Written By: Gwendolina Paoletti

Today is the moment you can step out to live the life you were created to excel and enjoy.  Learn how to fight your fear, how to overcome your fear, and how to stop the fear from stopping you or your future.

No matter what your circumstance, you have something more inside you; more to give, more to do, more to become.  There is something still waiting to be released from within you, something God imparted uniquely to  you.

Maybe it’s as simple as a hobby you’d love to do or learn or a place your heart has always been drawn to go visit or move to.  Is it a complete career change that requires new learning, a job change that would require you to build new skills to offer better value to a new company or department?

For someone reading right now, there is a book you’ve thought of writing, a business you’d like to open, or a powerful message or ministry if you shared would benefit so many.

There’s still sooo much in you, so much life to still live, excel in, and enjoy.  Making sure your words are life-building and not faith-eliminating is a critical piece to bringing that into a reality.  Our words carry power with each one we assign to a thought, emotion, or action.  This is true even if we don’t recognize it on a conscious level.

In today’s episode, you will learn how to STOP fear at its onset, before it gets any more opportunity to mess with your mind or your destiny.

Today’s Power Truth: ” For God has not given you the spirit of fear; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND.”  (2Timothy 1:7)

Everything we say and hear impacts us on some level, so does how we say it.  Take a look at these 2 negative dis-empowering phrases:

1. “I’ll never be able to do this, so why try?”
2. “I’m always broke and I never have any money.”

These images formed when you think or say things similar to this are destructive and hopeless.  The results of the seeds you are planting will be extremely different than if you were to say or think:

1. “It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve failed, I won’t give up.”
2. “I’m going to get resourceful and begin using my creativity and energy to do what it takes to earn the level of income my value and effort deserves.”

The 1st one is bound in fear and discouragement, shutting the gates of possibility and puts your momentum on lock down.  The 2nd one, leaves you and your faith wide open for creative thinking, fast momentum, and opportunity.

Its time to play big in your own life and step out courageously.

You deserve a life, you not only live, but LOVE LIVING!

You are a blessing and a gift, and you are here to make an impact that only you can make.  Your greatest days wait right within this day and in those that follow.  Be bold and BELIEVE God to walk you through with a peace, joy and certainty like you could only have dreamed of until now.

Until Next Time,
~Gwendolina

Written By: Paula Walton

Dedicated to: Fran Damario

I have said my mother has the elegance and beauty of Jackie Kennedy, the faith and generous heart of Mother Teresa, the humour and eccentricity of Ellen Degeneres and a mind like Albert Einstein.
Wait . . . did I say a mind like Einstein?  I take that back.  I can’t possibly compare my mother . . . thee Fran Damario . . . to Einstein.  Not when she’s been known to pick up a TV controller, press the buttons, hold it up to her ear and then ask why the phone doesn’t work or advise someone to just fax money.

Needless to say, her time-to-time slip-of-the-mind or discombobulation—something her children and grandchildren like to warm-heartedly tease her about—is one of the things that I love about her.  It simply adds character to the amazing person that my mom is.  What’s one flaw anyway?

God has blessed me with a mother who is an incredible role model.  I see first-hand how very well-respected she is—within the very large family she comes from, within the Irish community she has spent her entire life in, the co-workers she spent more than 25 years working with, and the enormous circle of life-long friends that she has and holds dear.

Her generosity and compassion shines brightly through volunteering and whipping up meals or home-made baking for others.  She is always available when I need her, whether it’s to drive our kids to hockey or listen to me babble.

Not only is my mom’s strong work ethic and loyalty reflected throughout our homestead, having the opportunity to work alongside her in my grandma’s catering business and at a local manufacturer for many years, allowed me to see how hard my mom works, how committed she is to excelling in any position, and respecting the people she works with.

In passion and partnership with my dad, my mom created a home for four children that was always filled with faith, family, friends, fun, laughter, sarcasm, music and, of course, love expressed in immeasurable ways.  It now embraces two adored son-in-laws, two beloved daughter-in-laws, and ten delightful grandchildren.

Like every family, even those with the strongest relationships, we experience hardships, frustrations, and tough love—mom’s strong faith, patience, and devotion is the crazy glue that keeps us together through it all!

About nine years ago, my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  It was unsettling and devastating news, without question.  Not long after my dad’s diagnosis, my mom stopped by—the unexpected drop-ins usually mean ‘big news’.  My first thought was that my parents ramped up their zest for life and she was going to announce that she was pregnant!  No, that wasn’t it.  She broke the news that she had cancer too, but with treatment there was a good chance she would be okay.

As mom was challenged with not only my dad’s illness but her own as well, I saw strength and courage in her that I had yet to see in all my years.  Even through this difficult time, she put my dad, her children, and grandchildren first.  Without question, she left everything in God’s hands.

