No matter where you find yourself (physically) this holiday season, and regardless of where your heart is (emotionally) as Christmas approaches, you can come home and are always welcome home (spiritually).
Read MoreLike Mary, let’s treasure the arrivals, beginning and coming, and the uncertainty they carry, by pondering them in our heart, and surrendering them to God.
Instead of allowing the uncertainty to cause anxiety, let’s rest is the safe and sacred space of God’s grace. He loves our children far more than we can fathom, and His plan will prevail in the beauty of His sovereignty.
Read MoreIntentionality is the key that unlocks possibility. It won’t ever happen if you never start, but when you see the benefits of simply starting a spiritual discipline, you’ll want to stay the course to see it become a holy habit.
Read MoreWe can actually say right and good things in a wrong and bad way. Our tone, temperament, and timing are important. We can say all the right things in all the wrong ways. Instead our words should always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, avoiding any unwholesome talk.
Read MoreSo, we can stay in the vicious cycle of striving for more, or we can stay in the victorious place of grace, being helped and held by Him, knowing Jesus is all the more we will ever need.
Read MoreOur feelings are real—but they’re not always right. In When Fickle Feelings Lead Us to a Faithful God, Tabitha Deller invites readers to place their ever-changing emotions under the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Through Scripture and gentle encouragement, she reminds us that while feelings fluctuate, God remains steadfast. When we surrender our emotions to Him, we discover freedom, peace, and confidence to follow His faithful lead—because His truth never changes, even when our feelings do.
Read MoreIn There’s Beauty in the Broken When We Stay to Be Remade, Tabitha Deller reminds us that even when life feels messy or marred, God—the Master Potter—is still shaping something beautiful. Through the powerful imagery of Jeremiah 18, this devotional invites readers to trust God’s timing, embrace His grace, and stay in His hands as He lovingly reworks every broken piece into a masterpiece of His design.
Read MoreIn I Write Words, but He Rights Hearts, Tabitha Deller shares how writing becomes worship when surrendered to God. This heartfelt reflection invites readers to see creativity as a calling—where the words we write point to the Word Himself. Through Scripture and personal reflection, Tabitha reminds us that true influence comes not from content, but from Christ—the One who helps, gives hope, and changes hearts.
Read MoreThe world around us is always changing—especially in fall, when leaves fade, air cools, and beauty fills every corner. Yet even as the seasons shift, one truth remains: God never changes. In this heartfelt reflection, I share three reminders from autumn that point us back to His unchanging love, His steadfast presence, and His everlasting light.
Read MoreIn a world overflowing with noise, opinions, and endless scrolling, there is only one foundation that will never fail—the Word of God. When all else crumbles, Scripture stands faithful and true. Stop scrolling. Start seeking. Build your life on the unshakable truth that satisfies every hunger and anchors every storm.
Read MoreMaybe you, like me, need this message today…
I have been so burdened lately by all the ugliness I see in the world around me, but I know the reality is that sometimes the ugliness I see can reside in me.
It’s the condition of our humanity, mere symptoms of our sin disease.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23, ESV)
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—” (Romans 5:12, ESV)
I’ve cried. I prayed. I’ve read God’s Word. I’ve actually done these three things more lately because I’ve seen just how ugly sin can be, and just how necessary it is to address it and confess it so we don’t wrongly express it.
I’m calling it heart work because that’s what it’s been for me. Looking inside my own heart for the things that break the Father’s heart so I can get rid of them and get right with Him.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
My encouragement to you…
Read MoreLiterally. Emotionally. Spiritually.
It’s been a week of heavy headlines as we’ve witnessed evil on display in real time. Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the senseless murder of Iryna Zarutska in North Carolina aren’t the first time we’ve seen pure evil with our very own eyes, and they won’t be the last, but why do they seem more blatant now than in the past?
Just like many of you, I’ve been unable to shake the heaviness I feel, and I’m convinced the weight of the burden is because spiritual warfare is real.
Evil is dark. Truth is light. Darkness leads to death. Light gives way to life. There is a war waging between the two, and it has been won by only one, but the battle is ongoing until our time on earth is done.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)
Read MoreMaybe not always in our timing or the way we would, but His timing is perfect, His ways are higher, and His answer is always worth the wait and so much better than we could ever fathom.
So, just keep watching Him work…on the days it’s super evident and on the days it’s somewhat subtle, you have to look a little harder and dig a little deeper to truly see what He’s doing behind the scenes, below the surface, and on a deeper level.
Fruit is produced from the seeds of our prayers, and the longer we allow it to ripen while we wait, the sweeter that fruit will be!
Watching God work to answer our prayers (whether precisely or a little more methodically) is a beautiful thing, and the beauty of it all is further enhanced by our praise.
So praise Him now for the answer you see clearly today or the answer that may still be on the way.
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14, ESV)
Read MoreI’ve had a head and heart FULL of thoughts and feelings about the FULLNESS of God.
The word fullness implies being filled to capacity, and when referring to the fullness of God, it includes every aspect of who He is in all His Glory.
