Devotionals for the Heart: How to sit in someone's sorrow and share hope

A Love that Won’t Try to Fix Anything
A devotional by Patti Schultz, Ed.D.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

—Romans 12:15 (NKJV)

There is a love that never tries to fix anything. It pulls up a chair. It sits down in someone else's sorrow and refuses to leave early. Scripture gives that love a name.

Grief rarely knocks. It just arrives; however it wants, and it never leaves the way it came. Denial doesn't announce itself. It shows up in small, harmless-looking ways: two cups of coffee poured out of habit before she remembers or a hand reaching for the phone to call someone who won't answer. This is not foolishness. It is a heart taking in only as much truth as it can hold. If you love someone in this fog, don't correct it. Just sit with her.

Then anger comes, and it comes hot. Her fists clench. Her questions grow edges. Why this? Why now? This fire is usually love with nowhere left to go. I've learned it doesn't need to be tidied up. It just needs room to burn.

Bargaining follows close behind, the quiet negotiations that circle back at two in the morning. What if we had caught it sooner? What if that last conversation had gone differently? These thoughts rarely lead anywhere, and they do not have to. They only need somewhere safe to be spoken aloud, and sometimes that somewhere is simply you, listening without trying to answer.

Depression settles in without asking permission. It moves into her shoulders, into her mornings, into the space behind her eyes. There is no silver lining that fits here. What she needs is someone willing to sit down inside the weight with her, unafraid of the quiet.

And somewhere in there, unevenly and without a schedule, acceptance arrives. Not because the loss shrinks but because she learns to carry it differently. It rarely comes on the timeline anyone expects, and no one should feel late for it. I learned all of this in a season I never would have chosen. I was moving through recurrent pregnancy loss, one IVF cycle after another, grief tucked into ordinary moments: a grocery aisle, a baby shower I couldn't skip, and the silence after another test result.

One cold evening I returned to a support group, to show a young woman how to compound or mix her own in vitro fertilization (IVF) injection medication. Her hands were shaking, just as mine had been through the years. I expected this support group, this task, this assistance would be too emotionally hard for fragile me. Instead, I felt a peace I hadn't felt in years, not because my own grief had lifted, but because it had finally found somewhere to go. Holding her hand steady, I watched two griefs sit in the same small room without either one needing to leave.

That is the day Romans 12:15 stopped being a verse to me. It became something I lived. To mourn with those who mourn is to walk into someone's sorrow and stay a while. No agenda. No timeline. No requirement that she feel better before you're willing to sit down. This is love with its sleeves rolled up.

Let's Pray:

Lord, teach us to sit before we speak. Give us the courage to stay in rooms that feel too heavy, and the humility to receive comfort when we are the ones grieving. Where we are angry, meet us gently. Where we are numb, meet us patiently. And when you place someone in our path who is hurting, let our presence be enough. Let it look like You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Rest On Us” (feat. Brandon Lake & Eniola Abioye) | Maverick City Music | UPPERROOM | TRIBL Listen to it here. 

Song of Reflection #2: “Way Maker” by Leeland (ASL cover by Deaf Millennial Project). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Build My Life” by Pat Barrett (ASL cover). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Sound of Surviving” by Nichole Nordeman. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

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.

Living in northern Michigan, she cherishes precious moments with family and community, drawing strength from faith and connection.

~*~
Connect with Patti:
Website: pattischultz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pattischultz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Patti.Schultz
Email: dr.patti.schultz@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to love someone who is experiencing grief

How to Love Someone Whose Grief Hides Behind a Smile
A devotional by Patti Schultz, Ed.D.

Note: July is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. It is a time to remember and sit gently with those who carry the weight of losing a child, at any age or stage.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

She's the first face you see on Sunday mornings with bright blonde hair, a hand on the door, blue eyes that crinkle at the corners because the smile is the real kind, the kind that reaches all the way up. In her thirties, she remembers names, personal life stories, prayer requests, and little triumphs to cheer you on and praise God for.

What most people at the door don't know is how many babies have been said goodbye to. Enough to be a soccer team. But that number is carried quietly. It is folded small enough to fit behind that smile every week. No one hears about the nurseries never used, the due dates that came and went with empty arms, or the anniversary dates only a numb, grieving couple remembers. The bulletin still gets handed over. “How was your week?” is a question that still gets asked and meant.

It's easy to mistake this kind of joy for a life untouched by sorrow. But grief rarely announces itself. More often, it greets you warmly at the door and goes home to a quiet house. You don't have to have buried a child to know someone carrying an absence like that. And once you know, a natural question follows: What do I do with this?

If you know a woman who is suffering in silence and want to help, just love her well. Here are a few good ways to do that:

Say the name. If you know the name(s) of the child(ren), use them. Avoiding the name does not protect them from the pain.

Remember the date, not just the moment. A due date, a birthday, a loss anniversary. A short text like “thinking of you and (the baby’s name) today” on that date means more than anything said in the immediate aftermath.

Let go of timelines. Grief doesn't resolve on a schedule. Someone can be five, ten, or twenty years out and still be undone by a certain song or an aisle at the store. It is not a setback. It is pure love with nowhere to go.

Sit in the discomfort instead of filling it. You don't need the right words. “I don't know what to say, but I'm here” is often more healing.

Psalm 34:18 does not say God is close to the healed or those who've moved on. It says He is close to the brokenhearted. It is present tense, in the middle of the breaking. But Scripture doesn't stop at describing God's posture; it gives us one too. The Apostle Paul wrote these words in the Bible: “Mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15) and “Carry each other's burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Notice that neither verse says “fix” or “explain”. They say mourn with and carry. That's the whole assignment—walk close enough that she isn't carrying it alone.

