I have a deep passion and commitment to the ongoing development of spiritually strong and emotionally healthy individuals, marriages, families, leaders and cultures, helping you achieve your God-designed and appointed destiny.
All in Prayer
Crappy stuff has happened. Thing’s haven’t turned out as expected. You’re holding on to every remaining ounce of faith you possess, believing that God is at work in the midst of it all. In fact, you know He is, because when you look back, you recall circumstances, events, and situations in which He’s orchestrated such happenings that cannot be chalked up to mere coincidence.
I was struggling for air, feeling as if I’d been holding my breath for ages. My heart was literally racing. I had that sick feeling in my stomach, which for me is indicative of shock, trauma even.
Have you ever experienced someone explaining a miraculous occurrence in their life, boldly proclaiming that it could be nothing other than the result of the power of Jesus Christ…and you doubt. Big time. Possibly even internally scrutinize the accuracy of their claim?
What’s the matter with people? Why can’t they just be nice, for goodness sake?! Sometimes the lack of health and straight-up courtesy displayed by those who should know better (pastors, teachers, leaders, Christians, etc.) just astounds me
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It is estimated that one in four women/couples suffer miscarriage, stillbirth or loss of an infant. Although many are affected, few are talking about it.
This week I experienced a moment in which doubt attempted to make its ugly way into my thoughts, stealing my peace, and changing my course on this journey of faith and transformation
I now find myself overwhelmed with this word’s powerful potential, realizing Jesus’ power can be either unleashed or shut down, depending upon its use. I also understand that my responsibility to determine its course is greatly related to how much Jesus I possess.
God most often doesn’t immediately deliver us from that which we need deliverance, as most often His concern is not only deliverance, but character development, which takes time.
As I continue to watch the news stations as they predict and report the approach of possibly the most powerful hurricane in recorded history, Irma, I have decided to not post my usual weekly blog, as it seems pretty insignificant at such a time as this. Rather, I want to let those in Florida know that I am praying.
“I’ve lost my ability to dream. You know, not nighttime dreams, but dreams from God. I don’t know how to do it anymore,” I said, surprising myself. Thinking back, I honestly couldn’t remember when this draught of hope and passion began.
In the midst of some pretty serious life circumstances this week, I found myself feeling a bit frightened, even somewhat hopeless - not because I thought God wasn’t able to intervene and handle the situation, but because I wondered if it was too late
This past Thursday we received the long-awaited update regarding Stan’s healing and progress. Prior to the follow-up, I found myself fantasizing about how I would deliver the good news to everyone. I imagined posting a picture of Stan holding up his Life Vest, with the caption, “Thank God Almighty He’s Free at Last!”
Please be assured that this vulnerable confession isn't some pathetic attempt to evoke sympathy. I don't feel sorry for myself in the least, and I would hope you don’t either. This really is a good thing.
Obviously, to say waiting has been a life-long struggle for me, is a grand understatement. It’s as if I’ve placed myself in the position of judge and jury, determining the speed and direction in which everyone or everything around me should move - even God Himself. When non-movement is the perceived response, judgmentalism can ensue, causing me to be frustrated with the world and God alike. Although I am sure there are “groups” for people like me, please tell me I’m not the only one!
“Oh great!” I thought, as I’d never considered intercession to be one of my spiritual gifts. “I’m too ADHD for that, God! You understand, don’t You?!” Up to that point, my prayer life most often consisted of brief moments taken whenever prayer happened to came to mind. Looking back, I believe I had almost taken a stance of apathy, as I convinced myself that I should leave the really serious battle-fighting prayers to those who had been given this gift.
As I’ve watched Stan navigate through feelings of shock, disbelief, fear, ownership, determination and execution in regards to a diagnosis and all that it entails, I’ve been nothing short of amazed at the man God has given me. Stan didn’t want this challenge, nor did he ask for it with bad habits and lack of self-care.
After 25 plus years of consistently reading God’s Word, it never ceases to amaze me how you can read a particular scripture countless times, only to have it resurface in a new and powerful light, impacting you with a truth that is not only encouraging, but can sometimes shake you to your core, causing you to do some drastic re-evaluation. Such an occurrence reinforces the truth that His Word is living and active, never diminishing, and ever empowering
I’ve heard it said, by Dr. Henry Cloud, no less, that there are three types of individuals - Wise, Foolish, and Evil. In pondering this concept, I’ve come to a few conclusions.
Recently I was a bit taken back when I came across Proverbs 27:8: “Like a bird that wanders from its nest, is a man who wanders from his place,” prompting the question…What is my place, Lord? What is my place when the terrain which normally seems so predictable, yet productive, looks completely different, causing me to scratch my head in bewilderment?
But with this new information, I realized that once again we have a choice to make. Are we going to continue pressing into God, asking Him what we can learn from this challenge, or now that we have a possible culprit, are we going to allow ourselves to be distracted by focusing our energy and focus on blame?
