A jolt of encouragement to help you keep dreaming the God-dreams you hold in your heart.
Hey there, mama. I see you trying to smile for your kiddos. I see you trying to enjoy this life you've been given. But sometimes it's tough. Sometimes, life throws things at you that make parenting seem like a burden that's too heavy to bear. So what do we do? How do we take steps to cultivate joy in motherhood? How do we reignite the heart of a dreamer inside of our weary mama souls? How do we stop the negative thoughts about ourselves that are rolling around inside our heads? Let's talk about these things together today!
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When you experience heartache in your life, it can be very difficult to see beyond the haze and have compassion for others. This is a human and understandable response, but there's this story about Jesus that snagged my attention this week - a story about miracles that happened when He chose to have compassion and minister to others who were hurting during a time in His life when he was very much hurting as well. This passage encouraged and challenged me so much, and I wanted to share it with you. I hope you feel strengthened. Remember - if your heart is broken, it doesn't mean YOU are broken. In fact, it means you're human, you have a soft heart, and something powerful might happen right there in the midst of your pain. That's the Jesus life, and oh, He is good. Key Verse: So when Jesus landed he had a huge crowd waiting for him. Seeing so many people, his heart was deeply moved with compassion toward them, so he healed all the sick who were in the crowd. Matthew 14:14, TPTKey Verse: So when Jesus landed he had a huge crowd waiting for him. Seeing so many people, his heart was deeply moved with compassion toward them, so he healed all the sick who were in the crowd. Matthew 14:14, TPT
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Key Verse: Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place." Exodus 33:15, NLTGabiRuth.com
Key Scripture: And the Lord has given [them]...the ability to teach their skills to others. Exodus 35:34, NLT
I created a vlog a few days ago because God has been doing SO much in my heart. This week's podcast is the audio of half of that vlog. If you want the whole message, visit http://bit.ly/2FgfhHe! :)Key Scripture: When you walk through the fire of oppression, you l not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2b, NLT
Key Scripture: "Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again." Ezekiel 37:9b, NLT
Key Scripture: Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?” “O Sovereign Lord,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.” Ezekiel 37:3, NLT
Key Scripture: “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” John 11:40b, NLT
Key Scripture: "For your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe." John 11:15a, NLT
Key Scripture: I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10, NKJV
Key Verse: So Joseph and his fiancé, Mary, left Nazareth, a village in Galilee, and journeyed to their hometown in Judea, to the village of Bethlehem, King David’s ancient home. They were required to register there, since they were both direct descendants of David. Mary was pregnant and nearly ready to give birth. Luke 2:4-5, The Passion Translation
Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13, NLT
Key Scripture: "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." Philippians 2:12-13, NLT
"Eucharisteo always precedes the miracle." - Ann Voskamp It's Thanksgiving week! Let's give thanks! Giving thanks is an act of gratitude and an act of faith. As we go deeper in our faith, the more we understand how important and how beautiful it is to give thanks for everything, even the hard stuff. What are you thankful for? Can't wait to have this Thanksgiving chat with you as we officially enter into the holidays!! A dreamer cannot dream without first being able to give thanks in all circumstances.
The podcast is BACK! I took the past few weeks off to buckle down and finish my book, and I have good news...it's FINISHED! The manuscript draft is complete and now I'm pursuing next steps. Let me tell you about how this process has worked and how God's timing has been so perfect. Let's also chat a bit about why it important to continue in this process of walking out our callings - so much evil is taking place in the world, and our lives lived sold out and on mission are to be lights in the darkness. Let's not waste another moment!
It just hit me this week - so many of us are treating God like we treat our coffee! We wake up and want Him to give us a boost, a feeling to get us through our day, but then we just go on our way instead of living our lives IN HIS PRESENCE. Trust me, this has definitely been me, and I'm realizing, He is worthy of so much more honor! And not just that, WE are missing out on the BEST relationship fathomable! So grab your cup of coffee, and have a little listen to this. I hope you'll move forward into a reawakened relationship with your King of Kings, your Savior, and the Lover of your souls.