Let’s Pray:

Lord,

You see the empty chair and the dates that ache. Be close to every parent carrying a loss the world can't fully see. Give me eyes to see the grief hidden behind a smile and the humility to know I won't ever fully understand it. Take away my need to say something perfect and replace it with the willingness to simply stay. Show me the names, the dates, and the small moments where love is needed most. Mold me into someone who mourns with those who mourn.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship, Cover in ASL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Because He Lives” by Caleb & Kelsey Cover / ASL by Megg Rose. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Yet Not I But Christ in Me” by CityAlight/ ASL Cover. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Every Single Tear” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “The God Who Sees” by Nicole C. Mullen. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

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.

Living in northern Michigan, she cherishes precious moments with family and community, drawing strength from faith and connection.

~*~
Connect with Patti:
Website: pattischultz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pattischultz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Patti.Schultz
Email: dr.patti.schultz@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God cares about every single tear you cry

Tears in a Bottle
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”—Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

When I was a little girl, I used to enjoy spending time with my family, especially on summer vacations. One of our favorite places to visit was a town called Chincoteague in Virginia. We used to travel by car from my home state of New Jersey to Virginia and just spend time doing family activites in the area, including visiting the beach.

Although we visited other beaches, Chincoteague Beach was significant to me because this was the place where I started my first collection of seashells. Most people enjoy the beach for the water or possibly relaxing in the sun, but my objective was different.

I vividly remember walking along the beach, gathering shells that were sprinkled all over the sand. One thing I noticed was that none of the shells were the same. Even though the seashells may have been the same type of shell, there were still variations either in the hard exterior or the smooth interior of the shell. Each seashell was unique and each seashell had a story, depending on where I found it. I placed them in a bottle where I was able to admire their beauty.

My time collecting seashells at the beach and placing them in a special bottle reminds me of God, our Father in Heaven, having a special bottle that holds a collection of our tears.

God cares about us so much that He keeps track of all of our sorrows and records them in a book. Every tear we cry after a difficult situation comes our way is significant to God. Not even one tear is overlooked. Instead, He collects them all and attends to each one. Every heartache is unique and touches the heart of God. It may be the result of similar situations, but each situation is distinctive in its own way. God knows your story. 

Tears are a language that God understands and we can be certain that we can find healing in His loving care.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, It comforts me just to know that You are collecting my tears and recording my sorrow. There is never a moment when You are not aware of the pain that I am feeling. Thank you for Your healing touch and Your peace in the middle of my storm. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Every Single Tear” by Scott Krippayne. 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, and she is currently working on another devotional book that will be introduced in 2023.

This is Angela's third 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 the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book is titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in another publication from Proverbs 31 Ministries, called Living Unbroken.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing and speaking.

Angela is a Mom Life Coach. 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. These tools equip them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 18 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 10) and Ryan (age 5). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling.

She treasures spending quality time with her family.

~*~
Connect with Angela:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/
Facebook (personal): https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook (Author page): https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/

Note: Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to free your mind from negative thoughts

Captive Thoughts
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”—2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

My mother died 22 years ago, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Yesterday, while driving, I realized that I was descending into a grief spiral and depression. I didn’t want to go there. I started thinking of ways to stop the spiral. My brain searched for ways to meet the command I had given it.

Soon, four Bible verses and some literary quotes blazed into my mind.

The first one was Proverbs 23:7 (KJV). It says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” So many of our negative perspectives are like jails and our minds are prisoners of our thoughts.

A second verse that quickly pierced my thought stream was 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV). It says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

We can fight with and win release from stinking thinking.

The third arrow of light that pierced the enveloping darkness around me was written by Napoleon Hill in his book Think and Grow Rich. He said, “The individual must control his deepest perceptions of himself lest he be overwhelmed by the forces of negativism and defeat in those around him.”

My soul, defying the gravitational pull of despair, began to soar again.

The point here is that God has given us strong minds. Almost everyone experiences fleeting thoughts of fear, malice, insufficiency and/or ideas that are incongruent with the bedrock principles that inform and guide our lives. Those thoughts are fleeting because they just don’t fit. Those that linger and become delusions or fantasies must be handled much more aggressively. 

They must be combatted, vigorously.

Reasoning and discussion will not suffice. Like weeds in a garden, those thoughts must be met with destructive intent. The emotional constructs that underlie our lusts and weaknesses must meet the wrecking balls of faith, conviction and submission. The deconstruction of sinful thoughts is combat. If there are survivors, they must become captors, prisoners of war. They must be confined, reeducated and redirected. We do this by our knowledge of Christ, His will and His word.

The fourth beacon of light God brought to my memory was 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV), “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” In preparation for those inevitably challenging moments, we must fill our memories with positivity, optimism and words of assurance.

Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the willingness to persevere with mission focus, even in the face of fear. Such as these examples from the Bible: Noah built a ship before it had ever rained. Moses faced the most formidable king and army of his era with a simple wooden staff. Joshua led his army with the bold assurance from God that he would not fail. David’s flaws and sins were evident to his entire kingdom, yet his humility and ultimate submission to God became his life plan and legacy. He was a man after God’s own heart. 

Whether you are a man, woman, boy or girl, you too can achieve, overcome, thrive and become legendary in your sphere of influence. A spark, a match, a flame, a flashlight or torch of faith and optimism can alter the flow of depression, negativity and self-doubt.

Please accept two more powerful cliches that helped me. Both are from Viktor Frankl, a survivor of the holocaust in Germany. In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, he said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves…Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”

You still have the power of choice. Choose life!

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Please bless the people reading these words today. Bless them with spiritual faith and fiber. Let Your Light shine into their darkness and cause their souls to soar, just like you did for me. If they are happy and already soaring, bless them with an opportunity to let the light that you have loaned to them, shine into someone else’s life.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Choose Life” by Big Tent Revival. Listen to this song here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Paul Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Movie Review for "The Thursday Night Club" and a Christmas gift for you!

 

My Review of The Thursday Night Club movie:

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the movie The Thursday Night Club. I watched this heartwarming movie earlier tonight (Nov. 26), after it was made available for viewing on Pure Flix. The Thursday Night Club movie drew me in from the start and kept me in my seat waiting to see how the story unfolded.

I’m eager to share my review with you. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum then I’ll share my thoughts (review).

Here’s the synopsis of the movie:

This Christmas, be reminded what true friendship and true service to others look like by watching The Thursday Night Club with your family.

The Thursday Night Club centers on a group of best college friends who meet every Thursday night for dinner and juggle their course load, jobs and hobbies. Victor and his daughter Jesse always pick a special Christmas charity project each year. Victor challenges the group of friends to think beyond their own lives, and tries to persuade the group to pick a project they are passionate about. Victor tells them they will see signs from God to guide them.

Everything changes when Victor is killed in a wrong-way driver accident right before Christmas. This group of friends are faced with new opportunities and challenges that push them out of their comfort zones and cause them to grow up in wonderful ways. Such as: Ava has an opportunity to volunteer at an assisted living home. Izzy meets a man working to expand the bone marrow registry and she has an opportunity to be a donor. Randy is reminded of a memory of his absent father. Kevin’s dad is laid off and is forced to figure out how to keep paying for college. Jesse grieves her loss and through the kindness of others, finds her purpose.

Now for my review: 

The Thursday Night Club is a wonderful movie with a whole lot of hope and a whole lot of heart.

I was impressed how the writers made this story filled with plot twists, highs and lows, come together in the most beautiful way. The acting was well-done. The characters were multilayered and unique to their own. I appreciated the diversity of the group of friends whose lives the audience follows as they watch The Thursday Night Club.

There were things that caught me by surprise and there were moments that took my breath away. This movie was incredibly well-done. The casting director picked the perfect people to play each main and supporting character. The director of photography did a great job capturing the scenes in a way that makes the viewer feel like they are in the picture with the stars, watching this movie unfold on set with the actors.

I’d say to gather your family and friends to watch this movie together this Christmas. Enjoy a cup of cocoa or apple cider and be prepared for this story to warm your heart. 

Themes of this movie included: 

Charity

Kindness

Paying it forward

Spending time helping others

Making a difference

Opening yourself to God’s calling and purpose for your life

Signs from God

Partnership with Be The Match (bone marrow transplant awareness)

For more information on the film and Be the Match, go to www.thethursdaynightclub.com

The Thursday Night Club is a movie that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Speaking of joining PureFlix, they’re offering a special Christmas gift just for you. It’s available to new members onlyfrom Nov. 17 to Nov. 29. It’s a “Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday tie-in” where you can sign-up for a 7-day free trial and then only 99 cents a month for the first two months. Visit pureflix.com to claim the exclusive, limited-time offer. It will revert to $7.99 per month after the promotion. There’s also a “rejoin” offer of $59.99 for the annual membership.

Watch The Thursday Night Club movie trailer:
https://youtu.be/zz_xaYvyDlw

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN a FREE 3-month Pure Flix subscription! Note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on Nov. 30. If you're participating in the giveaway for The Thursday Night Club, please note that we cannot accept winners that have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last six months.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c419/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#PFChristmasMIN #PureFlixVIPAmbassador #MomentumInfluencerNet

Devotionals for the Heart: When God won't heal you on this side of Heaven

Healed Through Jesus
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” 

–Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

Huddled over the tiny casket at the front of the room were the family members still in shock at the nightmare unfolding before them. How could their sweet toddler be gone? 

We had cried out to God, fasted, and prayed around the clock, yet God had chosen not to heal their sweet child this side of Heaven. At a complete loss on what to say and how to support them through this journey of grief, I fought to find words to express to God how I was feeling. If I was honest, I was probably a little angry with God. At the very least, disappointed. This was a good family, faithful in their walk with Jesus, always serving and giving to others selflessly. They didn’t deserve this.

I didn’t feel like praying but knew I needed to. I wanted to turn away from God in a toddler-like tantrum, but I knew that wasn’t going to help. In a gentle whisper, the Holy Spirit encouraged me to come back to what I knew about God and sit there for a while. As I reflected on the character of God and was reminded of the immutable nature of God my breathing began to slow and my thoughts began to quiet. And in the stillness, He soothed my hurting heart and spoke sweet truths to my spirit until I could crawl to my knees and come to Him with all my raw emotions in prayer.

It can be hard to understand how and when God chooses to heal His children (or not), regardless of their age. I would be willing to bet most of us have prayed for someone’s healing at one time or another only to have it delayed or, perhaps, withheld completely. Maybe we have believed for a restored relationship that remained forever dismantled. Or watched a loved one’s mental capacity be stripped away until they were virtually unrecognizable. We know that God can heal, but it doesn’t always mean He does. And this can be a hard truth to wrestle with. We want to make sense of it all. Find a logical conclusion. Unfortunately, one is rarely available.

It can test our faith when we pray and believe God for healing and it doesn’t happen. But we must be careful not to let doubt creep into our minds and hearts. When healing is delayed or doesn’t come at all we must trust that God is still able, faithful, loving, and gracious. He promises perfect health to us. Sometimes that comes in this life while other times it comes in the next. We must believe that God is still on His throne, He is still sovereign, and He is still in the business of doing miracles whether we receive the answers, outcomes, and miracles we are seeking or not.

Friends, let’s not lose sight of the truths we know about God. When we are faced with what seems like insurmountable or unfair circumstances, we are called to continue to seek God and come before Him in prayer.

There are also practical things we can do while we are continuing to seek Him and cry out to Him. We can seek medical advice, counseling, or assistance as the situation calls for. We are to pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on us. That way no matter what the outcome, we know that we have done everything we can, then we leave the results up to God. 

