Dead Inside by Julie Arduini

Posted on November 25, 2020 by juliearduini

That’s quite the cheery title, am I right? Thankfully it isn’t completely how I feel, although my patience for this most unpredictable of years is running thin.

There’s been the quarantine, the election, I had to go back to my hometown for a bit, my garage door opener broke and started to plummet as I was driving in, our furnace died, and then this.

That’s our willow tree after a recent NE Ohio windstorm. The winds were so loud we didn’t even hear the tree fall. Crazy.

The praise is it did not hit the house or anyone. Although the trampoline is a goner, that wasn’t new and didn’t see a ton of use. We have a memorial garden and a fire pit that the tree missed. So if it had to fall, it did fall in the best way. I’m not excited about the $500 deductible when we’ve already had the garage door and furnace to deal with, but that’s another post for another day.

As my son and I went out to look at the damage, he noted the tree’s condition. He said, “No wonder it fell. It’s dead inside.” Rotted. No support.

I thought back over the summer. It was a quick observation as my husband and I worked on other outdoor things. He noticed that willow tree wasn’t producing any leaves. Had we taken the time to think about it, we would have realized something was signficantly wrong with the tree. When in good health, the tree had deep roots, strong support, and abundant life with all the leaves.

So many leaves and branches, that wilow tree.

Yet, I missed the sign. It was standing tall and didn’t seem to be crying out for help.

And now it’s horizontal across our back yard.

The scene reminds me of what backsliding looks like.

If the term is unfamiliar to you, it’s when a believer in Christ slowly steps away from obedience. I’ve never seen it happen in a spontaneous event, rather a small burn of little triggers.

That accidental pop-up that we look at that has no business being in front of our eyes.

Then we click on the site once.

Then daily.

Then it feeds our soul day in, day out.

To look on the outside, there’s little to see at first that something might be wrong. We’re still smiling. Probably even going to church and volunteering. But the inside is rotting because we’ve backed off from Bible reading and prayer.

Backsliding can be with any choice that takes us away from Christ, I just used an example that is so rampant, especially for believers in Christ. The results, no matter what our sin, if unchecked and unconfessed, look a lot like my back yard.

A lot of damage.

2020 has been hard. I’ve only highlighted some issues our family has dealt with, but if I truly expanded on some of it, the grief I would share would be deep. I’m confused by a lot of things and sometimes more afraid that I want to admit. But to not confess it starts a slide I don’t want to be a part of.

If this year has you moving your boundaries and making choices you’ve justified or you flat out know is wrong, you don’t have to live like my willow tree, or die like it. You are so valuable and important that God is a Master at forgiving us, helping us, and putting us on a path where our core is strong and we produce life and hope along the way.

Here’s a sample prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask in the name of Jesus that You give me the strength to admit that I am missing the mark. I’m making choices that grieve You, and I’m sorry. Will you forgive me for (name your sin/s.) Thank You for that, and for restoring me. Please send divine connections who can encourage me and keep me accountable. Fill me with hunger for Your Word and a thirst to spend my day with You. Thank You for loving me. For Your glory and honor, Amen and Amen.

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You Want Me to WHAT?

Posted on November 24, 2020 by alexanderhodde

I received a letter today from Cheyenne WY, the capitol of our state, telling me that I WILL be on their list for jury duty come January of 2021 for half a year. I will be expected to drive to Cheyenne any time they want me to. Sure, that is an honor. Our state has so few registered voters in it that it would be helping out our court system.

In other conditions, that would be a fun thing to do. I would love it. However, doctors and their family members are not welcome on juries. So I would be driving to Cheyenne–over the mountain range in bad road conditions–to be turned away because one or the other attorney on the case would dismiss me. We know this because my husband’s twin brother was turned away for that specific reason–he was related to a doctor. Attorneys don’t like doctors or their family members on the jury.

The news came at a bad time, since winter struck here on Labor Day with a blizzard, reminding us of last winter when we were stuck here in this town for 2 1/2 months by snow that had been turned to ice over the interstate by wind. There’s no way for me to get to Cheyenne without driving on that highway. It is one of the most dangerous highways in the country. And I would be driving there and back–a five hour trip.

