Get Satisfied

by Jennifer Slattery on February 18, 2016November 1, 2021

“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6 NIV).

And discontentment? That will make you plain miserable. When I encounter the same theme again and again, I start to take notice, because chances are, God’s trying to teach me something. If we’re connected on Facebook, you likely saw my Internet Cafe post yesterday on how discontentment stole my joy. (Read it HERE.) Then I open my inbox this morning to begin formatting Angela’s devotion, and bam! Another devotion on contentment.

Kinda makes me wonder if God feels this is an area I need to grow in. Uh… yeah. Of course it is, because the moment I turn my eyes of Christ and all He’s done, my inner monster begins to grumble. Making everyone miserable, myself most of all.

As you read Angela’s thoughts on how to remain satisfied–deeply pleased–in all circumstances, ask God to show you how you can do the same.

But first, some housekeeping stuff. Starting in March, I’ll be launching two blog series, one here and another, well, everywhere. (Or wherever I guest post.) On Mondays, here, I’m implementing Momma-Mondays where I’ll be writing about ways we can parent (or grandparent) to our children’s heart, partnering with God as He perfects that which concerns them and molds, trains, and equips them for their future calling. I’m also launching a series humorously titled the Brain Experiment, where I’ll invite readers to saturate their thoughts with Scripture in order to replace the lies with truth, fear with faith, and insecurities with confident hope. I’ll start that here on the 25th and will list where and when I’ll be sharing follow-up devotions. I hope you’ll join me! (Note to other bloggers, if this sounds like something you’d like to do as well, email me and we can chat.)

Get Satisfied

By Angela Ruth Strong

On one of my first dates with my husband, we went to the mall and ate Cajun food. It was greasy and delicious, and I really should have saved half of it to take home rather than shovel it all into my mouth. But it was sooo good. As I got back into his truck, I said, “I am satisfied.”

For some reason, he thought that was the cutest thing ever and he laughed so hard he couldn’t even get into the truck. He kept repeating, “I am satisfied.” Now we say that phrase as a joke whenever dinner is really good.

The thing was that we weren’t only satisfied with the food, we were satisfied with the company. According to the MacMillan Dictionary, we were “pleased with what had happened.” We were in a place where we were so comfortable and happy we could laugh about nothing and simply enjoy life. It’s a great feeling. So good I want to remind myself of this feeling even when I’m not pleased with what is going on around me.

My word for the year is “satisfied.”

But that doesn’t mean I’m going to keep stuffing my face with Cajun food. That means that no matter what happens, I will remind myself of the gift God has already given me. Whether my furnace goes out (ahem, we had the repair guy here today), or my car decides not to let me pump gas into it anymore even though it’s empty (does this stuff ever happen to anybody besides me?), or I get another painful rejection from a publisher who expressed interest in buying my work, I can still be satisfied.

“When I awake, your presence will satisfy me” (Psalm 17:15b, ISV).

He is enough. I know this because I told him to test me once and then I lost everything. But it wasn’t because God wanted to test me. No, He’d lovingly prepared me for heartbreak. So when I had nothing else, He was able to remind me, “You know I’m your all, Angela. You know it.”

The great thing about having nothing is that when God restores what was taken, you are more grateful than ever. You are satisfied. Which is how I want to live not only this year, but the rest of my life.

“Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby content” (Psalm 131:2b the Message).

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Angela Ruth Strong studied journalism at the University of Oregon and published her first novel, Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho, in 2010. With movie producers interested in her book (Read about that HERE), she’s decided to rerelease it and write sequels as a new series titled Resort to Love. This Idaho Top Author and Cascade Award winner also started IDAhope Writers to encourage other aspiring authors, and she’s excited to announce the sale of her first romantic suspense novel to Love Inspired Suspense. For the latest news or to contact Angela, visit www.angelaruthstrong.com.

Finding Love in Sun Valley Idaho:

Actress Emily Van Arsdale has returned to her Idaho hometown – with an entire film crew in tow! With its stunning scenery and reputation for hosting celebrities, Sun Valley is the perfect setting for Emily’s newest romantic comedy. Tracen Lake is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie but not as thrilled to deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood types. But Tracen is surprised to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does all her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads off to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley – and Tracen – behind?

Let’s talk about this! Pause to evaluate your life. Are you content? What have

you allowed to steal your contentment (and therefore, your joy)? What are some steps you can take, this week, to find contentment? Share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions with us, because we can all encourage and learn from each other. Join the conversation here in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook.

Resources you might enjoy:

A Still and Quiet Soul by Cathy Messecar (I contributed a story to this one.)

True Contentment by Rhonda H. Kelley

Why Do We Worry?

by Jennifer Slattery on February 11, 2016November 1, 2021

What kinds of things do you worry over? Do you ever let worry overwhelm you to the point you forget just Who is in control? Today Sarah Ruut reminds us that though we may worry and fret over many different things in this life, there is One whom we can trust to hold everything in His hands.

But first, for my book-loving friends, I wanted to let you know Intertwined is still on sale for under $3! (ecopies). You can get the kindle version here, nook version here, and CBD’s transferable e-version here. PLUS, CBD has my next novel up for pre-order for 31% off regular price here. (You can read some of the early reviews that have come in here.)

Why Do We Worry? by Sarah Ruut

It had been a long day. I finally headed to the store with my four kids (7 and under) for groceries. The problem? It was 5 o’clock.

why do we worry I knew they were going to get hungry and fussy, but I didn’t know what to do about it. I was already pinching pennies, so a fast food meal – or even a snack – was out.

The 30-minute drive did not bring any ideas. Instead, I spent the time fretting and stewing, tying my stomach in knots instead. I just knew the next hour would be miserable for us all.

With the youngest in the seat of a cart, I boosted my daughter into the main part of the basket. As we started walking into the store, the kids got excited.

“Look, Mommy! I found a dollar!”

I turned, expecting to see an ad or receipt. There in her hand was indeed a dollar. But not just a one. She held a ten-dollar bill out for my inspection.

What do you do with stray cash? I looked around to see if there was anyone who could have left it, but no one paid us any attention. No one was walking from the area as if they had just left a cart.

People just don’t leave ten-dollar bills laying around, though. Who even pays cash these days, right? The whole situation, after the worrying I had been doing about my finances, was a bit shocking.

We continued into the store, and the Lord spoke very clearly.

“I feed the birds of the air and clothe the lilies of the field. Why don’t you trust me to take care of your children?”

I fought tears as the full reality washed over me. My fretting was the exact opposite of faith! If I truly trusted God, I had no need to worry.

We used the money for a box of granola bars and a drink, which we paid for and consumed before doing our “real” shopping. The kids survived the trip, and I kept my sanity. But the lesson that day has never faded.

There are so many times in our day-to-day lives when it is easy to worry. Whether leaving a baby with a sitter or allowing a teen to take the keys, sitting with a loved one in the hospital or watching a tornado bear down on a town, there are things beyond our control that we fret about.

person-371015_640 But if we truly believe that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will, do we really have any reason to worry?

Doesn’t He love our children (spouse, family, friends, etc.) even more than we do?

Can’t He calm the storm with a spoken command?

Doesn’t He own the cattle on a thousand hills?

We don’t have to worry. We don’t have to fix it. We don’t have to have all the answers.

We simply have to trust the One who has it all under control!

Sarah Ruut Pic
Sarah Ruut is an avid reader who loves sharing about books and their authors on her blog. You’ll find devotionals as well as reviews of Christian fiction, interviews with amazing authors, giveaways and more at sarahruut.com. You can also connect with Sarah on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

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Let’s talk about this! What are some worries that you tend to focus on? How do you work through those worries? Do you delve into the Word, pray, or both? What are some of your favorite verses to think on when you begin to feel worry? Can you think of a time when you felt His peace and provision so deeply, the worry disappeared? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook, because we can all learn from each other!

Coming soon I’ll be doing a blog series titled “The Brain Experiment” where we replace negative, anxiety-producing, and self-defeating thoughts with truth and watch how this impacts our emotions and behaviors. So, stay tuned! 🙂

Living as a Gift

by Jennifer Slattery on January 7, 2016November 1, 2021

Photo by Africa taken from freedigitalphotos.net

How many challenges and setbacks can an individual encounter before he decides to give up?

I hate to admit it, but if I’d experienced even half of what Dr. Ohaju, director of St. Joseph’s trauma center endured, I fear I may have retreated. Thrown my hands up in defeat and turned down an easier path.

