You Run Your Race, I’ll Run Mine

You Run Your Race, I’ll Run Mine You Run Your Race, I’ll Run Mine

You Run Your Race, I’ll Run Mine

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Written by Rachel Snyder Over the past few years, I’ve been working really hard at contentment. I can say I’m happy without a palatial estate, a closet full of shoes, and diamonds on every finger. I mean, those are the extremes, but I’m content with what I have and with getting rid of what I […]

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Putting Off and Putting On: A Lenten Challenge

Putting Off and Putting On: A Lenten Challenge Putting Off and Putting On: A Lenten Challenge

Putting Off and Putting On: A Lenten Challenge

Guest Blogger, Lent, UncategorizedComments Off on Putting Off and Putting On: A Lenten Challenge

Written by Laura Acuña Thinking of giving something up for Lent? Consider a challenge: This year, instead of giving up a favorite food or TV and those kinds of things, consider giving up a behavior or attitude that does not reflect well on your identity as a follower of Christ.  Let’s “put off” anything that […]

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Do You Want to Be a Big Girl?

Do You Want to Be a Big Girl? Do You Want to Be a Big Girl?

Do You Want to Be a Big Girl?

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Written by Laura Acuna. It was about eleven years ago that I came to the realization I was completely stuck in my walk with the Lord.  I had gone to church my entire life, spent countless hours in Bible studies, and attended many, many retreats and conferences.  I was even the Women’s Ministry leader in […]

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One Thing for the New Year

One Thing for the New Year One Thing for the New Year

One Thing for the New Year

Written by Laura Acuña I don’t know about you, but I have been reading a lot of blog posts and articles this week about the New Year.  All kinds of Christian authors and speakers are writing about resolutions, taking a personal inventory, setting goals for the New Year etc.   While these things are all […]

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Advent Carol for December 25

Advent Carol for December 25 Advent Carol for December 25

Advent Carol for December 25

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing. Joy to the World, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields […]

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Advent Carol for December 24

Advent Carol for December 24 Advent Carol for December 24

Advent Carol for December 24

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Written by Lise Caldwell   O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious […]

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Advent Carol for December 23

Advent Carol for December 23 Advent Carol for December 23

Advent Carol for December 23

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Written by Lise Caldwell   From the eastern mountains, pressing on, they come, Wise men in their wisdom, to His humble home; Stirred by deep devotion, hasting from afar, Ever journeying onward, guided by a star. There their Lord and Savior meek and lowly lay, Wondrous Light that led them onward on their way, Ever […]

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Advent Carol for December 22

Advent Carol for December 22 Advent Carol for December 22

Advent Carol for December 22

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Written by Lise Caldwell   See amid the winter’s snow, Born for us on earth below, See the tender Lamb appears, Promised from eternal years. Lo, within a manger lies He who built the starry skies; He who throned in height sublime Sits amid the cherubim. Sacred infant, all divine, What a tender love was […]

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Advent Carol for December 21

Advent Carol for December 21 Advent Carol for December 21

Advent Carol for December 21

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Cradled in a manger, meanly, Laid the Son of Man His head; Sleeping His first earthly slumber Where the oxen had been fed. Happy were those shepherds listening To the holy angel’s word; Happy they within that stable Worshipping their infant Lord. Happy all who hear the message Of His […]

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Advent Carol for December 20

Advent Carol for December 20 Advent Carol for December 20

Advent Carol for December 20

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled” Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem” Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn […]

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Advent Carol for December 19

Advent Carol for December 19 Advent Carol for December 19

Advent Carol for December 19

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Written by Lise Caldwell Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous stains Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song? Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing. Come […]

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Advent Carol for December 18

Advent Carol for December 18 Advent Carol for December 18

Advent Carol for December 18

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Once in royal David’s city, Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her Baby, In a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little Child. He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all, And His shelter was a […]

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I have a Story to Tell

I have a Story to Tell I have a Story to Tell

I have a Story to Tell

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Written by Paulette Stamper Scroll to the bottom to enter the give away! Trouble using RaffleCopter?  Email us!   I have a story to tell. I have been rescued. And it was a dramatic rescue, too. I was rescued from the dominion of darkness. But my rescue isn’t the end of my story. I was […]

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Advent Carol for December 17


Advent Carol for December 17
 Advent Carol for December 17


Advent Carol for December 17


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Written by Lise Caldwell   Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, Now come the wise men from out of the Orient land. The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; In all our trials born to be […]

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Advent Carol for December 16

Advent Carol for December 16 Advent Carol for December 16

Advent Carol for December 16

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Written by Lise Caldwell   What Child is this who, laid to rest On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. Why lies […]

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Advent Carol for December 15

Advent Carol for December 15 Advent Carol for December 15

Advent Carol for December 15

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Written by Lise Caldwell   The Wexford Carol Good people all, this Christmas-time, Consider well and bear in mind What our good God for us has done, In sending His beloved Son. With Mary holy we should pray To God with love this Christmas Day: In Bethlehem upon that morn There was a blessed Messiah […]

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Advent Carol for December 14

Advent Carol for December 14 Advent Carol for December 14

Advent Carol for December 14

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, When half spent was the night. Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind; With Mary we […]

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Advent Carol for December 13

Advent Carol for December 13 Advent Carol for December 13

Advent Carol for December 13

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Written by Lise Caldwell   O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny From depths of Hell Thy people save And […]

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Advent Carol for December 12

Advent Carol for December 12 Advent Carol for December 12

Advent Carol for December 12

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Written by Lise Caldwell   It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, goodwill to men From heavens all gracious King!” The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing. Still through the cloven […]

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Advent Carol for December 11

Advent Carol for December 11 Advent Carol for December 11

Advent Carol for December 11

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Some children see Him lily white, the baby Jesus born this night. Some children see Him lily white, with tresses soft and fair. Some children see Him bronzed and brown, The Lord of heav’n to earth come down. Some children see Him bronzed and brown, with dark and heavy hair. […]

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Advent Carol for December 10

Advent Carol for December 10 Advent Carol for December 10

Advent Carol for December 10

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth: Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King! Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear, Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His […]

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Advent Carol for December 9

Advent Carol for December 9 Advent Carol for December 9

Advent Carol for December 9

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Written by Lise Caldwell   I wonder as I wander Out under the sky Why Jesus the Savior Did come for to die For poor lonely people Like you and like I I wonder as I wander Out under the sky. It is a wonder–that God cared enough to put the plan in place. That […]

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Advent Carol for December 8

Advent Carol for December 8 Advent Carol for December 8

Advent Carol for December 8

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Written by Lise Caldwell Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord, That hath made heaven and earth of naught, And with his blood mankind has bought. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. The beginning and the end, the Maker and Redeemer, laid first in a […]

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Advent Carol for December 7

Advent Carol for December 7 Advent Carol for December 7

Advent Carol for December 7

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Angels and archangels May have gathered there Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air But his mother only In her maiden bliss Worshiped the Beloved With a kiss. This verse of “In the Bleak Midwinter,” by Christina Rossetti, paints such a beautiful picture of Christ’s divinity and humanity; his deity and […]

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Advent Carol for December 5

Advent Carol for December 5 Advent Carol for December 5

Advent Carol for December 5

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail With peace on earth, good will to men.” When you grow discouraged that the darkness of this world is overpowering the good, remember that in Christ the […]

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Advent Carol for December 4

Advent Carol for December 4 Advent Carol for December 4

Advent Carol for December 4

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Written by Lise Caldwell Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way; And, when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide. ~As with Gladness Men of Old, last verse I don’t remember ever singing this verse of […]

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Advent Carol for December 3

Advent Carol for December 3 Advent Carol for December 3

Advent Carol for December 3

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Written by Lise Caldwell Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His […]

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Advent Carol for December 2

Advent Carol for December 2 Advent Carol for December 2

Advent Carol for December 2

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Written by Lise Caldwell O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born to us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel Most of us are unaware of the burden of […]

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Advent Carol for December 1

Advent Carol for December 1 Advent Carol for December 1

Advent Carol for December 1

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Written by Lise Caldwell   Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. My prayer is that […]

