Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Devotionals for the Heart: New Year 2026 edition with new writers!



Dear Reader Friends,

Tomorrow (Jan. 1, 2026) marks the start of a New Year! 

It also begins another part of our devotional journey! I am excited to announce that this year, we have a total of 26 writers who have agreed to write devotionals for my blog's tri-weekly series, “Devotionals for the Heart”. This is the introduction post.

As always, we have writers who will contribute original devotionals on a monthly basis and a quarterly basis. We also have a team of backup writers who will fill in when one of my regularly scheduled writers cannot meet their deadline on time.

Scroll down to see pictures of ALL my writers (new and old) then read their author bios and starting on the first Friday of January 2026, read the first NEW devotional for the new year!

God-willing, a new devotional will be published every Monday/Wednesday/Friday of every week for all this New Year 2026. I hope and pray that God blesses you this New Year with His Peace, Hope, Joy and Love!

May this devotional series bless your heart too.

Love,

Alexis A. Goring, MFA
Founder of “God is Love” blog

~*~
Read on for the author bios and photos of my NEW monthly devotional writers for this year...

Author Bio:


Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 


Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Author Bio:

Erica N. Bryant is a passionate Bible teacher, speaker, and author who desires to see believers live in the complete freedom and joy of the Holy Spirit. 


As the founder of Sparrow's Song Ministries, Erica invites a community of believers to get to know God by falling in love with His Word. Through Bible study resources, devotionals, teaching, and mentorship, Sparrow's Song encourages others to grow in intimacy with God and walk daily in the power of His Holy Spirit. She began The Word W.O.R.K.S. campaigns to help believers walk in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success.

Erica is a writer with several published works including devotionals for adults and children, topical and textual Bible studies, and Scripture journals. In her debut book, Dwell: Living Life Fully Knowing that the Holy Spirit Lives in You, Erica draws from her own journey of healing from childhood trauma, rejection, and the struggles of fear and anxiety. With honesty and hope, she invites readers to embrace the life-giving truth that God's Spirit resides within them. Erica believes that when you know the Holy Spirit dwells in you, everything changes.

Erica is a passionate speaker who effectively communicates God’s Word with clarity and conviction. She speaks a relevant word to hearers and ministers to their hearts, inspires practical application, and empowers them to grow in faith and purpose.

Erica is a devoted wife and loving mother who actively serves in various roles at Strait Gate Deliverance Center, where her father, Bishop Jerome Rogers, is the Pastor and Founder.

Ultimately, she is just a girl in love with God and she is a soldier for Jesus Christ.

~*~
Author Bio:

Erica J. Hill is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother living in Georgia. 


With a career spanning both elementary education and higher education, she has served as an elementary and middle grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and now works as an administrative assistant in higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media Center Specialist, Erica’s love for learning and teaching runs deep.

Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, she has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and now as one of the youth directors at her church. A lifelong writer at heart, Erica once set her passion aside to pursue other career goals—but recently felt God’s undeniable tug to pick up her pen again, this time to write for His Kingdom.

She is currently working on her first book, Worthy. Whole. Woman. It is a devotional that she hopes will be an encouraging resource created to uplift and empower women—especially women of color—to walk confidently in their God-given identity.

Through her words, Erica blends faith in God, personal reflection, and practical wisdom to inspire women to heal, grow, and embrace the fullness of who God created them to be.

Originally from Atlanta (Georgia), Erica now calls Macon County home, where she lives with her husband and children. In her free time, you’ll usually find Erica curled up with a good book, working on DIY projects, or planning her next travel adventure.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 


She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl CryWhat Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. Heidi is also a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

~*~
Author Bio:

Dr. Patti Schultz’s inspiring journey weaves a tapestry of compassion, resilience, and divine hope. 


Formerly a public school principal, professor, teacher, and interpreter for the deaf, she now dedicates her life to a heartfelt ministry rooted in her personal experiences.

As a mother to three miracle boys here on Earth and a member of a heavenly soccer team, Patti’s story is one of unwavering faith and profound love. Her decade-long battle with infertility and recurrent loss fuels her deep compassion for grieving mothers, guiding them toward healing through the comforting embrace of Jesus Christ’s garment. Living in northern Michigan, she cherishes precious moments with family and community, drawing strength from faith and connection.

Patti’s gentle wisdom offers a safe haven for women navigating pain, reminding them they are never alone. Through her ministry, she seeks to envelop grieving mothers in divine comfort, encouraging hope, renewal, and the reassurance that God's love is always near, wrapping them in His compassionate hem as they walk the path to healing.

~*~
Author Bio:

Rose McCombs Jordan is a devotional-life mentor, speaker, and writer who helps women discover simple, personal, meaningful ways to connect with God in their everyday lives. 


She is the founder of Beneath The Fig Tree, a ministry that includes a podcast, YouTube channel, workshops, devotional resources, and an online community. Through these spaces, Rose teaches women how to cultivate a devotional life that fits who they are—not who they think they “should” be.

Rose is known for her warm, relatable approach, her practical teaching style, and her ability to break down spiritual concepts in a way that feels accessible and doable.

As a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Rose brings a storyteller’s perspective to all she creates—helping women see God’s presence woven through Scripture, nature, and their daily lives. She holds an Associate Degree and a Nonprofit Leadership Certification from the University of Notre Dame, training that shaped her love for community building and mission-driven work.

