*originally posted at womendevotions.com Why Does The Bible Call it Fruit of the Spirit? Do you ever wonder why the fruit of the Spirit is called that? I mean why fruit? I like fruit in the form of Starburst or Jolly Ranchers, or in some pie! But even at that, I don’t like all fruit flavors! I mean if I have to have real fruit not paired with sugar and packaged in plastic, I suppose I’d choose an apple, strawberry or banana, but you better…Continue Reading “A Fruity Reflection on Galatians 5:16-26”
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I struggled about whether to share my story with you, but when we’re talking about an enemy at work, the first weapon is to bring things to light. Megan Monterrosa shared the power of our stories in this week’s Life and Limb Blog. You should check it out. The reason I struggled is because it started with a not fun introduction to the spiritual realm – and I will tell you, and those of you who know me know, I’m not a heeby jeeby spiritual…Continue Reading “Anxiety – There’s an Enemy at Work”
*originally posted at Life and Limb Blog Winston Churchill said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” A leader is held accountable (James 3:1). They are responsible for how they act and what they say as a leader. It’s a scary time to be a leader. Hey- it’s even a scary time to be a follower! With all the discord on politics, the pandemic, and race, I’ve struggled the last year or so watching people I’ve always trusted and looked up to behave in certain ways…Continue Reading “Who Can I Trust?”
*originally posted at womendevotions.com How Can We Pray When There Are So Many Distractions Surrounding Us In Everyday Life! don’t know about you, but seasons of distraction and being overwhelmed can sometimes come on like a surprise blizzard and then linger like an Indian summer. I find myself in survival mode. Wake up, coffee, chores, kids to school, go to work, come home, more chores, enter zombie vegetative state with interjections from my family to help regain consciousness, go to bed, and repeat. So praying?…Continue Reading “How to Pray When You’re Distracted and Overwhelmed”
*originally posted at https://www.womendevotions.com/how-to-make-friends-in-a-new-church/ With Covid winding down many of us are heading back to church; and for many of you, it may even be a new church. No matter where you go, when it’s been awhile, going to church can be scary. You may feel isolated and alone. How are you to make friends in a place like this? There are three solid ways to make friends at church: find a place to serve, join a small group and hang out in the lobby! Now,…Continue Reading “How to Make Friends in a New Church”
One of my favorite quotes right now is found on Pinterest in the fashion of a meme: “I think one of my favorite feelings is laughing with someone and realizing half way through how much you enjoy them and their existence.” It’s such a perfect picture of how I enjoy others in my life – especially God. Laugh with God? Why yes! I laugh with Him, rest in Him, talk to Him – which can often turn back to laughing with HIm. I enjoy Him…Continue Reading “HOW TO ENJOY GOD”
*Today’s guest post was originally posted at Life and Limb Blog You can also find more of Megan Monterrosa’s writing at Pearls and Pursuit. “When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.” (John 18:1) The Kidron is the valley between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, and the garden of Gethsemane is on one side of it. Jesus took His final walk…Continue Reading “Jesus’ Valley Crossing: 3 Truths for Holy Week”
*originally posted 3 years ago at https://www.womendevotions.com What comes to mind when you hear “princess?” For most, I suppose it’s gowns, crowns, and glitter. I myself am a wife, a mom, a singer, a pastor, a writer, but most importantly, I’m a 38-year-old princess full of wit and sparkle who owns three Snow White dresses and may very possibly have a Snow White tattoo on her left ankle! I most definitely AM a princess… but not in the way one might think….and so today I…Continue Reading “God is King: Tale of a Princess”
The Holy Spirit can be difficult to talk about but He’s arguably the most relevant person in our daily Christian lives. Let me say that again – THE MOST RELEVANT. Jesus told His disciples that the Spirit would teach them all things (John, 14:26). In John 16:13, Jesus told them that the Spirit would guide them into all truth. But there’s even MORE to Him than that! As Christ followers we need the Holy Spirit because chocolate milk is better than white milk, sometimes our life…Continue Reading “Why Do I Need the Holy Spirit? A Look at Chocolate Milk and Life Jackets”
I’m sure by now, you’re exhausted by the whole Christians and social media conversation. I am too, yet there’s still more to be said. Please permit me a few more thoughts before we crown ourselves social media graduates and experts, taking our diplomas and smart phones and marching proudly across the stage after watching The Social Dilemma and having remembered the sermon illustration pointing out that everyone can see us picking our nose in our car – we are not as hidden as we think.