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Thankful for Leftovers

Thankful for Leftovers Thankful for Leftovers

Thankful for Leftovers

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Written by Paulette Stamper I know that not everyone is a big fan of leftovers. Me? I’m a big fan. Knowing that I can rummage through the fridge and find something to eat instead of having to make something, well that’s a huge bonus. I’m already looking forward to the leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner. I […]

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To You, the Woman Leading in the Church:

To You, the Woman Leading in the Church: To You, the Woman Leading in the Church:

To You, the Woman Leading in the Church:

Written by Laura Dingman   To You, the Woman Leading in the Church:   I remember the day well. I actually made it through a few weeks before my first ugly cry. We met and I was the only girl in the meeting, not uncommon. Several of the guys were going to lunch after the […]

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Boots on the Ground

Boots on the Ground Boots on the Ground

Boots on the Ground

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Written by Jen Ferguson   He caught me when I was driving down the road, thinking about my talk for an upcoming retreat.   “Tell them Craig struggles with porn,” God whispered to me.   “Oh, no, God. No way. Absolutely not,” I responded.   There are few times I have ever directly told God […]

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Cease Striving

Cease Striving Cease Striving

Cease Striving

Written by Laura Dingman   Make sure you read all the way to the bottom for info on how to enter an awesome give away!   I squeezed into the window seat struggling over strangers. This flight numbered seven in the course of five weeks. Not my normal. I yearn for quiet most. Serenity. Solitude. […]

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Porn Addiction brought to light

Porn Addiction brought to light Porn Addiction brought to light

Porn Addiction brought to light

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Written by speaker and author Jen Ferguson Make sure you read all the way to the bottom for info on how to enter the contest! For a long time, I took the secret of Craig’s porn addiction and I stuffed in my heart.  I didn’t even really share it with God much because I couldn’t […]

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Straight-up Crazy!

Straight-up Crazy! Straight-up Crazy!

Straight-up Crazy!

Make sure you read all the way to the bottom for info on how to enter the contest!   Written by Paulette Stamper.   The parting of the Red Sea. The walls of Jericho falling. Gideon changing from a big chicken into a mighty warrior. David taking on a giant with just a few small […]

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A Broken Heart: When the Church Hurts You

A Broken Heart: When the Church Hurts You A Broken Heart: When the Church Hurts You

A Broken Heart: When the Church Hurts You

Written by Laura Acuña.     “There is nothing quite like the pain of being hurt by the church.” This is what my new pastor acknowledged to me when I first visited him after leaving the church where my husband and I raised our boys and served for over fifteen years.  Boy, was he correct […]

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Red Hot Faith Give-away!

Red Hot Faith Give-away! Red Hot Faith Give-away!

Red Hot Faith Give-away!

With author and guest blogger Cindy Bultema. Hey Friend – Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Stressed out? Perhaps your heart is heavy, or you’re just plain tired. Me too. How I long for a faith life filled with purpose, passion, spark, and meaning— but truth be told —most days I feel caught up in the […]

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Shame, Shame, Go Away.

Shame, Shame, Go Away. Shame, Shame, Go Away.

Shame, Shame, Go Away.

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Written by Laura Dingman   Sometimes I hear voices. I know. Saying things like that can open a whole can of worms that I’m not sure I want to have to deal with, but it’s true. I hear voices. They’re not friendly ones either. Sometimes they can be pretty loud.   They say,   “What […]

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God Asked

God Asked God Asked

God Asked

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Written by Dene Nidiffer Since just over three years ago, God had been asking me, pushing me, and providing me with some opportunities for change in my life. And I knew He expected me to act on these! It didn’t come easy for me… I looked at these particular things at times as hard and […]

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Don’t Freak Out

Don’t Freak Out Don’t Freak Out

Don’t Freak Out

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Written by Paulette Stamper I love it when I read a passage in Scripture and something I hadn’t thought of before pops out at me. This morning I was reading Luke 8:22-25.  It’s a very familiar passage. Jesus tells His disciples to hop in the boat so they can go over to the other side of […]

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It’s Time to take a Risk Sweetheart

It’s Time to take a Risk Sweetheart It’s Time to take a Risk Sweetheart

It’s Time to take a Risk Sweetheart

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Written by Dene Nidiffer,   January 10th, 2014 marked my last day as a business owner after 22 years! It was a REALLLLLLLY big decision for me!  When I accepted ownership years ago, I thought I would always be a business owner until I retired, because that is just who I am… I am a […]

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What Makes a Wise Man Wise?

