time ago. He saves us moment by moment and day by day because all of our moments matter to God and he shows up big in each one of them.

As I sat on the couch the other day, a particularly dark moment came over me. It was just one of those moments that happen when life is hard and it hasn’t been easy for quite awhile. I couldn’t pick up my bible to read any encouraging scriptures, or pray and get close to God through communication, or even turn on Pandora to the praise and worship station. I couldn’t get to God. So I prayed, “I can’t get to you, but I need you right now.”

At that moment, my 8-year-old son came down the stairs to put on his shoes. As he was tying his shoe, he looked up and asked, “Mom, do you ever feel like you’re all alone?” 

I fought back tears because I know that God speaks to me through my son. “Yes,” I said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m all alone.” 

He shook his head up and down and then stopped again, looked up, and asked, “Mom, do you ever feel like even God isn’t with you?”

Fighting back tears even harder now, I said, “Yes, sometimes I feel like even God isn’t with me…But I know that’s a lie. I know that he is always with me – even if it doesn’t feel like it.” 

“Ok, I was just wondering”, he said nonchalantly. And he went outside to play.

Then I cried and thanked God for coming to me in a moment when I couldn’t get to him. And I realized he always does that. Our God always shows up. That’s what the cross was about - our God showing up for us when we couldn’t get to him. He never changes and is still that kind of father and that kind of love. His compassion, mercy, care, and comfort is big enough to continue to show up in all the moments after the cross for all of us– especially in the moments when it doesn’t feel like it. 

Our feelings, thoughts, moods, or suffering does not determine the degree in which God is showing up in our lives. Our God always shows up big – whether our pain or joy is big or small. And we feel saved every time we realize that it’s God who is showing up in our lives. Even when it looks like our child, spouse, friend, doctor, career, diet, exercise, medicine, supplement, vacation, or finances – it’s always a resource from God, a good gift, reaching down from heaven and touching the boundaries of our lives – showing up to save us.  

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

~Tara Godard

Gifts, Beauty, Twinkle Lights & Mangers

It is strange to sit in a quiet house in this stage of my life and especially during this busy season.  These days my life is typically anything but quiet.  Tonight my husband took our daughter on a “date” and our son is asleep in his crib, leaving me with an evening to myself full of uninterrupted quiet and I have loved every second of it!  It has been awhile since I have felt full permission to slow down and just be still.  No one was watching. No one needed dinner.  No one was calling for my attention.  No one needed me to do anything for them.  I had waited a long time to experience this; simply being present and it felt like a gift. 

This is the time of year when we rush.  We hurry.  We over schedule.  We squeeze in as many errands, parties, events and celebrations as we possibly can.  We over spend, over eat, over indulge and we generally pay the price.  We set and succumb to unrealistic expectations.  The Most Wonderful Time of the Year often feels like anything but.  Our schedules swirl, but the true spirit of Advent, - this most special time of year- calls us not to just slow down, but even asks us to wait.  It asks us not to spend a dime, only receive.

It is always a struggle to slow ourselves down and savor the true meaning of the season. Children count days until packages can be unwrapped, adults count hours of opportunity to accomplish our to-dos.  We strive and always wonder if we have done enough.  I think what God wants us to remember during this season is that its not about whether we have done enough, it is that He alone is enough.  He is always enough.

This year as I practice celebrating Advent, I am also trying to give gifts that matter along with the gifts I’ve purchased.  I’m trying to give the gift of my full presence wherever I might be (not over-scheduling and giving my planner realistic boundaries).  I am offering my loved ones the gift of my full attention when they are speaking to me (this is hard for me because I often like to multi-task while I’m listening).  I’m working on giving the gift of encouragement wherever I see the opportunity and I’m trying to practice receiving the gift of grace.

I love this time of year.  With faith, we welcome this season of Advent, filled with beauty, twinkle lights and mangers.  We sing familiar songs and bask in the candlelight.  We remember the story that changed the world as we re-read scriptures depicting the birth of our Lord and Savior.  As we journey through Advent, we sing with the angels, remember the shepherds and celebrate with the wise men.  We excitedly wrap beautiful gifts and place them beneath our decorated trees as we anticipate the arrival of God’s gift to us.  We are present as we revel with our families in the wonder of it all.  It is in these moments of anticipation where it feels impossible to forget that life’s truly important gifts are always worth the wait.

Oh, come let us adore Him.

~Sarah L.  

