School is back in session! I have one college student, one senior and a freshman in high school, a college junior for a husband and I’m a college sophomore finishing up my associates degree this year. Fall is also in the air, which for my high schoolers, who are both in the school band, means Friday Night Lights. And for one of them it includes learning to drive. For my husband and I, it means craft shows and markets in addition to regular jobs. Don’t even get me started on all the busyness the holidays bring to the season. And life goes on and on, fast paced, lots to do,…
The Resurrection of a Ministry
I recently sat down with a dear friend for lunch and to catch up on what’s been going on in each other’s lives. The first thing I want to say is I am so thankful for God given friends that are still friends across the gaps of time and distance. Secondly, I have so many friend’s right now that have felt the call of God to ministry and who are questioning how and striving to make it work, so when Lisa shared her story about how God is orchestrating her ministry, I just knew that other people need to hear about it too. When Lisa sent her article to me,…
Made For Battle
As Christians, we are made for battle. God’s word tells us clearly that we will have trials and tribulations, or in today’s vernacular, challenges and struggles. And most of us we experience the battle to maintain hope and overcome in multiple areas of our life often all at the same time. That is why it is so important that we be prepared. “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13 The enemy can NOT win unless we give up, however, sometimes we don’t throw in the towel but we…
Toe Tappin’ Trifecta
We all have those days where everything just seems to go wrong. Something broke, you can’t find your keys, you miss a loved one, a friend unintentionally hurt your feelings, all your hard work at trying to reach a goal seems unproductive, your kiddos got sick, and the list goes on, and on, and on. When you start to feel discouraged, it’s time to put on the pick me up songs and remind yourself of both who you are and whose you are as a child of God. Not sure which songs to pick? No problem, I have got you covered with three of my current favorites! Let’s start with…
A Way of Escape
Have you ever felt like you were being led to be brave, step out and do something new? Maybe you sensed the leading of the Holy Spirit to serve God in a new way or new ministry opportunities presented themselves; or maybe just new opportunities even, a new job, a new home, any new territory God is opening up to you. The excitement wells up within you as you begin to see all of the possibilities. You pray, listen, ask others to pray & listen. You feel a sense of confirmation and you embark on this new journey before you. Then all of the sudden, out of seemingly nowhere, challenges…
Surprise! God Doesn’t Care.
Let me just begin by saying that I believe deeply in the unity of the global body of Christ. When I say global body of Christ, I am refferring to all those who beileve that Jesus is the Son of God and that God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and The Holy Spirit all share equally in the role of God as demonstrated in Mattew 28:19 where Jesus commands the disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” In the centuries that have followed the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,…
Cake Walks & Christianity
Have you ever been to a school carnival? You know the kind where there are lots of games, lots of kiddos, lots of laughter. These events are usually organized as fund-raisers so parents are spending money for tickets to play games where you might win some dime store trinket. It’s all in good fun and all for a good cause, even if the prizes are some what underwhelming. But, if you get lucky, there might just be cake walk. It’s a lot fun and oh so easy, win or lose, to listen to some upbeat music and try to land on a winning space as you walk in circles. It…
Navigating Life When It’s Hard To See Where You Are Going
Growing up in Northern California I was accustomed to foggy mornings. Fog can be quite tricky and treacherous to drive in since it severely limits one’s vision. The rule about constantly scanning the road well ahead of you no longer applies because sometimes the fog is so thick you can barely see past your own front bumper. So how do you navigate when you can’t see down the road? By focusing on what is right in front of you. The traffic lines painted on the road on either side of you and the taillights of the vehicle directly in front of you become your guides; and because what is happening…
Struggle & Triumph
Our past tries to haunt us in the most unusual and unexpected ways, It knocks and knocks then just marches in and wants to stay, We keep the door locked, chained and bolted in an effort to keep it all out, But it wanders round and round ‘til it finds a way in and says “Here I am” with a shout, Heartache and pain, tears and sobs do little to make it retreat, But call upon the name of the Lord God Almighty and watch it cower in defeat. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, walk in faith and keep believing upon our Heavenly Delight, Then watch as His perfect love…
Under Attack?
I don’t know about anyone else, but it seems like my identity has been under attack for the last month or two; that the devil is trying to steal my security of who I am in Christ. Probably not so coincidentally it coincides with the recent public sharing of my testimony and the decision to follow God into new territory. I am really not surprised. The Bible does tell us in John 10:10 that “the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.” What does catch me off guard sometimes is the subtly and breadth in which the assault takes. The battle plan against me seems to be one of…
