Devotionals for the Heart: What Construction Workers Taught Me

Life Lessons Learned from Observing Construction Workers
A devotional by Desiree Future

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

—Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

One day, I was outside enjoying the nice weather.

Nearby, a bunch of construction workers were working. They had constructed a plank that led to the top of the building they were renovating. I watched them move like a synchronized swim team.

For the purposes of this story illustration, I’ve created first names for each of these men who I observed that day: John drove the pickup truck and pulled in right next to the building. Diego then started to unload the large truck as soon as John put it in park. As he placed the containers onto the ground Donald grabbed them.

Donald walked what looked like five-gallon tubs of something to the scaffolding entryway. He handed it over to Kevin, who then took them up to the second level of the four-story building. This conveyor belt system went on until the truck was empty. By that time, the entire load of five-gallon containers sat on the second floor. Each of the four men then started another system to get the containers to the fourth story of the building. They worked in unison to get their materials to the very top of the structure.

The interesting thing about this was that no words were spoken among them. They knew they had a job to do and did it. John, Diego, Donald, and Kevin all have specialized skills that they used to achieve their goal. That goal was to get the tubs safely to the roof in order to begin using their materials.

A roofer cannot build a house alone. You need someone to build the foundation. Another person to build the walls, then the roofer can add the roof. Then you need an electrician and a plumber to install the electricity and the plumbing. Windows and doors are also needed to make this a suitable house to live in. There’s a lot that goes into building a house.

Sure, someone can build a house alone with their bare hands, but not everyone can do it. God gives us all different talents to use. One person might do one thing better than you. While you do another task better than they can. An individual alone cannot do everything alone.

I understand that you may be single and have to do things by yourself. I’m raising my hand because I am in your shoes, too. However, doing everything is difficult and exhausting. You may want to save money and do it yourself, but hear me when I say you can’t do everything yourself. Just because you have done it before doesn’t mean you still can. When you take on the world alone, some things get left behind. The reason is that you are juggling so many things at once. Just because you can do it by yourself doesn’t mean you have to.

Ask for help and stop making yourself tired. You might feel that asking for help will make you feel less of a capable person. But what it actually does is prove that you know you where you’re lacking the skills to accomplish things on your own.

I’ve been a crafter since I was a child. The first time I was realized it was when my friend and I built a cardboard dollhouse. Mine was a two-story with a chimney and I used cotton to resemble smoke billowing from it. My friend said to me “Wow you’re so crafty.” That was the beginning of craftiness.

Throughout the years, I have created many different things from wall décor, to jewelry, purses, and household items. However, I could never sew at all. If I needed anything hemmed or made smaller, I would ask my mother to do it for me. My next option was to take it to the cleaners and pay them for their services.

Asking for help is a good thing because it allows you to see the talents of others while developing friendships. Having someone or a team of people in your corner is the best thing ever. It allows you to rest assured that someone has your back. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child. I’m blessed to have been raised by one myself, and this upbringing has shown me how truly special and awesome it is.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I ask that you let the person reading this know that everything will be okay. Help them to trust You and accept help when they need it. In Jesus’s Name I Pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “My Help Cometh from the Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

~*~
Connect with Desiree:
Website: https://desireefuture.com/
E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Observing animals taught me about peace

Observing Animals Can Teach Us How to Relieve Stress
A devotional by Desiree Future

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

—Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

One day, I was on my way to work early in the morning. I passed a sleeping cat under a tree, looking peaceful. As I walked by, he arched his back in a long stretch.

I crossed the street to find two birds in a tiny puddle of water. One would go for a drink and the other would dip their wing in it. Closer to the neighbor's house were two cats that sat directly beside each other. If it were not for the black patch on one cat, you would have thought you were seeing double. They weren’t playing or anything. They were just casually hanging out in the backyard.

Further down the street, I saw a squirrel inside someone’s gate. At first, it was just walking from one house to another. Then it suddenly hopped like a bunny rabbit to the next house. All the animals I saw brought a smile to my face. They seemed happy and peaceful. I was grateful that I didn’t see the large raccoon I had encountered the previous week.

These amazing creatures that God put on this Earth are examples of what we should be like, in my opinion. Laid back, peaceful, and not a care in the world.

I understand that we have a lot of things going on, whether you’re a single parent or a married couple struggling to make ends meet. Whatever your circumstances are, times are really tough these days. The prices on products in the USA have skyrocketed on everything from food to cars and housing. Yet in many cases, most people’s paycheck amount has remained the same. I understand sometimes it feels like you’re a professional juggler because you’re always balancing many things at once. Not to mention trying to figure out how to make things work with what you have. It’s not an easy task, to say the least. However, you get up every day and focus on finding ways to make things better.

