what I am pondering
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New Year Reflection – Journaling
New year reflection questions: Take some time to pause with the Lord, without distraction. Grab your Bible, paper, pen, a cup of tea or coffee… Join me… Reflecting Back: God, how were you shaping me this past year? God, what gift were you producing in me? God, were there any new skills you prompted me…
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The Days In Between: Reflecting on the Pause Between Christmas and New Year
(Photo from an early morning stroll with hubby along the river.) Every year, I deeply feel this time. The days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve hold a unique stillness—a pause in the busyness of life. The celebrations of Christmas have passed, and the anticipation of a new year lies ahead. It’s during this in-between…
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You need to be seen, valued, and affirmed. (Validation)
Why do we get stuck in a cycle of needing validation from someone to see us, value us and affirm us? This post came from an early morning thought stream after waking up at 5:05am… (For many of you, this thought stream will not be new. This isn’t new for me either but this morning…
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Smart Leaders Start Inside
Exceptional Leadership: Where True Growth Begins Leadership (in your family, business or faith community) often starts with doing—managing tasks, guiding teams, and making decisions. But wise leaders know the secret: true leadership doesn’t begin with doing. It begins with becoming. Most leaders focus on working in their circle of influence. Smart leaders step back to…
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Good Things Come to Those Who Wait? It’s Not What You Think…
We’ve all heard the saying, “Good things come to those who wait.” But what does that really mean, especially when we’re in a season of waiting that feels endless, uncertain, or even painful? Many of us might assume it’s just about sitting tight and hoping for the best, but God offers us a deeper, more…
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Word of Encouragement: Heavenly Weight Loss
HEAVENLY WEIGHT LOSS? I sense the Spirit of the Lord saying, “I see the weight that you are carrying. The irritation, the frustration, and the burdens have accumulated like excess weight upon your soul, stored within you, pressing down your spirit. But I am the Prince of Peace, the One who lightens your load. I…
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Past Regrets Taking Up Space?
Why do we dwell on past regrets? It’s often because we believe a lie that happiness and peace come from our external actions and circumstances, rather than from the Holy Spirit within us. (Galatians 5) When I dwell on the past through regret, it’s because I still think that these poor or unmade choices negatively…
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The Power of Rest
Here’s what I’m pondering… The most common feedback I hear is: “With you, I feel so much peace and rest.” (In fact, at the last event we had, one woman’s husband said to her – “You are so calm!”) I also have heard several women say to me: “Merri Ellen, don’t take what you carry…
Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box 