I am reading “Strong Ground” by Dr. Brené Brown, and she begins the book by talking about paradox. And how hard it is for humans at times to hold the tension of paradox. The brain craves absolutes, yet so much of life is found in the tension of the yes/and. Not the either/or. “Only the […]

I spent 20 years working through fears, growing, reading, going to counseling, praying, practicing, reading more, growing more, and my marriage still ended. Life isn’t fair. I would have never chosen this path for myself. This was not what I wanted for my life. Who would? My kids and the struggle of two households, wanting […]

I just went on a hike this last week in South Dakota. My friends are all experienced hikers, backpackers, outdoor campers, tent sleepers, don’t need to shower for days, ready for an adventure at any moment people, and I am a novice. I love the outdoors but have not had all the experiences they have […]

I hosted a webinar last week for leaders inside our organization. The topic of the call was growth. In our org, we use principles from Dr. John Townsend and Dr. Henry Cloud regarding the formula you need for growth. Grace + Truth + Time = Growth. We believe people need both. Truth without grace is […]

Wednesday, I got a text from my brother: “I finished this song after we chatted the other day.” The song was titled “Be Okay.” I sat on my porch at 2:00 pm and listened as the words penetrated my soul and pushed emotion and tears out of my body. Have you ever had this experience? […]

In 2016, I moved to Orlando, leaving all the things I loved, my friends, my family, my church, and the new budding program I created for girls, and I tried to trust the push. This is the push that sometimes comes in life, and you don’t totally understand why; the picture isn’t clear, the future […]

The wrestling, the wrestling, the wrestling. You never count on the brawl. It sneaks up from a dark alley, and suddenly, there you are, flat on your back. You have no idea what just hit you. You never count on it, never plan for it, and can never be prepared for it. The fight may […]

I have heard this idea, and it is even taught. It has been said so often and has been used so much that people quote it and believe it. It is the idea that you have to “learn to be okay alone.” I understand some of where it comes from, maybe the idea of learning […]

I recently had a conversation with someone where we were comparing big cities, the activities, and things that you can do there, and we concluded, “They are all the same.” You experience good eats, you sit at a rooftop bar or nice restaurant. You enjoy live music, etc., but after you have done this enough, […]

I got a text with bad news at 9:45 a.m., right before Sunday morning service. I had trouble breathing from that moment forward. I led our Sunday service and led an Unplugged Acoustic Worship Service that evening. Our opening song at Unplugged said this: “Don’t let your heart be troubled Hold your head up high, […]