“False Green Eyelashes”
This talk discusses the masks we all wear, the reasons for hiding behind them and encouragement to find our true faces. Using scripture in Isaiah 43:1-4 to illustrate that we are made and loved by God, accepted and cared for by Him. And He is able to help us live a life of integrity and honesty, the person He has created us to be.
“Wisely Embracing Hope Instead of Fear”
This was developed as a part of a women’s workshop on being wise women in tough times. Three main points, “Partnering With God in Fear of Him”, “Partnering with God in our fears,” and “Partnering With God in the Hope He Gives”.
“How Do We Spell Fear?”
Similar to the above, but a slightly different flavor, based on three fears we all struggle to overcome. “I AM NOT ENOUGH”, “I WILL NOT HAVE ENOUGH” ”GOD IS NOTENOUGH”. Uses Gideon as Biblical example.
“Pathways”
We are all walking a pathway. This topic discusses the ways God interacts with us, wherever we happen to be along our pathway. Theme verse: Proverbs 4:18 “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter until the full light of day.”
“Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda”
We can paralyze ourselves by thinking we can’t do something. I used to call this talk “Paralysis”, but it was suggested that I change it to the above! I use the example of how I had thought I’d had polio as a child, and convinced myself I could not do certain things. And thoroughly weakened myself in the process so that I couldn’t. Theme verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“A Father’s Blessing—A Daughter’s Heritage”
This topic can be used for a father /daughter breakfast, or luncheon. An unusual combination, but it can be very effective. Using my personal testimony of interaction with my own father, it is possible to let a father know just how much his approval and blessing can mean to his daughter, and how painful for her it is when he withholds it; unknowingly, usually.
“Words of Joy”
How we can have the real joy of the Lord, whatever our circumstances. Theme verse: Jeremiah15:16: “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.”
“Joy Bursts”
Similar to the above, but with a Mother’s Day emphasis. Using my experiences as a motherless daughter, encouraging mothers and daughters to cherish their relationships, and showing how God’s tenderness can fill in the gaps. Theme verse: Psalm 78: 1, 6-7 “I will open my mouth in a parable…that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments,”
Feed My Sheep
This topic coincides with the women’s ministry theme of feeding the hungry, and our responsibility as believers to do as Jesus commanded, “Feed my sheep”, highlighting the necessity of absorbing our spiritual nourishment before we can feed others. Based on John 21:15-18.
“Emmanuel”
Specifically for Christmas, I use 13 (or 14 depending on time) original poems which tell the Christmas story, with anecdotes and personal illustrations in between. These meditations have been written over the past 20 years…I write one every Christmas as our greeting to friends and family. I’ve put them together to make the story live in perhaps a new way.