Devotionals for the Heart: How I learned to survive dry seasons in life

When You’re Experiencing a Dry Season
A devotional by Terry Overton

“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”—Genesis 39:21 (ESV)

The week was one to remember—and not in a good way.

As a caregiver for a loved one, my own strength and faith must be intact for me to have the energy and organization to complete all routines. However, just as the saying goes that you have probably heard from flight attendants, “Put your own mask on first.” This statement means that if I don’t have sufficient strength and oxygen, I cannot meet the needs of others. Yet here I was.

The morning that tested everything within me began like most days: preparing a quick breakfast, checking on medications, and taking our little dog for a walk.

Shortly after the walk, while sitting on my porch reading Scripture, a yellow jacket bee zoomed in from nowhere and inserted its painful stinger into my finger. Not a big deal for many, but being allergic to stings, it was a way to ruin an entire week.

Thankfully, the urgent care center is only a few minutes away from my house, and after employing the usual immediate interventions, I was able to find my way there and receive treatment. The weeklong steroid therapy took its toll. Five days passed with a range of only two to four hours of sleep each night until I was able to finish the round of medication.

On that last day, I woke up after only two hours of sleep. My well was dry. I had nothing left. No strength, no cheer, no creativity. My mind went to the Bible story about Joseph being thrown by his brothers into a dry cistern. They referred to him as a dreamer and the favorite son. Filled with jealousy, they stripped Joseph of the special coat given to him by their father and took away his dignity. They threw him into a dry cistern and decided to get rid of him by selling him into slavery in another country. His peaceful life was exchanged for the worst predicament one can imagine. He had no power. But he had faith in God.

As the Bible story reveals, Joseph’s demise was temporary. We learn he would not have been able to save his family and thousands of others had he not been thrown in that pit. As we study this story, it becomes apparent that the pit was not the end; it was a holding place for something more important. Joseph had to go there so he could become a world leader years later and save the very brothers who abandoned him. The cistern was a brief but essential stop in the history of Joseph’s story in the Bible and the history of his people. Joseph’s suffering was for a purpose.

But how did Joseph make it through those challenging times? First, he believed God was with him no matter the circumstances. He knew that God had been with him in the past and would continue to be with him, keeping His promises, along the way. Even when everyone around him begged him to give up and surrender, he maintained his integrity. He did not rush into trying to control situations. He trusted God. After all his difficulties, he did not become bitter or take out his frustration and anger on the people around him. Had he not relied on his firmly grounded faith, he would not have been able to wait on God’s timing and God’s plans.

Remaining firm in faith is of vital importance for self-care. Joseph maintained his faith and strength. He stayed grounded and waited on God. For me, taking this week to be in a “pit” helped me see how vital self-care and the strength of my spirit are for the care of my loved one. Following the example of Joseph, I realized that like Joseph, I needed to remain strong even when circumstances were against me. If I am to impart cheerfulness, faith, and hope, I must have energy and the warmth in my heart provided to me by the Holy Spirit. To impart faith, I must have it, to impart hope, I must feel it and to provide care, I must pray for strength and energy to complete this job God has placed before me. Feeling like I was in a dry well gave me time to read, reflect, and pray. Following this self-care steps ensured that my strength and energy would return.

The same is true for mothers, teachers, wives, sons, and daughters, who care for elderly family members. We are all God’s workers serving His purpose, even when our circumstances are difficult. When we find ourselves feeling like there is nothing left, feeling abandoned, forgotten, unloved, disliked, and even struck down, perhaps this is a holding place for us as we renew our faith and strength and wait for the next step in God’s plan.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for filling my heart with Your Spirit. When I face hardships that feel too heavy for my heart, I know I am not facing these difficult times alone. You are with me. Help me to keep my eyes on You and wait for your plans to emerge. Remind me to wait on Your timing. I pray that You continue to strengthen me so that I may complete the work You have placed before me.

In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Joseph’s Song” by Shelly E. Johnson. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

~*~
Connect with Terry:
Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com
Blog: https://terryovertonbooks.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Devotionals for the Heart: How to hear God's Voice and follow Him

Hearing God’s Voice
A devotional by Terry Overton

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

—John 10:27 (ESV)

In past years, I have received wonderful birthday presents, such as weekend getaways with my husband, flowers, gift cards, books, and jewelry. But this year my birthday was on Sunday, and I got the perfect present! I got to go to church.

