Here we go again.

It is that time of year to begin taking stock of your life. Setting goals. Are there changes you need to make? What do you like/want to keep? What do you want to work on? What do you need help with?

January is just around the corner.

And leading up to January is typically the time for evaluating last year; and for setting fresh priorities for the new year.

Re-prioritize your focus.

Setting priorities in the middle of life’s constantly moving targets should probably be done in sound bites rather than all at once. Take time to do it deliberately and with mindfulness. It is just too easy to get discouraged in that “not yet” state of being…So, take it slow and deliberately. Examine family, work, church, & play obligations. What goes? What stays?

Ask yourself: What is your most important priority?

The Apostle John teaches (see John 3:1-21) you MUST be born again. It is not an option. You can be assured that out of this flows all the power of God to help you accomplish all He has for you.  We are each created by His design. Our God knows what is best for each of us individually. And that is to spend our eternity with Him. This is the starting place and is non-negotiable if you want TRUE success.

What is evidence you are born again?

You become a follower of Jesus. You get to know Him through His Word…the Bible. The key is not in the words you speak. Or any act you do. It is WHO are you following? WHO is your role model? I hope your answer is Jesus. If not, let’s talk!

What is evidence you are a follower of Jesus?

Clear evidence is seen in your longing for time with Him, and your desire for relationship. You look forward to time reading,  studying & memorizing His Word. Ephesians 6 calls it the sword of the Spirit for good reason. It is the weapon you can pull out to fight the devil’s attempts to discourage you.

You begin to talk with the Lord about what you read. About decisions you have to make. About how you spend your time. You learn, though practice, to trust Him more with each passing day. You can’t see the wind, but you can observe its power. You can’t see the Spirit but you can feel it each day as He encourages and guides you as you spend time with Him. He desires to disciple you. And that takes time. This needs to be your: Priority #1.

What is evidence you have a relationship with Jesus?

You are steadily becoming more like Him in thought, word, and deed.  It begins to feel more and more natural. It doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process. Just like the parent/child relationship. The child has to learn the various aspects of growing up. So does the child of God. You start with milk and you graduate to meat. You begin to show evidence you are: The follower of Jesus. The disciple of Jesus. YOU! 😉

Separation Anxiety.

When you first make that step, there can be a separation anxiety. Things may feel strange. And even periodically along the way, it is common to lose focus and suffer from a mini crisis and a bit of confusion. But do what you did at first and peace will return.

The solution?

Always: Come “Home” to Jesus.

“Father, I easily drown in a sea of priorities. Give me grace to accept that my relationship with You should be the most important goal of my life.”

Scripture Union’s Encounter with God. November 17, 2016.

I’d love to talk with you about your goals and priorities. Click the blue button next to the signature line, and let’s get started!

Awaiting His shout,


Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

What do you do when you are afraid?

“Every night a boy had to walk past what he believed was a haunted house. A friend gave him a good-luck charm to give him courage. An adult said, ‘It’s sinful to be afraid. Trust God! Be brave!’ But he was still afraid. Then, someone said with compassion, ‘I know what it is to be afraid. I will walk with you past the house.’ That’s all the boy needed to quell his fears.”

Our Daily Bread devotional

Who walks with YOU in fearful times?

That story is close to my heart today as I write this post, because I am thinking of a very special person. From the time I was a brand new Christ follower she would walk WITH me through the things I feared. She was my spiritual Mom. My mentor. And yesterday, after a long, long period of suffering, she suddenly took a big turn for the worse. She was in the hospital about a week, then to Comfort Care and within a few hours, she had left us…

After 45 years of friendship, my Spiritual Mom went HOME to be with JESUS on Tuesday, this week. She was one amazing lady! I could talk to her about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. Mary Ann Bader was a spiritual Mom for many! I first met her at Fort Street Christian Church in Omaha, Nebraska. She SHOWED me JESUS. Even though for many years, we have been separated by many miles. she was always my go-to-person for wisdom and prayer and her delightful “giggle”. I will miss that laughter that came from deep inside of her. I know she has gone HOME to be with JESUS, but it’s hard to say “see you later”…

Her HOME-going has left a huge void here to those still EARTH-bound.

