Interview with the authors of "Unexpected Blessings" (devo book)

Interview with the authors of 

“Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Trusting God in the Details”

Question #1: How did you and your co-authors meet?

Deborah: In Spring 2024, we formed a small Zoom-based writers' mastermind to help each other flourish. We were previously meeting via Facebook chat that Theresa set up after we had all been her Beta Readers for her Bible Study, “Posture of Victory.” Plus, we are all Compel Pro Group Leaders. Soon, God led us to write something much bigger than we planned with our first book, “Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best”, and now our newest book, “Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Trusting God in the Details.” We are five writers in five different states with a God-sized project who said yes. Only God could orchestrate five writers from five different states coming together to create this devotional book for our readers. All glory to Him!

Question #2: What inspired you to collaborate with your author friends and write this devotional book? Share the story.

Theresa: This is such a fun story because it really was all God. None of us could have orchestrated it with a premeditated plan and watched it unfold so seamlessly. It began as a simple idea among five writers to create a downloadable resource for readers called Unexpected Blessings: 30 Days of Discovering God’s Best. It was meant to be a small offering of encouragement to our community. On one of our Zoom calls, one of us suggested, “What if we took this all the way?” The idea was to write ten additional devotions, two from each of us, and turn that online resource into a 40-day printed devotional. The downloadable resource was released in November, and we spent December writing the extra devotions. Then we spent January preparing the manuscript for publication. The book was released just before Lent in 2025. Even before that first book was published, we sensed God nudging us toward a second one. What began as a small step of obedience became a series of little “yeses,” growing into something we could not have planned better ourselves.

Question #3: What was the most challenging aspect of collaborating to write this book? Explain how you overcame that challenge.

Nichole: So much of this project felt seamless. We shared a Google Drive folder to upload all our devotions and set deadlines to keep ourselves on track. It’s hard to say there were many challenges! Mostly, what was challenging is what is challenging with just about any writing project—editing the final manuscript. It was a joint effort of Traci checking formatting, Theresa checking grammar, spelling, and sentence structure, each of us fixing our own edits, and then I put the final manuscript into a form that could be uploaded and published. We were all working from a distance; none of us is close enough to each other to easily meet in person. So, a lot of communication was through group text. We had to be open to feedback from one another and flexible about how each of us envisioned the final product.

Question #4: In what ways do you hope your readers will be impacted by your message?

Susan: We want our readers to know that, whether it is the everyday struggles and disappointments we often encounter or the hard challenges we face, we are never the only ones who battle them. The enemy used to push me into a corner with the lie that I am the only one who has to battle what I have walked through. But whether it's struggling with doubt, fear, or even the lows from a bad day, we all go through the same things. And because we serve a faithful God, we never go through anything that we can’t overcome or walk through in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. We truly serve a God who can turn everything we go through into our good and His glory.

Question #5: Is this the second book in a series of “Unexpected Blessings” or can this devo be read as standalone? Please explain.

Traci: While this book, Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Trusting God in the Details, is the second in our Unexpected Blessings series, it can also be read as a standalone devotional, just like our first book, Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best. Our goal for this series is for each book to stand on its own while helping readers recognize God’s extraordinary blessings and trust Him in the details of their everyday lives.

Question #6: In this devo book, you teach readers to trust God no matter how overwhelmed they feel. How have you learned to trust God when you feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life?

Traci: I used to let overwhelming circumstances and the demands of daily life define me, and as a result, I lived with constant worry and intense anxiety. For many years, I missed out on the abundant life Jesus Christ came to give. Don’t get me wrong—life is filled with real concerns and overwhelming emotions, but God’s Word reminds us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast our anxieties on Him. So what does that look like in my life? I picture myself laying down the pressures of daily life—schedules, work, family needs, and ministry—along with the emotions that come from them, at the foot of the Cross. Because of how I lived in the past, I know what it feels like to live under that kind of weight. Now, I choose to trust God because I know that is the only way I can live in true freedom and peace in the midst of everyday demands. God’s desire for us as His children is to live with hearts that trust Him and fully depend on Him.

