Blog Posts
- how to turn worry into trustOver the past several weeks on Instagram and Facebook, I’ve been posting tips on how to turn worry into trust. This is a challenge for all of us, so I’m not speaking as one who has completely overcome worry. But I have come a long way, and I thought I’d include you in some of the ways I’ve had victory. …
- newsletter // dec 16, 2023{when you’re longing for a more peaceful and meaningful christmas} I’m continuing this series on social media with two more tips: {3} Consider exploring this prayer or journaling prompt: “Jesus, what can I give YOU this Christmas?” Many years ago, when I was a preschool teacher, one of my favorite projects to do with the kids at Christmas time was …
- newsletter // dec 8, 2023{when you’re longing for a more peaceful and meaningful Christmas} I started a holiday series on social media, sharing tips for making this month a bit more peaceful and meaningful. Here are the first two tips: {1} Start an advent devotional! It’s not too late to start–just continue into January. All of the shopping, decorating, gift wrapping, baking, and holiday …
- newsletter // nov 3, 2023{ the best kept secret of the proverbs 31 woman } Friends, as we launch into the holiday season, I want to share a word of encouragement from my Proverbs 31 devotional book. Take a look at Proverbs 31:15 in the Amplified version, which differs from the NIV I’ve read from for many years: She rises also while it is …
- 5 ways to cultivate thankfulness in novemberCultivating gratitude can be challenging at times, especially during the holidays. If you’d like to practice thankfulness at home during the month of November, I have some ideas for you to try! Gratitude Banner – This is the activity that my family is doing this year. I created a stringed banner with 15 double-sided pennants. Each day in November, we …
- newsletter // sept 20, 2023>>> new series on social media I want to invite you to join me on Instagram or Facebook, where I’m currently sharing weekly tips on “How to Create More Connections with God”. When we feel connected to God, it puts everything else in our lives in perspective, don’t you agree? I want to encourage you to find many ways to …
- let’s talk about beauty“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in …
- overcoming holiday stressDo you ever feel overwhelmed by the holiday season? Last year, I waited too long to decorate and start planning. The season went by so fast that I struggled to feel joyful and present. This year, I’d like things to go differently! Are you with me? Let’s start by praying together: Lord, would you begin preparing my heart for the …
- weekly newsletter // sept 17, 2023>>> he delights in you This verse caught me off guard when it appeared on my daily Bible verse app a few weeks ago. You delight in my way, Lord? What does that mean? I checked to see if the verse meant to say that a person delights in God’s way. A few translations of the Bible state it that …
- the crush of septemberIt’s that time of year when we are settling into busy routines: maybe a new school year, new bible study sessions, rejoining clubs and activities, or renewed projects at work now that summer is over. We are also discovering that the fall plans we made in the summer might have been too ambitious. We were a bit too optimistic in …
- weekly newsletter // aug 25, 2023>>> when scripture is used against your body Bible verses are sometimes taken out of context to create spiritual standards for body size. This week, I started a series on social media to discuss passages that have been used against larger-bodied believers. Here’s the first one: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who …
- weekly newsletter // aug 18, 2023>>> He sees you That mistake you keep revisiting— forgive yourself the way I have already forgiven you. That thing you need— I haven’t forgotten. You can trust Me, beloved. That doubt rising up in you— I can increase your ability to trust Me if you ask. That loved one you are so worried about— I love them and I …
- weekly newsletter // august 11, 2023>>> 3 simple prayers for when you are struggling to let go Have your way, Lord. Not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42 Lord, I trust in you. You are my God. My life is in your hands. Psalm 31:14-15 ERV >>> watch my mini-retreat webinar on youtube >>> OR listen to the webinar on the podcast Part …
- is it insomnia, or an invitation?At least a couple of times a week, I wake up around 3:00 AM. I usually wake with anxiety, suffocated by some issue pressing on my chest like a hundred-pound weight. The anxiety is compounded with frustration at my sleep being broken again. How will I function tomorrow? I’ll never get back to sleep. Then my thoughts drift back to …
- weekly newsletter // july 28, 2023>>> a note from your heavenly father Beloved, I am compassionate and merciful. When you cross the lines of sin, I am patient with you. When you struggle against Me, I stay with you—guiding, convicting, and transforming you through My spirit. I do not constantly criticize you, nor do I hold a grudge. I do not punish you for your …
- weekly newsletter // july 21, 2023>>> open the door In Revelation 3:20, we hear the voice of Jesus saying, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with that person, and they with me.” What a beautiful invitation! We have the opportunity to fellowship with Jesus and connect with him as …