That may sound strange to most people, but as a full-time caregiver for a loved one with early-stage Alzheimer’s, I am usually at home on Sunday mornings watching services on TV. But this week, I was able to attend. Going to church was the perfect present for me. How I missed being able to listen to the message in person.

The music played as I walked down the aisle to a pew near the front. I wanted to see and take in every moment, every sound, every smell of the remaining flowers from Easter that decorated the altar. I sat in awe as The Holy Spirit washed over me and the warmth of knowing I was with fellow believers who received the wonderful message. Even after the service, I did not want to leave. I wanted to sit in the peace and calm of His house for a few minutes longer. I wanted to sing one more song, say one more prayer, and hear one more verse relating to the message.

The message I heard spoke to my heart. It was indeed a message I needed. God knew that. This chapter of my life had only begun a few months before and I still had questions about the role in which I had been placed. I grappled with thoughts like: “Am I doing this right? Are the plans for the day His will? Am I reacting lovingly? Are the decisions I make the best ones for my loved one?” These questions are ones asked by caregivers, parents, grandparents, wives and husbands.

Relying on Scripture has been my source of strength and peace when behaviors are challenging. Scripture can calm the mind and heart of anyone facing life events. Scripture has been my peace of mind, but questions remained about the next steps and the care I am giving. I want to be sure my decisions are consistent with God’s will. I want His love to be reflected in the care I provide.

The service that Sunday focused on how we can know and understand God’s will. How can we discern what He wants us to do? What are the next steps we are to take? We are told that as His followers, we can listen to His voice. But how can we hear Him? We learn to recognize His voice by spending time in His Word.

Like sheep who know their Shepherd’s call, we begin to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit through Scripture. The more time we spend in God’s Word (The Holy Bible), the easier it becomes to identify truth from error, peace from chaos, and wisdom from folly.

The message I heard was meant for me that Sunday. Even after the service, I did not want to leave. I wanted to sit in the peace and calm of God’s house for a few minutes longer. Walking back out to the car, I knew spending more time with the Word would be my best strategy in the coming months.

I realized we’re not called to walk perfectly but faithfully. We are not to know all the next steps; we are to trust that God knows. With Scripture as our roadmap, we can navigate life with purpose and peace no matter what tasks we are given.

Let’s make reading God’s Word our daily habit—not just for knowledge but to better hear the voice of our Shepherd (Jesus Christ).

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us Your Word to guide us and provide peace during difficult times. Help me to turn to Scripture when I have doubts and to pray when I need Your help and guidance.

In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

~*~
Connect with Terry:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653
Author Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Devotionals for the Heart: When you wonder if God cares about your pain

Does God Know Our Pain?
A devotional by Terry Overton

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”—Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

The bright rays of sunshine streaming through my kitchen window invited me to step outside onto my porch, hoping for the feel of an early spring.

But the chill in the air that greeted me sent a stark reminder that winter remained. There were no blooms, buds, or green leaves emerging on the trees. I glanced down at the brown branch of a rose bush with no bud. It was fitting that the scene in my garden matched my sense of being in the pit. This experience made me think, “Does God not see our sorrow?”

I glanced at the rose bush's lower limbs, and there it was—a tiny leaf struggling to push through and open to the sunlight. My own prayers asked for the same sense of hope in the future. I, too, struggle at times to stretch out my arms with gladness, knowing of God's love. Watching a loved one struggle with an untreatable health condition, knowing this was a long goodbye of sorts, I needed God's help desperately. Does He know my pain?

The Bible says in Psalm 56:8 (ESV), “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?”

A thought raced through my mind: “Of course He knows. He knows all.” God knows the roses wither and die, but He restores them in the spring. He knows they will die before they do, and He knows when they will bloom again. A sense of peace overcame my soul. It is all in His hands. He not only knows our sorrows, but He will provide help.

