Devotionals for the Heart: How God taught me to be more self-controlled

We All Have Smelly Words Sometimes
A devotional by Patti Schultz, Ed.D.

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”

—Philippians 2:14 (NIV)

There is a moment every parent knows. The moment before the words come out — that half-second when what we feel and what we're about to say are standing in the hallway together, and one of them needs to sit back down.

The Apostle Paul’s simple, almost laughably direct command in Philippians 2:14 is aimed right at that hallway: Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Everything. Even the homework battles. Even the spilled milk at 7 o’clock in the morning. Even the teenager who just rolled his eyes so hard you could hear it.

Before words become words, they are thoughts. And thoughts, like guests, need to be checked at the door. Not silenced, just screened. We should silently ask: Is what I'm about to say true? Is it kind? Is it necessary right now? That half-second pause is not weakness; it's the Holy Spirit doing His quiet, faithful work. Grumbling rarely starts loud. It begins as a murmur in the mind, a complaint rehearsed one too many times, until it walks right out the front door of our mouths and settles into the air around our children like a fog they can't quite name but can absolutely feel.

Here is a tender truth: Some of our words simply smell. They carry the odor of exhaustion, of unmet expectations, of fears we haven't handed to God yet. Grace is the deodorant. It doesn't pretend the smell isn't real; it transforms what goes out into the room. Before speaking to my child in a hard moment, I've learned to try breathing one honest prayer: Lord, let what comes out of me smell like You. A word laced with grace can correct without crushing. It can redirect without wounding. It can even say "no" in a way that feels like love because it is said from a place of care and compassion that lets the listener know they are loved.

Loving words are a currency we give, receive, and sometimes need to mop up from the floor. We give them when we choose encouragement over criticism, presence over distraction, saying “I'm proud of you” over silence. We receive them when our children speak their own brave truths to us and we resist the urge to defend or dismiss. And we mop them up on the days we get it wrong, which feels like most days for me, because parenting is not a performance. It is a long, imperfect act of love that keeps asking us to offer the same grace we so desperately need ourselves.

On the days I have already made a mess of it, when the words came out wrong and I know it, I found that going back is less scary than I thought. When I have to go back and mop up a harsh word, I try to do it with my whole self. Look them in the eye and say: “I was wrong, and you deserved better from me.” That is not weakness in front of your child. That is one of the greatest things they will ever see you do.

Philippians 2:14 is not a command to be cheerful at all costs. It is an invitation to carry our burdens without letting them become a burden on everyone around us. Somehow, in the middle of all that carrying, our kids are watching, not for perfection, but for what we do when we fall short. May they see in us someone who pauses in the hallway between what we feel and what we say…and chooses grace.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, set a gentle guard at my lips today. When I am tired and the words want to tumble out without kindness, slow me down. Let my thoughts pass through You before they reach my children. Where I have already spoken harm, give me the courage to go back and make it right. And in all the giving, receiving, and mopping up, let my children see not a perfect parent, but a loved and learning one. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Speak Life” by Toby Mac. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Words” by Hawk Nelson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Slow Down” 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: Validation

How validating can be a powerful way to show love
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” 

– Psalm 139:1 (NIV)

Have you ever struggled with that exact, perfect thing to say? Me, too! I’m a professional writer and still find myself tongue-tied on occasion, especially when someone l love is struggling with a situation or even difficult feelings.

I used to think listening was the answer, and it is in many ways. But there’s something else I’ve learned about recently, validation, that can be immensely helpful when used with listening.

Validating can be a powerful way to show love, and it’s not just the newest mental health buzz-word. The concept of validation is peppered throughout Scripture.

As Psalm 34:18 (NIV) tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted”. And James 1:19 tells us we should all be “quick to listen.”

In 1 John 3:20, we’re told, “God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”

And Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

What is validating?

Validation is when we understand and accept someone else’s feelings as real, worthy, and of value. The opposite is invalidation, when we dismiss, reject, or judge those feelings as unimportant and without value.

God gives us validation—He hears us and accepts us, for He made us and He loves us. We are worthy, and He is with us always.

If we are loving in a God-inspired or God-led way, we try to do the same for others.

