Thrive – Your Best Self Begins Within
By Broc Jahnke Wouldn’t it be nice to thrive in your relationships at home, at work, and in the public? For years I would have some success thriving, but inevitably I would find myself back in some sort of dysfunction because I would discover the character flaws in those around me. My marriage was always just okay, my work relationships were never quite right, and don’t get me started on those obnoxious parents at my kid’s sporting...
Love is…
By Lisa Jenkins-Moore What comes to mind when you hear that phrase? In a world where the word “love” is tossed about flippantly and defined in ways many of us never imagined, is love more than a mere perception? Can it be an absolute? It seems we often hear the word “love” in the context of tolerance. As Christ-followers, we are admonished to “Love God and love others,” but honestly, do we even know what that means? As the mom of...
The Power of Grace
Grace is a word we hear and use so often that many of us don’t even consider its meaning or its work in our lives anymore. In some ways, it’s become a cliché, a redundancy that floats around in our vocabulary inoculating us to its power in our lives. It’s a word that has been overused, misused, and misunderstood. Grace is not just a word destined for a plaque on the wall, nor is it a free ticket to sin or do whatever you want. Grace...
This One Thing
It had been a long day at work followed by a full evening of cooking dinner, chasing my toddler around, giving him a bath, putting him to bed, cleaning up dinner, and putting away at least some of the toys that were strewn about the house. My husband and I were lying in bed and talking like we often do right before going to sleep. Some days, it’s our only time to really talk without having to shout over a yelling toddler. He asked me...
Choose Joy
A simple directive painted in black on a small tin background framed in wood sits on my shelf, shouting a much needed reminder. Oh, joy, you have been so elusive. Born with a melancholy personality and an over-analytical mind, true joy has never come easy for me. While some enter the world more carefree and contented, all of us struggle to remain joyful at all times. Yet we are instructed to do so. Practicing Christians often lament...
Do You Hear the Cry of the Nations?
The season for remembrance, reflection, and renewal is upon us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and look forward with vision into the New Year. Christmas lights and sentimental music tug our heart strings as scents of fir and spice fill the air. Nostalgia brings sweet sorrow as we enjoy the presence of our loved ones and mourn for those no longer with us. Blazing fires, decorated trees, and gifts galore adorn our homes—and...
Surrender Your Story
“Give God the right to direct your life and as you trust him along the way you’ll find he pulled it off perfectly!” (Psalm 37:5, TPT) A few weeks ago during the musical worship session at church, one of the musicians sang “Surrender Your Story.” These three words pierced my heart as I considered their weightiness. I was born into this world strong-willed and determined and I’ve been trying to write my own story for decades. Though my...
Our Caring Comforter is Enough
The past few months have been action-packed—North Korea, Charlottesville, a full solar eclipse, wildfires in the west, Hurricane Harvey followed by Irma—and those are just the events affecting the United States. In this nation, and in the world, significant and sometimes tragic events have, are, and will continue to occur. Where will those most impacted find relief? Is there a solace beyond that of a friend, a Higher Power who sees,...
Knowing God
When we seek to know God, rather than understand Him, we will not be disappointed Most of you who read Fruit of the Vine each month consider yourself Believers/Christ-followers/Christians. Your heart is to follow truth and live according to Biblical principles, yet even in doing so, a nagging emptiness often exists. All of us, at one point or another, have been so caught up in the “doing” of Christianity, we’ve neglected the...
Protection not Rejection
Innate in all of us is the desire to be recognized, appreciated, and accepted. Some of us are born into the arms of a loving family; others experience rejection fresh from the womb. Regardless of how early or late it comes, all of us will eventually experience the pain of rejection. I was an adult before I fully understood how rejection can be a form of protection. When we review the Biblical story of Joseph, we can see God guiding...