- weekly newsletter // july 14, 2023>>>”What’s keeping you from the heart of God?” series A few weeks ago I started a series on Instagram and Facebook about the barriers that keep us from feeling close to God. So far I’ve shared videos about three things that cause us to feel far from the Lord: The first thing that comes to mind when I ask the …
- the prayer i thought God would never answerOriginally published on 2/01/2020. I’m sharing today about a topic that is quite different than any of the content here on my website. I think it’s a topic that most readers will relate to, but I’m going to be presenting ideas that go against everything we’ve been taught in our culture. In a nutshell, I want to talk about the …
- weekly newsletter // june 30, 2023>>> A word about condemnation Those of us recovering from perfectionism and performance-based living have condemned ourselves for many things. Yet Christ has removed our condemnation. Remember this from Romans 8:1? “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Perhaps you’ve only thought about this verse in spiritual terms. But what if God meant that there …
- weekly newsletter // june 23, 2023>>>The question that changed my prayer life We are encouraged to come to God with whatever is on our minds. On a typical day, I ask Him to take care of issues with my family members and friends. I ask Him to help me with whatever I am personally facing and pray about the areas I need to grow in. …
- weekly newsletter // june 16, 2023>>>The Most Important Lesson in Psalm 23 While many of us know Psalm 23 by heart, we often overlook the deep treasures hidden in this passage. Perhaps the most important lesson in these familiar verses is hiding in plain sight. I discovered it when the Holy Spirit whispered, “Look at the verbs”. Then another suggestion, “Look at who is performing the …
- When you’re longing to connect with JesusTry this two-minute exercise to connect to Jesus in a powerful way. Let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you through it. And let me know in the comments how He ministered to you! blessings,
- Episode 1 of Pressing In Podcast Season 2 is here!Hi friends! Season 2 of my podcast “Pressing In with Jamie De Silvia” will run through the summer, releasing one episode a week. The first episode presses in to Jeremiah 29 and discusses how to navigate the (sometimes) long wait for God’s plans and promises to come to pass. Hope you can tune in wherever you listen to podcasts. Check …
Episode 1 of Pressing In Podcast Season 2 is here! Read More »
- how you talk to yourself mattersRecently I started a series on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok that I’m calling “Self-Talk Tuesday”. It’s an opportunity to highlight the importance of healthy self-talk. Often, the things we say to ourselves are rooted in shame and the negative core beliefs we have about ourselves. It’s time to catch ourselves mid-thought, shift gears, and start talking to our hearts in …
- need encouragement?Maybe you are feeling lost, a little disconnected from God or the Bible. It happens. Life has been so challenging for the past couple of years, and I think most of us are feeling wearing. That weariness shows itself in different ways. Depression, anxiety, isolation, fatigue, moodiness, and more. In January, I started a new podcast. The goal was to …
- the thing i’ve prayed for mostLet’s get real. Have you ever thought about what you’ve logged the most hours praying about? Of course, there’s no way to know for sure, because no one is timing these things, but I think the stats would reveal the subject that’s closest to our hearts. I’d like to say that the thing I’ve prayed for most is my relationship …
- come in through the front doorThis week on my podcast (click here to check it out) I spent some time in Isaiah 55. I love this passage because it presents a beautiful invitation from the Lord, in His own voice: Eternal One: If you are thirsty, come here; come, there’s water for all. Whoever is poor and penniless can still come and buy the food I sell. There’s no cost—here, have …
- check your lensesA visit to the eye doctor this week reminded me of the importance of looking through the correct lens. Even the smallest adjustment can affect how we see the world! Far-off road signs and the fine print might not be accessible without finely tuned lenses. Perhaps something we rarely consider is the lens through which we see God and His …
- handling brokennessNot too long ago, I found myself observing someone’s behavior and thinking with all the judgment in the world, “What is wrong with her?!” The Holy Spirit broke into my thoughts and whispered a better question… “What happened to her?” It is such an excellent question, one we ought to consider as we are relating to people. Humans are often …
- from the archives: a moment with baby jesusIt has taken some serious effort for me to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I’ve allowed myself to get overwhelmed multiple times with all of the things to do and all of the places to go. Yesterday at church, I decided to press in (with all the strength I could muster) to Jesus for the hour. I yearned …
- why write a book about proverbs 31?
