An Uncluttered Woman

Gwen Smith March 22, 2016Blog, Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Forgiveness, Friendship, Grace, Life Clutter, Prayer, Worship 102 Comments

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite things to do was to twirl in the grass. With arms out stretched,

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Have You Ever Been Paralyzed by Problems?

Gwen Smith September 24, 2015Blog, Christian Living, Confession, Devotions, Encouragement, Fear, Forgiveness, Friendship, Healing, Prayer, Trials 36 Comments

I love Scripture’s account of when Jesus healed a paralyzed man. Those of us who grew up in Sunday school know it well.

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Friends That Sharpen

Gwen Smith July 7, 2015Blog, Christian Living, Friendship, Giveaways 101 Comments

Whether it’s over a steaming mug of dark roasted coffee, a frilly lunch served at the local sushi restaurant, or a power walk in the wee hours of the morning,

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When the Wrong Place is the Right Place

Gwen Smith March 11, 2015Blog, Christian Living, Encouragement, Fear, Friendship, Trials, Trusting God, Worry 22 Comments

It is completely normal for me to run late. Especially when I’m trying to catch a flight. On this particular day after, however, I arrived at the airport much earlier than normal.

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When God’s Agenda Trumps Yours

Gwen Smith February 27, 2015Blog, Control, Devotions, Encouragement, Fear, Freedom, Friendship, Grace, Holy Spirit, Life Clutter, Love, Priorities, Trusting God 26 Comments

God used a crockpot that day.

Not mine – hers.

Her: the casual friend I ran into at the grocery store who looked put together on the outside but was pulled apart on the inside by a heart-wound that dripped of fear,

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God Make You Mighty, Girlfriend!

Gwen Smith December 22, 2014Beauty, Blog, Encouragement, Fear, Forgiveness, Freedom, Friendship, God's Promises, Grace, Strength, Worship 39 Comments

The Family Life Today radio show once featured an author named Ace Collins who wrote a historical book about Christmas carols.

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Reaching and Teaching

Gwen Smith October 17, 2014Blog, Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Friendship, Giving, Mentoring 59 Comments

One day after I had led worship at church, another worship leader approached me. She is a hip, just-turned-30, Jesus-loving-chick. To my surprise, she asked if I would consider becoming her mentor.

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Add Life to Your Years

Gwen Smith March 7, 2014Blog, Christian Living, Devotions, Friendship, Grace, Grief, Prayer, Sorrow 1 Comment

One difficult morning seven years ago, I wanted to hurl my screaming alarm clock into an abyss. The warmth of my covers and the safety of sleep beckoned my heart to stay,

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Giving and Gaining

Gwen Smith September 5, 2013Blog, Christian Living, Devotions, Friendship, Giving, Scripture, Worship 16 Comments

I pretty much consider myself to have a black thumb. Charcoal, even. I like plants and genuinely try to keep plants healthy and thriving in my home,

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