The Holy Shift Blog

Thoughtful reflections, honest stories, and fresh perspectives on Jesus and the upside-down kingdom—inviting you into deeper love and life with Him.

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Conversation Christine Crawford Conversation Christine Crawford

Difficult vs. Destructive Relationships

FROM LYSA TERKEURST: Difficult relationships require patience, grace, and hard work, but they don't fundamentally threaten our well-being. Destructive relationships, however, actively damage our emotional health and compromise our safety, wholeness, and sense of self.

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Creativity Christine Crawford Creativity Christine Crawford

Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage

ANIMATED EXPLANATIONS FROM BIBLEPROJECT: What did Jesus actually teach about divorce and remarriage? There's a lot of confusion on the subject, and understanding the historical context helps clear up the theological confusion.

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Creativity Christine Crawford Creativity Christine Crawford

Remember That?

REFLECTION BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: When you came to understand she was worthy of safety, dignity, and kindness, you would return to her. Because you believed her, and loved her, and celebrated her. Because she was not invisible. And she was not nothin’.

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Creativity Christine Crawford Creativity Christine Crawford

What if the Valley...?

REFLECTION BY CHRISTINE CRAWFORD: What if our hurts, questions, and doubts are the very thresholds where we are most tenderly met, deeply known, carefully held, gently stretched, and finally made whole?

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Creativity Christine Crawford Creativity Christine Crawford

Slowing Down with Scripture

FROM SOUL CARE: Soul Care invites you into a quiet moment of connection with God through the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (Latin for “divine reading”), which is a prayerful way of engaging with Scripture, not to study or analyze it, but to let it speak to your heart. Whether your week feels rushed or restful, this is a moment to be still and let God speak.

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Conversation Christine Crawford Conversation Christine Crawford

Run at Your Own Pace

BY LAURA L. SMITH: God wants goodness for you and me. But someone else’s pace is not necessarily my best pace or yours. As long as you’re tracking with God and his plans for you, you are right on time.

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Conversation Christine Crawford Conversation Christine Crawford

Slowness Over Speed

WISDOM FROM PETE SCAZZERO: We live in a world addicted to speed. Everything around us screams, “Move faster. Produce more. Achieve now!” And if we’re honest, that same pressure seeps into our ministries and leadership.

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Conversation Christine Crawford Conversation Christine Crawford

Emotional Rest

BY DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH: Emotional exhaustion affects brain function, making it harder to focus, make decisions, and regulate mood. Over time, this can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout. If you've been feeling constantly fatigued, irritable, or disconnected, it may not be physical exhaustion you're experiencing—it could be emotional depletion.

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Conversation Christine Crawford Conversation Christine Crawford

Rest Quiz

BY DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH: Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could know for sure that you’re getting the type of rest you need to truly thrive?Take this quiz and find out what type of rest you need to live your best life!

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Conversation Christine Crawford Conversation Christine Crawford

Mental Rest

BY DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH: Rather than striving for perfection, what if we approached our goals with a focus on mindfulness (mental rest) and spiritual rest? Mindfulness invites us to intentionally focus on the present without judgment. It offers a powerful way to work toward resolutions while preserving mental rest and resilience.Let's choose a restful approach to resolutions. Here are 3 Restful Resolution Strategies to help you achieve your goals without stress or shame:

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Conversation Christine Crawford Conversation Christine Crawford

Abundant Simplicity

BY JAN JOHNSON: Simplicity is often misunderstood. As a discipline of abstinence, it does involve setting aside certain things, but it’s much more about making space for God in your life and living in the beauty of that space.

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Creativity Christine Crawford Creativity Christine Crawford

And All Shall Be Well

ART + REFLECTION BY SOFIA RECTOR: Leaves fall in the late autumn to reveal bare branches--but also hope: furry buds tightly curled, awaiting spring warmth.

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Creativity Christine Crawford Creativity Christine Crawford

I Will Hold You in the Light

A BLESSING BY EMILY P. FREEMAN: I will hold you in the Light honors the imago Dei, the Divine image-bearing identity of every human. It reminds us that we don’t have to say perfectly eloquent words or make elaborate requests of God.

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