I started a small home-based business in the direct sales industry when I was 29 years old. At that time, I was a stay-at-home mom to my two boys, Charlie (4) and Robbie (2), and wife to Robert, who was building a demanding career in the investment industry. We had very little money, and I felt frustrated and unfulfilled. I knew I had something to offer in the marketplace, but I wasn’t willing to give up the flexibility and availability that allowed me to be present for my bo

I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t think I’d have a career in the marketplace. Even though my mom stayed home with me and my sister for most of our childhood, my dad worked outside the home. He traveled often on TDY (temporary duty) as part of his work in the Air Force to places like Moscow and Munich, and later wore a suit as the Chief Scientist at a global engineering firm. For as long as I can remember, I was told I was smart like him—and I had the grades, te

I am not unfamiliar with the lifestyle of ministers. I grew up in a worship pastor’s home. My weeks revolved around Sunday gatherings and Wednesday night services. I was the church nanny, worship leader, greeter, server, and the main consumer of the after-service doughnuts. The deacons and deaconesses became my aunts and uncles, and the elders felt like grandparents. I loved the church. I loved ministry. I dreamed of becoming a missionary. And yet, I saw the burden of taking

For years, I believed my value was measured by the comfort of those around me. I spent much of my life trying to keep peace—in relationships and even with strangers. I didn’t realize that by tying my identity to being the “stabilizer” for everyone else, I had lost sight of who I was in Christ. I recently heard it said, “Peacekeeping is putting a lid on the pot, but peacemaking is turning the burner off.” When our worth is rooted in being needed or liked, we become prisoners t

A Big Word with Even Bigger Expectations “Ministry” sometimes seems like a really big word with lots of strings attached. When I hear it, I immediately picture church leaders operating inside a building with a mission statement and a logo. For a long time, this word filled me with both intimidation and excitement.  I knew that in the past, “ministries” and the people behind such things had shared with me the truth of the gospel in ways that pierced my heart and, at times, eve

Have you ever felt pressure to “find your calling” while you were just trying to survive the day? When my youngest child turned six, I realized I could finally breathe again. The toddler haze had lifted. But during those years, when I was covered in spit-up and exhaustion, something else was happening online. Christian celebrity culture was rising. Mommy bloggers were becoming speakers, authors, and podcasters - and I could barely shower. It seemed like everyone else had disc

I’ve been a bride twice. Not exactly something people hope for. I know I didn’t. When you’re growing up, you don’t say, “Well, when I get married the first time, this is the kind of wedding I want. Then, when I get married the second time, I’ll get married here.” At least I hope not. No, the “married twice” thing is not ideal. But since it’s part of my story, the Lord has used it for His glory. And one of the things He’s shown me is that we as women know what it means to be a

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Many of us are familiar with this passage of scripture, and can even recite parts of it from memory. But knowing wor

Hello to all you Worthy Women of God! January always has me extra excited about what a New Year can bring. Erin Arruda and I got to talk all about what a new year means to me and in our walk with the Lord on The Live Worthy podcast a few weeks ago. We also discussed the importance of knowing what spiritual season we are in. I encourage you to check it out here if you love a new year or if you are struggling in your current season or if you just love listening to women talkin

It was probably seven years ago that I heard my first sermon on five-fold ministry. During the message, our pastor taught about each grace gifting. I listened intently to each one. I took the test. And I couldn’t get past the results: Apostle. That can’t be right, I thought. I’m a woman. Things got a bit more complicated during the altar call moment. As a demonstration of agreement, five ministry paths were established by our pastor. At each landing spot at the altar, a praye

Happy New Year, Worthy Women! This is my favorite time of year. I love a fresh start—the blank page, the quiet hope of new ideas, and the gentle promise that something good can grow here. There’s something sacred about standing at the edge of a new year, looking back at what was and forward at what could be, and realizing that God meets us in both directions. Like many of you, I lean fully into the New Year rituals. Honestly, maybe a little too  fully. January has become less

How the Apostolic Gift Awakens Identity and Purpose Ephesians 4:11–16 reminds us that when Jesus ascended, He gave gifts to His church, he gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip and build up the body of Christ. These gifts are not just titles or roles; they are living expressions of His heart at work through His people. One of those gifts, the apostolic, is referred to by Eric Knopt, as the Dream Awakener. Jesus modeled this gift perfectly. H

For the month of January, we will be diving into the Apostolic grace here on the blog! Apostolic Grace matures you in HEALTH so you are BUILT UP and SENT OUT to your fullest destiny! Apostle (from Apostello): To send someone to the place they’ve been appointed. In the Bible, apostolic grace is given to PROTECT the Order and Health of the Body, to BUILD UP people or churches to walk in their destined calling, and to SEND people to their place in the Kingdom of God. Apostolic

Many people think that having high grace in the teaching gift always means standing behind a podium or leading a weekly Bible study. In the Kingdom of God, teaching is far more diverse, subtle, and Spirit-led than we often imagine. Scripture shows us that teachers build up the Body not only through words, but through presence, clarity, and faithfulness in every season of life. Here are ten beautiful ways the teaching grace can show up in ordinary and extraordinary places: 1.

I tried not to look as I passed by the sign at the front of the children’s ministry building. Truth be told, most weeks, I failed.    “Your greatest contribution to the Kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise.”  It was probably just my immaturity and the chip on my shoulder, but I didn’t love that quote. It always felt a little too cute, a little too convenient. Some days, it felt like a cry from stay-at-home moms like me to prove that we mattered, e

About 14 years ago, I was born again and found myself back in a church pew after a 12 year hiatus from Jesus. Worship was wonderful that day. I felt filled with the Spirit and ready to receive as the teaching pastor came on stage. His face was more somber than usual, absent of his typical bright smile and welcoming words. He stood at the podium, held up his Bible and said, “The Lord just told me that some of you really want to hear from God, but you have no idea what His voic

For the month of December, we will be diving into the Teaching grace here on the blog! Teacher: 1) An explainer, bringing understanding to difficult concepts; 2) An equipper, showing you how to do something for yourself. A Teacher is one who takes what is perplexing and makes it palatable; what is confusing, clear; what is difficult, desirable; and what is inaccessible, an inspiring invitation. A teacher takes bread from a high shelf and distributes it so even the smallest c

Between annual children’s Christmas productions and Precious Moments  figurines, we have had a lot of exposure to the idea of the shepherd. Yet the soft, sentimental portrayals we often see don’t quite capture the reality of the predator-fighting defenders found in Scripture.  In biblical times, families in the Middle East relied heavily on their sheep for survival—these animals provided food, wool, and hides. A great deal of time was spent finding good pastures and slow-movi

I’m relatively new to the concept of five-fold gifting, but I’ve always had an internal drive to shepherd. Maybe you, too, have felt a desire to guide those around you, talk through scripture, and see them grow stronger.  As a journalist, I love learning how context and perspective shape situations. And I love sharing that information to help others understand, adjust perspective, and grow.   Turns out, not everyone shares that passion. As I learn more about five-fold graces,

The shepherding grace is one that seeks out people, and invites compassion into the busyness and impersonality of culture. They create atmospheres of welcome and guard the hearts of the group. The people with this grace demonstrate the tenderness and mercy of our Jesus. Psalm 103:13 says, “ The same way a loving father feels toward his children— that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us, your beloved children, who live in awe of you.”  However, I almost sigh when