Book Spotlight: Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness (devotional)

I Chased Success and Found Emptiness
A guest post by Dr. Gladys Childs

Have you ever chased something you thought would make life more full, only to realize it was quietly draining the life out of you?

I have.

A few years ago, I stood at a crossroads that looked impressive from the outside. I was serving as Chair of the Religion Department. I loved my students. I loved the rhythm of teaching. Summers gave me space to breathe and time to be present with my son. My life felt full in the right ways.

Then the Provost approached me about stepping in as Interim Dean of the School of Arts & Letters. I had not been campaigning for it, but the invitation stirred something old in me: leadership, influence, and impact. My husband and I prayed, talked late into the night, and finally decided to try it. We told ourselves it was temporary. If it did not fit, I could step away.

At first, I convinced myself it was working. I avoided the political games of Dean’s Council and met with each dean one-on-one instead. I hired an executive coach. I launched initiatives that protected programs and strengthened morale. On paper, everything looked successful.

But my body told a different story.

I stopped sleeping well. I ate standing up between meetings. My inbox felt like a living thing that multiplied overnight. I would sit in my car before walking into the building and feel a tightness in my chest I could not pray away in five minutes.

Then one afternoon, in the middle of class, a student looked at me and asked, "Do you even want this job?"

The room went still. I said yes. My voice cracked. And in that crack, I heard the truth. I did not want it. I was exhausted. I was slowly disappearing behind a title.

When the permanent dean search opened, everything intensified. Complicated dynamics made applying feel less like ambition and more like escape. I told myself that if I just secured the position, the chaos would settle. The stress would make sense. The sacrifice would be worth it.

I made it to the final three candidates. Then the whispers started. A small group of faculty spread rumors. There were threats of a no-confidence vote against the Provost if I were chosen. What had once felt like an opportunity began to feel like a trap closing in. The Provost called me in and asked me to stay another year as interim, with assurances the permanent role would follow. I sat there, listening, feeling the weight of expectation pressing on my ribs.

And I remembered the words from months earlier. "If you do not like it, you can walk away. You do not need this." So I said, "No." Shock flickered across faces. Some were angry. Others confused. The very people who opposed me celebrated. But when the word left my mouth, something shifted inside me. The tightness eased. I walked out of that building lighter thjan I had felt in months. The “no” was not a failure. It was freedom.

In the quiet that followed, I began to see how subtly I had started chasing fullness in the wrong place. I chose the weight of control over trusting God’s ability to handle any situation. I had carried a weight Jesus Christ never asked me to shoulder. His words in Matthew 11:28–30 came alive in a way they never had before: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

I had been yoked to something else. No wonder I was worn thin.

As I stepped back into a simpler rhythm, I began to notice what had been missing. Peace that did not depend on outcomes. Joy that did not rise and fall with performance. Patience returned when I was no longer grasping for control. The fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22–23 was not something I could manufacture through work or control. It grew when I stopped striving.

That season reshaped me. It exposed how easy it is to chase the illusion of security while quietly running on empty. And that is why I wrote my new devotional book: Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness: A 45-Day Journey to Spiritual Abundance.

This devotional was born out of lived surrender. It is not a call to try harder. It is an invitation to slow down long enough to notice what we are really chasing and to let the Holy Spirit cultivate what lasts. Each day focuses on one aspect of His fruit, not as a checklist, but as evidence of a life rooted in Him.

If you have ever lain awake rehearsing tomorrow’s demands, wondering why success feels thinner than you expected, you are not alone. If you have smiled through meetings while feeling hollow inside, you are not crazy. And if you suspect God is inviting you to loosen your grip on something impressive, that nudge may be mercy.

Saying no to the corner office did not shrink my life. It redirected it. It opened space for writing, for hosting my tv show, Bare Faith, for walking with others who stand at their own crossroads.

Fullness is not found at the top of a ladder. It is found at the feet of Jesus.

So let me ask you gently: What are you still saying yes to that God never asked you to carry?

The chase can end. And in Christ, true fullness can begin.

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Author Bio: 

Dr. Gladys Childs hosts the TV show Bare Faith, where raw faith and deep pain meet a relentless God.  

Known as the "Truth Doctor," she names the lies standing between people and God’s truth. 

A pastor’s wife, author, speaker, former religion professor, and boy mom, Gladys, speaks with authority, heart, and real-life grit. 

Her new book, Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness, offers practical guidance, Scripture, and encouragement to live fully in God’s abundance. Learn more at gladyschilds.com. Follow on Instagram or Facebook.

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Blurb for Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness:

Stop chasing what leaves you empty. Discover the spiritual abundance only God provides.

