Devotionals for the Heart: God will never forget you because He is Faithful

You Are Not Forgotten
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” – Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)

One of my favorite movies is It's a Wonderful Life.

The story is based on the life of George Bailey, who, like so many of us, experiences many twists and turns in his life. Every time George was on the verge of moving in the direction that he dreamed, hoped, and planned, there was an interruption that would turn things upside down.

George remembers others. However, when it's his time to step into his dream, others forget him. 

There is a scene when Uncle Billy, who works at the family business building and loans office, makes a major deposit at the bank. Uncle Billy heads into the bank, places an envelope of money on the table, and walks away. Uncle Billy had tied a string around his finger to remind him of the reason he went into the bank in the first place. The string is strategically tied to his index finger so that he would remember. I'm sure you see where this is going – he forgot what he was supposed to do. As a result of his forgetfulness, George's life plans are derailed yet once again.

It feels great when someone remembers to keep their promise to us. It tells them that you have a place of importance in their minds, which is truly impactful. Whenever I travelled out of town or overseas, I would always bring back a gift for my family. I told them to look in my bag and see if there was something they liked. They knew what was theirs, and their smiles were priceless. I believe God wants us to feel this same way.

During this time of restriction and change, we may have felt somewhat forgotten. We have missed seeing each other at church and weekly gatherings. We are not bumping into people in the work hallways or the coffee machine, and the feeling of isolation is somewhat saddening. I know what this feels like. 

I also recall someone in scripture who understood these feelings all too well.

In the book of Genesis, we read the story of Joseph the Dreamer. Joseph is sold off to the Egyptians by his brothers. However, he finds favor in the eyes of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard, and is positioned to oversee his entire property. One day he is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and is thrown into prison. Joseph might have thought, How could this happen? Has God forgotten the dreams that He gave me?

However, Joseph does not stop dreaming. Later, he has a dream about the butler. Joseph tells the butler his dream, and the butler promises not to forget Joseph. His promise, however, was as strong as Uncle Billy's string tied to his finger. He forgot Joseph.

Sit for a moment with how Joseph may have felt. Like George Bailey, he may have felt like every time he made a step forward, he was kicked down a few pegs. Feelings of loneliness that sit with the feeling of being forgotten are discouraging.

Can you relate to this picture? Have you been doing what you know to be right, and yet you feel overlooked? Have you been praying and waiting for something to change in your career, and you wonder if your prayers are being heard? You are not forgotten. I, too, have prayed and asked God for change. I have watched while others have been chosen and wonder if God has taken the string off his finger to remind him that I'm still standing in line for my answer, for my breakthrough.

What I've learned is this: While we wait and remain faithful, God is working in the background, and He has not forgotten us. The scriptures state that God can be trusted to keep His promise (Hebrews 10:23 NLT). My friend, the character of the One who has promised is that of faithfulness.

Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, your Word tells me you are faithful, which means you never change. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. There are days when I feel forgotten, but I will hold on to the truth of your word that surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Thank You Lord, for always remembering me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. 

*Note from Alexis: Patricia's devotional message today reminds me of the song "God of All My Days" performed by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.
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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.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Comfort

Words of Comfort
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you ...”

—Isaiah 66:13a (NIV)

When I was a child, there were a few instances when I woke up from a nightmare with my heart beating very quickly and my sweaty palms clutching my blanket. What happened in my dream seemed so real and it caused me to scream for my mother.

As she barged into my room to find me in the dark, she sat in front of me on my bed. I quickly grabbed on to her and hugged her as tightly as my little arms would allow. The embrace was comforting, but what really calmed me down were the words that she whispered in my ear: “It’s okay. I’m here. It was a dream. You are alright.”

Not too long ago, my son woke up in the middle of the night, rushed into my bedroom, shook me out of sleep, and then told me that he had a terrible nightmare. He was visibly upset and I wrapped my arms around him to console him as he cried.

I felt his heart beating against my chest and his body was shaking. As I held him, I started to tell him that everything was going to be alright. I told him that it was a dream and now he was awake so he does not have to worry anymore. I reminded him that God is always with him and the angels are watching over him at all times. I walked him back to his bed, sat with him while holding his hand. He breathed a long sigh of relief and eventually fell asleep.

Throughout the course of our lives, we experience numerous circumstances that threaten to shake us to the core. Many times, we are in need of a word that will comfort us and give us peace. God’s Word (The Holy Bible) is full of promises and if we draw close, we can feel His presence and hear His still small voice in our ear.

