When Love Inspires: The Introduction

Love is in the air! No, it's not Springtime yet BUT Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) is around the corner and I created "When Love Inspires" to celebrate!

"When Love Inspires" is a new series for my blog. Hint: Valentine's Day is my muse.

Every day, from February 1 through February 14, I will feature an author and their sweet romance story on my blog. All of my authors this time write for the Christian book market, so their stories are as captivating as they are clean and inspirational.

Featured authors will share what inspires them to write sweet romance stories. 

Here's what's in it for you: FREE books! Each author promised to give away at least one copy (paperback or digital) of their featured book. You can enter each book giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget that will be located toward the very end of each blog post.

I hope that this series, When Love Inspires, will be a blessing for your heart!

Love,

Alexis A. Goring

Founder of "God is Love" blog

Devotionals for the Heart: Fire

Fight Fire with Fire
A devotional by Temeka Borden

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” – Ephesians 6:16 (KJV)

Everything happens for a reason. I know that sounds a bit cliché, but I have found it to be so true. I recently experienced the lowest point in my life. Now, I thought I knew what hitting rock bottom was before, but I found out I did not. The good news is that experience forced me to grow spiritually. My ministry has been strengthened, and I feel the Lord is taking me to another level.

I consider myself to be a strong, intelligent, confident woman who, with Jesus Christ, is unstoppable! However, recently, the enemy tried to test my confidence and my faith in the Lord. The Lord allowed me to be in an environment, which many would describe as toxic, based on my most recent experiences. I have experienced various forms of harassment and bullying on a consistent daily basis for an extended period of time, and it negatively impacted me emotionally. Most days during this time period, I could not function.

What’s more is that many people know my ministry is “Positivity Inspires”, and one of my social media pages has over one million followers. Unfortunately, some wrong information had gotten out there about me, and it had reached the point that I could not do something as simple as running errands without being reminded that false information had been spread about me throughout the community. This was tough, as it feels I was doing everything right but was being punished for it!

Unfortunately, some people are more inclined to believe lies rather than the truth. So the Lord guided me as to how to clean things up. However, although I’m in the healing stages, I still have my moments or my days. Yet, I know my Lord is a healer and that eventually, I will be completely healed, and I know this entire experience is continually making me.

I remember having a phone conversation with my mother one day, and telling her that I don’t think I will ever be the same. I originally meant this in a negative sense, but today, I can joyfully say that because of what I experienced, I will never be the same (in a positive way). I am becoming stronger. I am becoming tougher. I am becoming better. I am getting even closer to Jesus, and I know He is going to work through me like never before. I am thankful for my family, my church families, my close friends, my social media family, my healthcare provider, and most importantly, Jesus! They are my support system, and I would not have been able to make it through this trying time without them.

Lastly, I wish to end this writing blog with the following piece I wrote on one of my social media pages:

“When you reach a certain level of maturity, the enemy will come at you like never before. The devil will work in ways you never imagined with the goal of negatively impacting your witness for Christ. I know because I have experienced this firsthand.

As someone who knows all to well how if feels to have the wrong information get out there about you (multiple times), I can say it is not easy. Things may be innocently or maliciously miscommunicated. What you write or say may be misinterpreted. However, you must believe that the Lord will allow the truth to come forward. You must have faith that in the end, you will be vindicated. You must believe that the Lord will take the enemy’s wicked devices and convert them into something that will enable His Word to reach a multitude of people.

So when the devil comes at you, continue to hold your head up high. Remember, you are God’s child and He will fight for you. The fiery darts of the wicked are no match for the fire of the Holy Spirit.”

~*~
Author Bio:

Temeka Borden, better known by her pen name, Positivity Inspires, is an author, speaker, minister, and servant of the Lord. She was introduced to Christ at a very early age and was raised in the church. Her ministry focuses on encouraging Christians to love God first, to love all people, to continually strengthen their bond with Christ, and to study His Word, and live His Word daily. 

After recently experiencing what she describes as the "lowest point in her life", Positivity Inspires wrote the following about herself to serve as an encouragement and reminder of who she is in Christ:

"I am a child of God. He loves me unconditionally. Although I have my shortcomings, He has blessed me with a desire to do what is right. I have been blessed with many natural and spiritual gifts. I am an author. I am a speaker. I am a teacher. I am a runner. I am a drummer. I am a singer (when I’m in the mood), and I have a strong 'fashion sense'. I am loved. My family and friends are my heart, and I know they will support me no matter what. I am educated. I currently have two degrees (one of them a doctorate), and with God’s help, I will complete a third degree soon. I am a multi-state licensed medical professional who completed a specialty residency, which prepared me for the workforce (and made me a FORCE to be reckoned with). I am a leader. I have served in administrative roles and was successful in those positions because I made a difference (with God’s help). I am ambitious, and I know that with God, all things are possible. I know He is going to do great things through me."

Positivity Inspires loves God and she loves people. She strongly encourages others to show kindness, respect, and love to everyone. Positivity Inspires loves and welcomes diversity and flourishes in culturally diverse environments. She also is passionate about giving back to the community, and her favorite mantras are: "Speak Up!" and "Watch God Work!"

~*~
Connect with Temeka:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/positivity_inspires/
Facebook - www.Facebook.com/positivityinspirespage
Twitter - https://twitter.com/PInspires/

Devotionals for the Heart: Silence

Silence
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.” ~Psalm 62:5-6 (NASB)

Silence can be a hard commodity to come by in this day and age. I don’t know about anyone else, but when it comes to either finding a place to sit in silence or the ability to shut my mouth when I should, neither is easy.

