Pay close attention to comments heard so often that they are no longer heard, questioned, or clarified. These comments, beliefs, phrases, or, “Sacred Cows” can subtly lead someone astray. If not questioned, a Sacred Cow phrase can undermine peace of mind, health, joy, and faith without realizing it. Because the unquestioned statement sounds pious, Read More
Posts by Shannon
What IS a Sacred-Cow Belief?
It sounds holy … it sounds righteous … it is commonly heard, and rarely questioned. What is it? It’s a belief that has become a sacred cow. These beliefs effectively paralyze the faith of Believers by weighing them down with worry, fear of judgment, self-righteous indignation, indecisiveness, and stroking the ego as being “right”. This Read More
On the Subject of Prayer …
The phrase, “Please pray” is commonly used and when that request is made, people respond in a variety of ways. Are those heartfelt responses actually what the person was asking for? In this blog post, I’m going to share a few thoughts about some things I’ve noticed in my walk with the Lord and His Read More
Turn on the Light!
Several years ago, I wrote the post that is below. It’s worth repeating because this metaphoric story addresses another type of darkness that is rarely acknowledged. Pretending we aren’t seeing what we know we are seeing. Every Monday afternoon for an hour, I meet ladies online to read through books that are focused on various Read More
The Power of Listening with Your Eyes
“Listening with your eyes” refers to the concept of paying close attention to non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures while someone is speaking. It involves hearing the words as they are spoken and observing the speaker’s visual cues better to understand their emotions, intentions, and overall message. This practice is critical Read More
Understanding the Complimentary Power of Logic and Creativity
As a creative individual, I have often been frustrated by logical people who demanded to know the logic behind my creativity. How do you explain something you feel and see from the inside out? At the same time, I know that my creative mind has stumped and confused those who live by logical thinking. Communication Read More
Surviving a Sifting Storm
Embracing the Storms of Life: Finding Clarity Amidst Chaos Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and amidst it all, storms that sweep through our existence. These storms, inevitable as they are, have a purpose beyond mere disruption. They serve as a “sifting storm,” clearing out the debris and clutter Read More
What Does it Mean to Love God, Love Others as We Love Ourselves?
Understanding how we love God, ourselves, and others reveals a strong link between these relationships that greatly influences how we treat others and what we believe… beginning with ourselves. This connection shows that our love for God, ourselves, and others is closely connected and affects how we see the world, how we behave towards ourselves, Read More
I Just Need a Hug …
Periodically, I’ll receive an email from a pastor’s wife that echoes not only my own experiences but those of others who’ve crossed my path during my years in ministry. This letter is not uncommon for a wife to write, but there are added layers to the pain when it is voiced from a pastor’s wife. Read More
What if … Things got better, just by how you perceive them?
Truth refers to what is by fact or reality, while perception is how something is understood or interpreted. Truth is objective and based on facts, while perception is subjective and influenced by personal experiences, biases, and interpretations. To tell the difference between truth and personal interpretations, consider the meanings and stories that get attached to Read More
Differences Between a Student and a Con-Artist
Know the difference between a teachable growth-mindset person versus someone who is seeking validation without investment. Being flattered and praised for your intelligence, charisma, or wisdom can be quite enjoyable – until it is revealed as manipulation. Whether you have studied for years, or the years have studied you, there are opportunities to share what Read More
Beliefs; The Power of Personal Responsibility in a Flawed World
Navigating the complexities of human interactions requires embracing personal responsibility in a flawed world. Explore the power of choice, self-awareness, and accountability as we delve into the importance of discernment and action in safeguarding our values and boundaries. BEWARE OF A PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND TRUTH FOUND IN UNPROVEN SURROUNDINGS In the sanctuary of a Read More