Category Archives: Self-Improvement

Signs of God

Posted on June 22, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

From Costa Rica to Colorado, this reflection explores how the beauty of nature and the kindness of people point to the fingerprints of a creative and compassionate God. Discover the signs of God in everyday life—if we only take the time to look.

The reflection also incorporates how God works through others (including us) to answer prayers, and how we can become signs of His presence in the lives of those around us. Learn to recognize—and become—signs of God in everyday life. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Truth, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Devotionals, Encouragement, Everyday Theology, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Nature and spirituality, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Purpose & Calling, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Self-Improvement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What is Truth?

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

“What is truth?” Pilate’s ancient question is more relevant than ever in a world embracing moral relativism. But Jesus declared, “I am the truth.” This post explores how absolute truth stands against shifting cultural norms and how we can stand firm in God’s truth. Read more to discover how truth truly sets us free. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truth, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Discipleship, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith, Faith & Culture, Faith & Salvation, Faith and Culture, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Inspirational, Jesus's teachings, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Scripture Reflections, Seeking Truth, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Clothes for the Wedding Feast

Posted on March 2, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In “Clothes for the Wedding Feast,” we explore Jesus’ parable in Matthew 22 and the deeper meaning behind the man who was cast out for not wearing the right wedding clothes. This parable isn’t about fashion—it’s about wearing the righteousness of Christ. Many of us want to be part of God’s kingdom, but we try to show up on our own terms, clinging to self-righteousness instead of surrendering fully to Jesus. This post unpacks what the wedding garment represents, why it’s essential, and how to keep it on. Are you wearing the right clothes? Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Faith, Faith & Salvation, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith and Trust, Faith Reflections, God's love, God's Love & Grace, God's provision, Heaven & the Afterlife, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus's teachings, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Salvation and Grace, Scripture Reflections, Seeking Truth, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

God Knows Us—and Loves Us Anyway

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

God knows everything about you—your struggles, your failures, even your darkest thoughts—and He loves you anyway. Discover His relentless love through Scripture and the story of Mary Magdalene. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Comfort and Healing, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, God's love, Hope, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Scripture Reflections, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Humility to Let God Lead

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Learn to let go and let God lead. Discover the power of humility, trust, and faith as you embrace God’s plans for your life this New Year. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Faith and Spirituality, Faith and Trust, Faith Reflections, God's love, God's provision, Hope, Inspirational, Navigating Life's Challenges, New Year 2025, New Year Reflections, Overcoming Challenges, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bring Your Shattered Resolutions to Jesus

Posted on December 29, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Struggling to keep your New Year’s resolutions? Discover how turning to Jesus and building small, faithful habits can lead to lasting change and spiritual growth. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith Reflections, Hope, Inspirational, Life Challenges, New Year 2025, New Year Reflections, Overcoming Challenges, Personal Reflection, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Joy of Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Discover the true joy of Christmas—beyond fleeting happiness—in this Advent reflection on God’s promises, anchored in Scripture and the good news of Jesus Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Advent & Christmas, Advent Reflections, Biblical insights, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Christmas, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Joy, Faith Reflections, God's love, Grace and Redemption, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Healing and Restoration, Inspirational, Joy, Mental Health and Wellness, Overcoming Challenges, Personal Reflection, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gratitude vs. Entitlement

Posted on November 17, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction—The Danger of Entitlement Last week, we explored the transformative power of gratitude and how it enriches our lives and supports our mental health. This week, I want to delve into something that stands in stark contrast to gratitude: entitlement. … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Faith and Trust, God's love, God's provision, Grace and Redemption, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Inspirational, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Overcoming Challenges, Personal Reflection, Self-Improvement, Serving Others, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Give Thanks

Posted on November 10, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the power of gratitude. This holiday invites us to pause and consider all that we are thankful for, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Psalm 107 has been on my … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Comfort and Healing, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, God's provision, Healing and Restoration, Inspirational, Life Challenges, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Reflection, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Stealing Back Joy

Posted on October 27, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction In a world that often seems filled with endless to-do lists, challenges, and disappointments, it’s easy for joy to slip through our fingers. We tend to think of joy as synonymous with happiness—something that occurs when everything aligns perfectly … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Family Relationships, God's love, Grace and Redemption, Healing and Restoration, Inspirational, Life Challenges, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Prayer and Worship, Self-Improvement, Serving Others, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment