Full of Joy

I've been SO excited for this post ever since the launch of the new direction Jesus has given me for Full or Joy! Jesus is a giver. He loves to give, and give abundantly. If you've ever heard of "The Five Love Languages" , Gifts, hands down, mean the absolute most to me. For example, right before I moved away from MN about eight years ago, a friend gave me a soft, fitted T-shirt. It was such a sweet gift from someone I had just started to get to know. I still wear that T-shirt to this day. At this moment I am drinking out of a coffee mug with a cool silicone lid that a teen gave me when I was her small group leader well over five years ago. The hot coffee doesn't just warm my hands, the mug warms my heart far greater. Recently, a baby-sitter of Jase's watched him for a whole morning. They baked cookies, made crafts, and played together. For Christmas, she gave Chuck and I the best gift in the world. A hand-print of Jase's made into an ornament of b...

Outside of the Holy Word of God, I’ve never been more moved, taught, or ignited by a book in my life. A few weeks ago, I sent that exact sentiment to Beth Moore via Twitter. I just about fainted with glee when I saw a text on my phone indicating BETH MOORE herself had actually replied to my Tweet. I was downstairs with the kids, letting our dog Jovie out when I saw it. I began jumping up and down with excitement, which the kids loved. Any chance they get to jump with Mama is a welcomed opportunity! My “Audacious” journey started back in early fall when God clearly led me to attend one of Beth’s simulcasts with the same title. I’ve already written about the powerful work God has done in me as a result of Beth’s message that day, but God’s work in me has boldly continued throughout the pages of her book. Beth writes in a way that makes me feel like she is sitting at Starbucks across the table speaking directly into my heart. She writes like she knows my deepest struggles, fears, an...

I am borrowing this concept and title from my writing group. We use the "Feedback Corner" to have other people read and critique our work, but today I have a little bit of a different purpose in mind. I know I already mentioned the Beth Moore simulcast I "attended" a few weeks ago, and how powerful it was (and still is!) in my life. One thing has really stuck with me though, and given me an awful lot to think about. Since I can't sit down with Beth and ask her my questions, (I would absolutely DIE if I ever got to go to Starbucks with Beth and have a heart-to-heart!) my wonderful counselor suggested I ask YOU, my blog world. Beth had said something like, "I am not chained by fear anymore, but I still get afraid." I am in the battle of my life to lose the shackles of fear that hold me down. To actually hear someone proclaim they are "no longer chained by fear" blows my mind, and gives me incredible hope. I can't even fathom being in th...

Whoa. My heart is racing. A couple days ago I found out about a program through LifeWay and B&H Publishing for bloggers and readers. I ecstatically applied and could not sleep that night over the anticipation. A little backstory. Less than 2 weeks ago I attended a Beth Moore simulcast in Lancaster. I thought it was something I was dying to do, but less than five minutes in, I knew Jesus was the one who wanted me there. It was a life changing day. I didn't expect to be spoken to by Jesus so uniquely and personally. Jesus used Beth to speak words of life, hope, healing, and passion that sparked a renewed connection with Him. I'm really grateful for Jesus, and for Beth. That woman is anointed. Those who attended the simulcast were offered the opportunity to order her new book, "Audacious". I jumped right on that because the book is essentially the simulcast in written form. I wanted more! The book arrived, and I dove right in. At the end of chapter 3, Beth asks...