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 …

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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 …

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And now, for something completely different….

by Rev. NicoleCoachingPosted on No Comments

This week I have been working with clergy and laity who are being introduced to coaching tools.  I am at El Segundo United Methodist Church with the Bishop, several District Superintendents and the Director of Connectional Ministry who are leading this training for 35 students from around the Conference (Southern California and Hawaii). I am …

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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 …

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The Thread God is Weaving in Your Life

by Rev. NicoleCoaching, Faith, LeadershipPosted on No Comments

When I was a child I began gardening.  This was pre-Home Depot days, all we had were small local nurseries and so my Mom, who also loved to garden, took me.  I picked out plants to grow and friends of my parents gave me plants for my collection.  I displayed everything on an old ladder …

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Why I Love New Year’s Resolutions!

by Rev. NicoleCoaching, Leadership, Organization, Pod Dressing, RoutinesPosted on No Comments

I love the New Year. In fact, I love it so much that I celebrate a fresh start four times a year by rebooting my life every three months. I came across this idea in the book, The Twelve Week Year by Brian Moran. Last year I tried it out for 3 months – I …

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The Six Core Competencies of Pastors (Part 0)

by Rev. NicoleCoaching, Faith, LeadershipPosted on No Comments

My husband, Dr. Jeff Luther,  is the director of a medical residency program.  That means he trains new medical school grads on how to be amazing Family Physicians. He has done this for over 20 years. I like his world.  I like hanging out with those who run the larger hospital and hearing how they …

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