One night during our last family vacation I fell asleep listening to a mediation app while wearing a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. I’m not sure how long I slept but I woke up, suddenly, in the dark, heart racing, terrified. It occurred to me later how much we use our sense of hearing to orient ourselves and when I awoke in an unfamiliar place with no background noise, I had no sense of connection to anything and it was a terrifying feeling.

So if we, consciously or not, use noise as a natural orientation to the chaotic world around us, isn’t it possible that God uses our intentional silence and stillness to orient us better to His?

I understand that for many people who have hearing disabilities silence is not a choice. Though, I think physical silence is only one aspect of what David addresses in this psalm. Getting our bodies and voices to settle down is one thing, but obtaining a quiet spirit and a settled mind is something else.

Raise your hand if the minute you decide to pray or meditate, a thousand new ideas that have nothing to do with prayer or meditation immediately flood into your thoughts: Don’t forget to put bread on the grocery list. I need to get through all those papers on my desk at work. What should we do about next summer’s vacation? 

Anyone else? Please tell me I’m not the only one!

I think that silence — physical, emotional, or mental — is so opposite our nature that finding it can only come as a part of seeking God. Notice in this verse, how David is actually addressing his own soul and commanding it to “wait in silence for God only.” He even spells out why he knows he should do this: “for my hope is from Him.” 

When we, like David, wait in silence with quiet minds and quiet lips, we will find connection with Him. In turn, that connection with the Lord gives us hope, another commodity in short supply it seems these days.

Find a moment or two to be silent before God. For most of us, this will take effort, but ask Him to help you. I believe every time we sincerely seek Him, with an honest heart and a open hand, He will meet us exactly where we are. And it will always be a blessing.

My Prayer: Father God, settle my heart today in silence, so that I can hear You and feel Your presence. Allow me to see Your hope in my life and in the world around me. And give me opportunities to share that hope with someone who needs it. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Glynis Becker writes fiction, devotions, and screenplays. 

She is a wife, mother of teenagers and a part-time administrative assistant.

In her spare time she likes to read, try new recipes, crochet, and cheer on the Minnesota Vikings. 

You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Stuck

Stuck
A devotional by Heather Martin

The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." ~Psalm 32:8 (NLT)

As a singer, I have spent many New Year’s Eves at various churches sleepily awaiting our turn to sing for the midnight service. As a side note, I am not a night person and I have a hard time staying awake beyond a certain hour, and midnight is very much past that hour for me! 

Anyway, this particular service stands out vividly in my memory. It was a really cold night in Baltimore, Maryland, at an old church. We had gone to this church several times over the years to sing because the Pastor and family were dear friends of ours. We always enjoyed ministering to the youth there. Although it was a midnight service, many of our relatives came out to support my sisters and I as we rang in the New Year in song. The service began with a short sermon that was very inspiring. We were encouraged to think of all the ways God had blessed us during the year and to pray for a year that would be even greater! 

After the sermon, we were asked to come up and sing a few songs and it was timed perfectly to begin the New Year with a bang! When we sang the last song, balloons dropped and confetti flew all around the church. Everyone praised, and thanked God for a new start. It was a wonderful, uplifting way to bring in the New Year. 

After the concert was over, the kind ushers and ladies who’d been assisting us led us to an old elevator. And as I see it, our judgments had to be impaired by our sleepiness for all of us to think it was safe to pile onto an ancient, tiny elevator to reach the basement. As we entered the elevator everyone made jokes about how old it looked and how we hoped we wouldn’t get stuck, yet we all hurried in and pressed the button. Mid-way into our descend, the elevator abruptly stopped! 

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I exclaimed.

I tried not to panic, when meanwhile, an older sister who’d come to support us was freaking out. She was holding my niece, a baby at the time, and saying that she could not breathe. I looked again and she was trying to lift the roof of the elevator and ripping off her sweater. It is funny now, but in those few minutes that we were not moving and could feel the old cords of the elevator bounce, it was quite scary. It only took five minutes for the deacons to rescue us safely from the elevator, but it felt like forever! When we were finally out of that elevator we were so thankful that we weren’t trapped for longer and that no one was hurt.

What a way to bring in the New Year! Our night had mimicked the cycles of life. We started on a high, celebrating and then ended up stuck in an elevator, worried and in the face of danger, then back to safety. Life is always going to be full of ups and downs, highs and lows. Some days you may feel like life is so great, like a New Year’s Eve celebration, like you are flying on top of the world: like getting a raise, a new car, having a baby, getting married, or celebrating a birthday. Other days you may feel like you’re trapped in an elevator: worried, depressed, running out of options, sad because you’ve lost a loved one, facing health issues or dealing with a seemingly impossible situation.

Today I want you to be encouraged that no matter where you are in life, there is one thing that will never change, God is with you all the time. Although life can be unpredictable, He wants so desperately for you to feel His arms of love wrapped around you every step of the way. And we can rest assure that although we can’t see the future, and cannot always plan for these “stuck in the elevator experiences,” He saw it long before it happened and has already made a rescue plan for you. He wants to guide you to safety. 

Won’t you let Him rescue you today?

~*~
Author Bio:

Heather Martin was born the last of six siblings in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was raised by an amazing single mother (Rebecca Trotter) and was taught at an early age to love God and how to sing! She graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelors Degree in Language Arts Education and later received a Master’s Degree in Education from Kaplan University. 

Shortly after graduating she followed God’s call to minister. She joined the Stellar, Dove, and Grammy nominated gospel group Virtue, which was founded by her two older sisters Ebony Holland and Karima Kibble several years prior. Virtue has used their talents to spread the love of God across the world! They have recorded 7 studio albums and have been the recipients of numerous awards.