I’m praying for Mary Ann’s family and for the multitude of friends and the foster children she and husband, Gail mentored through all their years together. It’s only been about 1-1/2 years ago that her husband paved the way and went to be with Jesus first. She missed him terribly much! And, so, not far behind, his dear wife, joined him this week. I know they are happy, but they left a deep void…

There is Life-Purpose in Ministry

That’s what Mary Ann taught by example. That we are here for a purpose. Isn’t that why we are kept here on the earth for a season, after we commit our lives to Him? Rather than immediately going HOME to JESUS, aren’t we all to be impacting lives and mentoring others, like my friend, Mary Ann did for me?

Jesus calls you to BE that one who walks with those God puts in your path.  Choosing to walk with them PAST the things they fear. To remind them that Jesus will never ever leave them…even when they are in the midst of trials and tribulations and fearful experiences. To do what Mary Ann did for me. Her EARTH-bound work is finished. She has passed the baton on to me and to you. The Joy of the Lord is your strength.

We are to teach our mentees to:

“Fear Not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.”

Isaiah 41:10

Marantha! Come Lord Jesus!

Until next time…

Awaiting His shout,


Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

It’s like a fatigue that comes from long days of isolation. A general all over blah feeling, Like we’re missing out on life in general. We can be especially vulnerable to negative thinking. Especially with the unknowns that swirls around because of the China virus. We don’t just feel like we are missing out. We truly are. The fear level is high. We don’t know who to trust. And the laws and government decrees are forcing us to keep a distance from one another. Are you feeling Isolated? Lonely? Have you been hungry for a spiritual retreat with your church friends?

This is not the first time for me

I too, have felt that way a few times in my life. God recently reminded me of a specific time many years ago when He spoke very clearly to me about this very topic.

Children are a gift

After the miracle of my first child being born (after 12 years of barrenness), it didn’t take me long to forget she was a GIFT, and begin to complain to God about all that I was missing out on. All I had given up to be home with my child. I’d lost sight of what I had been GIVEN, and was concentrating on what I was LACKING. Have you ever felt that way?

Spiritually “barren”

I remember complaining to God that I felt “barren” spiritually because I was not able to go to Bible studies and fun get togethers with other women like I had before my child was born. I was getting little sleep and my husband traveled a lot. A LOT!!! I was in the mid-west and my family was all back east. I was kinda like Jonah under the Juniper tree. Loving the shade, but when the tree shriveled from the heat, he grumbled. *sigh* That was me, all right!

The Lord clearly spoke to me

My Dad used to say I was stubborn like an old mule sometimes, needing a 2 x 4 to get my attention. (Don’t be dismayed. It was only an expression. My Dad never ever abused me in any way at all. He was a wonderful father. But those of you who know me, know that he was correct in his analysis.)

So, the Lord clearly lovingly but firmly reminded me, as only a loving Father can do: “You’re not even true to what I already taught you.” WOW! TRUTH spoken to my heart and soul. (There goes that 2 x 4 to get my attention!) But, it actually felt like LOVE! Only one who loves you deeply will risk telling you exactly what you need to hear.

I had lots of notes to review

So that is what I did. I began to review and study those Scriptures and lessons I had already been taught. And this refresher course helped solidify what I had already been taught! It was exactly what “the doctor ordered”.

Reality check

You don’t “gotta” go to another retreat. You don’t “gotta” have another spiritual high. God doesn’t want you riding on emotional highs. It is a moment by moment walk with your BEST FRIEND in fellowship in daily conversation and consultation.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

The Christian life is like a long walk

Moment by moment. And only just this moment! Right now! Just this step! Right now! Not thinking about the last one. Not thinking about the next one. But being fully present in THIS one. THIS STEP! Here and now.

Our destination is Heaven,

but until we get there, the way is long and sometimes a bit crooked. But as long as we keep trudging away with our eyes on Jesus, checking in with Him for directions… so that when we feel fatigued by life’s current trial and testing, we will indeed be OK.