I could learn a great deal from Dr. Ohaju, not only about perseverance but about gratitude, humility, and what it means to have a servant’s heart.

I met this man during a very frightening and stressful time. My mom-in-law had gone into the emergency room with stomach pain and a distended abdomen. After an emergency scope, she was rushed into surgery where Dr. Ohaju saved her life.

I shudder to think what might have happened had God not placed my mom-in-law under his care that week, and it was a good week that she spent in the hospital as she began the difficult and painful process of recovering from major surgery.

While dealing with a cancer diagnosis. That stung, and created all sorts of questions and uncertainties. You could feel the apprehension in the room, a tension that instantly dissipated whenever Dr. Ohaju walked in. God’s love flowed from him and instantly set us all at ease. We knew immediately not only that we were in the presence of a brilliant and compassionate surgeon, but also that, through him, God had absolutely everything under control.

That’s what happens when we surrender our gifts and passions into God’s hands; He uses our every act as a love letter from us to His hurting world. As he did for us through Dr. Ohaju, and as he does for numerous impoverished Nigerians to this day, also through Dr. Ohaju.

He grew up during the Nigerian Civil war, also called the War of Biafra. It was a brutal, terrifying time where innocent people were slaughtered and masses of children and the elderly were abandoned. Many starved to death.

During this time, Dr. Ohaju did whatever he could to survive while helping his family put food on the table. One would find him standing outside the train station, waiting to sell oranges or bananas or whatever he could find to hungry travelers. He went to school in starts and stops, when he was able. Until it came time for him to enter sixth grade, when, in Nigeria, one must pay to go to school.

There was no way Dr. Ohaju’s family could pay his tuition.

Until one day, a teacher had mercy, and offered him an opened doorway. One of many to come. Because God saw something in Dr. Ohaju—God saw past his devastating beginnings to the gift that poor little boy would one day grow to be.

I’ll be telling his story, which is quite extensive and nothing short of miraculous, over the coming year through a separate blog, but first, I’ll share the ending. Well, not the ending, as his story is still unfolding, but what this godly man is doing now.

By God’s grace and with the help of others, Dr. Ohaju came to America where he pursued a degree in medicine. It was an incredibly difficult and long journey. One marked by heartbreak, for while he was in America, his father, back in Nigeria, died. From a treatable condition. Like so many others in Dr. Ohaju’s homeland.

Many Nigerians are dying daily from illnesses and diseases that are easily treatable, a tragedy Dr. Ohaju is determined to do something about through the medical missions nonprofit he started. In 2004, the VOOM Foundation, named after his deceased father, was born. The mission’s goal: to bring medical care to the poor and indigenes of Nigeria. (You can read more of his story HERE.)

And you can help. I encourage you to check out his foundations website and visit them on Facebook, and prayerfully consider donating to his cause. I also invite you to visit a blog I’ll be starting at the end of this month titled Truth in Fiction where I’ll be sharing bits of Dr. Ohaju’s story in more detail. In addition, I’m hoping to capture the essence of his story in a full-length novel, one he’s graciously agreed to help me with.

In the meantime, pray for us both: pray that he stays encouraged and focused on the call God has infused in his heart, and pray for me that I can capture the beauty, miracle, and perseverance of his story in novel form.

Let’s talk about this! What thoughts came to mind as you read about Dr. Ohaju’s story? How do you typically respond to setbacks? Have you ever sensed God calling you to something that felt so incredibly difficult, maybe even seemed impossible? If so, how did you respond? Share your thoughts here in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook, because we can all learn from each other!

Focusing on What Lies Before You

by Jennifer Slattery on December 31, 2015November 1, 2021

The older we get, the less time we seem to have and the faster moments appear to zip by. It’s intriguing to me how easy it is to waste time without realizing it. And even when utilizing every moment, it’s easy to spend our time on things that aren’t assigned to us.

With the New Year approaching, it’s a great time to take stock–to prayerfully evaluate all our activities and commitments, bringing each one under the authority of Christ.

One Sunday a youth in our church approached me, wanting to know how he could know if his desire to write came from himself or from God. That’s the age-old question for all of us, right? How do we know this thing is God’s will? How do we know what to pursue and what to release?

I don’t believe there’s an easy answer to that question, but I know where it starts–drawing near to Christ. Learning to lean on Him, to listen for His still small voice, and to practice an attitude of surrender.

Surrender. It always comes back to that, doesn’t it? Because a surrendered heart is a sensitive and pliable heart. A heart ready to hear.

Or to wait, should God’s instructions tarry.

So this is my goal for 2016–to stay in God’s presence, ever-alert to His guidance, and then to follow His leading with unyielding focus. Because the question isn’t will God show us His will but rather are we alert and obedient to it.

Consider David’s words in Psalm 16:7-8

“I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me” (NLT).

Even at night, our hearts instruct us.

God longs for us to obey Him; He longs for us to travel on that very good path He has marked out for us. He longs to see us become the men and women He created us to be, walking toward our unique calling. And He’s committed to bring us there; are we committed to follow?

I leave you with this passage from Proverbs 4, one I’ve been meditating on and praying for over a year now:

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. … Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked. Keep your feet from following evil” (Prov. 4:23, 25-27 NLT).

(Speaking to myself) Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life, even at night it instructs us. And focus on what lies ahead. Don’t get sidetracked or distracted, don’t proceed aimlessly without forethought. Rather, prayerfully determine what God’s will is for you, and follow after that thing with everything you’ve got.

Let’s talk about this. Do you develop a lifeplan? What about a spiritual growth plan? What might God be calling you to pursue in this coming year? What might He be calling you to let go of? What are you doing to keep that thing (or those things) on the forefront of your mind? Share your thoughts here in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook, because we can all learn from each other.

Your Superhero Powers

by Jennifer Slattery on December 17, 2015November 1, 2021

“Keeping our spirit in tune with the Father’s heartbeat trains our eyes to see things we’d normally miss.” ~ Maria Morgan

Such a beautiful, necessary, and truth-filled statement. I shared the song last week, and due to copyright laws can’t really share the lines I love here, without sharing the song again. But the first line gets me every time and really reiterates, I feel, what author Maria Morgan is saying in this post. So, listen to this song, then read my dear friends thoughts on the Superhero within each of us. And then go visit and subscribe to her blog, because she’s such a talented author with a heart set completely on Christ.

What You have in Common with Superheroes by Maria Morgan

Have you ever wanted to be a superhero? From incredible strength and speed to x-ray vision and the ability to disappear, superheroes have extraordinary powers they use to help others.

I remember watching The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman when I was a kid. Although they weren’t true superheroes, I imagined what it would be like to have supersonic hearing and bionic legs that would make me run circles around the likes of Florence Griffith-Joyner. Silly, I know.

The miracle

Although I’ll never have the keen hearing to pick up what’s being discussed a mile away, or the speed to out-run the fastest woman in the world, as a believer, I DO possess supernatural power. When I trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior, something miraculous took place – He made me His child, and sent the Holy Spirit to live within me.

It’s nothing short of amazing to discover the things the Holy Spirit can do in my life to draw others to Christ: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you,” (John 14:26; KJV).

Good fruit

As I read and study God’s Word, the Holy Spirit aids me in remembering it and reminds me of other passages that I’ve read with similar content. As I make reading and obeying the Word a regular

part of my day, the Holy Spirit helps me produce good fruit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

Several weeks ago, I met a friend for coffee at Atlanta Bread Company. The cash registers were down and the girl taking our order apologized for having to write everything out manually. She seemed a bit distraught and I thought about slipping her a gospel tract.

As we moved to the end of the counter, she handed me my receipt and I told her I hoped her day improved. My concern caught her by surprise.

She shared that her Dad was in the hospital with cancer and she was waiting to hear from her Mom about his prognosis. It was a heartbreaking situation that opened the door for me to pray with her and to leave her with a tract introducing her to the Heavenly Father.

Tuning in

Keeping our spirit in tune with the Father’s heartbeat trains our eyes to see things we’d normally miss. God wants to use us to point others to Him.

When unbelievers see the fruit of the Spirit in action, it causes them to stop and consider the God of the universe:

*Love gives without expecting anything in return.

*Joy is a result of putting Jesus first, others second, and ourselves third.

*Peace is not an absence of conflict, but is the product of embracing prayer and thanksgiving in the midst of the storm.

*Patient endurance in the face of suffering speaks volumes.

*Gentleness gets the attention of those who treat others with rudeness.