His love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, truth, and sovereignty are all far beyond our capacity because they are greater than anything we can ask, imagine, or fathom.
A few days ago I was out shopping for luggage with my son as he prepares to study abroad. When planning and packing, he has to keep in mind the airline restrictions when it comes to his checked and carry on bag dimensions. He can’t go over capacity in length, height, width, or weight, or it’ll cost him.
But that’s not how it works with the fullness of God. There are no restrictions, limitations, or stipulations.
His love is unconditional and everlasting.
His mercy dives to the deepest depth.
His grace reaches to the highest height.
His forgiveness spans the greatest expanse.
His truth is the standard for all credibility.
His sovereignty oversees all authority.
And the fullness of God can never be depleted or defeated. It never runs out, even though it is forever spilling out and filling us.
When we are full of Him, there’s no room for the things that keep us from Him, so when this crazy world we live in, bumps us again and again, His fullness spills out of us and onto others.
The fullness of God — with our head, we will never fully comprehend it, but with our heart, we can fully experience it.
Read MoreTis the season of send offs
From first day bus waves
To fall semester move in days
Learning to let go
Helps us all to grow
In oh so many ways
We cling so tightly because we care so deeply, and if that’s true, for me and you, just imagine how tightly God is clinging to us all as we learn this lesson of letting go.
His grip is greater than ours.
His love is deeper than ours.
His ways are higher than ours.
And that’s more than enough to keep them close as we let them go.
His plan will continue to work out, play out, and stand out center stage against the backdrop of our surrender.
So what do you say we trade the white knuckles of clenched fists for the white flag of surrendering our will to His?
We can let go
Knowing He never will
He’ll hold them fast
And keep them close
Working out His Will
Behind the scenes
Bringing greater things
From firsts to lasts
And all the in betweens
We can trust Him in the send offs
Every moment, milestone, and memory made
Learning as we let go
Knowing we all will grow
Read More“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16, ESV)
Grace upon grace
Not just enough
But more than enough
And endless supply
That extends beyond this space and time
This morning, this verse deeply resonated with me as I find myself (still) in the midst of this season of letting go.
I’ve experienced so much of God’s grace in this sacred space.
And this is what He spoke to my heart, and I will pass on to yours, because maybe you need to hear it, too…
Give up (trying to control it all) but don’t give up (trusting He’s in control of it all).
It is possible to give them up to Him without giving up on them or on Him.
“There’s no way to be a perfect parent, but a million ways to be a good one.” — Jill Churchill
Look for just one of those million today, and do that one well.
Have a good cry (sometimes you can’t stop the tears from flowing), but then wipe the tears and carry on, because a mother’s work is never done (and with God’s help you and your kids won’t stop growing).
Empty nest does not mean emptiness.
Life can be lived to the fullest at every age and life stage when our cup is filled by Christ alone.
Yes, the fullest and best days are ahead, because we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, and our children are doing it, too.
They are not ours. They are lent to us to give to Him over and over again. It’s in that kind of giving up we receive the strength we need to truly let go.
Embrace the grace in the sacred space
Over and over again
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow
Because each new day
Holds new mercies
More grace
Grace upon grace
“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16, ESV)
Read MoreThe Beauty of Becoming…
One day you will be older and wiser, and yet not that long ago, you were young hungry.
I’m not sure what’s best, but I think it’s probably best to learn from both.
Biblically, they both have place and purpose in the family of God, and they both can be used powerfully by God to further His Kingdom.
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” ~ 1 Timothy 4:12 NLT
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” ~ Titus 2:3-5 ESV
So learn and grow older and wiser, but keep growing and learning as you stay young and hungry.
Grow in maturity, and as you grow more mature, always be open to learning more. Never think you’ve arrived. Always be teachable, because when you are, others are more reachable.
Embrace the age you are now. Celebrate where you’ve been. Anticipate where you’re headed. It’s a wildly beautiful process.
We experience the best of both worlds when we learn to live in the tension of the two, and then live to learn from the tension of the two. Don’t despise the one you’re not yet and don’t neglect the one you once were.
Step into multigenerational spaces. No matter your age or life stage, always have someone older and wiser pour into you, so you can overflow and pour into someone that’s young and hungry.
Live to grow. Grow to live. At every age and life stage.
“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT
Read MoreFive things I’m learning as a wife, mom (of men), and follower of Christ in this season of life…
1️⃣ Humility is the key that unlocks true beauty. Beautiful things catch my eye more quickly when my eyes are not on me. Letting go of selfish desires allow me to embrace the things my pride threatens to take away. Beauty is more securely held with a looser grip, because it’s held fast in Him, not me. I must be held by Him to behold true beauty from a place of humility.
2️⃣ Life is short, but love is long. When I surrender the temporary, I remember the eternal. This life will pass, but God’s love will always last, and that’s what I want to be continually receiving from Him and giving to others.
3️⃣ Boys will be boys who grow up to be men who will be men, and that’s OK, because that’s the way God created them, that’s what He uses to steer them, and He will not lead them astray when they are following Him. I may not always understand them, but I can trust them to a God who does.
