Blog Post: Breaking Free from the Victim Mentality While Embracing Vulnerability

by Rev. NicoleCoaching, Community, LeadershipPosted on No Comments

Life is full of challenges, and how we respond to those challenges can shape our sense of self, our relationships, and even our spiritual growth. Two key concepts often misunderstood and mistakenly linked are the victim mentality and vulnerability. While they might appear similar, they are profoundly different, and understanding this distinction is critical for …

Read more “Blog Post: Breaking Free from the Victim Mentality While Embracing Vulnerability”

Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks Part 1

by Rev. NicoleCoaching, Community, Leadership, RoutinesPosted on No Comments

Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks: 5 Insights for Ministry As we approach the end of the year, I find myself reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned throughout my 30+ years in ministry. This week, as I coached 11 pastors and church leaders, I was reminded of some truths I’ve picked up along the …

Read more “Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks Part 1”

Calendaring the WIN

by Rev. NicoleLeadership, Organization, RoutinesPosted on No Comments

Recently I have been working on getting more done in less time. I noticed I was spinning my wheels on social media or Amazon more than I like and I thought, how do I fix this? The problem wasn’t the social media or Amazon. The problem was my tasks were taking twice as long because …

Read more “Calendaring the WIN”

Living a Liveable Rhythm

by Rev. NicoleLeadership, Lifeshapes, Valencia UMC!Posted on No Comments

This week I shared Jesus’ teaching from John 15 – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to …

Read more “Living a Liveable Rhythm”

Discomfort is the Currency of Your Dreams

by Rev. NicoleFaith, LeadershipPosted on One Comment

I listen to a lot of podcasts. I get a lot of great ideas and I love to learn something new each day. This week I heard: “Discomfort is the currency of your dreams.” That made me sit right up! I thought about last week. Last week I spent a week meditating. For 10 hours …

Read more “Discomfort is the Currency of Your Dreams”

Does it Ever Get Easier?

by Rev. NicoleAbout Me, Coaching, Faith, Leadership, Routines, Spiritual GrowthPosted on No Comments

I keep waiting for it to get easier.  Certainly, some of these things should be easier by now, right? None of what was “hard” was out of the ordinary. For example, I got back to exercising this week.  Certainly, it wouldn’t be hard to get back to this?  It’s an hour or so, of walking …

Read more “Does it Ever Get Easier?”

Meditation for All

by Rev. NicoleCommunity, Faith, LeadershipPosted on No Comments

I was introduced to meditation in my 7th grade Confirmation Class. And, while it took me till much later to develop a daily practice, meditation is a cornerstone of my spiritual life. Why? It helps me slow down. It helps me reflect. It enables me to put things in perspective. And most importantly, it helps …

Read more “Meditation for All”

by Rev. NicoleFaith, Leadership, Valencia UMC!Posted on No Comments

Thoughts on General Conference Dear Valencia UMC Friends – We are part of the United Methodist Church – a worldwide denomination that meets regularly to discuss issues that matter to its members and to the mission of Christ.   The issue of human sexuality continues to be a place for thoughtful conversation and on February …

Read more “”