HELLO, Recharge Wednesday community! I am sad to say that this is our last Recharge Wednesday post :-( If this is the first time you read about it, please click here for last week’s linkup where I shared the news. Going forward, as we are launching the new Soaring with Him website in July, this blog will only contain our ministry initiative news (which I would love for you to continue receiving!)Let's remain connected! My blogs, podcast and columns will continue to be posted at my new Continue Reading
PRESSING THROUGH GOD’S “SILENCE”
{Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} GOODBYE TO RECHARGE WEDNESDAY HELLO, Recharge Wednesday community!Just a reminder that we only have this week and next week remaining for the Linkup on this blog. If this is the first time you read about it, please click here for last week's linkup where I shared the news.I would love for us to stay connected! My blogs, podcast and columns will continue to be posted at my new website: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – I would love for you to sign Continue Reading
3 Shifts to Enhance Your Bible Reading {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
GOODBYE TO RECHARGE WEDNESDAY As you may already know, we are going through a rebranding process and the new Soaring with Him website (which will be launched by the end of June) will be focused on the ministry’s outreach programs and conference and blogs related to this ministry. For that reason, after praying and discussing with the leadership, we have decided to end the Recharge Wednesday linkups at the end of June. I am so grateful to Karen, Debbie and Bethany for the many years of Continue Reading
Back to the Basics of Christianity {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BLOG!We are in the process of rebranding Soaring with Him Ministries and all Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts, columns and podcasts are now available on her new website. The Soaring with Him website will serve solely to host the ministry’s outreach programs and conference and blogs related to this ministry.If you wish to continue receiving Patricia’s blog posts and columns, please sign up at: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – scroll down to sign up and receive Continue Reading
Wherever Jesus Stands, You Cannot Sink {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BLOG!We are in the process of rebranding Soaring with Him Ministries and all Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts, columns and podcasts will start being posted on her new website going forward. The Soaring with Him website will serve solely to host the ministry’s outreach programs and conference.If you wish to continue receiving Patricia's blog posts and columns, please sign up at: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – scroll down to sign up and receive Continue Reading
How Do You Forgive the Unpardonable? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BLOG!We are in the process of rebranding Soaring with Him Ministries and all Patricia Holbrook's blog posts, columns and podcasts will start being posted on her new website going forward. The Soaring with Him website will serve solely to host the ministry's outreach programs and conference. Please sign up to receive newsletters and blog posts on Patricia's new distribution list on this link: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ - scroll down to sign up and receive Continue Reading
When Impulsiveness Generates Regret & Loss {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
A couple rushes to the altar after a short-term courtship. A spouse gives in to lust and commits adultery. A wife spouts off insults against her husband. A mother lashes out at her children with no regard for the damage thoughtless words will cause. Impulsivity is perhaps one of the most primal instincts known to men, and most everyone is guilty of acting impulsively at least once in their lifetime. A common mark of youth, lack of self-control and restraint often bears consequences that can Continue Reading
What Is Truth? The Rise of Relativism {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
If you are viewing this post in your email, click HERE to access the podcast.This interview is also available on Patricia’s YouTube channel: Click HERE. My guest today is the president of Summit Ministries, Dr. Jeff Myers Myers. Dr. Myers has become one of America’s most respected youth development and apologetics authorities. In his new book, Truth Changes Everything, Dr. Myers challenges the idea that all hope to find Truth is lost in our culture. The book is filled with Continue Reading
32 Facts About God {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Knowing and embracing facts about God: Strengthens our heart.Gives understanding and peace to our minds.And keeps us focused on spiritual things. So I believe all the Lord’s children benefit from these absolutes that remind our hearts and minds who God is and what God does. Facts To Know About God (1.) The One true God. Oh, there are other gods. But there’s no other god like our God. “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9b Continue Reading
Addiction Recovery, Redemption – Revelations Cafe Documentary
If you are viewing this post in your email, click HERE to access the podcast.This interview is also available on Patricia’s YouTube channel: Click HERE. Despite spending more per person on healthcare than any other country in the world, two-out-of-three American adults are overweight, obese and/or suffer from a chronic disease. According to Mayo Clinic, 70 percent of all Americans are on at least one prescription drug, and more than half are taking four or more prescriptions. In this Continue Reading
The Impact of Charles Stanley’s Ministry on my Family ~ LINKUP ~ {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
I glanced down at my then-10-year-old’s church notebook and smiled. There were a couple of small pictures in the margins, but unlike many other church notebooks of children her age, the page was full of notes. She copied them fiercely from the television screens above the row where we sat for many years in the back area of First Baptist Atlanta’s sanctuary, reserved for choir members. Our baby girl copied big sister, writing and doodling in her notebook, as a children’s Bible sat on her Continue Reading
Where Do I Find the Grace to Forgive?
