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
Go To the Garden {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
At the beginning of the summer, one of my best friends came to me and asked if I would lead a Bible Study for the ladies in her neighborhood. Teaching ladies is one of my great passions so, after I consulted the Lord, I told her I would. I was excited to see what the Lord would do! But as I began processing through this time together and really just trembling in my shoes trying to figure out what direction to go in for this study, one question kept coming to mind: “Lord, what can I do with Continue Reading
Trusting God with Our Children
“He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22:12 I had not seen her in three years. As I walked into Starbucks to write that morning, I saw her smiling face through the glass windows. We sat down, catching up on three years of family and work history. I was surprised to find out that her son is now a teenager. It seems as if he was in elementary school Continue Reading
The Stressful Storms of Change {#RechargeWednesday LINKUP}
"And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”" Matthew 28: 23-24 Stress has a way of finding us when we least expect it. Smooth sailing on the open sea of life lands you in the middle of a storm, as the 'weather' changes in a Continue Reading
Hurricane Harvey Brings Out the American Spirit {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
As I typed the words in the search box, my computer screen filled with heartbreaking images of the ongoing devastation in Texas. Flooded highways, homes completely destroyed, boats where cars once crowded the streets — the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey rings as déjà vu to me. My hometown was also destroyed by flood twice during my teenage years in South Brazil. I remember entering my childhood home after the waters receded, watching as my mom broke in tears at the sight. I stared at my Continue Reading
The Power of a Simple Prayer {RechargeWednesday LINKUP}
George Mueller was a German-born evangelist who lived in the 19th century and was mostly known for his love and devotion to orphans. He dedicated his life and ministry to providing shelter, food and education for over 10,000 children during his lifetime. Yesterday morning during my quiet time, I came across a story about him that gave me pause. Mueller was aboard a ship, crossing the Atlantic for an important meeting in Quebec. A dense fog had descended, making it impossible for the vessel to Continue Reading
