Let's be real...the thought of bringing a dead dream back to life can be very scary. We've found a way to get comfortable without it. We have grieved and just want to figure out how to cope. But what if Jesus tells us to let Him bring it back to life? Will we be able to trust Him enough to let Him? Will we open the door of the tomb of our dreams even if we're terrified that it's just going to stink like death in there? Today we look at the story of Lazarus to get these questions answered (and to get some pretty important things settled in our hearts). Can't wait to walk through this with you today.

When Jesus received word that one of his best friends was on his death bed, He had the strangest response: he stayed where he was and didn't go to heal his friend. "Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days." (John 11:5-6, NLT) How do love and delayed help go hand-in-hand? Surely this doesn't make sense? I have felt the tension of this in my life, and I'm sure you have, too. For we who dream God-dreams, it can be so confusing when it looks like God is delaying to the point of our dream breathing its last and dying in our arms, leaving us questioning Him: God, why didn't You come and fix everything while there was still hope? Why didn't You come before this dream died right in front of me? The story of Lazarus gives us some amazing insight to answer these questions. Let's dive into it together!!

2018 is going to be a year of LIFE. A year of speaking life into the people around us, of believing in the abundant life God has given us, and standing on the Life of the promises of Scripture without wavering. Join me this year in committing to be people of LIFE - let's get a jump-start together with this podcast! :)

Mary the mother of Jesus held the greatest promise in all of history inside of her. At just the time when that promise was to be born, she was forced to go on a very difficult journey. The timing seemed terrible - but it was God's hand to fulfill what had been foretold through the ages about the coming Savior, Jesus the Messiah. What's the promise inside of your belly? Is the journey you're on difficult with that promise heavy inside of you? Let's talk about it!

Wow, it's December!! And that, of course, has me reflecting on what happened this year. 2017 was this juxtaposition of blessing and suffering for me - what about for you? Actually, what I've discovered is that SUFFERING is, in fact, a PREREQUISITE for some of the greatest blessings! Join me on today's episode to find out the incredible reasons WHY that is the case. You will not leave this 15 minutes without being encouraged! :)

We're all keenly aware of our need for grace, of our inability to do anything without the grace of Christ. But I've been mulling over these questions: Does grace begin to flow when we move? Or does it empower us to move in the first place? Let's dig into this a little bit as we look at how Philippians tells us that God's power gives us the desire AND the power to do what pleases God. This is a fun little adventure! Join me! (PS: Also hear some exciting news about a CHRISTMAS GIFT I have for you!!:) )

"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. <3

Key Verse: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:18, NIV

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!