Saturday, March 2, 2013

Recently my church offered a 6 part series called Jesus: The Guy Who Revolutionized Life for Women

It is a great series, and I had the honor of guest posting for the 6th installment. To read it, or all of the guest posts, you may find the series here: Jesus: The Guy Who Revolutionized Life for Women Series.
Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

Chatty Kelly

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Best Parenting Advice

What is your best parenting advice? That was the question asked by Parenting Magazine, at Parenting.com. And it's seems a lot of people had answers.  First Lady Michelle Obama. Actress Tori Spelling. And lots of other folks, including...me. 

You can read the article in it's entirety here: Best Parenting Advice Article.

What is your best parenting advice? I'd love to hear it in the comments section of my blog.

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

Chatty Kelly

Monday, February 25, 2013

7 Un-Scary Ways to Share Your Faith


As Christians, we are supposed to share our faith. Jesus told us that in the "Great Commission." Still, the truth is, it's hard to go up to someone and say, "Hey, do you know Jesus?" It's scary. We don't want to be rejected.  

So here are 7 Un-Scary Ways to Share Your Faith.

1. At Church. Really? Doesn't everyone there already know Jesus? While most people at your church know of Jesus, they don't all know Jesus. Not only that, sometimes those of us who know Jesus are the very ones who could use some inspiration and encouragement. So share your faith at church, without fear.

2. With Your Attitude. I was in a stressful place - the hospital waiting room - yet the desk clerk told me, "You are the happiest person I have ever seen here." I responded, "Life is too short to be miserable," then after a moment I added, "especially when you have the joy of the Lord." She grabbed my hand, squeezed it, and responded, "I knew it!"  To paraphrase comedian Ken Davis, if you have the joy of the Lord...tell your face.

3. In Writing. Want to share your faith story, but too scared to do it verbally? Write it! Share it in your local paper's faith section, your church newsletter, or even start your own blog. (That's how I got started). It's less scary to share your story in a venue where you're unlikely to experience face-to-face rejection. 

4. In Response. A friend shares with you a hard time they're going through. Now is the perfect time not only to tell them how sorry you are, but to offer to pray for them. Very few people in crisis are going to turn down your offer of prayer. Then do it. Right there. Out loud. The power of prayer can be quite moving and make a big difference in some one's life.

5. With a Pin. Once a client asked me, "Where do you go to church?" I was shocked by his question initially, as it was so outside the cultural norm. Then I realized he saw my fish pin (the symbol of Christianity), and it opened the door to share my church and my faith. I recently saw someone wearing an "I Pray" pin. I was able to point to it and say, "Me too!"

6. By Your Music. I listen to contemporary Christian music in the car, at home, and even when I worked outside the home. It is a great non-threatening way to share your faith when someone asks you about what artist, song or station you're listening.

7. By Your Influence. After I became a stay-home mom, a previous co-worker contacted me. His son was facing a dangerous operation and he emailed me saying he knew I was someone "who believed in the power of prayer." I was shocked. We'd never really had a faith conversation in the 5 years we worked together. Yet, 12 years later, he remembered me as someone to come to for prayer. Never underestimate the power of your influence.

There is a big emphasis put on Jesus words, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." 

But sharing your faith doesn't have to be scary. You don't have to shout it from the rooftops. God is often found in the gentle whisper.
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

Chatty Kelly