Before launching Beneath The Fig Tree full-time, Rose spent years serving in local ministry, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. Her writing has appeared with (in)courage ministries, Simply Scripture, as well as in various creative and faith-driven collaborations. She also co-hosts the Saved You A Seat Podcast for Chrisian women creatives.

Rose lives in North Texas with her husband, Brandon—her favorite musician, hiking partner, and creative collaborator. Together they record music, write devotional content, and host gatherings that invite people to encounter God in simple, meaningful ways.

When she’s not writing or teaching, you can often find Rose exploring state parks, tending to her journals, or savoring slow moments in her art studio.

~*~
Read on for the author bios and photos of my returning monthly devotional writers for this year...

Author Bio:


Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 


Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a follower of Jesus Christ, educator and writer. She lives with her husband in the Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are relentless and the winters are a little slice of heaven. 


Colleen earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. This degree opened opportunities to write science curriculum, develop district programs, work with Arizona teachers, community leaders, and more. With NASA Grant funding, she was also able to work with teachers all over the country and expand their knowledge of teaching science as a collaborative effort.

Over the last few years God has placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith walk with Him. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, Colleen believes that if you fix your eyes on Jesus then you will see the heart of God.

Colleen’s writing has been published in the following online publications: Living By Design, Her View From Home, Inside Out Worldwide, Inkspirations, and in anthologies like From Ruins to Restoration, Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions of Bold Faith, and The Miracle of Prayer. She is a monthly blogger for Dressing in God’s Love.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. 


She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers.

Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog, http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Jessica also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

~*~
Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise their family. 


Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 26 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than 10 years, a Bible study writer for six years, and a devotional writer for more than four years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own journey of more than five years with broken feet. She hopes to to encourage others with her faith walk and real-life stories.

~*~
Author Bio:

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. With articles, devotions, and stories in print publications and online, Melissa shares her love for God and life. Some of the inspirations for her writing come from family life. 


Melissa and her husband Alan have been married for over 46 years. Their son Mike, and daughter-in-love Christine have blessed the family with two precious children: Rowan and Eden. These precious souls bring laughter, love, and many funny experiences, which can often be found in Melissa’s writing. The family motto is “It’s Always a Story with the Hendersons”.

Melissa is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), CWFL (Christian Writers for Life), and many other organizations.

Melissa’s books for children include Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator.

Melissa serves in Christian ministry as an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 


Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 36 years. Together, they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia serves as a coach for people to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy”—her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Read on for author bios and photos of my quarterly writers (new and returning) this year…


Author Bio:

Alicia Searl is a Christian author, writer, coach, and speaker who is passionate about sharing God’s Word to spread hope and healing. 


She is a contributing writer for iBelieve, Crosswalk, Christianity.com, and Your Daily Prayer. She has authored two devotionals, several Bible studies, a children’s book and coloring book top comfort grievers.

When she isn't writing her heart on a page, she enjoys sipping an oat milk latte while soaking in a bit of peace on her back porch swing. Otherwise, she is playing house with her rowdy little family of five or handing a hammer to her hubby for their next DYI project.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jennifer Reese obtained a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Ministry in Intercultural Studies, and certifications in Biblical Counseling. 


Her educational training has afforded Jennifer the opportunity to work with various populations—such as foster care and adoption, refugee women, homeless, under-resourced youth, international students, and local churches. It has been through these experiences that she has seen a need for women of all ages to understand their true identity as a child of God in order to experience the promised abundant life and freedom.

By working as a Biblical Counselor and Coach, Jennifer focuses on helping women and teen girls discover who God is and to know their true identity in Jesus Christ. Through her professional work and ministry, she helps people learn how to carry out their specific purpose and calling in building God’s Kingdom that is not of this world.

On a personal note, Jennifer recently got married on May 24, 2025. The day was filled with abundant joy and peace, bringing glory to the Lord and wonderful fellowship with their closest friends and family. After many years of praying and waiting for this gift, Jennifer is excited to step into this new season and ministry of being a wife and hopefully, one day soon, a mom.

~*~
Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 


She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

~*~
Read on for author bios and photos of my backup writers (new) for this year…

Author Bio:


Heather Jeffery is a Christian author, mentor, and certified mental health coach specializing in emotional and spiritual abuse recovery. 


Her mission is to empower women with Biblical truth and practical tools to navigate life’s most confusing and painful circumstances. Heather’s passion for this work stems from her own experience of walking through a progressively destructive marriage and divorce, where she discovered the healing power of God’s Word. Today, she helps women set healthy boundaries and tune into the guidance of the Holy Spirit, offering hope and clarity in the midst of chaos.

Heather believes every story matters and has a purpose, just as the stories we read about in the Bible. In her mentoring and coaching, she weaves together her personal journey with the stories of women in Scripture, uncovering deeper insights below the surface that traditional teaching often glosses over. Her approach is both compassionate and practical, equipping women to reclaim their identity and live in freedom.

Heather lives in Maryland with her two teenage daughters, where she works as a physical therapist. She loves spending time outdoors, especially near and on the water, where she finds reminders of God’s faithfulness in the beauty of His creation. She believes God’s Creation has messages for all of us if we take time to look, whether it be the fluttering butterfly that happens to cross your path signifying God sees you or the twinkling of the sunrise as a reminder of God’s unending faithfulness.

She is most at peace floating in a kayak taking in the sights and sounds around her as she spends time reflecting on God’s goodness.

