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Encouragement for every season of lifeThe Body of Christ
It happened a year ago. One year ago, my healthy, active, second-degree black belt husband underwent surgery. Somewhere along his life journey, his hip joint had grown misshapen and, through use, eventually tore his labrum (a sheath of cartilage covering the “ball”...
Audacious Love Inspires Me to Rest
This year's Thrive Conference is a celebration of God's audacious love: What it looks like, how it overcomes our greatest fears, and how it inspires us. We're thrilled to announce that, in conjunction with the conference, we'll be releasing a NEW devotional! On this...
Great Summer Salads
Ah, summer. Picnics, grilling, and an abundance of vegetables straight from the garden. When days get hot, soups and casseroles (or hotdishes, if you live in Minnesota) don’t hold much appeal. Enter summer salads. Our meetings at Bridging the Gap always include food....
Seven Steps to Simplify Back To School
“Direction, not intention, determines your destination.” -Andy Stanley “Back to school” season is here, and we all have visions and intentions of easing seamlessly into the fall season. To make those dreams a reality, however, you will need to pause, reflect, and then...
Grilled Broccolini & Whipped Feta Toast Appetizer
Finding a new appetizer for another neighborhood party can be tricky. You want something tasty, easy, and something everyone will enjoy. These simple yet delicious toasts are just the ticket when it comes to bringing a new appetizer to a party that look like they...
10 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Protect Yourself
In June I had the opportunity to help at Bridging the Gap’s Single Mom’s Retreat. One of the breakout sessions featured a police officer talking to the women about how to protect themselves, and I thought it might be an interesting one to take in. I was hoping I’d...
Is it Me?
When I was in kindergarten, there was a group of girls that were whispering in a circle, looking over at me and giggling. I was mortified. What was so funny about me? What were they saying about me? Tears stung my eyes. I wanted to crawl in a hole. I looked at my...
Top Off Summer with a Good Book!
Any time of year is a great time to read a book but during the summer when days are slower and warmer, grabbing a book and a glass of sweet tea as you head to the deck just sounds so inviting, doesn’t it? But what book would fit the bill? As it so happens, our writers...
Conquering the Grill Grates
Summertime is grillin’ time, right? Actually, we love to grill all year long, though my husband does protest a bit when the temperature drops below zero. He’s also not fond of dirty grill grates. He’s sure they’re going to give him cancer. And I guess since he’s...
Safety Nets
The other day, Kyle asked jokingly why my friend Julie and I argue—or what I like to simply call banter—so much. “Because she is safe for me,” I responded without thinking. And it’s true. Together, through our mutual love and respect for one another, we are allowed to...
