There are so many distractions in the world, in our minds, even in our body. But we need the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and have dictation over our thoughts and our impulses. Jesus is the answer to all questions seeking truth, and it is His leadership that brings us life. We can live forever, without condemnation, if we accept Him into our heart...but if we choose to ignore him, he waits with longing for us to come back to him before it’s too late.

There is an eternal desire within us to be perfect, but only Christ could be that. He did not design us to find pride or identity in ourselves or our achievements. His plan is to show us love and give us the desire to love Him in return. And it is with a repentant heart that we can show the character of God to a lost and dying world. We have a personal and communal need to invest the gifts and talents God gives so that we may honor God and serve others. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. And that is the humble mindset He desires for us. That loving, humble service is where ministry begins. We must trust and obey our God, and watch Him work in and through us.

Being in the presence of God, through Christ Jesus’ work, is a place to find rest, strength, conviction, forgiveness, peace, and wisdom. We who have the Holy Spirit have God dwelling in our hearts, granting us access to God’s presence wherever we go. And we need Him, for love, for hope, for life. We need Him with us, every step of the way.

I almost took a handful of pills, but God got my attention. I was believing so many lies, that I sunk deeper into despair. I let go of the truth. I ignored hope. I followed fear. But God knew how to communicate with me in a way that was peaceable and gentle, bringing me back to life. I was running for so long, I forgot how to rest and trust in Him.

The Holy Spirit called me to writing and painting, and confirmed it by the words of an old friend. I was so excited, but I lost track of the truth when I failed to keep in contact with God and fellow believers. It is SO crucial to be in the Word and in prayer, because even in the church, little lies can sneak in and distract from the Word of Truth. Iron really does sharpen iron and it is a necessity to gather together and build each other up in Christ as we ourselves are built into the house of God.

Dating relationships became an addiction for me, and I was seeking love from men instead of from God. Even as I disobeyed, God was still teaching me what our relationship could and should be like, keeping in perspective what marriage is really a picture of: the union of Jesus to His church when He comes to take us home. And even now, we are the love of His life. He pursues us, and like a gentleman, He waits for our response.

God keeps our minds secure, our souls safe, and our bodies ready to praise Him. In this episode I share how my journey of “finding the right meds” began. Even with side effects, God granted me peace in a unique way despite my struggling. He grants peace and a sound mind, when we simply ask and receive from Him in prayer, and He deserves eternal gratitude for that, and so much more!

In this episode I point out that, even though the past may reveal some key points of growth and learning from God, we still have a testimony in today. He is with us in the present as well as the past and future. And if we are willing to listen, he is always speaking and revealing himself in our very thoughts. Talk to him, and see your whole life perspective change to realize that Christ is the reality that we live in. We just have to stop and pray to see it, moment by moment and day by day.

July 2016, I left my parents’ house in the middle of the night to hop on a plane. Not with a whole lot of rational thinking about safety or planning ahead. But God knew what I needed and he totally showed up, in a very interesting way.

Five years ago, I was hospitalized due to a poor decision at a friend’s house. But even though I was walking in sin, God did something amazing with the other patients around me.