Devotionals for the Heart: Comparison

The Comparison Rabbit Hole
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

The beautiful young poet, Amanda Gorman, performed for the United States Presidential Inauguration in January. As a poet myself, I fell in love with her words immediately. 

Toward the end of the night, she had an interview. After the interview, my husband turned to me and told me, “That could be you one day.” He meant that I could be asked to perform a poem for an inauguration.

I dismissed that thought and responded, “Who? Me? No, I’m not as good as her.” But what made me not as good as her? Or her better than me? Are we not both poets? Do we not both share the love of words? Why do we ultimately end up comparing ourselves to others? I am by no means dismissing her amazing talent. Amanda Gorman has a beautiful way with words. But instead of thinking, “If she can do it, so can I”, I thought, “I’m not good enough to do it.”

I love that my husband believes in me but why can’t I believe in myself just the same? We must remember that God made us all unique, with talents and gifts. We shouldn’t compare our talents with others because, although they may fall within the same field—in this case, writing—it doesn’t mean that all writers are the same. There are different styles and variations of writing. And this will attract different readers, which is okay. There is room for all of us.

Today it’s easier than ever to fall into the comparison rabbit hole with social media. We may think along these lines: This person has this many followers … this person posts this every so many days … Oh, this person is doing that and this person this … etc.

But these kind of thoughts are so toxic and so unhealthy for us. Unfortunately, many of us fall into that rabbit hole more than we’d like to admit, which is why I have a love/hate relationship with social media.

There is a beautiful reminder in the Bible found in Psalm 139:14 (NIV) and it happens to be one of my favorite verses. This scripture reads, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This verse serves as my personal reminder that God made me the way I am for a reason. God shows me through this verse that I shouldn’t doubt my work, my gifts, or talents, because they were given to me for a purpose.

God also uses this verse to help me realize that I shouldn’t compare my work, my gifts, or talent, with anyone else’s because God has other purposes for them. God will provide opportunities just for me, at the right time.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for our gifts and talents! I pray that whenever we fall into the habit of comparing ourselves to others, that we are reminded that You provide our gifts for a reason. I pray that we are always reminded that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that You (God) make no mistakes. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Poems

We are the Poems of God
A devotional by Voni Harris

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” –Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

What do “Ode to a Grecian Urn,” “Cat in the Hat,” “The Road Not Taken,” and “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” all have in common?

They are all poetry.

Yes, John Keats, Dr. Seuss, Robert Frost and Shel Silverstein were all poets. Such a great variety of poetry, each poet individual and personal.

Each poem individual and personal.

Each reader individual and personal.

But did you know that you are a poem?

Yes. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul calls us Christ’s “workmanship.” That’s sweet to hear, and stirs us to do the good works God prepared for us to do.

When you take a moment to look at that word workmanship, though, there is brain explosion, full of color and beautiful sound, for the word is translated from the original Greek word poiema, which means “something made.” In this context, it means, something made by God!

Just think!

God did not run some raw materials through a human creation factory.

He created each of us … He created you … individually, personally, purposefully, skillfully, artfully. With a huge diversity. He did so the way the poets write, only perfectly, and to a level we cannot comprehend with our human minds.

And He loves us.

So let’s go out and get on these good works He has prepared for us to do!

You may ask, “Wait, what good works?”

Allow me to answer in storytelling style…

I’ve seen two movies recently that provoked me to look at that. Sports movies like Overcomers. Running movies like Chariots of Fire. I loved each one!

In Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell says, “When I run, I feel the pleasure of God.” In real life, he stated, “I believe God made me for China.” Liddell knew deep in his soul why God made him: to be a missionary in China. His running feats and his Olympic gold message gave him a platform to share Christ and prepared him for China.

How did Liddell know this deep in his soul?

In Overcomers, the coach is urged to do one thing: strip away all he does and discover who he is.

It’s about our identity in Christ.

Regardless of your identity or title be it that you are a spouse, a parent, a teacher, a doctor, a writer, an athlete, a victim, or alone … your identity as a child of God, your title of being a Christ-follower is what really matters.

Remember this: Those identities and titles that describe us to each other and show us our place in this world, don’t matter unless they come from who you are in Christ. And that starts with the word we looked at from the beginning of this blog …

Workmanship.