Feeling drained by the pursuit of approval, success, or endless busyness? Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness: A 45-Day Journey to Spiritual Abundance is a daily Christian devotional rooted in Galatians 5:22–23. This 45-day Bible study blends short, impactful devotionals with reflective journaling to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and other biblical virtues—guiding Christian women and men to deeper faith and spiritual self-help.

With this Christian devotional, you’ll: deepen your faith with daily Scripture and Christian meditations, overcome anxiety and spiritual dryness with practical steps, and grow in biblical virtues through inspiring journaling prompts.

Perfect for Christian women and men seeking spiritual self-help, this devotional leads to the abundant life God intends. Get Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness today, and unleash the joy of God’s abundant love!

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Buy this book on Amazon

Devotionals for the Heart: When you feel weary from making decisions

When Making Decisions Feels Overwhelming
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”—Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the decisions clamoring for your attention? 

According to Psychology Today, research shows the average adult makes approximately 35,000 conscious decisions daily. The alarm goes off, you open your eyes, hit snooze, close your eyes, turn off the alarm, and get out of bed—five decisions made within the first minutes of your waking hours. There are 24 hours in a day, minus six hours for sleeping, which equals 18 waking hours. With 35,000 decisions as the average per day, that is math I choose not to calculate!

We make decisions and think carefully about our choices. We don’t choose illness, earthquakes, or the loss of a loved one. We have no control over the person who cuts in line at the grocery store any more than we can control the drunk driver who is reeling down the freeway. Life itself is in the hands of God Almighty. We are not in control. I feel relieved that humans are not the ones controlling the universe. It’s clear that would not be a good idea!

We make a plethora of conscious and unconscious decisions daily and it’s exhausting. Several years ago, I went through a season of wrestling with a specific decision that would affect my life going forward. It began on an average workday, where I served as the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Specialist for a large school district. I was attending a statewide STEM event for educators with about 300 in attendance.

Suddenly someone tapped on my shoulder, and introduced herself as Edie Williams, the Director of the Arizona Science Center. This remarkable, accomplished woman asked me to work for her at the Science Center! We talked for about 30 minutes and scheduled an interview for the following week. Over the next few days, I asked God to guide my decision. My list of pros and cons was short. The pros for working at the Science Center included more creative freedom and a larger salary for me. But the cons were having a long commute to work through downtown traffic and resigning to the fact that this new opportunity would negatively impact my retirement plans. However, staying in the school district with my current job at that time would mean pros like having a short commute in the suburbs and remaining part of the Arizona State Retirement System which would positively impact my benefits over time. The only con about staying where I was meant receiving a smaller salary.

In the decision process I talked with my husband and several close friends. It was such a delightful and unexpected offer. Edie’s love of STEM was contagious! It would be fabulous to work with her. However, after much prayer and contemplation, I decided to stay with the school district. The decision was respected by the Science Center and came with an open invitation to change my mind.

Then this happened: Two weeks later, I received the school district’s monthly email announcing that Edie Williams was going to be the new Assistant Superintendent for my school district. Are you kidding me? Working with Edie was what drew me to the Science Center. I immediately thanked the Lord for protecting my heart and guiding my steps.

Perhaps you feel like you’re riding on the struggle bus and the rest stops are few. After a while, weariness sets in, and it becomes more difficult to persevere. But God equips you for the trials you will face. In Exodus 14:14, God promises to fight for you. And in Isaiah 40:31, He assures you that He will renew your strength. Remember His faithfulness, trust Him, and He will give rest to your soul.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, we come to you with grateful hearts today. Help us to be aware of your presence and hear the words of wisdom You speak to our hearts and minds. Keep our eyes focused on you. When we are weary, you give rest to our souls. Praise be to God! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “He Will Hold Me Fast” by Shane and Shane. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd for humankind

Jesus Christ: The Good Shepherd
A devotional by Cherie Mendez

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”—Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

Out of all the chapters in the Bible, Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known. It inspires us to remember God’s love and guidance in times of difficulty.

I recently went through a season of uncertainty. My husband and I had to make the difficult decision to move to another state. In this economy, moving can be very expensive, so it was a big step of faith.

As I was seeking God’s guidance, I kept going back to Psalm 23, specifically verse four where it describes God’s rod and staff. When I took a deeper look into the meaning of this verse, I discovered that the rod and staff were tools used for two very specific purposes by shepherds in biblical times. The rod was a short, heavy, thick stick used to ward off predators. This tool conveys power, strength and protection. In Israelite culture it was a symbol of authority—also used to correct and guide the flock.

The staff, on the other hand also represents God’s guidance, but this tool was used more to direct the sheep. It was a long, slender stick often with a hook at the tip. Sheep tend to wander. Therefore, the shepherd would use the hook of the staff to pull them out of danger and close to himself. This act kept the sheep on the right path.

Not only do sheep tend to wander, they are also completely dependent on the shepherd. They are not strong, nor are they survivors. Without the shepherd’s care they would be in grave danger because they are not hunters that can find food; they are small and defenseless, making them easy prey.