Do you want to be forgiven when you fail? How readily do you forgive those who injure you? These questions represent two sides of forgiveness brought out in the Lord's prayer, “Forgive us as we forgive others.” Being completely forgiven is wonderful! Completely forgiving someone else—well—that can be hard to do. Continue Reading
Interview with Messianic Jew & Columnist – Myra Kahn Adams
If you are viewing this post in your email, click HERE to access the podcast.This interview is also available on Patricia's YouTube channel: Click HERE. Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. She is an opinion contributor to The Hill, a RealClearPolitics contributor and a weekly Townhall.com columnist, and also the executive director of SignFromGod.org, a ministry dedicated to Shroud of Turin education. She is a Messianic Jew, and Continue Reading
No Request Is Insignificant to God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution & LINKUP}
From the rearview mirror, I saw my then-9-year-old praying again. After mouthing “Amen,” she picked up my phone and dialed her best friend’s number. After the initial greeting, she lit up: “OK, so I received my letter from the camp and have not opened it yet. Go get yours. As we decided, let’s open them together.” “Please let me be in the same club, please let me be in the same club,” I heard my baby girl whisper. She opened the letter and screamed: “Oh my goodness! I made it; I made Continue Reading
An Empty Tomb for Our Empty Places {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
God provided an empty tomb for every empty space in our lives. Does it ever seem like you took a crash course on how to manage current life that you never signed up for? The sinking feeling of emptiness that seems to linger on and on. I experienced emptiness from an empty womb after I lost a baby to miscarriage, an emptiness from a broken heart when my father died, and plenty of other empty spaces throughout the years. Whether it was the loss we experienced during the pandemic, a Continue Reading
My Victories, My Battles – Not Really Mine {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Niccolò Paganini was a virtuoso violinist and composer who lived in Europe in the early 1800s and was thought to be the greatest violinist of all time. His technique while playing was unparalleled. His compositions, unique and of vanguard style. His playing of gentle passages was so beautiful that his audiences often burst into tears, and yet, he would perform some pieces with such vigor and velocity that one listener at a concert in Vienna became half-crazed and declared for days that he had Continue Reading
Andy & Sandra Stanley – Interview & Column about their new book on Parenting
Andy & Sandra Stanley talk to Patricia about their first book written together: Parenting - Getting IT Right, a great resource for parents. If you are reading this in your email, click HERE to listen. Read the column about this conversation below. Click HERE to watch it on YouTube. “If you don’t hit pause long enough to consider the direction in which you are parenting, you may wake up one day to the realization that you parented in the wrong direction.” — Andy Stanley Am I Continue Reading
When It’s Time to Say Good-Bye
Being the older sister, I used my driver’s license so my sister and I could drop by the hospital and surprise our mother. The surprise was on us. Daddy had scheduled our previous visits. Now I understood why. I heard Mama moaning on the other side of the closed door to her room. She was asleep and unaware others could hear her pain. My sister and I drove home in silence. The reality our mother would never come home smothered us. As painful as it was to see her suffer, knowing the ugly Continue Reading
“You’re Joking Me” – a Young Author’s Take on Clean Humor
Call your young children to listen to this interview! William Daniel is a seventh grader, a WWII enthusiast, and a competitive gymnast. He builds model airplanes and wants to be a pilot someday. Written by a kid for kids, You're Joking Me is a hilarious collection of more than four hundred puns, riddles, one-liners, and knock-knock jokes that are sure to have kids (and their adults) laughing up a storm! William is a wonderful example for young children of how one can make Continue Reading
Manipulating God’s Timing {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“May the Lord judge between us. Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you.” 1 Samuel 24:12 David and his men had been hiding when they heard the footsteps of a man entering the cave. Startled, he oddly shifted on the ground, careful not to make a sound that would denounce his presence. He stretched his neck to look toward the sound. His heart skipped a beat. It was him, the man he admired and loved, yet, his enemy. The very one who Continue Reading

The Struggle Is Real, but So Is God {Interview & Column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} Listen to this interview with podcaster, entrepreneur, and author Misty Phillip, where she talks about her bible study, The Struggle Is Real, but so Is God, a study focused on how to keep strong faith through life's hard circumstances. If you are reading this in your email, click HERE to listen. Read the column about this conversation below. “Blessed be your name when the sun’s Continue Reading
Do People See Jesus in Me? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Do people see Jesus in me? This is a question I often think about. Perhaps this is a desire you hold and pray. Lord, let others see Jesus in me! Lately, this hope and prayer stays at the forefront of my mind. So I completed my own soul-searching, looking in the Scriptures, and asking the Holy Spirit to open my spiritual eyes to how others truly see Jesus in me. Because when Jesus lives in us and we allow the triune God to transform us from the inside out, Continue Reading
Our First LOVE DAY at House of Cherith
February 25th was a day we dreamed about, prayed over and anticipated for over three years. Before the pandemic, my friend and Certified Nutrional Counselor Stephanie Wilkins and I had planned to start working with women's shelters, bringing the Good News of the gospel and sharing free Bible studies with women in transition homes in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Then the pandemic hit and stopped the program before it even began. Fast forward three years, and we now realize that the Continue Reading
LINKUP! Offering Agape Love to the Homeless {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
