Archive for October, 2014

 Warning signs can save your life.  Many of us keep pushing along and ignore God’s warning signs that there is a problem.  We look at the outward situations – relationships, finances, failures, disappointments – but many times those are just surface issues to point back to the root of the problem – our hearts.  Here are four symptoms that point to some serious heart problems in need of attention right away.  To some they may sound crazy, to others they may sound very familiar, but we all can agree these symptoms are dangerous. Symptom #1 – You think God is…

2 Timothy 1:13-14 What you heard from me keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. ARE YOUR VALUABLES SAFE? When something is good – when something is valuable – you cannot store it without safeguarding it. Ifeveryone knew I kept my million dollar stash in an unlocked barn that was unsecured – what do you think would happen? People would help themselves to all of it because it was available. If…

  I had to set her straight. She had gone on talking and talking far too long. I had to be patient until the right moment and then I let her have it. This is what I told her. “I know you don’t think I have what it takes to make it, but I do. I know you don’t think I’m worth the investment, but I am. I know you can’t see my beauty, but I can. You will stop reminding me of my failures. They are building me up for my success. You will stop reminding me of what…

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Many people are on the search.  They are detectives looking and looking for a clue.  Some people have become more aggressive and are more or less on the a hunt.  Looking for, searching for, digging for God’s will for their lives. I remember when I bought the book Purpose Driven Life.  I looked at the subtitle and thought, “I’m finally gonna find…

I’m not freaking out.  NOPE!  Not gonna do it!  The news is reporting that a lady flew to Cleveland and back to Texas.  She has now tested positive for the disease Ebola.  Every station, every news outlet, even the mayor has issued a “Breaking News” banner to alert viewers of possible contamination.  Social media is on fire with the stories, the opinions, the advice. Don’t fly. Don’t leave home. Don’t cough. Don’t breath.  I’m not freaking out. When they announced the first case in the United States, I decided that I would not subscribe to hysteria.  This is not my…

Recently Steve Harvey struck gold with single ladies with his book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.”  The book touts itself as an authority on what men really think about love, relationships, intimacy and commitment.   That’s an interesting perspective if you are interested in learning game.  When you act like a lady and think like a man you invite yourself to the crossroads of an identity crisis.  When you act like a lady and think like a man you then begin to act like a “man” and think of ways to flip the game instead of avoid…

My pastor, Jim, lifted his hands to give a word of blessing to the daughters of the house.  It was an emotional moment for me.  He told each of us to keep our eyes open as he gave a formal blessing over each of us.  “Maybe you have never received a formal blessing from your father,” he said as he prepared to pray.  I hadn’t.  Tears began to well up.  I was overwhelmed. It’s a beautiful feeling to be a part of a church family where women in ministry is not only accepted, but encouraged.  “As pastor of this house…

  Courageous women live life differently.  They get different results.  While my heart is full of encouragement on courage I wanted to pour some out to you.  Here are three things courageous women do differently: 1.  Boss fear around!   2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Women of courage boss fear around.  What has God called you to?  If you know what you should be doing, then fear has probably had a few talks with you…

He wants me to look at Him.  He wants me to keep my eyes off of the storm and just look at Him.   I have been entrenched in the details of the issues and the storms.  I have been enamored by the lure of what is going on right now.  I feel overwhelmed by the what ifs and the possibilities.  I feel like sinking and I’m to the point where I am welcoming it.  I’m inviting in the destruction that comes with being unfocused.  I’m going about this wrong and I know it.  I feel as if God is…