Devotionals for the Heart: Why you should always put God first in your life

 

First Things First
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”—Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

We all desire good things in this life. A dream job, a spouse, for blessings to abound, a scholarship, or to get into a specific college. I bet you can think of any number of things to fill in the blank here. Those are not necessarily bad things. In fact, they can be great! But the danger comes when we place anything, including something good, above God.

I know that I can worry about a lot of things. Apprehension about the future or things not going according to my plan are big ones for me. God knew that we as human beings would be tempted to worry. That is probably why Jesus addresses worry in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:25-26 (ESV). He said, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

In other words, if God takes care of the birds of the air, how much more will God take care of us?

We don’t need to worry about tomorrow, about if we’ll get the scholarship, if things will follow our carefully formulated plan of XYZ, and so on, because all that already matters to God. He knows the desires of our hearts, and He knows what’s best for us.

If we seek God and His kingdom first, then “all these things will be added to you.” Now, that doesn’t mean that by seeking God first we’ll get our dream job or that things will work out the way we want. But I do believe that it means if we seek the kingdom of God first, then all fulfillment and happiness we thought [fill in the blank] would bring us will pale in comparison to the true joy we find in seeking God. Nothing will ever satisfy us like God can.

Nothing else could ever bring us true joy.

If we seek God and His kingdom first, then suddenly, everything else including our rigid plans don’t matter as much. We know God will provide, and we can rest knowing that He knows our heart’s desires. He will take care of us in a way that no one or nothing else can.

When we seek God first, He will fulfill us in a way that no one else or nothing else is able to.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, I’m sorry for placing other things before You in my life. I’m sorry for allowing myself to get distracted and not seeking You first. Please give me a hunger for You, more than anything else. No matter how hard it is, help me to keep You first in my life. I believe that You alone will satisfy me. Thank You for Your love and mercies that are new every morning! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “First Things First” by Consumed By Fire. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others.

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to seriously follow God’s calling to write a novel. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has at least four novels in the works. For the past five years, she has been involved with her local Biblical theater company. She wants to show others the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

When she’s not acting or working on her upcoming novel, you can find Hannah laughing with her siblings, cuddling her little fluffy dog, or reading books (usually historical fiction or fantasy stories). You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

~*~
Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlynnauthor/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Blog: www.loveunconditional.blog

Devotionals for the Heart: Trust God

Why is it so hard to trust God?
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

– Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

It’s easy to trust God when everything is going well. When work projects are up to date, when kids are behaving at school and bringing in good grades, when communication is going well between you and your spouse, but what about when things are going downhill?

Why is hard to trust in God when you get that unwanted diagnosis? Or maybe when you get a phone call from your bank that your account has been wiped out? Why is it so hard to trust God when it seems like life is beating you up endlessly? Because we are human, that’s why.

Our flesh is weak, and we want to know everything. We want to know that right after treatment that diagnosis will be gone, but we don’t. We want to know that the money will be replaced tomorrow, but we don’t. We want to see the light at the end of the tunnel but only God knows all. He is the only one who knows what is going to happen and why things do happen.

The uncertainty of life drives us crazy, but the Bible tells us in Psalm 46:10 (NIV), “Be still, and know that I am God.” He is always working, around the clock, nonstop! God never rests. He will get you through whatever challenge life has placed in front of you. All you have to do is trust Him.

Last year was probably the biggest test of faith we’ve all faced: 2020 was filled with so many uncertainties, but as people of faith we were called to stand apart and not be anxious. Literally, the whole year was not knowing what was going to happen next. Therefore, we had to have complete trust on God. We must lean on God. We have that reminder in Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

There have also been many times when I question what I’m doing, like my career and even with writing. I’ll think to myself, “Will all this writing be worth it? Is it even helping anyone?” But right when I start doubting myself and want to give up, God always reminds me of why I’m doing this—it’s all for Him. Someone will tell me how they related to my blog post or they will tell me how they enjoyed my poems, but the glory will always be for God. I need to trust Him in all aspects of my life.

The Bible never tells us that we won’t face hard times in our lives, but it does tell us that God is with us (Isaiah 41:10). He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). So, in the middle of the storm He is right there with us getting drenched, while also guiding us towards the sunlight.