Whatever God decides to do, we need to trust Him and praise Him in the process, knowing one day we will all find ourselves forever healed in Jesus.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

We know that Your ways are not our ways and Your timing is not our timing. Help us to remember this when we are confused and wondering why our prayers are not being answered in the ways and timetable we had hoped or imagined. Let the Holy Spirit within us remind us of what we know to be true about You even when what we see and feel tries to tell us otherwise. Give us eyes to see You in the midst of our circumstances and ears to hear You through the noise of our lives so we never lose sight of Who you are. We thank You for all You do for us and for Your grace to see us through the highs and lows of life. In Jesus’ s Name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Light of that City” by Allison Speer. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt is a Jesus-loving, adrenaline junkie who is devoted to living her life for Jesus Christ until the day she is living with Him.

With a passion for cultivating a craving for God’s Word, her devotions and Bible studies are saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to live your live life “souled out” to the One whose love has no limits.

~*~
Connect with Cyndi on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/souledoutcyndi/

Devotionals for the Heart: Holding onto God's goodness in hard times

When All You Have Are Tears to Sow
A devotional by Jessica B. Turner

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.”

—Psalm 126:5-6 (NLT)

It's often the hardest to hold onto God’s goodness when we are walking through hard times. Such as: The loss of a loved one. A dreaded diagnosis. An unexpected financial blow. The heartache of a divorce. There are so many reasons one may fall to their knees in despair, each being unique to the individual.

I remember feeling as if my faith wasn’t what I thought it was when walking through the grief of my miscarriage last year. I would hear all these stories of other moms experiencing the same loss and handling it with such grace. While I on the other hand, seemed to be unraveling at a rate that had me seriously questioning my foundation in God.

During my mourning, I couldn’t find the words to pray. I even struggled with borrowing the words from my favorite praise and worship songs because I couldn’t see myself in them. All I could do was cry and every tear felt like a step further away from God.

I believe that is why this scripture (listed above) made such an impression on my heart when I came across it the other day. It’s such a beautiful reminder that sometimes we don’t have the words to express how we feel or even what we need to get through the other side. All we have are our tears.

The good news is that our tears can be a form of prayer when we direct them to our Heavenly Father, remembering that He is Sovereign. He knows our heart. He sees our brokenness. He shares our suffering.

But it’s up to us to lay those tears at His feet. Knowing that every single tear is accounted for (Psalm 56:8). Every single tear serves as a seed being planted in the Heavens. Every single tear is the dawn of a joyous tomorrow.

Sometimes that “tomorrow” isn’t apparent for quite some time, but hope can be found through clinging to God’s Word (The Holy Bible) that it is coming!

One day you will be able to look back on that season where all you could do was shed tears as a form of worship and you will clearly see the harvest that has sprouted as a result.

You will experience joy unimaginable because you will see things differently. You will be excited to share what God has done in your life because you will see His hand and how it brought good from evil. Your story will become a beautiful song for all to hear. A song that will bring unshakeable hope to others who are still in their season of planting.

Your decision to trust in God, even when you can’t find the words to express what you need from Him, will show others just how faithful He truly is. They will see that a surrendered heart is all that is needed for our Heavenly Father to move on our behalf. Rest in knowing He is already making a way for a harvest, a harvest that will be accompanied by a joy that you would have never experienced if it weren’t for the faithful sowing of your tears.

And if you are in your own season of planting, remember your tears are a beautiful offering and they are enough. 

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for such a powerful reminder that our tears are never shed in vain, that they are in fact a form of prayer setting a foundation for a joyous harvest to come. Help me to hold on to that hope when I feel as if I can’t go on anymore. Surround me with your love and comfort. Breathe new life into my weary bones. Fill my heart with a new song and help me proclaim it so others can know of your goodness. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Jessica’s devotional message today reminds me of the song “Every Single Tear” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine.

 

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward from past trauma that she had suppressed for decades.

Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other. God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting, form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/

Devotionals for the Heart: Praise God

A Habit of Praise
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

In this season of turkey and dressing feasts, pumpkin spice everything, and gloriously cooler weather, it’s easy to find reasons to be thankful.

Riding horseback under a cathedral of autumn leaves in the crisp mountain air, experiencing the first snowfall of winter as it dresses the landscape in a garment of purity, or enjoying a wonderful rain shower that causes one of our national treasures to surge again in thunderous falls after a long season of drought—all these things cause us to feel gratitude welling up in our hearts.

We are grateful for our families and our friends. Looking into their beloved faces causes us to smile as we cherish the times we’ve spent together. Then we look forward with anticipation to the future, maybe even to Thanksgiving, when we will see our loved ones again and make more beautiful memories.

Pausing in our busy lives, we thank God for the places we live, the food on our tables, and the jobs that give us a sense of worth and fulfillment. We slide into our favorite boots, or our coziest coats, or even into our cars with the blissfully warm heated seats. For all of these, we are grateful.

Then there are the times when we don’t feel that same rush of gratitude. Houses burn, jobs are downsized, economies shrink, a tiny baby dies, or a dear old friend breathes his last, and we are faced with a dilemma. Will we stop in the middle of the great heartaches of life to bow in humble thankfulness to the Lord?

God tells us to use every circumstance as a reason for praising Him. The events when joy is plentiful—like a wedding or a graduation—exist side-by-side with the other events. These are the ones where joy is not as apparent—like a gravesite, or a packed box representing years of faithful service with a pink slip resting on top. Thanking God is sometimes easy, and sometimes it isn’t.

God’s Word encourages us to thank Him regardless of our circumstances. To some people, His instructions sound like we’re to put on a fake smile and pretend to be “holy” in front of others.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Our thankful hearts are the bond that keep us in tune with our Heavenly Father. We gain peace in His presence as we pray because He is our peace. He is strength when we have none because He inhabits our praise (Psalm 22:3). We can’t see the path before us, but God does. A thankful, praying heart helps us to keep following Him, even in the darkest night.

