Jen Avellaneda

I don’t know about you, but I can get caught believing that grace paves our way to heaven, so we don’t have to do anything. Recently, God’s been showing me just how much false teaching has been slipping into my thinking. In studying Scripture, something I had never considered before was revealed to me: Jesus frequently …

This False Teaching Can Slip Easily Into Your Thoughts Read More »

I was 14. Swayed by the schoolgirl whose mom was nonexistent; yet paid the mortgage so her daughter wouldn’t be homeless. I longed for acceptance. My charismatic friend seemed to give it, while simultaneously criticizing my church-going parents; telling me I should be free, just like her.  I was ignorant, so I followed.  I ran away …

7 Ways to Show the Love of God Read More »

She’s been hurting; teething times four; aching for more than some Anbesol; needing a healing touch from the One who watches over her; here in our foster home. Her 1-and-a-half year-old self, shifts restless, angry, uncertain as to why pain resurrects in places she can’t see.   And as a parent, we learn fast, don’t …

The Key to a Missions-Minded Lifestyle Read More »

Ever had that kind of day where kids won’t stop crying and you just want to crawl back into bed, throw the covers over your head, and press an imaginary button on your alarm clock that says, “Turn back time”? Motherhood is under a holocaust. There is a real-life, in-your-face assault against parenthood going on. …

6 Weapons to Combat Common Lies About Motherhood Read More »

Ever feel like you are on a roller coaster? Climbing higher during sermons on Sundays and then crashing into the pit of bland Christianity sometime around Monday morning? Sometimes our faith can feel like a temporary high with feel-good emotions yet be void of the substance that keeps us going on Monday mornings—like a sugar …

6 Ways to Keep the Fire of God Burning in Your Life Read More »