I’ve been married for 26 years now. I used to think that our sex life would be forever broken; broken because of misconceptions we both had from our childhood and broken because of sexual mistakes we each made, separately and together. Sex was...
Ten years ago if you had invited me to a Bible study on sexuality, I probably would’ve thought that was weird. Growing up, the extent of information I was given from the Church about sex was that I didn’t need to have it. ...
I spent the first ten years of my life in a Southern Baptist church. Wednesday nights were G.A.’s. Although I never really understood the point of bible drills and I wasn’t sure who Lottie Moon was, I did look forward to those nights...
The idea of “seasons” in a woman’s life was a concept that really resonated the first time I walked through the Ezer curriculum. The idea resonated because I knew personally how true it was....
In my Ezer group, one lady said that comparison is a thief of joy. I thought long and hard about how comparison is beneficial for me since I compare all the time....
Lending strength. When we think of this aspect of being an ezer, the unspoken assumption can be that, out of our surplus we, “the strong ones,” strengthen others, “the weak ones.”...
Kelly Swift has been attending Grace Church with her husband John for seven years. Mother of three, she has always had a special heart for those around her who are in need....
I was treated to a pedicure recently, and it got me thinking about this verse and the beautiful feet that Isaiah speaks of. Obviously the Scripture is not speaking of soft skin and painted nails!...
Ok, I admit it- I like to read about celebrities. On one site I frequent, typical headlines include, “XYZ Celeb Debuts Incredible Post-Baby Body” or “ABC Reality Star Shows Off Slim Bikini Body.” Upon closer inspection, I’ve noticed that these articles make me...
I understand that I am made in God’s image and I believe that he sees me as his beautiful child, but sometimes I feel like I could better embrace that idea if I were just ten pounds lighter....
As someone who has battled being overweight since childhood, pregnancy brings unique challenges to how I handle body image. Shifting my thinking to accept weight gain as necessary and even good becomes a consistent struggle....
That’s what I thought. In the weeks leading up to the Body Matters conference I read the blog posts detailing the struggles women were having with the issues of weight and shape and appearance....
Ahhh, springtime. The time for warm weather, new life, and bathing suit season. Questions like, “do I really need a second helping of dinner? Or are one-pieces finally back in style?” begin to invade my mind....
If you had asked me seven years ago if I was concerned about my body image, I would have lied and told you “no.” I was healthy, fit, and reasonably satisfied with the results when I compared myself to other women. I received regular compliments...
“We’re so glad you’re here! We’ve been praying for older women.” … Attending my first Grace women’s retreat, I looked around the table. Clearly, I was the oldest one there. She was speaking to me!...
My husband plays the violin. It’s old and beautiful. It’s been a long time since he pulled it out, but he did a few weeks ago. ...
Trapped. Disgusted. Hate. Discouraged. Frustrated. Frumpy. These are all words women have used in a recent survey to describe how they feel about their bodies. ...
How can one meaningfully come alongside those who don’t have access to healthy food and are undernourished? Would you be surprised to learn that in 2013 an answer could be gleaning?...
Owning another’s cause. This is the essence of partnering. The giving of oneself, sacrificially and through relationship, to promote and support the dreams, goals, and causes of someone else....
The ability to bring forth and nurture life is one of the great blessings of women. Yet, this encompasses much more than physical life giving....
To be an ezer naturally implies relationship. We invite, nurture, and partner with others. We do not ezer in isolation. Relationships require intentionality, particularly when we are engaging people outside our normal sphere of influence....
If your church no longer existed, would it be missed? Phrased another way,“Is your church essential in the community?” Is the body of believers that make up the local church so involved, so essential in the community that for them to leave would be a...
A woman struggles with spending too much money. She is an out-of-control shopaholic and it is wrecking her family’s financial health as she keeps going deeper and deeper in to consumer debt. Her husband has asked her to stop spending many times but...
Carrie was a hot-headed mom who yelled at her kids when they didn’t behave just as she wanted them to; then she became angry at herself for being angry with them....
“I’m throwing a neighborhood party next week. Who should I invite? Definitely the Smiths, the Williams, and the Goldmans; they are so much fun! Just my neighbors who I really like and know well. What about that new lady from up...