Vaneetha Risner 7/24/14 Vaneetha Risner 7/24/14

What if the Worst Happens?

Replacing “what if” with “even if” is one of the most liberating exchanges I have ever made. I’ve seen that even if the very worst happens, God will carry me.

Vaneetha Risner 7/10/14 Vaneetha Risner 7/10/14

But I Can’t Feed 4000 People

God doesn’t only bless our work if we pray or have a quiet time. My time with God is not a favor I do for Him, hoping to get something in exchange. But if I skip it, I miss out on hearing His voice.

Vaneetha Risner 6/26/14 Vaneetha Risner 6/26/14

Where is God in the Dark?

Our lowest emotional points bring our most significant growth, our greatest dependence on God and our platform for ministry. It is in these low points that God does His deepest work in us…

Vaneetha Risner 6/19/14 Vaneetha Risner 6/19/14

Really? Grace…for them?

When well-meaning friends have said insensitive things to me when I’m suffering, I’ve been tempted to get angry or even walk away from the relationship. But here’s what I’ve learned

Vaneetha Risner 6/12/14 Vaneetha Risner 6/12/14

Laughter is Serious Business

I love laughing – it has gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life. Here are a few things that I have done to increase the amount of humor in my life.

Vaneetha Risner 5/29/14 Vaneetha Risner 5/29/14

Transitions, Wilderness Treks and Other Uncomfortable Activities

Transitions in life are challenging as we leave the familiar to go out into the unknown. But understanding one profound principle has helped me navigate all my transitions…

Vaneetha Risner 5/19/14 Vaneetha Risner 5/19/14

God’s Dreams are Bigger Than Mine

Writing for me was born out of a tremendous loss. Yet God turned that loss into something bigger than I ever imagined. Because His plans are always bigger than my dreams…

Vaneetha Risner 5/15/14 Vaneetha Risner 5/15/14

When Waiting Hurts

I went through a period of agonizing waiting, looking for signs of whether God would give me what I prayed for. Though the wait felt excruciating, God had changed me in the process.

Vaneetha Risner 5/8/14 Vaneetha Risner 5/8/14

What am I Waiting For?

I’ve never liked to wait but it’s in the waiting that I often see God most clearly and stumble on unexpected beauty when I’m willing to slow down and look for it.

Vaneetha Risner 5/1/14 Vaneetha Risner 5/1/14

Grudging Obedience and Extravagant Grace

I had been consumed with anger and bitterness towards someone who hurt me deeply and irrevocably. But as I forgave her, I was amazed at the freedom and joy it gave me.

Vaneetha Risner 4/10/14 Vaneetha Risner 4/10/14

Scarred

I was bullied as a child and never told anyone. I buried my feelings deep and didn’t know how much that impacted me until God showed me the truth about who I am.

Meghan Newkirk 4/3/14 Meghan Newkirk 4/3/14

Are Scars Beautiful?

For decades I tried to hide my physical scars, because they were ugly and embarrassing. Now I see that scars signify our healing and help us to accept the wounds that have shaped us.

Vaneetha Risner 3/27/14 Vaneetha Risner 3/27/14

This is What it means to Be Held

Natalie Grant’s hit song Held was written by my friend Christa Wells, and the first verse was inspired by my son Paul who died at two months old.

Vaneetha Risner 3/20/14 Vaneetha Risner 3/20/14

Why Doesn’t God Heal Everyone?

I left a healing service unchanged. The pastor said my faith was too weak. But in the not being healed, the crying out to God, the trusting him when it hurts, I have seen God most clearly.

Vaneetha Risner 3/13/14 Vaneetha Risner 3/13/14

Has God Forgotten to be Gracious?

When I am most discouraged, I need to look back over my life and remember God’s faithfulness to me. And as I do, I am often stunned to see all God has done in my deepest suffering.

Vaneetha Risner 3/6/14 Vaneetha Risner 3/6/14

But I Don’t Want to Forgive…

Forgiveness is hard. It often feels like death. But in the end it is more than worth it, as God unleashes His power in us in an unparalleled way.

Vaneetha Risner 2/27/14 Vaneetha Risner 2/27/14

There are more important things in life than walking

I had dinner with Joni Eareckson Tada and was struck with the beauty of her words and her life. She has taught me that surrender is an act of worship.