The Bible says in Psalm 34:18 (ESV), “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Listening to the high-pitched chirps of tiny finches flittering through the brittle brown limbs of a nearby tree, I realized what a gift He had given me. I have the gift of seeing His handiwork, of witnessing His blessings all around me, and of time to share with my loved one who is still here with me. He had given me the gift of hope and the gift of joy in the moment as I stood by the rose bush.

The Bible says in Psalm 126:5 (ESV), “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”

Taking a deep breath, I returned to my kitchen with a peaceful heart and hopeful thoughts. Now, I was ready to meet the day that awaited me. I could not anticipate how I would be needed, but I knew I would be able to meet the challenges that would come my way. The strength of my heart had been restored.

The Bible says in Job 14:7-9 (ESV), “For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease. Though its root grow old in the earth, and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put out branches like a young plant.”

The sight of the emerging tiny green leaf in the cold air was a message. It was a reminder that spring will arrive just on time. God sent a powerful reminder to me. Pain is not the end. Pain is the reminder. God will provide us with strength, peace, and hope.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for knowing my pain and helping me understand that pain is not the absence of joy. I know two things—joy and sadness—can exist in my heart, but You provide peace and hope to sustain me through it all. Thank you, Lord!

In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "He's Concerned" by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Here with You” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

~*~
Connect with Terry:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653
Author Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when you're running on empty

Are You Running on Empty?
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“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.” –Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

Recently, my friend Annie shared a story that made me stop and reflect for a minute. She ran out of gas right in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in Atlanta. Let me tell you her story of how she got there.

Annie had been having a typical week at the office, which for her meant long hours, back-to-back meetings, and deadlines that kept piling up. Then, in the middle of all that, a close friend got sick and needed someone to care for her. Without hesitation, Annie stepped in. That meant in addition to her demanding sixty-plus hour workweek, she was now preparing meals, picking up prescriptions, and running errands for her friend.

On the outside, she seemed to be managing it all with grace. She juggled work, caregiving, and life’s many other responsibilities until the moment her car wouldn't start. She had just stopped at a red light at Peachtree Street and North Avenue, a major intersection, during the chaos of rush hour traffic. When the light turned green, she pressed the gas pedal and nothing happened. Panic set in. What was wrong? Was the car battery dead? Had the engine failed? She glanced at the dashboard for warning lights, but nothing seemed out of place. Then her eyes dropped to the fuel gauge. It indicated that her gas tank was empty.

In all of her busyness, she had completely forgotten to stop for gas. She meant to. She knew she needed to. But there was always one more thing to do, one more errand to run, one more person who needed her help. And now, at the worst possible moment, her car had come to a complete stop.

Have you ever felt like that? Like you're constantly moving, giving, and doing but never stopping to refuel? Life can be overwhelming at times. Between work, family, ministry, and personal responsibilities, it's easy to push yourself to the limit without realizing how exhausted you’ve become.

Women especially are known for being expert multitaskers. We take pride in our ability to juggle multiple roles, to be there for everyone who needs us. And sometimes, we even convince ourselves that we can keep going without stopping because there’s just too much to do. But here’s the truth: Just like a car, you cannot run on empty. At some point, if you don’t stop to refuel, you will come to a complete halt – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And often, it happens at the most inconvenient time.

Even Jesus Christ’s disciples struggled with this. In Mark 6:30-32, the disciples were so busy ministering to people that they didn’t even have time to eat. Jesus saw their exhaustion, so He told them in Mark 6:31 (NIV): “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So, they stepped away. They didn’t argue that there was more work to do. They didn’t feel guilty for taking a break. They followed Christ’s lead and withdrew to a quiet place for rest.

If you feel like you’re running on empty, take a moment to stop. Give yourself permission to rest. Find your quiet place—whether that’s a morning walk, time in prayer, or just sitting in silence with God’s Word. Let Him refill and restore you. Because when you take time to refuel, you’ll find the strength to keep going not just for a moment, but for the long haul.

This is the lesson my friend Annie learned. She told me that while she waited for AAA to bring her some gas, she had the time for the first time that week, to get quiet and really talk to the Lord. In that moment, she realized that just like her gas tank, she was running on empty—something she did not have to do. It was a frustrating and scary way to learn the lesson, but it got her attention. Now she remembers that she must take the time to check her personal tank on a regular basis, just like she checks her gas tank, to make sure it is not empty.

