Devotionals for the Heart: Ginger's thoughts on saying "Yes" to God

On Saying YES!
A devotional by Ginger Solomon

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”

~Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)

This verse seems fitting to use it since this is my last devotion for the "God is Love" blog.

God asked me to step out and do something I had never done before, and I did. I stretched myself by writing a devotion for you for the last twelve months. I enjoyed it and learned so much.

But just as the verse says, “For everything there is a season,” and my season here at God is Love is complete with this post.

I don’t know exactly what God is calling me to next in my devotion writing, but I know He wants me to continue in some way. Maybe on my own blog, or maybe with someone else. When He reveals His will, I will follow.

That’s the gist of what He asks of us. When He calls, we answer. We obey. We say, “Yes, Lord.”

Oh, but it’s so hard at times.

It was HARD for me to say yes to writing these devotions. I’m not a non-fiction writer. Let me come clean. I’m rarely a non-fiction reader. What do I know? I read the Bible. I struggle through devotions and self-help books of any kind. I can usually only manage a few pages. But that’s not the point here.

I said yes, and I was blessed for the experience. Even if no one read my posts, I learned from what I wrote. God loves me that way. Even as I sit and write my novels, God speaks to me through my character’s self-talk or dialogue. He teaches me through the words that come through my fingers onto the screen. It’s how “I” learn best. And God is so GOOD to teach me in such a way.

As the New Year dawns in a few days, I challenge you to listen to God’s call. Say yes. Even if it seems like God is calling you to a place you’ve already been, or it seems like a step backward from where you are. Say yes. Oh, the blessings.

Let me tell you a quick story. First, I should say that I didn’t believe I could conceive children.

Oh, the grace and humor of our Father.

Three months after my husband and I said I do, I found out I was pregnant. Surprise! I was ecstatic, elated, emotional, etc. LOL

And then the fun started. Here’s the quick version:

· Son 1 – 1991

· Son 2 – 1993 (2 years, 1 week)

· Son 3 – 1997 (3 years, 4 months)

· Daughter 1 – 1998 (18 months minus one day)

· Daughter 2 – 2000 (18 months plus twelve days)

· Son 4 – 2002 (2 years, 3 months)

· Son 5 – 2004 (23 months)

Oh, my word. Seven kids in thirteen years. FIVE of them BOYS!

Our family (pictured above at my son's wedding)

I always say that God has a sense of humor. My husband wanted five children, and after having one, two sounded good to me. My husband got his five (boys), and I got my two (girls).

And it was HARD. Oh, so hard. I spent many nap times crying out to God. I was tired, frustrated, struggling with everything, and did I mention tired? AND I homeschooled them all. Hahaha.

But God saw me through. I didn’t kill anyone, and the experience didn’t kill me.

It was a season.

But now I’m about to step out of that season. My youngest is 14. In a few short years, he’ll be walking into his future just as his older siblings have done.

And the “being momma” 24/7/365 will be over. Oh, let’s be honest. It’s already over. Mostly. My teens don’t need me as much. My adults rarely do.

It’s bittersweet.

But it also means I’m stepping into a new season. And it’s a bit scary. I’ve been a mom for 27 years.

And yet, I don’t have a choice, because all those years ago, I said yes to God when he asked me to trust Him with my family size.

AND, OH, WHAT A BLESSING IT’S BEEN!

So, say “YES!” when God calls you because I KNOW, KNOW, KNOW He will blow your socks off with blessings when you do. (BTW, that doesn’t mean it won’t be hard.)

Many blessings on you and yours,

Ginger

~*~
Author Bio:

Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer—in that order (mostly).

She writes or reads inspirational romance of any genre, and if she’s busy homeschooling, doing laundry, or fixing dinner, books are on her mind.

She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), president of her local writing group, and blogs regularly for InspyRomance.com and at gingersolomon.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Discipline and Submission

On Submission
A devotional by Lisa Lickel

“…Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” ~Ephesians 5:20-21 (ESV)

In his book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster says, “What freedom corresponds to submission? It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way.”

In my quest to reacquaint myself with and freshen my faith life, I have come to appreciate prayer and worship with a renewed attitude of the with-God life. I turn next to reexamine the spiritual discipline of submission.

