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 website because as of this week, my blogs will not be hosted on the Soaring with Him website anymore.

We will continue to use the Soaring with Him blog to host blogs about our ministry programs and other ministry-related information.

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Thank you for being a faithful reader!

With blessings,

Patricia

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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 seen Satan himself helping the violinist on stage.

Paganini was known to have owned some of the most prestigious violins of his day and collected a myriad of interesting stories about how he won and lost some of his precious violins.

One particular story stands out.

The musician had just stepped on stage to start a particular concert. As the audience greeted the virtuoso with fierce applause, he noticed that there was something wrong with the violin in his hand. He looked at the instrument and realized that he wasn’t holding his best violin.

He excused himself to go backstage and fetch the right instrument and was shocked to find out that his precious Stradivari had been stolen.

After remaining backstage for a while, he stepped onstage again to address the audience. With resolute confidence, Paganini declared: “Ladies and gentlemen, I will now demonstrate to you that the music is not in the instrument but in the soul.” He then rendered a most dramatic piece, bringing the audience to a euphoric standing ovation at the end.

Some Trust in Chariots…

As I read this particular story in the life of the composer, I thought about Psalm 20, written by King David, where he attributed all his successes in battle to God’s strength, not his own. In verse 7, he wrote: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God – Psalm 20:7
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Victory. There’s nothing sweeter than being able to fulfill a dream, win a hard battle, or simply attain success by exercising a God-given gift. There’s nothing quite like it. But I believe that as exciting as some victories can be, they also hold a serious danger.

We may fool ourselves into believing that our success was obtained solely by our own merit and strength, often forgetting that we are recipients of God’s matchless favor and grace. Although we can rightfully say that our hard work, skills, and diligence help us fulfill our goals and dreams, we must never forget that our trust should not rest solely on our resources.

Rather, we must remember to put our trust in something that diseases cannot destroy and circumstantial lack of resources cannot detain – the unchangeable power of a limitless God.

We must remember to put our trust in something that diseases cannot destroy and circumstantial lack of resources cannot detain – the unchangeable power of a limitless God.
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God’s Power and your circumstances

Just as Paganini’s majestic music did not change with an inferior instrument, I’m challenged to remember daily that God’s purposes and His power to fulfill them do not change with life’s circumstances. And just as David acknowledged that his victories were not won by his tangible resources and the strength of his army alone, we must remember to recognize God’s hand and favor in each victory we win.

It’s a personal, deliberate choice, really. And I personally choose not to put my trust in instruments that may get lost or stolen or in horses and chariots to win the battles I face. I choose to trust in the Name of my God, whose character never changes, whose plans for me are perfect, and whose strength in battle is matchless.

Whether I am in the valley or standing on the mountaintop, that truth is always the song of my heart and the strength of my soul.

I personally choose not to put my trust in instruments that may get lost or stolen or in horses and chariots to win the battles I face. I choose to trust in the Name of my God, whose character never changes, whose plans for me are…
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The post My Victories, My Battles – Not Really Mine {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“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 sent David fleeing for his life into the wilderness was entering his hiding place. 

It didn’t take long for David to realize that Saul had not entered the cave to capture him. He was looking for a private place to relieve himself. David was armed and had a small army of supporters who would have loved nothing better than to vindicate their leader. Saul was unprepared and unsuspecting. David had the perfect opportunity to seek vengeance for the years robbed from him, as God’s chosen king had to flee for his life and live like a criminal in the wilderness of Engedi.

“Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” V.4

My vivid imagination cannot help but ponder his dilemma

“I can end his life and take the crown that is rightfully mine. I can go live a normal life again. I can finally claim the throne… Or I can let him go.”

You know the story. David cuts off the edge of Saul’s robe… and spares his life. Later on, he even regrets having touched the King’s robe:

“But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” V.5-6

His righteous demeanor amazes me.

He could have shortened his journey to the crown. But He feared God enough to know that one wrong does not justify another. He chose the long road. And even though the voices around him told him God was giving him the opportunity for vengeance and freedom NOW, David knew better.

In his spirit, he believed God’s promise and would not take a shortcut or compromise. Even though there’s no doubt he was tired of hiding and waiting, God’s chosen one would not take the easy way out and manipulate God’s timing.

As I think about this crucial moment in King David’s history, I can’t help but ponder about how tempting it is to manipulate our circumstances to fulfill the longing of our hearts.

How tempting it is to manipulate our circumstances to fulfill the longing of our hearts. #RechargeWednesday #trustGodstiming
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Haven’t we all fallen into this trap one way or another?

Truly, each time we face challenging trials and the arid deserts of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled, it becomes so very easy to manipulate our circumstances to shorten the storm… and bring forth some much-anticipated relief for our times of trouble.

It seems unfair, doesn’t it? It’s as if God’s children are always on His list of those who must wait to receive.

We see people who don’t care a thing about God prospering in all they do… and us, God’s children, seem to have to “hide in the cave” for just a bit longer… or be persecuted just a bit harder.

In the process of waiting for deliverance and peace, the world parades a multitude of soothing consolations for our weary and broken hearts:

… easy relationships that could hastily end our loneliness…

… thirty-day divorce procedures that could easily give us a way out of a difficult marriage…

… interest-free credit cards that would allow us to purchase what we want now…

… drugs and alcohol that would soothe our pain… if only for one day…

Nonetheless, God’s voice is the same to His children today as it was in that cave over three thousand years ago:

“Do you want My full blessing, pressed down, shaken together and running over?

Then you must give yourself unreservedly to Me. Trust Me and stay in the dark cave for just a while longer, waiting for the right time… and My perfect deliverance.”

Do you want God's full blessing, pressed down, shaken together and running over? Then you must give yourself unreservedly to Him. Trust Him and stay in the dark cave for just a while longer, waiting for the right time… and His perfect…
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The main reason we manipulate our circumstances and even try to manipulate God by twisting what His Word says because we miss the big picture.

Unlike David, we fail to recognize that there’s a reason for the waiting. We fail to see God’s hand in the cave… as He protects us and changes our hearts to prepare us for the task and the gifts He has for us.

David needed the years of persecution to reach his full potential as God’s anointed King. He needed to depend upon God each day in order to conquer his fears and his inadequacy. As he waited and depended upon Yahweh (the God of the covenant) for protection, direction, and peace, he became “the man after God’s own heart” that God so longed to see.

Were it not for the cave, he would not have earned that title. Were it not for his waiting and trusting… and waiting some more, he would not have inherited God’s promise (and anointing) at the appointed time.

Are you in the cave, hiding and waiting upon God for deliverance? Do not give into the temptation of shortening your stay, thus forfeiting God’s very best for you. Withhold the sword. Take a deep breath and affirm your trust in your Maker.

He knows just when you’re ready to come out and be set free.

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Are you in the cave, hiding and waiting upon God for deliverance? Do not give into the temptation of shortening your stay, thus forfeiting God’s very best for you. Linkup is open. Share your blog!
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“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 practiced the language in over three decades.

Up to that point, our conversation felt like coffee with an old friend — lighthearted and patched with Portuguese sentences and references to the Brazilian culture, making it one of my favorite podcast interviews.

But it wasn’t until we started talking about Lucado’s spiritual journey that I realized our stories hold more than cultural and geographical commonalities. Like me, Lucado was raised in the church but did not experience a life-changing conversion until his 20s. Like me, Lucado faced times of broad spiritual and physical depletion after being in ministry for many years. Like me, he tried to carry a heavy load on his own, doing too much with little rest for far too long.

Lucado’s new book, “Help Is Here – Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit,” is the author’s first book on a subject that is often as mysterious as it is misconstrued. Conversely, the Bible contains more than 100 references to the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke more about the Holy Spirit than he did about marriage, church, finances and the future. However, many believers do not grasp the relevance and, more importantly, ample availability of the Holy Spirit to help them live victorious lives, regardless of their circumstances.

Max Lucado’s new book, 'Help Is Here – Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit,' is the author’s first book on a subject that is often as mysterious as it is misconstrued. @AJC @MaxLucado #HelpIsHere…
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Scriptures refer to the Holy Spirit in over a dozen ways. These metaphors convey the different aspects of the help given to believers when the Holy Spirit descended from heaven at Pentecost. He is called the Teacher, Wind of God, Counselor, Intercessor, Helper and Guide, to name a few. And yet, because there is often much misunderstanding, taboo, or simply neglect of teaching the subject, many believers live defeated, not realizing the boundless help available to them.