Love is a Four Letter Word
In the English language, four letter words are those we consider profane or vulgar, and are usually words we use as slang or curse words. While “love” is in no way profane, it does contain four letters and is used so tritely, it often seems degraded. It is a word that has become so commonplace in our communication it has lost its significance. When we use the word, do we actually understand its meaning? We love our house, love our...
A Life of Significance
Growing up, I wanted to be a famous rock star. But my expectations were left unmet. After years of trying to be something I wasn’t and experiencing chronic dissatisfaction and disappointment with my life, I came to understand my burning desire for fame was really a craving for significance. Eventually, I came to understand fame and significance are two very different things. I learned that the longing for significance is actually a...
Make Room for Jesus
Like most families, we have several traditions we follow each Christmas season. Along with the trees, lights, and decorations, we have a box of Christmas movies and books we enjoy each year. One is the movie The Nativity. Together, as a family, we don our pajamas, make popcorn and hot chocolate, and watch the ever-familiar story unfold in our family room. For me, one of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when the young couple...
Entwined in Him
Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27:14 The Word of God communicates a clear position on waiting on the Lord: we are to do it. Yet, when we think of the process of waiting, we are often discouraged. Waiting is rarely ever pleasant to the flesh, but we make ourselves do it daily in various situations. We...
Behind the Olympian
Too often we gaze into others’ lives with rose-tinted glasses. We peruse the picture perfect Facebook and Instagram images, believing the stories they tell. But there is always more to the story… Stephen Lambdin (born in Rockwall, Texas) just competed with Team USA in taekwondo at the 2016 Summer Olympics. His mother, Naomi Lambdin (we know her as “Noni”) is a long-time family friend. While HBO and other primetime networks have...
War with the Word
There are times in life when we feel surrounded. Perhaps the cares of this life have choked our desires for intimacy with Christ; tragedy has struck one too many times; our health or the health of those around us continues to suffer; or prayers remain unanswered. Everyone struggles—even the phrase “the struggle is real” has become a cliché. Nevertheless, God is MORE real, and His Word is a weapon waiting to be wielded. I was reminded...
The Lion and the Peacock
Though it’s been well over a decade, I still remember that tremendous sound. A friend and I met at the Fort Worth Zoo for a day of adventure. We’d been in the zoo for less than an hour when we strolled by the lion’s habitat. Then suddenly, it happened. He roared. Such a majestic creature to gaze upon, but when he roared, the crowd was silenced. I’d been to the zoo many times prior to that day, and I’ve been many times since, yet I’ve...
God + Mary = Jesus
But without Joseph, Mary would have been executed. In light of this month’s focus on women in business, let’s address women in ministry also. The body of Christ is rife with opinions about a woman’s role within the church. Many denominations have no problem with female pastors, while others believe it to be anti-Scriptural. Those on the latter end quote Paul’s exhortation in I Timothy 2:12, “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to...
Kasey’s Bucket List
How a family turned grief into grace Kasey Waychoff lived a charmed life. She was smart and athletic, a loving sister and daughter, and had more friends than she could count. Along with her parents, Shelby and Tracy Waychoff, and brother, Wesley, Kasey had lived in Singapore for two years and traveled the world—visiting five continents by the age of 16 and seeing sites in Australia, South Africa, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia,...
Back to the Basics
A few months ago a friend and I decided to read through the Bible together. We meet weekly to discuss God’s Word and share fresh revelation. I am constantly amazed by the brilliance of the Bible. One can read it over and over and still learn something new about God, His ways, and His people. Many people only know “of” God. They have a vague idea of who He is, or perhaps they’ve adopted someone else’s description of Him. He is often...
Stay of Execution
For several days the term “stay of execution” flashed in my mind. Though somewhat familiar with the term, any time I have a strong impression in my spirit, whether it is a phrase or single word, I like to look up the definition to make sure I have a full understanding. According to Wikipedia: “A stay of execution is a court order to temporarily suspend the execution of a court judgment or other court order. The word ‘execution’ does...