If you are facing a difficult time right now in your life, I pray that you would be able to truly release the situation to God and trust that He will figure it out. Trust that He knows the ins and outs of the situation and has a solution for you. Think back to other challenges you may have faced and how He helped you get through it. He will do it again, and again, and again. Because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

Let’s Pray: Lord, let us always remember your faithfulness, especially in those hard moments that we find ourselves losing trust. Let us remember that you will be there for us always. I pray that our trust grows more each passing day. Thank you, Lord, for everything. Amen.

P.S._ Listen to this song “Do It Again” performed by Elevation Worship for the hope your heart needs and a reminder of God’s power to perform miracles in your life.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hello, my name is Heidy (Reynoso) De La Cruz.

I am Dominican-American and I’m passionate about writing! I write poetry, encouraging blog posts about personal experiences and any message that God has stored in my heart. I am working on publishing my first poetry book.

First and foremost, I am a daughter of Jesus Christ. I am also a wife and a mother. I have my master’s degree in Healthcare Administration through Belhaven University’s online course. I have my bachelor’s degree in Science with the concentration of Psychology and Healthcare Administration.

I currently work in the medical field as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, and I’ve been in the medical field for the last six years. I love my career!

My hobbies include writing, reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending time with my family.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Blog: https://heidyreynoso.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/
Read my poetry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidyspoems/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heidyreynoso13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidyreynoso13

Devotionals for the Heart: Words

Courage, Fear, and Joy
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” 

~Psalm 32:24 (KJV)

I have mentioned before, I believe, that my word for 2018 was courage. And that I had no idea how much I would need when the year began. But, as we near 2019, I’d like to think I acted courageously to the many new adventures God placed in my path. The lesson I’ve learned this year is this: When we have the courage to do what God asks of us, joy comes along on the heels of fear. And the beauty of the joy far outweighs the momentary fear.

God has asked me to step out of my comfort zone time and time again this year. He has asked me to face several fears head-on, with my head high, my shoulders erect, and His hand in mine. He has not once failed me. He has not once left me. I have felt his presence in the midst of my sadness. And in the midst of the unknown. He has helped me when I thought the fear of what lay ahead might crush me, might stomp me and leave me for dust. 

Though I am far from perfect, I have felt His face shining down on me, heard His voice whispering to me, and seen the glory of His will reach into the tendrils of the decisions we’ve made together. I have found pieces of myself I didn’t know were missing this time last year, and I am painstakingly trying to put them back into place—with His guidance as the master puzzle-builder. All the while, learning new things about myself and this wonderful, loving God I serve along the way. 

Isn’t it amazing that I have “known” Him for nearly 20 years now and still learn something new every single day? I have read the Bible diligently (almost) every morning for six years now, completely through at least once that I know of (I’m ashamed to say it isn’t more), and yet every day He shows me something I hadn’t seen before.

We serve a good God. A just God. A wonderfully merciful God.

If I can take anything away from the experiences of 2018, it will be that God has indeed given me the courage to do things I deemed improbable and, at times, impossible. And He has allowed me to find my joy when I thought I’d never see it again. I wake up early now, before the sun is up most mornings, and watch as the day grows gray out my window. My dad has been telling me for years it is a magical time of day, and now I finally understand why. I never thought I could enjoy waking at 5 o'clock in the morning so much. (Though, I do really look forward to those often-hoped-for but not-always-accomplished midday naps.) there is so much joy in the little things. Like the sunrise or the anticipation for another glorious day. Like the first cup of coffee and the first words my son speaks in the morning. The first hugs I get from my daughters each morning and the first prayers that leave my heart.

I could look back at my year and focus on the problems, but I choose not to. It’s a choice I make several times a day. I’ve had a good year. Ups and downs alike. Goods and bads, sorrows and, most importantly, those moments of joy. Two weeks before Christmas, I have found the puzzle piece holding my smile, and I couldn’t be more thankful. I am thanking Him for the trials, for the lessons learned, and for giving me the courage to try new things and face new obstacles this year. If my word for 2019 is courage once again, I am okay with that. Because I know He is already there and I have hope in Him.