What Makes a Wise Man Wise? What Makes a Wise Man Wise?

What Makes a Wise Man Wise?

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Written by Amy Byrd. Matthew 2:1-12 Camels, a bright star, a long journey, gifts and three men have been labeled as the wise men of the Christmas story.  These men are a bit mysterious to me.  We really don’t know much about them except that they were from the East (maybe Babylon, Persia or Arabia) […]

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Eclipsed by the Son

Eclipsed by the Son Eclipsed by the Son

Eclipsed by the Son

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Written by Rachel Morgan. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us […]

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Force of Evil

Force of Evil Force of Evil

Force of Evil

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Written by Dene Nidiffer. I have been feeling particularly affected by the state of the world or at least my perception of it.  It feels like there is evil everywhere I turn!  I simply won’t listen to the “news” as it offers little to no good! In just the past few weeks alone, I learned […]

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Friendships

Friendships Friendships

Friendships

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Written by Paulette Stamper.   Will you allow me to share with you what God has been teaching me about friendships recently? God never intended for us to “go it alone.” We see God instituting the importance of relationship when He made Eve to be Adam’s companion. Don’t worry; I’m not going to give you […]

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I didn’t Ask

I didn’t Ask I didn’t Ask

I didn’t Ask

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Written by Dene Nidiffer. The intent when blogging is to prepare something positively inspiring, right? Unfortunately,  I am not feeling positively inspired today. I should, though, because I am sitting in Orlando on my second day of vacation at a beautiful resort, sipping Diet Coke and waiting on my plate of nachos to arrive.  My […]

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Taste Testing

Taste Testing Taste Testing

Taste Testing

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Written by Amy Byrd. Our taste buds are a tiny, yet terrific part of our body.  Think about it…you have a spoon that is a bit larger than your mouth which you use to scoop up a generous bite of warm, gooey hot fudge cake topped with vanilla ice cream which merges on your spoon […]

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When life happens, which will you choose?

When life happens, which will you choose? When life happens, which will you choose?

When life happens, which will you choose?

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Written by Ann-Margaret McIntosh. I came in from work tonight ready to write this blog…and then life happened.  First, I got a notice in the mail that my payment for a speeding ticket wasn’t received and my license would be suspended in 10 days unless payment was sent in immediately.  I hurriedly got out my […]

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It’s raining, it’s pouring!

It’s raining, it’s pouring! It’s raining, it’s pouring!

It’s raining, it’s pouring!

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Written by Paulette Stamper. I prayed what I believed to be a huge prayer about 8 years ago. What I didn’t know then, was that God’s answer was way bigger than my prayer.   I prayed God would surround me with women who were crazy in love with Jesus and craved His presence and activity […]

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Found

Found Found

Found

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Written by Laura Dingman. When my daughter was about a year old, I started playing peek-a-boo with her.  I would hide her face with a blanket and say, “Where is Abigail?”  After a few seconds of building anticipation, I would pull the blanket for the big reveal and say, “There she is!”  She would just […]

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Dreaming

Dreaming Dreaming

Dreaming

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Written by Dene Nidiffer. Dreaming really big is something that I have not let myself do as much as I used to, and frankly, it saddens me.  My personal dreams have centered more around my daughter while my professional dreams have been overshadowed by a downturned economy – the simple fact is that we [women] […]

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You may be a spiritual infant if…

You may be a spiritual infant if… You may be a spiritual infant if…

You may be a spiritual infant if…

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Written by Amy Byrd. I have the sweet opportunity to serve as “house mom” in a home for single mothers.  Recently one of our residents gave birth to a beautiful little boy.  When we brought him home, life as we knew it just a couple of days before was now completely refocused.   All of us […]

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DISCLAIMER: I’m just venting…