For example: If a toddler gets upset because you took away her toy, validation means accepting that she’s upset and understanding why—in her mind, that was special to her, and now it’s gone. Even if you know she’ll get that toy back or there was a good reason why it’s now gone, validation means you understand her feelings and frustration. You empathize with her. You know why she’s upset and acknowledge that.

Likewise, if a close friend is stung because her boss criticized her in a meeting, you don’t dismiss her feelings or tell her to “get over it.” You accept that she’s upset. Even if you don’t agree with her, or if you believe the criticism she received was justified, you accept her feelings. She’s “allowed” to feel them. More importantly, when she expresses those feelings to you, you make sure she knows you accept her perception of the situation. You help her feel heard and understood.

Validation doesn’t mean you agree with them or even would feel the same way if you were in their situation. It also doesn’t mean you listen and then jump in with helpful options to fix the problem. But it does mean you see they do have these feelings, recognize their feelings are worthy, and seek to understand why they feel this way.

How to validate

Here’s what validation can look like:

• Listening
• Helping them identify or label their feelings
• Helping them understand why they feel this way (e.g. asking them “what is making you feel this way?”)
• Being there for them (allowing them to talk or just be with you in their emotional state)
• Being patient and accepting
• Saying affirming things as they vent (e.g. I hear you, I understand, yeah, mm-hm, that stinks, that’s so hard, that’s a lot to deal with)

Validation can strengthen your relationship, help your loved one feel accepted and heard, and help them regulate their own emotions better.

When invalidation occurs within one relationship, invalidating might drive a wedge between you, and they may seek validation elsewhere. Your relationship might dissolve. That’s a short-term, relationship-specific issue.

But if a person consistently feels invalidated, long-term problems can develop—for instance, when a child is invalidated by her parents, or when there is repeated invalidation between spouses. Over time they might struggle with a sense of identity and develop low self-esteem, struggle to manage their emotions (because they get the impression having certain feelings is “wrong”), and even develop anxiety or depression.

Examples of invalidating

Besides “get over it,” other common things we can say when impatient and frustrated with someone else’s feelings might be the following:

• You’re too sensitive.
• Toughen up.
• Well, if you hadn’t done that this wouldn’t have happened.
• You’re upset about that? Please—my day was so much worse…
• You should feel grateful/blessed/lucky/happy/etc. instead.

Your body language might also be interpreted as invalidating. If they’re expressing their feelings, try to stay present and listen. Make eye contact. If you cross your arms, don’t look them in the eye, scroll through your phone, or watch TV while they’re talking, this might make them feel you don’t matter or are not worth your full attention.

You are worthy

I love Psalm 139, for it reminds us that God knows us, and we are worthy. Everything we do or feel might not be right, but it is heard by God, who knows us at our core.

As the psalmist tells God, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (Psalm 139:1-6).

Let’s Pray: God, help me to love others in the accepting and loving way You love us all. Help me to listen to someone with a God-led heart, seeking to understand them and accepting their feelings as valid and not something to “get over” or tuck away. Help me to love others as You love me, seeing past all things to the heart within. In Your holy and perfect name I pray. Amen.

~*~
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, and a member of the Wholly Loved Ministries team. 

Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: When words are sweet like honey

Words Like Honey
A devotional by Jessica Collazo

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” 

–Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)

When I was younger the saying “sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me” was consistently used on the playground and in my classrooms. However, they were very hollow words when both as a child and now as an adult, I could see and feel the ramifications of hurtful words.

I cannot begin to tell you how many times someone has quoted Proverbs 18:21 to me, “The tongue has the power of life and death (NIV).” I am sure that you have probably been told this a time or two as well. I also have used this verse numerous times to address the effects that someone’s words had in a particular situation.

What I was not aware of until recently, and probably mostly because it did not dawn on me, was that the same verse that has been quoted to me in an effort to help me be kind to others is also a warning to myself. I am quick to stop others from speaking about themselves in a negative manner, but I don’t know if I ever realized the damage that I was causing to myself every time I was being critical of myself.

