Sharing CW Voice

You know….I’ve always loved magazines, and publishing my own is truly a labor of love. When I was young and growing up in the mountains with horses, I saved my money to buy every copy of Western Horseman I could find. Later in life, it was Victoria Magazine. I could not get enough of Victoria – I’d read it cover to cover again and again.

I especially loved the way it made me feel. Looking through it invited a sense of calm in my day as I’d sit with a cup of coffee and soak in all the articles, beautiful photos, travel destinations, the recipes and decorating styles. (I had no idea back then that I would actually be published in it one day! “I Remember Paris” appeared in the July/August 2011 issue).

I think, subconsciously, that’s what I hope to accomplish with CW Voice. It’s a Christian magazine and quite honestly, flipping through and reading the variety of articles and features, it almost feels like a friendly get-together with a bunch of ladies over coffee. Each contributor shares her heart, her experiences and her faith with the reader. I believe that’s what we’re called to do as Christian women. To gather and share what the Lord has done or is doing in our lives so that we may encourage others in their spiritual walk.

I love that our magazine speaks to women of ALL ages; from the young wife, the busy mom, the homeschooler, the empty nester and the grandmother. There truly is something for every heart in each issue.

This one is especially wonderful:

·        

We’ve included a 30-Day Goal Challenge, a running worksheet for you to fill out in an effort to help you identify your dreams and goals and start working towards them. The 30-day challenge doesn't imply that you will have met your goal within that amount of time. It’s simply a tool to get the ball rolling and allows an opportunity to document your progress.

·       In an article shared by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine’s “The Amish: Simplicity and Satisfaction Personified,” you’ll get a glimpse of the Amish lifestyle and also a recipe for Funnel Cakes.

·         Our Frugal Living expert, Kim Wolf, shares some incredible tips and recipes for making your own household products.

·         Lisa Phelps talks about “Finding God in the Stillness” and how His voice speaks through all the negative thoughts and confusion when we’re in the middle of our storm.

·         Kelli Zaniel shares “I Remember,” recalling times when we might feel God is far off and distant.

·         Guest Contributor, Dr. Rita Hancock, shares practical, Biblical tips for making the right food choices during the holidays.

·         Robin Prater shares “When Did You Notice?” which encourages us all to go outside of our comfort zone to befriend someone and share the love of Jesus…before it’s too late.

·         We’re sharing a great house-cleaning schedule from a wonderful web site: www.ourfamilyforhisglory.com

·         Pamela Johnson talks about “The Battles Within” and how the love of God can break through any stronghold.

·         Nancy Sullivan honors the legacy of her precious mother who recently passed away in “The Flame of Hope”.

·         You’ll find delicious ways to make the most out of your vegetable garden with wonderful harvest recipes “From Tami’s Kitchen”.

·         13-year-old Lauren Lee is passionate about the rescue of dogs – check out her article regarding “National Mill Dog Rescue”.

·         Kimberly Lomont helps put the garden to bed after the long growing season in “Tips and the Potter’s Voice”.

·         Heidi Avery talks about the real and honest motivation behind our prayers in “Before I Utter One Word”.

·         Fitness Expert, Bethany Learn, answers your health and fitness questions in “Q & A with Bethany”.

·         Kimberly Guzzi talks about how we, as women, often set ourselves up for failure or discouragement in “Soar on Wings Like Eagles”. She also offers some great savings tips for back-to-school.

·         Custom Baker, Tea Aficionado and owner/operator of “Royal Tea Scones,” Joy Whipple, is our Entrepreneurial Focus. See how she turned her passion into profits.

·         Freelance painter and mixed media artist, Alisa Burke shares her “Pretty Painted Pumpkins”- directions and photos for a festive yet contemporary fall craft.

·         Robin Prater reviews Darlene Zschech’s new book, “Revealing Jesus – a 365 Day Devotional” in Robin’s Book Nook.

·         And I’m sharing the next to the last chapter of my fiction saga, “Scattered Hearts”. If you’ve been following this story line, you WON’T want to miss this chapter.

·         And of course, we end the issue with the Prayer of Salvation. We always want to give you an opportunity to give your heart to Jesus and begin a life of freedom in Him. It’s the most important relationship you could ever have.

I do hope you’ll consider subscribing to CW Voice – it also makes the perfect Christmas gift. Visit us at:Christian Women's Voice and order yours today.

Be blessed,

Debbie

Photo credits:

In Mommy's shoes

Woman in dark bubble

Coffee and the Bible

Pretty Painted Pumpkins

The Need to Simplify

We have birds.

Many birds.

We have chickens that give us wonderful eggs and lots of laughs (they’re fun to watch).

We have diamond doves that coo with a peaceful sound.

We have little spice finches that are so delicate and beautiful.