DISCLAIMER: I’m just venting… DISCLAIMER: I’m just venting…

DISCLAIMER: I’m just venting…

UncategorizedComments Off on DISCLAIMER: I’m just venting…

Written by Rachel Morgan. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29   DISCLAIMER: I’m just venting… This is a phrase I found myself using often. I’m “just venting” about […]

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Comforts and Complacency

Comforts and Complacency Comforts and Complacency

Comforts and Complacency

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Written by Ann-Margaret McIntosh. I am a psychotherapist.  Part of that role is to comfort; however, a much larger part of that role is to create discomfort.  A former patient of mine playfully stated, “Ann-Margaret, you’re like a masseuse.”  She then described how a masseuse relaxes the body with gentle touch and then, at the […]

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Just flat crazy

Just flat crazy Just flat crazy

Just flat crazy

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Written by Paulette Stamper. I had a teacher in the 7th grade that I thought was a little nuts. She was older, probably in her early 70’s or so. I remember laughing at something in her class every day. Okay, well maybe I was laughing at her. We seemed to share the same sense of […]

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Grace Grows

Grace Grows Grace Grows

Grace Grows

Written by Rachel Morgan. There are times when I get stuck, entrapped you might say, in living a certain way, in repeating unproductive and at times destructive behaviors. It seems so impossible to change, to battle against the comfortable and known, no matter how unproductive the behavior may be. We grow accustomed to the expected […]

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A Sign

A Sign A Sign

A Sign

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Written by Dene Nidiffer. Wednesday. Just walked out of the condo. Preoccupied with who knows what. Not paying attention much to my surroundings… which, by the way, was a beautiful blue sky with huge, pristine white clouds.  The kind of clouds that you imagined you could lie on when you were a kid (I still […]

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The Value Factor

The Value Factor The Value Factor

The Value Factor

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Written by Amy Byrd We are God’s Masterpiece… Ephesians 2:10a Have you ever been given information about yourself based on how another person perceives you?  Did it take you by surprise?  Not long ago, one of my daughters relayed a story to me about an acquaintance that began a conversation with her, which quickly turned […]

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Well Woman

Well Woman Well Woman

Well Woman

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Written by Rachel Morgan Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” – John 4:10 (NIV) How many times do I attempt to offer Christ what I have?  What I […]

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Turning 50

Turning 50 Turning 50

Turning 50

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Written by Dene Nidiffer. Some believe that talking about your age is inappropriate.  I disagree.  It was a milestone birthday just last month for me!  Yes, half a century… The BIG 5.0.!  I’ve never been someone who worries about age and most people tell me that I look younger than I am, which is good, […]

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A Fully Present Life

A Fully Present Life A Fully Present Life

A Fully Present Life

Written by Laura Dingman. Panic set in. The kind that makes my heart pound and skip beats. The kind that makes me sweat a little (ok, well a lot) and makes me have to work to catch my breath. I dig through the depths of the gigantic purse that really looks more like a suitcase […]

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Are you a Christ follower?

Are you a Christ follower? Are you a Christ follower?

Are you a Christ follower?

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Written by Linda Thomas Calling myself a Christian in America seems almost meaningless anymore. It’s not a strong enough statement in this present culture. Everyone and their sister claims to be “Christian.” I recently heard someone describe himself as “Christian-ish.” The fact is, there’s no such thing. I am a Christ follower. As a Christ […]

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Pack Mule Mentality

Pack Mule Mentality Pack Mule Mentality

Pack Mule Mentality

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Written by Amy Byrd. Beautiful thoroughbred horses carrying a very small human around a one and one quarter mile track – running as fast as they can. This has become the famous “Run For The Roses” that takes place the first Saturday in May each year at the Kentucky Derby. It takes intentional breeding, years […]

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The Perfect Planner

The Perfect Planner The Perfect Planner

The Perfect Planner

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Written by Rachel Morgan. I was listening to a song recently about the plans that God has for us and the hope we can have – and I had a thought, “What makes someone, specifically God, having plans for us, such a source of hope?”  The thoughts thereafter were of my recent experience of being […]

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Enduring Love

Enduring Love Enduring Love

Enduring Love

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Written by Ann Margaret McIntosh. The last 3 years have been filled with loss…my position at my dream job was eliminated, the ministry where I had invested my heart and soul fell apart, dear friends moved away, I had to move when my heart didn’t want to, diseases ravaged my family leading to physical and […]

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DON’T WORRY. Just Pray.

