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Let Freedom in Christ Ring!


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“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.'” (John 8:34-36)

This week as you’re celebrating Independence Day, why not take some moments to thank God for the freedom we have in Christ.

As you can see from the verse above, we are free from being slaves to sin. That’s cause for a major celebration by itself!

Here’s a few more freedoms to celebrate:

Freedom from Condemnation – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

Freedom from Your Old Ways – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Freedom to Let Go of Past Hurts – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19)

What an honor and privilege it is to be a child of God! Blessings to you as you walk in those freedoms and more today and every day!

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and be sure to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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A Sermon in Shoes


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“You’re just like Jesus.”

I was both surprised and deeply touched as my friend said that to me over lunch earlier this year. We had been chatting and catching up. As she shared how much she appreciates that we can be friends even though we are seemingly from two different worlds, she whispered those words that are perhaps one of the BEST compliments I could ever receive!

“I’m so not, but thank you. I’m trying to be,” is all I could eek out.

I don’t share this moment to boast. I share this to encourage you and remind you that some people will read your life way before they ever read the Bible. Your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors are watching your life to see if you practice what you preach and if you are the real deal.

That could overwhelm you or it could inspire you.

People are hurting and they’re looking for answers. As Christians, we have the awesome privilege of pointing them to Jesus.

If your friends seek you out in times of trouble for prayer or counsel, count it an honor and a joy! Ask God to give you the grace, wisdom, and courage to share a word in season.

Of course we’re not perfect, but we can all be the hands and feet of Jesus. It can be through a kind word, a smile or hug, a listening year, running errands, praying, forgiving (or even asking for forgiveness). The list goes on and on.

When the moment is right, don’t be shy about sharing your testimony and telling others about what your life was like before Christ and what it’s like now as a born-again, blood bought child of God!

Here’s just a friendly reminder that we’re called to be:

Salt – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (Matthew 5:13)

Light – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Witnesses – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Ambassadors – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

We’re not called to hammer people over the head with the Bible. We’re called to love them, live out our faith walk before them, share the Gospel with them, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

I hope you’ll take some time to reflect on this: What is your life saying to others about Christ?

If you don’t like the answer, please don’t fall into condemnation. Ask God to help you be that salt, light, witness and ambassador right where you are!

Blessings to you as you let your light shine before others!

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and be sure to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my new website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Lessons Learned from My Dad

Ecuador
Photo taken during my visit to Ecuador in 2003

In honor of Father’s Day, I’d like to share a few lessons I’ve learned over the years from my Dad. I hope they will bless and encourage you as well.

Be Courageous – My Dad is the youngest of seven and the first of his family to leave Ecuador to move to the United States. He was in his twenties at the time and only knew one person here in the states, but that didn’t stop him. He still said, “Yes” to the adventure.

Don’t Forget Your Roots – Over the years, my Dad has stayed very connected to his extended family in Ecuador. He visits them often and is proud of where he came from.

Fight for Worthy Causes – My Dad has dedicated much of his later years to championing the rights of Ecuadorians living abroad. He’s helped get legislation passed in his home country to protect the rights of those who have emigrated from Ecuador.

Keep Dreaming! – My Dad has traveled far and wide. He recently came back from Italy. It was his third time meeting a Pope! He’s still building and doing construction. He’s still active in different civic organizations.

Use all Your Talents – My Dad has been successful in the field of mechanics as well as in real estate and politics. He’s written, he plays instruments by ear, and he’s got a very green thumb. In high school he enjoyed roughing it out in the Andes mountains with his friends as one of the leaders of his school’s mountain climbing club.

Find Time to Laugh – There’s a time to be serious, but then there’s a time to relax and share a joke or humorous story. My Dad has a healthy funny bone and enjoys telling stories. His laughter is pretty infectious, too.

I’m grateful for all these lessons and more! Thanks Dad, Love You!

 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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Jesus is the Same Forever!

I shot this short video last week to remind you that your circumstances may change, but Jesus is the same forever! He’s still in the miracle working business! Amen!

P.S. I’m so glad I didn’t have to wear a scarf or jacket for this video! Hooray for new seasons!

Did this video encourage you? Please hit “like” and be sure to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my new website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

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Write On!

super 5th grader
My first masterpieces!

Long before I was blogging, years before I worked at a women’s magazine or had any desire to major in journalism, and way before I was an editor at my college newspaper or the editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper, I was already enthralled with magazines.

I didn’t want to just read them. The picture above is of the collection of magazines that I created at home. The Super Fifth Graders magazine was quite an ambitious endeavor for little me. I did all the writing for the pretend celeb profiles, sports section, and movie reviews. I also did all the drawings and was the production person who “bound” the issues together with tape. Gosh, I was a magazine-making machine!

I think my one and only reader was my older sister (she’s still one of my greatest supporters). I don’t think I ever shared them with others. It was more for my enjoyment.

I’m so glad that I kept the copies of my mini-masterpieces. They’re a great snapshot of who I was back then. I also have tons of diaries and journals that chronicle my life.

There is just something that fascinates me about the written word. There’s something so special about recording and reflecting on life as it happens.

I guess that’s part of the reason why blogging seems like a natural fit for me. It’s a chance to share the ordinary ins and outs of life with all of you. It’s also a way for me to share what God has been speaking to me. I’m so touched that what I’m writing is resonating with you!

When God asked me to lay down journalism years ago, I thought my public writing days for all intents and purposes were over. Sure, I’d still journal but that would be something I kept personal. My writing went into hiding. I had nothing to really say. No reason to share my words with others.

But God had another plan.

I had a funny feeling God would one day ask me to write for His Glory. And that’s the season I’m in right now. I’m delighted that you are taking this journey with me. I’m looking forward to sharing more about what God is laying on my heart.

I know He’s speaking to you, too! Perhaps reading my posts have inspired you to tap into your inner writer. If so, what a blessing!  I encourage you to write down your prayer requests, hopes, dreams, and goals. Don’t forget to record all the answers to prayers, too!

To help you as you journal, I’ve created a free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF file that you can download when you sign up to get my weekly blog posts e-mailed to you. Each question will help inspire you as you journal what God is doing in your life. It’s my way of saying, “Thank You!” for reading my blog! You can sign up here.

Perhaps one of these weeks I’ll chose a question from the list and we can all share our responses! I’d love to hear what God is saying to you!

I can’t help but think of David and how he must have spent hours writing love songs to the Lord and sharing his angst and pain and his joys and victories! Or Paul who spent hours pouring out his heart in letters to instruct and exhort the early church. What about the disciples who left us vivid accounts of Jesus’ life, ministry and miracles and Moses who meticulously wrote down the law and the prophets who recorded the messages from the Lord. They all played a part, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in writing God’s love letter to us! Amazing!

Imagine who you could inspire by writing down your life stories and sharing them. Your friends? Your kids? Or even just yourself when you read through everything the Lord has done in your life.

What are you waiting for? Write on!

Blessings to you as you find creative ways to express your love for God and His love for you! He’s wild about you, you know!

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

Did this encourage you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts emailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my books Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough and Abounding Faith: 30 Bible Heroes Who Will Inspire You to Believe God for the Impossible! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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