by Sharon Swing When listening to others as they engage 'Listen to My Life,’ sometimes people feel stuck, seemingly unable to move forward as they attempt to discern the ‘right way’ forward. Sometimes it is helpful to become curious about underlying assumptions that may be in play. As I listen, I may hear clues that […]

by Kathleen Bolduc   Do not yield to your fear, Mary, for the Lord has found delight in you and has chosen to surprise you with a wonderful gift. (Luke 1:30, The Passion Translation)   Do not yield to fear. Wind whispers winter, Guns thud in distance, Relationships teeter on brink, And yet… You, daughter, […]

by LaKenya Johnson   Voices from my past sneer, "You're good, just not good enough." While others jeer, “You think you’re so special, but you’re not!” And yet, I know that's nothing that any one of my loved ones would actually say to or about me. But I have managed to make them a ventriloquist […]

by Sharon Swing What if gratitude and things that bring life hit your 'list' for the day? I grew up thinking that all the things that give me life were 'treats' for after I accomplished everything else. The problem is, the 'everything else' never gets accomplished. Receiving God's love in through activities that give you […]

by Joan Kelley As you move into this day that celebrates the birth of Christ, take a moment to pause, to listen to God’s word, to acknowledge His presence. In Revelation 3:20 Jesus said, “I stand at the door and knock." Lord You are calling us gently and softly to be quiet, to slow down, […]

by Ashlee Eiland   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.   When I read these six lines, I don't imagine the tribe of Israel. These lines don't seem so ancient to […]

by Joan Kelley This week marks the 2nd week of Advent.  We continue to reflectively wait for the birth of Christ as we follow Mary and Joseph to the manger.  We wait with expectant hope for Christ’s return and reign over all the Earth.  And finally we actively wait in the present moment and acknowledge […]

by Joan Kelley Advent starts this week.  It marks the beginning of the church year calendar, followed by Christmas, Epiphany and then Lent, Holy Week and Easter.   Advent means coming or arrival.  It’s the season of waiting and anticipation as we remember with awe and wonder that first Advent when Jesus was born.  It’s a […]

by Sharon Swing They say that grief waits. I think it lurks. Then, it leaks. It’s a mess.

When it's time to let it out - to grieve in healthy ways - it is not usually convenient. It is necessary to leave time to let the emotions flow. Please, don’t avoid grief.  Move through it. Ignore the grieving, […]

by Nancy Bentz Is not this the God who armed me well, then aimed me in the right direction?   II Samuel 22:33 MSG Early on in pursuing my life coach certification, I learned that helping others to become unstuck and move forward is inherently understood. Judging by the popularity and rise of life coaches in […]