Devotionals for the Heart: Marriage and Taking the Lord's Name

The Lord’s Name
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” 

–Isaiah 43:1 (ESV)

When I married, I took my husband’s last name for my own. It was a time when it was becoming common for women to either keep their maiden names or to hyphenate the two names. Personally, I was happy to take on the new name feeling like it was a new beginning to my life. I had no idea.

My life as a “Musgrove” has not been anything like what I expected while at the same time has contained most of the things I had hoped for. I’d planned to take on duties like cooking, the finances, housekeeping and eventually parenting. I looked forward to all the things I’d do. The unanticipated challenge was changing from being an individual to a partner. The growth curve was in putting someone else first.

There were other significant changes to becoming Musgrove. My husband’s family was firmly rooted in business in our community and had an established reputation. To behave rashly could tarnish not only my reputation, but would affect both family and business. No one sat me down to explain what I was getting into. No one told me that marriage required improvement to my character. My love for my husband and his family, it turned out, was motivation enough to rise to higher standards. And it’s been a blessing.

We have a God who desires to call us by His name. He loves us with a deep love that is incomprehensible. His love is such that He is willing to redeem…pay a ransom…to become unified with His bride. He offers a relationship of blessing.

Reading of the restoration of God’s beloved Israel in Zephaniah 3 is beautiful. The Hebrew word for “renowned” is “Shem,” meaning “a name” or “fame.” All of these terms infer that we receive a designation as being His and that designation is recognizable by others. The taking of His name elevates us to a status far above human ability.

God explains to us exactly what we’re getting into when we partner with Him. Deuteronomy chapter 28 goes to great lengths to spell out the benefits to taking the Lord’s name. It tells of His blessings in the city and the field, in finances and family, in coming and going, and (my favorite) in basket and kneading bowl! He even defeats our enemies. Now that’s some list of pros!

In return, God asks for a pure heart. He creates a list in Exodus 20 that includes His requirement to be first. He stipulates that we desist in creating other objects of devotion. He demands that we not take His name irreverently. He requests that we rest in His provision. It’s marital vows we don’t fully understand the meaning of as long as we’re in a singleness mindset.

When I took the Musgrove name, I no longer sought out other men to fulfill my wants. I only looked to my husband. I did not keep photos of my old boyfriends around. I committed to one man and one man only. To continue to behave as single while bearing the name Musgrove would be to dishonor my marriage and my spouse. Gratefully, marriage has taught me a greater understanding of what God is both insisting of me and what He is offering.

To take the Lord’s name, to be His, frees us from the search for identity. We no longer need to strive for purpose and meaning because we take on God’s family business. He provides, we accept. He elevates our character. We give up being sole-proprietor for partnership. Lone becomes family. It’s a really sweet offer.

Won’t you accept His proposal? And take His marriage vows? It’s a decision that will change your life for the better, forever!

~*~
Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove is a self-proclaimed sociologist. The opportunities opened to her, over the years, have led her on a fascinating journey observing human behavior.

She has a diverse background in business, fitness and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both recovery programs served women primarily from the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She's been privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Easily identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she's served, Sharon now sees all people as needing more encouragement regardless of cultural or socioeconomic status. Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel, and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, make their home in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. They have two grown children. Currently, Sharon is writing her first Christian historical fiction novel utilizing her study, experience, and understanding of self-destructive behaviors.

Devotionals for the Heart: The Truth about New Beginnings

New Beginnings
A devotional by Patrick E. Craig

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." ~Isaiah 43:18-19 (KJV)

January is the time of new beginnings. Most of us look at the New Year as though it is a clean slate, la table rasa, upon which will be written all the glorious things that might happen or could happen as the year unfolds.

We are determined that everything will be different and we declare strong-minded resolutions: we will not make the same mistakes again; we are leaving our failures and unfinished business behind; we are starting completely over.

Here's the truth about that: in this world we have no guarantees that this brand new beginning will work out any better than the last one. Every New Year begins in the ashes of the old and many are the dreams and hopes that lie scattered behind us in those ashes. And despite our best laid plans the broken fragments of our dreams stick to us like glue.

Can you see the dilemma we face? The new beginnings we hope for do not start with nothing, for in truth everything from the past is carried forward. Even a book does not start with a blank page, for when the writer begins, they have been crowded to the work by a story that has been germinating in their heart. That story may spring to life on the page, but it was born long before in an idea, a thought, or an experience. So it is with "new beginnings."