I pray each and every one of you has a blessed, magical Christmas and a safe New Year. Let’s go into 2019 praying, trusting Him, and with the determination to let Him lead, no matter how scary it feels. My newest favorite song says, “My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I stand in Your love.” What a perfect motto for 2019—and for the rest of my life.

Listen to Josh Baldwin’s “Stand in Your Love” on YouTube here. I promise it will bring a smile to your face. It does mine, every time I hear it.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers.

Her debut novel, Callum's Compass, won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.

Words of Faith: Sarah's story about a Savior who gives His strength to us

A Life of Strength
A Words of Faith story written by Sarah Hamaker

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”~Philippians 4:13

Life can wear you down. We all struggle at times with feeling tired, worn out, stressed out, and overwhelmed. We face obstacles that we think we cannot overcome. We slog through days that seem long and drawn out. We have to find a way through hurt feelings, injustice and unfairness.

And all too often we forget that we are not in this alone: We have a Savior who wants to shoulder those burdens on his strong back. We also have a Savior who gives his strength to us.

But we don’t ask for that, do we? We go it by ourselves, trying to keep our heads above water without reaching for the lifeline right by our side.

Philippians 4:13 is the perfect antidote to our weariness. I don’t recall when I memorized this verse, but it’s one that has stuck with me for many, many years. It pops into my mind whenever my strength is failing and I sometimes silently, sometimes audibly, repeat it over and over until I feel stronger to face whatever trial is before me.

I’ve said during labor and delivery of my four children. I’ve said it in the dentist chair as the hygienist scraps plaque of my teeth. I’ve prayed it for others when they’re facing a tough day or event.

Each time, I’m reminded of Christ’s strength. This isn’t some ordinary strength. Christ needed extraordinary strength to fulfill His Father’s will to die on the cross for the sins of those to whom He’s called as His own. This strength is more than sufficient for my own small needs by comparison.

We all can live a life of strength when we cling to the promise in this verse: We can do all things because of the strength Christ gives us.

~*~
Author bio:

Sarah Hamaker has written Ending Sibling Rivalry: Moving Your Kids From War to Peace (Beacon Hill Press, 2014). 

Her stories have appeared in several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and her romantic suspense novel, The Dark Guest, won the 2015 ACFW Genesis contest. 

Visit her online at www.sarahhamaker.com.

Words of Faith: Umbrella Faith

Umbrella Faith

A Words of Faith story by Wade Webster

Hope and faith are very similar. What’s the difference?

The best example I ever heard is that both hope and faith pray for rain during a drought. After the prayer hope walks out the door, faith stops and grabs an umbrella before he heads out.

I’m doing my best to live out this form of faith in my life right now.

Barb and I met at Grace Bible College in Wyoming, Michigan when we were both in our mid-twenties. We married during Christmas break just over 29 years ago now.

We had the typical financial struggles early on. Barb endured a few surgeries along the way. No children blessed us. Cats filled that void.

We both loved walks in nature and fishing at a private lake of a distant family member. Memories were built well and often. Barb introduced me to birding. I took her hunting twice.

God tugged at both of our hearts to move out west near the end of our first decade together. Too many failed attempts that had us return to her parents’ vacant winter home added to our memories and tested our sanity. Nobody we knew understood that type of faith we displayed with no job or housing lined up at the other end of most of those moves.

God never let us go hungry or homeless.

Such a nomadic lifestyle made for no long-term friendships. I couldn’t fill Barb’s emotional needs by myself. She began to pull away just before our move to Plano, Texas.

I was driving trucks for a temporary agency at that time which did little for my stability emotionally. My mind was too far away for us to carry on any deep conversations during our walks.

We did find a fantastic church home filled with marvelous Christian brothers and sisters that I hoped would fill Barb’s needs for female friends to help her cope. The distance between us only grew.

Over three years ago Barb physically moved out to match the emotional distance we lived.

All attempts by me blew up in my face rather than reconcile anything. Marriage counseling was off the table by her as an option.

I had a choice to make at that time. I could let her go and end our relationship to pursue my happiness, or I could do my best to honor God with my commitment to Barb.

