Contagious Joy Blog

“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” — 1 Peter 4:9 (ESV) Hospitality can be one of the most beautiful ministries God gives us—and one of the most intimidating. For many women, the very words biblical hospitality bring feelings of anxiety. We wonder if our homes are clean enough, our meals are good enough, or our decorating skills measure…

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” — Romans 12:13 (NLT) If I asked you to define biblical hospitality, what would come to mind? Would you picture a beautifully decorated dining room? A perfectly prepared meal? Fresh flowers on the table? Homemade desserts? Spotless floors? If…

Distractions. As a woman of God, they are all around us. The ministry is full of distractions. Other people’s distractions. Our own family distractions. Church distractions. Denominational distractions. Political distractions. Health distractions. Financial distractions. Emotional/psychological distractions. Ministry life is full of opportunities, responsibilities, and demands. While many distractions are not sinful in themselves, they can…

WARNING: Transparent Post. Growing up, I never heard the words, “I’m proud of you.” We were hardworking, poor farmers. Secrets held us together as a family, and bound by that secrecy, we lived two lives: the one the community saw and the daily life we lived. There wasn’t room for cheering one another on except…

Ministry does not pause for grief. Emails come. Needs arise. People gather. Yet your heart may feel shattered, heavy, and quietly undone. How do you carry joy when you are carrying loss? Paul shows the tension: “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” Not either/or but both/and. Several truths carry me through deep sorrow. Maybe they’ll help you,…

This year, I noticed something unusual; Lent and Ramadan began at the same time. This overlap is rare and will not happen again for another 33 or 34 years, around 2059 or 2060. While both holidays require some fasting and prayer, the main difference between them is their focus, and of course, the person of…

While I am away at a Refresh Retreat, I am reminded that, as we see the events unfold on the news involving Iran, Israel, and our nation, the season is important for many of our spiritual leaders. We should bend the knee often in these hours, whether or not we are practicing Lent. While Lent…

In 1984, from her Album entitled Private Dancer, Tina Turner recorded a song entitled “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” The following words are the lyrics from the chorus: Oh-oh, what’s love got to do, got to do with it?What’s love but a second-hand emotion?What’s love got to do, got to do with it?Who…

Even as I type this, we are one day from Valentine’s Day. There are those reading this who are preoccupied with the Olympics, Mardi Gras parades (where I reside currently), and other world events. I wonder, how many times within this day the phrase, “I love you,” or “I love that…”, will be repeated? There…