You do it so much that you end up neglecting yourself. Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes, so this young lady understands. But how about you do something different instead of stressing?

What if you acted like the animals that were just relaxing and enjoying life? Take a long nap and rejuvenate your mind and body. Then stretch like a cat after a most enjoyable slumber. Perhaps a nice rest in the yard or park, doing absolutely nothing to release the stress of your struggles. Add a nice book and beverage to enhance this. Or if you really need to get rid of your stress, try playing like the squirrel did. Find an activity like running, painting, or bird watching. Indulge in something that makes you smile from the inside out. You don’t necessarily need to spend money to have a good time. All it takes is a creative mind and the desire to relieve your stress. Some of our greatest examples that show us how to relax in this world are literally in front of us—we just have to open our eyes to see as I saw in the lives of these animals that maintain their peace as the world revolves around them.

A little while ago, my peace was disturbed when my car broke down and I was forced to take public transportation. It was not a happy time to say the least. I got caught in a bad rainstorm on my way home from work once. By the time I got home, I was completely drenched. Another time, I came face-to-face with a raccoon on my way home. These are the kinds of things that will surely stress you out. However, I restarted a jewelry-making hobby of mine that helped me regain my peace. I decided to do it more often and it turned into something I truly enjoy. It relaxes me while I make different bracelets for my friends and myself.

It’s just something about jazzing up an outfit with a one-of-a-kind bracelet that I enjoy creating. Whether it's for a classy event, work attire, or anything else, the joy I get from creating something beautiful eases all my troubles away.

Perhaps today, you too could do something to send your troubles away and restore your peace. Start with God and ask Him in prayer what that looks like for you.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I ask that You wrap your arms around the person reading this. Let them know that the burdens they carry are not for them. But they are for You to carry instead. Give them peace so they can rest. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I’ll Give You Peace” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

~*~
Connect with Desiree:
Website: https://desireefuture.com/
E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons learned while waiting at the bus stop

The Sun Will Shine Again
A devotional by Desiree Future

“He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.”—2 Samuel 23:4 (NIV)

An interesting thing happened to me the other day.

Since I sold my 21-year-old car to the junkyard, I now need to take the bus everywhere I go. Because I have issues walking, far distances can be difficult. However, I still have breath in my body, and that is enough for me.

This is the first time in 11 years where I’ve had to rely on public transportation. I’m still familiarizing myself with schedules and such. Not to mention trying to estimate how long it will take me to walk from my apartment to the bus stop.

The same way I was used to leaving at a certain time for work is the same situation with boarding the bus. The only difference is that I need to walk three blocks to get to my ride. Therefore, I have to account for this as well. It’s all about timing.

One morning, I decided to take an early bus because I wanted to go to the store before heading to work. Looking at my watch, I had exactly five minutes to get to the stop. The closer I got, I could see the bus turning around in the depot. Nearing my area, I crossed the street and made direct eye contact with the driver. Signaling I was trying to get on his bus. Walking as fast as my legs would go, I tried to make it. The driver had gotten to the stop and picked up a passenger. He closed the doors and left, leaving me behind as I got closer. I was not happy about this at all.

The next bus was scheduled to arrive in ten minutes. My morning store stop would just have to wait for another time. Thankfully, the rain had stopped. Hearing someone say good morning, I turned to my right. It was the school security guard. I had seen her a few times over the past few weeks. I smiled and replied, “Good morning.” Next, a gentleman came and joyfully said, “Hi, everyone!” I smiled and returned his greeting. Then a couple joined us and said “Good Morning” as well.

By the time my bus came, I had spoken to four different people who I didn’t know. Climbing into the bus, I greeted the bus driver with a friendly “Good morning.” I remained grateful as he patiently waited for me take a seat inside the bus.

During my 40-minute ride to work, almost everyone who boarded the bus happily greeted another person—whether it was the bus driver or another passenger. That warmed my heart immensely. Though my morning started on a bad note, it quickly changed. The rain had stopped, and the sun began to shine. I’m glad I missed that first bus because I was truly blessed by my interactions with everyone while we were all waiting for the second bus to arrive. I realized that all it takes to make a significant difference in this world is greeting people with a happy smile and speaking a kind word to heal their hurt.