*Demonstrating consistent faith and faithfulness testify to a great God.

*Meekness is strength under control, someone who is free from pride.

*Temperance or self-control is powerful in an “if it feels good do it” society.

We’re able to display each characteristic of the delicious, satisfying fruit of the Spirit as we yield to the Lord Jesus Christ. When we do, He can use this fruit to powerfully impact others. Be fruitful.

Let’s talk about this!

Is the fruit of the Spirit evident in your life? Will you yield to the Lord today? Share your thoughts in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with me. Forgive me for the countless times I’ve tried to do things for You in my own strength. I know it’s not possible. Help me yield to Your Holy Spirit so I’ll be able to point others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good news

You can enter to win a copy of Maria I. Morgan’s latest release, Outrageously Fruitful, a 10-week fruit of the Spirit Bible study, by leaving a comment below!

*Contest open to US residents only

*Deadline to enter is midnight Eastern Standard Time, Sunday, December 20^th, 2015. Winner will be chosen by a random drawing and notified via email.

Maria I. Morgan in an inspirational writer and speaker. She is the award-winning author of Louie’s BIG day! Regardless of the age of her audience, her goal is the same: to share God’s truth and make an eternal difference.

by Jennifer Slattery on December 10, 2015November 1, 2021

Photo by imagerymajestic taken from freedigitalphotos.net

I’m becoming increasingly aware of how difficult the holidays can be for so very many of you. Some of you have lost loved ones, others feel disconnected from those they long most to connect with, and still others are completely overwhelmed by everything the holidays bring. Life is hard, and the hard doesn’t go away just because we add some mistletoe or stockings to our doorways and mantels.

And yet, what if we were to peel all that back? What if we were to step aside and consider what Christmas truly is all about. Not to sound cliche’, but it’s not about the tinsel or the gingerbread cookies. It’s about a tiny baby who came to our sin-ravished earth during an inconvenient and busy time, to a tired, shunned couple who couldn’t find a place amidst the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem to birth their firstborn. It’s about a baby who grew to be a man, filled with the fullness of God and all that entails, who then spread His arms out wide and offered up all He was so that you and I might live.

Christmas isn’t about the lights or the music or what we serve for Christmas dinner–it’s about redemption and delivery. It’s about Immanuel–God with us, through the beautiful and the hard.

Today fellow ACFW writer Carole Brown shares what Christmas means to her. Whether your holidays are merry and bright or hard and dark, I hope the truth in her devotion brings you peace.

This is December by Carole Brown

“I will cry unto the Lord in my trouble, and He shall deliver me.”

This is December. The month we celebrate our Lord’s birth, the Son who came to earth to be our Savior.

But He not only came to save but to be our deliverer. For some, this time of the year is not a joyous season. Hearts are heavy, bodies weary, minds confused.

Are any of you distressed?
In sorrow?
Worried?
Pressured?
Blue and lonely?

Of course, many are, and today’s world and news doesn’t make us any easier in our minds.

The first of the year, I had a phone call of the surprising, awkward and horrible deaths of my cousin and aunt. An ordinary death is hard enough, but one that shouldn’t have been, one caused by pride and shame and ignorance–that one haunted me for days. I felt sadness and depression that I couldn’t shake.

I knew after awhile that I needed to be rescued from the depression the enemy held over me. My husband encouraged and prayed. I pled with God to intervene. And slowly, slowly, He delivered me from the depression. How?

I trusted God would come through for me. Their deaths were in the past and I couldn’t do a thing about their sad deaths.
I had to do my part. Follow God’s leadings in how He wanted to work in this situation of my life, what He wanted me to learn and how to move forward.
Action and focus. I needed to put my thoughts and actions into a new way of thinking. Instead of thinking so much of what had happened to these two people, I had to begin concentrating on my life and what God wanted me to go forward with.

Use the lessons God gives us in life to be a stronger, more active Christian. Be bold with your faith as God leads. Stand firm on what you know God wants you to do.

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Carole Brown not only has her award winning (2015 Winner of the USA Best Books Award, 2015 Small Publishers Book Award, RWA International Digital Award finalist, Clash of the Titles Laurel Awards finalist, Selah finalist; Genesis semi-finalist) debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, available for purchase now. Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Sabotaged Christmas (an Appleton WV Romantic Mystery Book 1):

Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions–all because of the mysterious pink notes she’s receiving.

