I sat on the front row of the audience at the InTouch Ministries broadcast studio, where I was invited to watch the taping of an exclusive interview between two of the most acclaimed pastors of our time. For 45 uninterrupted minutes, Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church, interviewed his dad, Dr. Charles F. Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Atlanta since 1971, and president of InTouch Ministries. The interview will be broadcast during the week of Stanley’s 85th birthday Continue Reading
When You Are Too Tired to Fight… Get Dressed & Stand
A friend’s husband fights for his life in a battle against an inoperable, malignant tumor… Another dear friend’s heart tires from a long drought of the soul... A neighbor loses her husband to a devastating type of cancer… Riots, hate and division flood our country… Hurricane waters devastate a thriving city… the images reminding me of the time my hometown in South Brazil was destroyed by flood waters twice during my youth. In each of these circumstances, it’s not difficult to lose Continue Reading
Good Morning, Lord… Are You Done Yet? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
The clock showed 5:30 am. I could certainly stay in bed for another hour, but I knew better. I had been trying to fall asleep again for the past hour to no avail. So I dragged my tired self out of bed, thanking God for coffee. “Fortunately”, I thought, “I don’t have to wait for an entire pot of java to brew”. Several years ago, I discovered the marvel of one-cup coffee machines. Thank you, Lord. I hit the power button and waited for the three lights to announce that the machine was ready to Continue Reading
Teens & the Distorted Reality of Social Media {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Irving Berlin was an American composer and lyricist, widely known for some of the most popular all-American songs. He wrote hundreds of tunes, many of which became major hits, making him a celebrity before turning 30. In addition to composing favorites such as “God Bless America” and “Easter Parade,” he also wrote “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” which ranks as a best-selling musical score to this day. In an interview for the San Diego Union, cartoonist and illustrator Don Freeman Continue Reading
Anxiety & Depression In the Church {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Hi. My name is Patricia and I am a recovering anxious Christian. I hid behind the smile and said everything was great, even though my world was falling apart. I lied to myself that I could handle one more item on my to-do list, even though I knew I was about to hit a wall and crash. And I believed that my anxious days were behind me, only to find out that anxiety may be my thorn in the flesh. 'Til Kingdom come. I was sitting in my church’s choir rehearsal this week, skimming through Continue Reading
Run Your Own Race {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
After persistent pleading, I finally agreed to play Mario Kart with my daughters. Our teenager had asked us to purchase the video game at the end of the school year, so they could enjoy it during their summer vacation. I was reluctant, since my plan was to spend the summer enjoying fun outdoor activities, while cutting screen time to a minimum. Thanks to endless rainy days, my summer plans didn’t stand. Needless to say, there are only so many activities that a mother can come up with Continue Reading
