Author: Starla

Name: Starla Smith. Top titles: Wife, Mom, and Lala What I do: Executive Pastor at Springs of Life Church What I Enjoy: I love coffee, sunshine, cinnamon candy, llama's, photo quotes, books, and all things media. I love to write and share what God is giving. What I am Passionate about: I want to see people find Jesus and freedom in their soul through the renewing of the mind which is the gatekeeper of the heart. Personal Mission Statement: Fearless in Living, Faithful in All, Forward Regardless My Favorite Quote: Don’t worry about tomorrow, God is already there.

The God who comes without warning!

I love how God speaks. He has a way of communicating that is able to touch directly my heart in such a way that it is undeniably Him and it is expressed in a way that I not only understand but also is wrapped in language that I get and it draws me into Him. He…

Chewing Fennel: When the Lord Sends a Breath of Fresh Air

A couple years ago I started the journey to become a credentialed minister. Over a years time, all my margin was spent studying and taking online courses then I entered into a coaching and interview process. This transition space has moved me from youth coordinator to becoming the NextGen Pastor of my church. We launched a…

Kathy Nagel: The Power of Transforming Grace

When I first met Kathy it was on a Sunday morning. She had come to church with Kenny and Anita. Anita is Kathy’s cousin. She was polite but a little standoffish. I think at the moment she was trying to figure out if she even liked this place. She kept coming to church but where…

Things I want my children to know

I was reading a blog and a father had written down things that he wanted his daughter to know when she went off to college. There are some things I want my kids to know. If you are a parent I encourage you to do this. 1. Always be who you are. No one you…

Captivated Thoughts: One Foot in Front of The Other

I took a break from this blog, posted here and there. To be honest, a good friend of mine, a man named Tim Polk died and well I hit pause on the blog. One of my greatest cheerleaders went home to be with Jesus suddenly. He was such an encouragement to me. He spoke God…

Does God Wear A Broken Crown?

Working for the church is a lot of work but also a lot of fun. I have often said to myself over the years when growing up and in young adulthood “It would be nice if I could just get a career in talking.” It is funny how God knows us so well that He…