Friday, October 30, 2015

7 Sparks to Uncover the Treasure Within


Each year during the month of November I give thanks for one thing each day. I write it on a leaf and tie it to a little tree I have in my living room.

I was looking through old photos and found this one from last year.

"uncovering dormant gifts"

I am so grateful to be singing and writing again. The poetry writing that I used to do in my journal as a teen has turned into songwriting as an adult. And singing in the choir has turned into being the worship leader at my church. Listening to the struggles of my friends has turned into counseling victims of abuse and exploitation.

Are there some gifts of yours that you have let hibernate for awhile? Maybe some that you never took the time to let fully develop? It's not too late to start living out your passion. It's always the right time to begin doing what God designed you to do! Here are 7 sparks to help you find your way back to those gifts and talents that you've put on the back burner:

1. Journal your prayers and thoughts daily.

2. Make a list of what you wish you had time to do.

3. Think about what you were doing the last time you lost track of time.

4. Remember the dreams you had as a child. 

5. Ask a close friend or your spouse what they think you should be doing.

6. Make a daily gratitude list.

7. Take some time away from your daily routine and gain some perspective on your life.

Whether it's decorating cakes, leading a Bible Study, or reading to a group of children, we all have skills that can be used to bring Him glory!




Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Live a life of love!


As I was out running one morning I had a great revelation,
"I don't always have a loving attitude toward myself." 

What I mean is my self-talk is not kind. I was putting myself down for being slow...when it hit me. I was running uphill, in the heat, at age 52. Yeah, I'm moving slow but I'm out here. And I'm running! A man on a bicycle was also struggling up the hill.


My thinking had to shift. I had a compassionate attitude toward him but a harsh one toward myself. That had to stop. I'm working on changing my self talk. I'm choosing to speak lovingly to myself when I need encouragement.

How about you? Are you kind to yourself? Are you doing everything in a loving manner; in the spirit of His great love? Worship is not limited to a short portion of time before the service. Worship is a lifestyle. Worship includes obedience to God's word. And His word says, "Let ALL that you do be done in love." That includes how you act, how you speak, and what you think.

We shouldn't operate out of fear, or frustration, or arrogance. But, out of love. His love, in each sphere of our lives. As we offer up ourselves as living sacrifices let this include living a life of love!

Friday, October 23, 2015

Life Lessons from Women in the Lineage of Christ:


Life Lesson #1 from Tamar: What Are You Willing to Risk?



Life Lesson #2 from Rahab: Who Needs to Hear Your Testimony




Life Lesson #3 from Bathsheba: It's Not How You Start it's How You Finish




Life Lesson #4 From Mary: I Woke Up Like This!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

What season are you in?




I'm not always excited about each season of life.

Are you?

Some seasons are hard.  Some seasons are stressful. Some seasons are joyful! Some seasons last too long. Others don't seem to last long enough!

In this season of life I'm finding joy in listening to His voice, in singing new songs, and in learning new lessons.


I decided to start this new blog to capture some of the highlights of this "season of singing" that I'm in.



You can join in by subscribing by email to receive updates. And you can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Have you ever chosen a single word to guide your goals and plans for the year? 

My word for 2015 is PASSION. It's not always easy for me to be passionate. An introvert by nature I tend to take things slowly, I'd rather not be in the spotlight if I can avoid it, and I enjoy reading a book just as much as I enjoy singing. Perhaps in the days ahead you'll be inspired to find your passion or your word to guide you for the rest of this year or for the new year that is fast approaching.

Let's explore some life lessons together...I'm looking forward to having you with me!