Annie’s story is a lesson for all of us.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I’m tired. I need rest. So, I am coming to you today to lay everything down at your feet. I pray for the space to stop, refuel, and rest in You. Energize me physically and spiritually so that I can be the woman You are calling me to be in every area of my life. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC. It includes Her RICH Coaching where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats. She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in early 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to accomplish the extraordinary by living their purpose, calling, and assignment. He has chosen every woman to fulfill a calling that is hers alone. And if she does not answer that calling, then that work will never be done. Joyce knows that there are people who are waiting for help that only God can give and only God can use His people to help each other. Joyce believes that we are called by God to help each other. She wants to answer that call and inspire others to answer it too so we can be of service to God.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” In addition to being an entrepreneur, Joyce currently serves as the Associate Teaching Director for the Community Bible Study International class in Georgetown, SC.

Joyce makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Romantic Reads: Here for You

Welcome Pat Simmons to the blog today! 

She's going to talk about her book, Here for You.

Pat is also giving away one copy of her book! Remember to enter the book giveaway contest toward the end of this interview via the Rafflecopter widget.

Enjoy!

~*~

Interview with Pat Simmons about her book, 

Here for You (Family Is Forever Book 2):

Congratulations on the September 2020 release of your new novel! Let’s talk about it … 

Alexis: What inspires you to write women’s fiction?

Pat: Everyday life issues that affect us. God’s gives me the parables, so He can minister to them.

Alexis: Why are the hero and heroine in your story, Here for You, better at taking care of other people than themselves?

Pat: They are committed to those they love and love hard. Both had strong family ties and when a trial hit, Rachel and Nicholas needed to fall back on those who loved them.

Alexis: What made you want to write a book about caregivers?

Pat: The thought came to me after I had been a caregiver for my late grandmother more than 10 years ago. It was hard work, and on the days where she hid my purse, left food on the furnace, let a four-pound Yorkie roam the neighborhood, or other acts that frustrated me, I had to remind myself that she was the best grandmother that I ever had and she wasn’t doing things purposely to hurt me.

Alexis: Tell me about your story’s heroine Rachel Knicely. What makes her happy? What makes her sad? Describe her looks, personality and heart.

Pat: She enjoys life—socially, career wise, and family. Those things gave her a balanced. Because she loves hard, Rachel took Aunt Tweet’s sickness hard. Her death represented a circle broken. Rachel is pretty. Ridiculously long hair, she’s smart, fashion conscious, known for her big-hoop earrings, and confident in a man’s world.

Alexis: Tell me about your story’s heroine Nicholas Adams. What makes him mad? What or who softens his heart? Describe his appearance, personality and heart.

Pat: Nicholas is even-mannered. He takes his God responsibility seriously. When people get in the way of that, he has a problem, such as some instances in the book. He’s attracted to Rachel’s beauty first, then her heart. He looks like actor Daniel Sunjata. Basically, fine!

Alexis: How did you do the research for this book?

Pat: Latonya Wilson, who I give a shoutout in the book, brought Rachel’s character to life. Of course, I do my standard research via online, and I like to interview subjects who are authorities on topics in my story.

Alexis: Who is Aunt Tweet and what role does she play in this story?

Pat: Aunt Tweet was the foundation in the three sisters’ lives since they were young. She supported them in every way, whether it was her presence at their events, or helping financially, but mostly their role model. Each of the sisters had inherited something from Aunt Tweet. Rachel had the sassiness of a diva.

Alexis: How do Rachel and Nicholas meet?

Pat: At her front door when she slams it in his face over a misunderstanding.

Alexis: What role does faith in God play in the minds and lives of your story’s main characters?

Pat: Faith in God is part of Nicholas’s makeup. It’s the trying of his faith that is tested.

Alexis: As a woman of faith, how does your relationship with God impact your writing?

Pat: The Lord directs my thoughts, points me to the Scriptures and many other emotional scenarios. I think that’s why a lot of readers connect with the stories.

Alexis: How would you describe your storytelling style?

