We all have our own ways of protecting ourselves. If you’ve been hurt or fear being hurt, then obviously we find ways to avoid dealing with pain again in the future. These ways of thinking or emotional self protective habits and behaviors were likely developed during a season … [Read more...] about Avoiding Pain Denies Your Joy
Trust
Broken Trust Is Not Easily Restored
“You can’t talk yourself out of problems you behave yourself into.” Exactly. I read this quote out of Stephen Covey’s book, Seven Habits of Effective People where he describes his concept of an emotional bank account. It stood out to me because I have had to … [Read more...] about Broken Trust Is Not Easily Restored
When God Isn’t Who You Think He Is
Who is God, and what can we expect of him in times of crisis? Our answer depends on how we answer these three questions: Is He there? Is He good? Is He trustworthy? This is especially true when our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears, and nothing turns out the way we … [Read more...] about When God Isn’t Who You Think He Is
How to Have Childlike Faith At Any Age
“I want a dolphin” said my granddaughter upon inquisition from her great grandmother about what she wanted for her birthday. “A pink dolphin that swims”, she exclaimed with her ear to ear grin. Then she proceeded to twirl around until she fell down dizzy showing us her new moves … [Read more...] about How to Have Childlike Faith At Any Age
Persistent Prayers: Are You Living a Steadfast Life of Faith?
Prayer in church is common. When I was on staff every Tuesday we would pass around all of the prayer requests gathered from church members on Sunday. It was our time to pray for our congregation and to specifically lift up their thankfulness for God’s work in their life, their … [Read more...] about Persistent Prayers: Are You Living a Steadfast Life of Faith?
Mistaken Identity: Who Do You Think You Are?
Do you remember Show-and-Tell? Other than field day, it was basically the apex of elementary life. I can still remember what I took to show off to my 2nd grade class on Show-and-Tell day. I brought a little glass figurine/doll that my grandma had given me that I thought was so … [Read more...] about Mistaken Identity: Who Do You Think You Are?