Category Archives: Bible Study

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How to Face Your Lions

One of the highlights of my whole entire life was getting to pet lion cubs in South Africa! Yes, I got to get down on the ground with those cute little… well, chunky… big guys!  They were just 6-month-old cubs and they were sleepy from the warm sun and their full bellies after lunch! I got to cradle their huge paws in my hands and stroke their ears!

They were so docile and sweet – as cuddly and compliant as a harmless stuffed animal in a baby’s crib!!

They aren’t always going to be so docile and snuggly. Nope. If I had hung out in their den for even another hour, giving them time to wake up from their naps, they would have been intimidating. And, if I gave them even a few weeks or months, they would eventually become snarly and fierce beasts that any sane adult should avoid.

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Strawberry Fields Forever – FGF Highlights, Plant City, FL

Did you know that Plant City, FL is the winter strawberry capital of the world? I didn’t, but I do now! This weekend at Fresh Grounded Faith, we had strawberry everything — soap, cookies, afghans, rain boots, toboggans, shirts, earrings, bracelets, chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry shortcake…. I am sure you get my point! It was so fun!

And oh, sisters… it was such a great start to our spring season of Fresh Grounded Faith. God was so very present, all of the volunteers gave generously from their hearts, it was so well-organized, and you could practically feel how open to the Lord’s moving the entire audience was. So thankful.

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Don’t Worry, God is In Charge of Those Who Are In Charge

Last November was an election like no other! The voters’ voices were heard, the protesters concerns were noted and now, the ballots are counted, the Electors have voted and… ta-da! (or uh-oh) Inauguration Day is almost here!

Now, if the election went your way, well, all that is just groovy! But, if you didn’t want Trump to be the president, well then Inauguration Day may flat-out depress you.

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When You Feel Discouraged: A Scripture Pep Talk

It’s so easy to get discouraged, isn’t it? Life hits us hard and trials last too long and we just get worn out trying to stand firm in faith. Or, sometimes we are in the thick of doing good, serving God and it just seems like progress is slow, our confidence is low and discouragement is high.

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I’ve felt discouraged for both reasons lately. I’ve felt overwhelmed and under-qualified to rise to the demands of ministry. I’ve fallen into a confidence crisis and just plain felt defeated. And, at the same time, my sweet Dad has been in the hospital, fighting pain and infection. My mom is worn out caring for him and instead of things getting better, they just seem to get worse. As soon as we see some progress, the next day, his fever spikes and our hope deflates. It is just downright discouraging.

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Your Worth is in His Word: 66 Ways God Loves You

One of the most treasured things I own is broken. But, I still love it.

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Here’s the back story:

In college, my friend Tony broke up with his fiancé – or maybe she broke up with him — I never really knew for sure.  But, what was for sure is that the jeweler wouldn’t give him his money back when he returned the engagement ring.  Bad for brokenhearted Tony. Good for supportive friend Jennifer!

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Faithful Prayer Warriors Needed – FGF Highlights, Warner Robins, GA

So thankful for another opportunity to share Fresh Grounded Faith with my southern sisters! Last weekend we were in Warner Robins, Georgia and were so welcomed by everyone. Such a blessing! The weekend didn’t go at all like we expected- right before we were set to go onstage to begin I received a call that my father was in very serious condition in Florida. I can’t even begin to describe the emotions surrounding that… feeling a responsibility to fulfill my commitment there at FGF, while at the same time my heart was being pulled to my sweet Daddy.

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There aren’t the words to express the love and support I received from all involved- our staff that was there with us stepped up, Stormie O’Martian, Meredith Andrews, and Karen Abercrombie filled in any gaps, and the church volunteers and attendees were mighty prayer warriors that weekend. God was so faithful to help me hold it together Friday night, and I was able to get to my parents the next morning. I’m so thankful to be able to report that my Dad is stable and improving. Your continued prayers for his complete recovery are so appreciated.