I chose to please God before myself. I accepted that I’m to love her as Christ loves the church. I continued to pay off her car and gave her access to the checking account.

I wrote Barb a letter telling her I’d continue to save her seat next to me every Sunday at church. Yeah, we both still attend the same church. She hasn’t walked totally away from God.

That empty seat next to me is my umbrella of faith as I continue to pray for God to touch her heart in His time.

Over a year ago I made the last payment on her car loan and lost my well-paying job in the same month. She filed divorce papers after that. Her seat is still on hold next to me each week.

Our county court system says we’re no longer married, but I know in God’s eyes and in my heart I vowed to keep Barb my one and only till death separates us. My ring hasn’t come off my finger and I don’t plan on it happening.

There’s no guarantee Barb will come back to me because of my faithfulness.

Paul told the Corinthian church that the trials of this life are light and temporary compared to the glory that awaits us someday (2 Corinthians 4:17). He then goes on to give a definition of faith as concentrating on what we can’t see because of its eternality.

Your circumstances may be difficult and baffling. Things may be out of control as far as you can see. Trust your Heavenly father to be pleased by the faith you grow as you obey Him today.

Don’t forget to grab your umbrella before you head out the door, my friend.

~*~
Author bio: 

Wade Webster lives in Plano, Texas with his best friend, Jesus Christ. He gave his heart to Jesus so young he doesn’t remember not being born-again. 

Most of his income is derived from driving trucks. He was 47 years old before he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. Now writing is his passion and future career. 

You can get a taste of his writing styles and read his blog at http://wadewebster.com. 

You can find links to some prayer e-books on his website which will be in print under one cover soon. Yes, that link will be on the website, too when it comes to life.

Thankful Thursday: My Renewed Thoughts on Prayer

“Don't ever stop living for Jesus. The extremely hard days, the beautiful days and everything in between is worth it. It's eternally worth it.” ~Heather Lindsey

It's Thursday and I'm thankful for my renewed thoughts on prayer. 

Sometimes, troubling situations hit you so hard that you wonder, “What’s the point of praying about it anymore?”

I was there, at that point earlier this week and decided to call a Christian prayer line. 

I told them within my first few sentences, “I don’t see the point of praying about this anymore. Nothing’s changing!”

The call specialist did not condone my complaints. She simply said, “Well why are you calling asking for prayer if you don’t see the point of praying about it?”

She got me with those words and I paused. My mind swirled, my emotions raged and finally after like five seconds I realized that not praying about this situation was not a good idea.

“Well I still want someone to pray for me,” I finally said.

Have you ever been there? So deep in a dire situation that you felt like all hope was lost? Sinking so low that you don’t see the point of praying anymore? What’s the point of praying to God to fix a troubled situation if He’s not going to answer your prayers? Especially if it is a situation you’ve taken before the Lord for many years, if not decades?

Oh, but don’t you know? Hope is always part of the picture when you believe in God and trust Him with the outcome.

We may not always understand God’s methods but we can trust His heart. God wants what is best for us and He always hears our prayers, every single last one. Rest assured, God has not forgotten. He’s not ignoring you (Isaiah 65:24). He’ll never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) and He’s working it all out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). I believe this to be true because I’ve seen God move in my life and work miracles before, so I trust Him to answer my prayers according to His will. Meanwhile, I know God will give me peace in the process.

There’s a beautiful song performed by Annie Herring. “The Master’s Hand” is the title of song that I want to share with you tonight. This song is a source of encouragement for me and I’ve played it on repeat for the past week. How I found it must be by God’s grace because before two weeks ago, I’d never heard of Annie Herring. But I am so glad that I know her work now. See how God moves? He’s watching out for you even before you know you need Him. He did this for me two weeks ago when I first heard “The Master’s Hand.” God knew I’d need this song this week so He led me to it.

My soul is soothed by the beautiful message about holding onto the Master’s Hand. Annie is talking about God as the Master who holds your hand through every difficult situation in life. The song is about being able to endure whatever comes your way because you are in good hands—the Master’s Hands.