Beginning to end

It doesn’t matter how good you think your BEGINNING with GOD was. It doesn’t matter how good or bad you think you WALK with GOD has been up to now. What matters is that you FINISH well. And we none know if today is our “finish” date or not.

So, keep on keeping on with your eyes on the goal and trust God to remind You of the Truths you need to hear along the way whenever you veer off course a bit.

And rejoice that He is involved with your day-to-day life…even if sometimes it feels a bit like a 2 x 4 reminder. Because THAT is LOVE! Getting you back on course in fellowship with the One who loves you no matter what! Forever and ever!

Marantha! Come Lord Jesus!

Awaiting His shout,


Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

I have a serious question for you.

Do you hope that you will go to Heaven? Or, do you know that you will go to Heaven? It’s a serious question. These are perilous times.

Being purposeful

It’s that time of year when we start new schedules. This year is more  challenging than most. Keeping God’s Word a priority in your schedule is the wisest thing you can do. (And then modeling your prayers after what you read in the Scriptures.)  Praying God’s Word gives you confidence that you are praying according to His will.

Appointment with God

There is no better time than right now today, to actually and purposefully write into your calendar: “Appointment with God”. Then keeping that appointment daily as though it is a “date” with the coolest person in the world. Because it is! (Think about it: That relationship also carries over into Eternity as well.)

Be honest with Him

Seriously. He knows it all anyway. He loves you. He created you, so He knows why your life is stuck or not working as you had hoped it would. He knows you are hurting over betrayal or disappointment or because you or someone else made a decision that has turned your world upside down. He knows if you are scared. He wants to be your Comforter. He knows what is tempting you. He can provide the way when it looks like there is no way.

He also wants to hear about the happy things in your life. The things that went well. The dreams you have. Share those joys together with Him, as well. He wants to rejoice WITH you! He truly does! He adores His “kids”.

Intentional relationship

There are no shortcuts. The only way to get the power to be the best you can be and to STAND STRONG in these perilous times, is through an intentional relationship with the Lord and His Word. He promises to meet you there. Always. Do not fear. He will never NOT show up.

He promises He will never leave you or forsake you. If it FEELS that way, HE Is NOT the one who moved away from YOU. CHOOSE to keep God close. Keep your appointments with Him, daily!

Let’s get back to basics

We become like those we spend time with. So, here are some things to consider. Maybe you will keep your written discoveries (as you consider this short list) with you in your special place where you meet with your BEST FRIEND, JESUS.

1. Stop to consider each of your relationships (including the time you spend with TV/computer/cell phone/in person). Are they drawing you closer to the Savior or away from Him?
2. Think carefully before God how you spend your discretionary time. Are you feeding your mind/spirit/soul with trash or with a banquet?
3. Be truthful with yourself about the priority you give to spending time with Creator God.
4. Remember. We become like those we spend time with. We become like those we allow to teach us. CHOOSE wisely. CHOOSE deliberately.

A good way to begin to get that Know-so faith is to practice the presence of God. Be aware of His continuous presence. Everywhere. All the time. In all circumstances.

He is a Gentleman

The Lord will not push Himself on you. It’s your CHOICE to: Seek—with a vengeance—a relationship with Him. Seek as though your eternal life depends on it. Because it does! Literally. Eternally. Marantha. Come Lord Jesus.

If you need help working it through, that’s my favorite thing to do—to walk alongside imperfect people like me—who want to be all the Lord wants you to be. It is so much easier when you have a trusted ally to walk the path with you. Don’t worry. Nothing you say will surprise. me. We all struggle. Me, too. That’s the nature of this world. It’s not our home. We’re only passing through. We’re getting ready for the next—the so-much-better—world.

The first call is a gift

It’s a good way to find out if we would be a good TEAM together, with no risk to you. (No pressure for more.) Just click the connect button to email me to arrange it. It is that easy. Be sure to mention this blog post, to receive the free call. Let’s get you started with this new schedule, determined to get back to the basics—whatever it takes! CHOOSE to commit in your calendar every day focused time with the Lord! Onward!

Awaiting His shout,


Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com