~*~
Author Bio:

Coming from a Mormon childhood and agnostic belief, Kelly Patterson found Jesus Christ after wrestling with God for many years. 


Kelly has a hunger for the Word and has spent a lifetime following Jesus and going (not always joyfully) where the Spirit leads. It has been a roller coaster, but Jesus has been with her the entire ride. Kelly has a passion for sharing the freedom she found in Jesus with believers and unbelievers alike.

Kelly is a wife, mother of four adult children and has two grandchildren. Kelly still enjoys cultivating intimacy with God, time with family and friends, pickleball and her job at a mental health clinic. Kelly considers life with God an adventure that she loves to share with others.

~*~
Author Bio:

Kim McGovern is passionate about helping women reorient their hearts to the uninterruptible love of Jesus Christ. 


A former IT professional turned writer, she meets women in the messy middle of faith—where grief, joy, doubt, and hope often collide. Her work draws from decades of ministry leadership, special needs advocacy, and personal seasons of surrender that deepened her dependence on God's presence.

Kim's writing has been featured by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Encouragement for Today, Joyful Life Magazine, (in)courage ministries, Truly Magazine, and numerous other faith-based publications.

She and her husband savor the quiet rhythms of life on Florida's west coast in Homosassa, where the river serves as their backyard playground. They have four grown children and grandchildren who daily remind them that the best stories are still being written by God's grace.

~*~
Author Bio:

Maureen Miller is an award-winning author with stories in more than twenty collaboratives. 


She contributes to All God’s Creatures published by Guideposts, her local newspaper, and several online devotion sites, including the award-winning Arise Daily and Inspire A Fire.

Married for 36 years to her childhood sweetheart Bill, she enjoys life with their three born-in-their-hearts children and three grand-girls, not to mention a variety of furry beasts. They live on Selah Farm, a hobby homestead nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Maureen is a speaker, as well as the chaplain of her local Word Weaver critique group. She writes posts online via the “Windows and Wallflowers” blog where she tells of God’s extraordinary character discovered in the ordinary things of life.

Her favorite thing is to encourage others in their journey with Jesus Christ.

~*~
Author Bio:

Regina Marcazzo-Skarka is a writer, a journalist, and a lover of Jesus, her family, church, mission trips, travel and foreign languages. 


Having traveled to over 25 countries, her exploring the world has only just begun. She has also been part of numerous mission trips both domestic and international. She loves getting to know people, their languages and their culture. A life dream of hers is to speak five languages. So far, she speaks English, French, Italian and some Spanish. Her goal is to improve her Spanish speaking skills and to learn a language with a different alphabet, perhaps Arabic.

Regina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics with a minor in Romance Languages from City University of New York, Hunter College; a Master’s Degree in Journalism from New York University; and a Master’s Degree in Teaching Foreign Language from SUNY Stony Brook. Regina has studied in France. Regina has also studied, lived and worked in Italy.

She taught high school French and Italian for 17 years before retiring from teaching. Prior to teaching, she worked as a journalist, both freelance and as a staff writer for local Long Island, New York weeklies. She also spent two years as a United Nations employee in the Department of Public Information. She currently writes fulltime for a weekly newspaper in St. Lucie County, Florida.

Regina is currently working on proposals for two books that she is writing.

She is blessed with an awesome husband of 34 years and two children, their spouses and three treasured grandchildren.

~*~
Read on for author bios and photos of my backup writers (returning) for this year…

Author Bio:

Adriana Watt, founder of “Framing Your Health in Christ” supports Christian women who find themselves running on empty from pouring themselves out in caring for others struggling with mental and emotional exhaustion and chronic stress because they have forgotten to rest and prioritize their health. 


She helps them to live a guilt-free, nourishing, full, and sustainable life by helping them climb out of the trenches to see the bigger vision of their calling and God’s purpose for their lives.

Adriana is a gentle and encouraging author and speaker with a critical message for the current caregiver crisis. She is a living testimony of how it is possible to rest in Jesus Christ for your strength, healing, and to serve others well without sacrificing your health to feel fully alive again.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 


She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She is currently working on another devotional book.

This is Angela’s sixth year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where her words were featured in a book, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, that was published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was featured in Living Unbroken, which is another publication produced by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

Angela is a life coach for mothers. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. She works to help them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April of 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and more.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 21 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 13) and Ryan (age 8). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a professional actress and photographer. 


Her passion is to help women understand their true worth and walk in their God-given purpose. After many years working as a Christian in the entertainment industry, she is thankful to be able to share all her learning experiences in her blog posts and on Instagram.

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

· Finding your purpose and using your talent for God’s glory

· How God always looks at the heart and the meaning of inner beauty

· Understanding that we are all a work in progress and God is not done with us yet

Cherie’s TV credits include “The Equalizer”, “Bull”, and “Blue Bloods” (CBS). She also appeared in the PureFlix film “Revelation Road 3: The Black Rider”.

Cherie and her husband Jimmy live in New York. They are thankful to have been married for 30 years. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, photography, and movie night.

~*~
Author Bio:

Leslie Bake grew up Lutheran in Des Moines, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in English, and with a new understanding of what a relationship with the Lord could look like. 


She spent a few years reporting and editing in small town journalism and then began pursuing a master’s degree at Iowa State University in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Then she got married and later went through a divorce, which deepened her relationship with God and transformed her life.

