Take a Step Back

Gwen Smith October 27, 2015Blog, Christian Living, Holy Spirit, Trusting God 112 Comments

I gave her instructions for the job. “Clear the furniture from the room, vacuum thoroughly, and then I will show you how to mop the wood floor.” Once my daughter got through the first two of three steps,

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The Broken Way

Gwen Smith October 13, 2015Blog, Devotions, Encouragement, Fear, Freedom, Healing, Sorrow, Strength, Trusting God, Worry 4 Comments

While at a football game of my son Preston’s, I had a moving conversation with another team mom. It was the first time we’d ever dialogued beyond socially expected niceties.

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Finding Strength in Life’s Firestorms

Gwen Smith October 9, 2015Blog, Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Life Clutter, Prayer, Trusting God, Worship 9 Comments

There is a scene in the whimsical and quirky film The Princess Bride in which some bad guys were chasing the two main characters, Princess Buttercup and Wesley.

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A Soul Poured Out

Gwen Smith October 6, 2015Blog, Christian Living, Devotions, Humility, Prayer, Trusting God, Worship 179 Comments

The Old Testament book of Samuel introduces us to Hannah: a godly woman who had some serious problems.  Her problems weren’t brief and they weren’t simple. 

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A Fresh Brewed Faith

Gwen Smith September 21, 2015Blog, Christian Living, Devotions, Encouragement, Prayer, Trusting God, Worship 23 Comments

Every morning I walk straight to the coffee pot and push the ON button. I’m a total coffee girl. I like a piping-hot,

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The Wrestling Match

Gwen Smith July 10, 2015Blog, Devotions, Holy Spirit, Trusting God 27 Comments

It was the end of the school year.  The sun was blazing in the sweltering high 80s with not a hint of shade to be found on the treeless playground. 

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Boomerang Blessings

Gwen Smith June 25, 2015Blog, Christian Living, Giving, Priorities, Trusting God 49 Comments

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

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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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