Have you ever had to fill out an application for employment that asks you to list your strengths and weaknesses?  Do you fumble and search for answers when the question comes up in an interview?  In the past I have had these same challenges.  I could name every negative thing about myself, but I couldn’t think of the positive.  That happens to most people because we think it’s arrogant to talk about our strengths.  That’s a lie.  It is part of what is called self-awareness.  It’s critical to your mental, emotional, and spiritual health.  What is self-awareness, exactly? “Self Awareness is having a clear perception of your personality, including strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivation, and emotions.” (Gary van Warmerdam)  Without this perception, you allow other…

“Do not despise these small beginnings…” Zechariah 4:10 On the life long journey of purpose, sometimes we can get discouraged because in our eyes our endeavors seem so small and insignificant in the larger scheme of things. I have felt this discouragement many times along the way. I knew I was on the right track, but what good was I doing? I wanted to be a blessing. I wanted to have enough to give away and take care of my family. It seemed as though I was doing neither. Have you been there? If not, you will be at some point. Here is where the power of the Word sets us free. God gave me the above scripture and told me to be thankful for…

The end of the year always brings reflections of the past and pondering about the future. As I look back over the past year, I rejoice in all that God has done in my life and the work He has given me to do. I have learned many lessons along the way. There are four reflections of 2015 I want to share with you for the remaining weeks of November: a) Fear: The number one killer of dreams b) Faith: The call to abundance c) Purpose and destiny d) Do not despise the day of small things: Gratefulness Fear is a state of mind rooted in a belief system created by pain. When dreams arise, they are immediately squelched by fear and justified by the…

Did you know that from the moment you were born you were being pursued? No matter what the circumstances surrounding your conception and birth, Love was hot on your trial and would not give up until you surrendered to its irresistible touch. This Love is not of earth, but is the essence of God reaching out to his created ones. Some surrender; many do not and spend their lives without the truest, purest love on the planet. In my book Redemption, the main character Madison Turner is in survival mode and bitterness ruining her life. She has built walls around her heart to keep people out. When she meets a high school acquaintance, things begin to change. Roland is not put off by her sharp…

Happiness is…fill in the blank. There are as many definitions as there are people in the world. I used to think that happiness had to do with circumstances, so it was changeable. I have come to believe something very different. Happiness can be fixed and enjoyed on a daily basis, no matter what your circumstances are. Well, some may say, that sounds like joy, which is more profound than happiness and something only God can give: “Your hearts will rejoice and no one will rob you of your joy” John 16:22. True. Yet I am convinced that they are two sides of the same coin. Real happiness is doing what you are created for-your purpose. It is not altered by the uncertainties of life. Think…

“God is love…there is no fear in love, instead perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:16, 18 What emotion has the power to hold your life hostage and torment your mind in the process? The answer is simple: Fear. Last week I gave you two keys to open the door to freedom, but they are only the beginning. Fear may hold you back from making good choices and from being honest with yourself. Until you conquer the fear in your life, you will never be free. I can say without contradiction, it will always keep you from the path you were meant to live. In this stagnant place you are tormented by the taunts of inevitable failure. So you remain paralyzed, a prisoner in…