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 still night And gives food to her household And assigns tasks to her maids.
There is something in the original language that the Amplified version picks up and elaborates on in that last line. God included something in the text to show us that we are not to do it all alone. We are not responsible for everything!
This holiday season, I believe God wants us to ask for help and delegate. I believe that He wants us to let others help with the planning and preparation. And then perhaps we will experience the peace and joy that He intended.
{ 5 ways to cultivate gratitude this month }
Last week I shared some simple activities you can do on your own or with your family to create a whole month of thanksgiving, rather than just one day! You can find the ideas in detail here: 5 ways to cultivate gratitude
{ holiday planning guide }
If you’re looking for some help in getting the Thanksgiving & Christmas plans rolling without all the stress, my holiday planning guide is still available as a free download! It includes prayer and journaling prompts, tips for setting priorities, and a sample planning schedule.
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 feel linked to Him throughout the day.
The first tip is about combining spiritual activities with things you’re already doing. Check it out here:
More tips will be coming over the next several weeks! Let me know which ones really work for you.
>>> holiday planning guide
I recently created a Holiday Planning Guide that came out of my own quest for peace and joy during the season! Last year, I was so overwhelmed and didn’t really enjoy the holidays.
If you are looking for some inspiration and help to approach the next couple of months differently, then this is for you! There are prayer and journal prompts, a sample planning schedule, and helpful tips.
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 way, but most present it as I initially read it. You delight in me, Lord?
Why is this so hard to believe?
We tend to be so much more critical of ourselves than God is of us. I know this because as I press in and listen to Him, the Holy Spirit whispers compassionate and affectionate things to me far more than correction. And often, the word of correction is about how I need to be more patient and gentle with myself.
We tend to focus on our weaknesses and failures, thinking those things disqualify us from being delightful to Him. But He doesn’t focus on those things.
He sees His very image embedded in you. He sees the seed of faith growing in your heart. He sees the desire to be in agreement with Him rising up in you. He sees your willingness to keep walking with Him.
Beloved, He delights in you!
>>> giveaway coming tomorrow, 9/18!
I’ve teamed up with some INCREDIBLE CONTRIBUTORS to bring you a giveaway packed with resources to fuel your spiritual growth, and healing journey, and strengthen your family and relationships!
Our giveaway boasts over 20 generous contributors and 35 prizes, including books, devotionals, courses, jewelry, coaching sessions, artwork, and more!
Here’s how to enter:
Click this SUPER SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY link that will go live on Monday, September 18th:
Enter your email using the link to win one of these fabulous prize bundles:
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Forward this to someone who could benefit from these incredible resources for spiritual growth, healing, and strengthening family bonds!
Important Details:
📆 The Super September Giveaway runs from 9/18/23 to 9/25/23.
🎉 We’ll announce three lucky winners via KingSumo on 9/26, who will be notified within 48 hours.
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