Surely as God instructed the men and women of the Bible, He lovingly directs His children every day. All of life’s “inconveniences” or “obstacles” could very well be us bumping up against the Good Shepherd’s staff. So, before you get frustrated, ask God what He is saying.

Here are five ways God guides and comforts us:

1. God’s Word (The Holy Bible). Psalm 119:105-106 (NLT) says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.” A willing sheep would respond to the shepherd’s prodding but a stubborn, strong-willed sheep would not. Every day, we must ask ourselves: Am I surrendering to God’s leading, or do I willfully follow my own desires?

2. The Holy Spirit. Every believer is given the Holy Spirit to guide them through life. John 16:13 (NLT) says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”

3. Godly Counsel. Proverbs 15:22 (NLT) says, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”

4. Circumstances. Romans 8:28 (NLT) says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” So often we want to know God’s purpose for us, and it can only be found when we are willing to surrender our will to align with His will.

5. Common Sense. When we choose to yield to the guidance of God, He will enable us to think clearly and sensibly. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

The Bible describes all humanity as “like sheep.” Isaiah 53:6 (NLT) says: “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.”

Jesus Christ (The Good Shepherd) not only guides us and keeps us out of danger; He made a way for us when there was no way to give us eternal life (John 3:16). He took upon Himself the sins of the world so that we could all be saved. When we seek God, we will find that even in the shadow of death, we can find comfort in Him.

In closing, our move from New York to Texas was not an easy decision. We had lived and worked in NYC for over twenty years—that is where our careers were made. I knew it was time to make the move when I saw certain doors closing. Circumstances are almost always the best way God leads us. Now we are living near my family in Texas. It is wonderful to finally get to see my niece cheerlead and my nephew play piano.

God always knows what we need, and His timing is always perfect.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our Good Shepherd. Thank You for loving us enough to send your perfect Son (Jesus Christ) to die for us so that we can not only have eternal life, but a close relationship with You. Help us not to be frustrated or angered by all of life’s trials. Teach us how to see your signature on each challenge we face. Help us to walk closer to You so we may align our will with Your divine plan and purpose for our life.

In the Precious Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy)” by Shane and Shane. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a professional actress and photographer. 

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

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

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

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

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

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

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

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Connect with Cherie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheriemendez/

Devotionals for the Heart: When you're standing at a crossroads in life

Crossroads Decisions: What if We Make the Wrong Choice?
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."—Romans 8:28 (ESV)

How often have we stood at a crossroads, where each path looked equally inviting, wondering if one wrong step could mess up God's plan for our lives? But here's the comforting truth: God's will for us isn't a tightrope we must walk, fearing one false step will send us tumbling. It's like a river guiding us, even when we make unexpected turns.

People often fear making the wrong decision for a few reasons. First up, there's the worry about consequences. Then there's the fear of regret: that nagging thought of "What if I make the wrong choice?" can repeat in our minds. Another biggie is the fear of missing out—this is about more than just social events but big life decisions too. Lastly, there's a deep desire for approval. We're social creatures, so choosing something that might lead to criticism or disappointment from those we respect and love can be daunting.

These fears are authentic and valid, but they also highlight our need for trust—trust in God's guidance, in the wisdom He provides, and in His overarching plan for our lives. Remembering that God is with us, guiding each step we take, doesn't eliminate the fear. Still, it gives us the courage to move forward, knowing we're not navigating this journey alone.

In the life of believers who do their utmost to live according to God's Word—diving into devotionals, participating in the Christian community, engaging in prayer, paying tithes, and serving others—the question of decision-making, especially between two good options, becomes less about choosing "right" or "wrong" and more about seeking alignment with God's broader will for their lives. Imagine a person deciding between two job offers. Both are good, but they lead in slightly different directions. The individual has prayed and sought counsel but still feels torn. Remember, God is less concerned about which job we choose and more interested in how we trust Him in the decision-making process and how we plan to glorify Him in our chosen paths.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) offers the promise, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we have laid our decision before God, we can trust in His peace to guide us, knowing He's with us on either path, ready to use our choice for our good and His glory.

Also, remember the role of community is crucial in our journey of faith and decision-making. When faced with decisions, especially those between two good options, leaning on the wisdom and insight of trusted fellow believers can provide clarity and peace. Proverbs 11:14 tells us we can enrich our discernment process with the perspectives of those walking with God.

The key to overcoming decision paralysis is to ground our choices in faithfulness to God. When our decisions arise from a place of devotion, prayer, and a desire to act according to God's will, the pressure of making the 'perfect' choice diminishes. Instead, we find freedom in knowing God is with us in every choice, guiding us and using our decisions to fulfill His divine plan.

