In my 3 Joy Groups, each week we do appreciation and a brief time of sensing Immanuel’s presence and asking Him what He wants us to know. (A link to other details of my Joy Groups.) I noticed that our sharing time at the beginning was growing longer and longer leaving little time for lessons. […]
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing–Subtle Narcissism
In one of my Joy Groups we are doing an in-depth study about narcissism and how to deal with it both in ourselves and with others. We are learning that there are different ‘’types’’ and different “degrees” of narcissism. Most of us have no problem recognizing the blatant, harsh, self-justifying, defensive kind. There’s no question […]
What’s Missing? Living the Immanuel Lifestyle
Last weekend I attended the Annual Gathering of folks who love Life Model Works. The focus was Living an Immanuel Lifestyle. I heard two speakers, both heads of ministries, say, “I was missing something in my relationship with Christ–and what I was missing was the relationship.” We spent the next two days looking at this […]
Becoming a Gentle Responder: Why Relational Brain Skills are Vital
Have you ever wondered why it can be hard to respond well to what others say or do? You have intentions of being loving, kind, encouraging, and then you are in a discussion and you find yourself responding with something like sarcasm, anger, or judgment instead of being a gentle responder. Let’s explore this common […]
Beginning a Joy Group-How I Facilitate Mine
Joy Groups are beginning to spread and a friend asked me recently if I could write up something about how I facilitate my Joy Group. But first let me answer the question, “What is a Joy Group?” A Joy Group is a group based on material from Life Model Works, materials that teach how God […]
Truth Does Not Take Away Pain–Part One
Do you ever wonder why sometimes after a painful event, you just cannot get your feet back on the ground—even if you know God’s truth about the situation—while other times someone can say a word of truth and you pop right back up with less pain? There is a reason and it has to do […]