When I stumbled across Proverbs 16:24 recently, I was able to really comprehend the impact that my critical words have on my body and soul as well as my overall health. If I truly think about it, how many times have I gone round and round in my head about a conversation that went sideways, or questioned something that I said over and over again. That continual over analyzation did not provide me any type of comfort or rest and I am sure that you can relate.

Gracious words bring life into any situation. Gracious words allow others to see Christ in the midst of it all and most importantly allow me to see God move in some hard places. Gracious words are not an excuse to not address difficult behaviors, it’s an opportunity to understand God’s grace for us.

The Lord literally gave us the tools we need to help our souls be at peace and our bodies be healthy. (Sidenote: I am not talking to anyone who has a medically diagnosed condition, I am talking to those who always have something negative to say about themselves or others.)

How kind is the Lord to us, that he provides us the words of wisdom in the book of Proverbs that not only give us life but also teach us how our words bring health to our soul and bodies.

As you go about your day/week, please remember that the Lord wants you to be gracious with the words you speak over yourself. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself the opportunity to experience the sweetness of grace that comes over your body and soul when your words bring life to whatever situation you are facing.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank you so much that you are mindful of us and take care of our every need. Lord, I pray that we would see how you want your grace to flow in and through us. Therefore, please help us to speak life and kindness wherever we find ourselves today. Bless all who are reading this prayer today and allow them to speak gracious words to themselves as well as others. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Collazo is a Chicago native with a heart that beats for Jesus.  

Her passion is to challenge women to think differently, gain a new perspective and live confidently. Because she knows, it’s possible.

Using God’s Word, a little bit of humor, strategic way of thinking and personal stories, Jessica offers a fresh take on where to go when women feel stuck, overlooked or overwhelmed.

Jessica’s greatest passion is to help women take off the identities they have been given by the world and realize who they are in Christ: known, dearly loved, set apart, and chosen.

Jessica is the senior manager of operations at Proverbs 31 Ministries who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, Jerry, two sons and dog, Sawyer. Prior to working at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Jessica has over 10 years of experience working in women’s ministry, marriage ministry and outreach.

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Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jessicacollazo/
Website: https://jessicacollazo.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Words

Old Words
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” –Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)

Sometimes the words won’t form. When life is hard, or chaotic, or not understandable, it can be hard to express our feelings in conversations or in writing. Sometimes I find it’s impossible to even pray, usually during the times I need prayer the most.

In addition to the Bible, our family has found great comfort for the last few months in an old copy of The Lutheran Book of Prayer. There are prayers for every morning and evening, special prayers for certain seasons of the year, prayers for the sick, during an epidemic, during a war and more. We gather in the evenings together to pray and rather than feeling like we need to find words within ourselves, we can turn to prayers penned many years ago and used to comfort generations of Christians since. I appreciate the time and care someone put into writing down these prayers and how helpful they continue to be.

The world we live in is constantly changing, building and exploring. Hundreds of new products and services and discoveries are presented to us every day. It can be easy to throw out something old and dusty in favor of the newest and shiniest item. But we have to remember that not everything new is better and not everything old is irrelevant.

I’m absolutely not against progress. I love computers and convenience. My degree is in mechanical engineering so I’m not against new inventions! But I fear we forget to give credit to the foundation of the things that came before us and fail to realize how much they can still help us today, just the way they are.

The words of Scripture were written down over centuries to give us a glimpse into the heart of God. They are meant to teach, comfort, rebuke, and save us. How grateful I am that God gave those words to so many people, so long ago, and breathed His own Spirit into them, that they are still living and active for us today.

What words of comfort do you need to hear today? Is there a Bible verse that is particularly meaningful for what you’re going through? Or maybe the words of a Christian who came before us? Even if the words are not Holy Scripture, they can be inspiring and encouraging to us as much as when they were when they were written down. Let’s find some good words to read, pray, or share with someone today!

Let’s Pray: Gracious God, comfort me with Your Spirit today so that I may be a comfort to others. Give me words of love and kindness and grace and peace to know deep in my own soul and to share with the world you created and love. In Jesus Christ’s precious name, I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume. 

