Tend

I was listening to Lectio 365 which is an app that shares a daily devotion in the morning and evening.  I’ve been journeying with Pete Greig, Pastor and founder of Lectio 365, who’s on a three-week pilgrimage through Scotland.  This week, Pastor Greig read from Genesis where God created man, put him in the Garden…

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Deeper

I’ve been taking a sabbatical day once a month since January.   My June adventure took me to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs. I was excited until the day I woke up. It was raining. Wind, cold, mixed with some hail. Is it really June in Colorado? I’d hoped that God would change His mind about…

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SHE WILL NOT BE AFRAID!

Tomorrow, “Living Fearless” is the topic of my talk that will be delivered to women. God is helping me practice this daily. As I go forth, I pray that my training in fearlessness will shine through as I share what He’s been teaching me. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what…

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If God is going to be there, do it!

Hats folded like tacos. Even the preacher was a cowboy.  The sermon opening was a summary of the bible story of Queen Esther. Esther’s cousin, Mordecai sent her a message: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at…

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Not Everything is a Lesson

First, the disappointment came. I cried out, “Why God? I’m a faithful servant!” The more I pondered the situation, the more angry I became. I wanted justice. I got angry with God. We had some words. Or should I say, I had words with Him. Then I prayed that He’d understand my heart. And that I’d…

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The labyrinth

My spiritual director, Ruth, gave some basic instructions about walking the labyrinth. Then we sat in the stillness of the morning. She moved toward the entrance first. I remained seated. The only noise was the earth under her feet. A rumble of thunder from looming clouds was my signal to begin the holy walk. I…

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Slaying Giants

Once you’ve identified the childhood giants that taunt you, it’s time to slay them. How? There are three practices I’d like you to consider: If you want to slay your giants, the first step is to receive your anointing. You are gifted and called to serve God in your own unique way. So step into…

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Childhood Giants

The simplest things leave scars that we carry with us into adulthood. I call them “childhood giants.” These emerge from emotional events that shape our perceptions. I spent the majority of my life fighting three of these beasts: never good enough, abandoned, and carrying blame. I didn’t know how to confront myself and face the childhood giants I…

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Mama J saved the day.

On our last visit to Florida, my restful time was interrupted by something that caught my eye…a long black line inside the lanai. But then it moved. My curious stare jumped to the realization that it was a snake! And not just one, but two. Now both were moving in opposite directions. EEEK! I sprang…

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You can’t…

I notice it easily in others.  Nonproductive attempts to control outcomes, invoke responses that’s desired, or ultimatums. I readily feel that twang of conviction when someone else succumbs to manipulation traps.   But it’s easier to point a finger away.  Unfruitful words such as: “You’ve got to stop acting like this, it’s going to put me…

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