And as we follow the Lord with our sometimes faltering steps, we rely on His vision, His path, and His plan for our lives. Moving along a trail in the dark teaches us one of the fundamental truths of living for Jesus Christ. Our steps are uncertain, but His are sure. Our sight is blurred, but His is crystal clear. Our thoughts are fearful, but His are higher than we can even imagine (Isaiah 55:8-9). We can trust Him with every moment on this beautiful journey we call Life.

We can choose to rejoice in our life. We can rejoice in the things that hurt and in the things that make us want to jump for joy. When our eyes are filled with tears, we may feel as though we are blinded. But God collects all our tears (Psalm 56:8) and He shines that much brighter to others through our tentative smiles in the sorrows, and through our hearts that humbly bow to His will. He is with us always—in our joys as well as in our sorrows.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for everything. We ask for the courage to choose to praise You for all the days of our lives—not just for the ones that fly by, but also for the ones that seem to take forever. We thank You for Your Life in us, and as we take a deep breath for courage, we thank You for death, as well. Because You are the Giver of Life, we understand that You are also the Giver of eternal life after death in Heaven for all whom are in the family of God. You are all we need, and we worship You in every circumstance. Help us to trust You and help us to lift our prayers of heartfelt thanksgiving to You, for everything is from You. Thank You, Lord. 

We love You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

During this time of quarantine, Karen enjoys reading, writing, and connecting with friends and family via phone calls, texts, emails, blogs, live-streams, and video conferencing. 

She is grateful that the Lord has provided so many ways for humankind to stay in community, even when we are all hunkering down in our homes.

Karen says, “In this unprecedented time, we know that He has prepared us for such a time as this! To God be all the glory!”

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Grief

God of My Closet Floor
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.” 

– Psalm 139:7-8 (NLT)

As ribbons of light peeked their way through the blinds, I was instantly aware something was amiss. The familiar fur head piece that typically wove itself around my head was missing. My Harley had never made his way onto my pillow the night before which was quite unusual for him. As my feet found the floor, he wandered his way into the bedroom.

Taking his customary post on the bathroom floor he waited patiently for me to complete my morning dental routine before heading to the kitchen to prepare his breakfast. When the next morning revealed the same odd behavior change, I made a note on my calendar and scheduled a vet visit for a few days later. Little did I know that three weeks, two ER visits and two oncology visits later my faithful feline friend would be gone.

Psalms 36:6 affirms that God cares for people and animals alike. So, I admit without reservation that the sadness and heart break I have experienced since Harley died has been like no other. It has brought me to my knees in moments of weeping where I have asked God why He didn’t just take me too. At times I have felt that I might be swallowed by the grief that consumes me. My shattered heart seems beyond repair. But God.

The Bible tells us God is everywhere but sometimes it feels like He is nowhere. It’s in those moments where we have to walk by faith and stand on the promises God has made in His Word. Promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Promises to be near to the broken-hearted (Psalms 34:18). Promises to collect all my tears in a bottle (Psalms 56:8). And the promise that one day God will wipe away all the tears from our eyes, and there will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, and no more pain (Revelation 21:4). Our feelings deceive us, but our God never does. Our feelings may fail us, But God never will. Our faith may falter but God is forever faithful.

It’s easy to feel God’s presence when serving on the mission field or in the midst of a worship night at church. When we are experiencing Holy Spirit highs or basking in God’s blessings His nearness is almost palpable. But He is no farther away and no less God when our world seems to be crumbling around us. When we receive a cancer diagnosis, need a job, our marriage falls apart or we lose a loved one, He is still nearby and sitting on His throne in complete control.

I spent time on my closet floor this morning remembering my final moments with Harley and you know what I discovered? The God of the mountain tops and mission trips is also the God of my closet floor. The God of joy in the morning is also the God of weeping in the night. The God of peace that surpasses all understanding is also the God of profound pain. The God of hope is also the God of the hurting. The God of blessing to overflow is also the God of the broken-hearted. Our house feels like a Grand Canyon of emptiness that only the fullness of God can fill.

My heart harbors a God-sized gap that only He can satisfy. Deep grief is the price of great love.

And He is the God of them both.

Let’s Pray: Gracious Father, when the trials and pressures of this world seem too much to bear, help us remember to draw near to You because when we do, You promise You will draw near to us. You have assured us we will have trouble in this world, but also remind us to have faith because You have overcome the world. In our darkest moments, You are the Light of the world. When we pass through the waters, you promise to be with us. When we go through rivers, you ensure they will not overwhelm us. When we walk through the fire you guarantee we will not be burned and the flames will not consume us. We never have to go searching for You, because You are always near. Even when we don’t see it, feel it, or believe it, You are working and moving on our behalf. You are for us and not against us and are forever on Your throne. Help us to not just read these promises in Your Word but believe them to be truth in our lives. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Cyndi’s devotional message reminds me of the song “Beauty for Ashes” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt is a Jesus-loving, adrenaline junkie who is devoted to living her life for Jesus Christ until the day she is living with Him. 

With a passion for cultivating a craving for God’s Word, her devotions and Bible studies are saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to live your live life “souled out” to the One whose love has no limits.

~*~
Connect with Cyndi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souledoutcyndi/

Romantic Reads: The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston

Interview with Amy Clipston about her book, 

The Heart of Splendid Lake

Congratulations on the release of your new novel today! Happy BOOK Birthday to The Heart of Splendid Lake! Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Amy: I enjoy reading contemporary romance novels, and I wanted to try to write my own. I came up with the idea for The Heart of Splendid Lake, and my agent and I pitched it to my publisher. I’m so grateful for the chance to share this story, which is very close to my heart.

Alexis: How did you dream up these characters? Did you use real-life people/movie stars as inspiration?