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Arise

Arise: Learning to be comfortable with what God has called you to do
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” 

– Isaiah 60:1 (ESV)

Since 2014, on January 1st, God has given me a new word to define my year:

Hope (2014)

Change (2015)

Authority (2016)

Restore (2017)

Victorious (2018)

Trust (2019)

And every year, on New Year’s Eve (December 31), I try to cheat by trying to find out what my word will be before New Year’s Day (January 1) or by giving God ideas of what I think my word should be.

This year (2020) was no different. I found myself asking, “God, will my word be Brave? Can you give me a hint? What difference does a few hours make?”

God never gives in to my attempts to cheat. I imagine Him smiling as He tells me, “You know the drill. You’ll find out at midnight on January 1.”

This year I brought in the new year with friends. We ate an enormous amount of food, played board games and had an indoor “snowball” fight. It was so much fun that I forgot about my desire to know my word for the year. As I got into the car to go home past midnight, God said to me, “Your word for the year is Arise.”

This word stopped me in my tracks. “Arise?” I asked, quite stunned.

“Yes. Arise.”

I pondered this word for a moment, still not quite sure of what to think about it. Then I smiled.

“Okay, Arise it is. I like it!”

Since January 1, this year has felt like a whirlwind. I didn’t have much time to sit down and study my word out of the year until recently.

I love to break words down and study them out. When I found a free moment, I plopped down in my favorite chair, grabbed a chai latte and dug into all things Arise. Here’s what I discovered: Arise as defined by my favorite gal pal (Merriam Webster) means, "to begin to occur or to exist: to come into being or to attention, to get up or stand up, to move upward."

Arise requires movement. A stepping up. Not staying in the same place.

Renouncing the old and embracing the new. Changing levels.

Arise scared me.

I don’t know about you but I love being comfortable. I love routine and LOVE when things don’t change. There is a sense of safety in all these things. To arise, to walk out the word that God gave me to define my year, would require movement. Stepping up. Change. Things that I feared. Things that weren’t comfortable or required a ton of trust. Things that wouldn’t allow me to hide anymore.

As I fleshed this word out, God brought this verse Isaiah 60:1 (ESV) to me: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

We can be so tempted to stay hidden for fear of failure, or what others think. We can embrace remaining comfortable or disdain change because we fear moving forward. I think what causes us to feel this way is that we forget who is inside us. We forget God is walking with us, lighting our way.

God is our light.

God fills us with His glory.

Therefore, we must get up, move forward in what He has for us and shine so that others may see Him.

When God is asking you to arise, whether it is a new job, relationship or parenthood, He knows the plans he has for you and He knows your potential. With God, we can’t fail. So friend, take that step. Move toward that scary thing that you want to do. Arise. Shine and remember, the glory of the Lord is with you.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA. 

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and hopes to launch her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

~*~
Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Healing

Words of Healing
A devotional by Carrie Del Pizzo

“Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them complete power over all demons and diseases. Then he sent them to tell about God’s kingdom and to heal the sick.” 

– Luke 9:1-2 (CEV)

Isn’t that (the words in the Bible verse above) an interesting combination? 

Jesus gave His disciples power and then sent them to nearby cities to talk to people and heal them. If they had power, who wants to hear them talk? Enough chit-chat. Get to the action. Just heal me already.

But what if words could do the healing? Sure, the disciples used words to ask God to heal people or to command demons to leave. And we use words to pray for others. But what if the words themselves had a healing effect on more than just illness?

With Jesus, they can. As surely as words can pierce hearts and break down relationships, words can also be a salve to deep, festering wounds.

Ever been down in the dumps and had a friend say something silly that made you laugh?

That laugh really takes the edge off. Remember the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or coworker who tore you down and made you feel incompetent? What a lift when your boss pulled you aside and said, “You handled that well.” Or maybe you’ve felt self-conscious about your new haircut and then someone compliments you on your outfit.

We’ve all experienced that flip-flop in attitude when someone’s words give us a new perspective. Imagine that type of change on a God scale: 

· If you’re feeling alone in this big world, God promises never to leave us. Open a Bible and read about this in Deuteronomy 31:8.

· If a parent walked out when you were a kid, rest in the knowledge that we are called sons of God. Open a Bible and read about this in 1 John 3:1.

· If you’re weighed down by the guilt of your sin, Jesus has washed our sins away. 