So I sent the court clerk a letter explaining my husband’s history of triaging at the hospital’s cafeteria after 140 vehicles piled up in horrific ice and snow and were hauled to the ER by BUS. I explained my fear of that highway.

I’m sure they think I’m a chicken. So many other people drive those highways in less than favorable conditions, so why not me? Because the people who drive that highway on bad conditions haven’t seen the things I have.

I’ve asked the court to reconsider. We shall see. If they force the issue and I cannot make it, I face a fine and jail time and community service.

Have you ever served on a jury? What’s it like?

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Have A Blessed Thanksgiving by Tara Randel

Posted on November 23, 2020 by tararandel

Can you believe it’s already Thanksgiving week? While at times it seems like this year has dragged on, in other ways time had flown by. I’ve been busy writing, so that makes the days move fast for me. I get to take this week off since I’m caught up, yay!, and plan on enjoying myself by doing the things I love to do this time of year.

Thanksgiving celebrations may be small this year, but I still love to cook for this holiday. I’m very traditional, going with the usual; turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and a few additional casseroles. I always make pumpkin pie because what’s a holiday without pie?  So while the visitors may be few this year, I intend on doing things the same way I always have. That’s what I love about traditions. Times may change, but the things that bring the most wonderful memories can’t be taken away or forgotten, no matter what is going on in the world.  

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6

I think everyone can gain strength from this scripture at some point in your life. It’s so important to remember God is in control. If we let worry overwhelm us, we won’t enjoy the beautiful things God has given us, things we can appreciate every day, like; sunsets, a child’s laugh, a pet jumping on your lap for a good rub. God is good and He’s bigger than all the turmoil going on around us. I know I thank Him every day for the life He has given me, for the family and friends who bring joy to my life.

So I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, any way you chose to celebrate. This year might be full of surprises, but the Lord is there for us, every single day. I know I can never thank Him enough for all He’s done in my life. I’m sure you feel the same way, too.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her Harlequin Heartwarming romance, ALWAYS THE ONE, available now. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.

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Learning to Love by Kathy Carmichael

Posted on November 19, 2020 by kathc2

I’m still caught up in much of the fear from my last post, and as a result I found it difficult to choose a topic that appealed enough for discussion. In general, I’m quite a sunny person, so struggling with darker emotions and feelings is unusual for me.

Basically, I have done my best to fight fear with love this week, and I’d like to share this with you.


While our Heavenly Father wants us to love one another, and I do my best to hold that message in my heart, I think he gave us a means to practice this kind of unconditional love. The method he provides is through our pets.

Recently I lost one of my kitties and my son’s dog (my part-time dog who I loved with my whole heart). Battling the loss and depression relating to losing them has been difficult. At times I seem to be fine, then all of a sudden something happens inside me and I’m in tears again, so you can imagine my sadness.

But the Lord sent something–or several somethings–to help deal with my grief: a whole boatload of feral cats has invaded my neighborhood. And I caught some!

Mama kitty and three four-week old kittens have become the newest members of the Carmichael household. I believe they were sent to my door in order to lessen my sorrow and allow me to give them a new home.

6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, 8 the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! ~ Psalm 8:6-9

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving me new fur-babies to love and for teaching me that sometimes animals and people come into your life in order to give you an opportunity to help them and to love them.

Here’s a link to a video of two of the kittens playing.

kittens playing

Click the image or click here!

I hope you enjoy their antics as much I as do!

I’m sending special prayers, good wishes and much love for each of you!

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He Who Has Helped Thee Hitherto by James R. Coggins

Posted on November 18, 2020 by jrcoggins

Years ago, my wife Jackie and I were moving 3,000 miles away to the east so I could return to school and embark on a new career. The small church that we attended gave us a loving send-off, a gift of money to help with expenses, and a small plaque that read: “He who hath helped thee hitherto will help thee all thy journey through.”

This is apparently a quote from Charles Spurgeon, a great 19th-century Baptist preacher. But I did not know that then. I was sure that this must be a quotation from the Bible. I looked to find it there, but my search was in vain.

I remembered that Jacob, when he set out on a long journey east to find a wife, encountered God at a place called Bethel. He swore an oath, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God” (Genesis 28:20-21 NIV).

