Female in Motion

I wore those button-fly Levi's all the time! As a junior in high school, I was one of our school's mascots. It was fun to wear the Derby Panther costume and entertain at sporting events. Inside the safety of that huge head and fuzzy black suit, I could dance, flirt with boys and generally act sillier than I ever could as myself. During the periods in my life when I struggle with depression, I cover myself with a happy demeanor, so that no one sees the sadness within. If you met me on one of those days, you'd think I was carefree. In reality, I wrestle with negative thoughts and hopeless emotions. The scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 were called hypocrites by Jesus, because they acted religious, but were full of hatred for their fellow man. If these men had worn scary Halloween masks, no one would have taken them seriously. Their false doctrine was honored, due to their fine apparel and smiling faces. When I peel away the layers of protection and share my ...

Last week, I started a Scripture Series based on I Thessalonians 5:16-23. I was blessed to have a whole bunch of people praying for me in the last year and a half. I felt every one. It is an amazing feeling, knowing that you are completely covered in prayers from God's people. Now it is time for me to return the favor. There is someone I love who is suffering. Instead of feeling helpless, I can take action. I can pray. Praying is something I have developed over the years. When I was a kid, I only prayed if I was in a tight spot or really wanted something badly. After I became a Christian, I spent more and more time in prayer, as I realized it made things happen. Today, I have a near-constant exchange with the Savior. I know this about prayer: It is powerful.                              It is intimate.             ...

Ryan Scott Prudhomme, 1986-2013 Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.  "Redeeming the time." This phrase has been bouncing around in my brain all day. The years we are allotted in this world are brief and swift-moving. It's easy to get caught up in the dizzying array of time wasters available. It's equally easy to forget the most vital things: faith, family, others. Selfishly, I want my life to count. I desire significance . I am a member of the new group, Kansas Women Bloggers ( http://kansaswomenbloggers.com/ ). The theme for April is "Making the World a Better Place to Be and Blog." This made me think about what I'm trying to do with my own blog and ministry. I want to encourage women to live out their big dreams, the ones that God has placed in their hearts. The ones they are afra...