Vibrant Relevance

Discovering the Vibrant Relevance of Jesus Christ and the Bible in your daily life.

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How Have Your Blessings Changed the Trajectory of Your Life?

How Have Your Blessings Changed the Trajectory of Your Life?

“What are you thankful for?” In the weeks and days leading up to Thanksgiving, I’m usually asked this question more times than I can count. However, this year, I haven’t been asked this question once. And it makes me wonder why. Are we too immersed in the dailiness of our lives to stop and ponder what we are thankful for? To ask others what they are grateful for? Are we too focused on our…

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When Transition Becomes Transformation

When Transition Becomes Transformation

Growth means changeAnd change involves risk,Stepping from the known to the unknown.~ Author unknown Few things are as disquieting as transition. Even when the transition is exciting, beautiful, and joyful—such as a graduation, marriage, or a new job—it’s still hard, unsettling, and messy. Why is that? If you read my last post, A Graduation (Times Four). A Wedding. And a Mama’s Heart, you know…

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A Graduation (Times Four). A Wedding. And a Mama's Heart.

A Graduation (Times Four). A Wedding. And a Mama’s Heart.

You’re not going to believe where I’ve been these last few weeks! Actually, I can’t believe where I’ve been. Some major changes have taken place in the Olson household this month.Changes that were known, planned for, and anticipated.Changes rocked my world in profound ways…and, yet, my joy knows no bounds. So pull up a chair, grab a beverage, and settle in as I tell you a story. And through…

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Poem: I Don't Like Who I've Become

Poem: I Don’t Like Who I’ve Become

This is a poem I wrote during my Valley experience will God had me in Deuteronomy. I don’t typically share my poetry because it reveals my rawest self. But in this case He changed my mind–again. I pray this one encourages you or maybe helps you put your feelings into words. 💜 Jesus, I come to you on my knees!My heart is broken, and my soul bleeds.The answers to my questions are miles away,And…

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Lessons from Deuteronomy 1: You Mean EVERYTHING?

Lessons from Deuteronomy 1: You Mean EVERYTHING?

When God says everything. He means EVERYTHING! As soon as I started studying Deuteronomy 1, verses 3b and 5b caught and held my attention—the word “everything” radiating from the page. Curious, I went to my lexical aides to see if there was more to these verses in Hebrew. There wasn’t. What’s stated in our English translations is exactly what Moses was communicating. Exactly! That’s when I…

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Lessons from Deuteronomy 1: How 11 days became 40 years

Lessons from Deuteronomy 1: How 11 days became 40 years

When I started sharing the story of my wilderness season, it didn’t occur to me to share what God taught me during my 5-6 month stint in Deuteronomy 1—my transition from the valley to the wilderness. But then a friend changed my mind. Exasperated she said, “You don’t know who needs to hear what God told you. Don’t be selfish and keep those things to yourself. Some of us need to hear this as we go…

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The Long Road Back: The Isolation. The Dialogue. The Group.

The Long Road Back: The Isolation. The Dialogue. The Group.

The Isolation Did you notice the longer you were in the valley, the more you lost sense of time? Don’t get me wrong, you knew the days were passing. You knew the date and time. But you lost sense of the duration of your time in the valley. That’s how it was for me. At first, I was disorientated. Scared. Angry! As the aloneness closed in around me, I repeatedly called out for help only to hear…

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A Long Road Back: Are You a Wanderer?

A Long Road Back: Are You a Wanderer?

Think back to your last wilderness experience. (Or your current one) How did you get there? What were the circumstances that led you into the wilderness? What “territory” did you cover while you ‘wandered’ with your Savior? What did Jesus teach you and how did you grow while in your season of isolation? Keep your answers in the forefront of your mind as we move forward. I promise I’ll…

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A Long Road Back: Has This Been You?

A Long Road Back: Has This Been You?

It was going great! Until it wasn’t. I was on the mountain top. Excited! Euphoric! Hopeful! Full of anticipation! Then…without warning…I found myself in a deep, dark valley leading to a vast, isolating wilderness. That was almost three years ago. You’re probably nodding your head because you’ve had a similar experience. Or, maybe this is your current reality. Oh, my friend, I feel you! I…

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Why is Scar Tissue so Tender?

Why is Scar Tissue so Tender?

On my right pinky finger I have a bright white scar from a deep cut caused by an accident with a whittling knife over 30 years ago. That cut was glued and taped up and has long since healed. I have the thin bright white scar to prove it.

But when I bump that scar just right, a bolt of electricity shoots up my arm and sears each pain receptor in my brain. I’m left breathless as I shake the…

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Take 5: Come To Me--The Gentle, Humble Teacher

Take 5: Come To Me–The Gentle, Humble Teacher

Life’s demands grind us down in the best of times. But since Covid, our lives have radically changed, possibly forever. Each burden we carry is elephantine with trepidation and insecurity compounding the weight. Fear snakes its way around our decisions and dreams. And unbelief haunts our steps.

Have you wondered: Where is God in all of this? Is He still in control? Does He still love and care…

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Take 5: Come to Me--Refinement and Restoration

Take 5: Come to Me–Refinement and Restoration

“Come to me.” Jesus whispers as He stretches out His hand.“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

When we come (back) to Him, accept His gift of salvation, repent and are forgiven, Jesus offers us a place to rest under His wings. This is where we’re restored…and refined.

Contrary to popular belief, following Jesus won’t…

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Take 5: Come To Me--Under The Shadow of His Wings

Take 5: Come To Me–Under The Shadow of His Wings

“Come to me.” Jesus whispers as He stretches out His hand.“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28)

Jesus invites us into His presence. He offers us His gift of salvation and to absolve our guilt and shame by forgiving our sins.

Then He opens His arms, providing a place to rest. To heal. To be restored.

As you tuck under the…

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Take 5: Come To Me--Repent and Be Forgiven

Take 5: Come To Me–Repent and Be Forgiven

Jesus’ offer of rest isn’t just for our bodies and burden-laden lives, but for our souls. Our hearts. Our minds. It’s a total package.

Once we’ve surrendered our life to Him and accepted His gift of Salvation, He invites us to repent of our sins and unbelief.

Our greatest oppression isn’t a result of the pressures that plague our burden-laden lives but the condition of our heart.

When we…

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Take 5: Come To Me--An Ongoing Invitation

Take 5: Come To Me–An Ongoing Invitation

Jesus’ offer of rest isn’t just for our bodies and burden-laden lives, but for our souls. Our hearts. Our minds. It’s a total package.

First, He invites us to come (back) to Him in faith and humility. To accept His gift of salvation or to recommit to the covenant we made with His when we first accepted His gift and vowed to follow Him all the days of our lives. This is the most precious…

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Rest: Come to Me

Rest: Come to Me

What are we to do?

Overwhelm. Anxiety. Uncertainty. Fear of the unknown—all are very real right now. Stress is elevated to unprecedented heights. Mental illness is plaguing many we know and love—including ourselves. And we’re walking on eggshells, afraid one misstep will cause the chaos, destruction, and mayhem to erupt again.

What are we to do? What options do we have?

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Take 5: Let Your Light Shine

Take 5: Let Your Light Shine

You are the light of the world! ~ Let your light shine! ~ Be the light!

How many times have you heard these things said to you? Over you? Countless I’d bet.

So, what does Jesus mean when He says,“You are the light of the world”?

First, let’s remember that Jesus said He is the Light of the World. (John 8:12) And when we accept His gift of Salvation, put our faith in Him, and choose to…

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