The interview below with Art Ayris, producer of the movie "No Vacancy," along with my column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, will challenge you with the question: What can we as the Church do to help those who are hurting in our cities? Click HERE to listen if you are viewing this post in your email. Even though the U.S. government knew that the homelessness crisis grew exponentially during the pandemic, it became difficult to accurately register the numbers of those without Continue Reading
How a Christian Worldview Protects You 
Do you have a Christian worldview? Many years ago in a faraway land, Joseph lived with his father, his father’s wife and concubines, and many half-siblings. Joseph’s own mother had died when he was very young. His half-brothers hated him because Joseph was good and reminded his father of Joseph’s beloved mother. Joseph’s father trusted him and showered him with attention. And his heavenly Father placed a remarkable dream in his heart to be a great leader. One day his jealous half-brothers Continue Reading
God, Please Give Me One More Sign! {Recharge Wednesday}
Then Gideon said to God, “Do not let Your anger burn against me that I may speak once more; please let me make a test once more with the fleece, let it now be dry only on the fleece, and let there be dew on all the ground. (Judges 6:39) “Lord, did I really hear from you? Or is it my mind, my heart, my flesh, legalism, or anything else shouting out, silencing the voice of Grace? Will you forgive my doubts? Will you speak and confirm your Word to me? Again? Please?” That was the gist of Continue Reading
Compassion Turns your Talents into Gifts {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
Compassion is a powerful emotion that carries the potential to change the world around us. While empathy is a feeling that involves a caring, emotional response to the suffering of others, compassion adds to that a strong desire to ease our neighbor’s pain. It turns our concerns for others into action and is a critical emotion that moves us to bring hands and feet to the commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In the 24th and 25th chapters of the book of Matthew, Jesus began his Continue Reading
Daisy-Petal Hope {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“He loves me, he loves me not.” I plucked the white daisy petals, deciding the outcome of my childhood crush. A hope in love. Years later during a Sunday church service, daisies on my dress stirred those memories as I waited for my pastor-husband Mike to call me to the platform. He had asked me to share the long journey of praying for my father to come to Christ. First we watched the Billy Graham video “Hope for America—a Message of the Cross.” Hope in Love As I waited for my cue, the Continue Reading
Dallas Jenkins Interview – The Chosen and more
Dallas Jenkins is best known for the hit series, The Chosen, which has been watched by over 400 million people worldwide since it started airing in 2018. Dallas is the son of Jerry B. Jenkins, a Christian novelist best known for the Left Behind series, one of the highest-selling book series of all time, selling over 60 million copies. In this interview, Dallas talks to Patricia about the surprising success of The Chosen after what he calls his "biggest career failure" and how each Continue Reading
Everyone Needs a Barnabas {Recharge Wednesday}
He was born Joses, a Greek variant of the name “Joseph.” Later on, when recounting the story of how he sold his possessions to give money to the apostles in Jerusalem, the Book of Acts calls him “Barnabas,” which in Greek translates as “son of encouragement” or “son of consolation.” Barnabas was a Hellenic Jew from Cyprus, which is an island country located south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon and north of Israel. Barnabas knew the culture and customs of both Jewish and Roman Continue Reading
Adoption – Choosing to Change Lives {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
I remember the day as if it were yesterday. I was 9 years old when my parents called my brother and me to our living room and asked us to sit down. By the look on their faces, I knew we were in trouble or something terrible had happened. Their voices were low, their words measured. Carefully, they told us a long story about my mom’s love for a baby abandoned at her aunt’s house. Mom was only 15 years old when she met the 9-month-old baby girl. Over the next several years, she fell in love Continue Reading
I Hate to Wait {Recharge Wednesday Linkup}
I hate to wait. I know others who hate it too. I’ve seen people waiting for: a delayed flight,an injury to heal, a traffic light to change,an appliance to be repaired, the right person to fill a job, acceptance to Bible College, money to build a church building, the right time to announce an engagement, a child to become available for adoption, a wayward family member to return, a heart to soften. It’s easy to think that life is on Continue Reading
Feeling Broken? Your Life Is Not Beyond Repair
I stared at the drawing of Solomon’s temple, taking every detail in. Based on the meticulous descriptions found in 1 Kings 7 and various parallel passages between 1 Chronicles 22 and 2 Chronicles 7, every intrinsic element of the building was built using the finest materials: cedar from Lebanon, costly stones that would endure, gold and bronze that would reflect the glory of its Inhabitant. Each chamber had its purpose. Each item a design. Every small detail representing the glory, Continue Reading
Column & Interview with Dr. Richard Blackaby {Experiencing God Bible}
Experiencing a Fresh Encounter with God As believers start their faith walk, perhaps one of the most common questions in their hearts is, “How do I know that God is speaking to me?” Because one of Christianity’s core beliefs is that through our relationship with the Messiah, we gain access to God’s throne and, therefore, can hear directly from him through the Holy Spirit, learning to listen to God is undoubtedly every faithful believer’s desire. But hearing God speak is only the first Continue Reading
Praying for a Friend {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“I really need a friend.” Have you ever thought you could really use a friend? Maybe you prayed for the Lord to send you a friend in a new city, job, group or church. Since our family spent over thirty-five years in full-time church ministry and lived in different towns and states, friendship became somewhat of a lifeline. So I usually prayed for at least one friend at each new place. Have you ever prayed that the Lord would send you a friend? Early in our marriage, we Continue Reading
