Rediscovering Hope Through the Lens of Suffering
I don’t know about you, but I continually ask the Lord for favor— with both God AND man.
As Christian writers and influencers, we NEED the favor of God to rest upon us.
We need Him to establish the work of our hands.
And make our way straight.
Only He can accomplish in and through us, that which He desires.
It has been my pleasure to feature each and every one of you! You all have something special- a God-given message to share with the world- and it’s my delight to spotlight your writing here!
I have come to the end of my feature list, but if you have not yet been featured here, and you would like to be, simply reply, “I’m In!” in the comment section below, and I will send you a brief questionnaire to fill out.
I had the awesome privilege to write a guest-post for Melanie Redd this week! My published piece is written on a rather controversial subject, but one that is near and dear to my heart.
If you have a chance to read it, I’d love to hear your feedback. Read it here ===>>> Same-sex Relationships: Biblical Response to Gay Friends & Family
And now, on to our…
Hi! I’m Joy! I encourage sincere or sidetracked truth seekers with “hope for the heart and joy to the soul.” I live in North Carolina with my husband Brady and our son Ryan.
My blogging journey began in 2014, after attending a conference for Christian women writers, speakers and leaders. I saw blogging as a way to sharpen my writing skills and embrace God’s call to share biblical insights and encouragement. I remain amazed at how He took my hesitant heart and made me a persistent poster!
Fave Show– I have a favorite movie to fit whichever mood I’m in. But my favorite TV show is This is Us.
Fave Pastime- I enjoy sipping tea as I talk to a friend, read a book or scan a screen.
Fave Quote- “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie ten Boom
Fave Book– My favorite book is Alicia Britt Chole’s “Anonymous.”
Fave Bible Character– John the baptizer: He embraced God’s purpose with humility and spoke God’s truth with conviction.
I used to perform cardiac testing to check for the heart’s rhythm. Now I write words to encourage people’s hearts.
Please pray for my blog to continue to serve and grow in God-honoring ways.
**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Joy through one of the channels she has listed below!**
Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
In my college days, I boarded the Wolverine Express to take me home. I joined the crowded train with other Michigan students, showing our love for all things “maize and blue.”
Sitting snuggly in my seat with my favorite trail mix, life felt easy. Eventually, I drifted from my snack and daydreamed out the window- until truth interrupted my thoughts..
It happened somewhere between the Kalamazoo and the Battle Creek stations. I saw the bible verse with letters so large, I had to tilt my head back to take it in.
It was painted on the side of a building, perfectly positioned for a traveler needing some encouragement. It was perfectly positioned for me:
“Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!
If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!
Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers who encourage and support one another. And there's a place just for YOU! Share on X
It has been my pleasure to feature each and every one of you! You all have something special- a God-given message to share with the world- and it’s my delight to spotlight your writing here!
I have come to the end of my feature list, but if you have not yet been featured here, and you would like to be, simply reply, “I’m In!” in the comment section below, and I will send you a brief questionnaire to fill out.
Happy writing, friends!
And now, on to our…
Hi! I’m Laura, and I write at Cheered On Mom (previously known as Fantastically Four).
I love blogging for other women and moms who could learn from my mistakes and use a little encouragement. If I ever come across things that make mom life easier, tips for family life, and spiritual resources, I’m going to share them.
My main passion is to let moms know you aren’t alone, to share some real-life mommy moments, and to throw around grace and love like I’m made of the stuff. (Thanks, Bob Goff.)
I’m a working stay-at-home-mom of two kiddos, ages five and two. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, “Ry,” for more than 15 years. We’ve happily settled in Iowa, my home state, after living in North Carolina and Colorado for a total of 10 years.
I started a niche blog in 2007, but after having my second baby, I wanted to write about my life as a mom and create more community. I’ve learned so much from other bloggers and I’m amazed by the talented writers and the inspiring words I encounter everyday online.
Fave Pastime– Bible journaling!
