Welcome back to Live Full Die Empty, where we believe in filling our cups with faith, not just coffee! It’s a brand new month which means we have the opportunity to press the Fresh Start button. Ding! Did you get that notification? We can look forward and welcome all the goodness ahead. Here’s our chance for a new beginning with new memories. Let’s kick this post off with a bit of gratitude, shall we? To be honest I am so... Read more
Can you sense the shift? There is definitely a shift happening. A shift away from what is phony. A shift away from what is draining. A shift away from what is not connecting. A shift away from what doesn’t make sense. I have to tell you, I love that for us. I especially love that for me. It only occurred to me this past weekend why this blog that I once was so delighted and honored to bring to you... Read more
The past few weeks have been crazy for my family. One of the elders, my mom’s 83-year-old sister, became ill and things went downhill fast. I feel like I’ve been in a bubble and only popped my head out briefly for business and ministry needs. Now that we have laid one of my dear hearts to rest, I’m finding my way back to normal. Is that really a thing? I’m not sure it is, but I want to share some... Read more
The truth of the matter is my faith has been the thread that has held my marriage together for 13 wonderful years. I found out that the symbol for 13 years is lace. It’s beautiful and delicate; it’s special. Lace represents the intricate weaving of two lives into one, and let me tell you, sometimes that weaving process has involved some pretty serious stretching and pulling. When I think about our marriage, Ephesians 4 comes to mind: “Always be humble... Read more
There is a powerful message in the heart of the Gospels. Actually there are tons of them. But the one I want to look at today is Jesus’ call to become fishers of men. This call is intertwined with themes of navigating life’s storms with Jesus as our friend and security. In Matthew 4, Jesus called out to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This simple yet profound invitation marks the beginning of... Read more
In discussing passion and friendship some people may say these things are totally opposite, or on a good day they can come together in your significant other or your romantic relationship. I’m here to tell you that these two go together all the time. And especially so when it comes to your Christian life. Even though I grew up in church, I’m just six years into this brand new life with Christ- this real, consistent, abundant life that we don’t... Read more
Over the past week my Dad taught several lessons that at first seemed not to connect, but in the end came together in a beautiful picture. In fact the tapestry that he painted spoke to me in a way I that didn’t see coming. I hope this doesn’t come off as a mini-sermon, but I want to share with you my take on a message that is close to my heart. That message: the immeasurable value that God places on... Read more
There’s a parable that you are probably familiar with about a drowning man. Water is rising and the man comes up on the roof praying to God to save him. Someone comes by in a rowboat and the man says, “No, I’m waiting on God.” Someone comes by in a motorboat and the man says, “No, I’m waiting on God.” Then someone comes by in a helicopter and a third time the man says, “No, I’m waiting on God.” The... Read more
The story of Dreamgirls is more than music. It’s more than show business. It’s more than lights and sequined dresses. It is about life and hearbreak it’s about finding yourself. And believing in what you bring to the table as well as what you deserve. The word deserve always sparks interesting thoughts for me. Because if we are honest as a believer, we have to know that things that we have said, done, and thought deserve to be punished. We... Read more
Understanding real love through the lens of Christianity often involves navigating a seemingly conflicting journey of selflessness and sacrifice. It’s like trying to find your way through a maze blindfolded, armed only with a compass called faith. Picture this: you’re on the subway, and just when you think you’ve got a seat, someone elderly shuffles in. Real love nudges you to offer your spot with a smile, even if it means enduring the rest of the ride standing, swerving and... Read more
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