Jesus

From Pain To Purpose

From Pain To Purpose

“…but no one could heal her.” ( Luke 8:43) NIV Have you ever been in a place of painful uncertainty, desperate for answers?  I have.  And I have desperately wanted to be in a much different place. Uncertainty can be such a lonely place, but isn’t it a space...

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Reclaimed

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....

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Why Unpack Your Past?

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,...

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The Lavish Love Of The Father

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...

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The Gift of Intentional Gathering

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...

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How To Intentionally Grow Healthy Relationships

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...

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Emmanuel: Hope Is Always With Us

Emmanuel: Hope Is Always With Us

Over the last few months, my daughter and I have been memorizing different passages of scripture. We started with Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord your God is living among you, He is a mighty Savior. He will delight in you with gladness, with His love He will calm your...

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