Moreover, having faith means embracing imperfection and letting go of the need for everything to be perfect. God calls us not to be perfect decision-makers. He’s called us to be His faithful followers. Even when we make mistakes or take wrong turns, God's grace catches us and sets us back on course.

In moments of indecision, let's remind ourselves to seek God's presence through prayer and to reflect on our intentions. Are our choices a reflection of our devotion and desire to serve Him? If so, we can proceed confidently, knowing there is no wrong decision in our hearts.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, as we face decisions, guide us with Your wisdom and fill our hearts with peace that transcends understanding. Help us trust in Your sovereign plan, knowing each choice is part of Your greater plan. Strengthen us to make decisions rooted in faith, not fear, and to rely on the support of our Christian community. In every moment, let our choices glorify You, confident in Your loving guidance. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Whatever Your Plan Is” by Josie Buchanan. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry. 

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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Connect with Gladys:
Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com/
Blog: https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GladysChilds
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/

Devotionals for the Heart: When you need God to transform your life

 

A Promise of Transformation
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” –2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

I was frustrated, disgusted, hopeless, helpless, disappointed, and discouraged. I was in a rut. 

After spending nearly two decades in the educational field, I was exhausted. It seemed like all of the years I’d dedicated to fighting for inner city Black and Brown children to have access to information and resources were in vain. The sacrifices encouraging students who ultimately made questionable choices, and the losses (kids lost to violence in the streets or those who never finished their high school degrees) were heartbreaking. The seemingly unsurmountable obstacles to equity in education overwhelmed me. I needed a change. I needed a paradigm shift. I need a mental transformation and revival. 

Many times in life, we need a personal transformation. This may be spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, or financial. We need a change because we get stuck in a toxic cycle of negative thinking due to us feeling devalued, defeated, and burnt out. People, especially in the church, felt this way during Bible times too. In the Bible verse above, the Apostle Paul encourages the Corinthian church. He writes of God’s promise of spiritual transformation and a fresh start. Transformation denotes a change in form, nature, appearance, or character. 

Paul could talk about God’s promise of transformation and a fresh start from experience. He was a devout follower of God. Paul studied under the scholar Gamaliel and was a student of the Bible. He was born a Jew and grew up well-educated. Before his name was changed to Paul, he known as Saul and he was devoted to the sect of Pharisees that he persecuted the church of Jesus Christ. Saul had authority to kill those who proclaimed the name of Christ. He was a part of the crowd who stoned the anointed deacon Stephen. He thought that he was doing the right thing, until He met Jesus who stopped him on the road to Damascus. Jesus called his name and blinded him. Saul was converted and his life was transformed after he was born again. This murderer and man who spoke against Jesus and his followers—he sought to kill the saints—was then found preaching about Jesus and proclaiming the Gospel. He became new because of his encounter with Jesus and he received a fresh start. His mind and heart were was transformed. His heart was transformed. He was a new creation with a new mission and a new name: Paul. 

God promises to make you new too! He will change your life and grant you a brand new start. Like Paul’s past persecution of the saints, your past will be forgiven by God. Scripture goes as far as to say that God will be compassionate with us and he will throw our sins into “the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19). God will remove our sins from before Him, forgive us and forget our sins (Hebrews 8:12).

In the book of Jeremiah, God declares “for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). This scripture means that God will forgive us and give us a clean slate. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, God promises to make us new, once we are in Christ. Once we believe the Gospel of Christ and receive Christ, we are transformed in our lives, our thinking, our practices, and our habits. This is a process that we begin, step by step and day by day. We are no longer condemned by the sins of our past. We have a new beginning!

Call to Action:

Step #1: Lay down your weariness, exhaustion, frustration at the feet of Christ. He will make you new. He will revive and rejuvenate you. He will transform your life, for the better!

Step #2: Practice walking in the newness of life and according to biblical principles day by day. Transformation takes practice, time, and intention. 

Step #3: Embrace God’s forgiveness daily. Know that you’ve been forgiven. Don’t dwell on your past sins, mistakes, and shortcomings. It happened, but you have been forgiven. You are no longer condemned. Let the past stay in the past and walk forward into the new promise of the present and future. 

Step #4:  Get thinking right: We are human. We make mistakes. But we have hope! According to 1 John 1:9 (KJV), “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That cleansing is part of our newness. We are constantly renewed in Christ. 

Step #5: Remember, our identity in Christ is transformative! We become new, forgiven and accepted into God’s Royal Family. 