Amy: A few characters were inspired by people in my life, and some of the names are also special as well. As for Scott Gibson, the real estate mogul, he is loosely based on Jack Gibson, my favorite character on the television show “Station 19.” Some of Scott’s backstory is based on Jack’s on the show, but I’m not going to give that away. For Brianna, I imagined actress Olivia Holt, and for her fiancé, Taylor Reese, I envisioned Alberto Frezza, who also is an actor from “Station 19.”

Alexis: What was the most challenging part of writing this story?

Amy: It was nerve wracking to venture out of Amish fiction, the genre I’ve known and loved for so long. Amish fiction is comfortable for me, and I had to challenge myself to try something new. I learned a lot from writing this book, and I believe it has helped me grow as a writer.

Writing contemporary romance is much different from writing about the Amish, which means I had to think about romance from a different perspective. In an Amish book, holding hands on the porch and watching a sunset is romantic, but in a contemporary book, a romantic scene can take place in a hundred different places. I know what I love about contemporary romance books and movies, so I did my best to channel that into my book. I went through some tough edits, but I’m happy with how the book turned out. I can’t wait to see what readers think.

Alexis: Describe the lakeside town setting of this story. What makes it special to your main characters?

Amy: Splendid Lake is a fictional town set in the mountains of North Carolina near Asheville, but in my head I see Schroon Lake, which is a real lake located in the Adirondacks of New York. I spent many summer vacations at Schroon Lake as a child. I remember swimming in the lake, shopping in the little downtown area, and going to the one-screen movie theater. I based the shopping area in Splendid Lake on the little town of Schroon Lake as well and incorporated some of my favorite stores there—the year-round Christmas shop and other little gift shops, an ice cream parlor, and a mini-golf course.

My main characters love the little town, and it’s home to Brianna. It’s where she was born and raised as well as where she wants to stay. She loves the lake and the cherished memories it holds for her.

Alexis: Brianna is the heroine of your story. Tell me about this character. What does she look/sound/act like? What are her hopes and dreams? What is her greatest fear and most troubling flaw?

Amy: I imagine Olivia Holt as Brianna. She has blonde hair and brown eyes, and she is petite. She rarely wears makeup, and she’s most comfortable in casual clothing. Her favorite outfit includes jeans, purple western boots, and a purple hoodie. She sometimes wears a baseball cap emblazoned with a Mustang logo. She enjoys working on boats, and she also has an appreciation for cars. Her hopes and dreams are to settle down at Splendid Lake and keep running the Splendid Lake Cabins and Marina resort, which is her family’s legacy. Her greatest fear is losing her family, and her most troubling flaw is stubbornness and having difficulty asking for help.

Alexis: Why does Brianna choose to stay in the town of Splendid Lake but her sisters choose to leave?

Amy: Brianna loves her lake and the family memories that she has created there. It’s truly her home, and she can’t see herself living anywhere else. She wants to keep the resort alive since it’s part of her family’s legacy.

Alexis: Being an expert boat mechanic is a unique role for a heroine! What made you decide to give her this profession and make her excellent in a trade that most people only think men do?

Amy: To be honest, I chose to make her a boat mechanic in order to create a unique heroine. While Brianna can rebuild a boat engine and work on her Mustang, she also has a feminine side. I wanted to write a memorable heroine who has many layers.

Also, I live in a house with two car mechanics and a third in the making, so I’ve grown accustomed to car talk. I thought it would be fun to have a heroine and hero bond over cars. In fact, I had a lot of fun writing about cars. I asked my older son to choose Scott’s cars, and he told me two of his dream cars. I included many car references, and some of the cars mentioned in the book are vehicles we have owned. And for extra fun, I included a true story about one of my husband’s old Gremlins. Also, Brianna’s dream car is my dream car, but readers will have to check out the book to find out what it is.

Alexis: What does Brianna love most about her home, the resort she runs, and her profession?

Amy: Brianna loves her lake and the family memories it holds for her. It’s truly her home, and she can’t imagine living anywhere else. She enjoys working with her hands and being out in her father’s shop. She appreciates that the resort has been passed down through her family. It’s her dream to spend the rest her life there, running the resort and raising a family.

Alexis: Brianna’s father dies unexpectedly and that sends Brianna into depression. Was she a Daddy’s Girl? Describe her bond with her father and tell me what they shared in common.

Amy: Brianna was not only a Daddy’s Girl, but she also had a special bond with her father. Brianna was more interested in following her father out to his shop than helping her mother in the kitchen. She considered her father one of her best friends, and they talked about everything.

Alexis: How does Brianna’s relationship with her father affect how she relates to men? Does she want to marry a man like her dad? Explain.

Amy: Brianna admires her father and she wants to marry someone like him—loving, easy to talk to, respectful to women, encouraging, hardworking, caring, and thoughtful. Her father always told her that she could do anything she set her mind her—especially when it came to being a mechanic. He told her to never let anyone tell her that she wasn’t capable because she was a woman, and those are words she lives by. She often hears his encouraging voice in her mind when she faces a problem.

Alexis: Scott Gibson is the hero of your story. Tell me about his character. What does he look/sound/act like? What are his greatest strengths and worse weaknesses? What are his dreams for his life?

Amy: Oh, I love Scott! In my mind I imagine Grey Damon, who plays Jack Gibson on my favorite show, “Station 19.” He’s tall and has thick, light-brown hair and baby-blue eyes. He’s thoughtful, trusting, and giving—almost to a fault. His strengths are that he’s hardworking and has a great business sense. He and his best friend built their own commercial real estate firm. His weakness is an occasional internal battle with low self-esteem, despite all of his accomplishments. He dreams of having a family of his own since he had a tough upbringing, but I don’t want to give away too much of his backstory.

Alexis: Why did you choose to make Scott’s profession that of being a real estate broker? What does he love about his job and how does his work play a role in this story?

