Talk to Ezra. For 15 years his adversaries shut down his work. Think about that. What has happened in your life in the past 15 years? Here's my short list. I have: Gone from being a young mom surrounded by "littles" to being a mom of many teenagers. Added three countries to my passport, including Ukraine, the home country of our youngest daughter. Weathered a church split, church closure, and a rapid departure from a church we loved, but realized that there was no longer vision … [Read more...] about If You Feel Like You’ve Been Waiting for a Long Time …
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When Help Comes as a Trojan Horse
When the need is great, we may be tempted to welcome a Trojan Horse to our team. This happened with Ezra back in the day. God had stirred the heart of Cyrus to allow the exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. All in all, about 50,000 people headed home loaded with silver, gold, and all the holy items that had been taken when Jerusalem fell. The work was hard. And it took a long time. Two years, actually, just to get the foundation laid. At this point, a Trojan Horse entered … [Read more...] about When Help Comes as a Trojan Horse
Healing and Hope to Many More
This weekend, I was at the Knowing God Ministries "Making a Difference Conference." For those who prayed for me, I'm so appreciative! It was a FULL weekend. I spoke on Friday night at a Pre-Conference for The Point Women. And on Saturday, led a couple of breakout sessions and sat on a panel with some really funny women. One in particular ... But I really think that some of the most significant ministry I experienced was at my RiverCross table. My daughter, Adelyn, joined me for the day … [Read more...] about Healing and Hope to Many More
Bold Courage
This little one ... has bold courage. She is my firstborn. She came into the world in a snowstorm. And since then she hasn't stopped. In 2004, we were gathered for family devotions. Our church was preparing for a short-term trip to Columbia, SA and we were talking about the trip. Before we prayed, Sara Maria said to me, "Mom, can I really ask God for anything? I said "Sure, Honey. God might answer 'Yes.' But he might also answer 'No' or 'Wait.'" And as we prayed that night, here was … [Read more...] about Bold Courage
Can I ask you to pray for me?
This weekend, nearly 300 women will gather in a small town in NC to learn what it means to make a difference. I'm speaking at a pre-conference tonight, leading two break-out sessions at the conference, and participating in a panel discussion. I'll also have a table set up for RiverCross. I'm so excited to see what God is going to do this weekend. But, I'm feeling a bit more than a giddy kind of excitement. I'm feeling expectancy. I'm expecting that women will be mobilized to make a … [Read more...] about Can I ask you to pray for me?
Join Me in Being an Alongside Mom?
So, I'm trying a new strategy with my kids and it's kind of freeing for us all. When the kids get into the car after an Alexander kind of day ... ...complaining about this, whining about that, blaming everybody else for everything ... my tendency is to go head-on and address their attitude. But, time and time again, this causes their frustration to turn on me like the eye of Sauron. Do you know what I'm talking about? So, instead of being the head-on mom, I'm learning to be the … [Read more...] about Join Me in Being an Alongside Mom?