God has not only blessed Heather professionally, but personally. She met her husband, Dr. Colin Martin, and they have been married for 14 years. They have 4 children: Colin Jr. 11, Harper 10, Clark, 7, and Charleston 5. In 2016 Heather started an online blog and vegan and allergen-friendly cooking channel called “Chef Mommy.” Heather (Chef Mommy) has cooked with numerous celebrities and top chefs to spread the news of healthy cooking and lifestyle.

In addition to this busy schedule, Heather enjoys, running, reading, writing and spending time with her family.

~*~
Connect with Heather:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTMartin
Instagram for Heather: https://www.instagram.com/thechefmommy/
Instagram for Virtue (Heather’s singing group): https://www.instagram.com/virtuegirls
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chefmommyhm

Devotionals for the Heart: Faith, Questions and Obedience to God

Are You Sure, God?
A devotional by Carrie Del Pizzo

“Then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.” ~Joshua 6:4b (NASB)

God asks us to do some weird stuff sometimes, like when the Israelites were entering the Promised Land. God had promised to give their enemies into their hands and guaranteed they would conquer the land. But He wanted them to start by walking in circles for a week?

Or there was the time in Judges 7 when Gideon took 32,000 warriors to meet the Midianite army and God told him to send 31,700 men home because they were too many.

Once as a friend of mine walked down the street, God told him to stick his head in a mailbox and yell as loudly as he could, “God loves you!”

And just four months ago, God told me to leave my stable day job with the steady paycheck.

See what I mean about weird stuff? Sometimes His instructions seem illogical to us. Oh sure, when He says that we should go to the grocery store and get food, that sounds like a fine idea. Or when He gives us a little extra cash and tells us to take a vacation, we’re all over that.

But how do we respond when He tells us to drive out of our way to give someone a ride to church? What do we do when He tells us to volunteer as a Sunday school teacher? Why does our blood run cold when He asks us to share the story of His great love with someone who is lost and hurting?

At times like this, I start to debate with myself. This doesn’t make sense. Surely He didn’t really mean it. He must be mistaken. Yes, I know He created the spectacular variety of people and plants and animals and landscapes. I know He holds every child in His hands and put the sun, moon, and stars into motion. I know He died on the cross to save me and rose again to defeat the enemy. But this time He made a mistake.

Or maybe I’m supposed to obey.

The Israelites obeyed and on the seventh day, as the priests blew their trumpets and the people shouted, the walls of Jericho fell in on the city. When Gideon obeyed, he and his 300 men defeated the Midianite army of 135,000. My friend obeyed by bellowing into the mailbox, but as he turned to continue walking, a face popped over a nearby fence. “What did you say?” That man had been at the point of suicide until he heard a loud voice tell him he was loved by God. 

I, too, obeyed and quit my steady job. Four months later, my freelance business is taking off, I’m getting regular paychecks, and my health is so dramatically improved that my doctor plans to share my story with his other patients as an example of the effects of stress.

So what weird stuff is God asking you to do? Change jobs? Go out of your way? Share His love?

And what if you obeyed?

~*~
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, WA, with her hilarious family, who keeps her in stitches and provides piles of material for great stories.

Devotionals for the Heart: New Beginnings and Bible verses

A New Year, A New Beginning
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me.”
 ~Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

This Scripture strikes me as one that could easily be construed for a new beginning, a clean slate upon which one can write. Happy New Year to everyone. I can’t wait to see what God will do in this new year. He never ceases to surprise me and He reveals himself in so many subtle ways. 

A good example being when I ordered some Amaryllis bulbs for the holidays and as they began to bloom to my pleasant surprise there was an Avocado seed in there, I was beyond delighted. God knew how much I love Avocado plants. I felt He’d given me a special present and it touched my heart in such a way that it made me weep. 

Surely God is a giver of good gifts! Just like it says in James 1:17 (KJV): “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, and with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” 

After a half century of living I’ve finally learned not to make resolutions I can’t keep, not to go on diets that I won’t stay on and not to join a gym that I won’t go to six months down the road, no matter how many health benefits it offers. What I do try to do is wait upon Him to show me my course for the new year. I have been perpetually blessed by new vistas, new friends and new opportunities. I truly believe each one is God ordained. If He has taught me anything it is the art of waiting. 

While I wait, God's promises found in The Holy Bible. Psalm 37:23 (KJV) encourages my heart. It says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way.” 

May we all learn in this New Year, to be sensitive to the Lord’s leading. For many of us it’s not just another New Year, but perhaps a new season in our lives. New challenges, but no matter what we’re facing He has the solution before we know the question.

This is my advice to you: Trust God to guide you and He will. Our choices have consequences. Our every action has a reaction. God is for you. He doesn’t work against you and He truly does want you to succeed in everything you undertake. Remember Romans 8:28 (KJV) which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Let us be an example of God’s mercy and grace to everyone around us. Let this be a year of new beginnings. Let us put aside any pettiness we may harbor and not forget to be kind.

Shalom.

~*~
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, 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: 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: Why we need to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ

Lift Your Eyes
A devotional by Christa MacDonald

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” ~2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

For those of us who came to the faith early in life, this verse can be challenging. For us, that moment when we truly believed (our conversion) may have come when we were too young to understand the power of Grace and the nature of sin. Often we were young enough that our sin seemed simple, conquerable, an old coat we could take off that day and leave behind. We assumed being new would be easy, automatic, effortless.

