Let This be the Year

It’s 6am here.

Dark and early.

That wonderfully quiet time with the perfect cup of coffee and the soothing warmth of the fireplace…and my heart stirs.

I think of this new year stretched out long before us with its possibilities and opportunities. I think of how we each enter into this clean slate of promise, of hope and dreams yet be realized.

Friend, let this be the year not only for dreaming big, but for taking long, big-girl strides toward turning our biggest, wildest dreams into reality.

Let this be the year of seriously moving toward a healthy mind, body, spirit and lifestyle and for helping others to accomplish the same.

Let this be the year of gathering up all the loose ends of our lives and bringing organization and structure where it’s needed.

Let this be the year of living more aware of those needing prayer, friendship… the love of Jesus. I pray we will go about our days with eyes wide open and sensitive to the needs of those around us.

Let this be the year of breaking down the barriers of fear and worry that we may find strength to turn worry and fear into faith and trust; trust in the One who moves mountains.

Let this be the year of salvation for loved ones who have turned away and against it far too long. I pray you and I will be that light to those living in darkness, and may they realize that the truest, purest form of happiness isn’t found in the things of this world but only when we run to the open arms of our Savior.

Let this be the year.

"'If you can'?" said Jesus. 

"Everything is possible for one who believes." 

(Mark 9:23)

I would love the opportunity to pray with you for the big things you'd like to accomplish in 2016. You're welcome to share your thoughts in the comment section. ALL things are possible with Jesus!

Called to be Strong

All too often, it’s the thin and narrow ledge we’re forced to walk that grows us the most. Sometimes navigating the tight rope stretched out long before us is our only option…and we’re called to be strong. It’s when putting one foot in front of the other with no hand rails, no support system, no one to keep us steady that we draw on our own knowledge of what inner strength really is.

So many times I’ve found myself perched up there on that highest peak alone and unsure. It’s a scary, unsteady place to be, yet it almost seems as if each scenario is perfectly orchestrated, perfectly timed with situations I certainly wouldn’t choose on my own. Most of which seem to take place each time my husband is out of town and unavailable to encourage or support me. When moving forward alone is my only option and I do so with trepidation, it’s sort of like jumping into the deep end of a pool for the first time. How deep is it really? Will I sink to the bottom or will I be able to grab the side of the pool if I need to?

It’s only after I emerge from the situation, however shaken, that I clearly see once again. Since I can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:5) I couldn't have possibly acted in my own strength, but in God’s.  

“In the day when I cried out, You answered me,

and made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3)

It’s God’s strength that keeps us from sinking to the bottom. It’s His love for us that brings us safely through the dark unknown to the light on the other side. And I’ve learned that it’s not a challenge or even a test but a command to go boldly forward in the Lord. To put action to His words in every situation, our faith before our fear…each and every time we’re called to be strong.

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” (Acts 4:29)

Now you can download my new "Courage to Fly" ebook!

I am so excited to share the Courage to Fly with you all wrapped up and ready for download! I recently shared the 6 main steps during an interview with Sherry Poundstone at Blog Talk Radio (Coffee and the Word). You can listen to the full interview Here

I am passionate about helping women feel encouraged, empowered and inspired as they realize God's purpose for their lives. The Courage to Fly was originally a 6-week series right here on this blog - my magazine, Christian Women's Voice was born soon after. I want to encourage YOU today to search your heart for the dreams and goals God has given you. You know...today truly is your someday! May you have the Courage to fly!!!

You can download your copy of Courage to Fly (9 pages) right here: 

Be blessed today and always,

Debbie

Through it ALL, He Reigns!

I happened to look out my back window this morning only to find my mini dachshund staring back at me. No, he hadn’t grown 4 feet to peer in through the window – he simply jumped on top of the picnic table to get a better view of things.

I walked away sipping my coffee and thinking how very smart Willy (my dog) is. From his view at ground level, (his little legs are only about 3 inches long), the top of that table must seem impossible to reach. But, he was determined. I love how he didn’t see the bench in between as a hindrance, but as a stepping stone to get to the top. Very clever J

I could probably learn a lot from Willy - looking at all the things in my life that hinder and impede progress as stepping stones or necessary rungs of the ladder.

But sometimes, the distance between those stepping stones is too great. When I’m standing on one, the next is too far out of reach and the answers stop coming. The path becomes unclear and discouragement settles in deep.

The bright sky turns to cloudy gray and a cruel wind blows in disappointment, negative thoughts and fear which clutter the air waves and block out the Lord’s voice. How hard He has to work to get through my thick head sometimes.

