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The urge is strong, when praying, to follow the rules: “Every head bowed, every eye closed.” Jesus doesn’t hear our prayers any better when our eyes are closed. Our prayers aren’t suddenly more effective because we don’t peek.
Have you ever had church outside of church? Have you ever been on a mission trip in a foreign country, and all a sudden you're awash with emotion, feeling, and the confidence that you're right where God wants you, doing exactly what He wants you to do?
Olympic runner Eric Liddell is actually known for *not* running. But he ran all his life and felt God's pleasure. Throughout his 43 years, Jesus was his love, teaching his delight, sports his medium of reaching others, and young people his people group. In a university dorm room, at a mission outpost, or in an internment camp, he consistently shared Christ with winsomeness and love.
A new year brings with it the excitement of a new reading list! It's always a treat to look back and review the books read in the previous year. First, how I rate: If it would be rated 1, I probably didn’t finish it. A book I either did not find compelling or disagreed [...]
Family and friends gathering over the holidays are the perfect opportunities to build relationships! Join the Presently Engaged mailing list and receive my friendly 60-question "Conversations for Christmas" guide. You'll have access to both the e-book and a mobile-friendly version so you can access question prompts on the go this holiday season! Asking and listening [...]
It's hard to pinpoint who first declared, "Music is food for the soul." Perhaps Arthur Schopenhauer first stated it, over 200 years ago. Perhaps Plato inspired the sentiment when he penned "Music is medicine for the soul." Regardless, each sentiment gives voice to the power of music. Music is food for the soul. This statement [...]
When you hear this tune, what words first come to mind? Do you hum "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"? Do you sing "The Alphabet Song"? Do you think, "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep"? Many songs in many languages have used this familiar melody throughout the centuries. In an officially patented Pallock Poll, we all associate it with [...]
Have you ever wanted to have a different name than the one your parents gave you? At times as a kid, I remember not really liking my name Amanda. It just sounded so…straightforward and official, and just a little boring. I experimented with all sorts of names, and after a while I decided that the [...]
We talk a lot about asking specific questions of specific people in heaven. David, what was it like to face Goliath? Eve, what was it like to live in the garden of Eden? Noah, how bad did it smell on the ark? Martha, what was it like to see Lazarus alive again? It's the [...]
The water bottle always goes into the left cup holder. The sweat towel always goes on the right hand side. The speed and incline buttons are accessible, ready to spin the belt speed and incline up or down depending on the desired settings. These indicators tell my brain and body: it’s time for another HIIT [...]