By the time we are mature Christians we understand that sin is more like a thread that is woven into the fabric of our souls than it is a coat. When we believe, Christ takes hold of that thread and we are unraveled and begin to be stitched together again, something far better, incomparable. That process will not be complete this side of heaven, but the work begins the moment we believe and place our faith in Jesus. We’ve been justified; we are being sanctified.

But there are times we can feel like it’s not happening at all, that we’re making the same old mistakes, fighting the same old sins. My early life as a Christian was filled with this sense of being half-done, as if my salvation didn’t take. I kept thinking there was something else I needed to do, a class I had to take, a mission that I could go on, a mountaintop I could climb and then have some transcendental experience that would make me finally feel like I really was a new person, a real Christian.

Nothing I did made a difference. It took years until I understood that I had all the wrong ideas about God’s Grace. It’s given, not earned through our goodness, because we are incapable of being good on our own. Jesus Christ does indeed meet us where we are. And we are sinners. Every last one of us and we will struggle with our natures until our last breath, but what is different, what is new, is that we do not struggle in vain. Jesus has a hold of that thread. He has redeemed us and His Grace covers us.

Sometimes it may feel like you’re walking in the same circle, the same patterns of behavior, the same old ways. Look up. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Lift your focus from yourself to Him. There’s the new path, there’s the way to be that new creature.

You may have heard this before, but it’s the best advice when mired in self-doubt: Don’t think less of yourself, think of yourself less.

When we turn inward to find a solution that’s when we run into trouble, that’s when we return to what we were, not what we were meant to be. Lift your eyes, focus on Jesus – His word, His teaching, His will – and be the new creation He has made you.

~*~
Author Bio:

Christa MacDonald is a 2017 ACFW Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction.

A native New Englander, she was inspired by her travels through the north woods of Maine to write The Broken Trail, which would become the first in the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.

Christa's writing focuses on the real-life challenges of the modern world; love’s sometimes crooked path, and the redemptive power of Grace.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty.  

She and her husband live with their three kids, two cats, and one dog along the coast of New England.  Connect with Christa at www.christamacdonald.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Strength is Perfect and He is Enough

Motherhood, Plans and Perfect Strength
A devotional by Amanda Wen

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

My whole life, I’ve been able to do pretty much anything I set my mind to. Good grades, musical achievements, college scholarships, you name it. Studying, preparing, practicing, and Doing All The Right Things, combined with the natural talents God gave me, meant I could usually meet the lofty goals I set for myself.

And then, ten years ago this month, I became a mom.

Motherhood was radically different from anything this overachieving Type A control freak had ever experienced. The All-Natural Drug-Free Peaceful Birthing Experience I’d planned ended in a medically necessary C-section. My plan to nurse exclusively ran up against the dual roadblocks of low milk supply from me and a less-than-ideal latch from my darling son. My vision of rocking a contented sleeping baby was dashed against the rocky reality of colic. Despite all my hard work, preparation, and Doing All The Right Things, nothing turned out the way I expected.

But even worse for this hormonal, postpartum mama? The discovery that I do not have a natural talent for mothering. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my newborn son more than anything. But that zing that comes from when God’s gifting perfectly intersects with His calling on your life? That didn’t happen for me. All those things that seemed to come naturally to other mothers, things like rocking and playing and soothing and comforting, those things I thought were intuitive for all mothers? Many of those were the exact opposite for me.

However—and this was something I didn’t realize until years later—that was okay. Because God was with me. He was guiding me even when I couldn’t see it or feel it. And, as 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, His strength was being made perfect in my weakness.

God kept me going during all those sleepless nights. He provided strength and endurance when my son wouldn’t stop crying. He provided my caring, supportive, patient, and incredibly laid-back husband. He sent a passel of friends to stop in with meals, advice, an extra pair of hands, and a listening ear. And, after six months or so, He provided a way for us to move to my hometown to be closer to family, a decision for which I’ve been grateful countless times for countless reasons.

For the last ten years, my number one fear has been that I won’t be a good enough mom. But I’ve recently realized that, on my own, I’m not a good enough mom. I never was, and I never will be. But, again, that is okay. Because I have God. And He is enough.

Philippians 4:13 is a very popular verse, but I think it can be misinterpreted. Sometimes we want to make it a rubber stamp, a catch-all for following our hearts and chasing our dreams and assuming Jesus will enable us to do it all. But the verse in context is actually about contentment. About how, even when Paul was at his wits’ end and things weren’t going as he planned and he was dealing with the mysterious thorn in his side that God refused to remove, he had peace. Joy. He’d learned the secret of being okay whether he had everything or nothing, when things were awesome and when they weren’t: he could endure because God was with him. Making perfect his weaknesses and filling in the gaps with His strength. Enabling Paul to fulfill God’s plan, not his own.

He does that with us, too.

So now, ten years down the road, I’m grateful motherhood didn’t come naturally to me. Not being able to do it on my own forced me—in the best possible way—to become totally dependent on God for the ability to care for my children. Ten years ago—and every day since—he’s come through for me. His strength has been made perfect in my weakness.

What areas of your life don’t come naturally to you? I’d love to hear about them in the comments, and to pray for God’s supernatural strength to be evident in your situation. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of contemporary inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. 

A first place winner in the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest, she also placed first in the 2017 Phoenix Rattler Contest, the 2017 Great Expectations Contest, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions Contest, among others. In addition, she was a finalist in the 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest. 

Amanda is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She’s also been spotted onstage with the worship team at recent ACFW conferences. Amanda is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

In addition to her writing, Amanda maintains an active and rewarding career as a freelance cellist, frequently performing with symphony orchestras, string quartets, and her church’s worship team. She lives in the Midwest with her amazing husband and their three adorable and hilarious Wenlets.