Fave Book– Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Fave Influencer– Holley Gerth
Fave Quote– “If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sun beams and you will always look lovely” – Roald Dahl
Fave Childhood Memory– Our trips to southern Texas to see family always stand out. I loved playing in my great-grandpa’s orange orchard and running around the beach, even in the winter.
When I was a kid, I had two goals in life. I either wanted to be a clerk at the grocery store (just think of all the buttons I could press!) or a back-up singer for Amy Grant.
God is stretching me through blogging, and it’s so challenging sometimes! I’d love it if you could pray that I’d be able to make the time to write as well as face hurdles bravely.
**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Laura through one of the channels she has listed below!**
Instagram | Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Pinterest
A Morning of Mistakes..
Last Friday morning I was definitely a hot mess. It started when my four-year-old, Kai, had trouble with coughing in the night. He and I woke up several times, falling asleep again after hugs and drinks of water. When my husband’s alarm went off at 6:15, I kept on dreaming. I didn’t crawl out of bed until the crack of 7:00. I couldn’t believe it. I’d slept in! And not in a good way.
Ry got our two-year-old, Sylvie, from her crib and started work on breakfast, while I hurried to join him. I tried filling our cups with water from the fridge, but I left a glass under the dispenser and turned away, and I soon heard water overflowing onto the floor. I’d forgotten to get more butter from the store, so I had to remedy that by using the kind I still had for baking. I dropped that butter on the floor twice. While the coffee brewed, I spilled sugar all over our kitchen counter. Finally, I found that we’d already finished our pears for the week, so I threw applesauce on the table.. {Continue Reading}
If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!
If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!
Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers who encourage and support one another. And there's a place just for YOU! Share on X
This week, I was blessed to write for Sue Donaldson of Welcome Heart!
Sue has become a fabulous blog buddy, and an inspiration to this hospitality-inept girl.
I do so hope you’ll join us today where I am sharing about my longtime struggle with overcoming perfection.
See you there!
Read ===>> Stress-Less Hospitality: Overcoming Perfection
And now, on to this week’s spotlight writer!
My name is Melissa Gendreau. I’m the owner of Humble Faith Family Wellness. I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at a Christian counseling center. I work with children through adults in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment issues, self-esteem, marriage issues, and parent education.
I’m also a wife of eleven years and a mommy to two pretty neat kids.
I began blogging August 2017 as I felt God calling me to share my professional experience with a broader audience. This year has been a journey with ups and downs, bumps in the road, and personal growth I hadn’t anticipated.
Fave Movie– My favorite light romance comedy is You’ve Got Mail. It’s such a delightful story to watch on a lazy weekend afternoon.
Fave Book or Author– I love to read, so narrowing down a favorite is difficult. My favorite nonfiction Christian book is Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge. My favorite fiction book is The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
Fave Worship song– On a daily basis Breathe by Jonny Diaz is a good reminder as I have a bad habit of overwhelming my schedule. I also love Reckless Love by Cory Asbury. It can bring me to tears every time!
Fave Quote– Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. It reminds me to lean into God in all situations and that nothing is too small and insignificant to seek His peace.
Fave Pastime– My husband and I went backpacking in Yellowstone National Park about seven years ago. I would love to get to do that again in a few years as a whole family.
I love singing and drawing but don’t do either as often as would probably be good for my soul.
I’m currently working on a large teaching project for the parents of teens at my church. I will begin the class this fall.
At the same time, I feel like God is calling me to draw back a bit on my blog. To not post as often so that I can better balance working full-time and being present for my family. So I could use some prayers of perseverance to complete the project and then prayers of protection from the negative thoughts “I’m not enough to be able to juggle everything.”
We all have one negative thought that bombards us more than others, that one is mine.
**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Melissa through one of the channels she has listed below!**
Blog | Pinterest | Facebook| Twitter
Understanding and Thwarting Satan’s Schemes
A few days ago, I was doing my bible reading and studying, and a thought and revelation hit me between the eyes.