DON’T WORRY. Just Pray. DON’T WORRY. Just Pray.

DON’T WORRY. Just Pray.

UncategorizedComments Off on DON’T WORRY. Just Pray.

Written by Dene Nidiffer I hope that you will not consider me lazy by simply sharing this writing from my husband…Yes, this is a blog for women and typically written by women, but I identified with this particular devotion and as it turns out, so did a lot of other women and men! I felt […]

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I can do it myself!

I can do it myself! I can do it myself!

I can do it myself!

Written by Laura Dingman I can still remember the look on her face. My daughter stood in the doorway, clenched fists on her hips, and in her most determined little two-year-old voice said, “I can do it myself, Mommy!” She’ll be seven in two months, but her determination hasn’t changed much. It’s amazing how God […]

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Whack Those Weeds!

Whack Those Weeds! Whack Those Weeds!

Whack Those Weeds!

Written by Amy Byrd, author of Blessed Beyond Belief. After living in the cotton fields of Texas for many years, I decided that a garden would be a lovely addition to our backyard. I had watched the gardening shows on HGTV and looked at the pictures in gardening magazines as I envisioned the lovely splashes […]

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Join us in praying

Join us in praying Join us in praying

Join us in praying

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After getting ready for church last Saturday night, I had a few moments to spare so I began scrolling through my Twitter feed. I soon began to see some disturbing tweets about prayers for Rick and Kay Warren and the loss of their son. My stomach dropped. Oh no. No. No. Please don’t let this […]

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Can you imagine?

Can you imagine? Can you imagine?

Can you imagine?

Written by Linda Thomas (adapted from In Step with the Spirit – A Life of Passion, Power, and Purpose) Imagine for a moment what God can and will accomplish through you if you allow the Spirit’s power to flow into the mundane, ordinary days of life. Imagine what your life would look like if the […]

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A living stone?

A living stone? A living stone?

A living stone?

Written by Rachel Morgan. As you come to him, the living Stone —rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV) The […]

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Standing on the promises

Standing on the promises Standing on the promises

Standing on the promises

Written by Ann Margaret McIntosh Writing this blog was really difficult…difficult because I am currently enduring a set of circumstances that have me sitting in the proverbial “sackcloth and ashes.”  I am actively seeking the Lord. I still have no answers…no resolution. In the Bible, ancient Hebrews often wore sackcloth to symbolize grief. Ashes have […]

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Remember the Reality

Remember the Reality Remember the Reality

Remember the Reality

Written by Laura Dingman Over the last week I have been reminded that we were not created to endure suffering.  There have been sudden deaths from cancer, pending deaths from cancer, infant losses, marriage infidelity, victims of sexual abuse and all of the grief that goes along with it.  There are times when the grief […]

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The alarm is sounding…

The alarm is sounding… The alarm is sounding…

The alarm is sounding…

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Written by Linda Thomas The alarm is sounding… Nearly 10 years ago, our family moved from the St. Louis area to Indianapolis. (Did you know the word “Hoosier” is a derogatory term in good ol’ MO?) But that’s a completely different story…maybe for another time, another blog. Maybe. So in the summer of 2003, we […]

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“Big Buts” or Core Values – You Decide!

“Big Buts” or Core Values – You Decide! “Big Buts” or Core Values – You Decide!

“Big Buts” or Core Values – You Decide!

Written by Dene Nidiffer A few weeks ago I attended a business workshop called “Big But.” The premise was to eliminate the “buts” we have life with regard to conducting business: but if I only had more time, I could be better at marketing;   but if I only had more money, I could buy […]

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Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Row, Row, Row Your Boat Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Written by Amy Byrd Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side…the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Matthew 14:24 There I was…a woman that Jesus called out personally to be His follower.  […]

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Submit? Resist? Not my favorite verbs.