- New Book: “You Shall Be Praised”This 40-day devotional will take you on an interactive journey through the famous Proverbs 31 woman passage, one phrase at a time. You Shall Be Praised focuses on how women were delightfully made in the image of God. Forget the pressure to be like the flawless and elusive Proverbs 31 woman and recognize that you are already the woman God called you …
- New original artwork listed in my Etsy Store!Check out JamieDeSilviaArt to see the new oil paint pieces I’ve just listed for sale. They are smaller items that make original art more affordable! Visit Etsy.com and search for JamieDeSilviaArt!
- a new perspectiveI’m sharing today about looking at Psalm 23 in a new way. Hope you enjoy!
- a little bit about my bookAt my recent book signing, I shared a little bit of the story behind my book “Come Hear the Song of the Shepherd”. The video is about four minutes long… hope you enjoy!
- book signingI’m having my first book signing on Sunday, January 19th in Corona, California! If you live in the area, you’re invited to stop by anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. There will be a free raffle, where you can win a copy of my book or a print of one of my oil paintings! There will also be books and …
- eventsOne of the things I love to do is speak to groups of women! Bringing the word of God and His principles to those who love Him is a great joy and a responsibility that I take seriously. It is important to me that the Holy Spirit be able to use me and speak through me so that we can …
- book releaseI am so excited to announce that my book has been released on Amazon! It is available in paperback and ebook. Even though it is a devotional, it would work well for Bible study groups. Have each member complete a few of the days each week, then come together as a group to discuss the material and questions! Please let …
- sample of my upcoming book!I am so excited to be releasing my first book in November! I thought I’d share an excerpt of the book so you’ll have a better idea of what it will be like. It is a 30 day devotional journey through Psalm 23, with interactive questions and prayer experience prompts. I hope you enjoy the sneak peek… and I pray …
- exciting announcementI’m excited to announce that my first book will be released in November 2019! This book was born out of an in-depth Bible study that I taught last year on Psalm 23, so it is full of historical and biblical background, valuable insight and practical application. Come Hear the Song of the Shepherd is a 30-day devotional with daily readings …
- broken placesOne of the things I love most about God’s Word is that it can speak a fresh and unexpected message out of a passage that I’ve read a hundred times. The scriptures are God’s “living and active” communication to us (Hebrews 4:12) any time that we open the pages and our hearts.
- insomnia or invitation?For quite a long time, I have been waking up around 3:00 AM every day. I usually wake with anxiety, with some issue pressing on my chest like a hundred pound weight. The anxiety is compounded with frustration at my sleep being broken for the millionth time. How will I function tomorrow? I’ll never get back to sleep. Then my …
- what are you building?Every morning I walk along this Riverwalk. There is a little stream that runs from this spot down a few blocks and then it empties into another pond.