Let's Pray: 
Heavenly Father, I thank You for choosing me and calling me your child. Thank You for assuring me of your love and forgiveness. You cried, “Father, forgive them”, while we were sinners. You did for me then, despite my mistakes and faults. You said that I could cast my cares on you. You said that if I confess my sin, you would forgive me. I come to you today confessing and believing your promise of transformation. I am in Christ and I am new. I am forgiven. I am changed. My old life, sinful practices, and thinking are in the past. I am walking forward in victory by changing my habits, practices, thoughts, and lifestyle. Thank you for giving me the power and principles to live a transformative life of abundance in Christ. Thank you Father for hearing and answering me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

Song of Reflection #1: “Create in Me A Clean Heart” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “The Sea of Forgetfulness” by Helen Baylor. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Taylor is an author, educator, minister, youth advocate, recording artist, podcaster, and improviser. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rockford College.

She is a veteran educator of Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, and Spanish Language Acquisition with National Board Teacher Certification. She is an advocate of lifelong learning, language learning, and multiculturalism. 

Essie is the CEO of KenMar Press, an author agency, and The Essie Faye Collection. Essie is the author of Finding the Love You Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self-Love & Acceptance, and Finding The Love Your Deserve: A 60-Day Healing Journal For Women of Faith. 

She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path. She loves God, people, and helping others. 

Essie has been a Christian for nearly all of her 39 years. She was born again at 15 years old. She has been a bilingual worship leader and interpreter for 10+ years. By the grace of God, Essie helped to establish bilingual ministries at five churches in her young life. She is a survivor of domestic violence (verbal and emotional abuse) and marital abandonment in a prior marriage. 

Essie is a Chicago native. She lives in Chicago with her husband Donald Taylor II. 

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Connect with Essie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com

Devotionals for the Heart: New Life

New Life Prevails!
A backup devotional by Kathleen Rouser

Growing up in a devout, religious family and going to church every Sunday, I believed the way to Heaven was through good works. Yet I realized at an early age that I couldn’t keep all the laws, so I gave up trying.

As a rebellious teenager I rationalized my bad behavior. Surely God would understand since He made humans, that I wasn’t perfect. In college, I questioned whether Jesus Christ was really God’s Son and whether there were other paths to Heaven.

In the summer of ’81, at the age of twenty, I met my future husband. Not long before that, after years of agnosticism, he told God if He existed, to leave him alone. He decided to ignore God and live the way he wanted. Revelation 3:16 (NLT) says, “But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”

Jack had gotten off the proverbial fence. God could deal with him. We both had chosen to live in our own selfish way and after a short time together, we found ourselves in a mess with a baby on the way. My boyfriend offered to pay for an abortion, but I had been taught that was wrong, so it wasn’t my go-to solution. Still, I considered it for a short time.

As I struggled with my decision, I returned to college that September. I had a literature class that happened to be in a biological science building! Every time I attended class; I passed a large display of pre-born babies—preserved in jars—at different stages of development. This display case in the center of the hallway piqued my curiosity. Isn’t that like God, to place me in that building so I could see the exact stage of my baby’s growth, how he was knitting Matthew together in my womb?

I still marvel when I think of God’s goodness to me then. Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV) states, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Once I made the decision to keep our baby, Jack proposed to me, and we married in December. We soon learned what opposite personalities we had. We needed Someone bigger than ourselves to help us keep our commitment to one another. God gently drew us to Himself. We began listening to Bible teaching on the radio, which happened to include end-time prophecies.

Such teaching struck a fear of God into me. Though one time I had walked down a church aisle as a teen and thought I’d committed myself to the Lord, I had also walked away from Him and lived a sinful life since then.

Near Easter time that year, I listened to a different Bible teacher on the radio who said if a person believed that Jesus was God’s Son, that He had died to take away all their sins, that He’d been resurrected by God after death, and if they were trusting in Jesus for forgiveness then their sins were taken away and they received salvation. He then read from John 10:28 (ESV) which says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

I had a “lightbulb moment” in my mind and a burden rolled off my heart. I finally understood. I had done nothing to deserve salvation from my sin. It wasn’t my good behavior that saved me or kept me saved. Christ had completed the work and He would never let me go!

Here I was, a new life in Jesus Christ and a little over a month later, I gave birth to Matthew, whose name means “gift from God”. This beautiful chubby infant was a great blessing to both Jack and me. God used this “unplanned” child in my womb to make us consider where our lives were headed and to bring us to new life in Himself. Forty years later, Jack and I are still together, by God’s grace! We seek to serve Jesus every day.

Friend, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38). There is no sin too great for Him to forgive, no path you can veer onto that Jesus, the Good Shepherd can’t bring you back from to His straight and narrow one. Will you trust that His sacrifice is enough to take away your sins once for all? Or that if you’ve gotten off the path, He longs to bring you back?

Let’s Pray: Jesus, thank You for dying in my place so that I could be forgiven, have hope and new life in You. Forgive me for the times I have doubted you and gone my own way. Thank You for leaving the 99 sheep to come and rescue the one who went astray and was lost (in this case, me, a sinner). Help me to live wholly for you from this day forward. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “You Never Let Go” by AJ Michalka ft. James Denton. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Kathleen Rouser is the award-winning author of Rumors and Promises, her first novel about the people of fictional Stone Creek, Michigan, and a multi-published author of historical Christian romance. She is a longtime member in good standing of American Christian Fiction Writers. 

