“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their... Continue Reading →
I was struck with the attitude in responses I heard in this passage this morning during my quiet time. One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge,... Continue Reading →
I am a native of my community. I was born and raised in the same local place. Then so moved away and spent a little more than a decade out of state before finding my way back home. That also describes my relationship with God and church. I grew up in church, from the time... Continue Reading →
The hills of Santa Maria are teaming with rolling acres of farmland. Even in June, there were fields in different stages of harvest. It was far from what I expected, but as I listened to the stories from my aunt about the work that her family of origin did in the fields, it took on... Continue Reading →
The word leaped from the reading that I was listening to this morning, Christine Caine's new book Unexpected "Stalled." I don't remember if the word following was faith or hope, listening while I get ready for work often means I listen to some books over and over to get the full impact; but the... Continue Reading →
Tell the story of any breakthrough, comeback or turnaround you've ever had, witnessed or dreamed of. Keep in mind that every story has these things: a beginning, middle and an end a setup, a struggle and a wrap-up a hero, a villain (which can be abstract, like fear or trauma) and people or things that... Continue Reading →
I have been a believer for the majority of my life. Yet if I am honest with myself, I haven't really let God be the King in my life. I have preferred to allow Him to be more of a democratic leader where if He agreed with my thinking, I could submit. I have allowed... Continue Reading →
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who... Continue Reading →
One of my friends called me out on something this past week. I know that it was needed, and I received what she had to share. I had been hearing that quiet inner voice telling me to stop making excuses. She was just a confirmation of what the Holy Spirit was already speaking to me. ... Continue Reading →
As I was in praise and worship today, I kept seeing a picture of blinds, like mini blinds in a window. Just a little bit of light was shining through the closed blinds. I started thinking about how much we try to hide from God, both of our self and in knowing Him more fully.... Continue Reading →
Restoring Voice 