- when I say that you are lovedSometimes when shame infiltrates our core at a very young age, it can become a guiding force in our lives. Even though we know we’re saved, cleansed from sin and forgiven, we can still find ourselves operating out of that core of shame. It can lead to perfectionist tendencies, an inability to say no to others, a desire to …
- a word on controlMy child, So many things are out of your control. But they are not out of My control… they are in My hands. If you were able to control everything in your life, then surely you would be responsible for how it all turns out. What an incredible amount of pressure to predict all of the variables of life and …
- from the archives: waitingDiscerning and following God’s will is something that we spend a lot of time and energy on as Christians. Honestly, I think that this has become yet another area where we turn to performing rather than trusting.
- for a daughter on the brink of romanceDear Daughter, Before you are swept off your feet, before your heart races at his approach, before a hand slips around your own, you need something. You need this imprinted on your heart:
- when you need a new callingIt’s been a long time since I’ve been here. I’ve been running. Wrestling. Maneuvering. Pouting. Hiding. Controlling. Hollering. Learning. Growing. While this blog has been sitting unattended, God has been putting the past couple of years of my life into perspective. Funny how we see things the way we want to see them, and in reality, we’re blind to all that God has orchestrated around …
- for the weary parentAt the Lord’s prompting, I will repost a blog from last summer for those who, like this momma, are growing weary on their parenting journey…. Most believers would probably agree that we are either in the “last days” or at least approaching them. In that case, it’s very likely that we are raising the sons and daughters that this …
- baby loveIt has taken some serious effort for me to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I’ve allowed myself to get overwhelmed multiple times with all of the things to do and all of the places to go. Yesterday at church, I decided to press in (with all the strength I could muster) to Jesus for the hour. I yearned …
- ListenThe past few weeks have been the heart-wrenching kind. I haven’t been blogging because frankly, my heart is worn out and I don’t know how to put this stuff into a string of words that you would want to read. Suffice it to say that we’ve been growing over here– growing the hard and painful way. You know what I …
- the fellowship of brokennessIn August, I wrote about being broken, about the beauty and sweetness of embracing brokenness. Only when we are laid out before the Lord can He begin to repair us, rebuilding our faulty foundations and bringing healing to our wounded places. For many of us, the barrier to brokenness is pride. We’ve been taught that being broken is bad. It means …
- daughter heartI have been tiptoeing around the perimeter of this post, knowing that I needed to put some things in writing, but a little fearful of the emotion that is bulging from a certain compartment of my heart. That daughter part of my heart. It’s so heavy, yet freeing. It demands vulnerablility, yet brings comfort. I am fairly certain that I …
- the danger of comparisonThe Lord has been working in me, teaching me about the dangers of comparison. I spent a good part of my devotional reading this summer in Psalm 73, which talks extensively about the subject. The writer talks about nearly losing his foothold (v. 2-3) and behaving like an emotional “beast” before the Lord (v. 21-22) because he got caught up …
- expectation avalancheNot too long ago, I wrote about our Feast of Trumpets celebration. I’ve been planning to share about our family’s Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) observance, about a time of fasting, reflection, and rejoicing over the work of our perfect High Priest, Jesus. Instead, I have to share with you about my Yom Kippur meltdown.