The word tends to make me shudder. How about you? I think of all sorts of negative connotations. But just as I have accepted that discipline is not punishment, I can rewire my understanding of submission.

At its heart, submitting means not getting my own way.

I really like getting my own way. I don’t believe I’m alone in this attitude. I like deciding which movie to go to, the kind of shoes and how many pairs I want to buy, what book to read next, when and what to make for supper, how to budget for Christmas, where to go on our next vacation. I’m right about how to fold the towels, which way to hang the toilet paper, how to make the bed, and who should go first at a four-way stop. My ideas about what to print in the church newsletter, which songs go with the service, how to decorate the church, and when to allow children to participate in worship or run around afterward are well thought out, balanced, and offered with love. Why would anyone disagree?

When I submit to the Lord, I am not allowing a cruel, controlling master to force me to do things I don’t want to do. When I submit to my fellow believers, I allow each of us to share the gifts we have been given with grace and dignity. I free my stubborn self-will from the torture of the responsibility of always having to be right. When I submit to others, I show my love and compassion by answering honestly when someone asks my opinion, not resorting to saying “I don’t care,” or “Do what you want,” or the dreaded “I told you so.”

I am learning to empathize with the world God so loved when I no longer have to stand alone in my own righteousness and look with pity on those who don’t know better. My way isn’t always the only way. It’s not always the best way. I don’t have to interrupt others or get in the last word.

What a relief! Not only can I free myself to listen in prayer and be wholly, utterly dependent on God, I can submit in deference and avoid nasty disagreements, anxiety, and grief even when “it” doesn’t go the way I think best. How amazing is that? Denying myself to show the depth of my faith is not giving in to the dark side, it’s allowing God to work through me by example and compassion.

I’m learning that the Holy Spirit leads to good decisions when I listen both in solitude and corporately for His guidance.

But I’m still right about the towels.

My Prayer: Amen and amen, Lord Jesus. Help me deny myself, pick up my cross, and follow you.

~*~
Author Bio:

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. 

A multi-published and award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories and radio theater, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, a freelance editor, and workshop leader. 

She is a member of Chicago Writers Association and part of Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc., mentoring writers from across the U.S. and Canada.

~*~
Connect with Lisa:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisalickelauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2839406.Lisa_J_Lickel
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisajlickel
Amazon Author page: http://amzn.to/2bPxi2X

Website: http://www.LisaLickel.com

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Devotionals for the Heart: Paula's thoughts on life and Proverbs

Just Life
A devotional by Paula Moldenhauer

"Hope that is put off makes one sick at heart. 

But a desire that is met is like a tree of life." 

~Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)

The birth of a child. I’ll never forget the first time. Even after seventeen hours of hard labor, little sleep, and an aching, postpartum body, I was alive (excited, strong, and full of joy) because I held in my arms the fulfillment of my dreams. I couldn’t wait to show off my little girl and couldn’t sleep for looking at her. I clutched her to my heart, singing to her. I held her when she nursed, when she slept, and when she awoke.

Perhaps the joy was more pronounced because of the months the dream was deferred. I’ll never forget the fear, disappointment, and even anger I felt each time I realized I wasn’t pregnant during the struggle to conceive that first baby.

Life is full of both the devastation of unrelenting disappointment and the wild joy of dreams coming true. Part of really living means allowing emotions on both ends of the spectrum.

One thing I love about hanging out with the elderly is their perspective on life. When my neighbor Bernice was almost eighty, we talked about life’s struggles. She pronounced in her no-nonsense Jewish, New-Yorker momma voice, “That’s just life, kid. We all have those times. Then they’re over.”

Bernice’s philosophy was based upon experience, but in it are echoes of the scripture which reminds us that weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

My daughter, now a married woman, takes this concept a step further. She calls it living “in the and.” She’s learning not to stuff down the pain of life’s disappointments but at the same time to refuse to allow life’s struggles to steal the joy of living. Her words remind me of my own journey to cultivate joy. Today I had a beautiful lunch with a dear friend. She awaits test results on a serious health issue. It has her afraid and off-kilter. There were some teary moments. Yet in the midst of that pain and fear we savored a homemade meal and good conversation. We teased and joked, our laughter ringing from the kitchen. We nursed warm cups of blueberry green tea, pausing to breathe deeply of its sweet aroma.