Jacob attempted to make a bargain with God. The fact is that when he returned twenty years later, Jacob had much more than food, clothes, and a wife. He had two wives, almost a dozen children, servants, and vast wealth in the form of herds of animals. God had given him far more than he had asked for. Furthermore, God had promised to make him the father of a great nation, through whom all the world would be blessed—he would be the ancestor of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world.

Another relevant biblical passage is 1 Samuel 7. There, the people of Israel were under constant threat of attacks from the Philistines. The prophet Samuel told the people to commit themselves to God. When they did, God gave them victory in the ensuing battle. Verse 12 says: “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (KJV). This stone was an expression of thanksgiving and worship, but it was also an expression of something more. Mizpeh is only about twelve miles from Jerusalem. The Philistines were still occupying a considerable amount of the territory that had been promised to the people of Israel, and the Philistines still had a large army that would continue to be a threat to Israel for years to come. Samuel’s monument was an expression of gratitude but also a prayer for continued help from God, a recognition that the war was not over, that there was still a long way to go.

This understanding was aptly expressed in the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” written by 18th-century pastor Robert Robinson:

               Here I raise my Ebenezer;

               Hither by Thy help I’ve come;

               And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,

               Safely to arrive at home.

It was also expressed in John Newton’s song “Amazing Grace” written in 1772:

               ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

               And grace will lead me home.

Jackie and I still have that plaque hanging on our wall, and when we move to a new townhouse in the next few weeks and prepare for semi-retirement (I will continue to write and edit because writers can’t not write), it will go with us. It has proven to be both encouraging and prophetic. When Jackie and I set out on our journey years ago, we did not attempt to bargain with God. But we were committed to serve Him. When we returned eleven years later, I had two children, a career, and enough wealth to buy a house. God had cared for us, as He had cared for Joseph. This is both our testimony, that God has been faithful and has blessed us immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20), and our prayer, that God will continue to be with us and help us until our earthly journey is over.

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Stand firm…

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Kristin

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

These are unprecedented times. Even in WWII when it must have felt like the world was ending, people had each other to cling to. They weren’t told to stay six feet apart and avoid church and worship services. They knew they were in the battle together. This “war” is different. The enemy keeps changing. We don’t know enough about Covid 19 and so the vice grip keeps tightening and we try to figure out how to stand firm and keep our families safe under the new and differing guidelines.

I’m weary of this never-ending enemy. In California, the news is all bad. “Cancel Thanksgiving,” they say. “Cancel Christmas” while we watch politicians break the rules for lobbyist dinners at Michelin-star restaurants. It’s disconcerting. It’s depressing.

And yet, that isn’t our problem. We are believers. God has told us to stand firm. He is our peace. He is where we find solace. The Word of God doesn’t change and neither does He. When we watch the news and read the latest, we are putting ourselves in the reference point of man. But God has a higher vantage point. He is not surprised by any of this.

If you’re feeling down and overwhelmed by the news, turn it off. Turn up some worship music and let it echo around your home. Decorate for Christmas. Dance like no one is watching. Pray without ceasing. Anything to remind yourself that He is sovereign. He is ready and willing to show His mighty power. Wait with anticipation, do not let your humanity allow you to forget that He is capable of anything.

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The Glass Graveyard by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Nancy J. Farrier

I love my walks in the desert. They are quiet and almost always people free. The solitude gives me time to consider what I need to do, to listen to an audiobook or podcast, or to pray. It’s such a peaceful getaway that my day is not complete when I can’t walk.

One of my paths takes me through what I term the glass graveyard. This is a large, isolated area full of broken glass and some unbroken pieces. I can stand still and for hundreds of feet around me all I see is the glitter of broken pieces of glass. 

I don’t know how the glass got there. This section of the desert has been like this for as long as I’ve been walking there. The glass is made up of old bottles, pottery, dishes, and cookware. The colors and types are many. Green glass, blue glass, brown glass, white opaque glass, patterned glass, clear glass, and so much more. 

All I see are the variety of broken pieces. Once whole, useful items, they are now sparkling bits of the beauty they once were. Oh, there is still beauty there, but nothing like what they were when they were whole and functional. 