Called Out of Your Comfort Zone
The dawn of the New Year always brings moments of self-evaluation and decisions. It is time gyms are flooded with newcomers, and diet websites profit from people's desire to lose weight and improve their lives. There is no question that many devoted believers also start a new year with a renewed commitment to good health and better life choices. In the past several years, I have noticed many Christians beginning the new year with a fast - a time to "reset" their spiritual lives and cleanse Continue Reading
Column & Interview with Lysa Terkeurst – Good Boundaries and Goodbyes
According to a survey performed by the website Statista.com between Oct. 25 and Nov. 2, 2022, the top 5 New Year’s resolutions for 2023 have not changed from the year before: Exercising more is No. 1, followed by eating healthier, losing weight, saving more money and spending more time with family and friends. Certain elements are undoubtedly crucial to accomplish goals: Perseverance, self-control, and determination are at the top of the list. Likewise, challenging our self-imposed Continue Reading
Faith: A New Year’s Goal Worth Pursuing
“But the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). Soft may be desirable in pillows and toilet paper, but not in body tone or faith. As I evaluated where I want to go in the new year, I realized my faith needs toning. Both my body and soul require good nutrition and exercise. My Bible feeds my faith, but I must read it and apply it to be strong. Knowing the perils of fragile faith and the benefits of firm faith motivates me to build my faith muscles. Let’s take Continue Reading
A Christmas Dare
Years ago, when our oldest daughter was in fourth grade, her public school's music teacher put together a "holiday musical" as part of the elementary school curriculum. As I browsed the script that my daughter brought home, I saw a variety of holidays celebrated in traditional songs. From Hannukah to Kwanza, from Bodhi Day to Yule, songs celebrating various cultures and religions filled the score. When I got to the end of the music sheet, I could not believe my eyes. To my great surprise, not Continue Reading
The Christmas Choir You Already Signed Up For
I truly hate goodbyes.It must have to do with the fact that my entire family lives overseas, and saying good bye when we visit means at least another year without seeing each other. But truth is, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 1:1.A couple of months ago, our dear Bethany McIlrath communicated that, due to some wonderful new opportunities that are coming her way, starting in January, she will not be able to continue contributing to Continue Reading
God’s Silence doesn’t Mean He is Absent {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
There are approximately 400 years in Jewish history unaccounted for in protestant canonical scriptures. This time is known as the intertestamental period - the years between the Old and the New Testament from Nehemiah until the birth of Jesus Christ (c. 430 – 5 BC). Due to the absence of prophetic revelation, scholars call this period the “Silent Years.” However, this era is anything but silent when it comes to historical and cultural changes. Social and political events during this time were Continue Reading
Mary’s Christmas Story {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Do you love to hear a good story? I enjoy stories passed down through generations and in literature. And I’m especially fond of stories told as first-hand accounts of actual events. But what about the Christmas story? Have you read the Christmas story in the Bible? How have others told the story? I wonder how Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, felt and experienced the birth of the Christ child. Or, what it was like to see Jesus grow into a man and fulfill His Continue Reading
31 Days to Discover God’s Love for You
When we think about the gods of most religions, certain attributes echo as truth to their faithful followers. There is no doubt that the followers of most religions of the world would deem their gods wise, powerful, omniscient, just, etc, etc. However, there is undoubtedly one attribute of Yahweh, the One True God of the Bible, that stands out as the trait that no other "god" possesses: Yahweh is a Loving God. Not only does He have love for His children, He IS Love. (1 John 4:7-8) And we Continue Reading
The Best Christmas Gift You Can Give {Recharge Wednesday Linkup}
Decorating our home for Christmas on Thanksgiving weekend has become a mother-daughter tradition since our oldest was about 2. I remember the first time I gathered the Christmas ornaments and gave her the assignment of placing the smallest ones on the tree's lower branches. With Christmas carols playing on the surround sound system, she squealed with delight, mumbling the words of the songs while carefully placing about 20 ornaments on one single lower branch — a memory I captured Continue Reading
Prayer as a Constant Conversation with God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“Churches are good for prayer, but so are garages and cars and mountains and showers and dance floors.” — Anne Lamott Anne Lamott and I hardly have any commonality other than identifying as born-again Christians. But her quote about prayer resonated with me. Perhaps one of the verses in Scriptures that most challenges my flesh is found in Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.” With a type-A, restless personality, I often struggle to sit still for a long time; therefore, in the Continue Reading
Let Joseph Inspire Your Faith this Christmas {Recharge Wednesday Linkup}
My romantic view of a stable vanished when I watched a camel project bodily filth in the direction of onlookers. My childhood notion that the first Christmas was all joy for the main characters evaporated too. Mary and Joseph experienced a bevy of challenges. Continue Reading
Thinking on What We Already Have {Recharge Wednesday}
'Tis the season for writing out wishlists, filling the calendar, and stuffing our stomachs! Our to-do lists our longer than usual. At this time of year, we tend to spend more time thinking about we need, want, or plan on than usual. Sometimes it's refreshing and helpful to remember what we already have. What We Have as God’s Children The Spirit “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” –Romans 8:6 God’s Own Word “All Continue Reading