Nichole: Overwhelm—in the negative sense—is a product of a fallen world. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t want us in that state. Whenever I start to feel like life’s pressures are overwhelming me, I know I need to go back to Jesus and ask Him to remove the yoke I’ve taken on myself. He promises that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. We take on a burden that we were never meant to shoulder. Daily immersion in the Word and constant communication with the Father help me keep things in perspective and lessen the overwhelm that life’s demands bring.

Question #7: What would you say to someone who feels like they’re experiencing a difficult time when God isn’t answering their prayers, and they feel like their delayed plans and dashed dreams feel too insignificant to matter? Explain how we can trust God because it matters to Him.

Susan: It took me years to learn that just because God doesn’t answer the way I want doesn’t mean I don’t matter or that I've been forgotten. Sometimes God is working more for my good through not answering my specific prayers or not bringing my personal desires to fruition. I often learn and grow spiritually more when He allows me to wait and endure delays. It is then that He teaches me much-needed lessons, such as perseverance, temperance, long suffering, and patience. It is also during the long waits that I often feel I don’t matter, that God is teaching me how to draw closer to Him.

Theresa: This is something I’ve experienced many times, and I know we all do at different points in our lives. What I’ve learned is that often what feels like a delay is God working behind the scenes. It’s a time of preparation, a season where God invites us to lean in and trust Him more deeply. It reminds me of Traci’s devotion on the theme of blooming where you are planted in “The Unexpected Blessing of a Broken Plaque.” Sometimes God invites us to grow deeper roots during those dismal seasons so that something beautiful can bloom in His perfect timing. If you’re feeling this way now, my encouragement is to be faithful with what God has placed in your hands today and to trust that He has something in store for you beyond your imagination if you don’t give up. So keep going!

Question #8: Share a testimony from your life when God showed you that He cares about your quiet struggles and He wants to alleviate what’s weighing heavy on your heart.

Deborah: Just recently, I was feeling put together on the outside yet falling apart on the inside. As a childless older woman, I was having a hard time fitting in at our church full of young families. I prayed, “Help me Jesus,” and He brought me a new friend to share my fears and burden with. Soon, I felt the comfort and peace of Jesus and rejoiced in my beautiful church family. I know I am not the only one feeling this way. It’s so easy, though, to think everyone else has got it together when maybe we’re all feeling a little messy inside. The beautiful truth is Jesus didn’t come for the perfect woman, He came for the messy and brokenhearted ones too.

Traci: One memory that comes to mind is a season when I quietly struggled with Imposter Syndrome. I felt completely unqualified for an opportunity God had given me, and the weight of doubt brought me to tears. When I shared my struggle with my son and later with a friend, God met me through their prayer and encouragement, easing the heaviness in my heart and giving me the strength to move forward. That moment taught me that God not only sees our silent struggles but also cares deeply about them, often providing comfort, strength, and peace in very personal ways. I actually wrote about this testimony in our first book in the series, Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best.

Question #9: I love how each of you as authors shared honest reflections from your real-life experiences over the years, in this devo book! What did God teach you or reveal to you during this process of sharing your stories?

Susan: Most of the time, when I write and share, it is during my own struggles and challenges. One of the greatest lessons I have learned from sharing my personal stories and lessons God is teaching me is that the more I share encouragement with others, the more I feel encouraged. Writing the devotions for this book has also taught me to be more mindful of looking for God’s blessings, especially in the ordinary day-to-day things. It is so easy to go through your day with your mind on completing tasks and to-do lists that we can forget to look up to see what God is doing all around us. Writing these devotions has made me more mindful to ask God to reveal Himself to me and help me to encounter His goodness.

Theresa: Sharing these real-life experiences has given us the chance to be honest and transparent and to reveal the transformative work of God through them. So many moments could have gone unnoticed, yet God is truly in the details. The more we look for Him, the more we see Him at work. That has certainly been true for me throughout the process of writing these devotions.