So often, as I walk through this sparkling graveyard, I contemplate my country today, the United States. We are like broken bits of beauty, scattered across the ground, unable to perform like we once did. We lie next to other broken pieces, pieces of all colors and textures, yet none of us seem able to function in the capacity for which we were designed.

But, there is God.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,

Because the LORD has anointed Me

To preach good tidings to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives,

And the opening of the prison to those who are bound… Is. 61:1 NKJV

This prophecy in Isaiah foretold of Jesus and the work He would do. He can heal the brokenhearted. Heal them. Heal us. 

He can set us free. Bring those broken bits together and make us whole again. Make us a vessel that is complete in Him and capable of doing whatever He asks.

How do we get healed? How does this multitude of tiny pieces get put together in a useful way? 

By listening to Him. By hearing what Jesus has to say to us. Not what anyone around us has to say. But, what Jesus instructed. 

What were His two most important commandments? 

Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself…’” Mt. 22:37-39

The two greatest commandments. Able to take broken beauty of all color and types and make them whole. Able to remake each of us into the perfect chosen vessel.

As we walk through our day, let’s consider our lives. Are we part of that graveyard of glass? Are we broken bits, unable to perform what we were intended to do? If not, then pray for those who are. If so, the rejoice in Christ, Who is able to heal each of us and make us better than what we were. 

Rejoice and be made whole.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,

My soul shall be joyful in my God;

For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,

And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its bud,

As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,

So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Is. 61:10-11 NKJV

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We Have a Choice by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on November 12, 2020 by Bridget

It is no secret that complaining and negativity is rampant in our culture. It has been for a long time. Then 2020 came along, and our griping seemed to multiply overnight. But we don’t have to succumb to the pessimistic side of life. In fact, the Bible directs us to do the opposite.

Today I want to talk to you about a beloved Bible verse which you might be familiar with. Philippians 4:8 says to “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

I realize it can be difficult to remember this and to live it out. We are surrounded by negativity. When we turn on the news, there are many terrible things that make us worry. When we talk to other people, we are often bombarded with complaints. And worst of all, the enemy is waging a war against us, in our minds. The greatest battle we face as Christians, is the one that goes on inside our own heads. The devil does not stop trying to defeat us, and he knows getting into our thoughts is an easy victory for him. As you can see, it is vital for us to fix our thoughts on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable.

Negative thinking is like a cancer that seeps into our whole being. It brings us down and defeats us. We feel discouraged and defeated before we even begin our day. It causes destruction in our relationships, as well as our health. And it creates a wall between us and the Lord.

But I have good news for you – we have a choice. We can choose to turn our thoughts around. We can turn to the Bible for truth. We can ask God to help us win this battle. And He will gladly help you when you call on Him.

Dr. Charles Stanley puts it this way, “If we dwell on negative or sinful thoughts, our thinking degenerates. Feelings of pride, pessimism, selfishness, shame and destruction tempt us to turn aside from God. But if we fill our minds with the holy and acceptable things of God, the opposite happens. We begin to see and respond to the world as he does – in truth, righteousness and in accordance with his will (Ro 12:2; 2Co 10:5; Col 3:2).” (The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible.)

So for today, keep this verse tucked in your heart and mind. When you are tempted to think negative thoughts, stop and turn it around. Say a prayer asking for the Lord’s help. And then turn your thoughts to something positive.

I decided to share a picture of a cute puppy to send your thoughts in a positive direction! Haha!

© 2020 Bridget A. Thomas

Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com

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In All Things Give Thanks by Julie Arduini

Posted on November 11, 2020 by juliearduini

When I write, anything from an email or a manuscript, I say a little prayer that God would give me the words.

The other day I was responding to an email and I asked for words that would be just for her this coming month.

The answer was a blessing that she would be able in all things to give thanks.

As I have moved on, that is the answer I’m hearing no matter what my prayer is.

In all things give thanks.

Like health situations.

In all things give thanks.

Like transitions.

In all things give thanks.

Like writing.

In all things give thanks.

Like pain and heartbreak.

In all things give thanks.

Like financial issues.

In all things give thanks.

Like the election.

In all things give thanks.

All things.

It’s hard.

Here’s the secret sauce, because I asked God how when everything feels so topsy-turvy crazy.