Kathleen has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She’s in the grip of God’s grace and is a fan of the three Cs—cats, coffee, and chocolate.

The mother of three, who is a former homeschool instructor, mild-mannered dental assistant, and current Community Bible Study kids’ teacher, lives in Michigan with her hero and husband of thirty-some years, and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.

She’s represented by Linda S. Glaz of the Hartline Literary Agency.

~*~
Connect with Kathy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerouser
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathleenRouser
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouserkathy/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kerouser/_saved
Website: https://kathleenrouser.com
Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/kathleenrouser

14 Days of Love: Anchor My Heart

Today, we're shining the spotlight on a book by my author friend 

Sara Beth Williams. 

~*~

Book Blurb for Anchor My Heart:

In the aftermath of tragic loss, worship leader Matt Lawson is grappling debilitating anxiety.  

The blessings he’d taken for granted—a dream job, a woman he couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with, and his God-given musical talent—have crumbled at his feet, leaving him reeling in despair, unable to face the wreckage of the life he’d envisioned for himself.

Tara Pierce is ready to put past hurts behind her as she prepares to graduate college and take a leap of faith in her career. When Matt’s grief causes him to isolate himself from everyone he knows, she refuses to stand idly by and do nothing. She has traversed similar terrain before. No one deserves to travel that road alone.

Unexpected attraction flares as Tara reaches into the sea of Matt’s grief and helps ground him in reality. But Matt’s not ready to give himself away again. Can Tara risk her heart and their friendship and let God step in to heal where she can’t?

~*~
Author Bio:

Sara Beth Williams is a wife, mother of two daughters, and temporary caretaker of a lovable old lady pit and a spunky Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix. 

She lives in Northern California. 

When she's not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys music, teaching, reading and spending time with her family. She is all about connecting with readers!

~*~
Buy Sara Beth's book on Amazon

~*~
Connect with Sara Beth:

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Sara-Beth-Williams/e/B07H7VZ6V6
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18403465.Sara_Beth_Williams
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sara-beth-williams
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraBethWilliamsAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WilliamsSaraB
Website: https://authorswilliams.wordpress.com/

~*~
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:

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Romantic Reads: When He Found Me

Welcome my author friend Victoria Bylin to the blog today!

She's here to share an excerpt from her story When He Found Me.

Enjoy!

~*~

When He Found Me

A book written by Victoria Bylin 

Story excerpt from Chapter 3 

Kim waited for more, but MJ didn’t oblige. Being a single mom no longer carried a stigma, but Cody’s lack of a father embarrassed her. She hated not having the answer to the question he’d someday ask.

Who’s my father?

MJ didn’t have a good answer. She had gone to a party with Nicole and met a guy whose name was lost in a fog of rum and Coke. Disposing of her virginity had seemed like the best decision she ever made—until it happened. At that moment, she had felt violated, embarrassed, and alone. Shaking off the past, she focused on the business at hand. “Did you speak with the renter?”

“He didn’t return my call, but he’ll be here at two.”

MJ glanced at the clock. He’d be arriving any minute, and she wanted to neaten up. “Where the lady’s room?”

“Down the hall.”

MJ stood and called Cody. “Let’s make a pit stop.”

Her son scrambled over the carpeted blocks and together they went to take care of business. As she washed his hands and face, he squirmed and water splattered her tee shirt. Hoping it would dry quickly, she brushed her hair and dabbed on lipstick. She didn’t look like a landlord, but she knew how to be professional. She had done a good job managing SassyGirl. Too bad the chain went bankrupt. She could have taken accounting classes and moved into management.

Sighing, she inspected herself in the mirror, squared her shoulders, and reached for Cody’s damp hand. “Let’s go, kiddo.”

They arrived in the lobby just as the glass door swung wide and in walked a man with startling blue eyes.

Her mouth gaped.

His brows arched.

Yesterday when they met, stubble had covered his jaw. Today he was clean-shaven and dressed in a button-down oxford that matched his eyes. Khakis emphasized his long legs, and his dark blond hair was neatly combed away from his angular face. She couldn’t help but notice his broad shoulders and muscular arms, the way he stood tall with an air of confidence. He looked nothing like the middle-aged history teacher she’d been expecting, though she recalled the stiff way he picked up the coins she dropped.

Kim held out her hand. “Shane, it’s good to see you.”

So “S” stood for Shane.

He accepted Kim’s hand and greeted her, but his eyes darted back to MJ. They were full of questions and bright with undisguised pleasure.