I hope you were encouraged my thoughts on prayer and I hope the sweet sound and lovely lyrics along with Annie’s soothing voice will encourage you to keep praying, keep trusting, keep believing in God.

Love,

Alexis

True Love Stories: ZayLo

Perhaps today's featured true love story is best summarized by a quote from the writer who is well, a professional writer! 

"I met her in 2005/Two years passed, she learned I was alive/Fast forward some years...just about seven/Together blissful, it’s been like heaven."

~Zay Garza

Read on for the story of how God sent "Cupid's arrow" as Zay calls it, straight into the hearts of Louri and Zay, transforming the friends into lovers with an affection that led to marriage and their own happily ever after. 

~*~
ZayLo
Zay and Louri's true love story

Of course the summation in our attached description is to be simple, poetic and fun, but our tale as a couple begins because of my old inoperable BlackBerry and a reliable addiction to Facebook in February 2010.

I was five weeks liberated from a previous relationship, while Louri hoped for new love but constantly drafted lists of bad dates and incompatibles.

Since my youth, I have always desired to romantically love someone and feel that reciprocation, but my life was without such luck that I was always wanting.

For weeks, I attempted to organize a date with a woman that I was interested in, but each time, I was without luck. I did not know what to do because I did not want to spend this day alone.

Logging onto Facebook, I checked all of my notifications comments of my current status update. I scrolled down my page and saw a recent thread between me and my friend about her most recent poor dating experiences. Her name was Louri Aaron.

After I finished reading our conversation, I remember hearing of people in stories spend time with friends on Hallmark’s day of love.

Not wanting to appear creepy, I became increasingly uncomfortable for some reason. I reached for my BlackBerry to offer the invitation for a simple night between friends. Yet as fate would have it, my phone immediately rebooted itself and once it returned to its normal position, her contact information was removed.

After praying to God I would be viewed pleasantly, I sent what now I know to be my last invite to a woman for a first date (though this was not intended to be a date), through Facebook.

I invited her to join me at the Busboys and Poets restaurant at the corner of 14th and V street Northwest, Washington, D.C.. Plagued by the remnants of Snowmageddon, I suggested we take the Metro because parking would be difficult. At arrival, I found Louri in the restaurant’s bookstore studying the newest available book-spines. As our eyes met, we friendly embraced, and allowed the hosting staff to escort us to our seat. Sitting next to each other on the restaurant’s lounge-inspired couches, it immediately dawned on us that we had not once spent time alone, outside of our group of friends.

Surrounded by Cupid’s spell, we jovially joked at how all previous Valentines days were wretched and unromantic. While John Legend, Jill Scott, and Corinne Bailey Rae chorused us through the speaker system, our food arrived, matching a smell to the emotional peace on this couch. And yes, I even remember her meal, the Spinach Pesto Lasagna.

Laughing and talking about politics and comic book characters, we quickly deduced that the wait staff became irritated by our inaction after our meals were completed, but we cared nothing for their inconvenience. We were caught in pure comfort and embraced this new enjoyment we found in each other, just friends.

Glancing at the clocks on our phones, we both realized we each had a BlackBerry and exchanged mobile numbers and individual BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) contacts, preparing ourselves to leave because we had work the next morning.

Bundling ourselves for the cold, I remember looking at her, and I knew I didn’t want this evening to end. Was this romance? I was unsure. What I did know is that never before had I felt so relaxed. Never before had I felt such comfort. Never before had I felt such happiness.

Nearing eleven that evening, I decided I did not want her traveling alone on the train.

Looking over to her, I suggested, “Why don’t you ride with me to my house in the city and I can give you a ride to your car?” Knowing she’d refuse and I would have to pressure the issue further, I prepared a verbal parry, but to my surprise she said, “Okay.”

From the U Street Corridor to Capitol Hill, we exited the Potomac Avenue Metro train station. To me, this was a neighborhood I’ve known my whole life, but to her, she was seeing it for the first time. Covered in snow and ice mounds everywhere, we walked cautiously.

Reaching to help her down the ice mound, I was immediately overwhelmed, as when our hands touched, God unleashed the Cupid arrow and a shock of electricity moved throughout our bodies, moving us from “just friends” to “husband and wife” on May 25, 2014.