But there is hope.

That's because the "Author" of the book that is our life wrote it long before we were even born. Because He lives outside of time, he knows the end from the beginning. He was there when we were born and He will be there when we die. And seeing the dilemma that wrong choices and sin make in our lives He offers us a way out of the endless cycle of disappointment our lives can become.

In eternity, where He lives, there is a real new beginning that we can count on. And in His love and mercy towards us, he offers it to us. That new beginning is the change that takes place in us when we say, "Yes" to His Son.

The Apostle Paul says we become a "New Man." In the Greek language the words are kainos anthropos. Kainos means "new" but not only in the sense of having just been created, but also meaning "new" as in never before heard of, a completely different kind of human being. That is the new beginning that God offers us, a chance to be what humans were always meant to be: perfect, unspoiled, eternal beings crowned with glory and honor and living forever with him in a beautiful garden.

So let's make a resolution for this coming year. Let's look "unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith," and resolve that our lives will not be submerged in a world that can only bring disappointment, but we will live for the one who has guaranteed us a seat by His side in heavenly places forever.

And if we do not know Him as Savior, let's make sure we resolve to change that. Then we will find the new beginning we have always hoped for.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

~*~
Author bio:

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. 

In 2011 he signed a three-book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his Apple Creek Dreams series. His current series is The Paradise Chronicles. The first book in the series, The Amish Heiress, a romantic suspense novel, was published by Patrick's company, P&J Publishing, in August of 2015 and remained on the Amazon Top 100 best sellers list in three categories for seven months. 

The second book in the series, The Amish Princess, a historical romance novel, was released in December of 2016 and was on Amazon's Hot New Releases for over a month. Harlequin recently purchased the print rights for both books for their Walmart Amish series. Patrick also just released Cracking The Indie Egg—A Recipe For Publishing Your Own Book and it is available in most major digital bookstores. 

Patrick and his wife Judy, make their home in Idaho. They have two married children and five grandchildren. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency. 

~*~
Connect with Patrick:
Website - www.patrickecraig.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PatrickECraig
Twitter - https://twitter.com/PatrickECraig
Amazon Author page - http://tinyurl.com/n6sfagg

Interview with Jessica Alyse, author of "The Road to Austin"

Let's welcome Jessica Alyse to the blog! 

She's a very talented novelist who lives in Louisiana but has a big heart for Texas. So it's not a surprise that her new novel, The Road to Austin, is about that great state. 

Get to know Jessica Alyse via this author interview today. Enjoy!

~*~
Interview with Jessica Alyse, author of The Road to Austin:

Alexis: What inspired you to write this book and why do you call it, The Road to Austin?

Jessica: About seven years ago, I had a strong urge to travel. Like, serious cross-country road trip kind of travel, and since I was a young, broke teenager I decided I would write a book instead. That’s where the idea began, but I never had a clue how beautiful this story would turn out to be. When I started brainstorming it, I knew that I wanted my characters to live in Texas and I loved the name Austin so that was where the story blossomed.

As it took shape, the title The Road to Austin became a parallel. It’s not only about this comical road trip with flamboyant characters and original experiences but it’s also about getting to know the heart of the hero, Austin Brooks – who can also be described as comical, flamboyant, and original. It’s about traveling the road to Austin, Texas, as much as it is about getting to know the hero on the road to Austin Brooks’ heart. 

Alexis: Your story’s heroine Natalie Hallie faints before she boards an airplane and that cancels her flight. What was the significance of that scene and what does it tell your readers about Natalie? 

Jessica: That scene is a brilliant way to kick off the story! So, Natalie – besides being a perfectionist and control-freak – has a fear of getting hurt. She doesn’t trust planes because she’s afraid of heights and has no control over who flies them and where they’re going. Because of past experiences, she has huge walls around her heart that keep her safe mentally, emotionally, and physically. When she passes out, it goes to show you how her need for control and her greatest fear collide – literally knocking her out – and how she highly she values her safety and security. In walks Austin Brooks and this is where her story begins. 

Alexis: Describe Natalie’s relationship with her sister. Do they get along? Why or why not? 

Jessica: If it were up to Natalie, they’d get along like PB&J. But Natalie’s sister, Kelsey, isn’t always on the same page. She’s ten years younger than Natalie and has her own agenda that most people might see as selfish. Because of her childhood experiences, Kelsey has learned to look out for herself because nobody else will. That’s her perception of life and the world. If she’s not putting herself first, then nobody else is going to. Natalie strives to get along with Kelsey but sometimes Kelsey makes demands that Natalie can’t meet. That’s where the friction in their relationship comes in. Besides that, they’re best friends and Natalie would go to the ends of the earth to make her baby sister happy. 