Pat: I’m a scene-by-scene writer, not chapters or page count. I like to be the fly on the wall and see and feel the characters’ plight and emotions.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this book, Here for You?

Pat: None of us are exempt from trials, but remember how you treat people because you never know when you will walk in their shoes.

Alexis: If you could step into the story as a professional counselor, how would you advise Rachel and Nicholas concerning their relationship?

Pat: Trust God no matter what they see or hear.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Pat! Would you like to share closing comments?

Pat: I want to thank the readers and book clubs for their continued support throughout my writing career, and my developmental editor, Chandra Sparks Splond, and cousin, Darlene Simmons, both always push me to give my best. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author with more than thirty-five titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. 

She is a three-time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system.

Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country.

She has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter.

Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Visit her online at www.patsimmons.net.

~*~
Here for You book blurb:

Emotional, poignant, and clean women's fiction from acclaimed inspirational romance author Pat Simmons featuring a hero and heroine who are better at taking care of other people than themselves, a dark moment that shakes their faith, and a well-earned happily ever after with a forever family.

Caregivers sometimes need a little TLC too.

Rachel Knicely's life has been on hold for six months while she takes care of her great aunt, who has Alzheimer's. Putting her aunt first was an easy decision—accepting that Aunt Tweet is nearing the end of her battle is far more difficult.

Nicholas Adams's ministry is bringing comfort to those who are sick and homebound. He responds to a request for help for an ailing woman but when he meets the Knicelys, he realizes Rachel is the one who needs support the most. Nicholas is charmed by and attracted to Rachel, but then devastating news brings both a crisis of faith and roadblocks to their budding relationship that neither could have anticipated.

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Buy Pat's book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

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Connect with Pat:
Website: http://www.patsimmons.net
Pinterest: pinterest.com/patsimmonsbooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patsimmons
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/patsimmonsauthor
Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/patsimmonsreaders/
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/patsimmons

~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Romantic Reads: Lean On Me

Welcome Pat Simmons to the blog! 

She's here to share the story behind her story, Lean On Me. 

~*~

The story behind the story of Lean On Me by Pat Simmons:

Thank you, Alexis, for allowing me to share my thoughts about my newest release Lean On Me.

From the beginning, I wanted to toy with a premise of a mystery lady on the run. Aunt Tweet’s character was somewhat shaped on the antics of my grandmother when I was her caregiver.

If I wanted my grandmother to reach her late nineties like her mother (my great-grandmother), I had to become her caregiver. The gamut of emotions I experienced were unexpected.

I couldn’t understand how this woman who had known me all my life didn’t recognize me. How this independent woman who worked on the railroad and purchased a boarding house to help others had become helpless. The memories of Grandma Jessie living with me are forever etched into my mind, my children’s, and my husband’s.

Originally, the Family is Forever series was penned the Caregivers. This pearl of a story was tucked away in forgotten files. The year I contemplated I would no longer write, the Lord reminded me of the caregivers series proposal that had been dormant for seven years. “Someone needs to hear from Me,” Jesus (Christ) had said.

I guess, the timing hadn’t been right. Maybe, because in the mid-90's, nursing homes and assisted living facilities met all the needs of seniors. Then things shifted. Once again, multi-generations were living under one roof, and roles reversed between child and parents.

Now according to the Family Caregiver Alliance website, more than forty three million people are caregivers annually. How could I dismiss this journey as a back story?

As a Christian romance author, I want the reader to embrace the emotional connection, but be inspired that if they would find themselves in such a scenario that God would be with them.

Lean on Me is more than an undying affection for a loved one who is mentally slipping away. It’s about love. Commitment. Hope. Tabitha Knicely is not a typical damsel in distress.

Marcus Whittington is more than a handsome hero. He becomes her fierce protector, because he soon learns every caregiver needs a caregiver. Once a misunderstanding is cleared up, and each flaw is exposed, a sweet romance has the making for a movie with a happy ending until the next time Aunt Tweet escapes.

Sometimes, not all the time, but every now and then, an act of kindness reminds us that God sends the right person at the right time for us to lean on.

~*~
Author Bio:
Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author with more than thirty-five titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. 

She is a three-time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system.

Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. 

She has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. 

Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Visit her online at www.patsimmons.net.

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Book Blurb for Lean on Me:

First in an emotional African American Christian romance from acclaimed inspirational author Pat Simmons featuring a tender-hearted heroine who puts her family first and a misguided hero who needs a little nudge to realize that sometimes all you have to do is believe.

No one should have to go it alone ...

Tabitha Knicely believes in family before everything. She may be overwhelmed caring for her beloved great-aunt, but she would never turn her back on the woman who raised her, even if Aunt Tweet's dementia is getting worse. 

Tabitha is sure she can do this on her own. But when Aunt Tweet ends up on her neighbor's front porch, and the man has the audacity to accuse Tabitha of elder abuse, things go from bad to awful.

Marcus Whittington feels a mountain of regret at causing problems for Tabitha and her great-aunt. How was he to know the frail older woman's niece was doing the best she could? 

As Marcus gets to know Aunt Tweet and sees how hard Tabitha is fighting to keep everything together, he can't walk away from the pair. Particularly when helping Tabitha care for her great-aunt leads the two of them on a spiritual journey of faith and surrender.

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Buy Pat’s book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

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Connect with Pat:
Website: http://www.patsimmons.net
Pinterest: pinterest.com/patsimmonsbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/patsimmons
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/patsimmonsauthor
Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/patsimmonsreaders/
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/patsimmons

Devotionals for the Heart: Anxiety

How to love someone with anxiety
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Mental illness runs in my family, and several close relatives, including my daughter, have major struggles with anxiety.

I spent a lot of my life believing I had a personal responsibility to fix what was wrong in the world. That meant not only being an advocate and speaking up for those who are marginalized and oppressed in general, but also doing what I can to help those I love who struggle with anxiety, whether through advocacy, awareness or caregiving.

However, I am just one human being, and I have learned over the years that I am only able to do anything for others through the Lord Jesus Christ. What that means is “Jessica can’t fix anything nearly as well as God can.” In fact, the only thing I can really try to fix is myself—and even for that I need a savior! Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, not me!

But as a mom particularly, I still wrestle with that balance. It’s really important to me that my daughter feels loved and supported in the midst of her personal struggles with mental illness. Some days are far more difficult than others. They include panic attacks, or an inability to sleep because her mind-racing fears keep her awake far past her bedtime (and mine). Other days are far easier.

Our journey has taught me a few things I can do to love her well, and all these things are rooted in Scripture.

Here, then, are five key ways I’ve learned I can love someone with anxiety.

1) Listen well

James 1:19 (ESV) says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

There’s a saying I appreciate: God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Being a good listener is really important, especially when it comes to loving someone with anxiety. Sometimes it helps when my daughter, or others I love with anxiety, just have an ear. They can freely express all the issues spinning around in their brains. A really good thing I can do for them is hear them. Listen. Nod. Understand. It goes long way.

2) Acknowledge

The apostle John tells us in 1 John 3:18, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

This has a lot in common with listening, but it goes deeper. Acknowledging is more than just hearing someone, but rather accepting the full weight of what someone is saying or feeling, admitting its existence and importance to them. Anxiety and other mental illness are often considered “invisible illness,” so the world often dismisses it as “only in their head.” But like cancer, fibromyalgia and other ailments, it’s real. And there are often physical effects along with the mental. Acknowledging can help buffer that stigma and help your loved one recognize what’s happening and how to get through.

3) Support

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”

A lot of times, people with anxiety feel very much alone, as though no one else can understand what they are going through. I might not be able to understand what a panic attack feels like or how to rein in the overwhelming sense of doom and dread my daughter experiences with anxiety, but I can walk with her. I can help her know she’s not alone. I can also do other things: help her cling to God in the midst of her pain, take her to therapy, give her access to medication if needed, and be a stable presence in the storm.

4) Understand I can’t fix it

God tells us through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 43:11, “I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.”

I can help my loved one with resources, get them the therapy and medication they need, and do all the other things mentioned above, but this is their journey, their struggle, their proverbial “cross to bear,” not mine. They must get through whatever that looks like. It’s not my job to fix the problem, nor is it possible, and I need to know that. They also need to know that; only Jesus is their savior.