Because there is often much misunderstanding, taboo, or simply neglect of teaching on the Holy Spirit, many believers live defeated, not realizing the boundless help available to them. @AJC @MaxLucado #HelpIsHere #TheHolySpirit…
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But the truth is, when Jesus said he would not leave His followers alone, He meant what He said. It is a truth tested and proven by believers through the centuries: the very Power that made the universe is available to all believers who dare to ask for help, guidance and peace.

“It was not a Damascus Road experience for me,” Lucado recounted. He says that during a profound personal crisis, Lucado would get up during sleepless nights to pray. Nothing happened overnight, but slowly, burdens were lifted, miracles started happening, peace silenced fear, and clarity took over the stress. He realized the change was not happenstance. The promised Helper had intervened, bringing the serenity and strength he could not find anywhere else. The experience changed his life, and he wishes to share the concept with the world.

The very power that made the universe is available to all believers who dare to ask for help, guidance and peace. @AJC @MaxLucado #HelpIsHere #TheHolySpirit #HelpIsHereBook #MaxLucado
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“The Holy Spirit comes with power. Power to make good choices, keep promises, and silence the inner voices of fear and failure,” he said. “Power to get out of bed, get on with life, get busy about the right things in the right way. Power to face the unexpected, unwanted passages of time. Power. This is what Jesus promised then, and this is what Jesus promises still.”

In a world filled with uncertainty and at a time when many feel burdened with stress and fear, “Help Is Here” offers fresh, practical guidance into a subject that was never meant to be mysterious but, rather, heaven’s tool for an abundant, purpose-filled life.

In a world filled with uncertainty and at a time when many feel burdened with stress and fear, Max Lucado's new book, 'Help Is Here' offers fresh, practical guidance into a subject that was never meant to be mysterious but, rather,…
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This article was initially published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Click HERE To find it on the AJC’s website.

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The post ‘Help Is Here’ – Max Lucado’s New Book (Interview & Column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

I am not a fan of social media. This luring distraction has the power to suck me in, and I find myself wasting precious time looking at what other people are doing or reading articles often filled with fear-bearing news. But every so often, when I am at a doctor’s office or waiting to pick up my daughter from school, Twitter and Facebook keep me company.

During the pandemic, I came across several posts about the fantastic things certain people were accomplishing.

Someone on Twitter felt God’s calling to write her first book. Another person on Instagram shared about her body transformation. Then, there were numerous posts about marriages being strengthened and family relations restored during this most challenging time.

While reading some of these posts, I would sometimes feel discouraged. “Why don’t I feel the same motivation?” I would ask myself. At other times, I’d be more gracious and laugh at myself. Yep. I had a body transformation too. Ten pounds worth of boredom and emotional eating can attest to that.

I don’t admit this proudly, but the pandemic did not bring out the best in me. It was a time of many changes in our household, some of which list as two of the five top stressors a person can experience:

We moved to a new house after 20 years, and even though this was a huge blessing, it surely incurred uninvited stress.

Menopause hit me like a boulder this past year, causing unwelcoming, distracting changes in my mind and body.

Our oldest daughter’s transition to adulthood and starting college brought about challenges and changes that this momma did not expect.

I started a new job, and even though it is another huge blessing, it brought about all the well-known pressures that a new career creates.

I don’t admit this proudly, but the pandemic did not bring out the best in me. Can you relate? @AJC #pandemic #MondayMotivation #thornintheflesh #MondayDevotional
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And then, there is the church issue. Our beloved church of 20 years remained closed for eleven months and had a pastoral transition. We started attending a new church, and even though the new congregation is terrific, we naturally don’t know many people there yet, so the sense of community is missing.

Indeed, the pandemic did not create a significant spiritual awakening in me. Instead, it exposed and highlighted some of my weaknesses.

I was reading the apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church when I came across a famous verse in the twelfth chapter:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”

This conclusion follows Paul’s confession of a weakness that he bore, and which he implored God to remove:

“For this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself.”

There have been various debates on the nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Some scholars believe it could have been a temptation; however, I am prone to believe that, due to other passages of scriptures where Paul mentions his bodily ailments, it was most likely a physical illness – possibly slowly making him lose his vision.