Know God, know peace.

No God, no peace.

In all things give thanks.

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I’m a Traveler…

Posted on November 10, 2020 by Kristin

Do you know that song by Chris Stapleton? That’s become my life and this is a problem because I’m a homebody. I like the house. Home. Writing. My schedule. However, I chose to have four kids and they are all over the country. Which means, I’m all over the country because no matter how old your kids get, they’re still your kids. They NEED things. And you worry. Oh, how you worry.

Case in point: My daughter Elle needed to get from Colorado to Arizona. Then, from Arizona to California. As a mother, you can’t let your beautiful blonde daughter drive these distances herself — maybe it’s because you watch a lot of “Dateline” but whatever. It’s the truth. There are new trafficking stories on the news every night. Long story short, I have been in Colorado, Arizona and now, California. A writer must produce and it is hard to do so when you are mobile. My friends are really good at writing on laptops while driving — I am not. I like to be in an upright position at my desk.

So this week I planned to get back to work and write with my writing buddies. (We schedule a time to write every day of the week and do writing sprints with a timer.) Yes, we can do it ourselves, but this gives us accountability and a chance to have our water cooler moments.

This all reminds me that life is what happens when you’re busy planning. I planned to get this book done by December 15th for my next release, but life gets in the way. Today, a handicapped relative needs to go to Costco so that’s my priority. Because like it or not, I’m a traveler.

What comfort zone does God continually push you out of for your growth?

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Potted in Fresh Soil By Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Nancy J. Farrier

My daughter visited us recently. She works at a botanical garden in their desert collection and had the expertise to help me with some of my cactus and succulents that were in desperate need of repotting. One sansevieria in particular was so tight in the pot from multiple expansions that she had to cut the pot away. 

She is used to taking away the old parts of the plant and tossing them while saving the newer growth and repotting. I struggle to breathe when she does this. I want to save everything. Every little plant part that still has a bit of life—no matter how twisted and browned—is something I want to try to revive. That isn’t feasible though. 

My daughter removed the old growth that hindered the health of the succulent. She was careful to protect the roots as she worked and pruned. We ended up with a pile of sansevieria parts to throw away and also some beautiful pieces that will grow and multiply. By the time the salvageable pieces were potted, they appeared freer of restrictions and ready to fulfill their purpose. They were a study in beauty.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2 (NKJV)

Being pruned is not fun. Who wants parts of themselves torn away, even if those parts are dying or dead? We prefer to hold on to all those bits that are dragging us down and keeping us from our full potential in Christ. After all, we’ve become accustomed to those dead pieces. They’re part of us and we don’t want to let go.

We end up so focused on the past, working to make those parts presentable, that we don’t bear fruit. We need to shrug off what’s in the past and allow new growth so the blossoms will come and fruit will be the result.

Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15: 4-5 (NKJV)


That plant my daughter divided and repotted was at the point of not being productive. It was root bound in a too small pot and suffering from an overgrowth of leaves. She was so careful to keep the roots from being damaged. In the same way, when God does pruning He is very careful to keep our connection to Him. Without being pruned by God, we end up stagnant and unable to do the work we need to do. Sometimes, we’re even unable to worship God because we’re so mired in the overgrowth of life that we can’t see our way free to do so.

Besides our goal of worshiping God and doing His will, we need to focus on bearing fruit. On being so in tune with Christ that we desire to bear fruit. God is pleased when we do this. So, let’s allow God to remove the stifling pot, to cut away the old growth, and to repot us in fresh soil so that we can stand tall and be prepared to be fruitful. To be pleasing to Him.

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:8 (NKJV)

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Fear by Kathy Carmichael

Posted on November 5, 2020 by kathc2

Fear.

It’s a nasty four letter word, and a feeling that trips me up.

It’s probably not surprising, given what’s going on in the world right now, I’ve been experiencing a lot of fear about the future. While the fear is rational, it’s not justified because of my faith in our Heavenly Father.

