There are times that I get up early to sit quietly, to pray, to listen and then my mind goes crazy. I begin to plan what needs to be done today, I worry about what I didn’t get done yesterday.

My body is still but my mind is going a million miles an hour.

I go inward to be IN His presence
there I find love, peace,
grace & joy.
I move outward to BE his presence
there I reflect His love, peace,
grace & joy.

Things that have encouraged me

Unsolicited comments that have recently encouraged me
- You are the best boss I have ever had. Wish I lived closer to you so I could volunteer in your ministry (previous employee)
- You are one of the most creative people I have ever worked with. You always looked ahead for the next opportunity and incorporated it. (previous boss)
- You are creative, hopeful, determined (current employee)
- You taught and modeled to us what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Because of your leadership our staff has deepen our relationships with God and one another. (previous employee)
- Slaughter’s teaching from Matthew 10 (previous "big" boss and pastor)

Being Contemplative

Recently a comment was made that my tendencies to be contemplative was misinterpreted. My longing for time alone, my desires to go on long walks in the woods was perceived as a lack of personal motivation or even drive. Initially that comment hurt, but I realized it was only an observation from a person who doesn’t really know me or understand what a contemplative life is about.

I am probably one of the most “discontent” people around. I always want MORE. More in my relationships, more things fixed in my house, more plants for my garden; more volunteers working and leading in the kids ministry; more education; more opportunities for our kids; more dinners with friends; more time in the woods; more time with my husband; more love, more patience; more wine, more sex, more laughter! I want MORE.

Being contemplative (for me) is about prayerfully entering into silence and solitude – the desert, the woods. In this sacred space, the goal is not to hide from others, devoid of pain, or to hold myself apart from and above the community in which I live. It is to receive the grace to learn to face MYSELF directly so I can learn to live an ordinary life with a sense of awe and wonder; to live generously with my family, friends and community.

Mother Teresa was contemplative SO THAT she could pour herself out to others. I’m certainly no Mother Teresa, but I find comfort knowing that a lot of religious people didn’t get or approve of her.

Everyone benefits from positive affirmation

The other day at the park there was a family kicking the soccer ball around nearby where I sat. Their little son, I guessed to be 3 years old, came up and hit his older sister on her back. The girl began to cry and told her dad what happened. The dad responded to the little boy with, “I told you to keep your f-ing hands off of her.”

I was so shocked by the harshness in this man’s voice, and even though his words were not directed at me, I was hurt because I witnessed the incident. Days later I still carry with me the negativity and weight of those few violent moments. Each time I recall the incident I grieve, but I also pause to pray.

Studies show that when we complement another person, not only does that increase their serotonin level (a well-known contributor to feelings of well being) it increased the person’s serotonin level who gave the complement. The study then shows that those who are present and hear this exchange of complements ALSO have an increase of serotonin.

Everyone benefits when we are kind to one another.

Fear or Faith?

Darkness, thunder storms, tornados, spiders, cancer, death, bears, skeletons, killer clowns, stray dogs, boats, heights, and carnivorous animals . . . . these are just a few things that scare our kids.

On Halloween, wwKids’ Experience Studios will have their own mini-series on FEAR! The kids will rotate through each decked-out studio, learning how they can trust God even when they are afraid.

So invite your friends and family. Wear your Halloween costume and join us Sunday, October 31 for a life-changing teaching on Faith VS Fear.

'You are mine.' I have chosen you.
10 So do not be afraid. I am with you.
Do not be terrified. I am your God.
I will make you strong and help you.
My powerful right hand will take good care of you.
I always do what is right. Isaiah 41.9b-10