Regardless of the nature of his “thorn,” there are several things that we learn from Paul’s conclusions and revelations about this weakness: the “thorn” was allowed by God; it kept the apostle humble; it shows us that unanswered prayers do not mean God is not listening; it caused Paul to depend on God alone for strength, and, finally, it taught this mighty saint a facet of God’s grace he could never otherwise have experienced.

As I think about the trials I’ve faced or times when a “thorn in the flesh” threatened to steal my peace, I cannot help but realize in retrospect that these were also times when God planted seeds of spiritual growth.

As I think about the trials I’ve faced or times when a 'thorn in the flesh' threatened to steal my peace, I cannot help but realize that these were also times when God planted seeds of spiritual growth. @AJC #thornintheflesh…
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During those times, I realize how weak my heart and mind can be without God’s strength. It is then that I appreciate His grace, goodness and forgiveness the most. It is then that His omnipotence shines the brightest.

Maybe you are like me. Maybe the pandemic did not bring a great spiritual awakening in your life. You may have found yourself filling the hole or anxieties in your life with food or any other temporary pleasure. Today, rather than discouraged and self-loathing, let us take a moment to thank God for His grace and power, which are evermore excellent in our weaknesses.

And as a new day dawns and we lean on God for guidance and strength, like the apostle Paul, let us trust that God will help us overcome and flourish, despite any thorn in the flesh.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s Column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, April 24th, 2021. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website. 

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LINKUP is open! You may be filling the hole or anxieties in your life with food or any other temporary pleasure. Today, rather than being discouraged and self-loathing, let us thank God for His grace and power, which are evermore…
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It’s times like this when it does me good to remember the Lord.

“From the end of the earth will I cry to Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed:  lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Ps. 61:2

So, today, I am remembering.  Because I know if I can remember the goodness of the Lord in the past, I can deftly navigate the crazy of today with the knowledge that He is with me and His grace has run ahead of my busy and overwhelmed week.  It’s already there in the chaos to come, waiting for me at just the moment I need it.

Sometimes it helps me to recall a specific time in my life when I saw the Lord’s hand of faithfulness.  Can I share a story with you?

I have 3 of the most beautiful boys the Lord ever placed on the planet.  I mean it.  They are gorgeous.  But then, I’m their mom, so what else am I going to say.

Anyway, they all play baseball and have for years.  Not too many years ago, as we were preparing for baseball season, I realized that none of the boys had cleats that fit them anymore.  It’s hard to put into words the panic I felt with this realization.  I wanted to gather them all up in the car, run to the store and just pick out 3 pairs of cleats.  But I knew I couldn’t do that.  We just didn’t have the money.  God had supplied all of our needs, but I knew there was no way in the world I could afford to buy 3 pairs of cleats.

I was in the kitchen on a homeschooling day stewing on this and fighting for all was worth to not worry about this cleat situation.  When I suddenly remembered that I didn’t HAVE to worry about it.  And even more than that, I was commanded NOT to worry about it.  My sweet pastor hubs always says,

“If we need it, God will supply it.  If we don’t have it, it must not be a need.”

Not very profound, I know, but that statement has helped me out on more than one occasion.  However, very profound is this statement from my heavenly Father:

“Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.”  Phil.  4:6-7

I made a decision.  I was NOT going to worry, I was going to OBEY. So, I gathered up my 3 boys and we sat down in a circle on the kitchen floor.  I said, “Guys, we need cleats, right?”  Big eyes, heads bobbing up and down.  “We don’t have the money to pay for cleats right now.”  Sad eyes, heads drooping.  “Is Jesus able to supply those cleats if He wants to?”  Excited eyes, heads nodding fiercely.  “Ok then.  We are not going to worry, we are going to pray and ask the Lord for cleats and thank Him for what He is going to do.”  Eyes closed and heads bowed.  It was a sacred moment.

They next day, I was with the boys in the car on the way to work.  I had a few extra minutes to spare and happened to see a garage sale sign.  Now, if you know me at all, you know I’m a garage sale, Goodwill, thrift shop beast!  So, of course, I stopped.  The boys all piled out of the car ahead of me and went running toward the merchandise.

One of my sons made a B-line to a plastic bin and started yelling, “Mom!  Look!”  I knew before I even got to him what was in that bin.  Cleats.  I ran to him and we started digging.  There were not 1, but 2 pairs in the right sizes for each son at the whopping price of $1 a pair.  I was overwhelmed.   As my son clutched a pair of cleats in his arms, he said with wonder, “Mom, look with God did!  We prayed for cleats and look what He did!”