Question #10: Let’s end with a fun question! What is your favorite beverage, coffee or tea to sip in the springtime? Take turns answering this question, please, and explain what makes that favorite treat special to you.

Theresa: The hardest question yet! After my first cup of coffee in the morning, I’m a hot tea drinker. Mint is my go-to, but if I can handle a little caffeine later in the day, the Earl Grey London Fog beverage Nichole describes below is my go-to. My version is tea, honey, and a little cream–the same way I drink my coffee. Springtime allows for hot drinks around here, as winter can last through April and even into May some years.

Susan: I am from the south and grew up drinking iced tea. There is nothing more relaxing to me than sitting on my porch swing with a good book, sipping on my favorite tea. It is even more special after a long, cold winter to get that first burst of warmer spring weather to sit outside. My favorite teas are blackberry and strawberry.

Traci: Growing up in the Midwest, I loved drinking pop. A lot of people have no idea what I mean when I say that word. But in southern Ohio, where I’m from, “pop” is what we call any carbonated soft drink, no matter the flavor—cola, lemon-lime, orange, grape, ginger ale, and more. It’s what some people call “soda” or “Coke,” depending on where they live. While I don’t drink much pop anymore because I don’t love the sugar and calories in regular, and I can’t stand the taste of diet, I still enjoy sipping an ice-cold Pepsi on my porch every now and then as the weather warms up. It feels like a little springtime treat to me. In fact, my neighbor always has one cold and ready for me whenever I go over to visit her.

Deborah: I love making mason jars full of PG Tips iced tea. There is something about letting it brew and then later adding ice cubes. I don’t add anything else to it. It’s perfect to sip as my afternoon goes by, as the days warm with a book on the deck.

Nichole: I love Earl Grey tea anytime of year, especially when I make it into a London Fog (tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup). I prefer hot instead of iced year-round. I live in the Midwest, so it stays cool and rainy through the Spring. Sitting on my covered porch with a cup of hot tea is high-end cozy for me.

Thanks for the interview, ladies! God bless you and your writing ministry.

~*~
Author Bio for Deborah Rutherford:

Deborah's journey is one of following a deeper calling. She began her career in the film & television industry, where she was an Emmy Award-winning Makeup Artist. 

Making a significant transition, she set aside her professional brushes to pick up a pen and a mic. She now shares her voice as an Author, Poet, and engaging Podcaster.

She is the founder of the Behold-Her Beauty Podcast and Blog and one of the authors of the devotional Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best. Her forthcoming poetry collection, Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones, showcases her literary depth, which has also been recognized in journals like The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal, Vessels of Light Literary Journal, and Calla Press Literary Journal.

At heart, Deborah loves Jesus, being Don's wife, singing old hymns, and finding peace on nature walks under the Georgia pines.

You can follow her on Substack, Instagram, and at www.deborahrutherford.com.

~*~
Author Bio for Theresa Miller:

Theresa is adventurous at heart and dedicated to pursuing spiritual, mental, and emotional healing for the betterment of future generations. 

Originally from the wooded East, Theresa now resides in the wide-open spaces of
Wyoming, nestled near the Big Horn Mountains. She cherishes her role as a wife to Rob and mother to their four children.

Weaving words has been her creative outlet since childhood, bringing clarity to life’s complexities. Theresa is the author of the Bible study, The Posture of Victory: Finding True Peace amidst Our Everyday Battles.

She actively serves in women’s ministries as a Bible teacher and a MomCo Mentor in her community. She co-founded Dandelions, Potholes, & Wrinkles and The Sisters on Purpose Podcast. In addition to guest appearing on several podcasts and blogs, she has been published in Calla Press Literary Journal, Moms Ezine, (in)courage, and various other publications.