Women of Advent Part 2 ~ Mary

If you’re a parent, then you know the beauty of watching a little life grow. You know what it is to mold character and hone skill; to share afternoon cuddles and races around the house.   And although some days are long, you know, deep down, they are the sweetest you will ever see.

Now imagine.  

You’re an unassuming, somewhat ordinary teenager - albeit engaged to be married - when the angel Gabriel appears to you.  And through his celestial greeting, you learn you’re highly favored of the Lord.

And you are troubled by these words.

As Gabriel assuages your uncertainty, he goes on to explain the Holy Spirit’s plan; that you will conceive a son and call him Jesus, Son of the Most High, and he’ll reign on David’s throne forever.  Being a virgin, this is hard to fathom, so by way of solidarity, he informs you your cousin Elizabeth, who’s old enough to be your grandmother, is also pregnant.  The intended message:  nothing is impossible with God.

And you, defined by your willing service, sign on. 

Then quickly make your way to Elizabeth’s house!  Such wisdom she has.  She knows!  She affirms!  She blesses you and your fears give way to praise and adoration.  

And you stay with her for as long as you can.

But all too soon, decrees are given, hometowns departed, journeys made.  With belly in full bloom, you go to a place you’ve never been, to do a thing you’ve never done, to observe a group you’ve never met, bow before the babe now wrapped warmly and securely by your side.  And you listen, as shepherds recount, while the light of the most significant star illumines the scene.  

You take all this in and hide it deep way down in your heart.

 Mere days later, you present this precious child at the temple, where Simeon, a God-fearing man, prays over him and proclaims he sees the salvation of Israel, and all mankind, in the face of your sweet boy.  

And you marvel.  

But he goes on to say that the little one you cradle is destined to be a figure misunderstood, spoken against, and rejected.  And you, dear mother, will feel the sword thrust through your own soul.

Now Imagine.  

Knowing parental challenges like conquering homework, navigating relationships and teaching the art of good decision making, would pale in comparison to watching your son breathe death for the whole of humanity.

Imagine.  Knowing at the tender beginning, it would end in piercing pain.  

And just a few short months ago, you were a kid without a care in the world.

~Elizabeth D. 

Light of Life

The Light of Life

Standing outside in the sunlight holding a candle, it’s shining but it's light blends with the sunlight around it. So often, only when we cling to that same candle in the darkest of nights can we fully appreciate it and allow it to light our way.  These dark times are most definitely pointing us to the light…

                                                                             

     Sunlight and the Light of Jesus 

You know the light is there. You can see it if you turn your eyes to find it, the candle that you hold. The sunlight causes you to look here and there, taking in all of the beauty that surrounds you.  It isn’t difficult.  It’s as easy as breathing because darkness is nowhere to be found.  The sun is warm on your face.  Each step is illuminated with brilliant rays of golden goodness.  There are too many distractions to name, the green fields, the flowered valleys and the blue skies dotted with clouds.  All is well.  The world is as it should be.  You feel sure footed, stable and secure.  All the while, holding your candle close knowing how valuable it is, knowing that it will be the only source of light to guide your way should you ever end up in pitch black.  You are thankful for the sunlight, thankful for the song in your heart and the skip in your step.  Why would you ever want to leave its splendor?  If darkness was your home how could you sing of joy, find your way or be thankful for it?

 Darkness and the Light of Jesus

You know the light is there. It is all you can see, the candle that you hold. You turn your eyes to find the sunlight and it is gone. You hold on to the candle with a mighty grip. You look here and there and all you see is darkness.  It’s the hardest thing you have ever done. You can hardly breathe because sunlight is nowhere to be found. You are cold. You shake with fear. You cannot find your way out of this pitch black. Where is the goodness you once knew?  It is no more. All you know is sadness and despair. The world is chaos. The darkness closes in around you and you lose your way. You feel volatile and alone. You hold your candle close, knowing how valuable it is, knowing that it will be the only source of light now that you have ended up in pitch black. How can you be thankful for this darkness? How can you be thankful for the ache in your heart and the paralyzing fear in your soul?  There is one thing that is the same, one thing that has accompanied you in both the sunlight and the darkness.  That one thing is the light of Jesus.  He shines bright in your darkness. He is all you have in your darkest of nights. You draw closer to his light than you ever did in the sunlight. His light is the only warmth on your face, the onlylight for your path. He becomes your all, your everything. He shines his light into your very soul, giving you a song to sing when you don’t have your own, teaching you that darkness can be just as beautiful as sunlight when he is in it, slowly replacing your fear and heartache with joy and faith.  Keep hold of your candle and never let it go and whether in sunlight or darkness, all will be well with the world.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

...“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12                                                                                              

May His light shine in your darkness,

Debbie Kirk

Women of Advent ~ Part 1 Elizabeth

Women of Advent ~ Elizabeth

After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.  ‘The Lord has done this for me’, she said.  ‘In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.’  Luke 1: 24-25

As a child, the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed to slow to an unbearable, near slow-motion tick.  Every morning was filled with anticipation for THE morning.  Daily festivities designed to keep our attention diverted from the “count down calendar” (referred to by serious grown-ups as Advent), helped.  A little.