With tears streaming down my face, I gathered up my boys and we stopped right there and thanked the Lord.  Then it hit me, the Holy Spirit is our Paraclete, our Helper who comes alongside.  And He sure had lived up to His name that day.  My Paraclete had provided the Pairs-A-Cleats.  Whew…

I hope you will be overwhelmed today with some remembrance of the Lord’s goodness.

“But my God shall supply all you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Phil. 4:19

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“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened.” — Winston Churchill

Aneurin Bevan, also known as Nye Bevan, was a Welsh Labor Party politician who acted as minister of health in Great Britain’s post-war government between 1945 and 1951.

During his time as a politician, he became known as a harsh critic of those whom, he believed, “opposed the working man.” Among others, Prime Minister Winston Churchill was a primary target of his verbal attacks. The ideological differences between the two gentlemen created animosity that became widely known in the political arena, as well as to the public in general.

Late former Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker told the story of the day Winston Churchill, sitting in the House of Commons, received the message that his enemy, Nye Bevan, had just died. After receiving the news, Churchill bowed his head: “A great man, a brilliant man, a tragic loss,” he muttered under his breath.

Some minutes later, a member of parliament came to Churchill to inform him that the press was waiting to get his “heartfelt opinion on Nye Bevan.”

Churchill thought for a moment, then looked up, circumspectly, and said, “Are you sure he’s dead?”

The Prime Minister, known for his severe demeanor and strong opinions, dreaded to be forced to act as a politician, instead of speaking his heart.

This story about Churchill somewhat reminded me of something that I personally struggle with.

I too find myself in a quandary when someone I love continually makes the wrong decisions. And the struggle becomes even harder, when the person in question does not take criticism in a positive way.

In such circumstances, we must decide: Do we ignore their bad choices, and even nod our heads in approval, or do we fearlessly speak up, confronting them with the truth?

Is love ignoring someone's bad choices, or does it mean we speak up,confronting them with the truth?
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It seems to be a no-brainer, doesn’t it? If we see someone we love heading for trouble, we warn them. That’s the right and loving thing to do.

But we all know this is easier said than done, mostly because defensive people usually justify their wrongdoing, sometimes even quoting the Bible and saying that “God told them” to do so and so.

I’m always amazed at the things God gets blamed for.
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Why even bother, right? Why should we tell the truth, no matter what?

I found my answer this morning, while reading a bible passage in the book of Second Kings.

Israel had been divided into the Northern and the Southern kingdom, and the two kings decided to join forces and fight against one of their enemies together.

As it had become the custom, they summoned 400 so-called prophets to inquire about their decision. All 400 false prophets encouraged the kings to gather their armies and take over the enemy’s territory. But then, Micaiah, a true prophet, boldly dared to deliver a completely different message: If they went into battle, they would certainly die.

Even though he knew the kings would not heed his counsel, he risked his life by going against the kings’ wishes, and chose to honor God’s word.

He chose to tell the truth, at all cost.

Telling the truth is not always a matter of life and death, as it was for the prophet. And sometimes — I get it — holding our tongue can be a wise, political move, as it was for Mr. Churchill in the death of his political adversary.

But when it comes to my family and friends, I am asking God to help me to be bold, and love them enough to confront them, rather than condoning their wrongful actions. I don’t ever want someone I love to one day look me in the eye, and say: Why did you not say something?

This article was published on Patricia’s weekend column for the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) on Saturday March 18, 2017.

The post LOVE Sometimes means confronting with TRUTH {Atlanta Journal Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Excited about their long-awaited accomplishment, Orville rushed to telegraph a message to their sister Katharine: “Success four flights Thursday morning, all against 21-mile wind. Started from level with engine power alone. Average speed through air: 31 miles. Longest: 12 seconds. Inform press. Home for Christmas.”

A story is told that Katharine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper to show the message. After glancing at the telegraph for a short moment, the man said: “How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.”

It sounds like a joke, but this amusing piece of history made me think of how many times we miss the most important details, and sometimes life-changing events, simply because we concentrate on what brings us superficial, momentary joy.

The editor concentrated on something that, however meaningful and significant, paled in contrast with the big news of the day: man had flown!