And we have a grumpy old parrot that yells and sings opera. He’s also a great source of my frustration and gray hair, but he’s been around longer than my children so I guess he’s earned his place in our family (even though I’ve Googled “parrot kabob” recipes many times).

They all live on the patio right outside my window. They’re here next to me as I work at my computer/home office space set up in a perfect little corner of the kitchen.

Yesterday, I noticed that another domestic run-away spice finch had flown and landed on top of our cage and was trying to find his way into the cage with my other finches. He was beautiful and looked just like mine with the same rich color of good coffee (which is why I’ve named mine Mocha and Cappuccino, LOL).

I had to wonder why in the world such a sweet creature

who’d found such freedom would want to return to captivity.

Why would any of us desire such a thing when God offers true, sustaining freedom to us all?

That’s when I took a look around my house and looked within myself and realized all the “stuff” that holds me captive.

All the clutter spots swept to the corners of my life.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,

to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,

which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you

may discern what is the will of God, what is good and

 acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

I’m ready to simplify, to condense and to renew. I have a great inner need to clean up and get rid of all the baggage, all the filth, all the unnecessary debris.

Who knew that watching a tiny bird determined to return to the safety of captivity would prompt such a thing?

But that’s how God works – in the smallest of details.

Be blessed today and EVERYday, friends!

Debbie

Silencing Your Past

This week has weighed heavy on my emotions. It’s dredged up painful memories and feelings better left sunk deep in the mud of the past.

I suppose God allows those memories to resurface for a reason. Perhaps to dissect them, one by toxic one, before casting them away once and for all…like a pebble tossed in the deepest ocean. The current swells and shifts above while the stone rests forever at the deep, dark, lonely bottom of the sea.

But this week has also reminded me that God has the power to turn

the weight of hurt and pain completely upside down.

Only God can break through the control and the power of a painful past and transform it into strength - strength to propel me forward, to breathe life into the future and silence the voice of that which threatens to pull be down to the bottom of that sea.

Our memories and the experiences we gain from them are valuable, yes.

But that’s why our rear-view mirror is so small

and our windshield is so large!

We’re to keep moving forward toward all He calls us to.

To pray.

To believe.

To serve.

To live.

To love.

 To embrace each new journey

….to forgive.

There’s power in the blood!

There’s peace in His presence.

And there’s joy in every single day He freely gives.

I pray you live your life fully, friends. To embrace others and love with your whole heart.

and to let God break the bonds of pain and anger in your life. Cast your stone to the bottom of the sea and live a life of freedom in Christ.

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom

as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16)

Many Blessings,

Debbie

A Prayer for You Today (8/21)

Heavenly Father,

Please speak to my heart today as well as the hearts of those who may read this post. Help us to clearly hear your voice through the clutter, the confusion, the demands, the appointments and all obligations that we may recognize and act upon your will over ours.

Thank you for granting us this brand new day. Order our steps and help us to make the necessary time to meditate on your word that we may apply it to our lives. Help us all to be open, willing vessels ready to receive your calling.  Give us each a hunger for your word and your direction.

Speak to those with inhibitions and self doubt.  Strengthen and lift weak arms. Give sight to those who have lost their way. Provide clarity of thought and direction as you are the well spring in a dry, parched land. 

I thank you that we can call upon you to restore, replenish and refresh us as your people. Thank you for loving your children.

“O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man…”

(Nehemiah 1:11)

Be blessed,

Debbie

 Photo credit

Fireflies

My California-born son (now 20) saw fireflies for the first time today. He texted his excitement all the way from Virginia and I shared in the joy of all things new and wonderful during this summer tour with drum corps.

A season of growing.

Of becoming.

What a blessing to watch our kids, nieces and nephews as they pack up all their years of loving, nurturing, the many lessons learned only to flutter their wings and head boldly toward their dreams. They take the open door and like the firefly, they each take their own path. It’s never a straight line… doesn’t really have to be. Either way, they still shine!

Why?

Because there’s glory in the light.

Blessing in the journey.

Strength to stay above ground.

And prayer to carry them safely back home.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

With a thankful heart,

Debbie

Photo credit for birds in flight

Leave Room for God

Just sharing a thought that's been on my heart the past couple of days. It's so simple but it makes perfect sense as I work and strive and obsess about accomplishing and doing so many different things in my life. It hit me yesterday....how in the world can I expect to see the hand of God in my life if I'm cluttering it all up with my own futile efforts?
I'm not suggesting sitting back and doing nothing when it comes to moving forward or rectifying a situation. But simply...a decision to take care of what He's put before me as I'm able, and stop spinning my wheels trying to take care of what is just out of reach. He's got it covered. He's got ME covered and He's certainly got YOU covered, too.
Today, I'm stepping back and giving Him the reins. My ears are alert to His voice. My hands and heart are ready to take on whatever task He puts before me. My past, present and future are His!
Praise God!