Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Ministry”
I’m in awe of people who are musically gifted whether it be in vocals, instruments, arrangements, or lyrics. For some it seems to come naturally. For others it takes years of practice and discipline. In the church where I’m a member, we’re blessed to have wonderful musicians on our worship team. Some sing and others play a variety of instruments. …
Recently I introduced you to a wonderful, little gem in the Missouri Ozarks. During a reunion with a dear friend I discovered a coffee-lover’s dream. The perfect place to write, catch-up, or soak in the heavenly-scented atmosphere, Mocha Jo’s Coffee Cafe in Monett, Missouri is a real treat. (I’m not very familiar with this town, but Mocha Jo’s is located …
Like many families, we celebrate holiday traditions. For instance, one of those traditions in our house is blessing others. Through cookie-making. Every Christmas season we set aside a day or two for our annual cookie fest. It would be so much simpler to just buy the slice-and-bakes and a few containers of frosting, but when I suggest this I’m met …
As a Christian writer I feel a keen sense of duty. To God. To the lost. To those who are struggling in their walk. To my craft. Because I write Christian fiction, I want to portray life realistically–without the rose-colored glasses, but, too, with immeasurable hope that only comes in Jesus Christ. I like “happily ever after.” The sweet, “feel good” …
One of the greatest highs of my writing journey is making new friends. Connecting with like-minded believers is a tremendous blessing. You may remember when I interviewed Chad R. Allen in November. Chad is the Editorial Director of Baker Books, and he is a ministry-minded, down-to-earth fellow with a heart for helping others. In fact, I met Dr. Hansen by …
It’s Friday! Squeeee! Ever have one of those weeks where you think Friday can’t come soon enough? Well, that’s been my week this week. I’ve kept my nose to the grindstone, and I don’t mind telling you, I’m ready for a respite. Today I wanted to dish a little about an upcoming blog post. Please settle back in your comfy chair, have a …
I’ve always been a lover of the underdog. Social class holds no bearing. I cheer for the less fortunate. I’d rather encourage than cast aspersions. I believe my tendency to root for society’s “forgotten” influenced my decision to enter a helping profession many years ago. Seeing the invisible without regard to who they were, where they’d come from, or where others …
On Wednesday I spoke about “Pat” and the emotional wounds she still carried from childhood. Specifically, I talked about the relationship between Pat and her mother during her growing years and the effect of negativity upon Pat’s life even as an adult. Pat’s mother was critical of everything from A to Z. She put herself down and often found fault with her …
Years ago, I knew a young woman who struggled with poor self-esteem and body image issues. “Pat” (not her real name) didn’t make friends easily, nor did she often go out. When she did venture out of the comfort zone of her home, it was usually just to run a few quick errands. Rarely, was it because of a social occasion. Pat and I became close for …
My eyes scanned the newspaper headlines in a hurry yesterday. As usual, most of it was bad news. Economic decline, crime sprees, overseas discord, and on and on. As I flipped through the first few pages, my eyes fell on a smallish, black and white photo tucked neatly away on page 8a. The photograph left me transfixed. In it, the child’s head seemed twice …