You can find Theresa encouraging women to dig deeper to reach higher in their faith and calling on Instagram and Facebook @theresammillerauthor and on the podcast she hosts with her sisters, The Sisters on Purpose Podcast.

~*~
Author Bio for Traci Shnider:

Traci is a passionate encourager, sharing hope and inspiration drawn from her journey of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. Her mission is to help others experience true freedom by deeply rooting their lives in Jesus, growing in His grace, and blooming into their God-given purpose. 

As a motivational speaker, Traci inspires women at Christian conferences and events, empowering them to walk boldly in faith. She is a co-author of the devotional, Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best and she’s been featured in Renew Your Mind: 40 Days to Quiet the Lies Inside Your Head through Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Traci is married to Eric, and together they have one adult son, and a quirky little terrier. In her downtime, she loves collecting seashells, painting, and unwinding with a good book on the breathtaking North Carolina coast she’s blessed to call home.

You can connect with Traci and read more of her work on her website, on Instagram @tracishniderwriter, and Facebook: @Traci Shnider-Writer.

~*~
Author Bio for Susan Davidson: 

Susan is a freedom-from-striving pursuer and a sharer of encouragement enthusiast. God placed a pen in her hand to share His word and encourage others during one of her most discouraging and challenging seasons. She learned that encouraging others helps her live her own life more encouraged. 

She is a devotional writer featured in Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: 50 Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry, and a co-writer of Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best. She has been featured in the Proverbs 31 Ministry’s publication entitled Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, in The Awake Our Heart literary journal, Callia Press online journal, and Her View from Home.

She calls the mountains of Virginia home. She is a wife, mother, Gran Gran, daughter, and friend who counts spending time with her special people among life’s greatest blessings. She is most content when she has coffee in her cup, pen in hand, and a great worship song in her heart. She loves going for dog walks in the park and spending quiet moments sitting on her porch swing with a good book in hand.

When she is not sharing words on her blog, you will find her sharing encouragement on Facebook and Instagram.

~*~
Author Bio for Nichole Suvar:

Nichole is a speaker, author, and Intentional Living Strategist. 

With over 35 years of lived experience with anxiety, she writes and speaks on the topic of mental health and God’s design for mental wellness. Nichole has contributed to several devotionals, including Freedom from Worry, through Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is the author of I Don’t Have to Hold It All Together: Cultivating the Peace of Eden When Feeling Overwhelmed with Moody Publishers. She has also published Numbering Our Days: Combating Anxiety in the Power of Small Intentional Moments and other devotionals for Advent, Easter, and Teens.

Nichole has been a guest on numerous podcasts and blogs as well as a speaker on empathy for Great Kids MAKE Great Communities and writes curriculum for the National Suicide Hotline.

Nichole lives in the Midwest with her high school sweetheart husband Paul and their three teen children. She enjoys discovering new hiking paths, curling up with a good mystery novel, collecting cozy cardigans, and snacking on dill pickles with sharp cheddar cheese. 

She writes about living an overcoming life for Jesus, one intentional moment at a time, on her website livewithintent.org and on Instagram @nicholejsuvar.

~*~

Book blurb for Unexpected Blessings:

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the small, unseen pressures of daily life—the unanswered prayers, delayed plans, and details that feel too insignificant to matter? 

Trusting God can be especially difficult when the questions linger and clarity feels just out of reach. You may wonder if God is truly present in the ordinary moments, or if He sees the quiet struggles weighing on your heart.

Within these Unexpected Blessings devotions, you will read honest reflections from authors who have learned to trust God not just in life’s storms, but in its details. Through stories of waiting, surrender, and faith in the everyday, these pages remind us that God is attentive, intentional, and near. Even when the path feels uncertain, He is faithfully working in the small things—inviting us to trust Him one day, one step at a time.

~*~
Buy this devo book on Amazon.

Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls you to move beyond comfort

When God calls you to move beyond your place of comfort
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” –Exodus 3:4 (NIV)

I’ve always found comfort in writing. I kept a diary as a child and journaled as a young adult.

