One morning Izzy spent five minutes navigating the deck stairs, another five taking her place in the middle of the yard, to bark—once—at deer she saw over the fence. As the deer fled, she kicked her feet and marched back across the yard and back up the deck stairs, seemingly in slow motion. I wanted to help her but she wanted her independence. And so, I stood at the ready, but allowed her to have her triumphant moment…
Read moreTag: Inspire a Fire
Gratefulness Through the Seasons
Only two remained. As I sat on my old antique porch glider, I watched as two hummingbirds fought over the lone feeder, hanging just outside my den window. Just a few days before, I had
Read moreGratitude with Grief
For many that I love and respect, it’s been a year of tragedy and loss. Some of my dearest friends or family find themselves in a deep season of grief as Thanksgiving rolls around. My
Read moreOnce Upon a Time: Redemption Stories
It’s high time we celebrated stories of rescue and redemption. Stories of when loss turned to gain, darkness turned to light, true hope won over hopelessness, and overcomers sang a victory song. In the past,
Read moreSeven Leadership Lessons from Deborah and Barak
Although Deborah held several roles atypical for a woman in Israel’s patriarchal society, she did not back down from her responsibilities. God called her. She obeyed. Her straightforward response served her and others well throughout
Read moreWhat’s the Point?
Three millenniums later, we walk this earth to live out the same objective as David. To faithfully serve God’s purposes (not ours) in our own circle of influence, for this generation – for the glory of God.
Read moreThe Forerunner
A longhaired and bearded figure wrapped in camel’s hide emerged from the wilderness preaching to crowds and baptizing many. When he spotted a group of Pharisees and Sadducees – the religious elite – coming to
Read moreDestined To Lead
Prophesied messiah, or prejudged leader? “John. Peter. Paul. Come, follow me.” I imagine Jesus’s smile as he reached out his hand to each man. But, did they drop everything and run to Him? What about
Read moreLeading for the Common Good
Leaders lead for the common good, but what exactly is that? Not long after I moved to a small town, an election year approached. One of the town councilmen chose not to run for re-election,
Read moreLife Lessons from a Tough Cookie
“I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT). “Will you please
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