Stained Glass

When I was a child, my sister or sisters and I usually stayed for several weeks with each of our grandparents during the long summer months. Sometimes the days seemed exceptionally long, especially since I didn’t have my toys or friends that kept me busy while I was at home. My mother’s mother said that one of the things I should do to counteract boredom is to memorize the 23rd Psalm. So, I did what any nine-year-old would do. I sat down and memorized it, even though I’d never heard of it before. Several times I had to ask my grandmother the meaning of some of the words and phrases. “Mama, where is the valley of death?” But this Psalm truly did teach me everything I needed to know about the relationship between God and believers.

There have been terrifying moments in my life when I’ve recited the 23rd Psalm out loud, hoping to find my faith and find fearlessness in the face of fear.

Psalm 23:

Psalm 23

I have repeated this phrase numerous times, too many to count: “I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.”

Now I find myself in a position where I don’t fear my own death, but I do fear for the future of my family, children and grandchildren. As a result, I found myself wanting more reassurance from God, and I searched for Biblical references to ease my anxieties. I’m sharing some of these verses with you, in the hope you find them helpful in conquering your own fears.

This verse is particularly calming to my soul. It’s such a luxury that our faith allows us to place our troubles and cares on the altar of God’s love.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

That reassurance brings a huge amount of joy and peace into my heart.

Here is another verse that speaks directly to my fears:

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” ~ Joshua 1:9

How can I worry or fear when I’m not the one in charge? Our Heavenly Father has it all in hand. He guides events as He intends. In my case, I have done everything within my own control to handle my situation. There’s nothing else left for me, a mere human, to do at this point. Now I have to let it go and as they say, “Let God.”

And really, at the base of my fears, it isn’t that what I want to happen will happen or not, it’s whether God’s will aligns with my own. And that’s a scary thought in and of itself. I am a mere human. I cannot foretell the future. I am not in charge. I don’t know what’s best for me, much less the entire world. I can only do what I am capable of doing, which of course includes prayer. But my will may NOT be done. Isn’t this at the very root of my own fear? Isn’t it at the very root of all evil?

What a humbling thought. My fear actually points out my conceit—my sin. Now I have a whole new set of fears about needing my faith to be stronger than my weaknesses. Thankfully, the Lord has provided direction, even in my sin:

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isiah 43:1

Reading this verse brought me to happy tears because I know I belong to the LORD who created me. He will act in my best interests regardless of what I think I want. And for that, I am eternally grateful. He wants us to be happy because He loves us.

Here is a final verse I found in which I think you will experience joy and happiness too.

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 8:39-39

It’s amazing and a huge blessing how I find that reading the Lord’s word can change me from fearful to courageous, worried to happy, and anxious to joyful. I hope you found the journey I took in dealing with my fears helpful to you as well.

May the Lord bless you!

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I Am Not a Charismatic Christian by James R. Coggins

Posted on November 4, 2020 by jrcoggins

I have been asked if I am a charismatic Christian. The answer is no, it is too hard.

Oh, I have no problem believing in the miraculous. I believe the Bible, and I know God can and does heal people and perform miracles and give His people direction.

It’s the other stuff that is too hard.

I grew up a Baptist. It was easy. All I had to do was not drink or smoke.

Then for a while I belonged to a Mennonite denomination. That was harder. Not only did I have to do what I was doing before, but they also expected me to be able to sing. In four-part harmony. No one ever expected that of a Baptist. Especially an English Baptist. (The sad truth is that England has never had a famous composer. Until Paul McCartney.)

That is why I am not a charismatic Christian. I know what is expected, and it is too hard. Not only would I be expected to be able to sing. In tune. I would also be expected to clap. On the right beat. At the same time. And maybe even dance. In rhythm with the music.

I am not coordinated. I can’t dance. Just ask my wife. It is too hard.

Oh, I know God can do miracles. But that would be a biggy. I don’t think He will.

I am not a charismatic Christian. It’s just too hard.

(Please don’t write me angry letters. I’m just having a bit of fun. I appreciate the strengths of all of these branches of the Christian family.)

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Look for the Good by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Bridget

My husband and I love going to the mountains. In particular, we especially enjoy going to Cades Cove. This is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is an eleven mile loop that you can drive through to see wildlife and nature. Countless hours can be spent in Cades Cove, enjoying the original churches and homes, hiking on various trails, horseback riding, and more.