Amy: I made Scott a real estate broker so that he would have an interest in the resort and also sort of be Brianna’s adversary since he wants to buy it. His interest in the resort and his background working in construction brings Scott and Brianna together but also gives her a reason to not completely trust his intentions. Scott loves his job because he not only built his own company, but he also has a stable income, which was his dream after his tough upbringing.

Alexis: What are Brianna’s first thoughts about Scott other than how handsome he is?

Amy: When Brianna first meets him in the Scott in the bookstore (literally bumps into him), she’s at first embarrassed, but she’s captivated by his sense of humor and their easy banter. Not only do they have an instant attraction, but they seem to just click. She would never dream of cheating on Taylor, her fiancé, but she also enjoys her short conversation with Scott. She’s intrigued by him.

Alexis: What was Scott’s first impression of Brianna? Why?

Amy: Scott also felt the same connection to Brianna that she felt toward him when they first met. He’s not only struck by how attractive she is but also by how they immediately began teasing each other. Scott, however, noticed her engagement ring, and he knew she was off-limits. At the same time, he also didn’t forget her. He recognized her when he met her again on the beach, and he wanted to know more about her.

Alexis: What is it about Brianna that makes Scott want to pursue her and win her heart?

Amy: Scott is immediately drawn to Brianna. However, he’s aware that she’s engaged and respects that. He would never dream of trying to come between her and her fiancé, Taylor, but he almost can’t stop his heart from longing for her. He enjoys their playful banter that comes naturally to them. He also is intrigued by her mechanical abilities and love of cars, which they bond over. Scott feels comfortable with her, and their conversations come easily. He believes that Taylor doesn’t treat her the way she deserves to be treated, but he tries to keep his opinions to himself.

Alexis: What is it about Scott that makes Brianna want to explore a relationship with him?

Amy: Scott calms her, but she doesn’t realize it until late in the story. When he sits quietly with her on the beach in Chapter 1, she almost instantly calms down. His presence is a balm to her soul during many of her tough times in the book. He also listens to her and offers her help, even when she insists she’s doing just fine by herself. He seems to know what she needs without her having to ask. She also enjoys his sense of humor, their fun conversations, and his love of super-cool cars. And he’s also really handsome, which doesn’t hurt!

Alexis: What brings Scott and Brianna together and what threatens to drive them apart?

Amy: They are brought together by the resort as they work together to get it ready for the summer season, and they are driven apart by Brianna’s loyalty to Taylor. Their doubts about their feelings for each other and how they could possibly make a relationship work is another roadblock. Scott also doesn’t believe he’s good enough for Brianna, and Brianna sometimes wonders if his intentions are true or if he’s only helping her to get the resort.

Alexis: What does Brianna’s fiancé think of Scott? How does he feel about this competition?

Amy: Oh, poor Taylor! He immediately feels threatened by Scott the first time he meets him and from then on, he can’t stand the sight of him. Taylor is furious every time he finds Scott at the resort, but at the same time, he’s never around when Brianna needs him.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story?

Amy: I hope readers find that The Heart of Splendid Lake is a wholesome, inspiring story about family and finding strength through tough times. I hope readers find solace and encouragement in the book.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Amy! Do you have closing comments?

Amy: Thank you so much for hosting me on your awesome blog! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to get to know you and also to share my book with your readers.

~*~
Author Bio:

Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. She’s sold more than one million books, and her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories.

She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America.

Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte (NC) and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and six spoiled rotten cats.

~*~
Book purchase links for The Heart of Splendid Lake can be found on Amy’s website: https://amyclipston.com/books/the-heart-of-splendid-lake/

~*~
The Heart of Splendid Lake book blurb:

Bestselling author Amy Clipston transports readers to a picturesque lakeside town in this heartwarming contemporary romance. 

Brianna is the youngest of the three Porter sisters and the only one who chose to stay in the small town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina. She followed in her father’s footsteps and became an expert boat mechanic, helping him run their small resort with cabin rentals, a convenience store, and a marina.

When Brianna’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson.

As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake.

~*~
Connect with Amy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_clipston/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyClipston
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2765728.Amy_Clipston
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-clipston
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amyclipston/
Website: www.AmyClipston.com
Online bookstore: www.gumroad.com/amyclipston

~*~
*U.S. Residents ONLY: Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Devotionals for the Heart: Lessons on learning how to love again from a cat

Learning to love again
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

I had my cat, Teetee, longer than my kids had been alive. When she passed away in March at age 16, my oldest child was 14. They’d never known a time without her in their lives, and she’d been like a second mama to them.

Teetee died the week before we went into COVID-19 lockdown, so her death hit us hard—really, really hard. And she died at home in her sleep, too, so all that abundant at-home time was extra rough. All those little nooks in the house, all her favorite sun-dozing places, felt so empty without her.

She wasn’t my first pet to die. I lost my tabby Roxanne to cancer when she was 10, and my ever-reticent tortoiseshell Tasmin, age 13, left to die on her own two years later. But it was Teetee’s death that left me reeling. She’d been with me through two pregnancies, the wild and wacky world of toddlers, hours-long baby colic, three moves, a period as a single mom, and now our present reality as a blended stepfamily. I felt like I lost a massive chunk of my heart when she died. We buried her in our backyard, and I visited with flowers and teared up regularly.

A couple weeks after Teetee died, my youngest started in with the questions. “When can we get a new cat, Mom? Can we get two? How about three?”

A month later, two of the kids put together a slideshow demonstrating their plan to feed, care for, and even pay for said new cat. Guilt trips and crying jags began the next week, and by Month Three it was a daily topic of conversation.

My husband doesn’t really like cats (though he did love Teetee), so he wasn’t exactly eager. And I wasn’t ready for another cat. I was still grieving my girl! But whether it was the kids’ nagging or the passage of time, one day I woke up craving another pet. Finally, in July, we adopted a 6-week-old kitten from some friends. We named her Princess Leia. 

