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A Call To The Church: The Lost Boys, Phil Robertson And Jesus
My heart is heavy this morning. It's heavy for the Lost Boys. Not the Peter Pan troupe, but the boys and girls in homes who don't have fathers. For the kids who don't know or ever will know their father. For the children whose fathers are in jail not just at Christmas...
Best of 2013: Why I (H-A-T-E) the Holidays:
I posted this article last year and was called by the Rikki Lake Show. While I didn't hate the holidays enough to make the show, there were many responses that resonated with this post. I have a love-hate relationship with the holidays. It's the expectations and the...
Hope For Holiday Relationships
I have the poem "Do It Anyway" by Mother Theresa in my counseling office. It makes me strong and gives me hope for holiday relationships. It was given to me by a friend in a Christmas letter in 2005. It's timeless. The truths are essential for relationships during the...
When Things Change, God Doesn’t
"Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who doesn't change like shifting shadows" James 1:17 (NIV) This weekend I'll be speaking to a group of women in Wisconsin on James 1:17. The verse couldn't be more...
Why Praying For Sex Trafficking At The Super Bowl Is The Wrong Things To Do
The last few days my Facebook and Twitter feed has filled with "pray for the sex trafficking during the Super Bowl." This is one area where prayer is futile without action or commitment to change. Forgive my boldness, but sex trafficking begins and ends with men. I'm...
How To Handle Unmet Holiday Expectations
My hometown is beautiful at Christmas with twinkling lights and picture perfect decorations. It mirrors the image of Christmas. A season of great expectations. Unmet holiday expectations are disappointing. How many children are disappointed because they don't get the...
Finding Calm by Jennifer Barnes Maggio
I'm excited to help launch Choose Now team member Jennifer Barnes Maggio's new book for single parents! Eighteen years ago, I gazed into the eyes of my unbelievably beautiful first-born. I sat in the hospital room alone. It was the first of many nights, many years,...
Lessons From A Thing Called Grace
"I struggle with it," she said, looking me in the eyes. She was struggling with judgment, but also with grace. I've wrestled with judgment and grace. Have you? Judging others when they broke rules you thought you had to live by to be accepted. Wresting with grace...
Dee’s Story of Mental Illness
It's my privilege to share the inspiring story of a friend of mine, Dee, who shares her journey with a mental illness. As a service provider of mental health, I am honored she is sharing her story. We need to understand the shame that goes with mental illness. Thank...
Never Be Shamed Again
And never again will my people be shamed...Joel 2:26, 27 I looked out on the sea of faces, men and women, black and white, young and old, and saw their eyes. Eyes that a few minutes before were downcast, but now were intently listening. Never Again Be Shamed. I've...
Guest Post: Tracy Teppler of My Daily Walk in His Grace
I'm catching up from the Arise conference that I'll be sharing about soon! I have two other speaking engagements this week, so I'm honored to have Tracy Teppler of My Daily Walk in His Grace and Encourage 24/7 share today! I wonder if you can identify with the story!...
Sharing What God Has Done
The last week has been monumental in many ways. As a counselor and educator, some days are discouraging, bleak, leaving you desperate for change in the lives of kids. But in the midst of those feelings, God works. Where have you seen God work this week? I'm reminded...