Kim gazed at him with her made-up eyes while apologizing for what she called “a little mix-up.”

To MJ, the mix-up wasn’t little. She was prepared to negotiate with a stranger, not the man who bought the shoes on her feet. She wanted to thank him, of course. But she also wanted out of the negotiations about the house. S. Riley made her want to smile and flirt—and to forget she was facing a hysterectomy. She didn’t need that complication in her life and neither did Cody. She had to terminate the lease, but she was sorry about it. He’d been kind to her, and she was repaying him with a big inconvenience.

Kim moved on to the introductions. “Shane, this is MJ Townsend. She owns the house you rented.”

“We’ve met.” With a twinkle in his eyes, he offered his hand. “L is for Laundromat.”

She clasped his fingers, felt the warmth of his grip, and told her racing pulse to slow down. “S is for shoes. Thank you. It was a wonderful gift.”

His gaze dropped to her feet and her toes curled. He focused back on her face and smiled. “They fit.”

“Perfectly.”

He turned to Cody, who was staring up at him wide-eyed. S. Riley’s face relaxed into a smile. “You have on the cleats.”

“I like them best,” the boy answered.

“Me too.”

Kim interrupted. “So you two know each other?”

“A little,” Shane answered.

Kim waited, but neither of them explained further. With a wave of her hand, she indicated the sofa. “Let’s sit and I’ll clue Shane in to the problem.”

MJ needed to tell Kim she had changed her mind about the arrangement. She also had to get Cody settled again with the toy train. When Shane headed to the couch, she murmured to Kim, “I need to talk to you.”

“About what?”

“There’s a problem.”

Cody interrupted in a loud voice. “Mommy, why is that man here?”

She gripped his shoulder in an effort to steer him to the play area. “I’ll tell you later. It’s time to play with the train.”

The boy glared at her. “I don’t want to.” After three days of travel he was on the verge of a meltdown.

Irritation flickered in Kim’s eyes. “So what’s the problem?”

Cody pulled away from her. “I want to know now. Mommy, who is he?”

MJ gripped both of her son’s shoulders and lowered her chin. “Cody, you need to play with the toys while I take care of business.”

“No!”

“Hey, Cody.” The voice belonged to Shane Riley. “Where’s that train?”

His mouth agape, the boy stared at Shane. MJ had seen that expression before—in grocery stores when they saw families together, in church when a dad carried a child on his shoulders. Cody’s hunger for a father was a like baby’s desire for milk. No way could MJ let her son get close to Shane Riley. Cody would surely get his heart broken. Until she knew where she stood with a hysterectomy, she and Cody needed to keep their distance from men, especially men who were good-looking and kind.

~*~
Author Bio:

Victoria Bylin is the author of 18 traditionally published romances. 

Known for tackling difficult subjects with great compassion, she delights in stories that shine the spotlight of God’s love on ordinary men and women facing realistic challenges.

Writing has always been a part of Victoria’s life. As a child, she wrote hundreds of letters and scribbled in journals. As an adult, she worked as a freelance journalist and editor before taking on the challenge of fiction.

She had one goal when she started her first novel: to finish a book-length manuscript, good or bad. That first effort will never see the light of day, but it led to a second manuscript and a sale to Harlequin Historical. Since then, she has written westerns and contemporary romances for both mainstream and Christian publishers, with Together With You winning the 2016 Inspirational Readers Choice Award for Best Contemporary.

Writing is a joy and a challenge for Victoria, but faith, friends and family matter to her far more. She’s a wife, mom, proud grandmother, and a dog-mom to a wacky Jack Russell Terrier. Originally from California, she and her husband currently make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.

When she’s not writing, Victoria enjoys long walks, travel, and dark chocolate. 

~*~

Blurb for Victoria's book, When He Found Me:

Love Discovered . . . Hope Renewed

Once a strong Christian, third baseman Shane Riley lost his faith the night he injured his knee in a freak car accident. Determined to return to professional baseball and to find the sister he treated badly, Shane retreats to Refuge, Wyoming. There he meets Melissa June “MJ” Townsend, a single mom with an adorable son and a troubled heart.

MJ wants nothing to do with the handsome athlete—no doubt a womanizer considering the stories in the news. But when a mistake results in Shane renting her garage apartment, they become friends. That friendship blossoms into something deep and pure, leaving MJ with a painful secret to tell.

Even more complicated, MJ discovers an unexpected tie to Shane’s missing sister—a wounded woman facing a life-or-death decision of her own.

~*~
Review of When He Found Me, posted to Amazon.com by Tracey:

When He Found Me is one of those rare books that touched me to the core. It's an emotional love story on a number of levels, between a man and a woman, a brother and sister, a mother and child, but overall it's the story of God's love for all of us.

