July 11, 2026 ~ arisereply By Jennifer E. Tirrell Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV I almost never leave the house without lipstick on. Not because I think makeup…
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Trusting God with the First Step
The summit of Number 24 of the 48 “4,000 footers” in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Mt. Lincoln | 5089′ (2016 with high school bestie, Amy) While reading Acts 8:26-40 this morning, I did a double take. In my last blog post I wrote about a wrought iron key that appeared in many of my photographs…
A Weathervane, God’s Faithfulness, and Jane’s Secret
God is always at work. He is arranging pieces of our story before we even realize how they will fit together. Like the key in Jane’s Secret. God Was Writing the Story Before I Saw It When I began writing Jane’s Secret, I knew I wanted to write about faith. About the prayers of one…
Swing Wide the Gate
“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” Psalm 24:7 David faced earthly battles much like we do. Scripture calls him a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Perhaps part of the reason is because he continually turned to the…
When God Asks, “Who Will Go?”
In my study time this morning, I noticed a verse in Isaiah and paused. “I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1 (Italics mine) Isaiah’s vision was more than a glimpse into heaven. It was a call to leave the comfort…
Why Be Virtuous?
To Practice Spiritual Disciplines so we are Ready.Through self-control, prayer, and time in God’s Word, we aren’t found unprepared in readiness for Christ (see Matthew 25:2–5, NIV). To Practice Faithfulness in the Small Things.Daily obedience—especially in ordinary or difficult seasons—builds a storehouse of wisdom. Over time, faithfulness forms a life we can steward well. To…
Ready or Not: Hope and Joy in Easter Sacrifice
I became a “woman” on Easter Sunday. I was eleven—eleven and a half, if we’re being exact. I had some idea of what was coming. Two older sisters had gone before me, and I had read Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret like it was a handbook. Still, there are moments that no amount…
Understanding God’s Wisdom and Love
Diagnosis: A.L.S.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NLT Cause unknown. No cure. In ten minutes, I would arrive…
From Rejected to Chosen: The Backstory of Little Sprout and God’s Love
Despite our flaws, imperfections, and moments when we feel like we don’t measure up, God chooses us, loves us, and reveals a beautiful purpose for our lives.