One of the greatest prophets in history struggled greatly with despondency and discouragement. I don't know about you, but to me, this is very encouraging because it makes him so REAL. Despite his weaknesses, despite his attempts to hide from what God had called him to do (even after seeing incredible miracles), God continued to use him in absolutely mind-blowing ways. I look at one of Elijah's stories today, a story about when he stopped in a cave right before he reached the destination and calling intended for him - and how God called him out and set him back on the right path. This story is sooooo empowering and encouraging! Let's jump in!
The Dark Night of the Soul - wow - this concept has been blowing my mind these past few weeks. I didn't know about this concept until recently, but the Lord has been so gracious to let me encounter multiple resources that address it...right as I was beginning to endure my own dark night. This is the place where our faith is refined. It is a place where every believer, every God-dreamer, gets to make a choice: will I succumb to my sadness and my brokenness, or will I choose to believe in the faithful God regardless of the darkness I am experiencing? I hope you'll join me today - today, I PREACH on this subject because I feel like it is a VITALLY important reality for believers to be made aware of and to walk through faithfully.
As believers we have been entrusted with the treasures of the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we forget what an important entrustment this is and that there's a world around us dying to have what we have. Will you use your life to carry these divine, life-giving supplies of the Kingdom to the people in the world around you? This is the call on ALL of our lives, regardless of what each our individual callings looks like. So THIS is a vital part of your God-dream, whatever that dream in your heart may be. Let's carry the Kingdom with the faithfulness and the urgency it deserves.
It's time to exercise our gifts. It's time to move forward without fear. God is faithful to guide our steps, so come on, let's be confident, let's do what's in front of us to do, and let's have an audacious faith in our incomparable God!
It hit me this week - we don't have to fight for our calling. The calling on our life cannot be revoked. HOWEVER, we do need to fight - we need to fight for focus and fight to stay in the game when we're tempted to opt out by the difficulties we face. Why? Because we cannot opt out, not if we want to fulfill the pre-ordained call on our lives. Let's talk about this together in this week's episode!
This past week I turned 33, and I was reminded that this is the age that Jesus died and rose again. It got me thinking - this life we live in Him holds both crosses and resurrections. This year is going to be a resurrection year, but what does that really mean? What happens when something is resurrected? Do we ever actually think about how a resurrection is just a beginning, and that so much happens afterward that we will also need strength for? I like this train of thought - let's talk about it. And let's see what might be getting resurrected in you!!
There's something you've been entrusted with, a gift given to you and woven into who you are by the very hand of God. What are you doing with that entrustment? What is the purpose for it? This topic is burning in my heart and I want to share it with you, along with some of the new things that God has released me to do with what He has entrusted to me. Take the next step with me! Let's embark on the journey of our gifts together.
On this journey toward our dreams, it's hard not to question why dark seasons come. Did I sin? Did I take a wrong turn? Am I under attack? Today I explore the biblical idea that sometimes God brings the darkness and is right in the midst of it. If we can wrap our minds around this idea, we have the opportunity to get to know Him in a new way and at a deeper level...it even gives us the chance to become more mature in our walk with Him as we embrace this divine mystery. He is in the darkness...
Sometimes, sitting still is HARD, especially for dreamers and doers like you and me. I found myself in that place again this week of getting frustrated and asking God, "Why is nothing happening right now? Can you please make something happen??" Have you ever been there? Hey, God is not afraid of your questions or your spunk or your fire or your fight. But one thing He desires - your obedience. I was reminded this week about how He led the Israelites with a cloud - He wants us to follow the cloud of His presence, too. Let's discuss how this is done. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
My husband and I have been watching a lot of Fixer Upper recently, and one day it hit me: I want to be Chip and Joanna Gaines. No, not flipping houses, but working alongside my husband, each of us using our own giftings, but working toward a common goal. There have been so many other things that have been encouraging me from Chip and Jo's life and story, too...I'm reminded again about how much God cares about the dreams He's placed inside of me (and inside of you). Listen to the podcast for all of the fun stuff rumbling in my soul!! And remember: you are NOT forgotten!