Everyday, I thank God for my wife, the one He prepared for me. Everyday, I thank Him for my friend that reciprocates my affection. I thank God that I’ve finally found her. I thank God that I finally found the one that I’ve prayed for all of my life.

~*~
Author bio: Juan-Jose “Zay” D. Garza and Louri “Lo” K. Aaron-Garza have been married since May 25, 2014. The both were raised in Christian homes and both have personally accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. Christ is the center of their relationship. They are both members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church denomination. They live in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

True Love Stories: A Lifetime of Love

"When God Made You" as performed by Natalie Grant and Newsong, is the song that comes to mind when I think of today's featured true love story. The author, Donn Taylor, says his love was a "match made in heaven." How beautiful it is when you allow God to orchestrate your true love story and trust Him with the results! 

So without further ado, here is Donn's telling of a love story that will inspire you to allow God to, in His perfect time, give you a match made in heaven.

~*~
A Lifetime of Love
Donn Taylor's true love story

We've heard of "matches made in heaven." This was one, and it kindled a flame that endured through the decades. Neither Mildred nor I suspected the forces bringing us together.

In the summer of 1946, when I worked at a Baptist assembly in North Carolina, I dated a girl four years older than I was, Mildred's older sister. (I was 16 then.) Working there the next summer, I dated (among others) her next older sister, only a year older than I.

Then something odd happened. My parents moved to Northeast Mississippi to teach at a small college in the town where these girls lived. Nothing much happened for a while. The military draft resumed in 1948 and I was whisked off for a year in the Army. Then I returned and renewed my college education at Ole Miss, some 30 miles from our family's new home.

But at home during spring break in 1950 I met up with that second sister, who was accompanied by a yet younger sister named Mildred. The three of us hiked out to one of the renowned sites outside of town. Nothing notable about that. But during the hike I teased Mildred and she teased right back, going me one better at every turn. She had spunk, and she was quick. I made a pun and she came right back with a better one. She smiled and her eyes flashed. Better yet, I learned she was only two years younger than I (I was 20 by then) rather than the four I'd originally thought. That meant she was not off limits for dating.

The Korean War began that summer, but I was deferred by being in senior ROTC. When Mildred entered college that fall we dated every now and then when I was home from Ole Miss. She made lively conversation on substantive subjects, and we enjoyed long talks over coffee in various cafes. By Christmas I knew she was The One, but I didn't want to rush her. And by then she'd let me know she enjoyed my company.

In January I came home between semesters, and she stayed at the college to work. Then came one of the worst snows that region had ever known. Power lines snapped and roads were closed. We were snowbound. For more than a week we were gloriously trapped in a winter wonderland without outside contacts. So we were together morning and afternoon as well as dating in the evenings. The snow was one miracle, the fact that we never tired of our companionship was another. By the time the snow melted (honest, no help from us), we'd shared our first kiss and were engaged.

We had a long engagement because I couldn't support a family until I graduated. That gave us time to assure the certainty of our love. When I was commissioned through ROTC and graduated, the Army recalled me for the Korean War. We married—a small, simple wedding—and had five months together before I shipped out for Korea. We had a glorious reunion upon my return and embarked together on an Army career.

I'd been at outs with the church for some years, but Mildred's quiet faith slowly led me back in. Through the years, she was the strength that held our family together (four children by the time Vietnam occurred) during a variety of assignments and geographical moves. She did it all with a softness that made her a favorite wherever we went. She also taught both me and the children the importance of a prayer life.

After Army, she saw me through graduate school and became the ideal professor's wife. Students flocked to her as a surrogate mother and mentor. But finally we retired together, and for two decades then we had what we'd always wanted: unlimited time together, as we'd had briefly during that snow-enchanted courtship.

In our marriage we had never quarreled: we agreed at the beginning that when something went wrong between us we'd hold our fire and talk it our rationally after the emotions subsided. We did have disagreements, but talked in calm till we found workable solutions. Neither of us could stand to hurt the other one.

I've tried, vainly, to capture her quality in poetry. Only once did I come close:

She speaks in trust that only grace allows,

Modestly unaware her softness, strong—

Stronger than stone or steel—holds up this house 

In love, to let the house hold up the sky. 