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubled history—but the first man in years who’s interested her–is building to a peak. Yet Perrin‘s own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way.

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business all converge to play a part in ruining Christmas for Toni’s employees. Will the mysterious person behind it all succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen?

Will this culprit destroy Toni’s last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

Buy it HERE!

Let’s talk about this! I believe God is sovereign, attentive, and actively involved in our lives. I believe He truly does use all things for our good. But sometimes that good, along with the first or next step toward it, can be hard to see. Especially if we’re in a tough place or hurting. I loved Carole’s commitment to seek God, even when tragedy hit. What an example of fixing one’s thoughts on those things that are lovely, true, and worthy of respect. This Christmas, what can you fix your thoughts on? What might God be asking you to do, and will you obey? Share your thoughts in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook, because we can all learn from one another!

And tonight, visit Heart of the Matter Radio to hear my suggestions on how we can find calm and peace among the craziness of the holiday season.

Oh, and to my local friends, I’ve got two fun events you can join me at. First, my church is having a Christmas Coffee and craft. It’s going to be way fun, and it’s free, plus, we’ve got childcare! (Also free!) You can find out more and sign up HERE.

Second, Sunday afternoon I’m doing a signing at one of my favorite bookstores–Barnes and Noble near the Omaha Oak View Mall. I’ll be there from 1-3pm. Stop in and say hi–and bring a friend!

When Faith Grows Strongest

by Jennifer Slattery on December 5, 2015November 1, 2021

ID-100223057 — Photo by artemisphoto taken from freedigitalphotos.net

Those who know me well are familiar with my slight obsession with music. If a song touches or tugs on my heart, I’ll listen to it over, and over, and over. It’s interesting, in a round-about way, that through a certain song that’s landed on my replay list and Scripture verses read each morning, God appears to be saying the same thing, and that thing is focus. Surrender. And stay ever close, because life is too short and the stakes are too high to become complacent or self-centered.

The first two lines in this song get me every time, and call me to pray. To surrender. To fight the tendency to become complacent, distracted and lukewarm.

(To my sweet friend SandyT, I wanted to text you this song yesterday but couldn’t do so from my phone.)

I encourage you to prayerfully listen to this song by Cloverton before reading Paula Rose’s post below.

Turning From Lukewarm Faith by Paula Rose

There was a time in my life when I let my faith become lukewarm. It’s not an abstract, intangible place. Looking back, I realize this was my own doing. I hadn’t my circumstances nor my trials to blame. Pressure and pain weren’t the catalyst. My cool down came at a time when I was fine, but I was waiting in the hallway of life feeling like I’d been standing there too long, waiting for a window to open.

How can I even think about how long was too long?

I came to realize through tragedy something I forgot through the plush mountains of good times and inside the periods of “not just yet.”

My timeline isn’t His.

ID-100140078 — Photo by anankkml taken from freedigitalphotos.net

We are all aware that tragedy will bring you to your knees like nothing other, but tragedy also brings with it silver linings that make you realize you are not alone. In the midst of pain, we can find who and what has been missing, and this is the greatest present of all.

I wasn’t granted a perfect ending. I was granted the ability to return to His embrace and to realize how off track I’d traveled. Through our life many changes will happen, people will leave, and our role may be increased or decreased on a certain stage. However, even through these emotional roller coaster rides, He is there.

I found in life that we can travel full circle and back again, but we might let go of Him when we’re too comfortable or too hurried. I’ve realized that the truest test of my faith wasn’t the tougher times, but for me, the true test was in the hallway. In the end, I had failed, but I was still welcome. I had failed, but I was still loved. I stayed silent too long, but He waited to hear from me.

This was how I came to be devoted, all over again.

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Author Paula Rose brings an “average” family into extraordinary situations, brushes with life-size strokes of reality, adding just a touch of humor, and coats with suspense inside Christian fiction. Paula’s research gives readers a panoramic view from law enforcement and lends to character authenticity. She enjoys writing in the romantic suspense, suspense, and mystery genres, but when she’s not writing, Paula Rose is reading or playing amateur photographer. Member of ACFW. 2015 Genesis Contest judge. NetGalley member. 2014 Grace Awards judge.