Leslie taught English as a second language for three years at Kansas State University, then returned to writing and earned a master’s degree in creative non-fiction in Pittsburgh. Her memoir will eventually be published. It details the process of how the Lord created beauty from the ashes of divorce.

Pittsburgh is also where she met and married her second husband. They are now the parents of two wonderful children—one in fifth grade and one in first grade.

Leslie and her husband make their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Leslie has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 11 years and actively growing her writing career alongside her two growing children.

She now maintains a monthly blog of her own and is working toward expanding her writing ministry on Substack. Her heart’s deepest desire is to help others connect with God through writing.

~*~
Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, birder, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. 


She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms. Amazed by the power of words, she currently uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including Truly Magazine, The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-six years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband serve as deacons and small group leaders. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two college-age sons.

~*~
Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 


Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

~ The End ~

Devotionals for the Heart: A Biblical truth to calm your troubled soul


God is Good: Truth that Calms the Troubled Soul
A devotional by Jennifer Reese


“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”—Psalm 84:11 (ESV)


Recently, I was expressing some of my concerns and anxieties to a good friend.

I was facing some unknowns and trying to hope for great news at an appointment the following day but was also anxious about what could happen or what might be true. I was torn between desiring to fight for hope and giving in to the feelings of the deep anxiety that was troubling my soul.

As I finished my statement with “I’m excited and hopeful, but anxious and nervous.” This friend simply responded, “Mmm. God is good.” This response caught me off guard not because I do not believe that God is good, but because in my moment of anxiety I did not see how this truth was helpful or responsive to my concern.

As I reflected on those words and shared that reply with my husband, I felt stumped. My husband agreed that it was an unexpected response, but he encouraged me to reflect on the truth of the statement and let it help me to trust the Lord with my concern.

Later that evening during my prayer time with God, I continued questioning, “Why was that their response, Lord? I don’t really understand.” Shortly after, a song came to mind that I began to hum amid my continued reflection, but I could not piece together which song it was. However, after a few minutes, I was able to recall enough of the lyrics to remember its name. The song is titled “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death”. The lyrics discuss various truths about who God is—one being that He is good, which is the truth that can calm a troubled soul. 

Further into the song, it causes the listener to ponder how it is Jesus Christ who holds our faith when fears arise, when we face trials, and when the waves of life just overwhelm us. As we reflect on these truths, then hope eternal arises from within us. This hope can never be taken from us. As I listened to this song and read through the lyrics, tears welled up in my eyes and streamed down my face. I finally began to understand that the truth spoken to me was the very truth that could in fact calm my troubled soul.

I realized this: In that moment of despair, if all I am thinking about are the endless “What if?” scenarios that are flooding my head then my mind is far away from focusing on the truths of the Lord. I am not even remotely believing in God’s goodness, His faithful character, and His desire to provide good blessings for His children, et cetera. I am only looking to myself and my own resources and circumstances. In that very moment, I needed to be reminded that ultimately no matter the outcome God is good, all the time. Even more so, He is truly my only true and lasting hope in life and death.

No other truth can truly calm our souls. No other reality brings our souls true peace. In moments of anxiety, fear, concern, and uncertainty, our souls are looking for something that is true and sure. The only truth that is for sure, for those of us in Jesus Christ, is this: The Lord is with us, He loves us, He cares for us, we are safe in His care, all that happens is for our good and His glory, and He has a perfect plan to lead us through whatever situation life throws at us. In Christ, we stand safe and secure in the presence of the Lord, and we have nothing to fear. As we look to Christ and cling to His promises and Truth, then His peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), will calm our troubled soul and remind us of where our true and only hope comes from: Christ and Christ alone.

As we come to the end of another year, I have no idea what your year has been like. Maybe it has been the best year, the hardest year, a mundane year, etc. Maybe you are battling the tension of anxiety to hope that the coming year will be better than this one, or that you will finally see certain answers to certain prayers. Maybe you are having a hard time believing God is good and are struggling to take any sort of comfort from that Truth. Wherever you are, the Lord knows, the Lord sees, and the Lord cares.

I encourage you as we finish this year and head into a new one, that you would run to the Lord with a heart of hope, believing that God is good. I pray you will examine your heart and see where you are looking for your hope and peace. Is there a situation, a relationship, a job, financial status, etc., that tempts you to believe that if you just had that one thing then you could trust that God is good? Is there something that happened this past year that has caused you to doubt the truth that God is good and has good and perfect plans for your life? Is there something you desire but feel like the Lord is holding out on you? Is there something you are afraid to pray and hope for this coming year? Take some time to journal and explore where your heart and soul truly stand regarding to thoughts and beliefs about the Lord.

At the end of the day, nothing you can possess this side of Heaven will ever be able to satisfy and supply your soul with the hope and peace that it seeks. Only Christ can. May this coming year be one of pursuit in believing this truth with all your mind, soul, and strength. The Lord is so good. We can truly trust Him in, with, and through all things. Believe His goodness, precious care, and tender love for you today.

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank You for being my one and only hope. Thank You that no matter in life and in death, You alone are my only true hope. Thank You that I can experience true hope and peace as I seek to find rest for my restless soul in Your Word and promises. I ask for Your help today and this next year. Oh Lord, teach me how to find peace and hope in believing Your goodness, care, and love for me. Please teach me to cling to the Truth that You are good, despite what I may be facing. May my heart trust Your good intentions, perfect wisdom, and sufficient provision so that I may truly walk in peace and hope every day. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” by the Keith & Kristyn Getty and Matt Papa. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “In Christ Alone / The Solid Rock (Live)” by Travis Cottrell. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Peace” by Dr. Juanita Bynum. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “God is Good” by Jonathan McReynolds. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5:
“Lord You Are Good” by Todd Galberth. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jennifer Reese obtained a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Ministry in Intercultural Studies, and certifications in Biblical Counseling. 