Taking buses and trains everywhere is not an easy thing for me. My legs don’t move as fast as they did prior to getting a car. I’m a much slower walker now. However, the kind words from that day at the bus stop lifted my spirits in a way I still cannot explain. Be kind to others because you never know what they are going through. It was that simple greeting that helped me smile and feel happy from the inside out.

Let’s Pray: God, I ask that You cover the person reading this. Like me, they may be going through a difficult time right now. Let them know in due season, the sun will shine again. Help us to hold onto the hope we always have in Jesus Christ. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Sun Will Shine Again” by Wintley Phipps and Patti Labelle. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

~*~
Connect with Desiree:
Website: https://desireefuture.com/
E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we shouldn't compare and compete

How Not to Sabotage Yourself by Keeping Up with the Joneses
A devotional by Desiree Future

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”—Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV)

Today, I want to share a story with you that will teach you how to take the pressure off yourself when you feel like you need to keep up with the Joneses.

A group of friends planned to travel to Paris (France) for vacation. Isaac, Lennon, Edwin, and Charley had not yet visited this destination. The four men thought it would be a good place to go. Therefore, they booked their airplane flights and hotels then they began saving money.

All the friends held very demanding jobs, so this would be a much needed getaway. Isaac was a supervisor of ten people at a warehouse, Lennon was a plant manager, Edwin was an Accounting Manager, and Charley was a Junior Accountant. Charley was the only one who attended church regularly. Though none were married, they all had financial obligations to meet.

Their itinerary was packed to the brim for their 10-day visit. First on the list was to see the Eiffel Tower, stroll down the cobblestone streets, and visit the many shops along the way. Lennon wanted to take a boat ride to get better views of their destination. It was added to the checklist as well.

After spending 10 fun-filled, glorious days in Paris, it was time to leave. When the group of friends checked in their luggage at the airport, all had heavier bags than they started with when leaving the United States of America for France. Each had purchased many souvenirs for family and friends, as well as for themselves.

Two weeks after returning from their vacation, Charley called each of the other three. It seems he had overspent the money laid aside for the trip. Not having enough savings to pay his rent or car note, it left him in a serious jam.

Isaac, Lennon and Edwin all told him they were sorry but couldn’t loan the money. Charley decided to plead his case to his landlord in hopes he wouldn’t be evicted. Not mentioning his overseas vacation, the scared man explained he would be late with the rent. Thankfully she was understanding and gave him an additional week plus late fees included. Charley prayed the leasing company wouldn’t repossess the new car. After making numerous calls, he was finally able to get an extension on the car lease. Having to make a double payment plus extra high fees would avoid repossession.

Although Charley had saved money for the trip, not enough was stored away. Especially for the unexpected. This gentleman bought items just because his friends did, and the fellow wanted to prove that he had the money to spend as well. Making $57,000 a year in salary as a Junior Accountant didn’t come close to Charley’s six-figure hunger for expensive things. Every extra tourist adventure or object that was added cost more money Charley didn’t have to spend. Not wanting to seem cheap, the young man spent the money—funds that were meant to pay his rent and car note.

Charley was not thinking logically. Instead, his mindset was on how to make it seem like his wallet was bigger than it was. Now, after an exciting trip abroad, Charley found himself in a heap of trouble, having to pay late fees on top of the original amounts due. All in the name of pretending to be someone other than who he was not (a wealthy person).

This reminded me of something I’ve heard about for many years. It was a saying called “Keeping Up with the Joneses”. It means you are trying to compete with others by showing wealth, social status, and possessions. I’ve never been one to try to keep up with the Joneses. There are a lot of people who have more than I do. However, I was raised to understand that what God has given me is for me.

There’s no need for me to go into debt to try and prove my bank account is as big as someone else's. Nor is there a need to put myself in harm’s way so someone else doesn’t get ahead of me. Sometimes, we will find ourselves in situations like this. It may seem like there is no way out. However, this is where we will find God. All we need to do is just ask for guidance. Not only to get out of this jam but to give us knowledge on how not to repeat it.

In life, it’s not about making sure people don’t go higher than you. It’s about helping each other. It’s about praising others when they do well. The reason is that you would want someone to help and praise you, too.

Your gifts that God give to you is for you alone. No matter how big or small, they’re meant for you because God knew you could handle the talent. Keep your focus on your own things and not what someone else has.