When He Found Me doesn't shy away from exposing the reality of modern day issues, alcohol and domestic abuse, unwed pregnancy and abortion, STI's and their treatment, but Bylin handles them all with a delicate hand of honesty and grace always pointing the way to where true healing can be found.

Her characters are real, flawed and broken in every way possible, physically, emotionally and spiritually. They endure the consequences of both their own choices and those of others, wondering where God is in the process. Bylin has expertly woven in the Gospel message amid all her characters life experiences, providing a truly fine example of sharing God's truth with a hurting world. Even the series title, Road to Refuge, has a depth and weight of meaning, as God is our Refuge.

There are plenty of lighthearted and funny moments that keep the story from feeling too heavy while dealing with very serious topics. Some of the funniest moments are Shane's salmon references, particularly "I'm no one special. Just a guy who envied salmon." It has to be read in context, but it's hilarious.

Victoria Bylin has written an important story for our times that will challenge the reader to more deeply contemplate what they believe about others, themselves and God. Simply put, When He Found Me is a stunning and powerful work of fiction from a persuasive and talented writer. I could not have loved it more!

~*~
Buy Victoria's book on Amazon

~*~
Connect with Victoria:
Website: https://www.victoriabylin.com/
Newsletter Sign-up: https://www.victoriabylin.com/contact.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Bylin.Author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaBylin

Devotionals for the Heart: Walking with Jesus Christ through life

Walking with Jesus
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

I like the fact that Jesus addressed this statement in Matthew 6:34 (KJV). He said, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

It is wisdom for then that is still applicable for today. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we do know Who (God) holds tomorrow!

Many years ago, Cristy Lane performed the song, “One Day at A Time.” It was and still is, a Christian mantra. Books have been written about walking with Jesus, not ahead or behind, but with Him. Songs have been sung but it all boils down to is the fact that we need to wait upon the Lord. There are benefits when we do.

Isaiah 40:3 (KJV) has this to say about waiting upon the Lord: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

It's evident that when we wait upon Him, He will be there with us. We will be strengthened by His counsel and will excel in whatever we endeavor to do.

It is so easy to fall into doing things on our own without seeking God’s counsel.

I have to admit, I’ve been guilty. Every time I’ve made a critical decision without consulting my Father (God), nine times out of ten, I end up in a mess or gravely disappointed at the outcome. We should wait for His voice to bring us peace and not step out in uncertainty. Those who wait and listen for what the Bible calls, God’s “still small voice,” will reap in abundance for doing so.

Read 1 Kings 19:12 (KJV). It’s the story about when God spoke to Elijah in a small voice. The Bible verse reads, “And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”

Sometimes, when we hear God's still small voice, we don’t like His answers to our questions. Often, we may want to do or have a thing that’s not the best for us. Or we simply can’t wait.

Let’s say you have questions for God about a job you applied for. It’s exciting and you’re going to make a lot more money than you were making, but this job is going to require you to work on Sabbath. God might have had another job for you that would allow you to have every Sabbath off. The salary was a little less but your health benefits would be better. That is an example of when we need to trust God’s will and wisdom more than our wants. God is very thorough and thankfully He can see beyond today, that is why we must trust Him with every aspect of our lives. He cares for the life of a sparrow, how much more does He care for us?

Let’s read Matthew 10:29-31(KJV). It says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

I don’t always love the lessons I’ve had to learn. But they were ALL my own doing and ALL because I didn’t wait on the Lord and decided to take matters into my own hands. A wrong decision made today might very well affect your life twenty years from now. It is always best to seek God’s counsel and not always trust your own.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Following the footsteps of Jesus and trusting Him with all your heart as you lean on Him is not an easy path. One is ever learning to trust God and the road to Heaven is truly narrow with many distractions along the way. We fall down. But we get up, dust ourselves off and began walking with Jesus again.

We have a Father (God) who loves us and will never love us more or less than He already does, no matter what we do. God loved us from the very beginning and He’ll love us through the end. When we fall and scrape our knees, He is right there, ready to pick us up and cleanse away the hurt and pain no matter what it is or how we got ourselves into trouble.

God does expect us to repent of our sins on a daily basis. He is ready to forgive you before you ask, but do ask Him to forgive you still. Pray to God on a daily basis. You need to keep the lines of communication between yourself and God open, so that you don’t feel distant or separated from Him.

The devil would like nothing better than to isolate us from God and each other because he wants us to be defenseless against his fiery darts. We need to stay prayed up, communing with God daily and assembling ourselves with other believers of like mind. Read Hebrews 10:25.

Given all the above, let us hold tight to God’s Hand and walk with Him through the hills and valleys of this life here on Earth. Don’t look too far ahead, but journey through this life one day at a time with Jesus Christ by your side.

Remember: God has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) because He loves you with ALL of His Heart! Be encouraged, friends. God will be with you to the very end (Matthew 28:20).

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.