We are called to live a life that is God-honoring and glorifying to Him. (That wasn’t the revelation.)
Each action we take in our daily life is a choice. It is a choice to either align with God in obedience and love or not.
What struck me, though, was the “or not” part. Often we think of it as giving in to our selfish desires, our willfulness, and our pride.
But let’s take a broader view… {Continue Reading}
If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!
If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!
Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers who encourage and support one another. And there's a place just for YOU! Share on X
Today, I have the great pleasure of writing for Beth Steffaniak of Messy Marriage!
I am sharing on a topic that is near and dear to my heart- helping marriages survive tragedy.
Beth is a dear friend of mine, and it would give me great delight if you would take a minute to stop by and show your support!
Read >>> 5 Best Practices to Help Your Marriage Survive Tragedy <<<
And now for our spotlight writer!
My name is Jennifer Love. I live in Southern Virginia, am married to my college best friend and we have 2 boys, 8 & 12 that I homeschool.
My husband Don and I co-write IntentionalTraditions.com – a Christian community collaborating to revive and develop meaningful and memorable Christian traditions that are not only fun, but also kingdom building and life giving. A major focus of this community is instilling family traditions (these range from major holidays such as Christmas and Easter to day-to-day practices such as prayer, fasting, solitude, giving, and the study of scripture).
I started a personal blog in 2013 but began writing with my husband seriously in the fall of 2017 so we’re pretty new! We are college professors so from working with college students, we see the need for the healing, restoration and revival of the healthy family and want to use what God is teaching us all to encourage our generation and the next.
We write about special holidays and everyday traditions that teach about Christ and are worth passing on.
Fave Author– Lately I’ve really inspired by Sally Clarkson and using her books to start study groups in my area.
Fave Vacation Destination– My family camped along the coast of Oregon last year and absolutely loved it! The cooler beach temps, beautiful rock formations, hidden coves and caves, and wildlife make us want to go back someday!
Fave Pastime– I love sewing by machine or hand, specifically making gifts. I spend a lot of time getting coffee with college girls and talking about life. I also love reading to and teaching my kids and being spontaneous with them.
Fave worship song– My church has a great history of writing their own music rooted in Scripture so that’s most often what I’m singing. Or whistling.
Fave childhood memory– As kids, my younger sister and I would always play “school”, with all of our dolls and animals lined up as good and bad students, or would be writing silly songs and recording them on our cassette player. I grew up to be a middle/high school teacher and now homeschool, and she went to music school and became a recording artist. I’m so excited to see how this plays out with my kids and their talents!
When I was pregnant and in Seminary, I was asked to write a children’s Bible in Stories series. This was the greatest task for someone preparing to be a parent because I got to sit with my feet propped up and write out stories based upon the Bible all day! It ended up being 400 short stories but writing out the review questions is what helped me think through what parenting and explaining tough issues with kids would be like.
And this book became our source for Advent readings and family Bible time. The Lord also answered my desire to be an author. I’d forgotten I’d prayed about that as a teen!
We lead prayer meetings on our college campus, helping to lead the students through some of the childhood issues that may be holding them back from freedom and toward God’s Truth. Please pray for God to use us in this ministry to affect the next generation for His Kingdom. And that our personal messages about God’s healing and encouragement will spread to wherever they are needed.
**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Jennifer through one of the channels she has listed below!**
Etsy Store | Instagram | Facebook Group
Principles to Start your Family Morning Off Right
For several years I have searched for the perfect schedule. I’ve put a lot of pressure on August and January every year thinking, “This is it. This semester I will create the most harmonious, productive, creative, spiritual blend of time, educational tricks and stimulating activities and we will do it all! While singing cheerfully, holding hands!”
And every mid-August and mid-January I have torn down my laminated schedule and started a new one.
I feel like I’d be better off writing a list of HOW NOT to start your morning off right… {Continue Reading}
If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!
If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!
Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers who encourage and support one another. And there's a place just for YOU! Share on X
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