Author: Crystal Stine

Better Than Our Own

Joseph’s story is an encouraging example of how God’s plans are better than our own, even when we don’t understand what is going on.  Joseph had dreams, literally, about what God had promised to do in his life. He dreamed He would be a leader and that even his brothers

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Don’t Give Up

I sat in the school drop-off line with my daughter the morning after one of her soccer games. We were both weary and frustrated by the outcome of the game, and she was telling me about all the things that didn’t go according to plan. It was an extensive list

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Sing to the Lord

I love worship music. Some of my most powerful moments with God have been during worship, listening to the body of Christ praising His name. When I close my eyes and focus on the words I’m singing back to the Lord, I’m more aware of the presence of the Holy

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Nothing Is Impossible

One of my favorite parts about the story of Elizabeth is the way loving female friendship is featured. Elizabeth and Mary were relatives who were chosen by God for incredible tasks, and they praise God together while they honor and support one another with humility and love.  Here’s the thing

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Hope Unseen

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.” –Romans 8:26 The most significant moments of growth in my walk with God have come from the deepest valleys of

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The Door and the Shepherd

“I am the door. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. “I am the

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Becoming Less

“The Father loves the Son and has placed all things under his authority. The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on him.” –John 3:35–36 I’ve never been great at group projects. Whenever I

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Better Than Our Best

Friends, we have journeyed a long way since our first week together in this study. I wish we could gather around the table and share how God has met us in these pages of His Word, the victories we’ve experienced as we stopped hiding behind the mask of perfection, and

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Imperfect Faith

When I was in elementary school I had a habit of claiming I’d read the latest book or knew the most popular song, even though it wasn’t true. Not only did I want to fit in with my peers and be part of their conversations, I felt very strongly that

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I Am A New Creation

“So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Who do you think you are?  The way that question is asked can either cause us to stop and think, or immediately make us

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