Visit her online at Books-N-Reviews and on her website.

Her novel, Revenge:

As a job coach, it’s up to Olivia Foster to ensure her clients work in a safe environment, understand their positions, and serve their employer’s mission. The death of her brother drives her career choice, and she loves her job. It remains her only focus until one of her autistic clients goes missing. Then Olivia’s employer ends her position and adds her to the suspect list, but she makes plans to bring the missing young man home.

Detective Lt. Phillip Landon is deep into second-guessing his career choice, but his well-honed instincts see major flaws inside this missing person’s case. Surprising contacts, mysterious happenings, and threats can turn deadly. Can he keep Olivia safe, protect his heart, remove the job coach from someone’s target list, and adopt a faith he never knew all while adjusting to the new lives of his old family?

Find it online at ACFW Fiction Finder, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and discover deleted chapters and more of the story at Kobo!

Let’s talk about this! When do you feel closest to God? When do you find your faith to be strongest and most influential? Share your thoughts here in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook.

Last Sunday a double amputee from my church shared his testimony, and in it, one phrase really stood out to me. He said God had trusted him to go through the trial he had.

Wow, is that not powerful? You can see his testimony in its entirety here:

Reality Stories – Dave Newell from Reality Church on Vimeo.

Finally, for those who are local and looking to do some Christmas shopping, stop by Barnes and Noble in Omaha near the Oakview mall on Dec. 13th from 1pm-3pm(ish); I’ll be signing all three of my novels.

Unpack Your Talents

by Jennifer Slattery on December 3, 2015November 1, 2021

“To not use a talent to the best of your ability is to stifle the thing that makes you most special. It is like plucking the wings off a butterfly.” ~Fennel Hudson, A Writer’s Year — Fennel’s Journal, No. 3

I met Vanessa Fortenberry at last year’s Catch the Wave Christian Writers Conference in Atlanta. As one of the presenters, she shared a devotion I found so encouraging, the moment the main session completed, I made a beeline for her, and having barely made self-introductions, blurted out, “Would you be willing to share the message you just gave with my blog readers?”

She said yes and here we are. She is such a lovely woman of Christ, I know you’ll be as blessed by her insight as I was, and am.

Unpacking Your Talents by Vanessa Fortenberry

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving

one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10 NASB).

A few years ago, I received an email message from a former chorus student I taught in elementary school some 14 years previously. In college and pursuing a career in music as a singer/songwriter, this young woman took the time to thank me for instilling in her a foundation and love of music.

Grateful for this young woman’s message, I felt compelled to give all the glory and praise to God. Through God’s grace, He

Photo by PublicDomainPictures taken from pixabay.com

afforded me the talents to inspire and serve this young woman and I hope countless other students. Matthew 25:15 says God gives us all talents or gifts according to our ability.

Fennel Hudson from A Writer’s Year – Fennel’s Journal – No. 3 is quoted as saying, “To not use a talent to the best of your ability is to stifle the thing that makes you most special. It is like plucking the wings off a butterfly.”

What special gifts do you possess? Perhaps, you are guilty of plucking the wings off a butterfly, as Fennel Hudson stated. On the other hand, you may feel you have no unique gifts to offer. In reality, we all possess a natural aptitude or skill or the ability to do something well. Once we recognize these abilities or talents, it is essential for us to plant the seeds, toil them, nurture them, and most vital, to harvest the fruits of our labor.

To start, what does your behavior say about your confidence level regarding your talents and abilities? Do you question your abilities? Maybe, you believe you lack the needed skills to accomplish your dreams. Let go of negative attitudes and study your craft (or calling) to enhance your skills. Often times, we do not generate enough effort into improving our talents. Move forward, nurture and grow your God given talents today. The gift is yours! However, it takes determination, diligence, dedication, and self-discipline to develop your gifts. No matter your talent: homemaker, musician, writer, artist, actor, chef, baker, secretary, teacher, preacher, doctor, nurse, entertainer, salesperson, etc., commit yourself to do whatever it takes and for however long it takes to reach your desired goals.

When utilizing our talents, God considers us good stewards. In addition, God wants us to give Him praise for our gifts. He also wants us to serve Him, but not through our own accord; rather with the strength supplied by Him. (1 Peter 4:11) Furthermore, we should know one thing about our abilities and our gifts; they are not for us! God so graciously gave us these gifts to serve others.