There were parties and pageantry, neighborhood lightings and trimming of trees, season’s greetings from far-away family and friends, and probably best of all, music.  Between Perry Como and Amy Grant, I sang my way through many Decembers.

 But ever looming was the awareness that the pinnacle of the year, the day that made all 364 other days pale in their attempt at glory, was Christmas Day.  Because on that day, children believe that something magnificent lies wrapped beneath the tree, hand picked just for them.

Much of the Christmas story, and our own stories, are enveloped in the belief of what is yet to come.  Elizabeth waited her entire child-bearing years for a baby; when none came, she refused to accept that her advanced age could somehow limit the God she trusted.  And she was right; what seemed ridiculously absurd to hope for, even to her own husband, God gave. They had a son who was “a joy and a delight; filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, in order to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”  That’s pretty over-the-top, Christmas morning type magic! Or as Elizabeth put it, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

30 years after his birth, their son John proved to be the gift that kept on giving.  “The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ.”  But he answered them, “.one more powerful than I will come.”  And when He did, John beheld and baptized the literal, physical form of the most extraordinary, invisible God.

..

Wonder.  Possibility.  Expectancy.

These are the gifts of Christmas Advent. This is how we make our days of longing count; with childlike confidence that the wonders of his love will be revealed in us, and our years of expectant waiting will one day manifest in Joy to the world and Glory to God in the highest!  Our indispensable belief is this: he came as a baby, grew as a man, died as a savior, and lives as king.  Our blessed assurance remains…He is coming again. 

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Even so, Come Lord Jesus.  Revelation 22:20

~Elizabeth D. 

Capturing Gratitude

“I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God”. 

Psalms 9, 1-2. 

A full heart…in my current season of life I read this as a busy heart. A heart that gives to career and family.  A heart that tries to make time for friends, often unsuccessfully.  A heart that overlooks laundry mountains and thrown together dinners around the kitchen island.  A heart that can beat with joy one minute and panic the next. A heart that wants to slow life down before kids are grown and parents have passed.  A heart with good intentions. A busy heart is a full heart.  

In my nearly, ahem, 40 years of life I have learned a secret to slow life down. It’s not a fountain of youth or bogus crème for your crow’s feet.  It’s a camera. And by camera, I mean phone. Someday maybe I’ll venture into a big girl camera, but for now I love having the power to freeze time in my back pocket. It’s a need. It’s a power.  It’s a gift.  An act of gratitude. 

The idea that you can capture gratitude with a click calms my heart. It’s a pause button for life.  The coolest remote control ever. A way for me to show Jesus I’m listening.  Please tell me Jesus can follow my Instagram feed from heaven, right? 

“Hey Jesus, it’s me again. Seriously, oceans? Mind-blowing. Thank you for allowing me to introduce my kids to it for the first time.  Their reaction was priceless. My parents missed this moment with me after the divorce. But remember how I saw the ocean for the first time with you and my youth group?  The ocean helped my 14-year-old brain see a bigger picture. Thanks for that.” 

“Hey Jesus, it’s me again. I used to tell my husband when I get to heaven I would stroll through sunflowers as far as one could see. Like in the Gladiator movie, but way happier. Look what I found! I guess heaven really is on Earth. Good call. “ 

“Hey, Jesus, it’s me again. You know what I like most about tea? That it needs to steep before it’s good. I need to steep more. “

“Hey Jesus, it’s me again. How do you know when to keep holding on and when to let go? I think I get the two confused sometimes. Ok, lots of times.“

In this season of Thanksgiving, go about your day looking to pause moments of gratitude. The more you see…the more you will see.  

Capture your gratitude. Then share it using #hccksgratitude. 