Let’s look at these promises found in The Holy Bible:

A promise for when you are afraid: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

A promise for when you feel alone: “...Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you...” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)

A promise for when you feel anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

A promise for when you are confused:  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

A promise for when you need peace: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Remember: God’s Word will comfort us in any situation.

I’m so glad that His comfort will always available to us all!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank you for giving us your Word and for blessing us with Your precious promises. We are so thankful that You are always there for us. May we always find comfort in You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a Christian home in New Jersey. Angela dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 12.

As a child in elementary school, she developed a penchant for writing book reports and entering writing contests. By high school, she was taking advanced placement courses in English and Speech & Creative Writing. Angela’s love for journaling also had its beginnings in high school and it evolved into prayers journals and detailed notes for prospective book ideas. As a result, Angela is the author of a published 40-day devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She also wrote a children’s book that is not yet published.

Although Angela wanted to somehow incorporate writing in her life, she is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional. Angela graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a double bachelor’s degree in Labor/Employment Relations & Sociology. She also has an MBA from Strayer University.

Angela founded a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization called Head to the Sky, Inc. It was formed in order to assist those in prison with their transition into society and to reduce the rate of recidivism in the community. During this venture, Angela received a certification in grant writing from The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. Angela was very passionate about teaching, training, and sharing the love of Christ in this ministry; but she had to refocus her passion when she and her husband decided to start their family.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 16 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 8) and Ryan (age 3). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

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Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/

Devotionals for the Heart: Discipline

Does God Discipline Us?
A devotional by Amy Odland

“Therefore I bring charges against you again,” declares the Lord. “And I will bring charges against your children’s children. Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and look, send to Kedar and observe closely; see if there has ever been anything like this: Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror,” declares the Lord.”

 – Jeremiah 2:9-12 (NIV)

My, how the world can change in a week! Those of us who’ve lost someone unexpectedly or been through a natural disaster or tragedy before already understand this. But a large portion of the world is finding out all at once what it’s like to have life change in a moment.

I haven’t heard anyone preaching about this being some sort of punishment from God yet, but I’m also writing this on March 16. The Coronavirus is still pretty new to most of the United States at this time (though, our friends in Washington state have been dealing with it since January) but the numbers of cases and deaths worldwide is growing steadily right now in most places. I imagine by the time this is published, someone somewhere will be preaching the idea that this is God’s punishment on us.

So, let’s bypass the fluffy examples I could’ve used for this devotional and dive right into the deep end: “Is God disciplining us with the Coronavirus pandemic?” 

I say YES and NO. Here’s why ...

YES:
Complacency, indifference, and disbelief are always present in our society to a degree, but they became more blatant as the arrival of the Coronavirus started spreading in the news. First in Italy, then in America. Phrases like “It’s basically the flu” and “the flu kills more” became common in Italy until they realized too late that it is different from the flu in that no one has immunity from it and large numbers of people were being infected all at once. We heard these phrases being said by our own citizens and leaders just a couple weeks ago.

People have become complacent as a result, and while the disease does look similar to influenza in its symptoms, there are other concerns. The clustered increase of people all getting sick at the same time will overwhelm the healthcare system like a tsunami wave hitting the shore. It has already happened in Italy and they have warned us. 

Trying to educate people about this very serious concern and the benefits of social distancing before there is the evidence of a large number of cases present has been made more difficult because people don’t believe it’s true or believe it’s a political conspiracy or news media hoax. Add to that the delay from our leaders (between March 9-13) in communicating the seriousness of this and you have a recipe for indifference, disbelief, and conspiracy theorists...which made speaking truth during this time much more difficult. 

Yes, God can allow a new virus to sweep the world to show people He is still able to wipe the earth clean. It’s not a flood of water like He’d promised Noah He would never do again, but it can still be an effective wake-up call to many who haven’t considered eternity before now.


NO:
If Christians die because of this pandemic, is God punishing them? If my loved ones get sick and die because of this pandemic, do I believe God is punishing me (or them)? Definitely NO. This world is evil and filled with people who do evil. Rape, murder, theft, and destruction are just the result of living in a fallen world and having evil reside amongst us. People by nature are selfish, greedy, and stubborn...even the good ones are not perfect all the time (Romans 3:12). I have seen many on social media selfishly choosing to still go on vacation or still gather in large groups. They will affect us all more than they realize right now.

