Tag Archives: marriage

FAQ: I’m not married, NAKED TRUTH isn’t for me, right?

FAQ: The Naked Truth
I’ve got questions

Q: I’m not married- so this isn’t for me, right?

Nonsense!  You are a woman!  You were created as a sexual being.  You were created to desire intimacy.

 

Whether you are:

  • Married and want to grow your marriage
  • Married and want out of your marriage
  • Formerly married and dealing with the loss of a marriage
  • Never been married and wishing you were
  • Or single and glad of it

We are all longing to be known and loved for who we really are. The thing is that our view of intimacy has been skewed in so many ways. What we think is true is nothing but a distorted view of what God intended  for us.

What if you could see intimacy & sexuality for what God really meant for us to experience?  No, it doesn’t mean life will be perfect- but it can mean that we will be seeing ALL of life from a new vantage point.  It can mean that we will understand how cherished and loved we really are- and the freedom we have to be deeply loved.

Single, married or single again!  You are invited and welcome to attend The NAKED TRUTH conference.  Registration opens August 1st at www.authenticintimacy.com/lima.

Who is coming with you?

The NAKED TRUTH conference brochures are ON THEIR WAY!  7500 should be here next week. The NAKED TRUTH brochure The NAKED TRUTH brochure

The message of this conference is powerful- pointing us to God in every area of our life- but especially our sexuality. We are all created as sexual beings. That’s not negative or derogatory- THAT’S GOD DESIGN! Chances are – married or single- we have ALL dealt with issues related to our sexuality. Linda Dillow and Juli Slattery are brave enough to speak God’s Word into this discussion.

SO HERE’S THE CHALLENGE: Who do you know that needs to be invited to this conference? What church or organization needs to get a promo pack with brochures?

Continue reading Who is coming with you?

Listening for Like Voices!

A few days ago, a business woman asked me if I thought I was doing the right thing by focusing so much of my coaching business/ministry these days on someone else’s ministry.  She was referring to all the  Facebook sharing and blog posts I have written that have to do with Authentic Intimacy.  Her concern was that I was building their business and not my own.

At the time, I told her that this was something I have wanted to be part of for a long time and it was worth it for me.  But as I’ve thought about it- it is much more than that.Becoming the woman, wife & mother you long to be

You see, 35 years ago, I was given a book called Creative Counterpart written by Linda Dillow.  It was a book I went back to time and again early in my marriage and have reviewed often since.

Through the years I’ve had several opportunities to not only hear her speak – but spend time with Linda.  I’ve listened as she lived out in her spoken words what she had written in several books by now, including ‘Calm My Anxious Heart” or Intimate Issues, Intimacy Ignited or more recently What’s it Like to Be Married to Me, and Passion Pursuit. (See titles below)

Ministry in Ukraine
Kathy with Linda Dillow 2002 – Ukraine Retreat

In 2002, I was invited to lead a worship team for a women’s ministry retreat in Kiev, Ukraine.  I was thrilled when I learned the speaker was none other than Linda Dillow.

Her topic was worship- it was the beginning of her book called “Satisfy My Thirsty Soul”.  I was the so-called worship leader- but she was the one who led me in into the Presence of the Blessed Controller.

Just the two of us kneeling at her couch.
Just the two of us sitting on her big rock near her home in the foothills of Colorado.
Then with my team in Ukraine! 

Precious, intimate moments with our God!

For me, this opportunity to bring Linda Dillow and Juli Slattery to the Lima area for the NAKED TRUTH conference is an answer to a 20 year long prayer.  I told Linda then that someday, I would build a platform for her to speak her voice, God’s message to the people in my world.

It’s not just her books,
or the times she has emailed me
or the times she has cried with me,
prayed with me
worshiped with me
always showing up in my life just when I needed her message.

But that is just the point- for 35 years, she has shown up in my life  through her books,
her speaking,
her friendship
with a consistent message.
A message that pointed me time and time again to see the Lord; lifting my chin to see His face.

That’s a message I want to be part of!
It’s an act I want to be known for!
It’s a voice I want to not only have- but build a platform for when I hear others speaking that same message.

This isn’t about my ‘business’ – or even Linda’s ministry.

It’s about what God is saying and doing in the heart of women all over the world.

Those are the voices I love listening for!

How about you?

I challenge you to listen and heed the message that Linda & Juli have to give all of us in October. Click here to find out more!

In the mean time- you can find all of her books here! (and no- I’m not making money on these referrals) I believe in them that much!