With a full heart, 

Shelisa Welde

Motivation

I started worrying about writing this blog post early on knowing full well I have nothing to write about, nothing to contribute.  You see, my area of “expertise” if you will is teaching…children, families, creativity, art projects, fun stuff.  I’ve contributed to the blog for the past two years on a fairly regular basis but it’s all been in my comfort zone.  I’ve come up with and posted activities to do with your family and your children (remember the paint filled eggs?!) but I felt like this year’s post should be different…and perhaps I should stretch outside of my “comfort zone” a bit more than in the past.

I am in a season where I am struggling with motivation...for anything really.  I struggle for motivation to meal plan, cook, play, read, work out, socialize, craft, shower, look for a house, and the list could go on (rest assured though, despite the lack of motivation, my family isn’t starving and I have actually showered!☺).  My heart aches with the failure I feel as of late.  I know it’s the enemy camping out in my brain and worse yet, in my heart.  

I’m not totally sure why the lack of motivation has presented itself lately but perhaps it has something to do with being stuck inside more with the colder days and darker evenings.  I am finding myself lost in my own thoughts, thinking ahead to situations, wasting time, not being fully present, and not filling myself with God.  I am totally guilty right now of selfish ambitions and not seeking out the Lord.  It feels a bit funny (and a bit vulnerable!) to write that, but it’s true nonetheless.  It’s easy for my focus to not be on the right thing…thinking about upcoming holidays and the surrounding emotions involved, to do lists growing longer by the minute, etc.  I must remember Philippians 4:6 though which reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 

But no amount of any THING is going to change my motivation.  It’s not like all of a sudden I am going to wake up one morning and find my motivation has returned while I slept (how amazing would that be?!).  What will change my motivation is turning to and seeking Jesus more.  Just like the “Shift” series we had awhile back, I need to have a shift of focus right now.  I’m making less time for God when these are the times I need God the most.    

Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

-Julie

Changing Seasons

In just a few short weeks, I will be hosting our family’s Thanksgiving dinner for the first time.  I have overwhelmed my brain with tips, recipes, and enough images from Pinterest to drown me in comparison for years.  I have read so many “How to Cook a Turkey” articles that I almost feel as if I have done this before.  But trust me, I have not!

I’m fortunate in that my mom has always hosted Thanksgiving at her house; the home where I grew up.  She loves having everyone gathered around the table and celebrating well beyond the tryptophan naps.  Her house has long been the epicenter for our extended family gatherings.  However, a personal new season is dawning and all that has been familiar about the holidays is about to change.  I recently learned that my parents have decided to downsize and are moving to a home that requires a little less upkeep.  It is an absolutely natural next step for them, but an unexpected one for me.  

Since learning this news, I have been a mess of emotions, some pragmatic, others impractical.  I’m not proud to admit, but I may or may not have immediately gone over and written my name in a secret spot in their house just because I wanted to leave my mark on the place I called home for most of my childhood. Despite my wide range of emotions in regards to my parent’s move, I always return and camp out under a giant umbrella of thankfulness.  During this Thanksgiving season where we focus on gratitude, it is easy to reflect on the foundation of stability, love and encouragement I was blessed to receive inside of those walls.  

As I am attempting to help my parents prepare for their biggest move in the past thirty-five years (maybe even their lives), I have been captured by the reminder in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: …”   None of us really saw this move coming (except for my parents), but I am certain that this is the exact right time for them to move. God knew when I offered to host Thanksgiving back in June, that we would be in the process of ending one chapter full of memories in my parent’s home while celebrating the beginning of a new era for our family and all of the memories yet to be in their new one. 

God fills our lives with seasons that begin and end in His perfect timing.  We have to let one go before we can fully embrace the next.  He is a good, good Father and He assuredly wraps some beauty and gifts to be discovered by us along the way. So this Thanksgiving, as I juggle turkeys, side dishes, pumpkin pies and a few moving boxes, I will also be holding my open hands toward heaven in deep gratitude. My heart’s eyes will be looking for His blessings along the way.  My prayers will be layered with thanks for His many good gifts, but especially for family and for a sense of “home” that no walls can ever contain. 

(And maybe a little prayer for a turkey that comes out of the oven right on time and actually tastes good! - ha!)

- Sarah L.

Fall into a New Rhythm

Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.  In all that he does he prospers.

Autumn, how we love thee!  We gather your crops and fruits as we marvel at your color.  The countryside is ablaze with your beauty.  Slowly our thoughts begin to simmer with quieter, cozy days ahead.  Fall always beckons me outside with more urgency than its predecessor, tempting me with its pleasing temperatures and vibrant scenery.  Long walks, crunchy leaves and the smell of a campfire is a warm sweater to the soul. Did someone say sweater weather!?  Finally!  