What's your superpower? The life of a God-dreamer should be marked by the grace that comes with our incredible, beautiful union with and submission to Christ. What is the result of this grace in your life? You have a superpower inside of you just waiting to be discovered. This episode will help you uncover what yours is... Join me on the adventure!!
I wanted to share a bit of sweetness with you this week by recording a podcast with my kiddos. They're so cute, you don't want to miss it. :) None of us are living life as islands, pursuing dreams with no one around us. We all have people in our spheres who are living lives, too, lives that Jesus cares about just as much as ours. For many of us, these lives are encapsulated in little tiny bodies that make big messes but also hold really huge hearts. Love on your people today, whoever they may be. Remember that what you do affects them, too. Let's love extravagantly.
Beth Moore once said something about the 5 most important words you can remember as you're walking out life as a believer. Those 5 words are: JUST KEEP GETTING BACK UP. Admittedly, I don't remember the whole context of the lesson she was teaching, but these 5 words have stuck with me because they came from a woman who's been in the throes of ministry for over 3 decades - and she's still going strong. This week I had some awesome moments with the Lord - and then the next morning I would wake up feeling the weight of life again. It's like I have to engage in a spiritual weightlifting gym every day right now, and I keep remembering these words - just keep getting back up. This week's podcast is about just that. Getting up and moving forward. Pushing through the discouragement and the weights and getting back up - again and again and again.
Do you ever have one of those days, weeks, or months where the mornings greet you like a weight on the chest? How do we explain that when we have promises like "joy comes in the morning"(Psalm 30:5). Joy is supposed to mark us as followers of Christ, a joy that is supernatural because it exists even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This week has been a weighty week for me. I've been waking up feeling down, but the Lord has me fighting, fighting, fighting for joy. This lesson is so important and I know He has me in this season to learn it well (among other things!). Let me share a sweet story of an old book that I love, too...something God hand-picked for me when I was 15 years old and reminded me of this week in the midst of my joy-fight. His plans and purposes for you cannot and will not fail!!
I keep reiterating this, but trust me - what you see is not ALL THERE IS! Are you ready to live in a way that truly shows you believe in how BIG and ASTONISHING and AMAZING your God is, even if you're in a desert season? Let's do this!! Also, as promised, I've given you a little recap of my incredible trip to Nepal in today's episode. God did so much on that trip and I'm really excited to share some of it with you all.
We are given the very real opportunity to be in union with Christ, to let His life overtake ours completely. What does that actually mean? How does it look? Is it possible that His endless grace could actually set us apart as those who are fully awake and overcoming, regardless of what circumstance we might be facing? I think the answer is YES! Get excited!!! And be empowered by the life of Christ within you!
Being patient takes courage. To truly wait patiently upon the Lord, you must be a warrior, and you must be brave. In fact, patience is one of the most courageous acts a Christian is asked to do in his/her lifetime. Don't believe me? Well...check out this podcast and you'll see why. Be patient. Be brave.
Is there something God is calling you to step out in faith and DO? Are you having a hard time saying yes and taking the risk? I totally get it! A year ago, the Lord asked me to start doing something that I was afraid to do, but I knew that He was saying it was going to be a very important part of my journey, my calling, and my effectiveness...so I said YES. Find out what it was that I said yes to in today's podcast. Obeying God is ALWAYS worth the risk!!
Ok, let's get real for a second - do you struggle with discouragement or with believing lies? I think this is a battle for most Christians in different seasons of their lives and in different points in the process of a dream. So what do we do to combat these lies and this discouragement? I have a few thoughts on this - some from Nehemiah and some from Beth Moore. :) But really - I think they're just strategies straight from the Lord. I hope you enjoy this episode (and its VERY special guest!).
