I was having a hard time going through a process at my old church. I found myself thinking, “I can leave this place and it will be okay. It wouldn't be a big deal. I’m not actively leading in ministry anymore.” The ministry I once led was being done quite well without me and others were growing in their gifting. I didn’t feel angry about it so I reasoned that this was okay. My thoughts were interrupted by the Voice of the Lord speaking to me, “You have influence.”
Read MoreWe can read, talk, and work for God and still feel empty. That’s because nothing can take the place of having a true encounter with Him and allowing Him to empower and transform us. When that happens, we are never the same.
Read MoreWomen in every season of life find themselves wondering if they are doing enough, if they are accomplishing enough, if they are making enough of an impact. Whether your season consists of a fast-paced career, an empty nest, or toddlers, diapers and sleep deprivation - your purpose is just what Jesus declared, “Go out and train everyone you meet.”
Read MoreEveryone has a story worthy of sharing. AND, you don’t just have one story, you have a collection of mini miracles and encounters where Jesus rescued you with mercy and grace. All of those are your stories.
Read MoreI have to admit there have been times in my life when I didn’t exude the same exuberance as the prophet Samuel. It didn’t feel like God was that immovable, strong force, that tower of strength in my life – at least my circumstances didn’t reflect that. It seemed that people or forces beyond my control had gotten the best of me, and I began to question whether God was going to come through.
Read MoreWhen most of us imagine Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, our minds see Jesus as the servant. But when I picture that scene of Jesus kneeling to clean away the dirt of the day, I see Jesus the humble. Then it dawns on me that serving and humility are two sides of the same coin, they go together.
Read MoreConnection is something we all crave. We want to be loved and seen. If you are fortunate enough to have one or two close friends, it can still be difficult to find time together in the busyness of life. I wonder if we were to ask Jesus His thoughts on this what He would say.
Read MoreYou have probably heard the phrase, “People don‘t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The way you communicate care and build trust with others is to listen to them. Not just listening with your ears - but with your entire being, your eyes, heart, and spirit. That means being fully present - not thinking about your response or what you plan to have for dinner. It's important to be unbiased and focus on their experience and feelings and not on how you would respond or react to what they are sharing.
Read MoreHow do I know God will answer my prayers when I ask Him to help my friends and family draw closer to Him? All throughout the Bible God answered the heartfelt requests of ordinary people just like you and me. He promises to answer you and show you great and mighty things when you call Him.
Read MoreI was recently interviewed by a friend who leads a podcast entitled "Moms Changing the World." Our interview focused on my life as a woman of faith, a wife, mother, ministry leader, and a tech leader in Silicon Valley. It was great to share with her audience my journey of discovering my calling through serving others using my DNA, passion, skills, talents, and experience, both in the sacred and secular spaces. At the end of the interview, my friend asked me a pertinent question which inspired me to write this devotion: "What does it look like for me to live in the perfect rest (ie: joy / fulfillment) of the Lord in my life?"
Read MoreHave you ever felt overwhelmed by life? I’m talking about being overwhelmed by just regular responsibilities, let alone unexpected pressures and trials. At times, I’ve found myself overwhelmed to the point where I feel like running away from everything. Don’t get me wrong, my life is great! But there are times when unrelenting responsibilities feel heavier than usual. If you’ve ever experienced one of those days, weeks, or even months, you’re not alone.
Read MoreHave you ever heard the expression “the lights are on, but no one is home”? I had one of those moments the other day as I was making a cup of coffee using the Keurig. I got everything ready: the water, the coffee, hit the button and walked away to do something else. But I forgot the cup. No cup to catch all that delicious coffee. You see I was up and moving but I was not fully present. In fact, I was completely disconnected and distracted, which made for a mess.
Read MoreIt is an uneasy feeling to think someone is out to get you and you do not even know why. That is exactly where David was with King Saul.
Read MoreThe other day my husband and I decided to escape the heat and go to a movie. As we reclined our seats, waiting for the show, a fresh thought suddenly came to mind. Lately I have been giving special attention to thoughts or people—especially if it feels like God is shining a light on them; I truly do not want to miss anything He wants to show me.
Read MoreAt some point in your life, I am sure you have walked through a season of change or uncertainty. Whether big or small, those unknowns and “what ifs” can often bring about a bubbling sense of anxiety.
Read MoreHave you ever had a best friend? Someone with whom you talked with and opened your heart and shared personal things? You began sharing activities, coffee and meals and started a friendship. Most likely you have developed a trust with them especially if the things you shared were meant to stay between the two of you
Read MoreLife can be heavy, filled with burdens, valleys, and pain. You probably have your own stories of difficult situations and seasons that you've walked through.
Read MoreMany of us start out with a picture about how we think life will be. We might believe we will have a specific job, marry a certain person, we may even have our children’s names picked out. But, as we all know, life happens.
Read More“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Prov. 31:25
This scripture is the overarching theme for our Gateway Women TogetHER Conference this weekend. It encourages us to walk through life with strength and joyful CONFIDENCE.
Read MoreWhat is it about those people who can walk into a room, and before they even say a word you can feel their presence? Is it them or is it in your mind? They are just so confident. They know who they are because they know whose they are.
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