Walking His Call

Since posting my last blog about how God used a FICTIONAL story to speak into my life something I needed to hear (He is God, afterall, and can do as He pleases. He even used a donkey once to get the attention of someone - allowed the donkey to speak, He did), I've been seeing a lot and hearing a lot about how the book is heretical.  So we are all clear, heresy is defined as: belief or opinion contrary (in this case) to Christian doctrine (doctrine is a set of beliefs heard and taught by a church). Doctrine is where the water gets a little (or a lot) muddy.  This is because there are A LOT of doctrines floating around.  As a matter of fact each denomination, while it may be evangelical, has its own set of doctrines - much of the time the doctrines are the same on "what really counts", but there are differences none the less. This is why it is absolutely essential to KNOW what GOD'S WORD says, so you aren't taking someone else's word for His Word. I've read ...

I don't quite know where to begin... What I am about to share is deeply personal and very fresh, but in writing this out I'm working to unpack what the Lord has given me.  I'm bringing you along for the journey, because I know I'm not alone in this. Your details may be different from mine, but the theme is the same.  None of us are exempt from the pain this life - in a sin-filled world - dishes out, and all of us need to remember that God is with us, loving us, in the middle of it.  Recently Steve and I went to see the movie "The Shack", and it had a profound impact on me; as I write this there are many emotions and thoughts coursing through my system.  It's "just a movie" you may be thinking, and that is true, but I learned a long time ago that God can use whatever He wants to use to speak to those He wants to reach.    There is some controversy surrounding the movie. After all, God the Father "Papa" is portrayed as a woman for most of...

I could very well be about to step up on a soap-box here, so fair warning.  I don't do this very often, but in light of events from last night and this morning I feel I must.  As I write this I'm praying for wisdom to say what needs to be said without over-stepping. Before the election (by the way - I almost never get into political discussion because they cause hurt and dissension, and I have no desire to be a part of that) I was compelled to write this post on my Facebook page:  "Looking through Facebook this morning and reading headlines has broken my heart. We have an election coming up that is fracturing our country before it even happens. As I think about it all I am struck by the fact that we have "made the bed we now lay in". We have used our God-given free will to turn our backs on our Creator, Savior, Friend. So this morning my prayer is a prayer of repentance and one for mercy. We, as believers need to look at our own hearts before we st art ...

Disclaimer: I stumbled upon this post from another blog I had a while ago, like 3 years ago, and wanted to post it here.  Since this was written I've experienced many more battles.  It is vital that we become skilled warriors. 1 Peter 5:8 8  Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. I got this in living color yesterday!  We most definitely have an enemy looking for a way to knock us out of the fight.  As a lead worshiper, I, along with the rest of the worship team, am on the front lines of the battle.  Yesterday morning (Sunday), I was being "punched" at every turn.  Never once was I able to gain a "firm stance".  Every time I turned around something else was going wrong.  This all started during worship rehearsal, and extended through our first service.  I had trouble singing, and things were tilted.  There was a kind-of stillness in...

I've been wanting to write a new post on here for a while, but haven't had the time - or anything really to say.  We've been living life...one day to the next for the last few months.  We've had ups and downs, goods and bads, highs and lows, etc.   Like I said life - real life.   Right now, at this very moment, it is 2:31 am on November 5th (about 2.5 months since I've written last), and I've got a lot on my heart.  Contemplating writing a book, even... My first born has a passion for the church - the Holy Church - to be in unity - as one, and we have been talking about it A LOT over the last few years.  It strikes me though, that it is impossible for different denominations or protestant and Catholics to ever get along if we can't first get along in the body of believers we've chosen to align ourselves with. I've been in church since before my earliest childhood memory.  I've been an active participant in church since I was 5; I am ...

I realized this week that it's been a while since I posted anything.  A LOT has been happening y'all!  I'm now working full-time at one of the local school districts as a paraprofessional (teacher's aid to the old schoolers) AND working at our church as set-up coordinator for the meal we serve to our volunteers each week.  Next month I start leading a women's small group titled "She's Got Issues". I'm super excited about it!  (If you live where I do, and are interested, I'd love to have you join us). Let's get really real for a sec... After resigning my position at my former church (where I was a pastor on staff), I wasn't sure I ever want to be on another church staff.  The strain it can put on a family is nothing to joke about.  God, however, had other plans for me and mine and I just have to tell you about it. When we moved to our new church, where we are confident God wants us (it is so amazing how He orders our steps), I new I...

For those of you who haven't been reading my blog over the last several months, I'll fill you in quickly... The last several months of my life have been tough - that's actually a gross understatement. While there have been times of happiness - like my firstborn's wedding, and complete healing in my body after 15 years of chronic pain (Praise the Lord!), I've also been a "pit of despair".  My world titled in a big way several months ago, and I just couldn't see how I would ever be the same again.   Throughout this time God has show Himslef to be the faithful God He is. At my darkest moments He has brought me light through His kids and His Word.  He's been nearly tangibly close, and it has soothed my aching heart in ways I can't really put into words.  Because I am a doer and planner I've been trying to figure it all out, and have been making myself "crazy" in the process...that is, until a few weeks ago (maybe about 6)...something ...