‘The Chosen’ Season 3 – My Commentary {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
I have attended numerous Red-Carpet premieres of faith-based movies for the past decade. This week’s “Teal Carpet” event at the Fox Theatre for the release of season 3 of the TV series “The Chosen” was perhaps the most crowded one I’ve ever covered. It’s no wonder. The historical drama series, directed and co-written by filmmaker Dallas Jenkins, has become an international blockbuster, its episodes gathering over 400 million views worldwide. It has been translated into over 60 languages and Continue Reading
Growing Grateful Hearts {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
It’s that time of year. We know how the season is supposed to go down. Besides pumpkin pie and turkey, we are encouraged to cultivate attitudes of gratitude. Something accomplished by growing grateful hearts. Such as these attitudes: Count our blessings. Be thankful. Express our gratefulness. Show our generosity. And when we look at this list, do we think of our lives, our family, and more importantly, our God? So how do we cultivate attitudes of gratitude in all the Continue Reading
Interview with Best-Selling Author – Brittany Ann
New book: Follow God's Will: Biblical Guidelines for Everyday Life Brittany Ann is an author, speaker, and founder of EquippingGodlyWomen.com, a popular Christian-living website dedicated to helping busy Christian moms find practical ways to go "all in" in faith and family. Brittany is the author of "Fall in Love with God's Word: Practical Strategies for Busy Women," an ECPA and Amazon bestseller designed to help Christian women create a Quiet Time they love. Her work has been featured Continue Reading
Brooklyn Tabernacle’s pastor Jim Cymbala’s Interview {Recharge Wednesday}
Did you know that, According to a recent Gallup poll, this is the first time since the 1930's that the number of Americans who describe themselves as affiliated with a church, synagogue, or mosque has fallen below 50 percent? Worse yet, another survey has concluded that about 1500 pastors and other religious leaders leave the ministry every single month. 1500! Jim Cymbala has been the pastor of the renowned Brooklyn Tabernacle for the past five decades. During our conversation, we discussed Continue Reading
Column & Interview – Jim Cymbala (The Brooklyn Tabernacle) talks about New Book
Christian leaders’ Discouragement Rising Daily As I read the introduction of Jim Cymbala’s new book in preparation for our interview, I was startled by the most recent statistics concerning church attendance in America. According to a recent Gallup poll, this is the first time since the 1930s that the number of Americans who describe themselves as affiliated with a church, synagogue or mosque has fallen below 50%. Church attendance is even lower, as another recent survey showed that only Continue Reading
Which Is Better, Being Responsible or Being Faithful? {Recharge Wednesday}
God blessed me with a godly and kind mother-in-law. When her independence began to wane, Larry and I invited her to live with us. Having lived thousands of miles apart, we sincerely welcomed the opportunity to have her in our home. However, she wouldn’t consider leaving Arizona. Larry sent monthly checks to help her fill the gap in her living expenses, but we didn’t know what we’d do when she required full-time care. Our income wouldn’t stretch to cover that expense. Larry and I felt a Continue Reading
Interview with Actress Robia Scott
Robia Scott is an actress, Christian speaker, coach, and author. She has helped countless Christian women around the world conquer their counterfeit comfort of food and experience the peace, purpose, and passion for which they were created. Listen to Patricia's interview with Robia, where they discussed her ministry as well as the revival of her acting career after fifteen years away from Hollywood. She recently returned to acting in a starring role in Unplanned-a major motion picture Continue Reading
Cling to Christ {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Stepping into the airplane, I noticed a sign that made me laugh. The content wasn’t humorous. It wasn’t the design that cracked me up. There wasn’t really anything funny about the sign itself… But it was stuck with packaging tape…on to the side of a jet plane. Jet planes travel around 600-900 miles per hour. They tend to reach a 35,000 foot altitude. That thin sheet of paper and its plain old packaging tape were in for a ride. When we hit turbulence, my amusement at the simple Continue Reading
Interview with Actor Stelio Savante
Stelio Savante is a South African American actor, filmmaker, and producer known for his roles in several movies, including Infidel (with Jim Caviezel), Running for Grace (with Matt Dillon), Colors of Heaven, among other successful motion pictures. Listen below to Patricia's interview with Stelio as they discussed his new movie, Pursuit of Freedom, based on a true story of a Ukrainian woman who was separated from her three children and sold into trafficking by Russian gangsters. To find out Continue Reading
6 Components of Effective Prayers {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“I fear John Knox’s prayers more than an army of ten thousand men.” — Mary, Queen of Scotland We find the story of King Jehoshaphat in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles in the Old Testament. He was the son of King Asa and was known to follow many of his father’s positive actions. But as his father, Jehoshaphat was also a king who often obeyed God partially. Even though he started a national religious education program and developed an extensive legal structure throughout the kingdom, Continue Reading
Where Hope Lives {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Have you ever looked for real hope? What if we knew where true hope lives? Pointing out the window to a community in the country, I exclaimed: “Teresa, my friend from high school lives there.” Another friend and I were traveling during the early morning hours to attend a conference near the town where I grew up. It’s interesting to know where friends or people we meet live and work and worship. But what if we knew hope's address? Because life’s hurts, heartaches and Continue Reading
Prejudice has No Place at Church {Recharge Wednesday}