Submit? Resist? Not my favorite verbs. Submit? Resist? Not my favorite verbs.

Submit? Resist? Not my favorite verbs.

Written by Rachel Morgan Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7 (NIV) Submit. Resist. Not my favorite verbs.  The definition of submit is to “yield or surrender to the will or authority of another; to subject to a condition or process; to commit to the […]

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Complaining or Thanking?

Complaining or Thanking? Complaining or Thanking?

Complaining or Thanking?

Written by Ann Margaret McIntosh   By nature, I’m feisty.  Sometimes I talk AT God.  It’s a terrible habit and one I’m desperately trying to break.  At times, I seem to be making improvements and at other times…well… The other night I was feeling so desperate for an answer, I actually gave God a deadline.  […]

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I hear Dolly Parton in my head

I hear Dolly Parton in my head I hear Dolly Parton in my head

I hear Dolly Parton in my head

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I bet a lot of you remember the movie Steel Magnolias. Come on, admit it. You know you love to laugh and cry with Sally, Olympia, Julia, Daryl, Shirley and of course Dolly. There are so many memorable lines from this classic movie, but one in particular stands out in my mind today. Remember at the […]

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Crazy and Wacky Resolutions

Crazy and Wacky Resolutions Crazy and Wacky Resolutions

Crazy and Wacky Resolutions

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It’s that time of year again! Time to make your New Year’s Resolutions! I know, some of you are already thinking about how you don’t make resolutions anymore. Well, for the record, I don’t believe you. I think many of us do make New Year’s Resolutions, we just don’t want to admit it, you know, […]

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All I want for Christmas is monotony!

All I want for Christmas is monotony! All I want for Christmas is monotony!

All I want for Christmas is monotony!

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For those of you who haven’t figured it out yet, the title of this little article here was my attempt at dripping sarcasm. How’d I do? I mean seriously, who would want monotony for Christmas? Just for fun, I looked up some synonyms. Here’s what I found: sameness, boredom, dullness, repetitiveness, repetitiveness, repetitiveness, okay…you get […]

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Studies available online!

Studies available online! Studies available online!

Studies available online!

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I am so happy to announce that Ignite will now be able to offer all teaching sessions online! The last series, The Point of the Summit, is now available. Just visit our Bible Studies Online page and click on the picture. Stay tuned…we hope to have Sand Surfers teaching sessions online soon!

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New Bible Study!

New Bible Study! New Bible Study!

New Bible Study!

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Lisa Harper’s new Bible study, “Malachi, A Love That Never Lets Go” begins on October 8th! Visit our Bible Study page for more information and to register!!

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This time last year I was putting the finishing touches on the Intro session of Sand Surfers and getting pretty darn excited/nervous/anxious/terrified/ecstatic! I can hardly believe it’s been a year since God blessed me with the unspeakable joy of writing and teaching that Bible study. I’ll never get over it! My world was forever changed […]

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New Fall Series!

New Fall Series! New Fall Series!

New Fall Series!

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Join us this fall as we journey with Moses, Elijah and Abraham and experience three incredible mountaintop encounters to discover The Point of the Summit Monday evenings: 9/17, 9/24 & 10/1, 6:30-8:00pm North Wing Room B To register and reserve your copy of the accompanying 3-week Journal*, email us at Summit@ignitewomen.com Childcare is available. *Journal cost is […]

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Time to Break Free!

Time to Break Free! Time to Break Free!

Time to Break Free!

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  Ignite is offering Beth Moore’s Breaking Free this summer! Classes will begin on Monday, June 4th. Visit our Bible Study page for registration information. Hope to see you there!!

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Something Was Missing – by Dene Nidiffer

Something Was Missing – by Dene Nidiffer Something Was Missing – by Dene Nidiffer

Something Was Missing – by Dene Nidiffer

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We had no idea that we’d be one of the statistics of couples who could not conceive, carry and raise a biological child. As a non-Christian I had been feeling specific nudges and that something was missing from my life, having no idea that it was God showing me that he was there for me…for […]

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New Bible Study!

New Bible Study! New Bible Study!

New Bible Study!

