We have a Father, and He cares about our internal world - issues of motive, issues of fear, issues of validation.

When our Christ was taken, Peter failed to stand with him. He denied him, Abigail. It broke his heart. But it also perhaps made him into the man he is today. "But Peter also warns us, continually, that we are not able to stand in our own strength. We need God's presence with us. We must pray that God will keep us strong for whatever lies ahead and faithful to the end. And we must encourage one another. Daily.

She whispered, "What of love?" "Bah. Love is for poets and princes. For the likes of us, we must hope for a tomorrow without pain." Dorit must have seen the sorrow shadow Leah's eyes, for her voice gentled. "My little one, listen carefully to what I say. You must set such futile dreams of love and happiness aside. And you must plan.

A wonderful truth engulfed her. She was safe. They were all still safe. As long as they followed the ways of God, they had nothing to fear. He was holy—but he was just. And as long as they followed their godly leaders—like Peter, like Stephen—they would remain protected and on the right path.

She sat silent, looking straight ahead. What did he care about the hot sun on her head? What did she care? Nothing worse could possibly happen to her.

It's not work that kills [people], it is worry.

A conviction that you are a daughter of God gives you a feeling of comfort in your self-worth. It means that you can find strength in the balm of Christ. It will help you meet the heartaches and challenges with faith and serenity.

My passion is to help people live lives with less stress.

I'm one of the world's most self-conscious people. I really have to struggle.

I've learned a lot since I was a new mother. My approach to struggle and shame now is to talk to yourself like you'd talk to someone you love and reach out to tell your story.

Our prayers can and should be focused on the practical, everyday struggles of life.

We must pray without ceasing and come to Him all the more humbled and yielded in obedience. But we must never stop seeking His help, because I know He hears us. I know He cares.