Psalm 91 says that “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1) and “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” (Psalm 91:14) Yes, we can pray the words of this Psalm in times of trouble and we can pray it would be the Lord’s will for us to be protected from the calamity that lay before us. But this Psalm isn’t the guarantee of safety that some would interpret it to be. It is not a force field or protective shield to turn on and off when we need protection. The words in this psalm are a promise of eternal salvation, a promise that no matter what evil comes before us or is successful in destroying us, God has sealed our eternity.

God has only promised us we will someday be completely free of sickness and death and evil. But he did not promise that we would be trouble-free in this life. John 16:33 tells us to take heart, though, because Jesus has overcome the world.

We are not living lives of fear if we “see danger and take refuge” (Proverbs 22:3) and take extra oil along for our lamps as the virgins did in the parable in Matthew 25:4. We are being prudent and wise, just as God has told us to be. It is an act of love to be quarantining ourselves right now in order to protect the lives of others who are more vulnerable, who are at high risk for complications from this virus, just like it is an act of love when we speak up for the unborn or when we help the widows and orphans.

We can do our part to still love others during this hard time and have peace because Jesus has told us He is preparing a place for us and will take us there to be with Him (John 14:2-3). We can have peace because He has promised He will care for us and while it doesn’t mean He’ll care for us on our terms or based on our parameters, He WILL care for us. Let us be encouraged to rest in the shelter of His shadow and acknowledge His name.

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Author Bio:

Amy Odland has been serving in church ministry as a volunteer leader for over 16 years, in various worship, prayer and women’s ministry roles. 

Her passion for helping women stems from her own struggles and lessons learned in her journey as a Christian since first deciding to follow the Lord in 1994.

Amy’s priorities after her faith include her family — husband Rick, and their four kids — as well as extended family who all live close in proximity and the many friends she’s made over the years.

In addition to a love of teaching and helping her husband with the bookkeeping for their many businesses, Amy has recently expanded her stay-at-home work to include leading author’s book launch teams for publishing companies like Baker, Revell, Barbour, and Lifeway.

She also enjoys teaching new authors about platform building, self-launching, and online marketing.

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Connect with Amy:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/amyodland
Instagram: https://instagram.com/amy_odland
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amy_odland
Website: https://amyodland.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Lessons learned from The Lion King (movie)

Lessons From The Lion King
A devotional by Julia Wilson

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” 

–Psalm 32:8a (NIV)

God is not limited. He can use all sorts of things to talk to us and to get our attention. All around us there are life lessons to be learned.

I have always enjoyed the cartoon of The Lion King so I was very eager to see the new movie. It was, in my opinion, one of the best movies I have ever watched. I found God ‘speaking’ to me throughout this film, so would like to share some of my observations, in no particular order.

Scar, the evil brother in The Lion King, reminded me of the accuser. He takes Simba aside and whispers to him, “You’re no good. Nobody wants you.” He piles the guilt on Simba, encouraging him to run away. I wondered how often do we do this to ourselves? We listen to those voices that tell us we are no good. Nobody likes us. Why would anyone want us? These are not the voices we should be listening to. We need to stop listening to these voices and tune in to the life affirming voice of God. God says we are loved. We are wanted. We are to come to Him just as we are, no running away.

There is a beautiful scene where Simba sits beside his Dad, Mufasa, as they watch the sunset. Mufasa tells Simba that he will always be with him, and to just look up to the sky and he will be there. He will never leave Simba. Isn’t this just like God? God tells us that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV). “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NIV). When we look for God, we will find Him. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV). Whatever we are facing, look up and see God. We are never alone.

Later Rafiki, the monkey, leads Simba to water, pointing out to him that his father lives in him. We see Mufasa in the reflection. Likewise, we can have our Heavenly Father living in us. We are called to be the eyes and ears, the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world.

During their previous father-son talk, Mufasa tells Simba “everything the light touches is yours.” It’s a vast, green area so why is Simba not satisfied? Why does he insist on going to the darkness that is the elephant’s graveyard? We can be a bit like Simba, God tells us that everything we have is ours, so why are we not satisfied? There are echoes here of the grumblings of the elder brother in the prodigal son as his father tells him that “all I have is yours” (John 17:10 NIV).

God is a generous God. He withholds nothing from us. He lavishes good gifts on us so why do we listen to that voice that urges us to give in to temptation? “Go on, you deserve it.” It only takes a small spark to start a huge fire and sin is like that, it just snowballs and before we know it we are deep into addiction (shopping, alcohol, drugs etc.). Even Jesus was tempted in the desert. He defeated temptation by standing on the Word of God. “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10 NIV). When we face temptation, we too must stand firm on His Word.