We embraced the and, cultivating joy by acknowledging the beauty of life and entering into the glory of good food and fellowship without denying the struggle.

So, my friend, embrace life. Allow the seasons to ebb and flow. Cry when you need to. Laugh often. Dance in the rain when you can.

Live in the "and". 

And in the daily experience of real life, remember the One who loves you in all seasons. Cling to Love when it hurts. Welcome Him into the joy. God’s love is the one thing that we can always count on. As the Brad Paisley song says, love is never-ending.

My Prayer: Father, please help me to trust you in seasons of disappointment. When it feels overwhelming, I need your comfort and hope. Sometimes I need help believing joy comes in the morning, so hold me close and whisper this truth. When the crazy wonderful happens, help me believe it is real. Open my heart to enjoy every bit of the experience, and fill me with gratitude and praise. And while seasons come and seasons go, there is always the and. I want to be real in my struggles without allowing pain to steal away the beautiful moments that life offers. I want to always remember You and Your love no matter what is happening. Your love is never-ending.

~*~
Author Bio:

Author, speaker, and mom of four, Paula Moldenhauer encourages others to live free to flourish. She shares this message when speaking at women’s events, and it permeates her written work. 

Paula has published over 300 times in non-fiction markets and has a devotional book series, Soul Scents. Her first published novella, You’re a Charmer Mr. Grinch, was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards, and she now has six published works of fiction. Her most recent release is included in A Bouquet of Brides. 

Paula and her husband, Jerry, are adjusting to a sometimes-empty nest in Colorado. They treasure time with their growing family of adult children, spouses, and spouses-to-be. Paula loves peppermint ice cream, going barefoot, and adventuring with friends. 

Today’s devotion was adapted from her devotional book, Soul Scents: Rooted. Visit her at www.paulamoldenhauer.com

Words of Faith: Sandy's story about how to trust God in difficult times

A Lesson from a Difficult Time
A Words of Faith story by Sandra Barela

One day, I was talking to a friend of mine and she asked me some difficult questions. At the end of our conversation, she said I should share my thoughts with others. I immediately put up a wall. There were things that I shared with her that I would be more than happy to keep in my closet. I could share with her because she has known me for nearly 29 years and loved me through all the ugly parts of it, but to share with others? No way! Doesn't pride have a way of doing this to us? When Alexis asked me to share, I decided to share my heart and how God has changed it through a difficult time in my life. It is my prayer that these thoughts encourage you; that they lead you to the Cross and the Truth of the Gospel.

Beginning in April of 2011, I started to have some health issues. In the beginning it was an old ailment acting up. However, that changed at the beginning of May, when I had what was to be the first of many "episodes." At first, these episodes were thought to be seizures but now having a pre-diagnosis of atypical migraines with seizure like activity. These episodes come on at any time, day or night. After these episodes, I have a severe headache and lose most of a day to sleep and fatigue. Many days, I don't have the energy to move from the couch. Since the episodes come on so quickly, my driver's license had to be suspended. The episodes also wreak havoc with my mind. I cannot think straight. I will mix up my words for days, even weeks, and sometimes stutter because I cannot form simple words. I knew it would be detrimental to the school I worked for to continue working so I went out on personal leave. I am unable to make definite plans.

So back to the questions my friend asked me: "How are you dealing with it all? Are you getting depressed?" She was concerned because I have struggled with depression and it is very easy to spiral down that road. However, this time was very different for me. This time I know that God is sovereign – nothing happens outside of his sovereignty. All that happens is for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28-30). This caused me to be thankful. 

I am thankful that God in His providence has shown me the truth of the Gospel. I am thankful that God in His providence has put wonderful people in my life that bring me closer to him. I am thankful that this disability has allowed me to minister to others. I am thankful that God in His Providence, gave me a husband who seeks Him with all his heart; who was patient and shared the Gospel with me even when I didn't want to hear. I am thankful for God's mercy and His grace. Each day that I have is a gift from Him. He could have, and rightly so, judged me on the day I first sinned. I am thankful that God has given us His Word  (The Holy Bible) to learn more about Him. Now I have been given the time to read His Word and do so. God. Thankfulness. His Plan. His Providence.

