“We all have different gifts, based on the grace given us … If it is encouraging, devote yourself to encouraging others.” Romans 12:6-8 A few weeks back my husband was having a really hard day. I couldn’t remember the last time he was quite this discouraged. I prayed with him and he went back to work. When he came home that night, he told me about a man who accidentally called him (which we obviously know it was no accident). He said the man hadn’t meant to call him but instead of hanging up, this man left him a message thanking him for his ministry to his family while we lived in Colorado. The Lord used that man to speak powerfully to my husband that day, to let him know, ...

Instead of your shame  you will receive a double portion,  and instead of disgrace  you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. Isaiah 61:7 I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this month. The Lord has reminded me of some places I’ve been. It’s not as if I had forgotten any of these places, but He was vividly bringing these places to my memory.  These places use to be places of shame. They use to be places of regret. Today, as I view the slide show of my past, it is no longer a place of shame- it is a place that has been healed. Instead of a dark room, there is a window with the Son shining ...

If we're going to go somewhere with God, sometimes we need to let go of where we've been. ~Beth Moore There is a land that is all too familiar. It is a place that is neither fun nor daring, but it is a safe place. It is a familiar place. In this land, you always know what will take place. There are not too many unexpected turns or twists. This is a comfortable place: our favorite chair, our usual meals, our daily rituals. We have grown accustomed to this land. It neither calls us to move forward nor step out into the unknown. In many ways, this land has grown on us with its familiar surroundings. This is the land of Comfort. Travel with me to her neighbor, Fear. We don’t recognize her ...

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. Greg Anderson Rut #1- Location, location! I have often thought of myself as somewhat adventurous. Not too crazy, like jumping out of an airplane or anything (maybe someday). But I do like to stir things up a bit. While living in Colorado, I often found it much easier to change things up when things started to get a little … mundane. We could easily go to one of the many nearby trails. We also loved exploring the many parks in our area. There was no shortage of dog parks, either. We would often take our pug, Latte. out and enjoy the scenery together as a family. I don’t like ...

“The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.” Intentions: noun. A thing intended; an aim or plan. I used to think all my good intentions should count for something, right? I mean, I really will at some point have that couple over for dinner. At least, I hope so. And I really will call that girl that’s been on my heart and see if we can meet up for coffee just as soon as things slow down. What? Things don’t really slow down? How do we change good intentions from a noun to a verb--an action? How do we allow our thoughts to move from a good thought to the actual doing? Hate to over-simplify, but if it’s important to us (which people should be), we’re going to ...

“To seek validation from others only leaves the soul thirsty for more; but to seek validation from the Lord leaves one’s soul satisfied.” “Um, honey, have you seen all the laundry I did today?” “Wow, it’s a lot of work to plan out all these meals.” As you’re walking up the stairs: “Huff … puff ... Gee, this is so heavy…” C’mon, ladies, you know we all do it. We make these comments to let our spouse (and maybe even our children) know that we are working; and not just working, but darn it, we are working hard. We will usually give them about four minutes from the time they walk in the door from work to see if they’ve noticed all we have done, and if ...

Hebrews 12:1-2a  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For some reason lately, I’ve found myself on the A&E channel watching Hoarders. I know, I know … It’s like watching a train wreck and not being able to look away. I feel so sad for those people. There is something within them that is afraid to get rid of anything that has sentimental value. Or then there are the ones that have to keep everything ‘just in case’. If you’re anything like ...

As a new believer or even as a seasoned Christian, have you ever felt inadequate to do the things that God has called you to do? I have. “Lord, can you really use me?” At times my gifts seem so small and insignificant. I will never forget when my husband and I were Children’s Pastors at Calvary Church in Irving, Texas. I was helping the kids with the motions to a song. The worship pastor at that time came up to me when we were done. “Hey!” He said to me. “You should consider being our kids choir director.” “Oh no,” I said. “I am definitely not qualified to lead these kids in any type of performance.” He was persistent and really encouraged me: “Since the kids ...

“…our God has not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.” Ezra 9:9 Just over a year ago, if you had asked me about my faith and my walk with the Lord, I would have told you, “Rock solid,” or “We’re tight.” I might have said something like, “I put my full trust in the Lord. I depend on Him for everything. My strength and confidence are from Him alone.” From 2005 through 2010 I lived in Colorado, and though not perfect (Nothing ever is, is it?), it sure came close. Now, ...

Have you ever been to the spa? I don’t go very often unless there’s a special occasion like a wedding or a special family vacation where all the girls get to go. When I think back about my spa experiences, I’m brought back to a place of peace. A place of tranquility and rest. I love to walk in and feel safe. I love to get naked (TMI?), and put on those soft white fluffy robes with the soft slippers. They hand you an ice-cold beverage with lemons in it and a straw to top it off. I remember thinking, “Does this have to end?” I mean, really, picture it-there’s soft piano music playing, the room is dark, the large waterfall to the left is slowly trickling down. With each rub I ...