On Sept. 6, 2005, our family drove to the local immigration office for my citizenship ceremony. After almost six years of extensive paperwork and considerable costs, I finally held the green certificate that attested that I was an American citizen. I remember the excitement of pledging allegiance to the American flag as a citizen for the first time. I would not need a “green card” or an “alien card” to be accepted for employment, to leave the country and — best of all, I would finally be able Continue Reading
Overcoming a Lack of Confidence {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
Confidence is an anchor for the heart. It separates those who only dream from those who accomplish great things. It is a crucial element of personal fulfillment, focus, and joy. Confidence anchors our hearts when doubts assail us and pushes us toward the next step when everything around us pulls us back. It helps us overcome hurdles, dismiss nay-sayers, and look at the mirror with a smile on our faces. Indeed, confidence is arguably the one ingredient mixed into every success story. And Continue Reading
15 Bible Verses on Aging {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Have the growing number of candles on your birthday cake given you pause? While we may have passed the stage where adding years to our age causes us to beam with pride, every year is a gift. Whatever your age, may these Bible verses on aging encourage you. The Hope of the Elderly “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age” (Ruth 4:15 NIV). “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will Continue Reading
The Secret to Glorifying God {Recharge Wednesday}
Looking at others around me, I find it easy to assume they’re God-glorifying because of what great people they are. Sometimes I want to ask, “what’s your secret?” I don’t feel like I’m good at glorifying God. I mean to praise the Lord, but I end up assessing what could be better instead. I wish I spoke to God's glory all the time, but often I say things that just don’t need to be said. The list goes on. And on. When it comes down to it, I want to share God’s glory. But I fail, a Continue Reading
Standing for the Right to Worship {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
In 1789, James Madison, who later became the fourth president of the United States, introduced 12 amendments to the First Congress, 10 of which would become the “Bill of Rights.” These amendments, defined in the Magna Carta, contain rights considered fundamental to America’s peace, liberties, and prosperity. The First Amendment provides that Congress cannot make laws respecting any religious establishments or prohibiting its free exercise. Likewise, it protects freedom of speech, the press, Continue Reading
Know Jesus and Make Him Known {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
How can we know Jesus more intimately? During my early years of being a Christ-follower, I missed an important aspect of the Christian life. Christ not only desires I know Him as Savior and Lord, but also that I continue to grow in knowing Him more intimately on a daily basis. Because this is the only way to let Christ live in and through my life, and for others to see Jesus in me. Eventually, this became my mission statement for my speaking, writing, and blogging Continue Reading
‘Help Is Here’ – Max Lucado’s New Book (Interview & Column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
“The Spirit is the dove of peace who calms us, the gift giver who equips us, the river of living water who flows out of us to refresh the world.” Max Lucado – “Help Is Here” Fifteen minutes into my conversation with New York best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado, I was surprised by how much I did not know about the beloved author. For starters, I was unaware that he had lived in my country, Brazil, for five years and speaks Portuguese with unlikely fluency for someone who has not Continue Reading
Do You Have All You Need? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
I stared out of my Indianapolis apartment at the cement parking lot full of cars and remembered the New England storybook charm I’d left behind. What the Hoosiers called trees looked like shrubs compared to the brilliant maples I’d enjoyed. My tiny bedroom held unfamiliar second-hand furniture. My previous assignment had consisted of a ministry team of single adults. We became fast friends and lived close enough to walk to one another’s homes. My housemate and I had immediately bonded, even Continue Reading
Grow in Grace {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
As a new mom, a friend of mine regularly reported sleeplessness. Sipping hot drinks while her infant alternated between fussing and sleeping, she told me how it had occurred to her one late, loud night that her baby was doing his job: He was growing. The sweet little guy didn’t understand what was happening as his adorable cheeks filled out and squirming legs got longer. He didn’t have any way to communicate his needs or frustrations except for fussing. Listening to her gentle wisdom Continue Reading
Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“Nothing changes if nothing changes.” The quote scrolled across the TV screen while the leader talked. I immediately started thinking about the truth behind those words. It was one week before the beginning of the new school year, and I knew it was time to practice some of the changes I had committed to making during the summer. Let me rephrase it: It was time to start implementing some of the changes I felt God was instructing me to make. Leave it to me, and I will keep doing things Continue Reading
How Not to Go on Guilt Trips {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
We weren’t created to go on guilt trips. But we learned to send ourselves and each other on these unpleasant excursions because sin entered the world. First, let’s look at desirable trips. Maybe a planned or spontaneous travel schedule. Perhaps our favorite vacation spots. Possibly, places familiar or unknown. Or, traveling abroad. And a voyage by sea. Also, guided tours, historical landmarks, the mountains, a natural wonder, the beach, tropical climates, and soaring Continue Reading
What Do You Do When God Seems to Have Vanished? (Esther Bible Study)
What do you do when God seems to have vanished? When you have a decision to make… When your stability is shaken… When your sure-fire plan fails… When everything is spinning out of control… Esther is the perfect partner for seeing our invisible God in uncertainty. Though she lived centuries ago, Esther speaks to us when we run into limited control and resources. We find in her a strength and fortitude you and I need today. A strength we discover as we follow her process of listen, Continue Reading
