Mike & Anne Rizzo, Author at MIKE & ANNE RIZZO

Author: Mike & Anne Rizzo

Mike and Anne Rizzo have been in pastoral ministry for over thirty years and currently serve as directors of Marriage and Family Ministries at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri. They carry a passion for personal mentoring, teaching, and raising up marriages that exalt the name of Jesus. Mike and Anne have three grown children and one grandchild, and are the authors of "Longing for Eden: Embracing God’s Vision in Your Marriage", and "Vertical Marriage: A Godward Preparation for Life Together."

Spiritual Formation

Dark Night

Dark Night The "dark night of the soul" is a term made popular by St. John of the Cross, in the 1500"s. It is used to describe a spiritual crisis in the journey toward union with God. I recently read a book on this topic, written by Christian psychiatrist Gerald…

Posted on July 1, 2020June 29, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Spiritual Formation

A Long Obedience

Long Obedience in the Same Direction It's the title of a book that I'm just finishing up. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene Peterson. Many of you know him as the author of The Message Bible. Peterson presents a solid exegesis of…

Posted on June 1, 2020May 30, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

marriage

Just a Reminder,Lest I Forget

Lead Me To Calvary Jennie Hussey, began songwriting at the age of eight and wrote over one hundred and fifty hymns. The one for which she is known, Lead Me To Calvary, appeared in print in 1921 and is a beloved hymn to this day. I fondly recall singing it…

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Marriage

A Smart Marriage

A Smart Marriage Most of us have smartphones these days. They add a ton of convenience to our lives, mainly because smartphones are actually computers, and they run the apps that help organize our lives. An "app" is an application; a software program able to run on your device and…

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Spiritual Formation

An Attractive Gospel

An Attractive Gospel If you are a follower of Christ, what first made the gospel attractive to you? I've heard it said that desperation and revelation are two primary forces that draw a person to God. In my case, it was desperation. My life as a twenty one year old…

Posted on April 1, 2020April 1, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Inspirational

The Artist’s Palette

Artist's Palette I liken it to a "parachute of words" falling from above and landing in my mind. It doesn't happen often, which makes it more special. Here's a most recent occurrence: My personal and spiritual growth is the palette from which I add color and beauty to my marriage.…

Posted on March 2, 2020March 1, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Spiritual Formation

Undying Love

A Love That Never Dies Something that will never die is imperishable; not liable to corruption. As I was concluding my reading of Ephesians this week, I was struck by the last verse: "Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love." Eph. 6:24 (emphasis mine)…

Posted on February 10, 2020February 10, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Spiritual Formation

Building A Storehouse

As I approach the forty-five year mark of walking as a disciple of Christ, I've been pondering the importance of building a storehouse. Celebrating my spiritual birthday, is even more enjoyable than celebrating my natural one. Being "born again" was more exciting than being born the first time! In retrospect,…

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

marriage

Be True to Yourself

It’s been over four hundred years since Shakespeare wrote the words, “To thine own self be true.” A more updated version reads, “Be true to yourself.” We all get the gist, right? Being a people pleaser is a barren and tiresome road to travel. I need to be the authentic…

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Inspirational

Being Thankful-Year Round

Holiday movies have always been the custom in our family. One of my faves is The Miracle on 34th Street, circa 1947, in original black and white. The movie begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and culminates at Christmas. In our home, these are the bookends of the holiday…

Every marriage thriving...no matter the odds.

Author: Mike & Anne Rizzo

Spiritual Formation

Dark Night

Posted on July 1, 2020June 29, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Spiritual Formation

A Long Obedience

Posted on June 1, 2020May 30, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

marriage

Just a Reminder,Lest I Forget

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Marriage

A Smart Marriage

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Spiritual Formation

An Attractive Gospel

Posted on April 1, 2020April 1, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Inspirational

The Artist’s Palette

Posted on March 2, 2020March 1, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Spiritual Formation

Undying Love

Posted on February 10, 2020February 10, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Spiritual Formation

Building A Storehouse

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

marriage

Be True to Yourself

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo

Inspirational

Being Thankful-Year Round

Posted on November 26, 2019November 26, 2019 by Mike & Anne Rizzo by Mike & Anne Rizzo