Open a Bible and read about this in 1 John 1:7.

You see, while doctors have treatments for diseases and injuries, God can perform miracle physical healing. And while we know words to brightens someone’s gray day, God’s Word can restore life.

If you know Jesus, if you have received that life, then Jesus has given you the power to tell about God’s kingdom and heal the sick.

Know someone with some deep wounds that need healing? Introduce that person to your friend Jesus Christ. The results could be life changing — for both of you.

Ask God who around you needs His healing words. If you already have someone in mind, ask God to give you His words and the courage to deliver them.

~*~
Author Bio:

In this world of texts, memes, and emojis, slowing down to truly communicate can feel like straining a muscle you haven’t exercised in far too long.

Seventeen years of business experience across a variety of industries has taught Carrie Del Pizzo the fine art of professional communications.

Partnering with corporate executives and entry-level employees alike, she has written and edited major project proposals, direct marketing pieces, sensitive client communications, employee handbooks, and user manuals.

Carrie’s love of literature and story has led her to develop and exercise her fiction writing skills as well. Aside from her personal creative efforts, she also edits for self- and traditionally-published authors and enjoys writing short dramas for church presentation.

Carrie is a wife, mom of three Americans and host-mom to numerous exchange students. Italian-by-marriage means she loves to cook and eat. She lives in Spokane, Wash., with her hilarious family who keep her in stitches and provides piles of material for great stories.

Devotionals for the Heart: A Word

A New Word for a New Year
A devotional by Victoria Bylin

“[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

~1 Corinthians 13:7 (NASB)

We’re at the beginning of a new year, and I’ve been thinking about a resolution I didn’t make. Typically, I chose a word to ponder as the cold winter days turned into warm summer nights, then into the crisp afternoons of Autumn. In the past, those words have been a beacon to me, a way to focus on growing closer to God, seeking Him in the midst of storms, or simply worshipping in the good times.

So why didn’t I choose one this year? Frankly, I’m wondering why, and if I should pick one now. Here are some of my favorites from the past:

Rejoice came straight from Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” This verse taught me about rejoicing when times are tough. I had no idea it would be a challenging word, but it was. My father-in-law was in the throes of Alzheimer’s that year, and there were difficult decisions regarding his care. His long, slow decline tore our hearts to pieces, but there was also great love throughout his life. Those memories sustain us now.

Worship was my word for 2013. It’s a contraction of worth + ship, and I took it as a challenge to worship God beyond singing in church on Sunday morning. What is His love worth to me? How can I share it with others? Again, I discovered a doubled-edged sword. There were days when worship came easily, and days when it revealed how self-focused I can be. What sustained me, good or bad, was the awareness of God’s love for all his children—including me.

Door isn’t the word I expected for 2017, and it didn’t play out the way I hoped. A door slammed shut when my publisher turned down a new proposal. I waited a year for a door to open at another publisher, but after several false starts, it slammed shut. Disappointing, yes. But during that long stretch of time, I was aware of all the doors Christ has opened and closed in my life, both joyful and disappointing, and always done in love.

In 2018, I chose the word Dig with the intention of digging deep and seeking God’s will for my writing. I dug all right, and ended up in a hole. Again, not the end I imagined! That hole turned out to be a grave where my old dreams died, but it was also the birth place for new ones. Somehow God’s love pierced that dark time and brought me back into the light.

Aha! I see a trend . . . My word for 2019 is right in front of me.

That word is Love.

I can’t think of greater word—or a greater challenge—but I’m confident that God’s grace is sufficient for whatever challenges arise in the coming year.

~*~
Author Bio:

Victoria Bylin is the author of 18 traditionally published romances. Known for tackling difficult subjects with great compassion, she delights in stories that shine the spotlight of God’s love on ordinary men and women facing realistic challenges.

Writing has always been a part of Victoria’s life. As a child, she wrote hundreds of letters and scribbled in journals. As an adult, she worked as a freelance journalist and editor before taking on the challenge of fiction.

She had one goal when she started her first novel: to finish a book-length manuscript, good or bad. That first effort will never see the light of day, but it led to a second manuscript and a sale to Harlequin Historical. Since then, she has written westerns and contemporary romances for both mainstream and Christian publishers, with Together With You winning the 2016 Inspirational Readers Choice Award for Best Contemporary.