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How do you know if God is speaking to YOU? Join Ignite for our new study, “Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks” beginning Monday, March 19th. Find out more by visiting our Bible Study page! Hope to see you there!

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Change Your Past

Change Your Past Change Your Past

Change Your Past

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No, I haven’t lost my mind and yes I meant to title this post “Change Your Past.” I remember a cartoon character from my childhood named Ziggy. (Anyone remember Ziggy? Whatever happened to Ziggy, anyway?) Here’s the only thing Ziggy ever said that I remember: “Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.” Hmmm. Ziggy wisdom. […]

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Round Two!

Round Two! Round Two!

Round Two!

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It’s hard to believe, but the study “Sand Surfers: Encountering God and Discovering Divine Purpose in the Desert” is about to go to print….again! If you have taken the study we would like to hear from you! Will you leave a comment or email us at SandSurfers@ignitewomen.com and share in a few sentences about how […]

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful time with friends and family this weekend. Make sure and take time this season to remember how awesome your God is! Love you all dearly! Paulette

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Saying good-bye to the desert sands

Saying good-bye to the desert sands Saying good-bye to the desert sands

Saying good-bye to the desert sands

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As many of you know, Ignite wrapped up “Sand Surfers: Encountering God and Discovering Divine Purpose in the Desert” this week. What a ride! After class, many shared testimonies of how God used this study to challenge them to leave behind their deserts, to draw closer to Him, and to march forward into their own […]

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Need a reminder?

Need a reminder? Need a reminder?

Need a reminder?

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Here’s what a friend reminded me of today: “You came to Christ because you were drawn to Him by the Father; wooed by His faithful, passionate love for you. Indeed it’s true – we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). God took the initiative. He wanted you. He pursued you. And […]

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Anticipatory Praise

Anticipatory Praise Anticipatory Praise

Anticipatory Praise

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Hello fellow Sand Surfers! We are in Week Seven of our workbooks (already!! can you believe how fast time is going by??) I was wondering how many of you had finished Day Three, “Anticipatory Praise”. I would love to hear how you are practicing anticipatory praise in your own life. Is there something that you […]

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Still hanging on

Still hanging on Still hanging on

Still hanging on

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Hello Ladies! I need your help again. I’m working on another lesson and would like to hear from you about specific sins that still cause you to experience guilt and shame. Maybe you realize you have been forgiven but the guilt and shame still lingers. Obviously this is a very sensitive subject so please respond […]

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Lessons from a stray

Lessons from a stray Lessons from a stray

Lessons from a stray

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On Monday night I told my Sand Surfers class about an adorable little puppy I found near where I work in downtown Indy. This precious little guy had hair at least 10 inches long and was covered in mattes the size of softballs. You couldn’t even tell he was white or see his big brown eyes! […]

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Disappointed with God?

Disappointed with God? Disappointed with God?

Disappointed with God?

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Hello beautiful Ignite ladies! I am working on an upcoming lesson for Sand Surfers and would really appreciate some feedback from you. Has there ever been a time in your life when you have been disappointed with God? Maybe He didn’t answer you the way you had hoped or maybe it seemed like He didn’t answer […]

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One last thing…

One last thing… One last thing…

One last thing…

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The few hours following a teaching session are always tortuous for me. I replay the night over and over in my mind and inevitably I remember the things I meant to say but didn’t, things I shouldn’t have said but did, and things I should have said differently. Last night was no exception. For months […]

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Sand Surfers is here! Register today!

Sand Surfers is here! Register today! Sand Surfers is here! Register today!

Sand Surfers is here! Register today!

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Click Here to Purchase your book and RSVP in our online store! *Registration for Sand Surfers is now closed. Do you yearn for a fresh encounter with God? Are you searching for divine purpose? Did you know that the same God that Spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Turned the Nile River to blood, […]

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Bring on the fall!

Bring on the fall! Bring on the fall!

Bring on the fall!

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It is absolutely gorgeous outside today. If I didn’t know better, I’d think the cooler temperatures were ushering in the month of September already! For the first time ever I’m actually looking forward to the fall. Usually I hate to say good-bye to summer but this year the fall is bringing with it something new and super […]

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