Alexis: Your story’s hero Austin Brooks is painted as hunky but also annoying, at least in Natalie’s eyes. What is it about Austin that makes Natalie roll her eyes? 

Jessica: His carefree attitude. In short, she cares too much about life and he doesn’t care enough. He’s reckless, random, and original – everything that threatens Natalie’s outlook on reality, which is very strict, orderly, and routine. Where she’s planning their trip, he’s making jokes and sipping on coffee. Just when she expects an adult to help her overcome the obstacles in their trip, she finds a teenager-at-heart “playing” with paint. In the beginning, it’s annoying to her. But things change… 

Alexis: Natalie and Austin spend several days together on the road to Austin. Describe their journey in five words. 

Jessica: Colorful. Hectic. Encouraging. Romantic. Hopeful. 

Alexis: You tackle the tough issue of abuse in this story. What message concerning this do you want to convey to your readers? 

Jessica: The message in this story is one of hope. Abuse is a representation of a greater evil in the world we live in. It’s one of humanity’s darkest sins and is a battle to be won in the heart. When I decided to thread the conflict of abuse through the story, I knew I couldn’t do it lightly and the worthiest opponent to abuse is hope. Hope inspires strength, it inspires power. Hope can turn a broken dream into a mountain-shaking prayer. With hope darkness, lies, and deceit will be extinguished and the plans of Satan will be put to death. Hope is the sister of peace and the first step toward a greater faith in Jesus Christ.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” ~Romans 15:13 (KJV)

Alexis: What do Natalie an Austin do for a living? How do their talent and individual career choices impact their outlook? 

Jessica: Natalie is a law student and intern. She studies – begrudgingly – and that’s about all she does. This is what causes her lackluster outlook on life. In Natalie’s eyes, life is to be taken seriously with no time for fun or mistakes. Her idea of enjoying herself is getting behind her camera to take pictures of landscapes and sunrises where she can escape the monotony of life from time to time.

Austin, on the other hand, is a nighttime security guard and ex-cop. While it’s not his dream job, it helps keep his imagination brimming with ideas. His passion lies in art, creating pictures with colors and using different mediums to evoke emotion. This is part of what keeps him happy and carefree. Because life just looks better in watercolor. 

Alexis: Where are your characters in their faith journey with God? How do they view God and how does their view impact how they see the world and relate to people? Explain. 

Jessica: Austin is a lifelong Christian who briefly walked away from his faith for seven years. Natalie is a new Christian who gave her life to Christ the same time Austin was rededicating his, unbeknownst to the both of them. They’re both on the same page when it comes to knowing that the Lord is the Father that they both craved all their lives.

For Austin, his faith keeps him alive. Without his relationship with Christ, he would become bitter and cold, losing all contact with others and withering away in the meanwhile – which is similar to Natalie’s view. While she prizes her faith, she isn’t quite sure how to use it and how far it stretches. Her past experiences have caused her to become pessimistic, closed-off, and distant. Part of getting to know Austin all over again is just the first step in a journey toward a more authentic relationship with Christ. 

Alexis: What was your greatest challenge in writing this story? Explain. 

Jessica: Oh, boy. That’s a great question. My greatest challenge was finding the right way to tell Natalie and Austin’s story, if that makes sense. This was a story that God cultivated in my heart over the years, stirring up ideas and details until I could see the vision clearly. My biggest problem was that I was an amateur writer when I first started writing The Road to Austin. I had only one novella out and I was still learning the ropes of fiction. I knew I wanted this story to live up to its fullest potential and I wasn’t giving up on it until the readers could see the story that the Lord had put on my heart.

It took me nearly two years to write this one and I learned A LOT with it. Austin and Natalie were definitely Guiney pigs there for a while. There are probably close to a hundred scenes that I had to take out and rewrite because I wasn’t quite sure of what words to use in order to capture the vision that had been swirling around in my mind. Now that it’s all said and done, I couldn’t be happier with the final story. It’s awe-inspiring, even to its author. 

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember about The Road to Austin? Why? 

Jessica: When readers put down the book after the final chapter, I want them to return to reality remembering that their lives are beautiful. That they have what it takes to overcome the challenges they face in their life. I want them to remember that there is always hope – it never runs out and never expires.

