As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9 When I became the owner of a new car, I polished everything daily with careful detail. I found myself making sure there was no trash left in her when I got out at the end of the day....
Hope
Denisha
At the age of 42, I found out that I had survived two attempts to end my life before I took my first breath. When my mom found out she was pregnant with me, it was not a great time in her life to have another baby. She had an 18-year-old daughter, no kids in...
Reclaimed
A spoken word to you from Valerie L. McMahon Broken, Battered. Used, Abused. Abandoned, Neglected. Accused, Rejected. Our stories are filled with pages that hold pain and carry shame. But, friend, listen to the Master Story Writer who knows you and calls you by name....
When Going Back Launches You Forward
Everything that has happened in your past has brought you to where you are today. EVERYTHING. Whether those experiences were sad or happy, traumatic or uplifting, forgettable or memorable, they have all led you to right here and now. When I was a little girl my...
Why Unpack Your Past?
Imagine setting out for a hike on a beautiful day. You have all the necessities for nourishment and survival - snacks, water, pocket knife, a first aid kit, flashlight, cell phone, etc. But —JUST IN CASE— you also decided to pack your favorite magazines,...
The Lavish Love Of The Father
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV) There's a wideness in God's mercy I cannot find in my own And He keeps His fire burning To melt this heart of stone Keeps me...
The Gift of Intentional Gathering
Sitting on my couch with a warm cup of coffee in my hand, no makeup, sloppy ponytail (not even a trendy messy bun), fluffy dog on my lap and still in my pajamas. This is how I did church for over a year. After ten years of serving as a pastor at our church and...
The Intentional Journey Toward Spiritual Victory
I knew I shouldn’t do it. I had that icky feeling in my stomach like I was doing something wrong. Yet, I still did it. I gave in. Temptation. What about it makes us want to do what we know we shouldn't do? Temptation is like the trailer to a movie. It gives you just...
How To Intentionally Grow Healthy Relationships
I love gardening. I love helping bring something to life, nurturing it, and watching it flourish. I am not particularly great at gardening though. Any improvement I’ve had has come through the school of hard knocks: a plant I put in the wrong soil, a plant placed in...