Simba spends a while in the wasteland and while it is a lush, green wasteland, it is not what Simba was created for. He needed to fulfill his purpose to be king. God has a purpose for each and every one of us. We were not created to wander in the wasteland, no matter how nice it looks. We were created for a purpose… we were created to have the promise of God living in us. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 NIV).

In summary, God wants to teach us life lessons and He will get our attention using whatever He can. For me today, it was The Lion King but tomorrow it will be something different.

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Author Bio:

My name is Julia Wilson but I also go by Christian Bookaholic.

I live with my husband and five cats in a small town in Worcestershire on the banks of the River Severn (England). We have four grown up children and three granddaughters.

I have always loved reading and have always been surrounded by books. I used to work as a teaching assistant for special needs in the local high school. Ill health forced me to stop working in December 2015. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (known as M.E.) and fibromyalgia. I now have plenty of time to read and review books!

Our eldest son set up my Christian Bookaholic blog. I review every book I read. I read over 300 books a year. I read Christian and mass market. I prefer stories set from 1850 onwards. My favourite type of books to read is stories set in WWI and WWII, and Russia under Czar Nicholas II.

I am a historian, having a Combined Humanities degree where I majored in History and minored in English. I also love swimming. I only learned how to swim in 2017 and go swimming four mornings a week for 90 minutes before breakfast, it keeps my joints going.

I am also a crazy cat lady. I absolutely love my cats. I have grown up with cats and cannot imagine life without them. My dream is to own an old fashioned seal point Siamese … but not while we have our young rescue cat as she hates other cats!

I love God and love going to a large lively church called Lifecentral. I cannot imagine life without God. He gives a peace even when life does not. He guides my life. He is my Rock.

Devotionals for the Heart: Lessons on learning how to let go of a "Lot"

When you have a “Lot”: Learn how to let go through the story of Abraham
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him.” 
–Genesis 12:1-4a (ESV)

For a long time, I felt very stuck. There were promises that the Lord gave me, yet nothing changed. When I would come to the Lord to ask where He wanted me to go or wanted me to do, He led me to Deuteronomy 34. Moses was soon to die and the Israelites were about to cross over into the promised land. 

During my reading, this verse (Deuteronomy 34:4) stuck out to me: “And the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.”

Then I felt God speak to me saying, “The former things can not come with you to the new place I am taking you.”

At the time, I thought I knew what God was talking about. I thought God was talking about my fear. As the year went on and things started to unravel, I soon learned what God meant. I had to let go of something, and it was very hard. However, as soon as I decided in my heart to let go of that thing, a stronghold was broken and God was able to move more freely in my life. Since letting that thing go, life has been much easier. I’ve received blessing after blessing and received clearer direction for where God wanted me to go and what He had for me.

Later on, while reading Abraham’s story, I realized that all that time, I was holding on to a “Lot.” It blocked me from my blessing! Read Genesis 12:1-4.

God made a huge promise to Abram: He would make him a great nation and bless him. This promise was a big deal; Abram had no offspring, he and his wife Sarai were old, and yet God still had big plans for him. All Abram had to do was to leave everything behind and go where God told him. Abram partially obeyed, bringing Lot with him.

This small detail brought big problems for Abram. There was discord between his workers, (Genesis 13:5-7) and Abram later had to rescue Lot (Genesis 14:8-16).

Keeping his ties to Lot caused more trouble than God intended for him. Abram’s partial obedience was actually disobedience which made it difficult for God to fully bless him.

However, each time Abram decided to separate from Lot, he was blessed. He was given good land and more promises, (Genesis 13:14-18), he was blessed by the high priest Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-20), his name was changed and he received the blessings and promises of God (Genesis 17:1-8).

When God asks us to let go, the unknown can be scary. We must remember that God knows best and holds our future in His hands. When we let go of what we think is best, it opens the door for God to give us His best.

What are you holding onto?

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Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA. 

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and hopes to launch her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

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Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Grace

Freedom Under Grace
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” –Romans 6:14 (ESV)

Have you ever found yourself in a pickle where you said you’d do something and then either struggled to follow through or realized you couldn’t do what you said?

If you're anything like me, you probably speak some pretty negative things over yourself and put a lot of energy into worrying over disappointing others.