My mom’s cancer battle was won.  My dad’s courageous fight lasted nearly two years.  In their children’s eyes, dad was heroic—so remarkably brave and faith inspiring—and my mom was deserving of the very same praise.  Mom just lost the love of her life, yet strengthening her faith, taking care of her grieving family, and her own mother (whose health was deteriorating) was her priority.  How unselfishly incredible!

No matter how life changes along the way, no matter what we celebrate or no matter what grief we experience, my mom has instilled in her children and grandchildren, that our family is and forever will be rooted in GOD—through every lesson, every conversation, and through every form of advice along the way.

I am blessed!
PAULA WALTON

Paula Walton is the oldest child of four siblings, a sister and two brothers. She is a devoted wife and an enthusiastically proud mother of a 16-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son. Outside of working full-time as the Alumni Officer at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario, Paula enjoys spending time with her kids—which includes a lot of time in a rink watching her kids play competitive hockey and lacrosse—a little time playing the piano, and date nights with her husband. What is important in life for Paula is what has been passed on from her mother and her grandmother—establishing a solid foundation for her family built on faith in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.” ~ Proverbs 22:6

Written By: Luisa Parish

Good friends of ours recently accepted their first pastoral position at a local church a few hours away.  My husband and I were thrilled for them!  So, being a seasoned veteran (and I use that term intentionally as you will see!), I decided it would be good to share some advice with my friend as she officially becomes a pastor’s wife.

I thought back over the past decade or so in ministry – three churches, three hometowns, and now three children later.  Each ministry position and church had its own challenges and blessings, and I have struggled a great deal at times.  It’s not always easy, but there have been some points of wisdom placed into my life along the way…

When we first started in ministry, my husband was the youth pastor of a small church in Southwestern Ontario.  We were just married and were beginning a life together.  It was an amazing season!  We watched dozens of community kids walk through the doors and find healing in Jesus Christ.  I watched some incredible transformations that could only come from Christ alone.  Besides my full time job I spent so much time working beside my husband in ministry.  I was a youth leader, sang on the worship team and had regular coffee and dinner dates with some of the teen girls who attended regularly.  As a valuable bonus, we were living only about 20 minutes away from both of our families.  I loved everything about it!

In May 2011 we received some life changing news.  While at a youth conference my husband and I both felt God telling us that our time at that church was coming to a close and it was time to step aside and let someone else take over.  We loved this group but trusted that God saw the bigger picture and knew what he was doing.

It was shortly after this time that we found out we were pregnant with our first child.  We were beyond thrilled but knew things were going to be different from here on out.

A few months later my husband accepted a job as the Associate Pastor at a church in Sudbury Ontario.  Eight hours away from home!  I was six months pregnant when we made the move.  The first few months went by well as we became accustomed to a new city, a new family dynamic, and a new ministry.

Part of my husband’s job was to oversee the youth ministry. Naturally I assumed I would resume the role I had from the previous church, however, due to my new role as a mother I also knew that I couldn’t commit to that role as fully as before. I helped out as much as I could before the baby was born, but had a harder time connecting with the youth and soon had no hands on part in that ministry at all.

About three months into this new season our daughter was born and life changed.  Immediately I was having a hard time balancing the role of wife, mother, and Pastor’s wife.  I admit that at times I would even call my mom crying and asking her to come and rescue me!

We lived in Sudbury for almost four years.  And I would be lying if I said I figured out how to balance it all before we left.  It was a personal struggle much of the time I was there.  I had a hard time connecting with people, getting involved in the church and learning how to raise not 1 but 2 young children.  I was so caught up in my own stresses and frustrations that I didn’t always see my husband struggling.  After all, it was a different church then our last and carried with it many new challenges.  There were times when I felt like I was more of a hindrance then a help to him.  I depended so much on him and demanded even more.  I expected a lot from the people around me and yet was still unsatisfied and frustrated.  But God speaks to us when we need Him the most and He often speaks during the frustrations of life.  This was one of those times for me…

I remember sitting in a small group meeting when a friend said to me, “You have to stop relying on people to be your foundation.  You need to trust and depend on Christ.  People, on their own, will often fail you.  You will stay in this rut until you look up and get your strength from Jesus and him alone.”

I’ll never forget that. I must admit I haven’t always lived out that advice.  I still struggled to shake off unnecessary expectations – both from myself and from others.  Many days I struggled to simply maintain sanity in a life devoted to serving people and serving my family at home.  God’s word, not man’s becomes the foundation I have learned to depend on, though, as we walk onward together.  

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  The writer goes on to explain that there are times to plant and to uproot (v.2), to tear down and to build (v. 3), to weep and to laugh (v. 4), and even a time for war and a time for peace (v. 8).  I wonder if that is a missing piece to many of our lives – including those in ministry.  I wonder how often we try to become everything to everyone at all times.  I think it is wise to ask God regularly, “Lord, what season is it right now?  And how can I fulfill your ministry in this time and place?”  Perhaps our greatest peace will come when we learn the times and seasons of the Lord and of our life.

