When I first had the idea to start a neighborhood Bible study, I was so excited! I sketched an invitation and marked a date on my calendar, envisioning my living room filled with neighbors sipping coffee over open Bibles. But it didn’t take long for the enormity of this dream to overwhelm me and so […]
6 Steps to Finish Well
Not to brag, but I’m training for a triathlon. It’s really more like a prayer request. Anyone who knows me can testify to my athletic prowess (none) and competitive nature (nonexistent). I’ll need all the help I can get. I did my first tri a couple of years ago. Kinda like the time I started […]
Don’t Quit Before the Miracle
It was hot and I was tired – and the mountain trail in front of me seemed to go on forever. As my delight in this beautiful journey quickly faded, I whimpered to my husband, “How much longer?” Sometimes our hikes are longer than I want, and more than I think I can handle. I’m […]
Keys to Consistent Bible Study Attendance
You’ve set the stage, sent the postcards and prayed like crazy — and your new fall Bible study is off to a great start! Every seat was filled the very first week and you ordered more books. Even more women came the second week! But by the time you wrap up after six or eight […]
How to Be Smart with Ministry and Social Media
Your social media feed is probably filled with your favorite authors and speakers, ministry leaders, bloggers, women of influence and good friends. Do you ever see wonder, “How does she do it?” How does a busy woman/wife/mother post poignant, inspiring and timely updates, pictures, videos and links and – and still have time to eat? […]
Creating Project Schedules That Work
I’m awakened at 2:17 am, my mind racing. Did I schedule the email? Did I call the printer? Is there enough left in the budget for an advertisement? Should I use this Scripture on a graphic? So. Many. Details! Do the details of managing projects keep you up at night, too? As a ministry leader, […]
How to Love Your Neighbors at Christmas
Tis the season to be jolly! Fa la la la la, la la la la! Or is it the season to be busy? Overwhelmed? Overcommitted? Is it the season for celebrating “God with us,” or complaining about others with us in line at the grocery store and the post office? Planning luncheons and brunches and […]
See Ministry Through the Eyes of the New Girl
I was on staff at the church my husband and I helped plant. I knew my church’s history, our theology, our vision for the future. I knew each family in the directory that I printed myself — their interests, their talents, their battles. I had the privilege of welcoming the congregation each week and telling them about prayer […]
Release Women Into Ministry, Part 2
My phone rang, unusual in this age of texting. “Can you talk?” my neighbor asked. Well, technically, I could – but truthfully, I didn’t want to. I wanted to tackle my to do list; instead, I cleared my calendar, made coffee and sat at my kitchen table with my neighbor. She’s my neighbor and had […]
Release Women Into Ministry, Part 1
My neighbor, Lauren, wasn’t meeting very many neighbors at her job giving colonoscopies, so she started a neighborhood newsletter—something she had never done before. In the first issue she wrote an article called “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” that was the catalyst for our first neighborhood watch, block parties, community yard sales and a baby shower. As […]