Let’s Pray: Father God, please open the hearts and minds of anyone reading this to understand they don’t have to compete with anyone. Help them to see that You gave them something special and that is their uniqueness. Help us to celebrate how you made us and steward well the gifts and talents and money You give us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Keeping Up With The Joneses” by Lydia Walker. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

~*~
Connect with Desiree:
Website: https://desireefuture.com/
E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to persevere and move forward

Stay in the Race
A devotional by Desiree Future

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”—Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

As I was approaching my fifty-second birthday, I realized that I was very overweight. Exercise was difficult for me because of underlying health problems. However, I knew I had to find a way to get around that obstacle.

By the grace of God, I received notice of a walking-step challenge. This would be perfect since I had to shed a few pounds. Having to walk a set amount of steps every day gave me the motivation I needed. My friend joined me in this challenge and that was even better. I was so eager to start the five-week challenge that I didn’t thoroughly read all the requirements. Somehow, I misread the instructions and didn’t notice you had to take 1,000 steps per day.

As a cancer survivor, I live with side effects from the medications. It limits what I can and cannot do. Having to walk 1,000 steps every day made me cringe. But I had already committed to it. There was a week for warm-ups when I walked almost 1,000 steps in one day. That was truly a record for me. Normally I get about 3,000 to 5,000 daily steps in, depending on how I’m feeling.

During the first week, when the steps counted toward the goal, I averaged 5,600 steps. My four teammates averaged about 1,300 steps. Needing to reach the goal or at least catch up to the others, I vowed to work harder but my body simply wouldn’t cooperate with my mind. At one point I thought, “Why would God bring me here to be the person with the lowest score on my team?” To me, there was no logic behind it.

The following week I averaged 6,400 steps. One of those days I walked 10,200 steps! However, that was nowhere near what my teammates did. They averaged twice the amount and more of myself. I wanted to quit because I felt like I was holding my team down. I felt like a complete failure. How could I not have read the fine print of what I was joining and gotten my friend to join me as well?

My friend and I discussed this in great lengths. She said it doesn’t matter about your place number. It matters that you’re in the race. Her words of wisdom blew my mind. I was so focused on my low score that I missed the biggest picture: My name was listed as part of the team.

Here I was, questioning why God sent me to be the last person. To me, it just didn’t make any sense because I was holding my team back—or so I thought. When, in fact, He sent me to be one of the people on the team.

In life, sometimes we tend to only look at the smaller picture. However, God always has the biggest picture for us. For instance, that tiny pebble that you see among the larger rocks could be the biggest and brightest diamond ever. You just need to look past the size to see its actual value.

After the walking-step challenge ended, I felt renewed. Even with my health challenges, I still managed to stay in the race. Not only that but I took off a week due to having the flu then after I recovered, I jumped right back in.

God’s purpose for me the entire time, I learned, was to stay in the race.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I’m not sure who needs this message but please let them know they can do this. They just need to stay in the race and keep the pace with You by their side, allowing You to guide them every step of the way. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Walk with You” by Michael Bethany. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Pieces” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

~*~
Connect with Desiree:
Website: https://desireefuture.com/
E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When Jesus Christ is your Firm Foundation

A Foundation to Make a Better Future
A devotional by Desiree Future

“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”

—Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)

The year was 1968 when my parents decided to move from South Carolina to New Jersey, or as I’ve heard people say, “Move up north.” My siblings and I were yet to be born. I already had relatives living in two other northern states—one whom we would end up living mere blocks away from.

Why my southern parents decided to leave everything they’ve ever known behind is still a mystery to me. They exchanged the slow-paced-quiet life for the fast-paced inner-city life.

I can still remember their jobs. With just a high school education, my mother worked in a restaurant called Zimps Kitchen. Her uniform was a white dress with the Zimps logo on it. I remember seeing a picture of her slouching in one of the booths when she felt exhausted. If I’m not mistaken, my dad worked at a factory where my mother later joined him. He worked nights and she worked days. Between 1971 and 1974, my sisters and I were born and one of us was always in diapers. Therefore, both of my parents had to work to keep clothes on our backs and food on the table.

After my parents decided to go their separate ways, my mother continued to work at the same job for almost 20 years. And if the business did not close, she would have retired from there. After our six-family house was condemned because of safety hazards, we moved to a new place. Moving to the other side of town was different. My dad was gone, and we had to move in a short period. We settled into our new place and instantly made friends.

The following year, my mother walked me into my fifth-grade class. The teacher and my mother locked eyes then hugged each other. They grew up in the same small town in South Carolina. Mrs. Towns was her name. She was such a nice woman. If the two could have talked forever they would have.