Poiema.

Strip away all the things you "do" that define you and seek to understand who you are in Christ then watch Him change your world!

After all, we are each God’s unique poem to the world.

~*~
Author Bio:

Voni Harris writes from her family’s home on the rain forest island of Kodiak, Alaska.

A legal-eagle husband, a breathtaking daughter, an adventurous grandson, and two enthusiastic dogs all conspire to keep her from spending too much time at the computer.

She holds a Radio-TV degree from Drake University, and her short story “The Wedding” was published in Heart-Stirring Stories of Romance.

Voni's novel Nothing Hidden won the 2013 ACFW’s First Impressions contest and the 2015 Daphne du Maurier unpublished inspy suspense category. It was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis finalist.

Devotionals for the Heart: Time

Reflections on Time

A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

Key Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:1 and 1 Timothy 4:12

While traveling home on a plane recently, I listened to a playlist from the 80s. I can’t escape the fact that that was my era of preferred music.

The song “Time Keeps on Slipping Into the Future” by Jackson Browne came on. That song was soon followed by Teddy Pendergrass singing “Wake Up Everybody”. Can you hear them? While grooving to “my tunes” and feeling nostalgic, I realized that I don’t live there anymore. Time has slipped into the future.

I thought about where life had taken me. I thought about what I have seen, what I have done, what I have achieved and acquired. Time has treated me pretty well. But, time is not up yet. There is still life to be lived, work to be done, people to help, things to do and places to go.

I looked out of my window to the sky, not for inspiration, but just to see the sky and the clouds. The tracker said that we were moving at about 350 miles per hour. I thought, my how time flies.

As I peered out of the window at the tops of puffy white clouds and blue sky around us, the verse from Ecclesiastes 12:1 leapt into my mind. “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them”. It occurred to me right then, that I am younger right now than I will ever be. I need to value this time, cherish my freedom and invest my health and substance in things and people who matter. You do too.

Yes, we are younger than we will ever be, but we still have ideas and goals that are noble and meaningful. Some friends may say “Why now? You are retired already and old”. Immediately, another verse of scripture popped into my mind. “Let no man despise thy youth…”. “We are younger than we’ll ever be. Don’t despise our youth or allow anyone else to do so!” “Why not? Why not now? Why not me? Why not us?”

James Allen wrote in his book As A Man Thinketh, the following paragraph. “All achievements, whether in the business, intellectual, or spiritual world, are the result of definitely directed thought, are governed by the same law and are of the same method; the only difference lies in the object of attainment."

How we think influences what we believe and what we can achieve. I subscribe to optimism and recommend it to you. Whatever your station or circumstance in life, you can choose optimism or pessimism. One strengthens and ennobles, the other enfeebles. 

Remember that God is infinite, omnipotent and all knowing. Enthusiasm is the abode of divinity. It is where impossibilities are made kinetic and improbabilities are realized. You are younger now than you will ever be. What will you do? Where will you go? Who will you help? 

I close with an old poem about momentum, possibility, and enthusiasm:

Tis The Set Of The Sail – Or – One Ship Sails East

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

But to every mind there openeth,

A way, and way, and away,

A high soul climbs the highway,

And the low soul gropes the low,

And in between on the misty flats, 

The rest drift to and fro. 

But to every man there openeth, 

A high way and a low, 

And every mind decideth, 

The way his soul shall go. 

One ship sails East, 

And another West,

By the self-same winds that blow, 

'Tis the set of the sails 

And not the gales, 

That tells the way we go. 

Like the winds of the sea 

Are the waves of time, 

As we journey along through life, 

'Tis the set of the soul, 

That determines the goal, 

And not the calm or the strife. 

~*~

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 Columbia Union College (WAU) in Takoma Park, Maryland. He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees–a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, 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.