~*~
Connect with Amanda:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authoramandawen

Twitter: www.twitter.com/authoramandawen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authoramandawen
Website: www.amandawen.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Suffering

Who Needs Enemies When You Have Friends Like Eliphaz?
A devotional by Kristy Horine

“Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place – Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him." ~Job 2:11 (NKJV) 

Job understood the truth of this title.

This Old Testament man’s life was good. His kids were all grown up and doing good things, home life was sweet, business endeavors were flooding his accounts with incredible ROIs … then, he lost everything in a day. As if that weren’t enough, his entire body erupted with boils “from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” (Job 2:7 NKJV)

For Job, what remained included a wife who encouraged him to curse God and die, and three friends who came and stirred up the ashes of his dreams with hot, accusing breath.

On an infinitely smaller scale, I share Job’s feelings of loss and despair. Every time I’m disappointed as a hope is doused. Every time I receive a rejection letter for the writing. Every time one of my ministry ideas is shot down. Every time a reasonable expectation is unmet, I see a tinge of the darkness.

I’m guessing you might see it, too.

By chapter 22 in Job, I’m counting down how much more I have to read. I mean, how long can this go on? I feel the sting of Eliphaz’s words in Job 22:5-11 (NKJV) where he said: “Is not your wickedness great, and your iniquity without end? For you have taken pledges from your brother for no reason, and stripped the naked of their clothing. You have not given the weary water to drink, and you have withheld bread from the hungry. But the mighty man possessed the land, and the honorable man dwelt in it. You have sent widows away empty, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed. Therefore snares are all around you, and sudden fear troubles you, or darkness so that you cannot see; and an abundance of water covers you.”

Job, man, you are drowning in wickedness. 
There must be something wrong with you. 

I somehow believed the words Eliphaz said.

With the edges of the darkness closing in, I could see Job stripping people buck naked, withholding water and food, ignoring the widows and crushing the fatherless.

I believed the false accusations. In the span of 22 chapters – 517 verses – I forgot what God said about Job. Let's read Job 1:8 (NKJV) where the Lord said to Satan: “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

In the midst of your darkness and ashes, in the mire of a multitude of jagged-edged voices, have you forgotten what God says about you? Have you forgotten how deep and high and wide is His love for you?

Scripture tells us:

· For those who repent and believe, they will be saved (Acts 16:31).

· For those who are in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1).

· For those who are called according to His purpose, He works things out for good

(Romans 8:28).

· For those who are free in the Son are free indeed (John 8:36).

Precious friends, Eliphaz doesn’t know Jack and he doesn’t know God and what the Lord Almighty has said about you.

Push a stick into those ashes and find a little coal there. While you are hurting still, and trying to figure out a way to heal both from what is real and from what is imagined, focus on the thing that glows. It will give you enough light to make it through the night. 

~*~

Author Bio:

Kristy Horine is a Kentucky writer, freelance journalist by trade and creative by God’s grace.

She writes a little bit of everything including poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. Her professional and creative work has been published in newspapers, magazines and anthologies in Kentucky and beyond.

Kristy founded 3rd Letter Christian Writers in Lexington, Kentucky in 2015. Read more of her work at www.kristyhorine.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Refreshed

A Refreshing New River
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. The wild animals in the field will thank me, the jackals and owls too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my people can be refreshed.” 

 ~Isaiah 43:19-20 (NLT)

Recently, my husband and I drove south, down the I-5 corridor, through Northern California. We were taking the trip to witness my Grandfather’s entombment. The landscape was dry, rocky riverbeds laid open, and trees reached long arms in search of water. Despite the winter season, the terrain cried of its recent forest fires. I had been made aware of the drought and wild fires through the National news. However, driving through this territory, in the tracks of death and grief, I felt akin to a dry riverbed and an outstretched tree. My heart was cracked and brittle from parched hours of watching a precious life go. My eyes were seeing in this landscape what my heart was grieving. God used this trip to help me see more fully His love.

God does not leave His children in a wasteland. His heart is for renewal of life! Scripture repeats this beating of God’s heart like the hospital monitor I had spent so many hours watching. The Israelites entered the promised land (Joshua 24:28), Job’s fortunes were restored (Job 42:10), and Jesus came that we might have a life of freedom, good pastures and abundance (John 10:9-10). The constant, familiar beating comforts, but change sets off alarms throwing me into a fear that keeps me staring at death rather than trusting God and His renewal process.

For my Grandfather, the changes in his heart rhythms were indications of something new. For months he had been praying for his life to come to an end because that life had become his dry wasteland. I heard him say repeatedly, “I am ready to go,” yet our last conversation was over “one regret.” That regret kept my Grandfather’s eyes fixed on the wasteland and tethered to his life. His eyes, like that of the jackal or owl were staring at empty burrows and dry riverbeds for life.

It was here, along the California freeway, that I too found a choice in where I cast my eyes. I could stare long at regret and loss and choose to live in desolation and sadness, or I could look to something new. Now following the Interstate northbound, we headed home. Having turned, this same pathway now revealed something new…snow in the mountains! Little did I know that while I was traveling in the desert, my eyes downcast, God was preparing refreshment on the high hills. God's magnificent nature was doing what it thrives on doing…renewal! I could see it! He had already begun storing up the waters that would refresh this dry and thirsty land!

In an instant I felt refreshed! My heart swelled with joy and my spirit knew hope renewed! The compass on my outlook on Grandfather's life had been reset to true north. My eyes were no longer downcast nor my grieving heart. My Grandfather had lived a lifetime with Jesus and was now resting in peace with the hope of eternity. The California landscape might have to continue to be as patient as an old man living a challenging life, but I know I can access the refreshment today.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Sharon Musgrove is a self-proclaimed sociologist. The opportunities opened to her, over the years, have led her on a fascinating journey observing human behavior. 