Her educational training has afforded Jennifer the opportunity to work with various populations—such as foster care and adoption, refugee women, homeless, under-resourced youth, international students, and local churches. It has been through these experiences that she has seen a need for women of all ages to understand their true identity as a child of God in order to experience the promised abundant life and freedom.

By working as a Biblical Counselor and Coach, Jennifer focuses on helping women and teen girls discover who God is and to know their true identity in Jesus Christ. Through her professional work and ministry, she helps people learn how to carry out their specific purpose and calling in building God’s Kingdom that is not of this world.

On a personal note, Jennifer recently got married on May 24, 2025. The day was filled with abundant joy and peace, bringing glory to the Lord and wonderful fellowship with their closest friends and family. After many years of praying and waiting for this gift, Jennifer is excited to step into this new season and ministry of being a wife and hopefully, one day soon, a mom.

~*~
Connect with Jennifer:
Website: www.rootedandfixed.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rootedandfixed
Email address: rootedandfixed@gmail.com

Monday, December 29, 2025

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should surrender our heart to God


Ending the Year Consecrated, Not Calloused
A devotional by Adriana Watt

“God, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children’s hearts, freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live. God, your God, will put all these curses on your enemies who hated you and were out to get you.”—Deuteronomy 30:6-7 (MSG)

When an aspiring musician first picks up the guitar, they are painfully aware that their fingertips will need to toughen up. Calluses form on their fingertips over time, allowing them to play comfortably for longer periods, helping them develop greater skill.

The hardening that occurs for a guitar player’s fingers is a positive thing. This is not so with our hearts. Our hearts become calloused through fatigue, sin, or self-protection. This can cause us to become deaf, blind, and hardened to the voice and Word of God (Matthew 13:15).

As we welcome a new year, may our hearts welcome surrender and softness as evidence of true strength in the Lord and His deep love for us. The Lord “will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children’s hearts, freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live” (Deuteronomy 30:6 MSG). With the calluses removed, your heart is tender, sensitive, and responsive to God without any barriers. This work of removing the calluses is for our good and His glory.

With this in mind, how do we compassionately assess a calloused heart? We begin by yielding to God and inviting Him to search us and reveal any hidden hardness within (Psalm 139:23–24). In that posture of surrendering to God, we begin to notice how calluses express themselves in daily life. Emotionally, they may appear as bitterness, fear, exhaustion, or defensiveness. Spiritually, they can show up as distraction, disinterest in the Word, or a resistance to yield fully to God’s direction. In relationships, callousness can take the form of pride, critical attitudes, or guarding our hearts against pain. All of these calluses form barriers that hinder us from loving God and others.

As these calluses come into the light, God continues the process of gently removing those hardened areas. The language in Deuteronomy 30:6 is vivid. The Message translation says God will “cut away” while many other versions say He will “circumcise”. Circumcision was performed in Bible times as a covenant sign, symbolizing God’s work of removing hardness from our hearts. Spiritually, this act signifies a covenant with God and expresses consecration to the Lord. Yes, this work is painful, no doubt. Thickened calluses may take longer to be softened one layer at a time. We have the blessed assurance that God is present and close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). After these layers are removed, He promises a new heart. With sensitive hearts, we create space to pause and reflect further.

Let’s bring our hearts before the Lord with these questions:

● Where has God been faithful in the past year?

● Is my heart soft?

● Is my heart surrendered to God?

● Where do I need to surrender to Him more fully?

● Has this year created calluses upon my heart or made old calluses thicker?

Surrender is strength in the Lord. For surrender to become our response, we need to regularly assess our hearts for hardness. May our hearts, renewed and tender, be ready for worshipping God. May we always be ready to respond in obedience, and ready for intimacy with Jesus Christ. Let us enter the new year fully trusting God with our hearts, surrendering to His work to remove the calluses and to be set apart for Him, with responsive hearts to do the good works He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).

Let’s Pray: Dear God, Thank You for drawing near to our hearts and for Your promise to remove the thick calluses, giving us hearts that are soft, tender, and responsive to You. Help us let down our guard, surrender fully to Your love, and trust You with every part of our hearts as we step into the new year. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "New Wine" by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2:
"O Come To The Altar" by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Adriana Watt, founder of “Framing Your Health in Christ” supports Christian women who find themselves running on empty from pouring themselves out in caring for others struggling with mental and emotional exhaustion and chronic stress because they have forgotten to rest and prioritize their health.
 

She helps them to live a guilt-free, nourishing, full, and sustainable life by helping them climb out of the trenches to see the bigger vision of their calling and God’s purpose for their lives.

Adriana is a gentle and encouraging author and speaker with a critical message for the current caregiver crisis. She is a living testimony of how it is possible to rest in Christ for your strength, healing, and to serve others well without sacrificing your health to feel fully alive again.