Blog tour: Tessa Emily Hall features her novel, "Unwritten Melody"

Let's welcome a new person to the blog today! Tessa Emily Hall is the name of this first time guest and she's written a book that she wants you to win! :) First, here's a photo of this lovely author:

Second, here's the cover of her novel that she's giving away:

Finally, here are the details of everything that Tessa is giving away (not just her book):

Enter for your chance to win the Unwritten Melody Prize Pack! Two winners will be selected and announced on Tessa’s blog the final day of tour (Friday, Dec. 9) and will be notified via email. This prize pack includes:

·      E-copy of Unwritten Melody

·      Signed paperback copy of Purple Moon

·      Unwritten Melody mug, filled with goodies

·      Unwritten Melody swag, including a bookmark, pen, and poster

·      Starbucks mocha flavored instant coffee

·      Free Unwritten Melody: Page-By-Page Secrets PDF

·      Handmade journal

·      Typewritten thank you note

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This giveaway is open only to people who live in the U.S.A.  Enter the contest by filling out the Rafflecopter widget above this line. 

Now, on to the interview with Tessa! Enjoy! 

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Interview with Tessa Emily Hall, author of Unwritten Melody:

Alexis: "Unwritten Melody" is an intriguing title. Why did you choose it?

Tessa: Thank you! Here’s a fun fact: Unwritten Melody was the original title for Purple Moon. In the first version of Purple Moon, the protagonist was a musician rather than an artist. The reason I changed that aspect, as well as the title, was because a best-selling novelist released a book that was far too similar to the plot and title. I didn’t want people to think I’d stolen ideas from this author. So, I decided to save the title Unwritten Melody for a later book. Then, when I had a story spark of an idea that involved a musician and a poet, I knew Unwritten Melody would make the perfect title. I’m very grateful that the publisher decided to keep it.

Alexis: What was your inspiration behind writing this book?

Tessa: I loved the idea of having a songwriter (Cassie) mesh her lyrics together with a musician (James), and for the pieces to fit together like a puzzle—almost as though the lyrics and songs were created for each another.

I also knew that I wanted to somehow incorporate the life and poetry of Emily Dickinson into the novel. I first learned about this poet in my 8th grade English class. I remember becoming fascinated – not only with her works, but also with the unique story of her life. After I brainstormed the premise to Unwritten Melody, I knew Cassie’s own life would shadow perfectly that of Dickinson’s and highlight the book’s theme in the process.

Alexis: How would you define your writing style?

Tessa: The books I write have always reflected the voice of my main character and unveils the story in a way that’s filtered through their perspective. I like to do this in a way that is authentic and keeps the story moving along, almost at the same pace of a movie. I never want to give readers a reason to scan certain passages. However, I wouldn’t consider my style to be bare bone, either. I do love to paint a scene, writing it in such a way that draws readers into the story world and has them almost convinced (hopefully) that they themselves are the protagonist.

Alexis: What is your favorite genre to write? Why?

Tessa: I’ve been writing stories since I was 3-years-old, and the characters in my stories have remained the same age as myself at the time of writing them. However, I’m now almost 23, and I can’t see myself writing for an age group other than teens any time soon. I love the teen voice in YA books. I love writing stories that wrestle with the many questions and struggles that teens experience. I love that teens are not yet a kid, but they’re not an adult, either—it’s the in between stage of life. They’re still in the process of discovering who they are, who they want to become, and figuring out the purpose for their life. Plus, writing in that genre gives me permission to remain a teen forever.

Alexis: Paint a picture of your writing space. What makes it special?

Tessa: Which one? Haha. I wrote most of Unwritten Melody at a desk in my bedroom that overlooks the pond in my backyard. It was during the fall, so I especially enjoyed watching autumn leaves fall from trees. Writing at my desk helps to keep me alert and focused. I keep the area decorated in a way that inspires me to write by framing writing quotes and lighting candles. Also, against my wall is a collage I made of pictures from my writing journey so far.

But every now and then, during the process of writing Unwritten Melody, I had to change things up a bit. I occasionally wrote at coffee shops, on a couch in my living room, at the dining room table, on my screened in porch, and even standing up at the island in my kitchen.

Alexis: What were your go-to beverages or food while on deadline for Unwritten Melody?

Tessa: Fun question! I wrote the first version of Unwritten Melody when I was 18 and 19, then I edited it when I was 20. It was during the editing stage that I realized there were major flaws in the plot. It didn’t exactly fit the story I had originally envisioned, either.