Occasionally, I know at the onset that I’m getting in over my head, and I kick myself over the promise. Other times, I am taken by surprise at the inability to follow through. Either way, grace seems a long way off and my faults appear to have complete dominion.

There was a time I entered into a written contract with someone I was close too. This contract required the other party to perform specific actions to receive my financial deposits to a third party account. I was completely satisfied with the agreement until it became obvious that my friend was not and could not keep up his end of the contract. Because of the third party involvement, I had begun making payments. I felt frustration and disappointment that my friend was not being forthcoming and honest with me about his lack of action.

As time passed, my feelings morphed into resentment and anger. Eventually, I chose to address my friend, acknowledging my disappointment that the contract was broken, but disclosing that our relationship was my priority. It was an uncomfortable conversation but thankfully, we parted with our love for each other intact.

I thought about my relationship with God in this exchange, primarily, because God has prioritized our relationship. The Bible says a lot about how to live under a contract. Both the Old Testament and New Testaments are consistent in telling us to keep our promises. I tried to equate my contract experience with the grace and forgiveness of God, but the analogy didn’t fit. Grace is not a contract. God is not looking to me to fulfill my end of a contract so that He will payout in freedom. His intent is much greater than a common exchange.

God has established a covenant with his children, not a contract. A covenant differs from a contract by stating a one-sided guarantee or promise rather than a legally binding, two-sided, mutually beneficial agreement. God is completely aware that I am incapable of living rightly, therefore He initiated a covenant. God has guaranteed love. He has made good on this promise by showing me I am how valuable I am. He provided the way I can maintain a relationship with Him despite human fragilities and my tendency to offend Him. Through Jesus Christ, He paid my debt, and if that’s not enough, He added a Holy Spirit deposit on my future! Wow!

The same God who has achieved all this does not tire of teaching generation after generation. He repeats Himself to a woman like me! He uses these everyday experiences and my desire to “get it” as my classroom for scripture like Romans 6:14. With God, I am not under a contract or law, I am under a covenant with a guarantee of grace! Therefore, my inability to follow through on what I said I would do does not hold any clout over me. There is no room for shaming self-talk! I'm free and forgiven!

Grateful does not seem adequate a word to apply to a newfound understanding of freedom under grace, but oh how grateful I am! I'm grateful that the relationship, with my friend who was unable to fulfill the contract, was preserved. I’m even grateful for the experience of the broken contract. It's a lesson that motivates my desire to offer more grace!

How about you?

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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.

Falling for Books: Mary's book

Story Excerpt from A Pocketful of Wishes by Mary Manners:

SUNLIGHT FILTERED THROUGH THE WILLOWY branches of elm trees that lined the road, warming Jenna as Carter loaded her suitcase into the trunk of the car. The street was quiet, almost as if it had gone down for a nap, with the exception of Old Man Corker’s Bassett Hound who yowled in protest of his confinement to the yard three houses down.

Jenna felt like yowling, too. Maybe she’d trod over to Old Man Corker’s yard, throw herself into the grass beside Buster, and sob until no more tears came.

Sadness squeezed her heart. She could barely breathe.

Life as she knew it was going to end right here in the driveway of the modest ranch home she’d lived in since the day she was born. Literally, her mom had given birth to her right there in the living room, when Jenna decided to come into the world too quickly for her mom and dad to make it to the hospital. She’d heard the story so many times she knew it by heart, and her parents joked that she still had only one speed—fast.

Everything she’d ever known in her whole life was in this house, yet her parents were still bent on taking her from it. The moving truck that had left before the sun winked over the horizon was proof. And the jam-packed car didn’t help matters, either. There was hardly room in the backseat for her to squeeze in when the time came.

Which would be soon…way too soon. She winced at the pinch of disappointment.

Maybe she could stay behind. She was thirteen now—almost fourteen—and old enough to take care of herself, right? She’d stay in the house, make her own meals and get herself to school when summer came to an end. Maybe she couldn’t drive herself yet, but she had her bike and the bus also stopped by every morning, in case of rain. She could make it work, couldn’t she?

Except for the fact that the house had already sold. She and her parents had to be out today, because the closing was over and the new people planned to move in that evening. By nightfall Jenna would no longer be in Tennessee. She wouldn’t live right next door to Carter anymore, either.

Did that mean they couldn’t still be best friends?