I had to accept that there are seasons in life.  When we had no children I was able to invest so much into our ministry.  But now the seasons change, and we have two, (soon to be 3), children under the age of 5 in my house.  Naturally my ministry will change.  Sure it looks different then before but it’s just as effective, as long as I trust and am obedient to what God is calling me to.  Stop putting expectations on myself, and others.  To instead constantly asking God to give me the strength and wisdom to minister where he wants me to be.

Have I mastered it?  Not even close, I still fail regularly. But know that one day I will get it right, as long as I am constantly relying on Him wherever and whenever He calls me.

~Luisa

About Luisa:

Luisa Parish is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and soon to be a mother of three!  She has been married to her husband Corey for almost 7 years!  Corey is the Associate Pastor at Central Pentecostal Church in Fergus Ontario.  Luisa is a stay at home mom with their two gorgeous children and expecting baby #3 mid may!  She loves to sing, read and play made up games with her kids.  She also loves to bake and eat lots of junk food, all different kinds she isn’t biased  😉  She is a work in progress and loves to watch God at work in her life and the lives of those around her!

Written By: Michelle Slauenwhite

When I was in my late teenage years, there was a thought that would continually drop into my mind…“What has God called me to do?”  It plagued my mind, in some ways, as I faced educational decisions, employment opportunities and volunteer positions.  In some moments, I felt paralyzed by the weight of that thought.  I did not want to move to the right, or to the left, so to speak, without knowing it was in the direction that God called me to go.  I was imagining the call of God on my life would be something huge ~ a meaningful and genuine way that I could leave a mark on this earth of God’s love and faithfulness!  After all, doesn’t everyone want to know that they made a difference here on earth, for the Kingdom of God?    

What a load THAT was to carry!  

I’ve learned a lot since that time, as I have moved through various seasons in my life.  I’ve journeyed from a high school student, struggling to find my way, to a university graduate, volunteering in a variety of ministry areas at my home church (at that time), travelling to Ukraine to minister in orphanages, and finally to Essex, where my husband and I serve in the Children’s Ministry position.  

Do you want to know what I’ve learned?  I’ve realized that the call of God is much more simplistic than I had originally thought ~ simplistic but yet profound!  His “call” is not this mysterious mystery that we have to strive to solve.  Bill Wilson, founder of New York’s Sidewalk Sunday (known as Metro Ministries) said it beautifully,

“If you see a need you can fill, then you’ve heard the call of God”.  

Don’t you just love that?!  And I can attest that this is true!  

It is such a freeing feeling to know that I can begin my morning by spending time with Jesus, asking Him to be the centre of my day, and knowing that He will guide and direct me as I am open and available to His leading.  

It really is that easy!  I ask God to show me where I can be His hands and His feet each day ~  where I can show His love, where I can show His grace, where I can show His kindness.  And you know what?!  He shows me, and then it’s up to me to follow His lead!  I know there have been many times where I have missed His will for my day.  I’ve allowed myself to get caught up in social media, entertainment or the busyness of life, and I’ve missed moments where I could have been Jesus to someone.

If you’ve missed “God moments” like I have, don’t be discouraged!  Just start today and commit your day to Him.  Begin with just today, and then deal with tomorrow when it comes.  Don’t overthink it!    

And another thing!  Instead of trying to find something “huge” to do for God, just do all of the little things He puts in front of you.  If someone is sick, and you can help by dropping off a meal, do so!  If a friend is discouraged, and you can send a note of encouragement, do it!  If you can be a friend to someone who is lonely, and pour love and time into them, that’s perfect!  If you can serve at your church, whether in an upfront ministry or behind the scenes, go for it!  As Bill Wilson also says, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world!”  We are all like pieces of a puzzle ~ individually, we are each a small piece, but collectively, we form a beautiful picture and can be used mightily for God and His purposes!   This idea is discussed wonderfully in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul talks about how we are each a part of the Body of Christ (each one ministering in different ways), but working together, we can make a difference for His glory!  

So I encourage you, no matter where you are in life, no matter what your position is (or isn’t ~ you don’t need a “position” to be effective), we can all be a blessing to others and allow God to direct our paths!  You can make a difference!  He wants to use you!  Just be available and make time to hear His still, small voice.  And when you hear it, follow through with whatever He shows you!  It might be a thought He places in your mind, He might put someone’s face before you.  He might give you a creative idea that you just know comes from Him!  Run with it, and do not fear that you will turn the wrong way.  If we come to God with a desire to please Him and to do His will, He will always course correct us if He needs to!  He loves us, and wants what’s best for us!  So don’t become paralyzed trying to find His will – step out in faith to whatever He puts in your path each day.  He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)!  

Michelle loves doing life with her handsome husband, Shaun, and her two beautiful girls, Braeya & Analeigh.  Michelle is a pastor’s wife and loves to see God working through children in their local church!  She also enjoys being a stay-at-home mom and doing ministry together as a family.  You can often find Michelle in high heels, in search of candy, and enjoying life’s everyday moments.