The idea of transitioning into something new can be exciting, but the actual process of transition tends to be full of pressure. While facing intense pressure can be very challenging, it can also present us with the perfect environment in which our faith can grow and deepen. Come join Benj and me as we talk about the pressures we're facing and the FAITH we are hoping for. Bring on the growth. :) Also, plan to LOL about 5 times within the first 3 minutes! That's a good way to relieve pressure, too...;)
Do you ever have one of those days when everything just goes wrong and you feel irritated? Are you in a season that feels discouraging or frustrating? How do you push past these feelings and walk instead according to faith? This week has been a not-great-feeling week for me...but I want Jesus and I want His dreams to come true through me, so I'm choosing to walk by faith instead of feelings. Will you join me on this journey? Will you be brave, too?
Here we are in Texas, and we've jumped onto the fast track into our new season. But what does that look like for us as a family? What should following dreams look like for families in general? Does each member of the family have a purpose in each season? I'd love to have you join me in this conversation! :)
Life is moving so quickly for us right now! Join me on a journey straight into my heart as I look out the window and share all of my rambling thoughts about our move, how it's affecting the kids, what parenting looks like, destiny and calling, years of prayers, and a realistic look at what it's like to have the heart of God. It's a fun one. Jump in with me! Enjoy!
Prophetic words are so important in the life of a dreamer...they can ignite a dream in someone, or they can be a spoken blessing one dreamer can offer another. Scripture tells us how encouraging prophetic words are and that we should desire this gift. Do you want to be bold with me and start asking God for the gift of prophecy?
Have you ever had a worship song that defined a single, powerful moment in your life? For me, one of those songs is Worth it All, by Rita Springer. In this episode I tell the story of this song and the impact it had on me when I was in China. I also talk about how following Christ is worth it 100% of the time. If you want to dream big and see those dreams come true, you must make a decision that you will follow and obey the Lord in every season, no matter how difficult, and trust Him with where you are. Trust me, it's always worth it. HE is always worth it.
This week's podcast is actually something I recorded about 5 months ago. I found it when I was working on this week's episode and thought it would be awesome to share, especially in light of all of the prayers God has answered in my life personally over the past few months! Wow! It's sooooo vital that we don't have a filter with God. He is so trustworthy! Why not pour out our hearts to Him in a way we can't to anyone else...every dream, every hope, every fear, everything. He is always there. He will always receive us.
We have a choice - we can live seeing only what's right in front of us - all the responsibilities, stresses, lack, etc. - or we can choose to live with an eternal perspective. Living in the now of eternity is decided by fixing our eyes on JESUS above all else. I promise you...it is a wonderful way to live...
We are in Dallas looking for a HOUSE! God has opened the door for us to take a very significant step into our dreams - and a big part of that step is moving to Dallas! In this podcast we'll tell you a bit more about our move AND about how vital it is to live in such a way that you are becoming who you need to be to carry the dreams that will come true in your future
On this week's episode of Monday Morning Espresso, I talk a bit about the process of writing my book over the past year. I think a lot of us have specific dreams or directives God has laid on our hearts, but they feel impossible, so we freeze up and don't move forward. I'm hoping this podcast will give you just the push you need to get started on that "impossible" dream, propelling you into the process of GRACE which makes the impossible possible!
It's so important to stay planted where you are until God says it's time to move. We live in a generation that is always chasing dreams and climbing ladders, but is that really what we're supposed to be doing?
For the past 7+ years, we've been in a season of waiting. Benj shares a bit more of his story of staying faithful in the midst of this - what he's learned, why he's persevered, and who God is in the midst of it all. We think a lot of young, passionate dreamers out there will relate to and be encouraged by this week's episode!
Mary was humble, yes, but she was also fierce and brave. She longed to see Jesus as the warrior king to overthrow the Roman Empire. We see her fiery heart in this Magnificat. Jesus did overthrow darkness - but He overthrew it in our hearts. Come join us for this Christmas-themed podcast!
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