Rising Above Rejection, Contempt & Betrayal {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” 1 Samuel 17:28 The Bible does not give us the time lapse between David’s anointing by Samuel as Israel’s future king and the scene that took place in the Valley of Elah. We know, however, that Continue Reading
Help for our Boys’ Mental Health {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“It’s easier to build strong children than repair broken men.” Frederick Douglass, abolitionist Recent research on men’s mental health revealed a shocking reality: Globally, one man dies by suicide every minute. In the U.S., statistics show that men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women. In the same bleak reality, an article published by the New York Times on Dec. 7, 2021, concerning a rare public advisory from the U.S. surgeon general office, warned the public of a Continue Reading
What You Need to Know About the Holy Spirit {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Do you feel something’s missing in your Christian life? Paul arrived in Ephesus and met some disciples. I don’t know how long he spent with them before he noticed the Holy Spirit was missing from their lives. "'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said to him, ‘No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit’” (Acts 19:2 NASB 1995) If Paul had met me early in my Christian life, he would have noticed something missing in my life Continue Reading
Confirmation After Faith {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Sometimes when we beg the Lord for confirmation or a sign, what we’re really saying is that: We don’t want to walk by faith- we want to walk by sight.We don’t find His direction in Scripture enough.We don’t take Him at His Word that He’ll always be with us. God’s leading often asks us to 'go' without us knowing the where. Or to follow with hope instead of with certainty. His confirmation often comes after our faith has grown. “God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the Continue Reading
Looking Back to Move Forward {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
Early in the spring, I had the opportunity of interviewing Laureus “Sport for Good” Ambassador Grant Lottering. After reading about his extraordinary story, I was curious to meet the man who escaped death. While training for the 2013 World Masters Championship in Italy, Lottering was pronounced dead after a horrific accident. He was revived on the scene and taken to the local hospital, where doctors worked strenuously to save his life. For the next 12 months, Lottering underwent 11 surgeries, Continue Reading
Worship Beyond Music and Church {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
What does worshiping God look like in our daily life? How can we worship the Lord with our life? Because we often limit it to church services. We went to worship this morning. Join us Sunday for worship. Or it becomes about music intended to lead us into God’s presence. These are both good, good things. Gathering with the family of God for corporate worship is biblical and powerful. And anointed music that speaks directly to our hearts, carrying us before God’s Continue Reading
LINKUP: Lessons from the Parable of the “Rich Fool” {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
A substantial part of the preaching of Jesus in the New Testament is recorded in parables. Parables tell a story, not about something that happens in real life, but a one-time fictitious event written in a simple, vivid way that engages the audience. One cannot underestimate the importance of the parables in the gospels, especially since scholars generally regard them as words that we can confidently credit to the historical Jesus. When Jesus spoke in parables, he did not create a new Continue Reading
How to Keep a Clean Conscience {Recharge Wednesday}
As a young adult I joined a bunch of singles at a skating rink. “You must be a good dancer,” I said to my partner. “I’ve never danced,” he said. “My church prohibited dancing.” Skates allowed him to enjoy the rhythm of music without feeling condemned. Paul wrote that all people have some sense of right and wrong and awareness of God (Rom. 1:18-32; 2:14-15). However, our consciences are imperfect barometers. They can be ignored, seared, suppressed, and overly sensitized. Continue Reading
Limitations Should Not Determine Your Destiny {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
I watched in awe as player No. 7 at the other side of the net jumped to hit the ball. “Flawless,” I said to myself. There was no better word to describe the 15-year-old’s technique and precision. I counted the number of Division 1 school volleyball coaches watching her intently – eight coaches from around the country took notes after her every kill. My daughter’s team’s defense helplessly scrabbled to stop her. As a parent, it was undoubtedly hard to witness the defeat. As a coach, I took Continue Reading
Do You Think About These Things? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“Bethanyland is a magical place,” I like to say to my husband when he calls me back to reality because I stopped listening and got lost in thought (again). The truth is, I spend a lot of time thinking. Most of us do. We dwell on things in the shower, in the car, at work, while we exercise, while we cook and clean, while we’re falling asleep….and yes, even while we’re supposed to be listening. God makes clear in Scripture that He wants us to be purposeful with our thoughts. We’re to Continue Reading
Never Underestimate Prayer {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Many times we underestimate the considerable power of prayer. And what praying accomplishes in our lives, hearts, and in the heavenly realm. Because believing in prayer is not the same as actually spending time in prayer. So we often struggle in this area of the Christian walk. In these current unprecedented days, I desire to spend more time with God in prayer—to anchor myself to Him. I need the power of prayer every day. Let’s unpack some reasons not to Continue Reading
Ponder the Reasons You Serve God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
Gaither Music Group is known worldwide for its award-winning recordings, including the Gaither Gospel Series. It is one of the world’s largest independent Christian music companies and a household name for millions of fans. Their Gaither Homecoming videos showcase gospel music pioneers, many of which are the most renowned performers in the gospel genre. I have enjoyed their “Gaither Homecoming” videos for many years. Some time ago, my husband and I watched one of their recordings when the Continue Reading