Linda Dillow

Linda Dillow Linda Dillow & Lorrain PintusLinda Dillow Linda & Jody Dillow, Lorraine & Petter PintusLinda DillowLinda Dillow & Juli Slattery

God talk from the Woods!

Several days ago I wrote that I woke with a LONGING to be in God’s presence  to bring to Him all the dreams and desires building in my heart for women to hear THE NAKED TRUTH about God’s great love and passion for them.

If you remember, I invited you to join me in the WOODS for prayer.

Even though many weren’t able to join me in the WOODS- several let me know they were praying- from Texas to Colorado- to Pennsylvania and lot’s of places nearer.  Women lifting this conference – and all the women who will take part to the Lord.

But I got to share my prayer time with Janet; passionate prayerKathy & Janet prayer warriors warrior, encouraging friend and champion of all things DEEP WOODS.  We’ve spent other times together in this sacred space, but today we shared our hearts as we  acknowledged our Great God and voiced our petitions for each other,
for you,
for the conference,
for Linda & Juli,
for marriages
for our marriages
for intimacy
for our churches
for their leaders
for our husbands & precious families.

Then we walked the path and spoke of God things that are happening- in the WOODS and in our lives.  We took the footpath to the back of the woods and as we turned the corner I was amazed at this sight.  The image immediately spoke volumes to me.

I am like that tree- erosion has exposed my roots many times already, but I continue to stand- only as I continue to dig my roots into the soul and drink from the water that gives life.

rooted and built up For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew. Job 29:19

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:3
Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:12

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.    Colossians 2:7

This was a good day!
We’ll be doing it again!  I have to check the dates with the church calendar.  But keep your eyes open for the next one.  You may just want to spend some quiet time at the woods yourself.
I’ll even show you where my tree is!

Come Pray with Me!

I woke up this morning LONGING!

for rest, for calm, for peace,

for space that inspires me to breathe new life

for extended time in His presence

in worship

in quiet

in desperation

in petition

in submission

in awakening

in owning

in sacrifice

in power!

Maybe you feel that way too!

Deep Woods- a journey with God 5 12 Well, Saturday morning, July 12th,  I’m going to the WOODS- Deep Woods. It’s a spiritual retreat center in the 25 acre woods behind Crossroads Church.

I would love for you to join me!

I’m not really looking for a ‘social’ visit- but I’m looking for prayer partners to join me in prayer:

  • for the hearts of women as we prepare for the NAKED TRUTH conference in October.  We can spend our time individually or together.
  • for our marriages and the health of marriages in our world.
  • for our intimacy with our Lord and the depth of our relationship with Him.

Will you meet me there? I invite you to wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty and bring your bug spray.  There is a mile long hiking trail that ends where it begins.  And there are cabins with comfortable seating and even beds if you need to find rest physically.

I probably won’t get there much before 9:00am.  But you are welcome to come earlier to walk the trails or use the prayer stations along the way. I’m planning on staying till noon.

If you let me know your coming ahead of time, I can be sure I’ve reserved enough cabins if we need them because of the weather. But if you forget to let me know- just come! Your presence is welcome.

God is at work!  I see it! I feel it every day!  I want to be sure I’m listening well, seeking him daily so that I can be in right partnership with him.

Join me in the DEEP WOODS- any time between 9:00am -12:00 noon -rain or shine.  Behind Crossroads Church 775 S Thayer Road, Lima, Oh 45806.

If you can’t come- but still want to join me in prayer- or if you have questions?  email kathy@greenhopecoaching.com or text/call me at 419-306-8311.

I’ll meet you at the cross!

Save the Date:October 3 & 4, 2014

THE NAKED TRUTH- the conference!save the date

OCTOBER 3 & 4, 2014 Shawnee Alliance Church, Lima, OH

For more information, click here!

If you are  a woman who connects with women, click here!

If you are a woman with more questions, email kathy@greenhopecoaching.com 

I don’t dance, I’m a preacher’s kid!

Don’t laugh!  I recently had someone ask how I got from the kid who wouldn’t dance to a life coach that is using the CELEBRATE THE DANCE as one of her signature events.

Untitled design (2)don’t dance, I’m a preachers kid! That’s what I used to say as a young girl that got invited to parties.  I don’t dance!   My dad’s profession took the brunt of it regarding things I felt I shouldn’t do.

My dad’s a preacher, I don’t drink. My dad’s a preacher,  I don’t go to movies.

