The goal of spending a year with Jesus is to learn how to pray. Our prayers do not start with us. They start with Jesus. Before we ever open our mouths in prayer, Jesus is praying for us. Despite much talk to the contrary, there are no secrets to living the Christian life.

My friend Ellie Lofarro is a “Why not?” kind of girl. She’s always up for an adventure. She recently went on a mission trip to Costa Rica. Afterward I had to smile when she wrote: The mission trip to Costa Rica was like all mission trips: amazing.

One of the flaming missiles I frequently have to battle is my feeling of being totally imperfect and unworthy of God’s love. I doubt His ability to mold me and use me as He pleases.

How many followers of Jesus love life? I mean really love life, with palpable energy. Have you seen them? There are a few out there. I have met one or two. They are good people to be around. You feel encouraged. You feel safe. You actually really want what they have.

“Where is your brother?” God had asked him. Cain winced as he remembered his answer, which he had also tried to bury, but like his recurring nightmare, it didn’t stay buried because something deep within wouldn’t allow it. “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

When I was a young mom, a friend opened up my dusty bible and showed me that what Jesus had done on the cross two thousand years earlier was for me. Until that time, I hadn’t understood that heaven was a promise from God, guaranteed by His Son’s death.

Reading the Bible turns up some surprises. The biggest surprise for many is how accessible this book is to those who simply open it up and read it. Virtually anyone can read this Bible with understanding .

God’s word is personal address, inviting, commanding, challenging, rebuking, judging, comforting, directing—but not forcing. Not coercing. We are given space and freedom to answer, to enter the conversation.

The woman described in Proverbs 31 has been my mentor for many years. I have learned from her wholehearted example of living out her everyday life for God. The priority in this woman’s life is seen in verse 30 – her fear of God.

The Sabbath is defiance against function. It’s permission to waste time. It really is. It’s one day a week where God says, “Don’t do any work. Enjoy me. Enjoy food. Enjoy people. Prioritize relationships. Waste time .”