- a recovering perfectionist’s guide to homeschooling {part 3}Choosing curriculum has to be one of the most difficult things in the homeschooling journey. First of all, there are just too many choices. A mother can get very overwhelmed searching for just the right materials to use in each subject. Whether browsing online or in person, it’s difficult to know what will work best. As a recovering perfectionist, I went …
a recovering perfectionist’s guide to homeschooling {part 3} Read More »
- feast of trumpetsOur family has always had an interest in experiencing the feasts of the Old Testament. We see it as another way to experience God and learn more about who He is. Since so much of the Old Testament was designed by God to foreshadow Christ and His coming, when we participate in Jewish feasts, celebrations, and traditions, we see Jesus …
- a winner!Last night we drew a winner’s name from a bowl full of subscriber names! Congratulations to Lorinda from Washington state. I hope you enjoy the art piece as much as I enjoyed creating it! The piece was truly inspired by the Lord. I’m thinking we’re going to have another giveaway during the holidays… I’ll keep you posted. blessings, Jamie
- giveaway happening in 24 hours!!This 16×20 piece of unframed original artwork is going to one lucky subscriber in exactly 24 hours! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is subscribe to my blog. It’s free, and you’ll receive future posts in your email inbox. The drawing will take place tomorrow, September 4th, at 8:00 p.m. EST and I will post the winner’s …
- a recovering perfectionist’s guide to homeschooling {part 2}If I were to take a poll among homeschooling moms, I am certain that the most common thing that other moms say to them about schooling their own children is, “Oh, I could never do that.” I’ve heard it a hundred times– I even said it once upon a time! Why is that?
- lavish and faithfulForgiveness is quite possibly one of the hardest things that God asks us to do. Yet it is something He does for us every day. Forgiveness is sometimes a very painful process when the wrong done against us is reprehensible. There are other times when, perhaps, forgiveness is simply releasing a person from the expectation that they give something that they …
- five minute friday ~ worshipOnce again setting the timer and just writing for five minutes straight. My first shot was raw, the second was too contrived, so here we are again. I love the practice and perspective FMF provides! Today, bloggers are linking up at (in)courage rather than Lisa-Jo’s Five Minute Friday site. The topic today is worship. Ready, set, go…
- giveaway!Inspired by God’s recent word to me on brokenness and Jeremy Riddle’s song “Sweetly Broken”, I created this 16×20 piece of unframed art and I am giving it away!
- a recovering perfectionist’s guide to homeschooling {part 1}I realize that a little over five years of homeschooling does not make me an expert on the subject. I haven’t graduated any students, but I haven’t throttled any either. How about if I just share some things I’ve learned on my homeschooling journey? I’ll be writing a few posts in this series.
- not just for prophetsThen the Lord said to me, “Look, Jeremiah! What do you see?” And I replied, “I see a branch from an almond tree.” And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans.” Then the Lord spoke to me again and asked, “What do you see now?” And …
- five minute friday ~ lastMy first try at Five Minute Friday was pretty raw, and it was hard not to keep typing when the timer went off, but I’m giving it another shot! It’s good writing practice. The whole idea came from Lisa Jo Baker, who says that, “Writing is like a mirror, we see ourselves best in what we’ve written.” Every Friday for close …
- brokenThese lyrics from a Jeremy Riddle song ministered to me so deeply last Sunday during communion at church. How beautifully and accurately Jeremy describes what happens to us when we meet Jesus at the cross. Not just the first time, but every time. As the line “I’m sweetly broken” played out in the chorus again and again on Sunday, …
- temptationTemptation is not a stage to perform upon. It is not a test to be aced. It is not an opportunity to please Me. Temptation is one of many battles in the war between your flesh and My Spirit. Do not enter the battle in your own strength. Can the flesh fight against the flesh? Submit to my Spirit. Recognize …
- raising samsonMost believers would probably agree that we are either in the “last days” or at least approaching them. In that case, it’s very likely that we are raising the sons and daughters that this scripture speaks of. When I talk to moms about their kids today, I often hear that spiritual gifts, anointing, and callings are already presenting themselves. …
- be commissionedI was reading from Joshua this morning, and the words leaped off the page into my heart. I clearly heard the Lord commissioning me for this year of homeschooling. We started on this last Tuesday with a fantastic day, and each day following was a little less wonderful. 🙂 As I gear up for week two, I am much more …
- 5 minute friday: lonelyI am participating for the first time (eeek!) with a great blogging community via 5 Minute Friday. Lisa-Jo Baker suggests a theme, and bloggers can join in by writing for 5 minutes straight about the topic. No editing, no over-thinking. Just write, even if it’s not just right.
