Fear Not: Part 4

(This continues the series where I'm posting the message that I recently shared with the women of our church.  If you missed the beginning, check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.) --------------- There’s an analogy here that’s helped me think about how trusting in who God really is can shape my fears. Imagine that you’re on a walk with your brother who just happens to be a heavyweight boxer. He’s got muscles popping out everywhere.  He’s won every boxing fight that he’s ever faced.  The dude can seriously fight. Now, let’s say you’re on a walk with your brother and a man suddenly approaches you and yells, “Hand over your purse!” In that moment, you’re in a really scary...

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Fear Not: Part 3

(This continues the series where I'm posting the message that I recently shared with the women of our church.  If you missed the beginning, you can read Part 1 and Part 2.) -------------- The reason that we’re called not to fear isn’t because scary things don’t happen (they do!) or because we can handle them on our own (we can’t).  The Israelites really were facing a very frightening situation that they simply could not handle on their own.  The reason that they were called not to fear, the reason we’re called not to fear is because of the truth of who God is.  This is how God wants us to weaken the influence of fear: by fighting for faith in Him. God tells us, “Fear not...

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Fear Not: Part 2

(This post is part of a series where I'm posting a message that I recently shared with the ladies of our church.  To read Part 1, go here.) Over the years, I’ve come to accept that I’m not an expert in many things.   I've had to accept that for whatever reason, apart from the Lord’s help, I am just very very prone to fear what is frightening. Whether you’re a fear “expert” like me, or more casually aware of an occasional anxiety, we all are acquainted with fears.  In the midst of our fears and worries, something deep down within us wants to know...is it really possible to have lasting peace? If it is possible, how?   We’re going to spend some time in God’s word this morning...

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Fear Not: Part 1

Recently, I had the joy of sharing at a women's meeting for our church.  The topic was something that each of us, men and women alike, are all too familiar with: fear.  I thought I'd go ahead and post the message in bite sized chunks for those who weren't able to make it.   --------- Part 1 I’d like to start by telling you a story about a woman in this church.  You may or may not know her. It’s safe to say that we could probably characterize this woman as an “expert in fear.”   I’ve gotten her permission to share with you a bit of her story.   Fear and anxiety had a grip on this woman even as a little girl. Even in elementary school and junior high she...

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Muh-kee! Muh-kee! (I'm not talkin' about a furry animal.)

Baby girl loves her milk (muh-kee-muh-kee).  I've never seen anything like it.  When she wakes up she immediately starts calling, "Muh-kee!  Muh-kee!  Uh ah you, muh-kee?" It cracks me up every single time.     She literally shakes when she sees her cup comin'.  Forget the snacks. Forget dinner.  This child wants her muh-kee.  So weird, and so completely Addie.  She's a passionate little gi...

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Teeth and Tears

My sweet, brave girl just had her first ever dentist appointment.  Oh my, was she excited!  The night before her appointment when I put her to bed she said, "Mommy, I think I'm just gonna lay there all night and think about what kind of toothpaste I'll choose.  Maybe I'll choose watermelon, or maybe cinnamon, or maybe grape.  I just don't know." When the big day came, I wondered if my sometimes-timid girl would really be ok.  Would she cry?  Would she cling to me and refuse to open her mouth?  Would she decide she didn't really want to sit in the big chair?  To be honest, I was a little bit nervous for her. When the super sweet dental hygienist asked...

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Part 6: How well do you know your pastors?

I decided that after leaving you hanging for approximately 2 weeks, I might as well go ahead and post the answer.  As if you didn't already know who it is. Question #6:  Which pastor was recently told by a barista at Starbucks, "You could totally open your own coffee shop if pastoring doesn't work out." Answer:  My coffee lovin' husband. :)  By the way, Josh says it's a little concerning that everyone was so sure that he was the answer to this question.  Um, yeah.  I agree. Thanks for playing, friends!  I had so much fun hearing all of your answers that I think I'll bring this little game back again at some poi...

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