Unpack your talents today to serve others and to glorify God and serve Him!

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything You gave me.’” ~ Emma Bombeck

***

An inspirational author and speaker, Vanessa Fortenberry penned the children’s verse story, Mama, I Want to See God. Vanessa is also a contributor to the book, Relief Notes: Encouraging Letters for Tough Times written by the Christian Authors Guild. She also writes, “Connecting Readers to the Word,” a monthly e-newsletter. Vanessa savors the moments she spends with her family and friends. She is most relaxed when in her kitchen baking delicious desserts for her loved ones. You can visit her at www.vanessafortenberry.com, Twitter, or Facebook.

Her book, Mama, I Want to See God:

Wanting to connect more with God, a child asks his mother countless questions in this rhyming verse book. In answer, the mother’s tender and patient responses model God’s love. At the story’s end, Mother has answered all of the questions, allowing the child a true connection with God.

Buy it HERE!

Let’s talk about this. When was the last time you paused to pray about your unique gifting and passions and how God might want to use them to further His kingdom? Are you doing that? Are you using every gift God has given you to its maximum capacity? Are you intentionally developing that gift? Where might God want to take you, in regard to your gifting or calling, in the next year? With 2015 coming to an end, now’s a great time to prayerfully plan 2016. Share your thoughts, dreams, and experiences with us here in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook, because we can all learn from each other!

A Thankful Heart

by Jennifer Slattery on November 19, 2015November 1, 2021

Sometimes gratitude pours from us, unbidden. Other times it’s an act of will; a determination to praise God in the hard and sad. Either way, God is worthy of our praise and worship. And regardless of what we’re going through, I believe cultivating a grateful heart makes life sweeter.

November is the month of giving thanks, but in today’s guest blog post Jodie Wolfe explains that thankfulness should be a part of our everyday lives. As you are reading don’t forget all the reasons you have to be thankful, this month and everyday.

A Thankful Heart by Jodie Wolfe

Can you believe it’s only a week until Thanksgiving? I don’t know about you, but this year has been flying by for me. Seeing Thanksgiving photos make me in the mood for a succulent feast. Of course I’ll be the one cooking it.

Thankfulness seems to go hand-in-hand with this month. As my boys were growing up we had a family tradition each Thanksgiving where we listed our praises from the following year. We kept a journal and recorded our appreciation so we could re-read it.

Being thankful doesn’t have to be limited to a certain holiday or time of year. In fact, according to this Bible verse, anytime is a good time to be thankful. I’ve found the more I choose to be thankful, the more I’m aware of God’s many blessings He pours out each day.

Along with choosing to be thankful, don’t be surprised if you get thrown into situations which challenge your resolve. Keep firm in your decision. Don’t be swayed or falter.

Giving thanks each day is something you won’t regret. The more you do it the easier it is. Now is a good time to start having a thankful heart.

Jodie Wolfe was bit by the writing bug as a young girl after reading and watching Little House on the Prairie. She loves writing stories about feisty heroines and strong, godly heroes. The power of story to influence lives and change hearts is what motivates her to weave tales that tell of the Savior’s faithfulness and forgiveness. Jodie is a columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine and had a devotion featured on Christian Devotions. She achieved semi-finalist status in the 2013 ACFW Genesis Contest and 3rd place in the 2015 Novel Beginnings at St. David’s Christian Writer’s Conference. She is represented by Linda S. Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency.

Jodie’s Website

Facebook Page

Let’s talk about this! A couple years, after reading a verse I couldn’t for the life of me find this morning, I started something similar to what Jodie in our home. The verse talked about how God was revealed in all He’s done, and this really struck me–the idea that we could come to know God better, His heart, character, and love, by staying alert to His hand each day. So, at dinner, our family talked about something God had done that day and also something He’d done in our past, discussing what that event or God-moment revealed about Him. It was such a sweet time of really reflecting on the goodness of Christ and of bonding as a family.

Perhaps start a similar tradition in your home this Thanksgiving, one that, like Jodie suggested, extends beyond the holiday season.

Have you paused to count your blessings, and if so, what were the results? What are some ways you can create an atmosphere of praise and gratitude in your home this holiday season? Share your thoughts here in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook. Because we can all learn from each other!