5) Don’t take it personally

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Sometimes my daughter will lash out at me, as though I caused her anxiety. At times like these, it helps to remind myself she’s scared or upset at the problem, not me. Loving someone goes way beyond mere emotion. My love for her doesn’t depend on whether she’s nice or snippy or well-behaved or not. It doesn’t mean she can walk all over me—I have to set boundaries for myself, too. But it’s good to know it’s not about me.

How about you—do you have any other Scriptures or key ways that help you love someone with anxiety? Share in the comments below!

~*~
Author Bio: 

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden. 

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, and a member of the Wholly Loved Ministries team. 

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Everything

He Left Us Everything
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

I’m reading a memoir and the title is “They Left Us Everything.”

It is written by a woman who recently lost her mother, her father died years previously and she’s in the process of cleaning out the family home. A house she and her three brothers called home for over half a century. She, now in middle age along with her brothers are left to ‘empty out’ a twenty-three-room house where every corner in every room offers a memory. Middle-agers who have gone through caregiving and burying our mothers will find this book relatable.

As one reviewer wrote, this book, “hits you deep in the gut…amid the scraps of paper left in jacket pockets, family photos and pieces of furniture, part of the ‘everything’ our parents leave us with are our memories of them, good and bad. Perhaps figuring out what to do with them is as close to a manual of grief as we get.”

This book has opened a plethora of memories for me. I lost my mom two years ago, and I still find pieces of memories in out of the way places, little things that remind me of how much I miss her.

This morning I got up early, not because I wanted to, but because my darling cat, Juliette was hungry. She has learned to wake me gently, and I appreciate her respecting my rest. The title to this book grabbed me in a profound way. They Left Us Everything. I saw Jesus in this title and through Him God has left us everything!

I was reminded of a time twenty-years ago shortly after my brother died. Losing him at such a young age rocked my world. I’d thought we’d grow old together. It was a difficult time for me while grief devastated me. It was during my caterwauling and pity party that God spoke to my spirit reminding me that He understood my grief. He’d sacrificed His son for humanity. It quickly put things in perspective.

I bemoaned why Ronnie, my brother, wasn’t healed and the unfairness of it all. God is so patient with us. We can’t know everything. It was Ronnie’s time. He’d rededicated his life to Christ before passing, and he was actually ready. I wasn’t. I didn’t want him to leave.

God also reminded me that the blood of Jesus, the Cross, and The Comforter are all we need in this life to overcome the world and our eternal enemy. He’s done all He’s going to do. The rest is up to us. I began to search the scriptures to confirm what He’d shared.

John 3:16 (KJV), the very first scripture I committed to memory, took on a whole new meaning. It reads: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, but ye know him, for he dwelleth in you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.”— John 14:16-18 (KJV)

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” — Ephesians 1:7 (KJV)

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.” — Revelation 12:11 (KJV)

BC (before Christ), these scriptures were just words. They didn’t gird me, heal me or penetrate the armor I wore daily to circumvent any emotional conflict. I didn’t want to feel anything. Many of us walk around numb, defeated and allowing the cares of this life to drag us down.

AC (after Christ), once I understood the weapons of our warfare, the power in the blood of Jesus Christ and the guidance from the Holy Spirit, I knew what the Father meant. 

Accepting Jesus opened my blind eyes to see and my deaf ears to hear. I saw the world around me with the blinders taken off. He did leave us everything.

What’s even better? The best is yet to come!

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci writes Inspy Amish romance. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two fur kids, Romeo and Juliet, rescue cats. She is working on her debut novel, Plain Justice.

She retired earlier than planned from nursing to care for her mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mom passed last year at the age of ninety-nine and Nanci has delved more into her writing.

She is active in an intercessory prayer ministry in her church, belongs to The Woman’s Club, a service-oriented volunteer organization dedicated to the welfare and enrichment of the community and volunteers two days a week at the Mary Washington Museum.

Currently, she's enrolled in Rhema Bible College’s correspondence Bible studies. She belongs to ACFW and RWA. When she’s not working, reading or writing she’s hiking with her husband at Shenandoah National Park.