Yes, it was hard for my mother to raise three children on her own but by the grace of God, she did. We had trials and tribulations just like the next family. However, God saw fit to put people in our lives to help. It takes a village to raise a child, they say. I am grateful God sent the whole village by way of my Godmother Mary and her entire family.

The cupboards may have been bare sometimes and the phone may have been disconnected but the rent was always paid. My mother used to say, “As long as the rent is paid, someone will always feed you.” And that’s exactly what happened. We were always fed.

I can’t say we didn’t want anything because we wanted a lot. We wanted the typical things that kids wanted back then—skates, Barbie dolls, board games, and so on. However, God gave us so much more. He gave us hope. Hope that things will get better for us.

When I was about to graduate from high school in 1990, my mother’s factory job closed. That was a hard blow because she had only had that and the waitress job at the restaurant since migrating from the South in the sixties. But just like everything else we made it through. After I became a parent, I re-connected with my father, then he reconnected with my mother (his wife). They say time heals wounds and I can attest to that. The two had forgiven each other despite everything they had been through.

Life was rough but it gave me the foundation to make a better future. It gave me the sense to want better and to do better. I’m a writer, and blogger and eight years away from retiring from my day job. God gave me a solid foundation and here I stand.

Looking back, I now see how my loving God was clearly working through it all. He gave me more than money can buy. He gave me a strong foundation.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I pray that everyone who comes across this devotional finds their strength in You as their foundation. Help them to stand tall. May they know that You are their solid rock. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” [feat. Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes] | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Through It All” by Andrae Crouch. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “In Christ Alone/The Solid Rock (Live)” by Travis Cottrell. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

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Connect with Desiree:
Website: https://desireefuture.com/
E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to use the power of our words wisely

The Power of Words
A devotional by Desiree Future

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

— Proverbs 16:24 (KJV)

Years ago, an interesting thing occurred while I worked in an office building.

Just returning from my break, a woman approached me. She looked a little bit troubled. With crossed arms and furrowed brows, she immediately began to ramble. Noticing her body language of frustration and not wanting to further her initial angered state, I replied in the best way I could. Smiling brightly, I responded “Good morning.” The woman took a deep breath and relaxed her hunched shoulders. Replacing her frown with a smile, she greeted me as well.

She asked me if I knew where the doctor’s office was in the building. I assisted her so she could find her way. She shook my hand in a thankful gesture before heading in the right direction to her appointment.

In this thing we call life, someone is always going through something. My private matters can be ten times worse than yours. The person standing in front of you in the grocery line could have issues the size of Texas. Unless you know them personally, you cannot understand the depth of their pain.

Real-life scenarios that cause deep pain include but are not limited to: A man evicted from his apartment desperately seeks shelter for his wife and their kids. A single mother of four children struggles to decide whether to pay the electric bill or feed her hungry kids. An older gentleman without health insurance franticly searches for ways to pay for his much-needed surgery so he can return to work.

What is going on in the minds of people who are suffering is more than likely reflected on their faces. The weight of the world is beating them down to the ground. Feelings of heartache and despair have taken up permanent residency in the place where their beautiful smile once resided.

The examples of everyday stories above are just a few of the troubles we might go through in our lives. For most of us having to endure any hardship is very difficult, especially if you’ve never been in that place before. In times like this, we all need to hear a kind word. I brought a smile to that woman’s face simply by saying “Good morning.” That was all it took to change her demeanor. My simple greeting to her could have meant she didn’t hurt herself or someone else.

Some people say that words are irrelevant and mean absolutely nothing. However, I beg to differ because I’ve seen and heard a lot in the fifty-plus years of my life. I’ve had hurtful and painful things hurled at me like daggers from all different sides. All I wanted to do was cry because my circumstances were so bad and beyond my control. But by the grace of God, I’ve experienced a healing touch that is as light as a feather. God saw fit to mend my wounds by putting people in my life to help me along the way.

God often puts people in your life to guide you in the direction you must go. Whether they come and give you a five-second encouraging word or become your life-long confidant, He will send you a rescuer just for you.

Remember: Words say and do more than you know. It’s how you choose to use them that’s important. Saying “Good morning” or “Thank you” or “Please” and “Goodnight” goes a long way. You never know what someone is going through and whether they need to hear something to make them stronger.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I pray that the person reading this will understand that they are just as powerful as the words they use. Let them speak life into others by lifting them up and not tearing them down. Help us all to be more like You. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Speak Life” by TobyMac. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

~*~
Connect with Desiree:

Website: https://desireefuture.com/

E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com