She has a diverse background in business, fitness and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both recovery programs served women primarily from the homeless community. 

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She's been privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Easily identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she's served, Sharon now sees all people as needing more encouragement regardless of cultural or socioeconomic status. Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, make their home in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. They have two grown children. Currently, Sharon is writing her first Christian historical fiction novel utilizing her study, experience, and understanding of self-destructive behaviors.

Devotionals for the Heart: Kindness

Loving God by loving my guy
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

I have a cute little game I play with my husband, only I’ve never actually told him about this.

Every day, I try to out-do him in kindnesses. You know, those small things that make everyday life go more smoothly: I empty the dishwasher. If the gas tank is low and I know we’ll be trading cars tomorrow, I fill up the gas tank. I tell him he is hands-down the most handsome guy in the world (he totally is).

The basic theory is that I try to one-up him in generous love. After all, I’ve figured out that when I win, he wins.

What’s been really neat about this unspoken game is that he does nice stuff back for me and tries to out-do me in generous love and little kindnesses.

It's a win-win circle.

One thing that is so great about a God-centered marriage is that we know love is one of the Lord’s top two commandments, and one huge way I can love God is by loving my husband.

And there are so many ways to love him! I can love him with my words, with my service, with my time. I can love him with honor and respect, just like he loves me with honor and respect. I can love him by loving his family (that’s super-easy, because they are incredible). I’m a busy woman. I work full-time running a Christian newspaper, I’m a wife, I’m the mom and stepmom of four kids, I’m active at church and in my small group, and I’m an author, blogger, freelance editor, and writing coach. I might scrimp on doing my hair (love me some ponytails). I might not vacuum as often as I’d like.

But one thing I don’t scrimp on: loving my guy.

The apostle Paul had some helpful things to say about a God-centered marriage and a godly life. He urged us to “submit to each other out of respect for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21, CEB). Submit means yield, surrender, capitulate. It echoes what Jesus himself taught us in the Gospel of Matthew, that if someone slaps you on the right cheek, “You must turn the left cheek to them as well” (Matthew 5:39). If they take your shirt, “Let them have your coat too” (Matthew 5:40). If they make you go one mile, “Go with them two” (Matthew 5:41).

Out-do each other in generosity. Yield. Love. Surrender. Model wild, extravagant sacrifice.

Model the example of Jesus.

This works in a God-centered marriage. My husband loves me and honors me, too. He doesn’t hurt me physically or emotionally. He wants what’s best for me. I do the same for him. It’s a two-way street.

Whether you are married or not, try my Out-Do in Kindness Game in your own life. Try it with strangers (pay for someone’s meal in a drive-thru or their toll on the turnpike). Try it in your home. Try it at church. Hold the door for people. Let someone else go first.

When others win, we all win.

We’re all in this together.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 ACFW Genesis Award for her as-yet-unpublished 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 blog at http://jessicabrodie.com/shiningthelight.

Devotionals for the Heart: Prepare for Battle by Wearing the Armor of God

The Full Armor of God
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” ~Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

Growing up on military bases I often encountered Marines performing their morning physical training. Sometimes at the end of a session there were trainees who looked defeated. As an adult, I realized they had to train so hard to be fit for battle, on any terrain and on any given day. As members in the army of God, we are given tools and armor to train for the day when evil comes. We are assured that day will come, and the Word commands us to put on the full armor of God to order to stand.

Why must we put on the Helmet of Salvation?

The mind is the enemy's number one battleground. If he can shut us down mentally everything else usually follows suit. Yet, the Lord’s salvation promises us victory over sin and the grave. Let us not forget the awesome covering of His salvation! First from our head, then down to...

The Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate wraps around the body to guard the heart, but there are areas where it can come lose, exposing our hearts. We must careful to check our breastplate by His righteousness, to ensure we are not open to an attack that can pierce the heart. Our breastplate must be check daily that it is in the right position for our protection.

We must gird ourselves in the Belt of Truth.

A belt holds things up and keeps things together. It is also adjustable, which means we can adjust it in the midst of battle. If it is too loose it may slip and fall, or become a distraction, which is not the intention of truth. It must be pulled tight so that it functions properly. Sometimes, when we hold the truth too tight, we must expand it to include more truth to move more freely. Thus, truth stays secure around us to hold us up and help us fight effectively.

Next, we lift up the Shield of Faith.

Our shield extinguishes the enemy’s flaming arrows. Holding it up requires us to move when God tells us to move it. The essence of faith is things we cannot see, and also in what direction they are coming. Our shield is meant to protect us, but we must rely on God’s leading to remain protected. He sees what we cannot see, and we must have faith enough to trust His voice to defend us in darkness, confusion, and the overwhelming moments of the battle.

In our right hand is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word.

This massive sword has the ability to defeat the enemy with one blow. A small, light sword will wound, but it is not effective in one swing. Many complain about the weight of their sword because they are weak in the Word and do not practice carrying it, which renders the only weapon they need ineffective. Practicing with our sword enables us to pierce the darkness and cut down any foe.

To stay grounded in battle, we must stand in the Readiness of Peace.
A warrior standing in peace is not quick to run into battle. Each step is strategic because it is leading to one goal – the establishment of God’s kingdom. Being ready for peace also means laying down the burden of battle when the time is right. In seeking His peace, we find rest so that we will be able to fight again tomorrow.

Lastly, God calls us to Pray in the Spirit with all kinds of prayers and requests.