- anniversary of hopeI didn’t realize it until I wrote the date in my journal, but today is an anniversary of sorts. Exactly five years ago today was the due date for a pregnancy that was not meant to be. We were all giddy when the doctor announced that our baby would arrive on 8-08-08. The perfection of the date seemed to be …
- new addressI’ve moved my blog here to this new address (where I own and manage all of my own content) but it requires followers of this blog to resubscribe! Just hit the button on the top right for RSS, or enter your email in the space provided in the upper right column. Thanks for following! blessings, Jamie
- what’s chasing you?Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again. God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!” God said to Moses: “Why cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites. …
- pruning againLots of changes are going on in my neck of the woods. God is moving and doing all kinds of new things. I always say that I love change as long as it’s my idea. That gives you an indication of how things are going here! The Lord has been talking to me about letting go of the old, yet …
- Up a levelConfession: I have been addicted to Candy Crush for a few months now. It’s a fun little game that is tough to put down. The trouble with this game, however, is that the higher you go in levels, the harder it gets. There are easy levels here and there, but some seem virtually impossible. When you get to level 181, …
- fresh from the archivesI was reading through old blog posts and found the one you’ll see below. It’s very appropriate for me as I prepare to get back to schooling. Many of us are praying, thinking and planning as we anticipate getting back to more structured schedules. August dawns next week and when it fades, summer will too. The Lord revealed something to …
- perfect little linesFlying home yesterday, I saw some beautiful landscapes out the window. This particular sight really appealed to me. Any guesses as to why? You probably figured it out: I love the perfect little lines. I love how the land is divided equally and exquisitely. How I long for my life to look like this landscape! It brings to mind a …
- the sunroomAs I write, I am sitting in the most glorious sunroom looking out on the fields of Washington, Indiana. The adults are resting and the children went on an excursion with their grandma. The house is quiet and I am enjoying the Lord’s rest. The last several days have been quite an adventure. The Lord arranged for me to fly …
- the one thingI went to the laundromat yesterday morning with several loads of laundry. My washing machine at home has not been working this week, and I had to go out with twenty dollars in quarters to get it done! It was actually nice to get it all done at once. Normally, it would take me a few days to get that …
- speak to the pastHere is another post from a blog I no longer write for. I am slowly transferring all my posts to one place. This one is from August 2011. I love how God works with us in such tangible and visual ways. He is currently working in me to heal some old wounds. Funny how the healing process can be a …
- motherly adviceYesterday I had the privilege of going to a baby shower. The picture above features my oldest daughter with the mother-to-be. What a beautiful celebration of God’s work in a young woman, bringing her to the verge of motherhood. All of the guests were asked to give her some written encouragement or advice about mothering. As I thought about the …
- the wallI use a certain phrase a lot. It typically indicates that I have reached the end of my ability to gracefully keep up with life. Sometimes it means that my sleep deficit has caught up with me. Can you relate to this illustration? Have you ever hit the wall? Sometimes this happens to me in my spiritual or emotional life, …
- the bad guyOne of the hardest things about motherhood is that you can’t do the job properly and maintain a high approval rating from your charges. I’ve been growing weary of the eye rolling, door slamming, and tantrums when I redirect, correct, and discipline. Who wants to be the bad guy all the time? After a particularly tough week, this verse came …
- no cheap goodsI read this devotion this morning, and it summed up my last post so well that I thought I would share it. This comes from my all time favorite devotion, Streams in the Desert. The devotional book was written and compiled by L.B. Cowman, a missionary that served with her husband for 16 years in Japan in the very early …
- taking risksI was fortunate enough to have a solitary walk on the beach not to long ago. (Deep breath as I remember that rare moment.) Now, I’ll admit that lots of folks were there, so it wasn’t solitary in the true sense, but no one called me “Mommy” or asked me to make them something to eat. It was glorious. I …