However, about five years ago, something changed. I felt God calling me to write with purpose and encourage women in their faith walk with Jesus Christ by sharing my stories. But lately, I’ve wondered if I’m getting too comfortable.

I have a favorite armchair in a cozy corner of our family room in our home. Each time, I settle in, put my feet up, slowly sink into its welcoming arms, and heave a big sigh. This is where I talk with Jesus every morning. I read the Bible and listen for His voice—all in the comfort of my little corner, in my favorite chair.

During my quiet time, I feel safe and secure amid the chaos of life. I talk with God, and He speaks to me through His Word and His presence. I wonder if I’ve become so comfortable that it prevents me from living the abundant life Christ wants me to live. Is it possible that an excess of comfort is a breeding ground for complacency?

Not long ago, I sensed God’s nudge regarding my writing because I kept it to myself. I’d been writing for quite a while but hadn’t shared it with anyone except my husband. It felt as though God gently tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Colleen, you need to share this with others.” I was terrified. Sharing my writing with others felt like bearing my soul through an intercom for all the world to hear. Once words take flight, they can’t be unheard or unread. What if I mess this up?

A few days passed, and reality took over. Realizing God didn’t ask me to read my writing on stage to a crowded auditorium, I got a grip on my fears. He asked me to share my pages with two trusted friends. They were kind, encouraging, and supportive. If I hadn’t taken that first step, no one would be reading these words now.

A few weeks later, I was reading chapter three in the Bible book of Exodus where Moses was tending to his flock. Suddenly, his attention was captured by a bush on fire. But oddly, even though the fire continued to rage on, the bush never burned to the ground. Moses approached the bush to get a closer look, and something remarkable happened! He heard God call his name.

When Moses left his comfortable position with the flock and walked toward the flames, God showed him that the bush was on fire but wasn’t being consumed. If Moses hadn’t taken those first steps of faith, he might never have been had such a powerful relationship with God. However, Moses took those brave steps and God used him to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt.

When I feel my love for what’s comfortable is holding me prisoner, it’s time to walk toward the holy fire of God. He wants to free us from the false sense of security the enemy provides. God saved me from becoming an “armchair Christian” as I’d call it, by giving me the faith and courage to leave my cozy chair and take action. He can do the same for each of us.

When we ask Jesus Christ for courage, we’re able to take steps of faith and move outside of our comfort zones. As we become aware of God’s presence, we also gain the benefit of His leadership and our mission.

Let’s Pray: Dear Father God, I ask You to continue to give me the courage to step over my self-imposed boundaries and take action. Give me the faith to live a life of abundance. Position my heart to align with yours and open my ears to hear your calling on my life. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He’s Calling You” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Will Go” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Alone in the Presence” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

~*~
Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com

Book Spotlight on "God, Where Are You?" by Dominique Young

GOD, WHERE ARE YOU?: The Book That Started as A Cry!

A guest post by Dominique Young

The book “God, Where Are You?” was not something I dreamed of writing since I was young. 

In fact, I never actually thought I was capable of writing a book. This book came from navigating a place of pain with God and learning that He is with us in our pain.

Let me tell you the story.

When I was pregnant with my second son I was struggling with mental health issues, depression, anxiety and what I what I would later find out was perinatal psychosis. To be honest I had been struggling with my mental health for years before this point, but I kept it hidden.

I thought that being a good Christian and having the right faith meant that I didn’t go through these things. The presence of mental health struggles in my life made me feel like I was an unworthy embarrassment to Jesus Christ. I wanted to fix myself before anyone else found out I was a Christian imposter.

So, I kept my mental health struggles silent, I went into prayer lines and never told the person what to pray for and just said “pray as the spirit leads” hoping that someone would pray the exact right prayer to make all this pain go away. I read all the books on how to pray. But nothing was working and one day, after a massive mental breakdown I landed in a mental hospital on a 72-hour hold, because after taking myself to the hospital voluntarily and explaining to the doctor was happening, he surmised that I was a danger to myself and others.

