January 25, 2018  by

Are You A Gracious Receiver?

I’ve heard it said that giving is better than receiving.
I have no doubt.

It’s WAY easier to be a giver!

Being a receiver is hard!
It’s embarrassing!
And it makes me feel like I’ve failed.

Why else would I need a hand up much less a hand out?

I’ve learned to be both a generous giver and a gracious receiver.

I talk about it in this video.
See if you agree.

Click on the image to watch the quick little video.

 

 

 

God, you are the creator and giver of all things. Let me accept you gifts to me with humility and thankfulness Amen

in Bible / faith / God 0 comments
January 21, 2018  by

Perfection is an Impossible Taskmaster

I’ve broken up with perfection.

I used to look in the mirror and wish.
I wished I was thinner.
I wished I was younger.
I wished I was smarter.
I wished I made more money.
I wished I hadn’t made so many mistakes.

I compared my real life to a snapshots of others.
I compared my dress size, my paycheck,
my presentation skills, my kids, and
my to-do list to other women.

And I couldn’t measure up.

Then I had a revelation!

I talk about how I had to learn to trust God with what I could not compete with or compete with on my own.

Take a look at this short video. (run time 2.5 minutes)

 

 

Does any of that resonate with you?
Know you are precious in God’s sight.

Lord, God, remind me that you are all I need and that I am worthy and beautiful and precious in your eyes. You alone see me as I am and love me unconditionally. Amen

God says to you, “I am the Creator and you are my creation. I breathed into your nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). I created you in my own image (Genesis 1:27). My eyes saw your unformed substance (Psalm 139:16). I knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). I know the number of hairs on your head, and before a word is on your tongue I know it (Matthew 10:30; Psalm 139:4). You are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).  https://www.desiringgod.org/

 

 

 

in faith / God / Videos 0 comments
January 19, 2018  by

God Watches Over You!

God watches over you even when it doesn’t feel like he’s there.

Have you ever felt that way?

I had to share this woman’s journey to trust God in a very difficult time of her life.
She believed in God, but needed help to TRUST him more.

Watch this 2 1/2 minute video. Click on the image below.

When it feels like you are all alone, remember you are not.
You have a God who loves you and wants you to trust him.

God, I know that I am always on your mind and in your view. Let me see where you are at work. Bolster my faith as I trust you more and more. Amen

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

 

in Bible / change / faith / God / Videos 0 comments
January 15, 2018  by

Do You Believe There Is Greatness In You?

When God made you, he created a masterpiece.

There is greatness in you. 
I know this because there is greatness in each of us.
We are all chock full of God given gifts and talents.
The Bible says we are wonderfully made.
It even calls you a masterpiece!

I had a hard time believing it about myself so I’m guessing you might, too.

That’s why I made this 90 second video.
I want you to see for yourself what God says to you about you!
Click on the image below.

Friend, God put all kinds of great things in you. 
You can believe it!

God Almighty, I choose to believe your word about me. Help me to see the good and the great in me. I want to use my gifts to glorify you and encourage others. In Jesus name, Amen. 

in Bible / God / Life Lessons / Videos 2 comments
January 7, 2018  by

Sharing Your Story Will Spread Hope

We all have a story.

Most stories have a hard season or a spot of deep sorrow.
It’s hard to share that part of your story.

You might be judged.
You might be rejected.

I know that’s what I feared.

Sharing your story,
your hard story,
is like spreading hope with a fire hose.

There is nothing like the freedom that comes from being brave.
From sharing your story. 

That’s why I’m dedicating this video to every woman brave enough to share her story.
Click the image below to watch now. 

Did you relate to my fears about sharing my story?

What is the biggest fear you have about sharing your story? 

 

Lord God, inspire us to share that thing that tried to take us out from pulling the same garbage on another woman. Be with us, give us discernment and wisdom. Guide us with safe boundaries, but undergird us with courage. In Jesus Name, Amen 

in Bible / faith / God 3 comments
December 31, 2017  by

Ringing in the New Year with a Dance Party!

There is nothing like a dance party ring in the New Year!
 
When you are feeling frumpy, discouraged or just old,
you need a dance party!

 
An event planner I worked with last year informed me
that I should plan to join the dance party they host as part of their retreat every year.
“A dance party?” I asked her.
“Oh yes, it’s a big part of every retreat.
The women love it!” she said cheerfully.
“To go with the Royalty theme this year,
we’ll have a ball.
Bring something with sparkles on it!”
 
The more I thought about it,
the more it sounded like fun …
if I didn’t have a heart attack!
Read More›
in Bible / Encouragement / Life Lessons 7 comments
December 24, 2017  by

Extending My Warmest Christmas Greetings To You!

Merry Christmas!

It truly is a wonderful time of year as we celebrate
the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Not everything in my life is functioning perfectly, but I praise God for what is good and what I’m learning in the process of becoming more like him. More about that later.
First let me brag on my kids!

Everyone was here in Grand Rapids for a wedding in July.
Can you say Happy Mama?

Read More›
in God 2 comments
December 17, 2017  by

Simple and Addictive Holiday Recipes From My Kitchen To Yours

Girls, I have kept these holiday recipes secret for decades,
but they are just too good not to share.

These recipes for easy pumpkin pie and super simple fudge
are easy to make and taste like they took hours.
When I say the candied nuts are addictive, I’m not joking!
So good!

From my kitchen to yours,
just in time for Christmas dinners, parties and last minute gifts,
Merry Christmas!

Best Ever Pumpkin Pie 

Read More›
in Encouragement / Friendship 4 comments
December 10, 2017  by

When Holidays Are Hard, Take Heart

It’s December.
That wonderful time of year … for many.

But for some, when it seems like the rest of world
is celebrating Merry and Bright lives,
you feel overwhelmed and alone in the dark.

When holidays are hard, take heart.
God is with you.

Marilyn* watched her husband pick at his dinner.
“I need to tell you something,” he said without looking up.

There was a long pause before he continued.

As she waited, she imagined all sorts of things.
Maybe he’d lost his job.
Maybe something had happened with one of the kids.
Maybe he was sick.

Read More›
in change / faith / God / Grief 2 comments
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