It’s so easy to default to despair and discouragement.

To fall down instead of up into the saving arms of Christ.

Yet His voice does not fall silent and His words do not cease simply because of my frame of mind. What I feel and what dictates my mood has no bearing on what the Lord has planned. His agenda will still play out. I will struggle and I will triumph. I will laugh with my whole heart and I will cry with my whole being. We all threaten to wave the white flag at some point in our lives, yet we’re given precious moments of rest to savor and through it all, He reigns.

Regardless.

He reigns!

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deut. 8:2-3)

Photo credit

Celebrate the Season With Our Nov/Dec Issue!

Can you feel it in the air? That certain chill? That certain fragrance of the most special time of year? It’s got me breaking out the candles and fluffy throw blankets. I’m stocking up on firewood, my baking supplies and favorite coffees, and starting my secret shopping list; all the necessary items in shining up a season of joy and celebration.

Speaking of joy and celebration: now is the time to check out the new November/December issue of Christian Women’s Voice Magazine. Our contributors have shared their favorite holiday recipes and special family traditions. You’ll find great articles, contest winners, special features and SO much more! Let our brand new issue awaken your holiday spirit and…

Join us as we welcome the glorious season of Christmas!

Give the gift of hope and encouragement this Christmas with a 1-year subscription to Christian Women’s Voice Magazine!

Visit christianwomensvoice.org today!

Wishing you many blessings,

Debbie

The New Issue is Here!

               

   

               Christian Women's Voice Sep/Oct 2012      

 

     CW Voice is created and written just for YOU by women who love the Lord! Join us as we usher in the glorious season of Autumn with helpful tips, recipes and articles that offer encouragement!    

 

                       

It’s finally here! The Sept/Oct issue of Christian Women’s Voice is published and available. That’s the GOOD news! For the really GREAT news??? The print version is only $9 and the digital download is just $3.

There’s definitely something for everyone in this issue of CW Voice:

• You'll meet the winner of our CREATION STATION CONTEST and be inspired by how she's organized her home school space! You'll also meet our first-ever "MOMENTS" Essay Contest winner!
• Cozy up your home this fall season with suggestions for a well-stocked pantry along with a few recipes to spice up your favorite family dishes!
• Check out the amazing product line of creams and lotions that are definitely "Fit 2 B" on your skin!
• Are you ignoring some of the warning signs that could cost you your health? See "Rebuilding a Temple" and take necessary steps toward rebuilding a healthier YOU!
• PLUS articles that will encourage and inspire you as we head toward the glorious season of AUTUMN!!!!

Visit our web site at: christianwomensvoice.org

Wishing you many blessings,

"Blessings ~ from a gardener's heart"

What do you get when you combine your love for the Lord with your passion for gardening?

You get blessed!

And I want to share the blessings from my own garden with you in my new monthly mini-mag called “Blessings ~ from a gardener’s heart.”

“Blessings” is a small monthly collection of 10-12 inspirational messages born from special moments, lessons and memories from the garden.

Blessings will always be just 20 pages and will always be just $6 ($3 for digital download). It’s a quick, easy read for you or as a gift for a special friend.

Whether rustic or formal, a garden is the most fun when it’s shared with those you love. So, please join me in the garden.

I wish you many blessings from this gardener’s heart.

Debbie

                 

     

               Blessings (from a gardener's heart)      

   

     "Blessings" from a gardener's heart is a small collection of devotional and inspirational messages. Thoughts and photos taken right from the garden combine faith in God with the way He speaks to us each day - especially in the garden.    

   

                       

Rocks in the Soil

Even now…even after so many years of working the soil and tending the blessings of my little garden space… I’m amazed that God still teaches me life lessons in all that lies beyond the splintered gate.

I share a lot about my passion and love for my garden, probably because that’s where He speaks to me – there, in my space, in our time together, in the tending and in the doing; the sowing and the reaping.

Even now…even after all these years of the garden evolving and my faith growing…neither is without its “rocks;” those obstacles that hinder growth and divert a root’s path. Praise God that the rocks don’t kill the roots, but merely change its course! When God sets growth in motion, the roots simply go around or incorporate the obstacles somehow…yet continue to produce the blessing.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.             (2 Cor. 4:8-9)

Even now…even after all these years, He’s still growing me, allowing the rocks but also providing fertile soil. I praise Him for the blessings, for the lessons learned…and for the rocks.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)