Writing is a joy and a challenge for Victoria, but faith, friends and family matter to her far more. She’s a wife, mom, proud grandmother, and a dog-mom to a wacky Jack Russell Terrier. Originally from California, she and her husband currently make their home in Lexington, Kentucky. When she’s not writing, Victoria enjoys long walks, travel, and dark chocolate.

~*~

Connect with Victoria:

Website:  http://www.victoriabylin.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Bylin.Author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VictoriaBylin   

Devotionals for the Heart: No Fear

No Fear!
A devotional by Susan Lindstrom

I have a thing for words.

I’ve loved them my whole life and how they take me on glorious adventures. Words spoken, written or sung, I enjoy them all.

When I gave my life to Jesus Christ, and started reading The Holy Bible, a whole new world of words opened up! The verses in the Bible made it clear that these words I thought old and dusty were as relevant today as when they were written so long ago. Words such as these:

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." ~Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

It was evident that these weren’t ordinary words, these Words were alive with power and purpose! So, I took it to heart when reading 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) which says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

I knew He was telling me something so important that it had the power to change me. I read it over and over and claimed it as my own. Could it be true, I didn’t have to live with fear anymore?

F-E-A-R = False Evidence Appearing Real

It was clear that the ‘spirit of fear’ was spiritual warfare and NOT from God because it’s not in the character of the Holy Spirit.

Satan knows that when we’re fearful, we are useless.

An ineffective Christian that Satan doesn’t have to worry about because fear has overpowered and kept from kingdom work. And please know that if you weren’t of any value, that thief wouldn’t bother to steal your worth.

But Satan has no control unless we give it to him.

Did you know there are over 500 diagnosed phobias that speak to every kind of fear?

There’s Ablutophobia (the fear of washing) and Automysophobia (the fear of being dirty). Ecclesiophobia is the fear of churches, and the fear of phobias which you can probably guess is phobophobia.

Whether it’s small spaces, being alone or public speaking…we all have something, or maybe a few things we’re fearful of, but I’d like to suggest that when we’re focusing on fear, we are not focusing on the Lord.

We’ve forgotten that He did NOT give us a spirit of fear but we can be fearless because we have His Power and His Never-ending Love, and we can choose to be in control of our feelings.

That’s the pep-talk Paul was giving Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT), “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

He was stirring up Timothy’s courage and faith because he’d been in ministry for years at this point and was being severely tested by false teachers (Satan) who were challenging his role as a leader in their church. Paul was saying, “Don’t forget who you are, Timothy, and don’t forget whose you are.”

Do our fears manifest because we’ve forgotten this as well?

Are we telling God he’s not enough?

Over the years I’ve overcome many ‘spirits of fear’ with the delivering power of God’s Holy Spirit. I want you to know you can too.

Read what God says in Isaiah 41:13 (NIV), “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. “

We’re not alone in this battle, the Almighty, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has a tight hold on us! I hope that these words give encouragement to fight your fears. Satan lives to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus came so we might have life in abundance (John 10:10), life in the Living Word. 

Let's pray this passage of Scripture Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV) as we close:

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” 

~*~
Author Bio:

Susan Lindstrom is NOT an award-winning writer yet unless you count that ‘best story’ award in third grade but stay tuned to see what God has planned!

Writing has always been a passion but raising a family, running her sewing and design business, involvement in Women’s Ministry and teaching Sunday School kept her plenty busy.

Now a retired empty-nester, she trusts in God’s amazing timing and has jumped in to embrace this new adventure of writing.

Her first book, Emmie Jane and the Yellow Fuzz, is for children and is now available for purchase on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. It's the first in a series of real-life adventures focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit.

Susan grew up on both the East and West coasts and now calls the beautiful state of Wisconsin home. She is a wife, mom, and grandma to 10 children.

She enjoys a wide variety of music, loves live performance and believes that laughter is the best medicine. When she is not indoors writing, reading or pretending to clean the house, she’s outdoors enjoying the beauty of God’s Creation.

