Dare to Live by every Word! Dare to Ask for More!

I like to describe myself as an "ordinary country girl who has discovered an EXTRA-ORDINARY and amazing God." While I'm a Registered Nurse by profession, I've had the privilege of traveling extensively the last 20+ years leading out in various Bible conferences, health programs, revival initiatives, and supporting others in prayer ministry. Through God's miraculous blessing, I have authored three books on spiritual growth: Daring to Ask for More, Daring to Living by Every Word, and most recently, My Single Joy, which is more of my personal backstory and is dedicated to those walking through painful and solitary seasons. I gave my life to Jesus when I was 12 years old and from my early days, I longed to be a missionary. My first overseas mission trip took place during high school. I was hooked! During college God gave me some wonderful hard-core mission experiences living deep in the jungles of South America! Later I volunteered at an orphanage in Asia and then spent time sharing the gospel in different African countries. Although God has not yet led me into long-term overseas missions, He has opened up many unexpected doors and opportunities for me to equip and lift up the arms of others who serve in difficult and dangerous places. Serving Jesus is very rewarding and fulfilling, but life and ministry has not always been easy. I've walked through some very dark experiences, and at one point, almost gave up on my faith as I felt abandoned and forsaken by God. You can read more of that testimony in my most recent book, My Single Joy. However, through the challenges, the pain, and the trials of life, God continues to keep patiently drawing me back to Himself. I fall short in many ways, but Jesus never falls short, and it is my joy to keep giving my life to Him. 

As one might imagine, I have met many beautiful people and visited many beautiful places around the world, but if I had to choose, my favorite place on the planet is still home. I have a wonderful family, and we are blessed to live in the country. I find great delight in nature, in talking to God under the stars, in peaceful morning sunrises, in hiking the mountains, in journaling the things God teaches me, in loving my nieces and nephews, and in quality conversation with my loved ones. If I had my way, I might never leave home again! However, I believe we are living in the final days of earth's history. What we see happening in our world, in society, and in the conflicts on every side all point to the fact that Jesus is soon to come. However, I shudder because I believe that we, the bride of Christ, are not ready to meet Jesus. Many believers have settled for a "form of godliness" without the Holy Spirit power (see 2 Tim 3:5). Many are camped in a dry "wilderness Christianity" experience. It's not just a problem of the past. It's our problem as a church today! And it's destroying our witness for the Kingdom.

Listen to the following vision God gave the prophet Ezekiel. This is Ezekiel speaking in his own words:

"The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' So I answered, 'O Lord GOD, You know.' Again He said to me, 'Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, "O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!" Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live." Ezekiel 37:1-5

When Ezekiel asked the Lord, who the dry bones represented, God responded very specifically: "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, 'Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!' " Ezekiel 37:11

This is a picture of modern day, wilderness living Christianity! This is our life today! This is the church. While this might sound discouraging, the good news is that we don't have to settle for this dry superficial Christ-less Christianity any longer! It might be easier because there is little self-denial involved, but it's not going to get us into heaven. And it's not going to help others get to heaven either. The only thing that will get us to heaven is knowing Jesus!

• Are you hungry to experience a living and vibrant walk with Jesus such that others will say, "I want to know the Jesus that they know!" (Then slow down, and join me in making it a daily priority to spend unrushed time with Jesus in prayer and in His Word!)

• Are you longing for a peace that silences fear and that can stand unmoved in the storms? (I encourage you to seek the Prince of Peace! He's the only One who can quiet our anxieties and calm life's storms!)

• Are you looking for solid answers to share with those who are hurting and who are confused? (Then step out of the debate and immerse yourself in the Word of God. God's Word is the only place that has the answers to life's questions! Instead of working so hard to change others, start by asking God to humble and change your own heart!)

• Are you thirsty to escape wilderness Christianity and longing to experience a Holy Spirit empowered life which consistently bears fruit for the Kingdom? (God promises, "For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring." Isa. 44:3) 

God is just waiting to pour out His Holy Spirit on our valley of dry bones. He is longing to give us abundant life--a life so immersed and overflowing that not only will people wonder what is happening with us, but all heaven will rejoice. 

Personally I can testify that I've been living in the fast lane of ministry far too long. Because of this, there's been a growing conviction in my heart these last few years that I need to slow down, travel less, and focus more--Focus more on Jesus and WHO HE IS (John 17:3) and focus more on creating resources that can go places I don't have the strength or energy to go. That's what led to the birth of this website, a hub where I can share different things God is laying on my heart!

It is my prayer that the resources on this website will inspire you to also slow down and return to your First Love, or perhaps discover your True Love in Jesus for the first time. As you listen and share, I pray you will be inspired to put down your phone, turn off the radio and TV, and pick up your Bible. The world will never give us the truth. The news media only spreads chaos and fear! However, God's Word is truth and it's the place where we can always find the answers to life's most pressing questions. Through the Word of God we discover who we are, our true identity, where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. In the Bible we discover the Living Word and the key to eternal life--Jesus! God tells us, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." (Matt. 24:35) Don't be fearful of what is coming! "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, know that God has more for you, and His promise is, "Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)