For the ladies, the next time you feel not good enough or unworthy, I hope you hear Austin’s voice telling you that you’re beautiful just the way you are. For the guys (if I have any guy readers) I hope you hear Natalie’s voice telling you to never give up. 

Alexis: If you could spend one day with Natalie, what would you do? Why? 

Jessica: Why does that question make me nervous? I think I would go shopping with her and talk over coffee. She would be so much fun to hang out with because of her snarky yet accepting attitude. I would love to spend time looking through her pictures of Texas landscapes and getting to know her favorite spots. And then I would HAVE to have dinner at her house so I could meet Austin because how could I not want to meet Austin? 

Alexis: Complete this sentence: When I was writing about Natalie and Austin’s journey on the road to Austin (Texas), I thought _­___________________ because _________________________.

Jessica: When I was writing about Natalie and Austin’s journey on the road to Austin (Texas), I thought, this story is changing my perspective on life because getting to see things through Natalie and Austin’s eyes teaches me how to be the light in a world of darkness. 

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Jessica! Would you like to share closing thoughts? 

Jessica: For readers who found themselves falling in love with Austin and Natalie, I have great news! They have one more book! Set to release next summer. Visit my website at www.jessalyse.com and sign up for my newsletter and don’t forget to stop by my Facebook page and connect with me at www.facebook.com/writer.jessalyse.

Thanks so much for having me, Alexis. This was tons of fun! I hope I don’t talk too much. 

~*~

Author's Bio: 

Jessica Alyse is a Louisiana girl with a heart for Texas. 

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, she has a passion for storytelling, romance, and Jesus Christ. 

When she’s not writing, you can find her bookbinding, daydreaming about the day her stories are adapted into movies, or in the event of a football game, cheering for the Green Bay Packers. 

~*~
Blurb for The Road to Austin: 

Natalie Hallie is a woman on a mission.

She needs to get home in time for her sister’s wedding.

Austin Brooks is a man of spontaneity. And he needs coffee.

To get to Austin, Texas, Natalie refuses to step foot on a plane. She'd rather accept a ride from the reckless and wild boy from her childhood who, in her opinion, hasn't changed all that much. If she can just get through three days of his witty commentary and cheesy jokes, then life will return to normal. That is, if bad eggs, thieving monkeys, a tornado, a dilapidated motel, and a stolen truck don't do her in first.

The world looks better in watercolor. Or so Austin believes. He finds it easier not to take life so seriously, unlike Natalie. Things change when they spend three days together and her long-buried feelings start to surface. That’s when Austin finds himself getting serious…about praying for Natalie’s heart.

On a journey where the skies aren’t always blue, graffiti isn't always illegal, and bathroom breaks aren't always a good idea, the past starts to catch up with them. When secrets of her brother's death, Austin's past, and Natalie's family begin to come to light, they'll learn there's more to life and love on the road to Austin.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Website -  http://www.jessalyse.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/writer.jessalyse/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/WriterJessAlyse
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/writerjessalyse/
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Alyse/e/B015S1RSH8
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/jessicaalyse

Giveaway Contest: Celebrating my blog and debut book's birthday!

Dearest of hearts,

Today is my blog's 7th birthday! It all started with this post on August 2, 2010...and God took it from there! He inspired me with ideas to inspire you ever since.

Over the years, my blog has matured from being a place where I timidly posted videos and links to articles that I read online, to a place where I grew strong and found my voice. Now we do book giveaways, music CD giveaways, author interviews, character interviews, and personal essays. You get to "meet" my favorite authors and read devotionals written by lovely ladies of faith in God like Mary Manners and Laura Thomas! Sometimes you even get treated to viewing pictures that are "Worth 1,000 Words" captured by my photographer friends like Katelyn James and Terri Baskin!

My journey as the founder of this "God is Love" blog grew from its humble beginnings to my becoming a consistent blogger with a voice. Every step and blog post of this journey helped to enrich my life. It's always been my mission to share God's Love for humankind with the world and I am thankful that He led me to establish this blog to accomplish that purpose.

Now here's to YOU my dear blog readers because this blog would not be of benefit if you were not reading it! I've downloaded a free e-card from DaySpring just for you! Here you go:

Thank YOU for ALL the "little things" you do that make a BIG difference! Little things like leaving comments on my blog posts, participating in the giveaway contests, and taking the time to write a note to me personally via e-mail truly have made my day. Your kindness has encouraged my heart. I appreciate you ALL so much!

