I grew up always being involved in some sort of competitive sport. From a young age, I learned to take my value and stability from my athletic performance. I wasn’t a naturally gifted athlete when I was younger, so I worked hard to earn the approval of others and prove myself, yet with little success. I competed in cross country and track from sixth grade through high school, but it wasn’t until m...

Romans 2:4 — “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”Have you ever taken a moment to really think about the power of this verse? Over the last few months I have, and it continues to blow my mind...and here's why.This verse is completely counterintuitive. My rational mind would think ...

Once upon a time, I was quite serious about my running. I mapped out my training schedule at least 3 months in advance. I picked out the races I would run, my recovery days, my hard days, and my easy days. With 5 kids and a full-time job, I had to schedule tomorrow’s training today to make sure I could get it in. Many times that meant hitting the street at 5 a.m. (or earlier) before the busyness o...

God is on the move, and I am humbled to be part of His work through Pure Encouragement. Every week, I see lives transformed, athletes discovering freedom in Christ, men and women walking in victory over fear, and communities being strengthened through discipleship, prayer, and truth.Since joining the staff in January, I’ve been continually amazed by the stories pouring in. The testimonies I hear d...

Every competitor knows the importance of knowing your role and playing it well. A team only thrives when each player embraces their assignment and gives their best effort for the good of the whole. The same is true in the body of Christ. God has uniquely gifted each one of us, and He calls us to use those gifts diligently and faithfully.Romans 12 reminds us: “Having then gifts differing according ...