Category: newsletter

>>> when scripture is used against your body

Bible verses are sometimes taken out of context to create spiritual standards for body size. This week, I started a series on social media to discuss passages that have been used against larger-bodied believers. Here’s the first one:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Perhaps these verses have been used to call into question your spirituality or your ability to honor God in your body. However, the context of 1 Corinthians chapter 16 is sexual immorality, not diet or body size. The Bible states no preference and makes no requirement for body size, not in 1 Corinthians, or any other passage. When choosing people to serve Him, even in leadership, God says that He looks at the heart, not at outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

The world—and some Christians—clearly despise and dishonor fat bodies. However, God values every body. Believers of all sizes can honor God in the bodies they have right now.

>>> read my article in salt + sparrow‘s online publication

This week I was featured as a contributing writer for the inspirational and encouraging publication Salt + Sparrow. You can read my devotion here: “When God Asks You to Surrender Control”.

I would be so blessed if you visited Salt + Sparrow to read the article and left a comment for me!

>>> new podcast episode

This week, you can listen to part 3 of the mini-retreat webinar I hosted in early August. Episode 2.13 explores the need to ask God hard questions like, “Where were You when this happened to me?” We’ll talk about how these questions aren’t disrespectful to God; they’re a necessary process that builds our trust in Him. We‘ll press into God’s presence through a spiritual writing exercise, and close our time with a song of worship led by Brynn Goodwin.   You can listen here: pressing in podcast

Have a wonderful weekend!

>>> He sees you

That mistake you keep revisiting— forgive yourself the way I have already forgiven you.

That thing you need— I haven’t forgotten. You can trust Me, beloved.

That doubt rising up in you— I can increase your ability to trust Me if you ask.

That loved one you are so worried about— I love them and I will never let go. Release them into My care.

That longing in your heart— I am working on it. Are you willing to wait on Me?

That fear regarding the future— I go before you to make a way. Put your hope in Me and my love for you.

>>> my next book

I’m excited to share news about my next book! Some of you know that I have been doing research for a body image devotional for almost a year, but God has asked me to set that aside for now. (No worries, we will get back to that!)

This summer, God ignited a passion in me to help people connect with Him in tangible ways. At the end of my recent webinar, I felt very strongly that the material I shared during that two hours was the jumping point for a new book that will help people open the door to Jesus in life-changing ways. A few days later, a friend who attended the webinar online texted me and asked if I was writing another book. I explained how the Lord had been leading me, and she replied by saying that during the webinar she thought that the teaching and exercises I shared should be in a book. It was the confirmation I needed to start moving forward. Please pray for me as I work on the manuscript, that the Holy Spirit would do the writing!

>>> new podcast episode

This week, you can listen to part 2 of the mini-retreat webinar. Episode 2.12 explores how we often believe that we’ve been disconnected or distanced from God when in reality, we’ve only been disconnected from the awareness of His presence.  But we’re not just talking about these things! We‘re opening our awareness to God’s close presence through a spiritual exercise, and closing things with a song of worship led by Brynn Goodwin.  You can listen here: pressing in podcast

>>> 3 simple prayers for when you are struggling to let go

Have your way, Lord.

Not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42

Lord, I trust in you. You are my God. My life is in your hands. Psalm 31:14-15 ERV

>>> watch my mini-retreat webinar on youtube

>>> OR listen to the webinar on the podcast

Part 1 of the webinar was featured on this week’s podcast! The episode includes a short teaching, a spiritual exercise designed to draw us directly into God’s presence, followed by some worship. If you’re feeling disconnected from God, you will be SO blessed by this episode! Click here: Pressing In Podcast