Susan is a proud member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

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Connect with Susan:
Website - www.susanlindstrombooks.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/susanlindstrombooks/

Devotional by Mary Manners: Joy-filled Traditions

Join me in welcoming our dear friend Mary Manners to the blog today! She's here to share her thoughts on family-based traditions that bring her joy. I hope that this devotional will bring joy to you! I know that it brought a smile to my face.

If you talk to God, please remember Mary and her family in your prayers. 

God bless you!

~*~
Joy-filled Traditions
A devotional written by Mary Manners

“How wonderful it must be to speak the language of the angels, with no words for hate and a million words for love!” 

~ Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994 ~

Traditions are the vines that connect family memories and lives. The older I get, the more I reflect on the traditions of my childhood, joyfully instilled with the love of my parents. I’m not talking so much about the big events but more about those little things that lay nestled in my heart like bountiful spoonfuls of warm chicken noodle soup.

For example, on each of my birthdays Mom always spent the better part of the morning elbow-deep in sifted flour and eggs as she lovingly prepared a double-chocolate cake layered with vanilla pudding and chocolate chips, drizzled in dark fudge frosting—a virtual and delectable chocolate overload. And Dad, well…at the heart of every summer this hard-working veteran’s ode to the Fourth of July consisted of a walk in the town parade followed by a backyard barbecue. As dusk fell, Dad carefully staked a flare in the lawn of our tiny front yard. Its light shimmered in a waterfall of colorful sparkles that elicited a delighted round of squeals coupled with a flurry of applause from my siblings and me. To a bunch of kids, the resulting fanfare from this single flare was more alluring than the grand finale on the town square.

Warm spring nights were filled with anticipation as I sat on the front steps with a scuffed and tattered baseball clutched in my hands while I waited for Dad to come home from a long day of work. It was his tradition to toss a few pitches to me before heading into the house to greet Mom and then wash up for dinner. Sometimes we got caught up in the moment and those few pitches stretched blissfully past twilight—and the dinner hour. In contrast, on snowy Chicago winter days Dad made it a tradition to help me run my paper route with his beat-up Chevy station wagon. He’d navigate through snow trenches while I bundled the papers and tossed them onto flake-dusted front porches. It was during those excursions that I soaked in Dad’s most valuable kernels of wisdom—words that have remained with me over the decades since I first heard them, “If you’re going to do a job, do it right.”

I’ve carried on some of the traditions of my childhood with my daughter and sons. For example, when Danni turned seven I purchased her first two-wheel bike and spent the afternoon pounding the pavement of our cul-de-sac as I taught her to ride in the same manner my parents employed for each of my siblings and me on our seventh birthdays. Her brothers soon followed. I also prepared sack lunches for school every day, same as my mom did each and every morning for thirteen years. Boloney and cheese with a side of raw veggies remains a favorite at our house, and sometimes I even managed to tuck witty inspirational quotes, scrawled on plain white paper napkins, inside before I closed each bag.

My husband and I have also begun a few of our own family traditions. We love leaving little notes for each other and for our children—taped to the car’s steering wheel, tucked beneath a bed pillow, at a place-setting on the dinner table, slipped with care into a pocket or shoe. The favorite Danni and I share is notes scrawled on a sheet torn from a sticky pad and slapped onto the bathroom mirror. When she started to drive, I began to leave messages for her each morning before I left for work and while she still lay soundly in her bed. “Have a great day. I love you. Be safe.” As the number of messages mounted, she framed the mirror with them. Then one day, as the time for her leave for college approached, I noticed the notes had disappeared. I thought she’d thrown them away while packing, but later wept when I found she’d tucked each one carefully into a shoebox that she carried away with her to campus. Now the messages frame a bulletin board in her dorm room and I pray they remind her daily of the importance…and fun…of traditions.

Traditions…they remain one of the ties that bind my family together and will surely also prove to be a legacy as my children, and now grandchildren as well, carry on many of the nuggets of day-to-day nuances that have over the years blossomed to be special—and cherished—memories.

~*~

Author bio: 

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus.

She loves swimming, running, flavored coffee and Smoky Mountain sunsets.

Mary believes everyone has a story to tell, and she loves to share hers. She writes inspirational romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.