I thought about this story while stuck in holiday shopping traffic this week. I had no intention to go near the mall, but could not avoid it on the way to an appointment.

My children asked to put their windows down while Christmas music blared from the speakers. Admittedly, the traffic jam put me in no mood for Christmas cheer. I looked around and realized I was not alone. While my girls flapped their arms out of the car and into the crispy air, dancing to the tune of Francesca Battistelli’s “Christmas Is,” I could tell that their perkiness was causing more irritation than cheer.

But as the words of the song filled the air, Battistelli reminded me to keep my focus where it belongs. The song talks about the wonderful things we enjoy during the Christmas season: family, giving, special dishes and Christmas movies. But ultimately, the intent of the lyrics is to remind us of the big news of Christmas: Jesus – Immanuel, which means “God with us.”

I don’t criticize all the beautiful folkloric Christmas traditions. On the contrary, we love Santa and we even have an elf! I personally think that the sweet celebrations of the season only add to the joy that the birth of our savior brings.

But the truth is, as much as we would like to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas, it is not always that easy. Every year, it seems as if December becomes more filled with activities. The list of people we exchange gifts with becomes longer. We find ourselves stressed about what to buy, and often mindlessly purchase a gift out of obligation, instead of love.

In the midst of the chaos, I believe the Christmas baby speaks to you and me: “I came to a manger, of all places! It’s not about how expensive your gifts are, or how many are under the tree, but about the love they represent.”

Believe me, I get it – in our excitement and busyness, the holiday season often drives us to become as narrow-minded as the editor that read Orville’s telegram to his sister. We lose sight of the real reason to celebrate.

This Christmas Eve, however, I invite all of us who know the baby in the manger as our Redeemer and Lord to stop a moment and thank God for the event that makes the Wright brothers’ first flight and other major historic events pale in contrast: the birth of our savior. After all, it was not about Santa that the angels sang.

It was not about Santa that the angels sang.
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This article was published in Patricia’s column for the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Faith & Value Section on Saturday, December 24th

The post Looking Beyond the Christmas Tree {Atlanta Journal Constitution Column} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Not long ago, I had a conversation with a lady in her 70s, who is suffering from depression because one of her daughters is absent from her life. This daughter is alive and well, but she chooses not to participate in her mother’s life, even though she lives close.

Almost every time I talk to this mother, the conversation turns to the pain and suffering that she is experiencing with her daughter’s absence. And every single time, my advice to my friend is the same.

“You cannot help other people’s choices. If you concentrate on one person who, by their own choice, prefers not to be around you, you will end up becoming bitter and distancing others who love you. You need to find a new purpose. Give your love to people who are hurting. Bless someone with your gifts and talents.”

I thought about my advice while browsing some of the videos that I received from one of the local representatives of Operation Christmas Child. My ministry supports Franklin Graham’s organization every year around the holidays, by promoting their efforts to bring the gift of Christmas and the Gospel to needy communities around the globe.

It always fills my heart with joy to learn how Samaritan’s Purse International, Operation Christmas Child’s parent organization, tirelessly works across the world to ensure that poor communities experience God’s love through disaster relief projects, community outreach and gifts.

The videos I watch every year tell stories of children whose lives have been impacted, and often drastically changed, by the seed that is planted with a simple shoe box.

While browsing this year’s DVD, however, I came across the stories of people who are on the other side of Operation Christmas Child’s initiatives. The clips told the stories of common people, who work diligently to ensure that poor children who often have never received a personal gift, are blessed by a simple shoe box filled with toys each year.

My favorite story was about 9-year-old Faith from Tennessee, who ran a 5K to raise funds, while energizing her small community church to pack 300 boxes this year.

The story would not be very different than several others, were it not for Faith’s physical limitations.

Faith was born prematurely with spinal bifida, a birth defect in which a developing baby’s spinal cord fails to develop properly, creating serious developmental issues. She has already had several surgeries, including bladder and bowel reconstruction. Her parents were told that their little girl would probably never walk.

But Faith showed them from the beginning that there is no limit of what God can do with a willing and determined heart. She walks, dances and is a bundle of joy to her family and friends.

When she told her mom last year that she wanted to run a 5K to raise funds for Operation Christmas Child, her mother felt uneasy and concerned. But as her mother prayed, she heard God whisper: “Do not try to limit me.”