4️⃣ When in doubt, pray it out. I’m a verbal processor, but processing it all with God first helps me to communicate it to others best. My mantra is to “pray more than I say.” My words to Him are more powerful than my words to them.
5️⃣ Ministry is far more than what you see. As an author, speaker, and teacher, I can sometimes measure effectiveness in ministry by the things I’m producing, the likes and follows, the ratings and reviews. And while I know all those things are important, the most important aspects of ministry to me have become the things that are going on behind the scenes, beneath the surface, when no one‘s looking. That’s where the seeds are planted, the work takes place, and it can all grow in grace so my marriage, motherhood, and ministry can blend together in perfect harmony.
The beauty in each season is more noticeable in the change of seasons. One ends, another begins, and while we may miss things about the previous season, we can embrace and enjoy the one we’re in, love and laugh with the ones we’re with, and look forward to all the next one holds.
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven….Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11, NLT)
Read MoreTo all the mamas out there feeling all the feels of May, this is for you…
On this first day of May, I woke up thinking about all the “May things.” Things that touch the heart, trigger the emotions, and for me, turn on the tears.
In our family, we have so much to celebrate, a few moves to make, and lots of life to keep living in the midst of it all.
May, for me, and maybe for you too, is a reminder that these children of mine are not really mine at all. They are His and have been all along.
May is a month of transition. School wraps up as summer ramps up. Ceremonies and celebrations fill the calendar page, and Pomp and Circumstance plays as they march across the stage.
And each stage, and each May, has meaning and purpose as we walk with our children through the stage of life they’re currently in, from childhood to adulthood, learning to embrace with grace the most important lesson of motherhood…
We can let go because He never will.
I heard a song recently that reminded me of the truth we must cling to as we let go of them.
And ironically, the lyrics liken letting go to giving birth.
Mama, I know letting go is hard, but I also know trusting God is good. It’s good for them. It’s good for us. God’s got us all, and He won’t let us go. It’s a lesson we all have to learn, and these May days are some of the best teachers.
We may be letting go of them, but He will never let go of any of us.
{“I Won’t Let You Go” by Switchfoot}
🎶When it feels like surgery
and it burns like third degree
And you wonder, what is it worth?
When your inside’s breakin’ in
and you feel that ache again
And you wonder, what’s giving birth?
If you could let the pain of the past go
of your soul
None of this is in your control
If you could only let your guard down
If you could learn to trust me somehow
Well, I swear that I won’t let you go
If you could only let go your doubts
If you could just believe in me now
I swear that I won’t let you go
I won’t let you go
When your fear is currency
and you feel that urgency
You want peace,
but there’s war in your head
Well, maybe that’s where life is born
when our façades are torn
Pain gives birth to the promise ahead🎶
Read MoreI know I share a lot of thoughts in this space, and most of them are echoes reiterating the same message, because it’s a message that is the very reason I write the words I share.
My words are fueled by my faith. They start and end there, because this is my heart’s prayer…
Father, thank you for loving me, and thank you for saving me. Draw me closer to you that I may see you more clearly, love you more dearly, and walk with you more nearly as I seek to know you more and share your love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
And God keeps answering that prayer through the ups, downs, twists, and turns of the life lessons I continue to learn. It’s actually through those lessons that the complexities of Christianity become a simpler reality for me because the Holy Spirit helps me see them through the lens of my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
In this world, there are a lot of decisions vying for our immediate attention, but there is one decision, I believe, is the most important decision we’ll ever make.
So, I’m inviting you to simply push pause in your day, stop scrolling, and give me just a few minutes to tell you about this life changing decision that requires your undivided attention.
First of all, God loves you (us).
The creator of the universe created it all with you (humanity) in mind. He loves us, and He desires a relationship with us, but when He created us, He gave us the free will to choose to love Him or not. And it’s because of that free will that we sometimes choose to go our own way which is called “sin” because we miss the mark of the standard set by Holy God.
Secondly, sin separates us from God.
You see, we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We literally, because of our sin, are separated from Him...spiritually dead. And as long as we go our own way, do our own thing, live by our own standards, we stay separated from God.
But...
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” ~ 2 Peter 3:9
A price had to be paid because a way had to be made.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~ Romans 6:23
God loved us so much that He sent his son Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin and reconcile us back to Him.
“but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God...” ~ Isaiah 59:2
“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ~ Romans 5:8
Jesus’s death was the price that had to be paid, and His resurrection was the way that was made.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” ~ John 14:6
His great love was manifested in His amazing grace.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ~ 1 John 1:9
If you’ve never accepted God’s free gift of salvation through confession and repentance of your sins and trusting God’s forgiveness and righteousness to cleanse you from them and reconcile you back to Him, would you do that today?
It is the most important decision you’ll ever make.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ~ Romans 10:13
If you have called on the name of the Lord for your salvation, join me in the same prayer with which I started this post. May it be our prayer from now until eternity…
Father, thank you for loving me, and thank you for saving me. Draw me closer to you that I may see you more clearly, love you more dearly, and walk with you more nearly as I seek to know you more and share your love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” ~ 2 Timothy 1:6-10
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