Not Just a War Room
War Room hit theaters in August 2015 and took the box office by storm. Media outlets were shocked that the low budget film from the Kendrick brothers took in over $11 million in its opening weekend. Ticket sales held strong week after week, and by the end of the year the movie had grossed over 67 million dollars. Clearly, its message struck a chord in our society. Though the acting was much improved over previous films marketed to the...
Walking in Love
Years ago, Steven Curtis Chapman composed a song entitled, “For The Sake of the Call.” One line in the chorus said, “We will abandon it all, for the sake of the call.” In 1943, that’s exactly what a dedicated young couple, Milford and Eleanor Howell, chose to do. As newlyweds they packed their bags, said goodbye to family and friends, and moved to West Africa as Baptist missionaries. Upon their arrival in Eku, Nigeria, Milford began...
5 Truths for Frustrated Christians
Though I’ve been a Believer most of my life, I only recently came to the “revelization” (revelation plus realization) that many of the most common experiences in the Christian walk often lead to feelings of frustration—and in the very worst cases, disillusionment with Christianity itself. The following five facts may help ease the pressure some Christ-followers may feel. It isn’t easy. Following Christ in the manner He intended us to...
Thankful For Christmas
For years our family erected our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. I was determined to fully enjoy the celebration of thankfulness before I moved on to everything Christmas. I resented the over-commercialization of the holidays and longed to savor each moment every year. Last year, however, I had an epiphany. With the sudden realization that without Christ I’d have nothing to be thankful for, I decided Christmas should be...
Troops to Recruit
Tired, hungry, bruised and battered, I lie in the tent trying to recover from yet another unsuccessful battle engagement. My right hand is withered in pain, and my feet are swollen. I stretch out on the ragged cot and stare through the hole in the tent at the stars. I know we have been promised the victory, yet defeat seems so imminent. Every day the enemy pushes forward, encroaching upon our territory. It started thousands of years...
God of the Impossible
She had been barren for over seven years. Though she had cried out to God in desperation, her prayers remained unanswered. God assured her through many voices He had heard and He would answer, but her heartache led her to explore other alternatives. Fertility tests revealed only a 3% chance she and her husband would ever conceive on their own. They considered in-vitro fertilization, but neither felt released to move forward. She wept,...
Before & After September
In the original Roman calendar, September was the seventh month; the name was derived from the Latin word septem which means seven. In Biblical numerology, seven is the number of perfection, and is often referred to as “God’s number.” No doubt, the month of September has spiritual implications (as does everything in our natural world). A simple Google search reveals September has proven to be a significant month not only in American...
The Best of Me
“Jesus, please make me a superhero so I can be awesome.” I overheard this statement coming from the mouth of my 3-year old a few months ago. I smiled when he said it, thinking: My thoughts exactly. If we’re honest, we would all admit that though we may not have asked God to turn us into superheroes, we’ve all asked Him to make us better than we are. Each of us has a longing to be more. When Marvel’s new superhero movie, Avengers: Age...
Honor the Aging
You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:32 Some in the world still follow these first few words from Leviticus 19:32; every time an elderly person enters a room, the younger stand. As I imagine myself in a room witnessing such a gesture, I am captivated by a culture that would show such honor. We in the west are so youth focused; we idolize perfect...
Let It Rain
In the last several years, the United States has suffered drought conditions, and Texas has been no exception. Six months ago, the primary water source for much of North Texas, Lake Lavon, was a mere 47.2% full resulting in extremely tight watering restrictions, as well as dying crops, and brittle ground. The land was thirsty and in desperate need of rain. In other news, we have witnessed heinous acts of terror all over the globe,...
Cinderella’s Slipper
She is lovely beyond compare. Kind, compassionate, and perfectly proportioned, Cinderella embodies the feminine ideal. The gentleness she displays in the face of adversity inspires even mice to champion her cause. By Andrea Peters As a child I loved this story. My mom will still teasingly recall how I would play “Cinderella” and bossily appoint her to the role of Grand Duke. She would be assigned the task of holding the slipper and...