This means allowing His spirit to control what we say and praying according to God’s Word. The enemy flees from God’s warriors because of the power of the Holy Spirit within us. By praying for and claiming the fruits of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim to the enemy that we are mighty warriors of God, and this reminds him that he has already been defeated by our Savior and faithful defender! The Prince of Peace. Our Blessed Redeemer. The Lord God Almighty. The one by whom we stand.

God wants us to be ready for battle. The good news is He’s already won the victory! 

Hallelujah!

~*~ 

Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia. She teaches television production at C.D. Hylton Senior High School.

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), ACFW Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England.

In her spare time, she also writes and directs Christmas and Easter passion plays at Christ Chapel Assembly of God in Woodbridge, VA.

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mirachelle77/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: Love

Love is…
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

You are invited to read the key text for this devotional which is

 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3 (NASB).

How many times have you heard or read the “love” chapter in the Bible? It’s often read for weddings, and there is nothing wrong with that, except most couples think they are supposed to go do all those things in their own strength, rather than recognizing that this chapter is speaking of Who GOD is. That’s where the end of Chapter 12 is crucial for us to remember.

We can all agree that only God gives the gifts of the Spirit, and only God can make the fruits of the Spirit alive in us. What we all seem to forget is that the first fruit is LOVE. Chapter 12 ends saying, “And I will show you a still more excellent way.” That should lead us to ask, “What is this more excellent way, Lord?” Once that question is asked, and we are truly seeking the answer, we can go to Chapter 13.

We speak, so often, from our “heart”, yet is it really? Are we speaking the truth in love, as we are called to do as believers? If I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am even more than just a resounding gong. I can be a destroyer of hope, faith, joy, and someone who tears down another child of God in order to feel better about “getting it off my chest”. That’s not a more excellent way. In fact, it’s very much the way of the world which we are called to stand out from as different.

We can’t expect those in the world to treat us with the love of Christ. It’s just not who they are or anything they can produce. However, as believers, we are commanded to treat everyone with the love of Christ whether they are a blood relation through Him, or still wandering in darkness. This is a more excellent way which cannot be achieved through anything we do in our own strength. It is only manifested in us when we allow Christ to live through us. That love from Him, through us, shines a beacon of hope, joy, faith, and calls to their hearts. Whether they answer or not is not our responsibility. We are only called to love and let the Lord do the rest.

What would your relationships look like if you lived this more excellent way? If your speech was filled with love rather than cutting words, anger, malice, slander, or many of the other works of darkness Christ warns us against? What would our world look like? How would the world look at believers if His love was truly felt flowing through them? This doesn’t require that we accept things which we know are not of Christ. His love will show others right and wrong by His Spirit. We need not be the hammer beating them over their heads. We have simply been called to love.

Jesus came first to save the world…through His love. He will come again to judge the world, but He left behind His Holy Spirit to teach us this more excellent way. May we allow Him to love through us so a dying world may know what we already know…God is love.

My Prayer to God: Daddy, we fail, yet You love us still. We forget that we can only love others if we allow Your love to flow through us. Give us the eyes to see when we are attempting to love in our own strength rather than with Your perfect love which changes lives. We love You, and want to show the world Who You are. In Christ, 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

Devotionals for the Heart: New Year 2019 edition with new writers!

Happy New Year, dear reader friends!

I am excited to announce that this year, we have 12 NEW writers contributing to my blog's tri-weekly series, "Devotionals for the Heart!"

This is the introduction post! Scroll down to see pictures of my new writers and read their author bios then starting tomorrow, read the first NEW devotional for this year! :)

Note: Three of my original writers from last year have returned for this year's devotional writing journey, you may recognize their familiar faces as you scroll through this post! Also, we have a few backup writers (not pictured here) who will only contribute in emergency cases when my regular writers for this year cannot meet their deadline. A new devotional will be published every Monday/Wednesday/Friday of every week for all of this New Year 2019.

I hope and pray that God blesses you this New Year beyond your wildest dreams! May this devotional series bless your heart too.

Love,

Alexis 

~*~

Read on for the author bios and photos of my devotional writers for this year...

Author Bio for Jessica Brodie:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian journalist, author, editor, blogger, and writing coach who currently serves as the managing editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

She is the author of More Like Jesus: A Devotional Journey (2018) and editor of Stories of Racial Awakening: Narratives on Changed Hearts and Lives of South Carolina United Methodists (2018), both from her newspaper’s Advocate Press. She also writes contemporary women’s fiction, represented by Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel, The Memory Garden, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ 2018 Genesis Contest.

Married to the photographer Matt Brodie, they have a blended family of four children and stepchildren and make their home in Lexington, South Carolina. She holds a master’s degree in English Literature and a bachelor’s in communications, both from Florida International University in her hometown of Miami.

Jessica has a popular faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com/shiningthelight and is active on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

~*~
Author Bio for Mirachelle Canada:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater. She spent some time learning and developing her talents in Hollywood as an art director and production assistant on various TV shows. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, American Fiction Christian Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England. In her spare time, she also writes and directs Christmas and Easter passion plays, and sings in the choir and praise & worship team at Christ Chapel Assembles of God in Woodbridge, VA.

~*~
Author Bio for Heather Martin:

Heather Martin was born the last of six siblings in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was raised by an amazing single mother (Rebecca Trotter) and was taught at an early age to love God and how to sing! She graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Language Arts Education and later received a Master’s Degree in Education from Kaplan University. 

