Devotionals for the Heart: How God taught me to lead my children to Jesus

It Begins with Me
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.”

—Luke 2:52 (NLT)

It seems like yesterday I was holding my newborn sons in my arms.

Now as I am reminiscing, they are both school-aged children. So much has happened over the years that it seems like a blur. I am thankful that my husband and I took countless photos of them and that their milestones are recorded in journals and photo albums.

More important than photos, videos, journals, and scrapbooks are the moments spent with my sons in prayer. My husband and I started praying for our sons while they were still in the womb. We knew that God had something special in store for us and we wanted to be sure that their lives were in line with their Creator.

When our sons were born, we prayed right there in the delivery room, and we continued to pray with them every morning and every night. While they are sleeping, I sneak into their rooms and quietly breathe a mother’s prayer over my sons. I ask God to protect them from evil as they develop, and to grant them wisdom, favor and discernment to make the right decisions in life. I pray that God will show my sons their purpose in this life and that one day my sons will whole-heartedly receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Even now, I can see the results of my prayers. I was so proud and at the same time humbled when both of my sons decided to get baptized at church. When I hear the comments of teachers who are pleased to have my sons in their classroom, or when I am told that my sons are responsible for their age, or they have caring attributes and are well behaved among their peers, this lets me know that my prayers from over the years have come to fruition.

Recently, it occurred to me that I should be praying just as fervently for myself and the life that I am leading as a parent. Praying over my sons is a necessity, but what kind of example would I be if I am not covered in prayer? I cannot effectively make a disciple for Jesus Christ if I am not an effective disciple myself.

As a parent, I have quickly learned that children will do what they see more than what they are told. I can tell my youngest son not to throw an object in the house, but he is taking mental notes as I unconsciously toss my shoes into the closet. As trivial as this may seem, it equates to circumstances on a larger scale later in his life such as the words I speak, the way I treat others, my attitude in my home, and my relationship with God. I pray that as my sons grow into men and that they will pattern their lives after Jesus. I also pray that when my sons look at me, they see Jesus living in me and working through me.

The most important element is the legacy that I will leave behind to my children: A life devoted to Christ. I am so glad that Christ covers me and stands in the gap where I fall short. It begins with me.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, I thank You for the privilege of being a parent. I ask You for wisdom and discernment as I raise my children to be Your disciples. May I not be a hindrance but an example of Your love. Lead me as I lead my children. I dedicate our lives to You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Legacy” by First Call. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Standing in the Gap” by Babbie Mason with Helen Baylor and Cindy Morgan. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Lead Me Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir with Elizabeth Goodine. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: 

www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook author page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

Devotionals for the Heart: The women who taught me how to live and love

Legacy: The Women We Come From
A devotional by Anne Madison

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”—2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

Her blood runs in my veins. My mama. Irish. Determined. Strong. Faithful.

Her life was marked with struggles and hardship as she grew up as one of 18 children during The Great Depression in America. It was not easy. Money was scarce, yet Mama never felt poor and never went hungry. As a teen, she married a soldier. Their early years were challenged with separation and the tragedy that war brings. Four kids to raise, foster children taken in as their own, and four premature babies buried. I, her smallest and youngest preemie, survived. Prayers spoken from her hospital bed days before my arrival guided my life long before I ever knew they were spoken. My Mama prayed, “Lord, if you let me keep this baby, she’s yours.”

Mama served homemade meals at 5:00 p.m. sharp. She made handmade clothes, quilts and knit sweaters for all of us. I remember arriving home from school to see her and Grandma unraveling a nearly complete sweater. Mama found a missed stitch, and it needed to be fixed and done right. Her tenacity was a testament to her strength and grit. In the last months of her life, Mama was given a copy of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. She and God had heart-to-heart conversations as she read her daily devotions. Ever the student, she loved to learn and apply what she learned in her daily life. She frequently spoke of her beloved book and how its lessons guided her daily. I had the honor of reading the devotionals with her during the last weeks of her life. Those days are a precious memory forever etched in my heart. Mama threw off the things that hindered her and finished her race with perseverance. Dying with grace, dignity, and laughter, she taught me how to move forward as I learned to continue life without her.

My Grandma’s Bible, its binding broken, still sits on my bookshelf. She was widowed with six children to raise, and she washed laundry to make ends meet. Three sons off to war returned unscathed, but their young lives were forever changed by the atrocities of serving on the battlefield. They faced nightmares of flashbacks for the rest of their lives. Grandma died before I was born, but her prayers influenced the life of a grandchild she would never meet. Monthly scripture reading bookmarks are tucked in its pages. Handwritten prayers on scraps of paper are penned from a seeking heart. Each bookmark and prayer is a timeless gem of truth, a glimpse into her heart, a heartfelt testimony of a woman doing her best to live her life in a godly way. I never met her, yet we are connected.

They were fierce prayer warriors, my friends, Granny Bobbie and Margaret. It seemed they had a hotline direct to God’s ear. They prayed. He answered. Their faith and wisdom spoke in the lives they lived and shared with those around them. Spouses. Children. Friends. Strangers. All lived in their hearts and in their prayers. Their light shone the way for others. Words of wisdom like “The Bible says” or “And it came to pass” frequently guide my days when I feel overwhelmed.

There are countless other women whose strength has spun itself into the fabric of my life. Women whose lives shaped faith, courage, and wisdom through generations. I consider each of these women to be a living blueprint. A legacy of women living life with all its joys, sorrows, challenges, and heartbreak. Their lives continue to influence generations beyond their earthly years. Their stories echo far beyond my personal family—they are woven through Scripture itself.

