I’m a guilt-prone, overly-responsible, passionate and protective firstborn. Within my strengths creep my weaknesses. For example, my fervor and determination can often be interpreted as anger or antagonism. My prophetic tendencies to speak truth often get me blasted by those who don’t appreciate accountability or questions. Although I don’t enjoy confrontation like some, I won’t […]
Personality
Assertive vs. Asinine
In our Trump-bold world of high-octane emotions, we often misdiagnose assertive syntax as knee-jerk responses. They need to know where I stand; I can’t let people walk all over me. Fine. Stand up for truth. Stand up for yourself, but don’t confuse assertive qualities for just being asinine. For example, some would argue that to make my position […]
Powerful Women Are God’s Plan Too
If you are a mild-mannered woman who delights in sewing baby clothes and reading to your children, rarely disagrees with her husband or others, and doesn’t carry ambitious goals, this post may not connect with you, but if you find your drive competing with your passions, regularly speak out against injustice and sin, and people […]
- Identity
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We Want to be Loved, but We Also Want This
This summer, two friends and I traveled to Springfield to see my favorite women’s speaker (no, it’s not Beth Moore). In addition to Lisa Harper’s seminary background, vast understanding of Scripture, and deep faith and humility, she captivates her audience with her vivid storytelling ability. However long she spoke that night was not long enough. […]
- Hope
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These 4 Phrases Can Change Your Life
The American Institute of Health estimates that 75-90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems. Research shows that 75-98 percent of mental, physical, and behavioral illness comes from one’s thought life (Dr. Caroline Leaf). When I read Proverbs 31:25, I delight in the possible and cringe at how far off […]
Go Ahead, Try Me: A Rebel’s View on Authority
Last week my husband came to me regarding an issue at work. Being a respectful rule-follower, he told me his conundrum and wondered if he had done the right thing or not. I laughed, “I’m not the person to be asking.” He has a strong sense of right and wrong and operates out of conviction, […]
- Community
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How to be a Friend to an Introvert
First off, let’s blast some misconceived notions ignorantly floating out there: introverts do like people. To say that all introverts are shy is like saying that all extroverts are obnoxious. Yes, introverts really do have friends. In fact, introverts appreciate deeper, long-lasting relationships more fully than some extroverts can or want to. For most, it looks more […]
The Enneagram Book that will Change Your Life
If you’ve ever thought, “I sure wish that person (spouse, boss, child, friend) came with an owner’s manual,” get excited, because Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile have created just that. In a witty and conversational style, they will lead you through the eclectic energy of each personality type without putting anyone in a box. Their […]
The Divine 9: Peace, be still, my brother
Okay, back on the Enneagram bus, taking you to another beautiful number and that person’s passions and fears. Some Christians cringe over yet another discussion on personality. After all, these profiles can lead people to rely on crutches instead of submitted themselves to the Lord’s renewing power. Remember, the Enneagram profile only helps us if […]
Feelings over Thinkings: Musings on the 4
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”~Henri Nouwen My daughter’s tickle box overturns and we chuckle over her crazy drawing: eyes bugged out and a nose that somehow looks like a little butt. Her laughter gives mine permission to overflow too. My 4-year-old tells […]