Masturbation has gone from a taboo subject to a hot topic among Christians. Is it or is it not sinful? Are people who are married exempt? Because the word masturbation doesn’t appear in scripture, some find it easy to argue this act is in no way sinful and can actually be a beneficial practice. While it’s true the word masturbation doesn’t appear in scripture, there are questions we should ask, biblical truths we should dig into, and logic we should consider.   The Problem with Masturbation, Even in Marriage Masturbation feeds a self-centered desire and is typically something done in private. Because masturbation is essentially having sex with yourself, we must…

As we watch the situation in Ukraine continue to unfold, it’s easy to feel anxious and question where God is in the chaos. It’s easy to ask questions like, “Does God care about what’s going on in Ukraine?” “Has he left his children to fend for themselves against their attackers?” “Why doesn’t God put a stop to war?” “What can I do to help?” If you’ve asked yourself these questions, know you’re not alone. But also know that there are answers to your questions. Does God care about what’s going on in Ukraine?  Yes. Psalm 7:11 tells us that God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation every day. The KJV…

Most of us don’t have physically demanding jobs, especially when considering our ancestors who plowed and planted fields by hand. Generally speaking, we live sedentary lives that require us to carve out time to exercise rather than it being a byproduct of our survival. Because we have to be intentional about exercise, it’s easy to take it to two extremes. Most people I talk to either don’t exercise at all or prioritize it over all else. Some have found a happy balance, but, in my experience, most of us lean to one extreme or another. There are a million good and right reasons to exercise, but there are also a…

Our youngest son, Levi, recently turned 18. On his birthday, my husband prayed a special prayer of thanksgiving for Levi’s life, and I made an extra point to tell him how very precious his life is to me. He is, after all, a rainbow baby. I’ve told him this before, but I think it hit me harder this year as Levi was preparing to go away for college. When I told him this, he smiled. He knows how much he’s loved. But he doesn’t understand the full weight of what it means to be a rainbow baby. And I pray he never does. What Is a Rainbow Baby? Why a Rainbow? A…

How do you define intimacy? Your mind might immediately go to sex, or you might picture going on a long walk while holding hands or cuddling up on the couch to watch a movie. Maybe intimacy to you is good, deep conversation or going on a grand adventure; anything as long as you’re together. Regardless of what intimacy means to you, it can be affected by outside influences. If you or your spouse have been struggling with intimacy lately, read on. Let’s explore 10 factors that might be at play in your struggle. 1. Stress Stress can affect every area of your life and your overall health. If you’re struggling…

I remember a conversation with two friends of mine, both of whom had sons fighting for their lives. One had an incurable disease; the other was addicted to drugs and suicidal. What struck me was the difference in attitude between these two women. The woman whose son had the incurable disease was, understandably, stricken with grief from knowing that her son would not live much longer. Yet she grieved with hope because her son knew the Lord. The woman whose son struggled with addiction and suicidal ideations was stricken with grief over what seemed like an inevitable fate. Her grief was noticeably different because her son did not know the…

When my children were young, they said prayers that melted my heart! They prayed for their dad and me, for each other, for their grandparents, and it was so, so sweet. They also spent a good bit of time asking God for all the things they wanted, like new Lego sets and board games. While I’m sure the Lord delighted in those heartfelt prayers, I realized my boys needed to think beyond themselves and their immediate family and learn to pray for the needs of others. This is when I learned the challenges of teaching someone to pray. I didn’t want to criticize my children’s prayers, yet they did need…

February 14th is meant to be a day dedicated to celebrating romantic love, friendship, and admiration. Yet we all know this day is typically focused on romantic love, which can leave our single brothers and sisters feeling left out and lonely. Whether single by choice, by divorce, or through the death of a spouse, this day can be one of dread, as it can be a reminder of love yet to be or love that once was. One thing to remember is that Valentine’s Day can also be stressful for those in a relationship. Many complain that this holiday ensues unnecessary stress and unrealistic expectations. If you’re married or in…

Maybe you knew before you got married that his mother didn’t approve, or perhaps something changed over time. Either way, his mother not approving of you can cause immense heartache and strain on your marriage. While I’ve written this with married women in mind, these principles apply in a dating relationship, during an engagement, or really, to any strained relationship. So, what should you do if his mother doesn’t approve of you? 1. Take It to God It’s possible for your mother-in-law to disapprove of you and still treat you with extreme love and kindness, but sadly I think that’s rare. Most disapproval is played out in harshness, a lack…

Some shout from the rooftops that they are in marriage counseling and, because of their good experience, encourage all married couples to follow suit. Others take a more private approach and prefer to keep their season of counseling to themselves. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, please be assured that seeking and receiving biblical marriage counseling is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. In heaven, we will perfectly live out our role as the bride of Christ. But sadly, on earth, our marriages are tainted by sin and are undoubtedly imperfect. Seeking help to make your marriage as strong and God-honoring as possible is a sign of strength,…