The main road is paved and easy to navigate. But there are a few gravel roads located in Cades Cove that you can drive down as well. A few years back, when we were visiting Cades Cove with one of my sisters, we witnessed another tourist’s car slide off one of the gravel roads. There was a young bear crossing the road at the time. And there was also a lot of traffic, as many were trying to get a glimpse of the bear. In one particular vehicle, the driver got too close to the edge where there happened to be a drop off. The passenger side tires were no longer on the road.

In this position, they could not get traction to get themselves out of their predicament. In the car was an elderly couple, both with disabilities. My family and a few other families gathered around to see what could be done. We managed to get both of the people out of the car and at a safe distance. My husband got behind the wheel of their car and helped steer, as another man pulled the car with his truck. In the end, we got the car back on the road, and no one was harmed.

A few things stand out to me when I think about this story. First is the grace of God. This situation could have turned out much worse. The couple in the car, as well as those who stopped to help, could have been hurt. In situations like these, many of us would have been tempted to complain, cry, or get angry. But if we look around and see how God has helped us, it can bring comfort and peace to our hearts.

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” – Psalm 147:5

Another thing that stands out to me is that there are still good people in the world. When we step out our doors or turn on the news, we see a lot of evil in the world. It can easily discourage us. We might be tempted to feel as though there is only discord around us. But there are still good people around who will help those in need. It is heartwarming to see a group of strangers lend a hand to other human beings.

Also, this story shows me how much we can do as humans. As Christians we are called to help out those in need. But many times we allow fear or pride to hold us back. It would be easy to think, “Oh well, someone else will help them.” But perhaps you are that someone else who needs to help. We should be a light in this dark world, and look for opportunities to spread the love of God.

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1-2

We cannot allow the bad things in this world to take our focus. Instead we have to train our eyes to look for the good. The enemy always wants us to focus on the negative side of things, causing us to feel anger, depression, worry, anxiety, and fear. He wants us to live in constant despair. But we don’t have to live that way. We can look for the good around us and live in God’s perfect peace.

Post (c) 2020 by Bridget A. Thomas. Photo (c) 2013 by Bridget A. Thomas. (This is the road and the bear that I referred to above.)

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Surrendering Hearts by Julie Arduini

Posted on October 28, 2020 by juliearduini

Three years ago my sister and I were talking about siblings and their stories. She had a book suggestion about uniting siblings who shared the same donor father. Interesting concept, but one I didn’t feel ready to tackle.

However the subject of multiples came to mind. Watching This is Us definitely added to my curiosity. After mulling all the questions around, I landed on this:

What if a group of sextuplets stay in the national spotlight because of a tragedy?

I had high hopes of writing six books total with a book a year. As a mom with a child with health issues, a wife with a husband who works crazy hours, and I’m someone who is active in ministry, I’m not one of those authors that can produce a lot of quality books in a year.

Turns out, I’m not the author who was supposed to churn out this series until now.

Almost now.

Anyway, the series is Surrendering Hearts about the Hart sextupletsfrom Upstate New York. Each book will feature a sibling and their journey to find their own identity and a love like what their parents shared.

First up is Jordyn Hart. The oldest, she’s always been in control. Guided her siblings through childhood. Worked hard in college. Fought to become the youngest noon anchor at the same television station her mother started at.

Now Jordyn’s facing the unexpected. Co-anchoring a new morning show. Watching her siblings make choices she doesn’t love. Coming to terms with her father’s new marriage.

Then there’s her co-anchor, Spencer Collins. Also the oldest, he’s always been steady. Reliable older brother. Part of a solid, healthy family. Until he wasn’t.

Anchored Hearts introduces you to Jordyn and Spencer and their need to surrender control. I’m someone who can relate to their story, even though I know I never had control to begin with. The bottom line is I struggle with trusting God. And that’s a story, right?

I wanted to release Anchored Hearts in November but I had a family emergency in September that I’m still working through. While I finish up, I thought I’d give readers a taste of what is to come.

Not only is there a free Surrendering Hearts series prologue, I also have a sneak peek at Anchored Hearts.

My heart in everything I do is to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate. I’m so excited to share the Hart sextuplets with you. @JulieArduini #wednesdaymorning

CLICK HERE to receive the Surrendering Hearts prologue and Anchored Hearts sneak peek.

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