This was the moment that changed everything and little did I know that this would be the moment that would be the catalyst for this book. I cried in that hospital asking over and over again, “God, where are you?” After being released I was determined to find God. I was determined to understand why He wasn’t helping me.

This search for God took me on an amazing journey of reading the Bible cover to cover multiple times, starting Bible studies with groups of women and listening intently as they shared, learning from each person in the room, enrolling in seminary and spending countless hours in prayer. What started out as a complaint to God and a frustration at God for not healing me the way I wanted ended up being a journey of amazing discovery.

It wasn’t until 2023 that I realized that God wanted me to write a book, and not just any book, a book that walked alongside people on journey of discovering God in the middle of pain.

My personal journey was really broken into three phases, I didn’t realize that when I was walking through it, but in hindsight I could see it clearly. First, I found myself. I was hiding and without coming out of hiding, I wouldn’t be able to see God. My face was so very masked and as you know masks at times disrupt your vision. Next on my journey I found God. I found that He was with me in ways I could never imagine, which actually confused me because if He is with me why didn’t He stop the pain? 

That question brought me to the leg of my journey that honestly, I am still in today which is learning that it’s about more that God zapping away all my problems it’s about God being with me through them and me being with Him through them. It’s about relationship.

I felt led by the Holy Spirit to walk with others on their journey in 2023. I hope to encourage them through my own story to be willing to discover God within the pages of their own story.

Honestly “God, Where are You?” did not start out as a book in my life. It began as a cry and that cry turned into a tear-filled journey. And that journey, by God’s grace and through the support of Jevon Bolden (my literary agent) and NavPress (my book publisher), it is now a book that can serve as a travel companion for others on the journey of finding God in pain, grief, depression, and darkness.

~*~
Author Bio:

Dominique Young is the founder of Faith Mamas Inc./Faith Family Worldwide), a community of 6,000+ Christian women and a private app serving over 1,700 believers. 

She helps others break free from fear through Scripture and has been featured on the “Don’t Mom Alone” and “Refreshed Moms” podcasts.

Dominique holds a psychology degree from Hampton University and is pursuing her MA in Theology at Fuller Seminary.

She is also a devoted wife and mother of four.

~*~
Book Blurb:

Here is a safe space for your deepest questions and your hidden pain.

If you’re silently suffering under the weight of depression, anxiety, shame, grief, and spiritual doubt, Dominique Young helps you discover the nearness of a God who does not shy away from your brokenness. In this safe space, you are invited to take off your mask, confront your hidden pain, and be seen by God for who you truly are―beloved.

Far from a quick fix or feel-good message, God, Where Are You? is a vulnerable, faith-filled journey that uses heartfelt storytelling and practical tools to help you wrestle with real emotions and deep questions―like how to deal with failure, how to find your true identity, and more.

Practical tools include:

Tracing God Devotionals: Explore Bible verses at the end of each chapter and learn how to recognize God’s character and presence even in hard places.

Reflection Questions: Through self-examination, you can heal deeply and receive clarity, healing, and personal revelation.

Prayers: Each chapter includes heartfelt prayers that bridge raw emotion and spiritual intimacy, modeling honest and hopeful dialogue with God.

God, Where Are You? is not just a book to be read―it’s a healing journey to be walked. With authenticity, compassion, and biblical grounding, Dominique is your traveling companion to uncover the life-giving truth: even in the silence, God is near.

~*~
Buy this book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

Christian Book

Walmart

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

Dear Reader Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

May this devotional series bless your heart too.

Love,

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

~*~

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

Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

She lives in Boston, MA.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

~*~

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

Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

~*~

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

Author Bio:

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

~*~

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

Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~

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

Author Bio:

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a professional actress and photographer. 

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

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~ The End ~

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ is knocking on the door of your heart

Someone’s at the Door
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

—Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

What do you do when the doorbell rings?

To be honest, I must admit that when the doorbell rings at my house, my first instinct is to pretend I’m not home. It’s probably just someone selling something, I think to myself. Then I stay quiet and still, hoping whoever it is will give up and go away. If I’m unlucky enough to betray my presence, I’ll open the door just enough to politely cut off their sales pitch without buying in.

Nowadays, we hardly ever need to answer the doorbell at all. High-tech doorbells with cameras and speakers allow us to see and speak to visitors on the outside without going near the door or even being at home. With services like DoorDash and Amazon that offer “contactless” delivery, we can receive our packages and never have to interact with the people who bring them.

Today’s American culture seems far removed from earlier times when answering the door was not considered a hassle or an unusual thing to do. Before the age of telephones, a bell ring or a knock was the only way for visitors to make their presence known. Having guests drop by unexpectedly was commonplace, and it was considered polite to welcome them inside. There are still cultures today that retain a deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, placing value on always being ready to welcome visitors into the home. However, right or wrong, ours seems more focused on safety and security.

What would you do if Jesus Christ knocked on your door?

We could rationalize that it’s difficult to interpret the metaphor of Jesus standing at the door and knocking in contemporary terms, since times have changed and our modern way of thinking about a knock at the door is vastly different than it would have been in Bible times. We might even dismiss it entirely. If we really think about it, though, our modern way of reacting to knocks and doorbells might actually be an apt illustration of how we treat Jesus at times.

Many people who consider themselves Christians have never truly opened the door to Jesus. Some tend to think of Jesus as an impersonal figure who taught the masses from a hillside, bestowing wisdom on them from a distance. They think of him as a good leader whose teachings should be followed in order to become a good person. In a way, that’s like thinking of him as a contactless delivery driver who leaves a package for you to open and use at your convenience. Others pray, but when they do, it’s as if they’re addressing an intimidating stranger, keeping their prayers formal and ritualistic. They “talk to God” but never have a real conversation. That’s sort of like answering Jesus’s knock through an electronic speaker or only cracking the door slightly, never fully listening to what he has to say.

Jesus is anything but impersonal, and this verse from the book of Revelation clearly illustrates that truth: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20 NIV). Jesus is speaking here, and He tells us that He’s at the door, knocking and calling out to us. He will not leave what He’s bringing on the doorstep and go away; He will continue to knock until we open the door and invite Him in. More than that, if we let Him in, He won’t just stand in the foyer and exchange pleasantries with us. Jesus will come all the way inside the house, sit down at the table, and share a meal with us.

Jesus comes to have relationship with us. He wants to fully enter our lives so that we can know Him and walk closely with Him every day. Many Christians would say they know this, but how many of us truly “open the door”? Do we let Jesus all the way into our lives, or do we keep the door closed as a barrier, keeping Him at a distance, content to stay within the security of the walls we’ve built around our hearts?

Opening the door—literally or figuratively—can feel inconvenient, uncomfortable, or even scary. It makes us vulnerable. But when we think of Jesus standing on the other side, knocking and calling our names, isn’t it worth letting Him in? Jesus wants to enter our lives and have deep relationship with us, but He will neither force His way in nor leave a package on the doorstep. It’s up to us to answer the door, invite Him inside, and sit down with Him at the table.

Let’s Pray: 

Dear God, 

Thank You for sending Your Son to reconcile us to You. When we hear Jesus at the door, help us not to pretend we’re not home, but to open it wide and let him all the way into our hearts. 

In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Someone’s at the Door” by Nathaniel Bassey. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He's Calling You” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton has been a writer for most of her life, even before she realized it. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms, all of which involved writing in one form or another.

Suzanne is amazed by the power of words and now uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

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

She is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-five years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband have served as deacons for over a decade. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two teenage sons. Suzanne is also an avid birder, easily and happily distracted by anything with feathers.

~*~
Connect with Suzanne:
Website: https://suzannefelton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton
Email address: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com