~*~
Connect with Adriana:
Website: https://www.adrianawatt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriana_watt_wholehealth/
Email address: Care@adrianawatt.com

Friday, December 26, 2025

Devotionals for the Heart: God sees every injustice that you experience


Should I Stay or Should I Go?
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.”—Genesis 31:13 (ESV)

I tirelessly worked four years in a place where I felt unseen and not appreciated.

No matter how hard I worked, my new supervisor did not recognize my efforts, nor did she follow through on the wage increase or bonus that was due to me.

I could not understand why she was purposefully treating me so unfairly. I wondered if I should stay or if I should go. I started applying to other companies and interviewing for other jobs, but my co-workers convinced me to stay. It wasn’t until my sixth year that upper management stepped in on my behalf and noticed the inequity. Finally, my salary and bonus were properly reflected in my paycheck, but at what cost?

There is a story in The Holy Bible that reminds me of my former situation. It is about a man (Jacob) who worked tirelessly so he could marry a woman (Rachel) was the love of his life (Genesis 29). I would imagine that Jacob felt the same way I did because Jacob worked for 14 years of faithful, self-sacrificing work to his employer (Laban who was Rachel’s father), only to be cheated out of an honest wage. The first deal Jacob agreed to was to to work for free seven years to marry Rachel. But Laban deceived Jacob and gave him Leah (Laban’s older daughter) instead of Rachel. Jacob had to work another seven years to marry Rachel.

When circumstances began to escalate even further, God gave Jacob the direct instructions in our key verse to leave and return to his home. Clearly, it was time for Jacob to go. Interestingly, this was not the first time that Jacob was prompted by God to leave. In the previous chapter, Genesis 30:25, Jacob told Laban that he and his family were leaving to go back to his home. Laban convinced Jacob to stay, and Jacob delayed his departure. Even though Jacob was being treated unfairly by Laban, Jacob became comfortable with the conditions to the point that he did not want to obey God.

God allowed the threat to Jacob’s family to increase to ensure that Jacob would not delay any longer. Keep in mind that Jacob’s family was never in danger because God was protecting them, but the threat had to seem real enough to get Jacob’s attention and force him to act. Finally, Jacob gathered his family, packed his belongings, and ran from Laban.

Sometimes God gives us clear instructions for our lives, but for some reason, we delay instead of obeying Him. Unfortunately, we will stay in the same situation from which God is trying to deliver us. When God attempts to get our attention, it is then that we realize it is more painful to stay than it is to go. Sometimes God must push us out of our current situation to prove to us that it would be more beneficial to change, and more harmful to remain the same.

It is important to note that even in the middle of Jacob’s earlier decision to stay, God showed favor to Jacob and blessed him with Laban’s livestock, even after Laban cheated Jacob out of his wages. In other words, Jacob was paid what he should have been paid in the first place. God restored Jacob’s wages and made him whole! Laban was not pleased that Jacob somehow outwitted him and Laban’s attitude toward Jacob began to change for the worse. Unlike Laban’s change of attitude toward Jacob, God’s attitude toward Jacob never altered.

In Genesis 28:15, God reminded Jacob that He was the same God who made the promise at Bethel: to never leave him or forsake him, and to bring Jacob safely back to his homeland. God was with Jacob, protected him, and did not allow Laban to harm him. We can trust that God will always keep His promises. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is the same God yesterday, today and forever!

Furthermore, just as God saw how Laban was treating Jacob and then intervened on Jacob’s behalf, God sees every injustice in our lives and in time, He will allow us to rise above those who wish us harm. And for that, we can be thankful for such a loving God who cares about our well-being as we follow his plan for our lives.

Let’s Pray: Father, I thank You for your guidance and your protection in all of my undertakings. You are such a good God and You are worthy of all praise. Continue to lead out in my life as I follow Your divine plan. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “On Time God” (Music Video) | Woman Evolve Worship x Abbie Gamboa x Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 


She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She is currently working on another devotional book.

This is Angela’s fifth year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where her words were featured in a book, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, that was published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was featured in Living Unbroken, which is another publication produced by Proverbs 31. Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

Angela is a life coach for mothers. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. She works to help them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April of 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on Spotify.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 19 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 11) and Ryan (age 6). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

~*~
Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Devotionals for the Heart: There is hope for when life looks hopeless


Seeds of Hope

A devotional by Colette Christopher

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”—Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

“Life has been hard,” I said silently as I slowly picked up my Bible.

I paused in midair with my Bible in my hands. I could barely open this book without tumultuous thoughts tumbling through my mind as I reflected on my journey through life. I wanted to see evidence of God’s handprint over my life. I realized that hardships were common but wanted to see if God walked with me in these trials. I needed to know if anything had changed in my walk with Him.

My mind focused on thoughts about my marriage that ended in divorce, fears I had as I struggled to raise my daughters alone, and the financial stress I faced. I couldn’t help but think how the pressures of those situations that I thought would have broken me, didn’t. I’m still standing. I’m still here. But there were times when my heart started hardening towards the Lord. I asked him, “How could You allow those situations to happen to me?” And gently just above a whisper, the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit asked me to look deeper.

My body slowly began to relax as I closed my eyes and invited the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind the scenes of those times when I doubted His Presence. As I looked at the story of my life, a single tear rolled down my face as I marveled at what I saw: God walking beside me.

The Apostle Paul wrote these verses (Romans 5:3-5) based on His experience as a way of encouraging us in times of hardship and trials that we as believers we will face. But it is important how we will allow them to work in our life. Will our trials and tribulations produce endurance within us, the ability to stand under pressure flatfooted knowing that our God will keep us no matter what and we will not let go? Or will we let go because we doubt God’s ability to keep and preserve?

