Imagine with me, for a moment, a kind of life where people’s opinions no longer matter. A type of existence that is completely satisfied apart from the validation of colleagues and peers. To wake up each morning at peace, filled with hope and purpose for the day, knowing that nothing and no one holds the […]
Emancipation from the Affirmation Trap Read More »
Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries As a writer, I diligently search for just the right words to encourage and uplift my readers. I can work and re-work my writing to make certain it communicates a positive message and edit out any parts that don’t fit my overall goal for the
Careless Words and Broken Eggshells Read More »
Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries Have you ever found yourself in a place where you struggle to enter into authentic worship? I know that I have. Over the past few years, I’ve been wondering what is missing from my worship experience. I still love the Lord. I’m still grateful for
True Confessions of a Distracted Worshiper Read More »
Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries I will never forget that day. I was surrounded by brightly painted walls and the cluttered remains of my sweet children’s playtime, but all I could see was darkness. The toys that were strewn about the room reminded me of the condition of my heart.
To the Mother who is Feeling Worn and Weary Read More »
My heart beats a bit faster. Just breathe, Sarah. Doubts clutter my thoughts. Have faith, Sarah. I feel tension in my shoulders. Relax, Sarah. My head begins to ache. Take a moment to pray, Sarah. I feel unprepared, under-equipped and unworthy of the task that lies before me. But I know, beyond a shadow of
Are you ready for a Spiritual Growth Spurt? Here are THREE symptoms to be watching for… Read More »
Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries This week’s #livefreeThursday prompt from Suzie Eller is “breaking out of my bubble.” I recently broke out of my own bubble by agreeing to do my very first podcast interview with the beautiful Lauren Gaskill from Making Life Sweet. It’s alway a bit scary to
Finding Joy in Our Limitations Read More »
Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries When my husband and I got engaged in 2004, we immediately started looking for a house to purchase. It didn’t take us long to decide on this little gem located on the south side of my hometown. It had a lot of square footage for
What is Your Refinement Assignment? Read More »
Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries I see you. Across the room, sitting quietly in your chair fidgeting with your pen. I see you. Off in the corner, flipping through the pages of your Bible. I see you. Sitting beside me, quietly observing the conversation but never engaging. But, the question
Are you ready to STOP hiding in plain sight? Read More »
Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries Chocolate. Coffee. Spaghetti. French Fries. Pizza. Asking me to define my signature sin is like asking me to pick a favorite food. Impossible. I adore the many tantalizing flavors this life has to offer as deeply as I detest the sinfulness that creeps into my heart
What is Your Signature Sin? Read More »
Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries “I want to be in relationship with people who love me unconditionally,” my mom quietly admitted, tears streaming down her face. Like a dagger to my heart, the truth seeped into my soul and revealed something ugly I had never before seen. I had not
To the Grown Daughter who has Failed to Love her Mother Well… Read More »
At Living by Design Ministries, we believe God’s Word is the only source of absolute truth in a world that praises tolerance and ambiguity. That is why we strive to deliver biblically accurate, relatable, story-driven content to our readers each week.
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