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4 Signs That God Is Pruning You
Do you sense that God is pruning you and cutting away parts of your life that aren’t bearing fruit? Today, I invite you to join me as I stand on our front stoop, and we’ll talk about the signs that God is pruning you. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you establish a rhythm of connecting with the presence of the life-giving God daily. Signs That God Is Pruning You Yesterday, I pruned the Rose of Sharon. It’s not the season for pruning, but the roseate blossoms were drawing bees to our front door. With flowers hanging like…
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7 Uplifting Prayers of Gratitude to God
Nightfall welcomes a resplendent moon, and I admire it from the window. As I watch the first stars emerge, my heart fills with thankfulness, inspiring me to draw near to my Creator with prayers of gratitude to God. Today, I’m sharing seven prayers of gratitude to God with hopes to inspire your prayer life as well. After exploring these prayers, we’ll talk about how to cultivate prayerful lives. 7 Prayers of Gratitude to God In his letter to the Thessalonian church, the Apostle Paul encouraged these believers to be joyful always, pray without stopping, and give thanks in all situations (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Interestingly, recent findings in neuroscience reveal that…
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20 Words of Affirmation for Every Child
I want to build my kids up with the words I speak. Meanwhile, I’ve learned that I need to be intentional in this pursuit. It’s easy to get pulled into the rhythms of our busy lives and neglect opportunities to affirm our kids. If this resonates with you, here are 20 words of affirmation for every child. May these words encourage you to be intentional in your parenting and in your speech. I also encourage you to read to the end of today’s post for three powerful devotional books to read with your kids. These books are written with thoughtful input from three children. 20 Words of Affirmation for Every…
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What Is the Joy of the Lord? (Plus, 6 Ways to Have It)
What is the joy of the Lord? The joy of the Lord is a deep sense of peace that isn’t contingent upon circumstances. This peace is found in God’s presence. It trusts in God’s promises and rests on his faithfulness. It offers hope in hardships and eternal perspective in temporal struggles. Today, we’ll explore the question, “What is the joy of the Lord?” by looking at practical ways to cultivate God’s joy. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience more joy in Jesus. I invite you to join me in the woods as I cultivated joy recently. What…
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12 Thanksgiving Prayer Points With Scriptures to Guide You
Another gray sky greeted us this morning. Pulling out my Bible for encouragement, I began thanking God for his goodness as I prayed. In the process, God lifted my head and encouraged my heart. If this kind of prayer sounds refreshing, I invite you to join me as we explore 12 thanksgiving prayer points with Scriptures to guide us. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God and cultivate gratitude. Thanksgiving Prayer Points With Scriptures As I looked out the window and prayed, I saw the rainy day through a different lens. Instead of complaining, I gave…
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15 Bible Verses About Patience in Hard Times
I don’t do well with interrupted plans. If you have trouble being patient and kind when your plans are interrupted, this is for you. We’ll begin by looking at 15 Bible verses about patience in hard times. Then, we’ll discuss ways to exude patience when our plans are interrupted. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in difficult times. 15 Bible Verses About Patience in Hard Times Here are God’s Words about patience in hard times. Bible Verses About Patience in Hard Times 1. Romans 12:2 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in…
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10 Bible Verses About Eating for Nourishment and Not Escapism
It’s a blustery winter evening, and I peruse the kitchen with an insatiable appetite. I want to stop comfort eating and find my comfort in God, but when I’m honest about it, sugar is more palpable at the end of a long day. In a quiet moment of victory, I take a deep breath, turn from the kitchen, and find my Bible in search of Bible verses about eating for nourishment and not escapism. Today, I’ll share the Scriptures I uncovered. Then, we’ll have an honest conversation about eating for nourishment and enjoyment. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help…
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Overcoming Overwhelming Emotions With God’s Help
Hello! Last week, I announced the release of my new book, Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free. Today, I’m sharing another excerpt to give you a glimpse inside the book. This reading comes from a chapter about learning to overcome overwhelming emotions with God’s help. I pray it blesses you! Overcoming Overwhelming Emotions It’s an unseasonably warm December afternoon as our family trudges to the top of the hill where scotch pines and blue spruces speckle the beige backdrop of weathered goldenrod. I am fully engaged and prayerful as the sun shines warm upon our skin and a scrim of…
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Transform Your Life With These 5 Prayers for the New Year
The wind howls all day—rattling the windowpanes and nearly bending the old poplar to its breaking point. We watch through ice-glazed glass while the Christmas lights blaze white on the mantle. I have no idea that stepping into the white world is about to help me begin praying focused prayers for the New Year. “You’re not thinking of taking your daily walk today, are you, Mom?” a little voice prods. “Are you worried about me?” I ask, turning from the window where the snow is swirling in small whirlwinds across the yard. “You shouldn’t go out in this,” our young son declares protectively. “The TV said it’s 40-below zero with…
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A Free 2024 New Year Devotional to Help You Grow With God
Do you want to start 2024 by renewing your commitment to spend time with God? Like me, maybe you enjoy reading from an Advent devotional throughout December, but you hit a wall when the devotional ends. You feel a bit lost and aren’t sure what’s next. I have fantastic news. I have a free 2024 New Year devotional for you. Mornings With Jesus will help you connect with Jesus every morning for the next 31 days! Why I Wrote This New Year Devotional I spent years reading my Bible and practicing a morning devotional routine without regularly encountering God in the process. My devotional time felt more like homework than…