A New Song
By Michelle Wallace Kevin Weable, who is with Go.Be.Hope, an organization that actively seeks orphanages to help, told me a story that happened during an expedition to Haiti. Kevin and a group of men had traveled to Haiti to discover where they could partner in orphan care. The trip involved visiting a few different orphanages. The first orphanage was highly organized. Kevin explained there was a big set up for teams to come in, which...
You are My Masterpiece
In Ephesians 3 Paul wrote from prison concerning the call of God on his life to share the mystery and the beauty of God’s plan, “The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone,...
You Make Me Brave
There are some words, no matter how often I hear them, how frequently I say them, they have the effect of washing over me like rain. When I hear, I will be their God and they will be my people, something happens on the inside of me that I can’t really explain. We all, every person born on this broken planet has a need to belong. We might deny it, but it’s to our own detriment. God put it on the inside of us. Life is about loving and...
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
The astounding story of a little boy’s trip to heaven and back Todd Burpo can still recall an experience he had just before writing his bestselling book, “Heaven Is for Real.” On a trip to Washington he noticed the great monuments, many holding the inscription “God.” He saw the Bible on display. “But there was something grossly missing,” Todd said. “I never saw the name of Jesus—it was like it was okay to talk about God but Jesus was...
Abundant Life
Fruit of the Vine A number of years ago my husband began experiencing various unexplained symptoms. Unfortunately they were symptoms common to a number of different illnesses. We visited multiple doctors who were unable to diagnose the problem. During that time I really hit my knees to hear from the Lord. A couple things came to me. Number one: that this sickness would not end in death but it would be for His glory. When I shared the...
Signposts
Years ago my husband and I opened a small automotive shop in our city. As with most small business we experienced some growing pains. During one particularly slow season, I cried out to God. He brought me to a little-known passage in the book of Jeremiah. And the words from Jeremiah 29:7 seemed to make sense for my situation when I read: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the...
Learning to Love
Does anyone else struggle in relationships or is it just me? I already know the answer. Unless you’re on a deserted island, there’s struggle. Even there it’s possible, as portrayed by Tom Hank’s character in Cast Away, struggling with his friend, Wilson, the volleyball. We can’t get away from it, so we might as well settle it! Relationships are challenging. The most helpful tool in relating to others is The Word of God. No two people...
God Shows Up
The following story, which was sent to Michelle Wallace by email, occurred March 18. Bonnie Teachout, a missionary and an incredible woman of God, will admit she has been messed-up, crushed, broken and now, made over by God’s grace. Bonnie offers a quote from Tozer that best describes what He has done in her life: “God plants His dream in a person’s heart and then molds the person to fit the dream. Even though the molding...
The Adventure Way
Before I traded my practical SUV in for a not as practical, but lots more fun convertible, on some Fridays, as a special treat to my then five-year-old, we would take the “Adventure Way” home. We discovered this not-recommended shortcut after I’d spent some time on Google maps searching for a quicker route from office to driveway. On the satellite image it looked perfect: a straight, two-lane road that cut about seven miles off my...
Say It in a Love Note
“Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind them.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Between 1915 and 1946 artist Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Alfred Stieglitz wrote each another over 5,000 love letters totaling 25,000 pages, sometimes penning three and four letters a day. My Faraway One; Selected Letters of Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz, at over 800 pages, is a mere a sampling of their words...
Overlooked by Men, Never Forgotten by God
Can a woman forget her nursing child? Will she have no compassion on the child from her womb? Although mothers may forget, I will not forget you. I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Your walls are always in my presence. Isaiah 49: 15-16 By Michelle Wallace He didn’t look like much as he emerged from the Metro into L’enfant Plaza station, wearing jeans, a baseball cap and a long sleeved tee. Positioning himself against the...