We were lovers through 61 years, seven months and four days, until her long battle with ovarian cancer ended. She never complained, and she never doubted where she was going. Nor do I doubt where I’m going when the Lord calls. As I wrote in another poem, at the trumpet’s call we’ll “wake to the Promise. There in that golden time/ We’ll walk together with many millions more/ Into the daylight of eternity.”

~*~
Author bio: 

Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. 

Afterward, he completed a PhD degree at The University of Texas and taught English literature at two liberal arts colleges. 

He lives near Houston, Texas, where he writes fiction, poetry, and articles on current topics.

God is Good All the Time

There is a saying by church folk that goes, "God is good all the time. All the time, God is GOOD!" Never before have I had that point proven in such a profound way as of today.

Earlier today, I was going through a situation that was tough and I did not know what to do. But what did God do? Through my calendar notes a few hours later, He reminded me that I scheduled a devotional post for today. The devotional is written by a writer named Mary Hamilton and we scheduled it to be posted on my blog today (Dec. 29).

Wouldn't you know, after arranging this post and reading the devotional by Mary, God spoke to me through the words He inspired Mary to write? And by that I mean, Mary's words in this devotional resonated with me in a profound way especially the point about feeling close to God on sunny days and then something happens that makes you feel like you've been left in the dark on your own because that's what happened to me literally a few hours earlier today. But I emerged (from reading this) encouraged along my life journey.

So thank you Mary Hamilton for allowing God to use you through your written words to encourage my heart and remind me of this simple truth, God is good, ALL the time; ALL the time, GOD is GOOD! :) May you be encouraged by Mary's words too.

~*~

God is Good All the Time

A devotional written by Mary Hamilton

“Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and his loving kindness to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.” ~Deuteronomy 7:9

Why is it so hard to remember and experience God’s love in the midst of trouble?

So many times, I’ve been walking strong in my faith, enjoying close fellowship with the Lord. Convinced of His love for me, I revel in His presence surrounding me as I go through my day. Then, something happens—illness, a broken relationship, failed plans. Whatever it is, the enchanted spell shatters and I’m plunged into a dark abyss where I have trouble remembering all the aspects of faith I was so sure of only a few days before. I search for an awareness of God’s love and presence, but my circumstances make it seem like He’s left the building.

How do we hold onto that certainty of God’s love when darkness threatens to overwhelm us? We remind ourselves of God’s character.

What is character? It is the distinctive qualities that make up someone’s personality. It’s their reputation. My husband is known as an encourager, because he so often speaks words of encouragement to those around him. That’s his character. Someone who is not well acquainted with him might expect him to speak words of condemnation now and then, but anyone who knows him well has learned to expect only positive and encouraging speech. At times, he may choose to remain silent or there may be a conflict between him and another person, but that doesn’t change the way people expect my husband to act. They know his character, and are confident of his ways.

John tells us God’s character is love (1 John 4:8). James reminds us His character never changes (James 1:17). In Deuteronomy, Moses declares God is faithful and keeps his covenant of love even to a thousand generations. Our perception may change, but God’s character remains the same. Knowing Him well brings confidence that even when He is silent, He is near and His love for us has not changed.

If we want that assurance, we must study God’s character as revealed in His word and through His Son. We must know Him well enough to trust Him when our emotions and circumstances tempt us to think He is anything other than loving, faithful, and always present in our troubles.

~*~
Author bio:

Mary L. Hamilton grew up at a youth camp in southern Wisconsin, much like the setting for her Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series. Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil are aimed at ages 10 and up. Each book features authentic male characters who come to summer camp with their own “baggage” from home. But they leave with a new perspective and a deeper understanding of their relationship to God.

When she’s not writing, Mary enjoys knitting, reading and being outdoors. She and her husband make their home in Texas with a rescued Golden Retriever.


Connect with Mary:

Website/blog: http://www.maryhamiltonbooks.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maryhamiltonbooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mhamiltonbooks

Twitter:@mhamilton122

Buy Mary's books: 
Hear No Evil http://tinyurl.com/kl5bovo

Speak No Evil http://tinyurl.com/oaleqya

Thankful Thursday: God's got this

It's Thursday and I'm thankful to serve a God who assures me in so many ways that He's "got this" meaning no matter what I face, God has my back and He proves it in the most creative ways!

