Follow Well. Lead Well.
For some, being in a discipleship relationship seems daunting. I remember thinking that if I discipled or mentored someone I really needed to have my act together. On the other hand, I thought if I was “discipled” by someone then I needed to share all my dirt and I wasn’t so sure I was ready …
(Continuing the theme: “Things that can trip us up.”) Stacy was really smart — so smart she met with the teacher one-on-one. That was a challenge for me, who really wanted to be the smartest. I attributed it to the fact that she watched Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers. Neither of which I was fond of, …
Let’s get this out there — some people are just plain difficult to love. I hate to admit it. Yet, even if they move on, soon I find this person is replaced by another. I don’t know why, but I always seem to have one of these folks in my life. I had this roommate …
Feeling overwhelmed is common for this time of the year. When things feel out of control, I want a little more control, a little more certainty. I want the path to be clear. What is the answer? What feels a little out of control for you? Where do you want clarity or direction? At this …
I like windows. (Stick with me for a minute and you will see how this applies right now!) Windows come in all sorts of shapes, styles and sizes. I especially like old wooden windows, with small panes, for they have character, and a story to tell. To me, windows speak of possibilities. You never know …
The news continually brings the world’s burdens right to my hands as my fingers tap from story to story. I can go from extremes in my emotions from wanting to run to safety to being tempted to lash out in anger from all the injustice, evil, and biased media. There seems to be so little …
Recently, I sat on a porch with five young women as I lead us in a retreat to really retreat. You know, to get away and be refreshed, not just to get away only to return home more tired than when you left. No, not that kind of retreat. I wanted the time to pour …
Part 3 of “What is on focus for the summer?” — Summer. Each one looks different. One summer I worked at a dry cleaners, until I was held up at gun point. My parents told me I had to quit. There was a summer that I was hot, uncomfortable and pregnant. I sat in the shallow …
Part 2 of, “What is on focus for this summer?” — There are many things I love.. A lot of them are pretty good things, or neutral things. I love my husband and my boys, my family and friends. I love good coffee, period dramas, being outside, flowers growing, an easy bike-ride, chocolate chip …
Usually I have these high hopes for a really good summer: one that is fun, relaxing, meaningful, and full of good times as a family, doing hobbies, and even catching up on some things that need to be done around the house. It is easy to go into the summer kind of “mindless” and just …
I had a picture in my mind of the Church. Well, it was more a picture of how the church might be perceived or experienced from outside the church. There are tall, impenetrable walls. There are no cracks, just strong, stout walls. And as I look up, it is stories tall — maybe six stories, …
I love the idea of something being effortless. A, “I took no time to do this such-n-such a thing” sounds nice to me. Often social media gives this impression. I don’t want the the fussy, stiff and unapproachable. Living the Effortless Life Effortless Hair A few years back during prom and wedding season my hair …
How do you feel when you stop, really stop, and realize you have taken someone or something for granted — a relationship, a job, education, or even just food on the table? I don’t like it when I come to this place. Its value, influence or proper place in my life was lost. Some things …
You have said, “Yes,” as a mom to an international summer mission! You are beginning an exciting time of trusting the Lord in new ways. Even though you are committed, it’s normal to feel hesitant. You may feel a little stressed because you have no idea how the financial support will come in, what you …
Who doesn’t love a good race! My boys have run cross-country and track, and I so enjoy the battling it out at the end as the athlete gives every ounce of energy to push past their opponent towards the finish line. I also love the beginning of long distance races, as each runner bursts out, …
