I feel like most of us have some indication of what our abilities are. If you think back to when you were a kid, you’re favorite thing to “play” or favorite subject in school or favorite place to go..all point to how God’s gifted you. There is no other time in your life like when you’re a child and the world hasn’t told you you can’t yet or you’re not good enough, or that you’ve blown it and should give up, that those things that…Continue Reading “Abilities”
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The following is the final chapter of my new book coming out with co-author, Megan Monterrosa. Follow #helpimsaved to stay in the know. Introductory Thoughts: I want to make it clear that this book is not meant to be rules and regulations you must follow to hold on to your salvation. There is no formula for following Christ because following Him is based on your relationship with Him and everyone’s relationship is different according to the choices they make. This book is meant to be…Continue Reading “Living a Life Marked by Love”
The volunteering realm of Church life has always been an interesting thing. Most every Church goer and Christ follower has done it, few do it in on going rhythms and almost every Church leader can’t figure out why they can’t get more volunteers and retain them. I’d like to use this piece to speak to both volunteers and those who lead them. Let’s see if we can find a way forward in harmony. Although oversimplified, when it comes to volunteering, especially at church, there are…Continue Reading “Volunteering – Blech! How to Turn it Around”
Do you end your prayers by declaring “in the name of Jesus”? Or some variation thereof? Why? What are you accomplishing when you do that? Some may say “well, I’m declaring the power of Jesus as my right to have my prayer answered because of what He’s done on the cross” and I’d say they’re only partially right. Today we’re gonna look at three things: why we can even pray in His name, what that gives us access to, and a warning not to abuse…Continue Reading “Praying in Jesus’ Name is Not a Secret Formula”
Renowned Pastor, Rick Warren, said, “Real security can only be found in that which can never be taken from you – your relationship with God.” So, such a quote begs the question – how can a Christian cultivate a closer relationship with the Lord in practical ways on a daily basis? I believe it takes intentional time and continual time. Intentional time with the Lord is exactly what it supposes – time you intentionally carve out of your day, week, month, etc. to be with…Continue Reading “How Can a Christian Cultivate a Closer Relationship with the Lord in Practical Ways on a Daily Basis?”
*original version posted at womendevotions.com It’s a new day. Brand new. As good as new. Better than new. What’s new with you? He makes all things new. A New life In Christ. If you haven’t guessed yet, this article has to do with new. New, as defined in the dictionary, is: New: not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time. People experience all kinds of feelings when they encounter newness. Excitement, anticipation, worry, and hesitation are just a few….Continue Reading “Does the Word, “NEW” Excite You?”
Acts 11 (my reactions/thoughts in BOLD) WE ARE ALWAYS LEARNING. WE THINK WE KNOW WHAT GOD WOULD DO OR WHAT HE WANTS BUT THEN SOMETHING SURPRISES US. MAY OUR RESPONSE BE PRAISE. The apostles and the believers (in other words, Christians) throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles (sinners, unclean, outcasts) also had received the word of God. SHOCKING! 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers (yep- extra jewels in their crowns) criticized him 3 and said, “You went into the house…Continue Reading “Let me invite you into what goes through my mind when I read a passage of scripture:”
*this week’s post is the first chapter in When My Mind Winds Up. You can purchase it here. Introductory Thoughts: Let’s just start this off real blunt: anxiety can be really selfish. This is true whether you canhelp your battle with anxiety or not. Does this fact make you feel even more hopeless? Probably, but it shouldn’t. Once I figured this out, it was actually more freeing and a help I could pull out of my tool box again and again. Read: Philippians 2:3 Anxiety…Continue Reading “A Note for the Anxious: It’s Not About You”
For this week’s post I wanted to share the first chapter of my first book, As My Mind Unwinds, You can purchase it here. My thought behind this is this pandemic has probably made us ALL NEED REHAB. Introductory Thoughts: What better way to start a book of de- votionals than with the thought of rehab? Isn’t that the reason many of us decide we need to maybe dedicate a month to daily devotionals? Because it’s time for rehabilitation and recalibra- tion? While you read…Continue Reading “Rehab”
I like to write perspective pieces because looking at life through different lenses makes us more compassionate, humble, wiser, and can often bring comfort as well! Here’s a perspective for ya – Have you ever thought about the fact that some people may not have anyone to pray for them? In those cases, what do you think God does about it? I wonder! When I wonder, I often play out the scenario in my mind – or a real life situation presents itself in which…Continue Reading “What if People Don’t Have Anyone to Pray”