Before this ailment, I was on what I thought was the high of my life. I had been promoted at work, had a great school year and was beginning to start the next one. My kids were all healthy and doing well in school. My husband and I had a great relationship and even got to get a way by ourselves a few times. By the world’s standards, I was successful. However, I was doing nothing that was for God’s kingdom – nothing that would last eternally. I am thankful that God has shown me that I had put my work before all else, allowing it to become an idol. God has used this illness greatly in my life to bring me closer to Him.

If there is something you are struggling with in your own life – something you don’t understand. Can I encourage you to cling to the Gospel? Cling to the knowledge that God has planned your steps and knows what is best for you. May God bless you richly!

~*~
Author bio: 

Sandra Barela, wife and the mom of three teenagers, received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education at the National University and will soon be awarded her master’s in English with a focus on Creative Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University.

During her program there, she took a publishing class and fell in love with the industry.
That infatuation sparked Celebrate Lit Publicity Group! The avid Christian fiction reader and author enjoys helping other great Christian authors succeed, one book at a time.

She lives with her family in beautiful sunny Southern California.
For more information on Celebrate Lit Publicity Group, visit celebratelit.com.

~*~
Connect with Sandy:

Company sites: www.celebratelit.com, www.celebratelitpublishing.com, 

https://www.facebook.com/CelebrateLit/, https://twitter.com/Celebrate_Lit

Join the Celebrate Lit Community Forum to meet great authors, learn about wonderful books, post reviews, and hear about giveaways: https://www.facebook.com/groups/441946782665904/

Book Review: Gentle Like Rain

Gentle Like Rain by seasoned, romantic-at-heart author JoAnn Durgin is a true treasure! I enjoyed this story completely and read it in only two days.

The heroine Isabella is loveable and relatable. The hero Sidney Prescott is dashing, romantic, resilient and his love for Isabella made my heart smile.

The most memorable moment for me as the reader was to experience a breakthrough in Sidney’s journey to Jesus Christ. I loved it when he was so excited about his first prayer spoken to God—a prayer that came from his heart and was natural, not forced—that he rushed to Isabella’s store and scooped her up in his arms, spun her around and shared his delight in the Lord. It was adorable and true to real life situations where people first come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.

JoAnn, the author, made the goals/motivation/conflict for each character clear from the start and revealed their heart’s desires gradually as she moved the story forward with sensory details at the perfect pace.

Like any good story, Gentle Like Rain is not told without conflict. Isabella and Sidney had their own personal issues. Sidney’s journey resembled a mid-life crisis where he wonders if he chose the right path for his career and fears that he’s missing out on what really matters in life. So he goes to Evergreen in Maine to visit his sister Caroline. Her story starts in JoAnn’s previous book, Heart’s Design and for the full picture, I’d recommend you read it. But long story short, Caroline found true love when she moved to Evergreen and she married him. His name is Seth and at the time of Sidney’s visit, it was only six months after Caroline gave birth to her first child, an adorable baby girl.

JoAnn does a delightful job of portraying the close bond between family in this story but she keeps it real. There’s still conflict and fights that are expected in any family. However, they don’t last long and apologies are made as everyone holds their bond as family over anything that would try to keep them apart.

Another memorable moment for me as a reader was discovering why JoAnn named this book Gentle Like Rain. But you’ll have to read it to find out for yourself! *smile*

This story was not only near and dear to my heart but it was beautifully told! I would like to see this story made into a movie. It’s worthy of five-stars!

*The author provided Alexis A. Goring (founder of "God is Love" blog) with a complimentary copy of Gentle Like Rain in exchange for an honest review.

~*~

Author bio:

USA Today bestselling author JoAnn Durgin is the author of the beloved contemporary Christian romance series, The Lewis Legacy Series, including Prelude, the prequel to the series. 

Her other novels include Whisper to My Heart, Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design, Gentle Like the Rain, Love So Amazing and Love So Divine (The Wondrous Love Series, Books 1 and 2), Perchance to Dream, Echoes of Edinburgh, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series. 

Next up in 2016 are By Grace Draw Near, Book 3 in The Wondrous Love Series as well as the highly anticipated Pursuit, Book 8 in The Lewis Legacy Series. JoAnn loves to hear from her readers! Please feel free to contact her:

Website:
http://joanndurgin.com/

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin

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