Eve was the first woman in human history. The book of Genesis records her story that is often reduced to a single moment of failure, but that is far from the full picture. Her life represents the crux of humanity: to live with the gift of free will, to fall, to repent, and begin again. Eve’s life is a reminder that purpose is not erased by failure. Her legacy speaks of the wisdom of the ages; second chances and new beginnings are possible with God.

Another story in the Bible that leaves a legacy is about the Samaritan woman who was considered an outcast in society. She would walk to the well for water in the heat of the day. Seeking refuge and something to ease her thirst, she arrived with an empty jar. She was burdened with a cloak of social stigma and personal history, yet leaves transformed by truth and grace because the Messiah (Jesus Christ) met her there. Jesus did not belittle her nor did He dismiss her sin. He called it out because of his deep, abiding love for her. He called her to something higher—a calling. He empowered her to cast off the cloak of shame and be restored.

Like the Samaritan woman, our thirst drives us to the well. Her story reminds us that our sin does not define us, and past failures do not disqualify us from our purpose. Rather, our redemption becomes the very testimony that brings hope to others. Her story speaks to anyone who has ever felt overlooked or unworthy, showing that transformation often begins in the most ordinary places when doing the most ordinary tasks.

Finally, let us look at the life of surrender and trust shown by Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was meek, mild, and faithful. Faced with an unimaginable calling, Mary embodied a life lived in faith and trust. Her willingness, her surrender to God’s plan for her life, would cause her to be judged as a cheating woman, unfaithful to her betrothal. Her willingness to say yes to God’s special assignment—even without full understanding—reveals her profound depth of faith. Mary’s life demonstrates a profound truth: Strength is found in quiet surrender.

These are only glimpses of the lives of the women whose lives shaped ours. Women who are strong, determined, faithful, giving, fallen, surrendered, resilient, courageous, and each one touched called by God with and for a purpose. Our lives are bound together in our challenges, our purpose, and our faith.

As I close this devotional, I’d like to share this Bible verse about faith and legacy. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

It is God who works in and through us for His glory, for our good, and for the benefit of those yet to come. The same faith that carried our predecessors carries us today. The cloud of witnesses, past and present, is cheering us on. They call us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and to run our life’s race with perseverance, trusting Jesus all the way. May we honor their legacy as we live out ours, and may we faithfully pass this legacy to those who follow.

Let's Pray:

Dear Wonderful Creator,

Thank You for sending women to speak wisdom into my life. I appreciate the women who taught me how to live and love. I am grateful for those whose stories give me hope that not all is lost in my failures. Thank You for the generation after generation of women you continue to raise as legacy women who love and serve You. Their lives remind us that our purpose is not defined by our failure, but defined by you alone. Grant us courage, determination, wisdom, and steadfastness on our journey as we carry your legacy in us forward to the women whose lives you bring our way. May we reflect your unfailing love and your abounding grace. May all who come behind us find us faithful. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Find Us Faithful” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Praying Woman” by Anne Wilson & Lainey Wilson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Truth I’m Standing On” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Nothing Can Break a Woman of God” by One With God. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Wonderfully Made” by Ellie Holcomb. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: How God taught me to always be thankful

How God taught me to always be thankful
A devotional by Regina Marcazzo-Skarka

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

When I stood on the reception line waiting to greet attendees after my 31-year-old son’s celebration of life, I was grateful for the love I felt from family and friends who traveled from near and far, and for the kind words spoken about my son.

I knew he was a warrior for Jesus Christ and that through his love for Christ and the Godly life he modeled, this world was a better place. But the magnitude of the number of lives that were changed because of his example was mind-blowing.

After two celebrations of life, I learned that my precious boy ministered to so many different people. What was more amazing was how those who learned more about his life at the services felt the desire to change their own lives and seek Christ.

An over 80-year-old relative came up to me crying saying that she wanted to be like my son. A younger relative said it was time to rethink his life and my son’s former classmate came up sobbing and said he wanted to follow Jesus. Those words did not take away the pain of losing him, but they did demonstrate the awesome works of our God.

I chose 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 as the anchor text for my devotional today because the verse relates to so many areas of life, even the hardest ones such as losing a treasured child. I could see the value of all three commands during the many months of endured hardship while he was sick.

“Rejoice always” is a command and a reminder of how we are to live at all times— no matter what is going on in our lives. Praying continually does not mean that we should sit bowing in prayer day and night, but it does refer to having an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day—and if you are anything like me, I talk to God many moments throughout the night.

I am thankful for the way God used my son to change others, to point them to Him. I am thankful that God trusted my husband and I as his parents. I strive to carry on my son’s legacy of sharing Christ with others, not with words, but with my life. I am thankful for countless blessings throughout my son’s two bouts with cancer: one when he was 18 and the other at 30. During the illnesses and in the time in between there were so many miracles and so much good living.

Will sadness and longing to see him linger? Will anger and questions asking God “Why?” continue to swirl in my mind? Of course! But one thing I am sure of is that my God is faithful and He works all for the good of those who love him.

Why do I rejoice always? It’s simple: I am a child of God and His word tells me to rejoice. Why do I pray continually? Because I need to converse with God all the time. Why should I be thankful in all circumstances? It’s also a command and it is important to note that it is “in” all circumstances, not “for” all circumstances.

When I recite the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, I realize how difficult and easy it is to say the words “rejoice” and “be thankful in all circumstances.”