                                 

As summer pushes us over the edge of adventure, fall comes alongside and whispers for us to slow our step and take it all in.  Walks with our little ones beg us to linger, to collect every shade of leaf, all the acorns we can carry and lay long on a soft pile of leaves with our faces to the sky, watching them fall.  These standstill moments are the beginning of a new rhythm. 

Thank goodness we don’t skip from summer, knee deep into snow!  We are gently, gracefully coaxed into the months of hibernation that lay before us.  Slowly but surely we get from point A to point B whether we like it or not.  For some, the thought of winter makes them grumpy!  Others find their happy place when the world is snow white.  I land somewhere in between.  Each year I eagerly welcome fall into winter and all the warm, snug, comfy routines that come with them but by February I’m a bit cranky.

 As the temperatures dip and force us inside, shoulder to shoulder with those we love, may we use this new rhythm to connect more deeply with our families and our God.  Is there a way to embrace this slower pace over without our spirits withering and our minds and bodies going stir crazy?    The season itself can remind us how to slow down and purposefully engage with those around us making the most of this time.

 Abide.  The days ahead are the perfect place to put on our comfy socks and settle into our favorite chair and be still, using these extra hours of darkness to spend some extra time with Jesus.  Abiding in his love, soaking up his word and allowing him to speak life into our hearts, keeping us from withering up like the leaves of the season.

Unplug.  Let’s look into each other’s eyes.  Unplug from our devices and plug into the eyes that are searching for ours.  How splendid it would be if we all forgot where we put our phones, didn’t check social media for more than a few hours and chose to live the life that is right here, right now.

Take a look back.  As we look ahead to a new year it’s valuable to reflect on what got us here.  Times ofrejoicing and days that fought to overcome us but through it all Jesus was faithful and we are changed.  As we remember God’s goodness, journaling can be a beautiful path to reflection.  Be encouraged that it’s never too late to begin!  

Unleash your creativity.  We all have creative threads running through us!  Go ahead, pull them out and weave them through the long days ahead.  Family craft nights could become a tradition.  Be brave, paint your first picture!  Learn to play an instrument or finally try those Pinterest projects you’ve pinned.  Create!

Make room.  Slowing our rhythm naturally allows for more space, more room for what’s important. Maybe reclaiming dinner as a family, making a new friend or reconnecting with one that is lost.  Leaving room for God to speak to us and reveal his plan for our moments.

Name your blessings.  A joyful heart is a thankful heart.  May we search for them as treasure and write them down…maybe in our journal!  What if we woke up tomorrow, with only the things we had thanked God for today…

Blessings, 

Debbie

Why Would I Want to be a Christian When Christians are being Persecuted?

This is the question my 11-year-old daughter asked me. I love how she’s not afraid to ask the hard questions – and is already considering if faith in Jesus is worth the cost. It is a question worth having the answer to – so I did my best to answer her great question.

“Because this short, temporary life is just not as important as the next eternal one”, I explain to her dismay.

“What!? Well this life is important to me! I’m not going to get my head chopped off over a word! I’ll just say I’m not a Christian. What does it matter? I will still know I believe in Jesus and God.” She retorts, angry that I am apparently (to her) not worried about her little life. Which, of course, I do more than words can ever say, as all mothers know.

“They don’t deny Jesus because then others will see how real and important their faith really is – are words and our actions are all we have to show that God is real. No one would die for a faith they were uncertain of. That’s why Jesus’ friends died in the Bible – because they knew their faith was real and wanted others to know it meant more than their life on earth. How would anyone know Jesus is real if they don’t see someone living like they believe it?” I asked.

“I don’t like that God will let us die because of our faith.” She said matter-of-factly.
“Me either. But it’s really not about what we like or don’t like…we just don’t get to choose how we will die. Jesus didn’t want to die for his faith either – but he did. ”

Yep – no great answers to really great questions.

But I believe it’s true. I don’t want to suffer for my faith either. But great convictions convince others of their truth. No one is willing to suffer for a cause they do not believe in – but when people all over the world will suffer and die because of what they do believe…people take notice.
There’s something about that kind of faith – that kind of conviction – that causes people to want to know if it’s true.

The faith that convicts people to love, then that love produces good deeds and helps others – and then others take notice and wonder why someone would love them enough to help them, for what reason?
That love transforms lives and minds and makes people question why they would want to be a Christian.

-Tara G.