I saw something that I missed all these years, life was hard yes, but I endured. I saw myself on my knees, praying for God to strengthen me. It was then that I realized that where I am now was only because I was forged in the fire. Standing strong in the intense heat and flames and allowing God to see me through those tough times produced a strength within me that I didn’t know I possessed. But it was only through God’s love, grace and mercy.

I looked at my heart and with tears rolling down my cheeks, I fully saw that the woman I was then isn’t the woman I am now. God worked on my character because she stood up under the trials. I bent under pressure, swayed with the tide but didn’t let Him go—even when I wanted to—I held on for dear life.

I gently placed my Bible on the bed, wiped the tears from my eyes and thought of the seeds of hope that has been sprinkled throughout my life. The ripple effects of tribulations produced within me perseverance and strengthened my trust in God. I realized how Jesus Christ carried me through these years when I was so heavy-hearted and overwhelmed with despair that I could barely walk. These realizations brought a fresh sense of hope surging within me. Is saw how Jesus has been my hope who has always been there, carrying me in the most difficult of times.

I remembered the prayers I prayed for my children and the days I toiled for them. As I meditated on the goodness of God, I lifted my hands in worship to my God who is my Heavenly Father. I committed my current struggles to the Lord in that moment. God gave me renewed knowledge that there is purpose being birthed in the hard places, and He will use it all for His glory. I opened my Bible to Romans 8:18 (NLT) and read aloud this verse: “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Next, I read aloud Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

Today you may be in a place of trials and challenges. I want to encourage and remind you that it’s impossible for God to fail you. You may be going through some difficult days and you may be wondering where God is in the middle of this. But the question to ask God during this tough time is, “What is it that you are producing in me through this my Lord?”

I know it’s not easy to ask that question. If it was possible we would avoid hardships if we could, but seeds of hope are planted in the hard places. They spring up strong and tall when we allow the Lord to simply have His way in your life. But first you have to choose to remain in the fire and let God forge you. Remember, God is always with you just like He promises to us in Psalms 23:4 (NLT): “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

Let’s Pray:
Spirit of the Living God, I pray for the person reading this today. May You strengthen their heart, fortify their resolve to stand resolute in you when they come under fire from the enemy. I pray that endurance, character and hope will be built up within them like a wellspring, and they will look back over this time and not only see your handprint, but what you have allowed to keep them. Give them a strong hope in your ability to not only save, but to deliver. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1:
“Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2:
“Deserved” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Spirit of the Living God” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 


Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

~*~
Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Monday, December 22, 2025

Devotionals for the Heart: We should remember the miracle of Christmas


The Miracle of Christmas
A devotional by Leslie Bake

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

When my mother was employed as a secretary in the chaplaincy department at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, she told me that she made it a priority to visit the neonatal ward a few floors above her office during the Christmas season.

She said she needed to visit the newborns to remind herself of how Jesus Christ came into our world as an innocent newborn baby who was crying and helpless. Why is this baby Jesus so important at Christmas?

First, Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in a virgin named Mary. God was beginning a whole new work in His creation. The infinite, unlimited God took on the limitations of humanity so that He could live and die for the salvation of all who choose to believe in Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all human beings by Adam. Therefore, the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, not to violate her, but to gift her with pregnancy despite the fact that she had never been with a man. Secondly, because Jesus was born of a woman, he was a human being. He was both fully human and fully divine.

Of course it's not logical by our human reasoning. Nothing about the birth of Jesus makes sense. That’s why it’s a miracle. Neither Mary nor Joseph who was engaged to marry her, realized that God had chosen them to be a part in His sovereign plan. Mary had no idea that God picked her to be an unwed mother. Joseph had no idea that he had been tagged as Jesus’s earthly father and that he was to move forward with his plans to marry his beloved when she was pregnant with a child who was obviously not his. That’s why angels visited them to explain those baffling events.

But what they did know and were sure of before they came together in marriage, was the history of God’s faithfulness. Their parents taught them this truth. Joseph and Mary were Jews and among God’s chosen people. They grew up listening to their religious leaders reading the prophesies from Isaiah 9:6 in the Old Testament and several others stating that God would send a Messiah through the lineage of David. This was why Mary and Joseph chose their faith in God over their feelings that could convince them otherwise. They decided to obey Him and trust God’s special plan.

God knew we needed a Savior to save us from our sin. True to His humble character, God sent His Son, Jesus, as baby born not to a wealthy and powerful king and queen in a beautiful palace with servants to wait on him, but to peasants in a village in the middle of nowhere called Bethlehem in a shelter that housed animals. Jesus came with no fanfare or celebration, but quietly one Holy night.

God sent Jesus to make our Christmas season joyful! Jesus came to Earth to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in us. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus came to deliver people not only from their oppression but also from themselves. Jesus was God in the flesh, so that’s how God was (and still is) among us. When we can fully grasp the gravity of our entitlement, our rage, our selfishness, pride, and indifference, we are able to more deeply appreciate the gift of Jesus. Let us remember that He came to give us peace, joy and love.

Call to Action:

When the Amazon delivery of your Christmas order is late, when the malls are teaming with holiday shoppers, when the check-out lines are endless, remember how deeply entrenched our culture is in materialism, and why we need Jesus.

