I had a rather interesting dream recently. I am sitting close to the stage at the Oscars, settled between two successful actresses you would likely recognize, They are known for the depth and skill of their character portrayals. Somehow in this dream world, we know each other well. Having started out in an acting career about the same time, we had mutual respect for each other’s skills. To give some brief context, I have professional acting and singing experiences in my whee

Prayer isn't always simple, humble or easy. Yet often it is within our messy prayers that God's true power really begins to shine.

I used to try to fit my Christianity into a box. Ever been there? I had a checklist that needed to be in place in order to feel good about my faith. Did I sit down, read my bible and pray every day? Check. Did I dress in a conservative, clean cut way? Check. Did I work hard and never make a fuss? Check. And I noticed the people sitting around me in church looked an awful lot like I did. It’s not that all of those things are bad per say, especially the part about spen

Ever been paralyzed by fear? I certainly have. The what if's and the obstacles overwhelm me before I even start. Fear of pain, both real and imagined, can become my excuse to stay put and stay stuck, to no longer listen for the gentle whispers of God urging me forward. And even if I do hear that whisper swirling through my soul, fear can keep me from doing. I know that God is for my good, always. But I need reminders, you know? So, for a full year I had a quote in my ca

A shift in perspective can shift your life experience for the better.

Jesus was asked to do things he didn’t necessarily feel he was ready to do. Picture him in the earliest days of his ministry. He had just called the first disciples to him. We pick up the story with Jesus at a wedding feast with his guys, relaxing and enjoying some of his last moments of "normal," knowing full well that soon He would travel and suffer and ultimately die on the cross for each one of us. Since he knew what was ahead of him, did he relish this special evenin

A young Jewish girl is captured by a conquering nation and made into a servant-slave. There is nothing particularly special about her, except she chooses to have a good attitude despite her circumstances. To still treat those around her, including her capturers, with respect and care. She chose to share her faith with her captors. Compare her with a second-generation immigrant who grows up consumed with crafting a successful business. He works hard to independently produc

They were down 32 points. They needed 5 touchdowns to win. F-i-v-e. Everyone had written them off. The Houston Oilers had scored 21 unanswered points. This included an intercepted pass right before halftime that led to a touchdown, with the Oilers completely dominating the Buffalo Bills. It was so bad, in fact, that most of the Bills fans left during the break, assuming the game was pretty much over. Their superstar quarterback, Jim Kelly, was out of the game, after all.

Daring to believe you deserve great things is a challenge. Obstacles come your way that can tear at your determination. Sometimes all it takes is that one extra person, that one poisonous look, that last denigrating comment to trap you back into your own negativity in the land of “I don’t deserve.” Ever been there? We tell ourselves we’re no good; we’re too fat to be loved, too weak to defend ourselves, unworthy of experiencing joy and peace and love. Even when we do experien

A house full of kids. An elaborate dinner table mostly unnoticed. And missing out on what is really important.

I mopped the sweat off my brow with my crumbled up shirt sleeve, the steam from the pot of delicious smelling food wafting up to greet me as I stirred. My face was ruddy from hours of laboring over a hot stove. I glanced up quickly, noting all the fun everyone else was having in the next room, but also the impatience that can only come from hunger. Everyone wanted to eat! “Almost done!” I shouted out to everyone, though no one was asking. On this, our first big celebration

In an era where celebrities are worshipped, it’s easy to lose my way. If I'm not careful, the constant comparison can rip me apart.

In God's hands, we can transition from paralyzing doubt toward anticipating a life amid God's abundant goodness.

In a year of changes, it took getting away with God to be able to release the breath I didn’t know I had long been holding.

My anger at God was precipitated by the litany of challenges I had been facing. Could I trust God again?

Not all friends are created equal, and some friends, perfect for a season in our lives, may not be the best fit for the current season.

Viewing the world through a different lens showed me there was so much more out there beyond the birdcage!

I sit down slowly, my expression thoughtful as I surreptitiously glance back at those brown eyes, still so keen and passionate all these years later. She has always been a little ball of energy, Margaret, I quietly muse. The one with fun, creative ideas and the passion and vision to carry them through. She had always been honest, real, and so deeply in love with Jesus. A natural leader who people wanted to be with and emulate. I have always admired her. As inquisitive as

Expectation. I remember being a young girl, squirming on the vinyl seat in the back of our Chevy station wagon, asking way too often, “Are we there yet?” My parents would take turns answering, “Be patient honey. We’re not there yet.” If I was really lucky, they would give me a countdown--just 2o minutes left and so on. But at that young age, 10 minutes could feel like forever because I couldn’t wait to get to where we were going! Is it any wonder that as Jesus got nearer

Two children. Two surgeries. One summer.The surgeon's plan was set.