Case in point, earlier this week the editor of Collegiate Quarterly (CQ) for whom I used to work for as the Growing Up columnist (for five years), contacted me. She asked me if I could coordinate a week's worth of lessons for CQ Bible Study Guide for Young Adults. This involves finding six writers--one has to be a pastor or trained theologian--and asking them to write one article to be published in CQ. It is a process that usually takes a few weeks, maybe a month. But as soon as I told the editor that I'd be one of her coordinators, I sent out an all-call to everyone I knew and seconds after sending it, I had two writers then one more and before that very hour was over, I had five writers! The first pastor whose name popped in my head was the person I contacted first to write the section for pastors, agreed a few hours later. So in less than 10 hours on the very same day of signing on as a coordinator, I had all of my writers!

Now the amazing aspect of this testimony is that I've been a coordinator for CQ about five times now and never, ever have I gotten all of my writers in ONE DAY!

I believe this was meant to be so I'm glad I said "yes" to being a coordinator again.

After seeing how quickly the process of signing on my writers was, I was encouraged because I realize that God cares about every aspect of my life and He answers prayers before they are even spoken (Isaiah 65:24). I did not know I was going to be asked to be a coordinator that day and I don't think I said a prayer to God to help me find my writers. But God knew this is what I needed and He worked it out for me, moving on the hearts and minds of the people who were to be my writers for this round, in record time!

Essentially, this situation has taught me to trust God with everything and know that He's got this (He covers me with His Providence, Grace and Mercy).

What about you? Do you have a testimony to share? If yes, leave a comment below this message.

31 Days of Prayer: God be with you

When I traveled from the East Coast to work as a reporter in the Midwest, my mom had four words of advice for me, a prayer to say every day: "God be with me".

Why did my mom advise me to use those four words in prayer during my entire journey? Because she will tell you, God told her to and because, I will tell you, God knew that's what would get me through each and every day as I embarked on a new journey in my life story. God knew that His presence which would be invoked by that prayer would fill my mind with peace and my heart with joy no matter what happened. God knew that simple and true prayer would ensure me that though I may be alone in new territory (I did not have any family or friends in the Midwest at that time), I would never truly be alone because God is with me.

After my time in the Midwest came to a close and I returned to familiar territory, my mom advised me to continue saying those four words in a prayer to God each and every morning. At first I thought I would not need to because I have my support system here and I am surrounded by helpful resources. But then God reminded me that I need Him as the famous church hymn says, "every hour". Just because I am no longer in the wild and breathtakingly beautiful West does NOT mean that I need God any less. No! I need God even now while I am surrounded by my support system, family, friends and delightfully enjoying the four seasons!

I need God each and every moment of my life no matter where I am or what I am doing. I need God to be the center of my focus, I need Jesus Christ in my heart and life. I need God. Period.

But it's not just me who needs God. You need Him. Your friends need Him. Your family needs Him. Your co-workers need Him. Even your enemies need Jesus! I love this quote that simply says in a play on words: Know Jesus, Know Peace; No Jesus, No Peace! It is very true! Try a life without Jesus being your anchor and you will find that no matter how rich, affluent or famous you become, you will feel empty and your soul will be desperately longing for something more in life. And that something more in life is actually Someone! His name is Jesus Christ and He is patiently waiting for you to let Him into your life (Revelation 3:20).

"So", you may ask me, "How do I let Jesus Christ into my life? It's not like I can see Him or call Him on the phone." I would tell you that you are right, there is no tangible way to get in touch with the Creator of the Universe. But there is a tried and true way which is through...You guessed it! Prayer! And what should you pray to invite the Lord of lords and King of kings into your life (yes we're still talking about Jesus Christ)? My dear friend, today's prayer is simple...Just say these four words in this order, "God be with me." And then live your life and see how God brings His glory into your story and changes you from the inside out. 

Joyce Meyer on Encouragement

A Message from Trent Shelton