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Writing
“No More Chains: How God can use depression to set us free”
More than 21 million Americans suffer from depression each year according to the National Mental Health Institute, and we Christians are not immune. I have had two major depressive episodes since my children were born, and those were dark, miserable times for me and my family. Yet, through depression, God revealed a number of lies that I was believing about myself, my world, and even about Him. These lies were chaining me down and coming between us. By His mercy, He allowed me to feel the pain of these chains and showed me His truth that set me free.
With so many suffering as I have, I cannot keep such exciting truths to myself. We all need to know that there is hope and purpose when we suffer. We all have chains that we need to be set free from. “No More Chains” is a book that I am writing based on my seasons of depression and the truths that God revealed to me through them. I don’t have a publisher just yet, but I’m in the process of searching for one. I would appreciate your prayers while I continue to write and feel my way through this process. And if you have any suggestions or would like some additional information, please let me know.
Bible Studies
I am tackling my first solo Bible study with "A Walk with Miriam: The Exodus Through The Eyes of the Prophetess." It strikes me that the Hebrews' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land has many similarities to our journey in this world of sin as we follow our Lord to Heaven. We celebrate the victories of God and rejoice in our new freedom one minute - and then next we are frought with doubts, panic at the first sign of trouble, and grumble in the desert. The study will walk a mile in Miriam's shoes as she works with her brothers, Moses and Aaron, to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. She's a fascinating character, a dynamic leader, and a woman who struggles with issues of her own. I'm hoping to have the study completed later this spring.
I am also writing a Bible study called “Child-Like Faith in a Grown-Up World.” I’m using Jesus’ interactions with children (Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17) as a spring board for thinking about what qualities they have that we need to hang on to in our relationship with God. I mean, Jesus says that unless we come as little children, we won’t get into His kingdom – and when Jesus says something that strongly, then I’d better pay attention!
I also have plans to make available a mother-daughter study that I developed with my girl, Liana, this past summer. Something happened to Liana when she turned nine. She’s no longer a little girl but a blossoming tweener with all of the social and self-esteem issues that come along with it. I’ve also discovered that she doesn’t really know how to use her Bible. So, we’re going to work on a weekly study during the summer months to help her find her way around the Scriptures, and begin addressing some of the new challenges she’s facing.
Messiah
I am working with Mary Ellen Johnson, FEFC Director of Traditional Worship and the Fine Arts Ministry, on a Lenten Bible Study on Scripture from Handel's "Messiah. We'll be concentrating on Part II, the Passion of Christ, plus a couple of favorites from Part III, particularly the Hallelujah Chorus. We'll examine the scripture as well as how the music conveys it's message, giving a complete picture of God's ministry through this masterpiece. The study will be offered for six weeks on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings beginning February 14, 2010. Be on the lookout for announcements about how you can participate in this study - coming very soon!
Triathlon Articles
I’ve published two articles for BeginnerTriathlete.com. Though written for a secular audience, they contain many principles near and dear to my heart.
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