My dad’s a preacher… i only play Rook!

The only thing all of that had to do with my dad was that I was living out his standards for life.  But I really had not made them my own.

Honestly, I didn’t drink because I didn’t have a taste for it at all.  Still don’t! And I didn’t like what it did to my friends that had too much.

I did understand the importance of what movies I viewed- the whole ‘garbage in, garbage out’ philosophy made good sense to me.  That still applies. But I do love a good story.

The card thing- well, I never really got that- unless that it was involved with gambling of some sort.  But that’s never  been part of my game.

But dancing—that has been a lifelong processing for me.  Now I did get that as a young teen, dancing was a way for physical touch that might ‘lead to things’ as they often did when a fire was ignited before it’s time.  And there was often uncontrolled drinking associated with dancing!  So…I got that too!

The interesting thing to me is that I always felt like ‘dancing!’ It was part of so much of what I did! Even as a kid! I used my hands when I talked- a lot!  In some ways, that is like dance. Movement to express yourself. I heard music and my body felt the rhythm- not inappropriately- but wholy! To the very core of my being! and HOLY in worship!

I read the Bible and it talked about dancing- before the Lord!  Lifting my hands to him!  Praising him with my whole being!

What’s more- when I got married, my husband liked to dance! He honored my ‘I don’t dance!” even though he didn’t understand all my reasons.

Untitled design (3)But in recent years, I sensed a growing desire in me to dance! In my marriage, in worship, in my yard, as I clean, etc…my whole being praising the Lord, delighting in the closeness of my husband, celebrating life!

Eric Little, whose story is told in Chariots of Fire, once said, “When I run, I feel His pleasure!”

That how I feel!  When I dance- be it still quite moderately and unskilled- I feel God’s pleasure!  I feel my husband’s love!  I feel joy!  For a preacher’s kid who was more aware of the ‘judgement’ of God than His pleasure- this is a big step for me!

Why do we dance at CELEBRATE THE DANCE? Because it is an active way to be close, to experience the presence of our mate,  and to feel HIS pleasure!

Why don’t you dance?  or are you?  What’s the quality of your dance?  I can usually tell how our marriage is doing by how we ‘dance’ in it!

I challenge you to CELEBRATE YOUR DANCE with us – Sunday, June 8th at 3:00pm.  We’ll have a one hour dance lesson and then talk about what you learned about your marriage out on the dance floor! You will be surprised what you learn!

We have a few more spaces open yet for Sunday!  Let me, Kathy, know today that you would like to come.  Call or text me at 419-306-8311. Or email me at kathy@greenhopecoaching.com.

Need more information, feel free to call or click here to see the invitation.

I honestly  love saying to people, “See you at the dance!”

Dancing for the long haul!

R&K2  June 9 79

Thirty-five years ago, Ren and I started this dance.  We dated 5 years before that, but on June 9, 1979 we said “I do” to things we only thought we understood. We’ve spent everyday since then figuring out the steps.

We danced our way through Bible College & Seminary, trying to find a rhythm between jobs, classes, music recitals, and the studying that had to happen in between.

We excitedly danced through the birth of our first daughter Caitlin and a move to Pennsylvania where Ren had his first job as a pastor.

Then with joy we upped the tempo of the dance as Brielle & Leisha were born and then we made a move to Ohio.  The sign at the Ohio state line as we drove in said “The Heart of It All”.  In many ways it has been!

Over the years since then, Ren & I have learned:
the slow dance, square dance, line dance,
the jig, the bunny hop, the boogie woogie, the cha cha, the chicken
and even some break dancing.

Oh, you wouldn’t know it to see us on the dance floor, because they were not the actually dance moves.  Just ways we learned to deal with life and live together. Not bad for a preacher’s daughter that ‘didn’t dance’.

Rennie & Kathy dancingLast year, we danced again, this time at the wedding of both of our daughters.  What an amazing time to see them begin their own dances with terrific dance partners.  As we pondered the places and emotions of our dance, we imagined so much of what is ahead for them- the good, the really good, the not-so-much! Even the dances that might try to ‘break’ them.

There were times when one or the other of us wondered if our marriage could survive. Even if you have committed to stay married, sometimes the thought crosses your mind that it would be easier to not be married.  But I’m grateful to say when that happened, the other partner was willing to do what needed to be done to fight for it.

But what would have happened if we had not prepared ourselves for the tough times; if we had not built our vision for our relationship so we knew how we wanted to respond when we felt like throwing in the towel.