- terrible twosIf you’re a parent, then you are all too familiar with this stage of opposition and self-absorption. Now that I’ve been a mom for over 15 years, I’ve noticed that the terrible twos resurface quite a bit throughout childhood. When hormones start surging in the preteen years, when a desire for independence comes in the teen years, and even a …
- we are not consumedEver wake up feeling like this? I often wake up with yesterday’s stuff hanging over me. I remember how I suffered over something and can’t imagine doing that for another day. I remember how I let my heart and mind wander away from the One that I need most of all. I remember how bitter I’ve become over repeated failures …
- convincedConfession: This verse has always brought alternating waves of comfort and condemnation to my heart. I can read it one time and receive comfort knowing that God’s love is the antidote for my fear; that His love surpasses everything that I have ever known about love in this life. And then I can read it another time, and the end …
- long time, no seeIt’s been quite a while since I’ve written anything on my blog here. For a season, I was writing a blog for a friend’s ministry, but that has come to a close. So here I am again, feeling the need to put some thoughts together and share what God is doing. I originally began this blog when the Lord called …
- the answer is yesThere are all types of moms out there. For years, I was the uptight, live-by-rules kind of mom. I confess that I was a wet-blanket sort of mom when it came to time-consuming, messy, inconvenient, expense-required adventures. When my son came along (10 years after two girls) I realized that I was spending way too much of my time talking …
- now & laterEver feel like it’s just one thing after another? This morning I was feeling sorry for myself, and the Lord reminded me that what I am going through is NOT just about the moment. It’s more about my future. It’s transforming me now, and preparing me for later. Now and later. The circumstances He’s allowing, the inner stirring that forces …
- 40 yearsWe are in relationship with a loving God. Though I cannot see Him with my eyes, He has become so tangible to me and to my heart. This morning, I was emotional and grateful for a certain friendship He has provided in my life. I was thinking, “Lord, why are you so good to me? I don’t deserve it…” Before …
- awe-inspiringThe Lord has been speaking to me quite a bit from Psalm 139. These lessons are helping me understand my value in Him. Yesterday, I learned a truth worth repeating to myself multiple times a day: My value comes from being created in His image. Today, the Lord turned the lights on (so to speak) when I read verse 14 …
- valueWhere does your value come from? If you’re like me, you fall into the trap of thinking that your value comes from: weight and appearance intelligence and schooling talents and accomplishments success in marriage and parenting faith and spiritual discipline financial situation This morning while I was reading Psalm 139, the Lord flooded me with truth. 13 For you created …
- controlAn excellent question was posed at bible study Tuesday night. We were discussing how Jesus tore the veil that separates us from God when he died on the cross; how we have complete and unhindered access to God. However, we allow things to come between us and the Lord. Here lies the question… what veil have I allowed to be …
- a done dealI was very intrigued by this verse that I read today: “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Heb 10:14 NIV “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Heb 10:14 NKJ This verse speaks of one thing that is done and one thing that is ongoing. …
- besiegedWe have a warrior God. I heard a pastor say once that when it comes to spiritual warfare, the battle is not against us, but over us. We are the spoils of war. The Lord is ever warring with the enemy for the salvation and transformation of His children. This truth came alive as I read Psalm 139. Verse 5 …
- pruningThe Lord prompted me to go out to our rose garden this morning, so I grabbed the pruning shears and a bucket on my way. As I snipped off the dead blooms, He spoke to me about the pruning that He does in my life. Pruning is necessary. Shriveled blooms must be removed to make room for new blossoms. Wayward …
- like JesusMany christians would say that an important goal or mark of growth in their lives is becoming like Jesus. The Bible encourages us to cast off sin, to be loving, to forgive, to “walk as Jesus walked.” (1 John 2:6) He has extended revolutionary love and grace to us. “…when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved …