I am called to be an encouraging champion, compelling individuals, families, cultures, and organizations to live authentically and purposefully. Through Spiritual Direction, coaching, and Enneagram-informed insight, I partner with others to make this a reality, as they deepen their relationship with God, grow in self-awareness, strengthen their relationships, and discern God's unique invitation for this season of their lives.
Busy-ness transitions to hurry when we let it squeeze God out of our lives. I cannot live in the Kingdom of God with a hurried soul. I cannot rest in God with a hurried soul. My soul suffers. It cries out for restoration. I am running on an empty reservoir.
We beat ourselves up about fear, especially when we know that God tells us we have no need to fear. We can be really hard on ourselves, convinced that there is something very wrong with us. “If I trusted God enough, I wouldn’t be struggling with this! Can’t I just get over it? How many times do I have to turn this over to God?!”At times, shame and guilt can seem to overwhelm us because we fear.
When I walk…I walk fast. Not speed walker fast, but fast enough that some of my friends to refuse to walk with me. “Slow down!” they say. Really? What’s the use of walking, if you don’t walk fast? I mean, burning calories is the goal, right?
“To be nobody-but-yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody but yourself – means to fight the hardest battle which
any human being can fight – and never stop fighting.”
Why do we do it? Why do we compare? We know it’s a black hole. It won’t help, nor will it solve any issues. In fact, it makes issues much larger and bigger than they already are! So why do we insist on carrying on this love affair with comparison?
The blinders, which had slowly been building on my spiritual eyes over a timespan of at least 25 years, had been removed. I was finally seeing things clearly for the first time – I had become downright MILITANT in my daily quest to spend time with God – checking off the “boxes” of scripture reading, as if that alone would get me close to Him. In my quest to be disciplined, I had slowly, but surely, excluded God from a time that was intended for intimacy
The outcome of our willingly (and even knowingly) subjecting ourselves to everyone’s polished persona and comparing our lives with their pics (most of which have been altered or filtered), has resulted in nothing less than GRAND THEFT, stealing our confidence, self-respect, uniqueness, healthy body image, focus, and peace. For goodness sake, it’s even taken our money, as we’ve gone out and tried to purchase the life we’ve seen depicted on our phone screens!
Trust me – there’s a huge difference between “Get me a glass of water!" and “Would you please get me a glass of water?” The result of the latter being a glass of water; the result of the former being a death glance, possibly accompanied by afore-mentioned glass being thrown across the room (which may or may not have happened in our first year of marriage).
If we are to be effective in our mission and purpose, vulnerability and authenticity are required. We have to be honest, imperfect in living it out - flaws and all. We can't pretend to be superhuman or perfected in our execution of our mission - just authentic and real, flaws and all. The world has had enough fake. It wants real. This goes for the Christian community as well.
On several occasions these past weeks, I’ve heard many friends, acquaintances, and even a waitress or two mention looking forward to leaving 2017 behind, kissing it goodbye, kicking it to the curb, and boldly declaring “Good riddance!” I include myself in this group.
Yes, Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year! But not for everyone. Christmas can hold thoughts, memories, and realities that are nothing short of painful. And as much as you attempt to join in the festivities, sadness and/or straight up depression seem to chase you through the season much like a lion in pursuit to devour his prey. Running as fast as you can, you’re actually breathless and overwhelmed with the possibility of succumbing to the very beast you know has been defeated by the birth of the One you celebrate.
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.
