Fear runs rampant in all our lives, whether we like it or not. It’s Satan’s best strategy in distracting us from focusing on God’s plan for our lives. Fear makes his rounds. He grips us with irrational phobias so that we focus on them and not on God. He is so good at his job that he convinces us we have no control. We experience anxiety, panic, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. We choose to avoid this terrifying threat... Read more
If you’re anything like me, you can’t wait to experience God moments. I mean, He is ALWAYS with us. But what I am talking about is really knowing that He is with you right now in this moment orchestrating this event. I can’t imagine the excitement on God’s face when He sees that His children see it’s Him! I get goosebumps just thinking about it! I love God! I love being in His presence! I love experiencing His God moments!... Read more
The Battle Within I am standing at the edge of Condemnation’s precipice with no place to run or hide. Disappointment, Dread, Disgust, and Dishonor surround me. They circle me like hungry lions waiting to devour their prey. I’m vulnerable and weak with only Self Loathing and Unworthy by my side offering no comfort. I can see Devastation and Overwhelm approaching with their poison arrows of doubt and destruction and I sink to my knees in surrender at each arrow’s penetration.... Read more
Remembering my time spent as the Ambassador of Joy for the Wildflower in Pagosa Springs, Colorado 15 years ago is one of my favorite memories. It is a job I will never forget. I was allowed creative freedom and I blossomed. Pun intended, LOL! It was a special business where God showed up, His sweet fragrance was the air we breathed, and everyone, from employees to customers, was blessed beyond imagination. Creative at Heart If you’re a creative like me,... Read more
My husband, Trent, and I bought a tandem kayak a few years back. We love it! I wasn’t sure how it would go since we’re both control freaks, but we have creatively come up with a way to work together perfectly. I paddle us all over the lake, and he fly fishes off the back. It’s the perfect symbiotic system. We both benefit and have a wonderful time together. Last year I paddled 21 miles! Marriage is like a tandem... Read more
Fear prevents me from writing. He reminds me of all my flaws. He points out every mistake I make. He laughs at my misspellings and my forgotten punctuation. He taunts me, “No one’s gonna read what you write. So, why are ya still at it?” He points his ugly little finger at the screen and snickers at my attempt to prove him wrong. My Heart and Head are at War Frustration sits with me as only the best frenemy would.... Read more
No matter how hard you try to hide them, social media likes to point out all our mistakes for the world to see. Someone videotaped your outburst or recorded your fall. Next thing you know, it’s gone viral on TikTok or has a million hits on Instagram. BuzzFeed has a headline that reads, “21 Wild Celebrity Fails from This Past Year.” YouTube has another that reads, “Biggest Mistakes Made on Live TV.” Entrepreneur’s article title reads, “10 Stupid Mistakes... Read more
Here I am standing on a new precipice. How in the world will I ever get down? It’s crowded here. I watch the fluid movement of each person adorning their talents and wonder why some are more dynamic than others. Observe Without Notice I crouch behind a table so I can watch without being noticed and discover a blender. I am fascinated by its beauty and become intrigued by what it can do. As I study it, I realize it... Read more
Here I am again back in the same classroom, learning the same lessons. Really? Didn’t I pass with flying colors last time? As I look around, I notice these are new classmates, but everything else seems to be the same. The assignments are being discussed when I see the canvas already laid out and I think to myself, maybe this is the final exam, maybe this is a test to see if I can actually use the tools I was given... Read more
I’ve made several touchdowns lately. Life feels pretty good. In fact, things are going so well that Joy and I are planning a celebration dinner. After all, we’ve worked hard and deserve it, right? Standing in the end zone, I hold the football in the air and strut a victory dance. Unfair Penalty Out of nowhere, a member of the opposing team rushes me, tackles me to the ground, and I fumble the ball. Where did that come from? Where’s... Read more
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