The video ends with Faith crossing the finish line, cheered by a community of friends who came out to support her. “I really want to say that we could do 20,000 boxes. That’s what I wanted to pack,” she said. “But next year, we will do 500!” she shouted with a beaming smile.

We support Operation Christmas Child www.samaritanspurse.org
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Purpose. Faith and her family found new purpose in their suffering.

Her great example of determination, overcoming limitations and doing the impossible, is a lesson for each one of us who think that we cannot make a difference in the world, or who allow our problems and disappointments to paralyze us.

Amid our pain or emptiness, we can allow God to redirect our focus, thus using us to bless someone who is hurting much more than we are. That is how God makes beauty out of our ashes, filling our lives with new purpose and joy. Sometimes, all it takes is filling up a shoe box with toys, prayers and selfless love. Find more information about Operation Christmas Child at www.samaritanspurse.org

Amid our pain, we can allow God to redirect our focus, using us to bless someone who is hurting.#OCC
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This article was published in Patricia’s column for the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Faith & Value Section on Saturday, November 12.

The post Find Purpose While Sharing God’s Love {Atlanta Journal Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Fear and pessimism seem to be permeating the Presidential Election this year.

As a matter of fact, I was sitting at church this past Sunday, listening to some of the conversations, when an amusing thought crossed my mind. I told my husband later that afternoon: “If we could breed Chicken Little and Eeyore, we would come up with an offspring that resembles the demeanor of many believers who fill our church pews every Sunday.”

“The sky is falling and everything is really, really bad.” That would be Chicken-Eeyore’s motto.

I believe it would do every American good if we put ourselves in the shoes of the many Haitian families which, in the aftermath of hurricane Matthew, are mourning the loss of their loved ones, while picking up the pieces of their destroyed cities once again.

Destruction. Corruption. Doom. They know it firsthand. And so do most of the third-world country citizens around the globe. As for us, we who live in these United States do not know what it truly means to watch the sky fall. At least not yet.

There is no question we have enjoyed a more prosperous economy in years past. We cannot deny that our society’s values are indeed deteriorating. Yes, There’s still inexcusable racial and social division in our midst today. But ask the millions of people who dream of immigrating to America, and they will say: “No, in spite of it all, America’s sky is not falling.”

Anyone who reads my column can easily draw the conclusion that I am, essentially, a conservative. I happen to be one of those voters who makes a personal choice to support candidates whose agenda somewhat lineup with my Christian values. I try to vote for men and women who will defend our constitution, support our troops and fight to preserve life and family. On that stand, I have watched my candidates succeed, but also disappoint. I have witnessed men whom I trusted would make a positive impact in our congress and senate, change their ideologies to follow power and money. I have been pleased, nonetheless also highly disenchanted with my candidates.

That’s why I have never, nor will I ever, look for a savior in Washington. That would be ludicrous. And a waste of energy and time.

I have never, nor will I ever, look for a savior in Washington. That would be ludicrous. And a waste of energy and time
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I agree with many of my friends who believe that our choices are less than ideal this year. I have actually heard several people saying that they are considering not voting on November 8th. Permeating their decision is the fact that both candidates have many character issues, which I do not try to dismiss, by any means. But on the other hand, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that, among other crucial decisions, the next president is likely to nominate as many as four new Supreme Court Justices, who can completely shift the shape of our laws and Constitution. That should be enough reason for every American to get up and vote.

Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming elections, I invite you to remember King Solomon’s words regarding any leader who has ever been in power: “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he wishes.”

If we believe that is true, we must then have no reason to fear the outcome of the next election. Simply because, ultimately, God is and will always be in sovereign control. And even though our limited view cannot fully comprehend why he sometimes allows certain men or women to rise to power, our job is to pray, cast our vote and trust. Fear and pessimism is for those who tend to forget who is really, ultimately in charge. And for Chicken-Eeore, of course.

This article was published in Patricia’s column for the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Faith & Value Section on Saturday, October 15

Patricia Holbrook is a Christian author, blogger and International speaker. Her Book Twelve Inches is on sale at Barnes & Nobles, Amazon and retailers worldwide. Visit her website www.soaringwithHim.com. For speaking engagements and comments, email pholbrook@soaringwithHim.com.

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