Shortly after graduating she followed God’s call to minister. She joined the Stellar, Dove, and Grammy nominated gospel group Virtue, which was founded by her two older sisters Ebony Holland and Karima Kibble several years prior. Virtue has used their talents to spread the love of God across the world! They have recorded 7 studio albums and have been the recipients of numerous awards.

God has not only blessed Heather professionally, but personally. She met her husband, Dr. Colin Martin, and they have been married for 14 years. They have 4 children: Colin Jr. 11, Harper 10, Clark, 7, and Charleston 5. In 2016, Heather started an online blog and vegan and allergen-friendly cooking channel called “Chef Mommy.” Heather (Chef Mommy) has cooked with numerous celebrities and top chefs to spread the news of healthy cooking and lifestyle.

In addition to this busy schedule, Heather enjoys, running, reading, writing and spending time with her family.

~*~
Author Bio for Temeka Borden:

Temeka Borden, better known by her pen name “Positivity Inspires,” is an author, speaker, minister, and servant of the Lord. She was introduced to Christ at a very early age and was raised in the church. Her ministry focuses on encouraging Christians to love God first, to love all people, to continually strengthen their bond with Christ, and to study His Word, and live His Word daily. 

After recently experiencing what she describes as the "lowest point in her life", Positivity Inspires wrote the following about herself to serve as an encouragement and reminder of who she is in Christ:

"I am a child of God. He loves me unconditionally. Although I have my shortcomings, He has blessed me with a desire to do what is right. I have been blessed with many natural and spiritual gifts. I am an author. I am a speaker. I am a teacher. I am a runner. I am a drummer. I am a singer (when I’m in the mood), and I have a strong 'fashion sense'. I am loved. My family and friends are my heart, and I know they will support me no matter what. I am educated. I currently have two degrees (one of them a doctorate), and with God’s help, I will complete a third degree soon. I am a multi-state licensed medical professional who completed a specialty residency, which prepared me for the workforce (and made me a FORCE to be reckoned with). I am a leader. I have served in administrative roles and was successful in those positions because I made a difference (with God’s help). I am ambitious, and I know that with God, all things are possible. I know He is going to do great things through me."

Positivity Inspires loves God and she loves people. She strongly encourages others to show kindness, respect, and love to everyone. Positivity Inspires loves and welcomes diversity and flourishes in culturally diverse environments. She also is passionate about giving back to the community, and her favorite mantras are: "Speak Up!" and "Watch God Work!"

~*~
Author Bio for Amanda Wen:

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of contemporary inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. A first place winner in the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest, she also placed first in the 2017 Phoenix Rattler Contest, the 2017 Great Expectations Contest, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions Contest, among others. In addition, she was a finalist in the 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest. 

She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She’s also been spotted onstage with the worship team at recent ACFW conferences. Amanda is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

In addition to her writing, Amanda maintains an active and rewarding career as a freelance cellist, frequently performing with symphony orchestras, string quartets, and her church’s worship team. She lives in the Midwest with her amazing husband and their three adorable and hilarious Wenlets.

~*~
Author Bio for Carrie Del Pizzo:

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, WA, with her hilarious family, who keeps her in stitches and provides piles of material for great stories.

~*~
Author Bio for Victoria Bylin:

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.

~*~
Author Bio for Chaplain Paul Anderson:

Chaplain 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 (WAU) in Takoma Park, Maryland. He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees–a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, 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.

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Author Bio for Sharon Musgrove:

Sharon Musgrove is a self-proclaimed sociologist. The opportunities opened to her, over the years, have led her on a fascinating journey observing human behavior. She has a diverse background in business, fitness and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both recovery programs served women primarily from the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She's been privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Easily identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she's served, Sharon now sees all people as needing more encouragement regardless of cultural or socioeconomic status. Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, make their home in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. They have two grown children. Currently, Sharon is writing her first Christian historical fiction novel utilizing her study, experience, and understanding of self-destructive behaviors.

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Author Bio for Christa MacDonald:

Christa MacDonald is a 2017 ACFW Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction. 

A native New Englander, she was inspired by her travels through the north woods of Maine to write The Broken Trail, which would become the first in the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.

Christa's writing focuses on the real-life challenges of the modern world; love’s sometimes crooked path, and the redemptive power of Grace.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty.

She and her husband live with their three kids, two cats, and one dog along the coast of New England.

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Author Bio for Nanci Rubin:

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, a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys, an Amish romance and has placed it in her agents capable hands. The rest is up to God.

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Author Bio for Voni Harris:

Voni Harris writes from her family’s home on the rain forest island of Kodiak, Alaska. 

A legal-eagle husband, a breathtaking daughter, an adventurous grandson, and two enthusiastic dogs all conspire to keep her from spending too much time at the computer.

She holds a Radio-TV degree from Drake University, and her short story “The Wedding” was published in Heart-Stirring Stories of Romance. Her novel Nothing Hidden won the 2013 ACFW’s First Impressions contest and the 2015 Daphne DuMaurier unpublished inspy suspense category. It was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis finalist.

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Author Bio for Allison M. Wilson:

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.

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Author Bio:

Kristy Horine is a Kentucky writer, freelance journalist by trade and creative by God’s grace. 

She writes a little bit of everything including poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. Her professional and creative work has been published in newspapers, magazines and anthologies in Kentucky and beyond.

Kristy founded 3rd Letter Christian Writers in Lexington, Kentucky in 2015.

Read more of her work at www.kristyhorine.com.

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Author Bio for Glynis Becker:

Glynis Becker writes fiction, devotions, and screenplays. 

She is a wife, mother of teenagers and a part-time administrative assistant.

In her spare time she likes to read, try new recipes, crochet, and cheer on the Minnesota Vikings. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

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