Another reason to celebrate this August 2017 is that my first (debut) book, Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, was published in August 2013! It's my debut book's 4th birthday! And to celebrate both my blog's birthday and my first book's birthday, I'm hosting a giveaway contest where seven people will have the chance to WIN a copy of Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories for their Kindle. 

The giveaway starts TODAY (August 2) and it will END on August 27.

So won't you celebrate with me by leaving a comment with your "Happy birthday" wishes and give yourself the chance to WIN this gift of my first book by entering the giveaway contest?

You can enter the contest by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck in the giveaway! God bless your dear hearts!

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of "God is Love" blog
Author/Blogger/Journalist/Screenwriter

A New Year's Devotional for your heart

Today marks the first day of a new year! Welcome into 2017!

Are you looking forward to this new journey? I am hopeful, for many reasons.

Please welcome a new face to the blog, Lynn Kinnaman! She's an author and ministry leader with a heart for Jesus Christ. Today, she's here to share a devotional about taking a fresh start in life.

I hope that your heart will be encouraged by her message.

God bless you!

~*~

A New Beginning – A Fresh Start

A New Year 2017 post by Lynn Kinnaman

I’m not much for resolutions, but I do feel a renewing with the beginning of a new year. After all, we’ve just come off the season of the birth of Jesus, the hope of the world, and we know the promise of salvation that He brings.

However, one January many years ago found me desolate. I felt no hope and couldn’t imagine a future. My life, as I’d known it, had disappeared.

I was getting a divorce.

I’d met my husband at church when I was 15, and on my 16th birthday he gave me a ride home from a youth event and we became an item. A little over three years later we got married and a few years after that we were blessed with two children.

Having a family meant everything to me. As an only child of divorced parents, I’d never really experienced the closeness and warmth I’d read about in books, and I relished the idea of building new traditions.

Then it was gone. After 28 years of marriage I had to begin again. The problem was, having gotten married so young and identifying myself as a wife and mother, I didn’t think I was anyone by myself.

In addition to the divorce, we’d also gone through bankruptcy. I had no job, no credit and no ideas.

Stripped of all the things that I thought had defined me, I was forced to figure out who I was and what I should do with the rest of my life.

I could crawl under the bed and hide, which was very appealing, or I could make some changes.

I knew I wasn’t alone. Through the darkest times of the divorce and bankruptcy I prayed and God sustained me. I was angry, I was frightened, I was hurt, I was shattered. I went to church and cried. Yet He never left me.

I felt unloved. He loved me and rejoiced over me (Zephaniah 3:17).

I felt betrayed. God was constant and He keeps His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9).

I felt abandoned. God is faithful (Deuteronomy 31:6).

I felt tired. God gave me the strength I needed (Isaiah 40:31). 

I moved, for the third time in months, and stayed with relatives in another state. I found a church, got a job, and learned a new skill, building websites.

It’s been years since I had to make that massive new start, but I haven’t forgotten the lessons I learned about how to do it.

First, I needed to get grounded. I needed to reconnect with God and find a community of friends who would support my faith and encourage my focus on Him.

Then, I needed to honor my losses but also go beyond myself so I could begin to count my blessings. This wasn’t immediate, it’s a process, but I got a job working with an organization that used animals for therapy for people who had injuries or other disabilities. It was a daily reminder of healing potential.

Finally, I wanted to help others. In 2 Corinthians 1:4 it says that God is the father of compassion and all comfort, “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” I wanted to make that a reality so I took a coaching course and later becoming a Divorce Care Facilitator.

I’ve written books on divorce recovery, comfort verses and began a group called Solo Sisters to create a community for women, who are single for any reason, to support and encourage each other.

My fresh start opened a new path for me, but it worked because I committed it all to Him. As I remember that dark January long ago I realize God has blessed me beyond my imagining. Today I appreciate this new year, and feel full of joy and possibilities.

You don’t need a life-changing event to create a new beginning. If you don’t like where you are, imagine where you’d like to be, commit it to God then put one foot in front of the other. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way.

~*~
Author bio: 

Lynn Kinnaman is a published author and website designer. She’s a Stephen Minister and founder of SoloSisters.com, welcoming women who are single for any reason. 

She’s been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul. You can see a complete list of her books and publications on her official website, LynnKinnaman.com.


~*~
Connect with Lynn:
Website - LynnKinnaman.com
Ministry - SoloSisters.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LynnKinnamanAuthor/