When the Starbucks drive-through line is 20 cars deep and you are running low on caffeine and patience, close your eyes, breathe deeply and remember that instead of feeding your addictions, you can turn to Jesus for rest and peace.

When you are struggling to find that expensive gift to impress the relative who already has everything, instead of falling in the trap of competition and comparison, remember that Jesus has already given you and them everything needed to worship and adore Him.

When families and loved ones gather to rip open your beautifully wrapped gifts that makes a mess in your lovely home, remember how messy your sin is and the forgiveness that Jesus offers you.

Even as adults, we remain messy and stinky in our sin. Our crying has not ceased, either out of grief for a broken world or from selfishness when we don’t get our way. Most importantly, we are still helpless and need a Savior to take our sins upon himself. This is why we have Jesus Christ.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for sending your only son, Jesus, to us when we were in a mess of sin and didn’t realize it. We didn’t know we were miserable until the healing hand of Jesus was on us, forgiving us and setting us free from sin’s bondage. Help us to remember what this Christmas season is about and not allow materialism and consumerism to distract us from the real gift of your presence among us now and forever. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1:
“The Heart of Christmas” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2:
“For Unto Us” by Point of Grace. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “His Plan” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Leslie Bake grew up Lutheran in Des Moines, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in English, and with a new understanding of what a relationship with the Lord could look like. 


She spent a few years reporting and editing in small town journalism and then began pursuing a master’s degree at Iowa State University in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Then she got married and later went through a divorce, which deepened her relationship with God and transformed her life.

Leslie taught English as a second language for three years at Kansas State University, then returned to writing and earned a master’s degree in creative non-fiction in Pittsburgh. Her memoir will eventually be published. It details the process of how the Lord created beauty from the ashes of divorce.

Pittsburgh is also where she met and married her second husband. They are now the parents of two wonderful children—one in fifth grade and one in first grade.

Leslie and her husband make their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Leslie has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 11 years and actively growing her writing career alongside her two growing children.

She now maintains a monthly blog of her own and is working toward expanding her writing ministry on Substack. Her heart’s deepest desire is to help others connect with God through writing.

~*~
Connect with Leslie:
Website: lesliejoybake.com
Substack: lesliebake.substack.com
E-mail address: Leslie.bake@yahoo.com

Friday, December 19, 2025

Devotionals for the Heart: What can happen when we look for Jesus Christ


Looking for Something?

A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
—Matthew 2:1b-2 (NLT)

The Magi (Wise Men) mentioned in the Bible about the birth of Jesus Christ on Earth, were very astute. They knew the night skies and saw a new star.

I don’t know about you, but there are millions of stars up in the heavens, and I am not sure I could pick out the one star that was different. I am not a stargazer extraordinaire. However, I have been known to watch meteor showers, the night sky when camping, or while at home in our pasture or sitting around the campfire. The skies do indeed, proclaim the work of God’s hand (Psalm 19:1).

These Magi noticed this new star and began formulating a plan that included a trip to Jerusalem. Most believe they traveled about a thousand miles or more to get to the epicenter of Jewish life: Jerusalem. But that long journey did not deter these men. They were determined. They were on a quest, and they would not stop until they knew the answer to their question. They were, indeed, looking for something.

Or rather, they were looking for Someone. The Lord said in Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT), “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

What are we looking for? Some may answer with: Happiness. Wealth. Health. A good marriage. A good time. Anything but what they have currently. But is what we are looking for worth the search? Are we looking for the wrong thing? The temporal thing? A band aid or quick fix? In the long run, we need long-lasting help and answers. We need hope.

Bible commentators are quick to point out that these wise men knew Scripture, most likely because Jews lived in the region and through the generations, the men from the east began to know it too—whether or not they knew the God behind the Scriptures. The point to note is they saw the star in the night sky, and they went on a trek to find the place where Jesus was—the star was shining on him as a spotlight. They looked for an answer. They stopped everything they were doing and went across the miles in search of the Answer.

God promises we will find Him when we search wholeheartedly for Him (see Matthew 7:7). Do we pack up our lives and search for Him? Do we stop what we are doing or where we are going and make an about-face to find Him? Do we pay attention to the prick in our hearts to satisfy the longing that has been there ever so long?

If not, why not? Even if we have a relationship with God already, we could have strayed or gotten off the path, gotten busy, gotten distracted, gotten bitter, or not gotten our way. Therefore, we tuned out, turned off or wandered. The point being we are not where we should be, and we know it. And we feel the tug, the prick, the nudge, the longing. Then we finally acknowledge we are missing something.

Someone.

This Someone was the baby born in Bethlehem. Now He (Jesus) is our High Priest and Savior. The Bible says His name is Jesus because He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Will you be like the Magi and chart out the course to find Jesus? Will you stop the ordinary hustle and bustle and search wholeheartedly for Jesus? Will you keep searching until you find Him and are fully satisfied? He is worth the search. He is our Manna from Heaven. He is our Peace. He is our Joy. Jesus is our Hope.

Let’s Pray:
Father God, Lord of all creation. Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God and the Savior of the world. He is the long-awaited Messiah who came to Earth to dwell among us, to go to the Cross as Your sacrificial Lamb and to redeem us from our sins. You Lord are Sovereign and beautiful. Your perfect will is amazing. Thank You for giving us opportunities to seek and find You. You are not far off. You are near, available and You are love. Thank You, Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 


Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for four years, and a devotional writer for more than two years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
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