Recently, I was in the produce section at the grocery store, talking to myself about what type of lettuce I wanted to purchase. I was surprised when the Produce Manager asked if I need help finding something. I responded that I was just talking to myself and didn’t realize I was talking out loud. He said, “Oh no worries, I do that all the time.” How we talk to ourselves, especially internally, is powerful. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you... Read more
When trouble strikes, are you quick to say, “I don’t need help, I’ve got this”? When you can’t resolve a dilemma yourself, do you turn to family, friends, or self-help resources for direction and insight? When your relationships fail, your finances are in a mess, or you’re struggling to deal with the everyday stresses of life — where do you go for help? Did you know? The Bible sheds light on our everyday life situations. “The teaching of your... Read more
Just like we exercise our bodies to stay fit — it’s important to exercise our brains by seeking knowledge and applying it to our lives. “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15 (ESV) When we study the word knowledge in Scripture, we find its root-word, yādaʿ, to know, occurs 944 times in the Bible.[1]The word “knowledge” is found no less than 156 times in the New and Old Testaments and refers to a knowledge... Read more
Even under the best conditions, climbing a mountain like Mount Everest is an act of near madness. Standing on top of the peak is like stopping a passenger jet in mid-flight and climbing out onto the wing. The altitude, the below zero temperatures and most alarmingly, the lung destroyer- which produces a confusing atmosphere caused by ultra-thin air. In May 1996, it was clear to anyone listening to the Mount Everett radio traffic, that climber Rob Hall had decided to... Read more
Do you ever catch yourself getting upset over the littlest things? Have you lost your temper over something small and later wondered why? Do you struggle with self-doubt, frustration, or failure fatigue? Emotional pain from our present and past can build barriers that hinder us from moving forward — if we let them. Therefore, we must recognize these hindrances, uncover their roots, and properly dismantle them to embrace true freedom. “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure... Read more
Is it time to surrender? Are you striving for something you just can’t seem to obtain or resisting something you just can’t seem to elude? How do we know when it’s time to surrender and give up the fight? Quite often we face situations that require our surrender, yet we struggle and strive to maintain control and rigidly stand firm in our position, no matter how loud our inner voice of reason yells trying to get our attention. “Trust in... Read more
I love reading the life story of King David in the Bible. If it were a movie, it would be labeled one of the greatest action, adventure, and drama movies around—experiencing Saul’s relentless pursuit of David, fuel by his jealous and murderous rage. Watching David’s many narrow escapes from Saul’s army as he passionately cries out to God for protection. Then to see him take his rightful place as king of Israel, only to fall into and an adulterous affair with... Read more
What price are you paying for allowing stress in your life? How much money would you have to lose, how many health problems would you have to have, and how many relationships would you have to give up, before taking action to reduce your stress? Self-induced anxiety Stress is a common topic around our house. Juggling my overcommitted life, while trying to prioritize my time with God, family, and friends can be hectic and stressful. And — my type-A, OCD,... Read more
We all have unique personalities and ways of “doing life.” Some of us are patient and relaxed, while others are impatient and much more active. I fit rather perfectly into the second category — not so patient and almost never relaxed. While sometimes the way we do life is a choice, other times it’s a personality trait or lifestyle we’ve become accustomed to. A few years back, I was introduced to a Coaching program where I found myself challenged in... Read more
“Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:20-21 Maybe last year wasn’t a pleasant year for you. Maybe you were waiting for it to finally end. Maybe you’re anticipating... Read more
Courage for Life
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