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:
🎁 Prize Bundle 1: 6 books, devotional coloring book, 3 scripture paintings, a free Spiritual disciplines/Joy coaching session, Children’s Christian magazine, personal growth course, bracelet, bookmark, scripture cards, and stickers.
🎁 Prize Bundle 2: 6 books, Marriage Course & workbook, a free Confidence coaching session, bible highlighters, water bottle, Children’s Christian magazine, and an Alex and Ani Butterfly Bracelet.
🎁 Prize Bundle 3: 7 books, Identity workbook, audiobook, Children’s book, a free Spiritual Growth coaching session, Children’s Christian magazine, and stickers.
Don’t forget to increase your chances of winning by following, liking, and subscribing to each of our amazing contributors!
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.
📧 By entering, you agree to receive emails from the contributing authors (you can always unsubscribe).
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 is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Perhaps these verses have been used to call into question your spirituality or your ability to honor God in your body. However, the context of 1 Corinthians chapter 16 is sexual immorality, not diet or body size. The Bible states no preference and makes no requirement for body size, not in 1 Corinthians, or any other passage. When choosing people to serve Him, even in leadership, God says that He looks at the heart, not at outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).
The world—and some Christians—clearly despise and dishonor fat bodies. However, God values every body. Believers of all sizes can honor God in the bodies they have right now.
>>> read my article in salt + sparrow‘s online publication
This week I was featured as a contributing writer for the inspirational and encouraging publication Salt + Sparrow. You can read my devotion here: “When God Asks You to Surrender Control”.
I would be so blessed if you visited Salt + Sparrow to read the article and left a comment for me!
>>> new podcast episode
This week, you can listen to part 3 of the mini-retreat webinar I hosted in early August. Episode 2.13 explores the need to ask God hard questions like, “Where were You when this happened to me?” We’ll talk about how these questions aren’t disrespectful to God; they’re a necessary process that builds our trust in Him. We‘ll press into God’s presence through a spiritual writing exercise, and close our time with a song of worship led by Brynn Goodwin. You can listen here: pressing in podcast