In the deep sadness that I continue to feel and the longing to hug my son and tell him how much I love him I am reminded that his ministry did not end the day he took his last breath here on earth. The life he lived for Jesus remains in the minds of those who are still here, spurring them on and reminding them to make every minute count on this earth whether they are healthy or not, going through a dark time or joyfully dancing in the light. I know that is my plan.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for your love and for your perfect plan. Help us to recognize that You are in control of all things and though we may not understand the why, we can surely trust You. Help us to rejoice always, pray continually and to be thankful in all circumstances. Help us to point others to you with our lives. We love you. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Even If” by Mercy Me. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Connect with Regina:
Website: https://reginamarcazzoskarka.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wipeoutworry/
Email: ginamarcazzo@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Reflections on Mother's Day and leaving a legacy

Living a Legacy
A devotional by Joy Beless

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”—Proverbs 31:30 (NLT)

May 12 was Mother’s Day in the United States and Canada.

It is a time to set aside to remember to call or visit your mom—perhaps even send a bouquet of flowers and let them know how much we love and appreciate them! For some, Mother’s Day is complicated and triggers a whole punchbowl of emotions.

Although not the norm, it worked out for some of our family to celebrate together. Four generations of women laughed, told stories, and absorbed the moment—with the newest being two months old and the oldest 87.

There are a lot of opinions and ideas about what being a woman encompasses, one popular idea is from the long-standing Maybelline beauty product slogan, “Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline.” Another idea is about experiencing “Real Beauty” when you use Dove (brand) bar soap. Media and movies portray popular stereotypes for women—perfect body size, flawless complexion, flowing hair, always youthful, healthy and fit, yet somehow juggling it all.

The Bible also has plenty to say to guide and encourage us in every area of life—including this one. A famous passage about women is Proverbs 31:10-31, noted in the Bible as “The Wife of Noble Character.” It is all-encompassing and can seem overwhelming unless we view it as a description over a lifetime rather than a snapshot. One of my favorite verses (for any woman and not just for mothers) is Proverbs 31:25 (NIV) that says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

I’m thankful my mother has lived this out for me. One of four daughters born to a farming and ranching family, Mom had plenty of chores to do inside and outside. A favorite story shared is about her wedding day to my father. She had a daily chore of milking the cows every evening for their dairy business. This chore could not be missed or skipped over, even on her wedding day. A neighbor saw her milking and thought the wedding was called off. Nope, she just had to take care of the cows first! We laugh every time she tells this story.

More recently, I witnessed my mother's strength and faith as she cared for my father in his last years after suffering several strokes and losing mobility. As dreams for their future were worn away into daily caregiving tasks, Mom continued to do what she could on the farm and care for my dad. Those were difficult years and she could have understandably become bitter. Instead, she clung to her faith, family, and her church community for support. My father did pass away eventually, and Mom made the difficult transition into widowhood and a new chapter of life. She currently is “laughing at the days to come” as she leads a grandparent’s prayer group and chapel in her residential senior community.

What have I learned from Mom about strength, dignity, and looking forward with confidence in the days ahead? Here’s a shortlist:

*Strength begins by leaning on Jesus in the small obstacles and difficulties as we build up to the larger waves that knock us down. It is the “prayer without ceasing” that builds a habit of praying when we are at the end of ourselves.

*Dignity is synonymous with honor and is earned through small actions and speech that are full of grace and truth. It is cloaked in humility and the fruit of the Spirit that is attractive to be around. A life of honesty and integrity in the small and big experiences and daily decisions.

*“Laughing at the days ahead” is being confident that no matter what may come you can trust the Lord with the outcome–even one of hardship and grief. You are seen by a loving God and never alone, even in the darkest of nights.

*We move through the valleys of hardship and loss and will reach the other side of hope.

As we gathered over Mother’s Day this year, I looked around at the women surrounding me. My mother and mother-in-law are both 85, my aunt is 87, my two daughters (32 and 30) and their children (2 months, 1 year old and age 13), and I realize I’ve received a legacy of strength and dignity. The choice is mine to make whether to stand on the foundation of God’s Word, pray without ceasing, walk in humility, honesty, and integrity–to continue the legacy (or for some to begin the legacy).

Oh, how deceptive and fleeting beauty and charm are. A futile race of time and resources to run. Like my mom, I want to embrace the youngest little one in our family and laugh at the days to come–whatever they might be.

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us how to live life abundantly. You know the ups and downs of life and never leave us but guide us through to the other side. It is because of You that we can laugh at the days to come! In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. 

A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas.

A seasoned worship leader and songwriter, she frequently weaves worship, God’s Word and spiritual practices together. She is a chapel provider for a shelter for the houseless and a certified Grief and Trauma Healing Facilitator. Serving at global retreats for Kingdom-minded women delights her soul.

She has written for Global Trellis and Missio Nexus. She connects God’s Word with the reality of our daily in all the ups and downs.

Joy is married to Roger. They live in Coppell (Texas). Joy is called "JoJo" by her nine adorable grandchildren. She enjoys the outdoors and encourages flowers to grow in the Texas heat.

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Connect with Joy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/
Website: www.joybeless.org

Devotionals for the Heart: Identity

Identity: Kingdom Legacy
A devotional by Erin M. Handley

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

– Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

Identity. Complex, yet so simple.

Basic psychology reminds us that everyone goes through stages where they explore various behaviors and roles as they search to create and solidify who they are. It is generally associated with a phase that occurs in preteens and teenagers, but the phase to some degree lingers in the minds of adults, too.

These stages primarily are bouts of identity exploration – or more specifically, identifying and validating the person they want others to see. Despite this phase many of us go through, many of us never stray too far away from what we know to be true about whose we are although we sometimes struggle to articulate who we are.

It is easy for many of us to limit our identities to who we believe others would see us as if they knew our stories. Some people associate their identity with the trauma they have experienced in their life. It is also easy to associate one’s identity to the legacy they hope to leave behind in the future – one as a husband or wife, a parent, mentor, or friend. A great person of great impact. All of the things many hope can be said of the legacy they leave behind when they are no longer here.

But then I am reminded that His purpose for me is so much greater than my desires could ever be. I remember that as a daughter of the Eternal King (God), He has positioned me to leave a much bigger legacy than I could fathom simply by adhering to His will.

Sometimes, we tend to become so wrapped up in the identity we have allowed our situation to create for us, that we forget to willingly embrace and prioritize the identity that God created for us. Our identity is much more than the trauma we experienced through life or the roles we play in the lives of others. I know many people who have clung to the idea that their identity is limited to the roles they play in the lives of other people: husband, wife, homemaker, the parent working two jobs just to make ends meet or the entrepreneur who never wants for anything because they have everything they ever wanted. These are all great things, and I know many phenomenal individuals who carry out their roles incredibly well. But I also know these roles are not the sum total of who they are or who you are.

Truthfully speaking, our identities are much more than those things that make-up the best or the worst parts of us. These titles and attributes that stem from what you do for others and how others see you are not who you are. It’s what you do, but what you do does not solely define you. Who you are is a child of God. You are a child of the King. You are exactly who God created you to be for the purpose of His Kingdom.

Our identities should speak to who we were created to be. Our identity should be rooted in our Kingdom purpose and not the roles we play in the lives of others. Your primary role is to be just what He called you to be in this season – regardless of what it looks like.

Whatever it is that you believe that God has called you to be, be sure that you are doing so as a commitment to God and not to anyone else. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) instructs us to remember that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

As you serve Him, come out of the shadows of the identities rooted in limited perspectives of those you serve. I challenge you to elevate your role as husband, wife, parent, family, or friend to that of one who works to elevate the Kingdom. As a child of the King you have a very specific call on your life and it is up to you to walk in the purpose He created for you.

Remember, you have a very critical role to play in God’s master plan.

Let’s Pray: Lord, in all that we do, help us remember to do it all for You. Help us to remember that if we follow You in every aspect of our lives, then You will ultimately lead us to the destiny that you have specifically created for each and every one of your children. Continue to love us in such an intimate way that we cannot deny that our identity is in You. Help us to understand that at the end of it all, when people look at us, they should see You. Thank You for grace and Your unwavering love for us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Erin’s devotional message today reminded me of this song by Crystal Lewis called “Remember Who You Are.” Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

With an ever-growing desire to continually learn the Word of God and present teachings based on Biblical principles, Erin M. Handley is committed to her calling of teaching and inspiring others to ‘be more by doing more.’ With this in mind, Erin mentors young women and appreciates seeing the growth and change in the lives she impacts.

While she sincerely enjoys mentoring and speaking to young people, she is most passionate about educating and empowering women from various stages of life about Biblical womanhood and how to live out those principles in today’s world. 

For over 15 years, Erin has worked with youth and adolescents in the fields of mental and behavioral health, education, and ministry.

When reflecting on her experiences in ministry and non-ministry settings, her most memorable encounters have been those that allowed her the opportunity to teach the Word of God in a way that is most relatable to the audience she served in that moment. She has enjoyed writing since her youth, but only recently felt the call to share her writing with the world.

With an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in Ministry and Pastoral Counseling, Erin M. Handley has been fortunate to be able to leverage her gifts and her passions throughout her career in Education.

Aside from reading, writing, and mentoring, Erin enjoys dancing, interior design, cooking, and most other activities which allow her to utilize her creativity.

Devotionals for the Heart: Legacy

Living for Legacy
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 

But who am I, and who are my people, 

that we could give anything to you? 

Everything we have has come from you, 

and we give you only what you first gave us!”

–1 Chronicles 28:13-14 (NLT)

August is my birthday month!

I have been thinking about legacy and the importance of passing on lessons and leaving a life of daily impact.

I am not sure if it’s a 50’s mindset but when I read the words of King David, I become very thoughtful and reflective. David knew his days were coming to a close. He understood that leaving a legacy was more for the sake of ensuring God’s name and God’s interests were carried into the future.

In reading 1 Chronicles 28, we learn of David’s outlining to Solomon the floor plans for building the temple with specifications on its measurements, materials and mandate build to honor the name of the Lord. If you questioned David’s love for God, you don’t have to after reading chapter 29. He celebrates God’s faithfulness. He testifies of all God has done and how He has blessed his life and that of Israel. David acknowledges God in helping him all his life. He is not arrogant thinking he achieved wealth and position alone.

When we think about legacy, we usually equate it to money and property being left for loved ones and institutions. In the transition of power from father to son, King David gave instructions along with the passing of the dynasty. He exhorted Solomon to be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord “so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance.” (1 Chronicles 28:8). David prayed that the people and his son would always want to obey God and that their love for God will never change. A heart after God, a desire to love and serve God was more important than land or riches. David wanted his son and his people to experience the intimacy that he had experienced with God and he emphasized that obedience was key. These were important messages he wanted Solomon to learn. As he prayed with the people, he reminds them that everything they have belongs to God.

When I turned 50, I made a decision to give more, and serve more. My time belongs to God. My possessions are His and I want to live each day in gratitude. I have many goals and dreams I want to see reached. But I want to impart this most important life lesson that I’ve learned, to you: If you choose to honor and love God with all your heart, soul and mind, you will never live a life of regret. Teach someone something you have learned. Speak a word of encouragement to someone every day. Extend a hand of comfort to someone in need and never withhold kindness when it is in your power to show it. There are people waiting on your word of encouragement. You may be the one voice and word that someone needs to push them forward. Remember, “legacy” is what you leave behind. Don’t hold tightly to what you’ve been given.

I’d like to share something I learned from my high school track and field days. Four by Four relay was my passion and I was the fourth runner. The key to winning this sport was not only speed. There were very important components to us winning as a team. If you did not pass the baton properly to the next runner, you could jeopardize your chance of winning.

We practiced the hand off of the baton over and over. You have to get the right amount of distance between your partner and securely lock that baton in your partner’s hand. Life is very similar. As we live a life with legacy in mind keep in mind the lessons we learn during the process. Don’t drop the baton. Don’t be sloppy in the way you pass on life lessons to others. They are watching you they are listening.

Stay alert as you run toward the finish line but also, be aware of the people running behind and beside you. Remember, the race is never won alone! When the fourth runner crosses the line, it is never because of their solo effort. It’s a team effort.

Life lived fully is done with others. Are you living with legacy in mind? It’s time.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for this day that I am alive. I know that it is only because of your mercy and grace why I am here. Help me to always remember that everything I have and achieve is because it is a gift from your hand. Teach me to love people unconditionally and live life today in a way that honors you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter. 

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Romantic Reads: Falling for the Innkeeper by Meghann Whistler

Welcome Meghann Whistler to the blog! 

She's a new author whose debut book Falling for the Innkeeper was published and made available for purchase on July 21, 2020. 

Meghann is here today to discuss her book and help you to get to know her captivating characters!

Enjoy!

~*~
Interview with Meghann Whistler about Falling for the Innkeeper:

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Meghann: I wrote this book after I quit my job as the marketing communications manager at a large software company to stay at home with my three young children. I’ve always loved creative writing, but while I was working, I didn’t have the time or energy to devote to creative projects.

Once I became a stay-at-home mom, working on Falling for the Innkeeper gave me something fun to daydream about while I was changing diapers and doing the laundry!

Alexis: Who or what inspired the storyline?

Meghann: There were a lot of different things that inspired the storyline, but the biggest one was probably the setting. I grew up spending my summers on Cape Cod at my grandparents’ seaside inn, and I really wanted to go back there in my imagination.

Alexis: How did you research the setting for this story? Did you travel to Cape Cod? Why or why not?

Meghann: I started writing this book about two and half years ago, and I haven’t been back to Cape Cod since then. I do still have family there, though, and I was there for a wedding about a year before I started writing Falling for the Innkeeper.

In terms of research, I relied a lot on my memory, and I also conducted my fair share of Google searches!

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s heroine Laura Lessoway. What is she like? Describe her looks, personality and heart.

Meghann: Laura is a beautiful young woman with dark hair and green eyes. She grew up wealthy but prefers the simple things in life. She dresses casually and is a big Boston Red Sox fan!

Thanks to a close relationship with her recently deceased grandmother, Laura has a real heart for the Lord. She’s a single mom because her ex-husband cheated on her and abandoned her while she was pregnant. She’s wary about getting involved with another man—especially one who’s a lawyer like her ex-husband—so Jonathan has to work hard to win her over.

Alexis: Let’s talk about your story’s hero Jonathan Masters. What is he like? Describe his looks, character and heart.

Meghann: At the beginning of the story, Jonathan is very focused on work. He’s a good-looking guy with dark hair and dark eyes, but he made a decision back when he started law school that he wouldn’t “get distracted” by a serious relationship until he’d made partner, and he’s stuck to that resolution for almost ten years.

In addition to being hard-working, disciplined and trustworthy, Jonathan is kind and easygoing, and he has a soft spot for kids.

Alexis: Why does Laura fight to save her grandmother’s beachfront inn?

Meghann: Laura’s relationship with her parents isn’t the best, and the place where she has always felt most loved is at her grandmother’s inn. She wants to keep the inn to keep her grandmother’s legacy alive, and also to make sure that her four-year-old daughter, Emma, is able to stay in the only home she’s ever known.

Alexis: What is it about Jonathan that draws Laura to him?

Meghann: Laura works hard to fight her attraction to Jonathan because she’s nervous that he’ll turn out to be an unethical workaholic like her ex-husband, but his easygoing manner, sense of humor and fondness for her daughter draw her in.

Alexis: What is it about Laura that makes her unforgettable to Jonathan?

Meghann: Jonathan has never told anyone how hard it was to grow up with a mentally ill father, but he trusts Laura enough to tell her. Not only does she comfort him, she also immediately sets out to help Jonathan find his father, who has been missing for fifteen years. When they visit a local homeless shelter together, Jonathan sees what a kind and caring person she is, and he knows he doesn’t want to let her go.

Alexis: Paint a picture of The Sea Glass Inn. What makes it special to your characters?

Meghann: When you think about classic Cape Cod architecture, The Sea Glass Inn is basically what will come to mind! It’s two stories high with gray cedar shingles, black window shutters and a hand-painted sign with its name hanging from a wooden post out front.

It sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, nestled behind the dunes of a sweeping, white-sand beach on Nantucket Sound. Rosebushes grow haphazardly around a split rail cedar fence that surrounds the property. There’s a jetty at the mouth of the nearby harbor that Laura and Jonathan visit a couple of times in the book.

For Laura, the inn symbolizes her grandmother’s love. For Jonathan, it’s a place where he can relax and be his real self without all the pressure from his job weighing him down.

Alexis: What brings Laura and Jonathan together and what threatens to tear them apart?

Meghann: Jonathan’s job is what brings them together initially—he comes to the inn to make an offer on behalf of a client. But his job is also what keeps them apart, as Laura finds it difficult to trust lawyers in general, and she is also very aware that his whole purpose for staying at the inn with her and Emma is to take it away from them.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about Falling for the Innkeeper?

Meghann: That when we trust God, He’ll work all things for our good. No matter what mistakes we’ve made in the past, no matter how misplaced our priorities have been, if we honestly seek Him, He can do for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves.

Alexis: If you could spend a day with any of your story’s characters, which one would you spend it with and what would you do?

Meghann: I’d spend the day with Laura’s daughter, Emma! I have three boys, so it would be fun to hang out with a little girl. I’d take her out for ice cream, which she loves, and let her go wild at the trampoline park she visits in the book!

Alexis: Complete this sentence: If I were not an author, I would be _____________________because___________________________.

Meghann: If I were not an author, I would be a counselor because I’m a great listener and I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping other people.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview! Do you have any closing comments?

Meghann: Thank you for taking the time to visit with me today. 😊

~*~
Author Bio:

Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won’t make your grandmother blush. 

A hopeless romantic who met her husband on a blind date, Meghann recently left her marketing career to pursue her lifelong passion of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace.

She loves to hear from her readers, who can reach her at www.meghannwhistler.com.

~*~
Falling for the Innkeeper Back Cover Blurb:

A battle for a charming Cape Cod inn… But what happens when romance checks in?

Single mom Laura Lessoway won’t accept her mother’s plan of selling her late grandmother’s inn without a fight.

But when big-city attorney Jonathan Masters arrives to arrange an offer from a client, she’s drawn to him. And working together as he helps with repairs only brings them closer.

With his career and her home on the line, can they ever find common ground?

~*~
Buy Meghann’s book:

AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2Wvcc0a

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AMAZON.CA (Canada): https://amzn.to/3bBApq9

BOOK DEPOSITORY (Free International Shipping): https://bit.ly/2XjZvoa

~*~
Connect with Meghann:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/authormeghannwhistler
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeghannWhistler
Instagram: https://instagram.com/meghannwhistler/
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fmV1F6

~*~

United States of America residents ONLY may 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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Devotionals for the Heart: Faith

Legacy of Faith
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.” –Psalm 78:1-4 (NASB)

So many of us, especially at this moment in time, are craving conversation and fellowship with others. Even those of us who are homebodies and introverts are yearning to talk and laugh with those we miss. So, as imperfect as it is, aren’t we all grateful for technology that can help bridge physical distances and give us a connection with those we love?

My own extended family is separated by many miles. For several years, my family has had an ongoing video chat using the Marco Polo app. Some days that chat is quiet, and some days it’s busy, but most often it’s just a few people checking in with what the weather is like and what’s on the schedule for their day. Sometimes we ask for prayer for ourselves or others. We talk about things we would talk about if we were sitting around drinking coffee and chatting. I love it.

When my grandmother, in her 90s, came on and gave her Easter greetings recently, she reminded us why Easter is the best holiday of the entire year and what a wonderful gift Christ gave when He conquered the enemy, once and for all. I absolutely agree with her, of course, but her sweet video reminded me of another beautiful gift God has given me: a family legacy of faith.

I have been in church nearly every Sunday since the Sunday I was born. My parents both grew up in Christian homes. Their parents all grew up in Christian homes. My family has never been shy about talking through matters of faith: truths we learn in the Bible, how to apply these things to our daily life, the lens through which our beliefs allow us to see the world, who we can help, how we can love—all of these things have been in our regular, everyday conversations for my entire life.

I feel very fortunate to have had family members who passed down their knowledge and wisdom, their stories, their experiences of what Jesus means to them and I realize how important that is to share with others. We see time and time again in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, the commandment to “remember” or to “share” or to “tell.” The people of God were told to build altars and celebrate feasts, all in an effort to continue the story of His faithfulness throughout each subsequent generation. We also see how one or two generations of forgetfulness can cause a lot of brokenness.

Does your family have a legacy of faith? There’s no better time than right now to say ‘thank you’ to those members of your family who have led you in wisdom and faith. Make a point of continuing that legacy with the children in your own family.

But if you’re reading this and wishing that you had grown up in different circumstances, just remember that every legacy starts somewhere. By God’s grace you can be the one who changes your family tree, so rejoice in the opportunities He will give you to pass on what you know.

Each new day becomes a choice. What will our legacy be?

Let’s Pray: Today, Lord, give me opportunities to share you with my family, my friends, and people I meet. Help me choose to make my legacy one of faithfulness, mercy, love, and kindness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Life and Leadership Counsel from a Chaplain

Counsel About Life and Leadership
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” – 2 Samuel 23:1-3 (KJV)

The story of David is instructive about life and leadership. From the story in 1 Samuel 16 about how David was selected and anointed to be King of Israel we can see what he was not. He was not the eldest, nor was he favored by his father among his brothers. In fact, because he was the youngest and was tending sheep in the field, he was not even called in to the assembly meeting with the prophet.

When Samuel saw the first born, Eliab, he thought to himself “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” But God said no. Why? Because “…man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV). After looking at all of Jesse’s boys, Samuel said, “Is this all you have?” As if to forestall the prophet, Jesse said there is one more, but he is tending the sheep.

As important as sheep were in the agriculture economy of that era, being a shepherd was not a vaunted role. It was a lonely, solitary and wandering job. The shepherds smelled like the sheep.

Nevertheless, David was summoned. Perhaps he had time to hastily bathe and freshen up before coming into the presence of the prophet. Maybe not. If not, can you see the brothers, whom God had not embraced grimace a bit at his odiferous and dirty presence when he came into the tent.

It does not appear that Samuel was offended by the affect of the shepherd boy. Rather, it is recorded that David’s appearance was tanned, he had beautiful eyes and was handsome. According to 1 Samuel 16:12 (ESV), “And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him for this is he.” Samuel ratified David as God’s choice to succeed Saul.

Perhaps David could be characterized as a young man with some bravado. After all, he had killed a lion and a bear, in his youth. We know that the young shepherd, David who became the King, also became a man of rapacious passion. He killed many men and loved many women. Yet, through it all he was chosen by God to be a leader because he had some positive character traits.

In 2 Samuel 9 is the story of the reflective King. After conquering the enemies at the borders and establishing protective garrisons throughout the kingdom, David, now the King, demonstrates the depth and breadth of his character. He asked, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Johnathan’s sake?”

He found Mephibosheth, Johnathan’s crippled son. In spite of his pre-existing condition and inability to work, David honored Mephibosheth’s humanity and promised him security, healthcare and reasonable subsistence for the rest of his life. Hmmm.

Though brutal in combat, his core values for life were kindness, loyalty, grace and generosity. These were the characteristics that made him “a man after God’s own heart” and endeared the nation to him, despite his flaws.

At the end of his life, the king who still enjoyed the company of young women summed up the essence of life and leadership. As happens with most people, knowledge is taught and wisdom is gained experientially through trial and error. David codifies his wisdom in 14 prescient and timeless words: “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3, KJV).

The English Standard Version (ESV) says it in more cogent and contemporary language. “When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth…”

As we watch and study leaders and those aspiring to leadership, apply this singular principle. Evaluate the politicians by their characters rather than their gravitas. Look behind the policies, charisma and debating skills. Look for character. Does it align with God’s character and revealed will?

People and nations who ally themselves with righteous leaders prosper.

Take my advice: Seize your responsibility as a citizen and chose leaders who are just and stand right before God.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

Devotionals for the Heart: Legacy

Sharing Our Legacy
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Tied up in losing people we love is that no one will ever know us just like that—ever again.

When my Gram died a few years ago, I didn’t just lose a confidante who understood the quirky humor and drive beneath my serious, bookish nature, or a woman with a fierce intellect and the sort of deep soul-wisdom I craved. I lost how good it felt to be understood by her. She “got” me on a level few in my world did, and with her passing, part of myself felt like it was slipping away.

Flipping through a photo album with my kids, I was horrified when my daughter didn’t remember her. I realized my children were never going to know her like I did—or know me through her eyes. I needed to do my part to change that: sharing stories and memories, passing on her legacy of authentic goodness and wit. She shaped so much of my life, my personality and my childhood. My kids needed to know this!

When Jesus died, his apostles were bereft, inconsolable, but he sent the Holy Spirit in his place to live within each them. The spirit transformed them with the power to spread the Gospel, growing the church from a handful of persecuted believers to a worldwide harvest of millions.

Just like I want to share the legacy of my late Gram so her beautiful soul can carry on in my children, we as Christians are propelled with the authority and all-encompassing command of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of the One True God, the Alpha and Omega, so all people can know Christ. The good news of the Gospel wasn’t gifted to humanity so it could be a secret for a select few but to be proclaimed so all can dance in the light of the Lord.

I love what the Apostle Peter wrote in his letter to the early believers: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession. You have become this people so that you may speak of the wonderful acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light. Once you weren’t a people, but now you are God’s people. Once you hadn’t received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10 CEB).

Jesus Christ called us out of darkness and into God’s glory. Why should we keep such good news hidden away? We are obligated to share, but more than that, we are honored to be able to share about the wondrous things that have happened to us because we chose to walk in the light. Because of this choice, we are God’s people. And because we share these stories, others can be God’s people, too.

Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew, “You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 CEB). 

And in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus said, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to every creature” (Mark 16:15 CEB).

Praise the Lord—we have an inheritance to share. Let’s do what we can to tell the world His story.

~*~
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/shiningthelight.

Devotionals for the Heart: A Challenge to Remember Who You Are in Christ

Whose Are You?
A devotional by Kristy Horine

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” –1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

Momma tells the story of how I got my name from time to time.

“I always liked the name Kristine and we knew Robinson was a long last name. So one night when I was sound asleep, your Dad woke me up and said, “Eva! Eva Kristine Robinson!”

“We both liked it, so that’s what we named you,” Momma says.

Eva Kristine.

It just sounds fine, doesn’t it? Perhaps it’s fine because I’ve lived with it for so long that I’m resigned to the name. Perhaps it’s fine because I was named after one of the grandest women I knew growing up: Eva Cundiff Melvin. She was my great-grandmother on Daddy’s Momma’s side. All the grandkids and the great-grandkids called her Ebie. My grandfather Robinson called her Lady Eve.

To me, she was the gourmet chef of burgers cooked to perfection in an iron skillet. She was the dispenser of Fig Newtons that were too expensive for our family to buy. She was the generous giver of “just thinking of you” greeting cards with silver wrapped sticks of Wrigley’s gum tucked inside. She knew all the right forks to use and in what order. She drank her tea in delicate china cups with matching saucers.

And I – the first girl in a long line of grandsons and great-grandsons – had her name. I carried that name everywhere I went. I carried it to family reunions and country church suppers. I carried it to Momma’s homemaker meetings and the occasional trip to the grocery store. I carried it to the garden when I pulled weeds or picked green beans. And, I carried it through the fields I tromped across in search of a lost halter or a stray bunny that might need a home.

I carried it to school with me when I was old enough to go. It was there that I learned how a little girl’s fingers could tremble.

It was a five-mile bus ride from our family farm to the local elementary school. Our bus had to cross two rickety bridges to get to its final destination. When the teachers called roll, they used our full names. When I heard my Ebie’s name, I shot my hand straight as an arrow toward the ceiling. The boys noticed it, too. On the way back home, they sat in the back of the bus, bouncing on the brown plastic seats to the rhythm of the bumps across each rickety bridge. They chanted as they bounced.

“Eva! Eva! Igor! Eva! Eva! Igor!”

Igor? That hunched assistant in Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory?

My face burned with shame. The name of that beautiful woman united in a phrase with a wretched, ugly being? The boys hurled the insults at me and I caught every single one of them. I lost sight of the wonderful woman and focused on the twisted ugliness. I carried those barbs for a long time.

Today, over forty years later, I sometimes struggle just like I did when I was a child. I sometimes forget the reminder that I am adopted through faith into the family of God, because I have repented, believed, and do trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior and my Lord.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
– Romans 8:14-17 (NKJV)

God calls me “daughter”. I call Him “Father”. I have Jesus Christ in my heart. I live by the witness of the Spirit. How, then, can I have this roaring lion in my head? Why do I feel the hot breath of that mangy beast on my neck?

It’s because life on this earth is very much like riding the bus. The bully bouncing on the seat doesn’t want to simply hurt my feelings, he seeks to destroy me and all my adopted sisters and brothers in Christ.

Here is where the Good Father comes in with 1 Peter 5:8 to help us on this ride:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” –1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

In the Greek, sober means to be calm and collected in spirit. Likewise, the Greek word vigilant means to watch, be cautious, take careful heed. One day, this bus ride of life will stop and we will get off to go to our eternal home.

My Prayer: Abba Father, we still have a ways yet to travel through this life. I pray that for the duration of the ride, You will help us remain sober and vigilant. When the roaring lion makes us forget who and whose we are, give us courage to replace our fear and remind us of the assurance of adoption in Christ Jesus. Impress on our hearts we are truly children of the King!

~*~

Author Bio:

Kristy Horine is a Kentucky writer, freelance journalist by trade and creative by God’s grace.

She writes a little bit of everything including poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. Her professional and creative work has been published in newspapers, magazines and anthologies in Kentucky and beyond.

Kristy founded 3rd Letter Christian Writers in Lexington, Kentucky in 2015. Read more of her work at www.kristyhorine.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: The Power and Legacy of A Good Name

What Is His Name?
A devotional by Quantrilla Ard

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, 

Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

I remember having grand ideas of what my children’s names would be when I became a parent. I would spend hours searching through websites and books, trying to put together the right combination of first and middle names although I wasn’t sure of what their last names would be (this began long before I was married). The sound of the name was important as I waded through names both traditional and non-traditional, and it had to have just the right ring to it. What I didn’t always take into account was the meaning of the names, and I am glad that I had a few more years yet to ultimately make that decision.

A saying that I hear quite often in my writing and professional circles is “Words mean things,” and names aren’t excluded in this overarching message of the worth and value of words. There is the belief that what you name a child will shape and/or define who they become – that they will live up to what you call them. Although it may or may not have some credibility, this belief was very influential in the naming of our children. So every time someone asks us what our children's names are, I feel a sense of pride knowing that their names were carefully and lovingly considered and chosen.

In this Advent season, I often think of how Mary truly felt. She had to have grappled with the weight of such a responsibility – being the mother of the One for whom all the world had been waiting. There was one burden she didn’t have to carry, naming him. Although it was typical for the naming of the children to be the duty of the mother, this time the baby that was to be born was named by His Father, not by Mary or Joseph.

Matthew 1:20-21 (BSB) says: “But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

This name meant something, something special. This name wasn’t just thought up on a whim or conjured from the imaginations of well-meaning family and friends. This name was different. The salvation of the world depended on it. Acts 4:12 (KJV) tells us, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Can you imagine if Joseph and Mary had gotten that one thing wrong? I can’t. Mary and Joseph’s obedience in this matter was of the utmost importance, it literally was the difference between life and death.

While the naming of our children is not typically done in the fashion of Mary and Joseph, I still believe that God wants to be a part of how and what we name our children. I have met many mothers who like Hannah named their children based on God’s response to a specific prayer or circumstance. There are also family names that are passed down through generations, representing years of tradition. What I know to be true is that every time I say the name “Jesus” something shifts in my spirit. There is power in the name of Jesus and rightly so.

The next time you hear the question, “What’s his/her name?” take a moment and think about the name above all names, Jesus, and what a profound impact His name truly has in your life.

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Author Bio:

Quantrilla (Quanny) Ard is a faith-based personal and spiritual development writer who lives in the D.C. Metro area with her husband and three littles. 

In addition to being a dedicated wife and mother, she is an entrepreneur, doctoral student, and curator of all things lovely.

As a woman on her own quest of shining a light on the shadowy, hidden places in her life, she writes as the PhDMamma about things she knows to be true in hopes to encourage others to do the same.

Her spiritual goals and her love for Christ propels her quest to share the journey with other women: to walk alongside them and encourage them with words, deeds, and wisdom. Quanny believes in the power that is within collective strength, community, and fellowship.

You will find her wherever people are sharing stories of triumph.

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Connect with Quanny:
Website - https://www.thephdmamma.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thephdmamma
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/qyard08
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/quannyboo/