Saying Goodbye to a Pet: A Reminder of God’s Love {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“When the vet calls to confirm Tuesday’s appointment don’t cancel this time.” My husband had made two appointments to put our fourteen-and-a-half-year-old lab down, but each time she seemed to rally. So I’d canceled the appointments. Larry’s back is more important than giving our girl a little more time, I told myself. But I grieved. Corrie was deaf and lame but still alert in the evenings. She never whimpered when she fell, though her falls had to hurt her arthritic body. Our vet said most Continue Reading
Honor Your Aging Parents {the Atlanta Journal-Constitutional}
I watched his eyes sparkle and his smile widen as we talked about the parallel between nature and the seasons of life. We have that in common, daddy and I – we tend to introspectively stretch our hearts to see God’s hand in everything. And nature is undoubtedly one of the most common canvases where our poetic veins soar in search of meaning for life’s highs and lows. At 87, dad still inspires me with his positive outlook on life, even though he has struggled with health issues for several Continue Reading
Valley Promises {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
What if we knew God had valley promises just waiting for us to claim and cling to? Because sometimes we travel on a journey we never chose. A valley experience. And we never made reservations, packed our bags, or headed off in that direction. Besides, my heart’s GPS is wired to stay on the mountain top. Isn’t that what we secretly or openly wish the Christian life promised? Still, we often forget God’s glory and presence dwells wherever we are, and in whatever we Continue Reading
Finding Purpose in Personal Tragedy {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
I shook my head in disbelief as I read the news shared in the group text. A dear friend is fighting for her life at the hospital, and as I reached out to my close friends to ask for prayers, they shared about two other acquaintances from my previous church who are also in critical condition. My heart sank. These friends did not have any known health concerns until a couple of weeks ago. They are full of life, still young, and some of the godliest people I know. Since then, my friends Continue Reading
Family Camp – First Christian Comedy Movie
When their pastor (Mark Christopher Lawrence) encourages the congregation to sign up for a week away at family camp, Grace (Leigh-Allyn Baker) believes she’s found the perfect cure for her imperfect clan—even if they’d all rather be anywhere but at rustic Camp Katokwah. FAMILY CAMP is a laugh-out-loud comedy that is sure to touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family member from eight to eighty. “For over 20 years, we’ve dreamed Continue Reading
Oh You Of Lasting Faith {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Oh you of little faith,” Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 14:31. I get it. The guy was sinking. His succumbing to the waves, we’re explicitly told, is because he doubted. So yes, his failing faith left him flailing in the moment. But before that? Peter got out of the boat. “Jesus,” I want to challenge, “doesn’t that count for something?” It would make sense in my mind if Jesus called Peter’s faith "promising." I’d like for Peter to have gotten some credit, a pat on the Continue Reading
Give Mom Agape Love {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” The apostle Paul, I Corinthians, Chapter 13. While browsing the aisles at the local grocery store, I found them at every corner: Happy Mother’s Day balloons, cards and flower bouquets of every color Continue Reading
A Mother’s Incredible Journey of Faith {LinkUp}
{The Atlanta Journal Constitution} “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’” King Lemuel, Proverbs 31. We do not know much about the author of the proverb that describes the traits of a noble, godly woman. Some scholars have surmised that Lemuel is actually King Solomon, and therefore the mother giving Continue Reading
Does Christ Seem Slow in His Return?
Recharge Wednesday Linkup with Debbie Wilson My husband Larry settled into his seat and prepared for takeoff. The intercom crackled. “We’re waiting on passengers whose planes just landed. We’ll depart when they arrive,” the pilot said. What about my connecting flight? Larry thought. A few minutes later a young mother struggled down the aisle, diaper bag on one arm, baby in the other. A second child held her hand. Larry winced remembering his selfish thoughts. Once in the air, Continue Reading
“The Mulligan” and God’s Second Chances {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
The father saw the small figure from a distance and squinted his eyes in the direction. Could it be true? “That cannot be,” he thought. However, he knew it in his heart: God had answered his prayers. Without the slightest hesitation, his feet started moving toward the dirty, raggedy figure walking in his direction. The father’s slow steps turned into a sprint as his heart pounded in his chest. Arms open wide and without a second thought, the father took the young man into his arms. Tears Continue Reading
Interview with Lee Strobel (Author of The Case for Christ)
Lee and Patricia talk about his latest book and movie, The Case for Heaven. Listen to it on the God-Sized Stories podcast or Watch it on Patricia's YouTube Channel. Lee Strobel is probably the most famous Atheist-turned-Christian in the world. After probing the evidence for Jesus for nearly two years, Lee became a Christian in 1981. His story is told in his book The Case for Christ, which became a movie in 2017. He is a former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and a New Continue Reading
How to keep receiving Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts and columns
Hi, everyone! Thanks for stopping by to read my blogs! My blog posts and columns have been hosted on the Soaring with Him website for 12 years, but, after months of preparation, I am very excited to announce that we are launching my new website - Patriciaholbrook.com. The new website will host my writing ministry, courses and products, blog, podcast and ministry consulting services going forward. Going forward, if you enjoy my writing, please subscribe to receive my blogs on this new Continue Reading