Her breath hitched once more. Jenna couldn’t imagine ever laughing again as she romped along the water’s edge to find the best swimming hole in Maple Ridge or raced through a field of tall grass with the wind at her back and a kiss of sunlight tickling her cheeks. Not without Carter at her side to share in her adventures. Not while he remained here in Maple Ridge while her family relocated clear across the country to Leavenworth, Washington—exactly two thousand, four hundred and eighty-one miles away. She’d studied the map Dad had given her, and had memorized every nuance of the route. So she knew. And it was awful.

Leavenworth.

It sounded like one of the bad words Mom and Dad forbade her to use. How ironic that this new town her parents were determined to drag her to shared the same name as a prison. Because Jenna might as well be going to prison. Her parents were ruining her life.

Especially her dad, with his new job. That’s all he’d talked about for weeks now. He didn’t even have time to talk about school anymore, or come to her softball games.

When she was still playing softball. Which she couldn’t do anymore, because they were moving to Leavenworth.

Just for spite she rolled the word around on her tongue and muttered.

Leavenworth…Leavenworth…

Tears welled in her eyes as she lifted her gaze to find Carter. Dark, shaggy hair spilled over his forehead, highlighting the dusky pallor of his cheeks. In another month his skin would glow bronze from hours spent in the sun while he helped his dad with their lawn care business. He’d worked beside his father since the summer he’d turned nine. He was fourteen now—nearly four months older than Jenna.

Carter swiped the tumble of hair away, revealing eyes the color of rain-slicked river rock—gray with specks of russet along the edges. She’d always loved his eyes. They were one-of-a-kind.

Carter closed the trunk and turned to face her.

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Author Bio:

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus. 

She loves swimming, running, flavored coffee and Smoky Mountain sunsets.

Mary believes everyone has a story to tell, and she loves to share hers. She writes inspirational romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.

Learn more about Mary Manners at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.

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Book Blurb for A Pocketful of Wishes:

When a job transfer causes Jenna Palmer’s family to relocate across the country, Jenna moves away from her best friend and first love Carter Stevens. 

She promises to find him again. But as the years slip away and she dives into a career in pediatric trauma surgery, all that is left of her one time love are the memories—and a wish on the lucky penny Carter gave her.

Carter Stevens never forgot his first love. On their final morning together he gave her a special token along with his promise to love her forever. 

Though years have passed as he’s climbed the ranks of the Maple Ridge Police Department, he still longs for another glimpse of the smiling, green-eyed beauty who stole his heart and shared his love of adventure.

When an accident brings the pair together once again, memories and reality collide. Will their promise stand, or will time crush their promise…and their love?

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Buy Mary's book on Amazon

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Connect with Mary:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarysReaderPage/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/marymanners1/

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Review by Amy Strickland (friend of Mary):

A Pocketful of Wishes is a very good book. I enjoyed reading it. 

It was interesting to see the friendship Jenna and Carter shared from a very young age turn into love even after years apart. 

The story begins when Jenna's father has a new job and they are moving away. Jenna is very sad because she is leaving her best friend Carter. Carter gives her his favorite penny and promises they will keep in touch. But as life goes on and they get older they grow apart. 

Jenna is busy with her life as a pediatric surgeon and so is Carter. When she’s offered a residency, Jenna moves back to the hometown that she has always missed. There, she runs into Carter, who is now a police officer, when he stops her for speeding. Soon, their friendship is rekindled. 

What a super story of teenage friendship being separated by moving and what happens years later. Very well written and I was engaged from the beginning. I really liked this story and would highly recommend it.

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Thankful Thursday: Second Chances

It's Thursday and I'm thankful for second chances.

"LIFE always offers you a second chance. It's called TOMORROW". ~ Author unknown.

I found that quote and picture posted above this message online earlier this week and the message captured my heart. It's so true! Here's why: The Bible says that tomorrow is not promised to anyone (Proverbs 27:1). So we are advised by God to not boast about tomorrow, planning what you will and will not do but instead give your thoughts about the future to God and remember that only what He wills to happen in your life will come true (James 4:13-17). The Bible says God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), that means every day you have a chance to start anew.

So yes, I am thankful for second chances not just to learn from my mistakes in the past or improve in the present and dream positively about my future which I will see, God-willing. But I am thankful for the GOD of second chances because only He wakes me up in the morning and keeps me safe throughout the day and night. Only God is merciful enough to be patient with us when we mess up and give us a new start more than once. Our world does not allow "do-overs" and rarely grants "second chances" but I am glad there is a God who is King over all authorities, a God who knows what we need and often that is a second chance.

Did you ever need a second chance? Do you believe God gave it to you? Share your story in the comment section.