So, I decided to start from scratch and rewrite the story when I was 21. My go-to writing snacks during this process were trail mix, sunflower seeds, and dark chocolate chips. And, of course, I can never write unless I have a cup (or two) of coffee on hand. =)

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s heroine Cassie Gilbert. Why does she long to break free from her grandmother’s rules?

She feels as though she’s never been a “normal” teen because her Grandma has raised her to be sheltered and has given her rigid—sometimes unrealistic—rules to follow. Cassie longs to experience what life would be like if she could live the average life. She feels as though the rules suffocate her and keep her from finding true joy and freedom in life. She also believes that her grandmother’s tendencies to over-control comes from a place of bitterness rather than love.

Alexis: You gave Cassie a passion for songwriting. Does she dream of fame and living in Nashville? Explain her creative heart.

Tessa: Cassie’s never been one to care much for popularity. In fact, she much prefers to remain invisible. Songwriting gives her the opportunity to write poetry – which is what she loves – yet it allows her to remain behind the scenes as another person receives the recognition. Writing has always been her way of escape, an outlet that she could use to express herself. Songwriting is her dream career because it would allow her the opportunity to get paid for doing what she loves.

Alexis; Tell us about your story’s hero James Russo. What does he look like? Why does he love to sing? What about his past is so tarnished that he feels that he needs to run away to escape it?

Tessa: James has olive skin, spikey black hair, and mesmerizing ocean-blue eyes. He loves to sing because music has always been a huge influence in his life. It first touched him when he was a little boy and having to deal with the confusion and loneliness that came with his parents’ divorce. Because of that, he longs to use the gift of music to help others as well, to touch them in the same way it impacted him during those difficult childhood years.

James didn’t have the best reputation in his hometown (Long Island, NY). The summer between his sophomore and junior year, he was involved in an incident that smeared his reputation even more. Because of that, he longed to start over, to create a new name for himself rather than the bad boy rep he’d been tied to at his old school. That was never who he truly was at heart.

Alexis: Where do Cassie and James meet? Describe their meet-cute.

Tessa: They meet in English class at school. Cassie is a junior in honors English, and James is a new kid joining the second semester of his senior year. They meet after the teacher announces that they’ve been assigned to be partners in a school project. Cassie isn’t thrilled at this idea; she assumes James is an arrogant singer, and she would prefer to remain under the radar than to have the other girls in class shoot snooty looks her way, jealous of the time she gets to spend with James.

Alexis: What is it about Cassie’s songwriting talent that convinces James that he must convince her to collaborate with him on his demo album?

Tessa: He loves that her lyrics are deep – not the shallow songs about boyfriend-girlfriend relationships that he used to sing on American Spotlight. Plus, it presents the opportunity for James to get to know Cassie more. She’s hidden beneath a shell. But the lyrics show him a glimpse of who she is beneath the surface. He realizes there’s far more to Cassie than what meets the eye – and, of course, guys love a good challenge. He’s intrigued by the idea of getting to know the girl behind the lyrics.

Also, James came to Willow Creek in hopes of creating a demo album that he could send to his manager. Yet he’s never been a talented songwriter. Creating music on the keyboard is his forte. Thus, when he reads Cassie’s lyrics, he feels as though they’re the heartbeat to his melodies, and they breathe life into his music notes.

Alexis: What is it about James that Cassie simply cannot resist?

Tessa: The fearless, adventure spirit that radiates from James. Cassie’s grown up in a small town, sheltered by her Grandma, and she even attends the private school that her grandmother created and is the principal over. The kids in Willow Creek, SC are mostly country, and Cassie hasn’t seen much of the world outside of her town. James, however, is a risk-taking teen from Long Island, NY. He was recently a contestant on one of the most popular teen singing reality TV shows. It’s thrilling to Cassie to see someone pursuing his dreams and experiencing life outside of small town Willow Creek. James’s passion for music inspires her to pursue her own dreams of songwriting. She’s also enthralled by the way he wants to create music not for his own recognition, but as a vessel to reach others.

Alexis: What lesson do you want this story to teach your readers? Why?

