If you plant an apple tree in your backyard, it won't grow in your front yard instead. Trees bloom where they're planted. Same goes for life. The seeds you plant with your time and energy will ultimately be the ones to grow over time. Question is…are you putting your energy in the places God has for you?

When it comes to life's tough stuff, you have a choice. No, you can't choose the burdens you'll carry, but you can choose to help others carry theirs.

Imagine this: joy that isn’t tied to your circumstances, love that's deep and real, peace that surpasses all understanding. If that sounds too good to be true, it’s because it is—at least on your own. But with the Holy Spirit guiding your life, true transformation becomes a reality.

This Eagle Brook Church message is a sermon by Jason Strand. He'll talk about how to engage and interact with people you disagree with in a healthy, biblical way, what to do when you feel judged, and ways to handle anger with grace and humility. This message is out of the book of Galatians.

Maybe church for you has been all about dos, don’ts, consequences, and fear—far from anything you'd call "free." But hear this: it’s not meant to be that way. There is true freedom to be found in a relationship with Jesus.

Every parent knows that handing over the car keys for the first time is a significant (and nerve-wracking) milestone. Because it's true: the driver decides the destination—and the path taken to get there. So, who's in the driver’s seat of your life? Loosening your grip on the wheel can lead to more freedom than you think. 

There’s a time and place to push back and fight for what you think is right. But figuring that out can be tricky. Take Jesus, for example. He leaned in and pushed back on important things because some things are worth fighting for—but not everything. So, how do you prioritize your pushback? If you push back on everything, you lessen your influence on anything.

Seeking approval from others can feel satisfying, but what if it doesn't align with your true self? Besides, whose opinion truly matters in the end—others' or God's? The real question to ponder is: Whose approval shapes the way you live your life?

Relationships can leave scars deeper than physical wounds. Betrayal, misunderstanding, or abandonment can color every interaction with doubt. But, I'm learning that healing starts with acknowledging the hurt and finding courage to rebuild trust—with the love and grace of Jesus leading the way. 

Trauma isn't merely a memory—it's a heavy weight, shaping every aspect of my life. But I'm refusing to let it define me. Through reflection and courage, and guided by the love and compassion of Jesus, I can begin to loosen its grip. With each step toward healing, I find strength and hope.