We’re going to see what we can learn on the dance floor at CELEBRATE THE DANCE, next Sunday, June 8th
at 3:00pm at Tanya’s School of Dance, Lima.

Some of what we are going to talk about is:

Why did you get married?

Why do you stay married?

What does a vision for your marriage look like?

How do you even do that with all the variable life throws at you?

What does looking ahead do for us if we are struggling in our dance?

These are some of the questions we will be discussing at CELEBRATE THE DANCE! Join us won’t you?  (Click here for more details.)

We’re celebrating 35 years!  We would love for you to join us. Bring your sweetheart and invest in the relationship of a lifetime!

Your great marriage starts with you!

Kathy & Rennie

Celebrate the Dance!

Several years ago, our family (Ren & I, along with our girls) joined two other families for a ballroom dance class. There were just enough boys for the amount of girls we had.  As we “attempted’ to dance, I was struck by the story each pair of dancers conveyed. We had the young partners who were just discovering the joys of being in the presence of the opposite sex.  To even hold the hand of their partner was fun.  Every fiber in their being was paying attention to what was happening- or what needed to happen to make this dance work. We had the parents- all of us married different lengths of time,    focusing on learning the moves, but also struggling with communicating on the dance floor.  It was enjoyable, but usually one partner was trying harder than the other.  One partner was getting the steps more easily than the other.  It made for jerky and awkward movement around the dance floor. I began to see in our own dance how Ren and I were dealing with issues on the dance floor that were similar to our marriage relationship. Ren was working so hard to do it right- I just wanted to have fun! The difference in philosophy definitely affects the grace- or ungrace- with which you ‘float romantically around the room.” HA! I whispered in Rennie’s ear, “This would be great premarital counseling for couples.”   He just laughed and said, “left, quick, quick, right, quick, quick”. So much for that!!! But when Green Hope Coaching began, and I saw the need couples had for some easier ways to have the harder discussions, I realized that GHC could build a platform for couples on the dance floor.  Oh, I never intend for it to be a show place or a reality TV show.  But a space for couples to enjoy each other’s presence while identifying what works for them- and what doesn’t – on and off the dance floor. Our signature event, CELEBRATE THE DANCE was introduced. DANCE TITLE Several times a year, Rennie & I partner with Tanya & Doug Shafner of Tanya’s School of Dance in Lima and invite area couples to join us for one hour of ballroom dance lessons with one hour of group/ couple conversation about what we learned about our marriage dance. Here are some of the comments we have heard: “How did you know what questions to ask?  I didn’t think my husband was capable of saying something like that to me- or about me?  Thank you!  It was so special to me to hear him say those words. ” “I never knew how much I was fighting against my spouse. Neither of us see any progress that way.  If we worked together, we both got where we wanted to be and enjoyed the process.”Who would have thought having the hard conversation could be so much fun!  I was dreading this- but it was really enjoyable.” One husband said, “I only came because I knew my wife would love this.  But I’ll have to admit, the benefit of honoring her in this was worth it all the way around.” So… Here’s your invitation to the Dance! CELEBRATE YOUR DANCE! June 8th, 2014 at 3:00pm at Tanya’s School of Dance, Lima, Ohio To register, click the link. Make a date with your sweetheart and join Ren and I for a enjoyable afternoon with other couples who want to grown their marriages also. Guys, Doug Schafner of Tanya’s School of Dance said to tell you, “If you can learn a football play, you can learn to dance. Besides, if your lady loves it- you will too!” How about it?  Celebrate the Dance is all about helping each of us Become One- on and off the dance floor!

The NAKED Truth! the conference

I know- in days gone by we couldn’t even say the word ‘naked’ in public, let alone write about it or talk about NAKED TRUTH!

But that what we are doing- opening the discussion about intimacy- spiritually, emotionally, and sexually.  And what is more we are looking at reclaiming God’s design for intimacy.  The conversation is open, honest and unafraid.

Plan now to attend the conference called THE NAKED TRUTH: about You!  about Sex! About God!  Authors and Speakers, Linda Dillow and Dr Juli Slattery, from Authentic Intimacy, will be our special guides on

Friday evening, October 3
and Saturday morning, October 4
at Shawnee Alliance Church, Lima, OH.

Women of all ages and all seasons of life, married or single, are invited to come, to learn, to heal!

Mark your calendars now!  Registration details will listed soon.

Want to know more about Linda & Juli- and their message- go to www.authenticintimacy.com.AI webbanner