I don’t necessarily want my books to preach to readers; instead, I’d rather that they read my books, be entertained, and then come away from it with their own interpretations of the book’s theme. But it is my hope that, through my books, readers will realize that they are not alone in their life’s journey – in the questions they wrestle with, emotions they deal with, situations they’re experiencing, etc. And hopefully, through my books, they can find the answer, the help, that they’re searching for.

However, I do hope that readers come away with Unwritten Melody with newfound hope for their current circumstances and a deeper revelation of the power of God’s love.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Tessa!

~*~

Author bio: 

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show others they’re not alone—and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). The debut novel she wrote at 16-years-old, Purple Moon (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) was a Selah 2014 Finalist. Her second novel, Unwritten Melody, releases with Clean Reads November 2016.

She’s the Founder of PursueMagazine.net, a magazine that inspires teens to embrace their calling. Tessa also enjoys helping writers achieve their dreams through her internship at Hartline Literary Agency.

When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, Tessa can be found making healthy homemade lattes, speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. She writes in a small town nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Southeastern coast. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website.

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Book blurb for Unwritten Melody: Does breaking free require breaking the rules?

Cassie Gilbert lives every day in the shadows of her deceased mom’s rebellion. But now that she’s seventeen, she finds herself longing to break away from her grandmother’s suffocating rules, experience what it’s like to be a regular teenager, and fulfill her songwriting dreams.

James Russo, former American Spotlight contestant, escapes to small town Willow Creek, SC hoping to flee from his tarnished past. When a school project pairs him with the shy principal’s granddaughter, he’s determined to get to know this Emily-Dickinson-obsessed and typewriter-using girl. His plan? Convince Cassie to co-write songs for his demo album.

As Cassie gets to know James over “project meetings” (more like opportunities to match her lyrics with his melodies), she becomes intrigued by his sense of adventure and contagious passion for music. But soon, his past becomes exposed. Cassie’s left to wonder—did she make the same mistake Mom did by falling for the bad boy?

Then, Grandma’s control pushes her over the edge. Cassie must choose between remaining in the chains of yesterday, or delving into her own freedom by completing the melody her mom left behind.

~*~
Buy Tessa's book:
Mark “Unwritten Melody” on Goodreads
View “Unwritten Melody” on Amazon
View “Unwritten Melody” on Barnes & Noble

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Connect with Tessa:

Website - www.tessaemilyhall.com

Amazon Author Page - http://amzn.to/2ef5bu1
Blog - www.ChristisWrite.blogspot.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/tessaemilyhall
Facebook - www.facebook.com/tessaemilyhall
Instagram -  www.instagram.com/tessaemilyhall
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall

SaveSave

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BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE for Unwritten Melody: Don’t miss the next blog tour stop! Be sure to visit the following blogs on its designated tour date. You can also email tessaemilyhall (at) gmail (dot) com and request to receive the Blog Tour Packet. At the end of the tour, Tessa will send you the downloadable PDF that will contain all of the content from each blog tour stop.

Tues., November 1 – Christ is Write

Wed., November 2 - Adriana Gabrielle Writes

Thurs., November 3 – The Depth of My Faith

Fri., November 4 - Sarah Ruut

Mon., November 7 – God is Love

Tues., November 8 – The Bibliophile Angel

Wed., November 9 - Emily Rachelle Writes

Thurs, November 10 – Word Changers For His Glory

Fri., November 11 – Christian Teen Book Reviews

Mon., November 14 – Phyllis Still

Tues., November 15 – In The Bookcase

Wed., November 16 – Girl Meets Publishing World

Thurs., November 17 - Anna Schaeffer

Fri., November 18 – Ramblings of a Writer

Mon., November 21 - Naomi and Books

Tues., November 22 – Reading is My Superpower

Wed., November 23 – Zerina Blossom’s Books

Thurs., November 24 - Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud

Fri., November 25 – Labor Not in Vain

Mon., November 28 - Barbara Bruitt

Tues., November 29 - Katy Kauffman

Wed., November 30 – Jen Pheobus

Thurs., December 1 – Northern Belle Meg

Fri., December 2 – 2Me From Him

Mon., December 5 - Nicole Quigley

Tues., December 6 – The Destiny of One

Wed., December 7 - Catherine Castle

Thurs., December 8 - Rachelle Rea Cobb

Fri., December 9 – Leslie L. Mckee