So many tears. I never knew a person could cry as long or as often as I did in those first weeks after discovering my husband’s secret struggle with porn. The tears showed up without warning—in the shower, in the car, in the dark hours of the night when sleep wouldn’t come. I was sure the pain would stop once he fixed himself. After all, it was his fault we were in this mess. I told myself my healing would come when he finally got his act together.

I never imagined this path would lead me to selling my art. I never imagined strangers would want to hang my work in their homes. Today, I create one-of-a-kind pieces, each infused with emotion, faith, and inspiration from the natural world. Every painting tells a story. No two are the same, because every piece is a reflection of a moment — just like that quiet morning under the bay leaf tree.

You’re working. You’re obedient. You’ve said yes to the call of God on your life. You’ve launched the thing. You’ve poured out your heart. You’ve stewarded what He gave you with excellence… and yet? The invitations aren’t coming. The stages aren’t opening. It feels like everyone else is being noticed—but not you. I know that season. I lived that season.

The practice of abiding may take time, but it is so worth it! It can transform your life.  Are you ready to accept the invitation?

As we approach the second half of the year, let us reflect on Ephesians 3:14-20. I pray we remain rooted in love—for ourselves and for others—standing firm in faith, led by God’s Spirit, and energized by His power as we bring Him glory through our words and actions. No matter the challenge, crisis, or storm, each day—as Christ followers—in every human interaction, we have the opportunity to be a light in the darkness.

Maybe you can relate to the following true stories that illustrate the wrestling that often happens when women “walk out” the Kingdom Work that God puts in front of them. (Kingdom Work being the actions that we take in response to our deep desires to fulfill a calling.) 

Build the Storehouse Before the Rain I didn’t grow up dreaming of spreadsheets, systems, or bank reconciliations. And yet, here I...

Kasey was working as an office manager in a campus ministry—ironically, the same ministry where she and Jeff first met. As a creative outlet, she crafted faith-filled paper goods and shared them with the college girls in her ministry. “My best friend Sabrina kept encouraging me to start an Etsy shop. I finally said yes, and that’s how inAWE was born. AWE stands for Ancient Word Eternal. That’s our foundation—God’s timeless truth.”

Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that obedience means staying quiet. That if you’re visible, you’re self-promoting. That if you raise your voice, you’re being prideful. But here’s the truth: when God calls you to speak, it’s not for your spotlight- it’s for someone else’s breakthrough.

God calls our kids to be set apart, not to conform. As Paul instructs, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, NIV). So how do we parent in a way that prepares them to stand strong in a world that’s constantly trying to shape them?

I never expected my marriage to turn out this way. I never thought I’d have to grieve something that was still alive, still standing—at least on the outside. But when addiction and betrayal became part of my story, I realized that grief wasn’t just for things that had physically died. It was for the dreams, the trust, and the love that had been broken.

The power of God Himself lives within us! We have access to the Holy Spirit living with us and in us every day, but few of us know Him or understand what He’s capable of in our lives. Let’s do a little Bible study to look more closely at the Holy Spirit and His characteristics at work within us.

In the midst of this relentless pursuit, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We neglect the treasures of the heart—love, kindness, compassion, and faith—in favor of fleeting material pleasures. We chase after the superficial, only to find ourselves empty-handed and longing for something more meaningful.

Now, the Lord has a special, unique plan for each one of our lives. We’ve each been given gifts and talents, and there are specific things we are meant to accomplish while we are here.

So the next time you feel the pull of "not enough," pause. Take a deep breath. And remember: the God you serve is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you can ask, think, or imagine. And He’s already at work in you.

Lois and Eunice never stood on stage and didn't pen letters that ended up in Scripture. Yet, their legacy was written on the heart of a boy who would help shape the early church.

She stayed through the mocking. She stayed through the nails. She stayed through the silence between His last breath and the earthquake that followed. She was there when most were gone.

He was a beautiful, healthy, and strong child. But in Pharaoh's Egypt, his beauty marked him for execution. To love her son meant to risk everything.

When God gives you a vision, He’s already lined up people on the other side to help you carry it out.

I had left behind a life I loved, full of community and deep connections, only to start over in a foreign place with no one. But God, in His