Oh, my goodness. That sweet, precious girl! While Leia can never, ever replace Teetee, she has been such a balm to my heart. It has been a beautiful thing to watch her grow, to help her learn basic things like eat dry cat food and remember how to find her litter box, to comfort her when she cried at night, to see her discover so many wonderful places in our home (the staircase! The window! The top of my curtain rod!).

And the kids have been so cute with her. They have all been so tender and loving, patient and kind. She takes turns traveling laps during family movie nights, and while I’ve had to lock her out of my room a few times during yoga and bandage more than a few arms or legs when Leia got carried away learning to be a ferocious wannabe tiger, she has been such a blessing to us all.

The other day I looked down at her, my heart flooding with emotion, and planted a smooch right on her forehead. “Teetee would have just loved you, Leia,” I exclaimed as she purred and stretched beneath my gentle petting.

It’s not always easy to love again when we have lost someone we loved, whether that’s a pet or a person. But as we are God’s people, fully created in love, I believe we have an obligation to open our hearts to love, whatever that looks like. It’s not always the same, and we don’t always feel perfectly ready. But love—whatever that looks like.

As the apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV), “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden.

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a weekly YouTube devotional, too.

You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: Brokenness

Brokenness

A devotional by Nanci Rubin

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
–Luke 4:18-19 (KJV) 

Most of us at some juncture in our lives have gone through or will go through a crisis, a time of bitter disappointment and rejection. Those are the times when we cling to our friends, family and appreciate the support they give us via love, prayer and standing in the gap until we are over this season of disappointment.

But there are occasions when we face catastrophic events. Events that leave us broken. 

Those times are painful, so painful that it hurts to breathe, you don’t want to get out of bed or see anyone. When we are broken, we are irreparable and can no longer be used. That’s the way it feels and you don’t care. The world can go on without you, all you want is to be left alone because in your eyes, it’s over. And this can be a dangerous time spiritually if we isolate ourselves.

The enemy of our souls wants nothing more than to get us away from the Body of Christ (our church family), distract us from prayer and hope to have us blame God for the horrendous pain we are experiencing. Job’s friends and his wife tried to get him to turn against God. 

They even suggested that Job's plight was his fault, that he must have sinned. No, one doesn’t have to be in sin to have one’s world fall apart.

“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” –Job 1:22 (KJV)

We live in such a disposable world. When something breaks, we just toss it out and replace it. Unfortunately, many hurting people believe this is their fate when they have been broken. But Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19 that He came to heal the brokenhearted. God has anointed His Son Jesus Christ to heal those of us suffering in brokenness.

Romans 8:24-32 gives us the prescription for healing. The Holy Spirit is interceding to our Heavenly Father on our behalf and praying the Father’s will for our lives. We are encouraged that whom He called he will justify. And not only justify, but glorify. Knowing God and following His Son Jesus Christ gives hope to your heart. 

Read Romans 8:24-32 (NLT):

"We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hopefor it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)"

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 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."

"For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory."

"What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?"

Closing: 

When you find yourself in a state of brokenness, read Romans 8:24-32 as medicine for your soul. It will heal your heart and give you a hope. 

God loves you and He wants only good things for His children. He is a good, good Father. No matter what you’re going through, you don’t go through it alone. He is right there with you, waiting for your SOS call. Let Him help and heal you.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotionals for the Heart: Joy

Joy Inexpressible
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB) and 1 Peter 1:8 (NASB)

Joy and happiness seem like they are synonymous, and in many ways they are, but there’s a reason God put joy in the Fruits of the Spirit rather than happiness. In the New Testament, joy is translated as “cheerfulness, calm delight.” In today’s culture, that is very different than “happy.”

How do we have joy? As we looked at last month, the Fruits of the Spirit aren’t just randomly ordered. God’s love must be the first thing we accept, allow it to change us and grow us to be more like Him. Joy is the next one on the list because it is an outflow of His love for us. Our acceptance of that love brings a cheerfulness and calm delight that we cannot manufacture on our own…at least, not for long.

As I write this, I’m sitting at my mother’s bedside hoping for her next breath, but longing for her suffering to be over and for her to enter Jesus’s rest. I’m not happy. I AM joyful. Why? Because happy tends to have to do with circumstances. Not always, but a lot of the time our emotions fluctuate due to circumstances around us. Joy is a constant if we will allow it. I’m not happy, but I am filled with the joy, the calm delight that my mom will soon know no pain. Joy only comes from the One constant we have…Christ.

We are at a wonderful hospice house. There are several families with whom God has given us a chance to interact. One such family watched their loved one go tonight. They were another believing family and know that their loved one is now resting in Jesus. Through the last few days, we’ve all shared food and some laughter during a difficult time. We have all had the calm delight and assurance of Christ’s love for us, as well as our family members who are going on before us.

God wants our hearts to be focused on the joy HE brings rather than things around us that are so temporary. The enemy wants to steal that joy with all the things or situations in front of us. Our hearts, set on the Father, will remain in perfect peace. That calm delight of God’s peace, especially during tough times, will be a beacon to those who are hurting in this dark world. They will want to know that joy for themselves. They’ll begin to seek out someone who allows the joy of the Lord to be their strength. Seeing how the joy doesn’t diminish with a hard trial will be so different than what they see from others that they can’t help but notice.

My Prayer: Daddy, we see too many things with our human eyes and miss so much You want to show us about Your joy. The joy of the Lord IS our strength, yet we ignore it for the earthly comforts of happiness. Show us Your better way. Give us Your eyes to see the joy You provide and how it will overwhelm even the darkest times in our lives, if we allow You to shine through. Make us instruments of Your joy to show the light to those who desperately need it. In Jesus Christ’s Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth.

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson