Resilience

I woke up this morning pondering the word resilience. It was the last thing I talked about before I went to sleep last night. I was sharing with Grant my outline for a speaking engagement coming up in February. The topic is resilience. When I woke up I had the this visual of a tree that was deeply rooted with strong character traits that helped it dig in deep into the earth so that when the winds blew it was steady. I was reminded of verses and character traits that have helped me in moments of resilience. The tree's leaves moved from green, to yellow, to red, to brown, to nothing on the branches. This showed that resilience that is built on faith and the character of God can withstand the seasons of fruit bearing and even barrenness because its roots are deep. What character trait or verse helped you stand resilient through the seasons you have walked through?  I would love to know!

Fight the fear of being alone

In this podcast, I share a moment when I felt very alone and how God became my comfort. Jennifer and I discuss how Hagar struggled with feeling alone, too.  

Click on this to hear the story: Fighting the fear of being alone

Check out Wholly Loved Podcast: Faith over Fear. Thanking God for Jennifer Slattery, Jodie Bailey,  and Shellie Arnold. I am learning so much from this podcast team. All three are prolific writers. Go Google them! It is so much fun to sit and talk over life and Scripture together.

The spiritual discipline of storytelling

God showed me how He took a struggle and fear into a spiritual disciple that became an act of worship. 

Click on this to hear what God taught me: The spiritual disciple of telling a Bible story

Spirituality does not have an age requirement

Spirituality does not have an age requirement. Faith does not have a quantity requirement. Both fly in the face of our attempts to reason with faith. Obedience determines our spiritual age and our dependence and utter recognition that without Christ nothing is possible, with Christ all things are possible is what builds our faith. Both spirituality and faith are strengthened by complete surrender. Easier said than done! O Father, increase our faith and grow us spiritually! In Jesus' Name, AMEN! Today, we will record about the demon possessed boy in Matthew 17:14-21.

Run swiftly toward holiness and pursue peace

"In every relationship be swift to choose peace over competition, and run swiftly toward holiness..."  (The Passion 12:14). 

Choose peace over competition and run swiftly toward holiness. Yes and amen! I love this. I want this! Read it this morning and prayed over me and you! See, if I do not choose peace then I set up opportunity for bitter roots. Those are ugly beasts to break. I read once that one leader cannot stop a mob because the root is embedded too deep. They are too far gone. You stop bitter roots by slaying the beast within in the moment it shows up. A leader gives what a leader has within. We cannot give peace if we do not choose to run to it personally in the quiet of our own homes in those early morning hours when it is only you running amuck in your head. What do you do with those thoughts? Well, stewing and brewing will not promote peace, but running swiftly toward holiness will promote peace. Father, help us all to run swiftly to You and allow Your peace which surpasses all understanding guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen

Esther by the artist Ann of Head Trip Creations

Scripture Art Journaling from Headtrip Creations by Ann

Click on Esther and you can watch how the artist created this piece of art.

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem with Rami of JEO

"In peace I will lie down and sleep,for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

As the world's eyes turn to Bethlehem as advent begins, would you like to see the little town for yourself? Check out the video below to see our Director Rami share some encouragement, some views of Bethlehem and catch our vision for  sharing Christ with the people here. We invite you to make your investment in His kingdom in this little town today. Let's make a difference this Giving Tuesday! https://newhorizonsfoundation.com/projectsdonate/1359-jeo-ministry/backingRami of JEO at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem"