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How to Wait on God Well – Announcing My New Ebook!

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I’m delighted to announce the release of my first ebook Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough!

So many times I’ve written here about waiting on God’s timing. Now I’m sharing how to wait. We all go through dry seasons in our lives. Times where we feel like we’ve been forgotten in the back side of the desert.

What are you waiting on God for?  To move, get married, be healed, become a parent or to have a wayward child come home?

I pray this ebook will encourage you to not quit in the middle of your journey! It’s always too early to give up on the dreams God has given you.

As 2014 winds down, I must say this has been a year of joy! It started with Moving Forward and launching my website AboundingFaith.com and included a short-term missions trip to Peru and winning Our Daily Bread’s Facebook Contest for Readers. Now it’s ending with my ebook. Glory!

Thank you for taking this journey with me! Here’s a little peek at what things looked like earlier this year as I was getting my manuscript ready:

I wasn’t sure if I could get everything finished by the end of the year, but the Lord opened the door and I walked through it.

I’m already praying about what’s next. I’m excited about what’s to come.

I pray you will end the year strong knowing that God loves you and is with you! Let’s see what the Lord has in store in 2015!

If you read my ebook and like it, please leave a review and rating on the site you buy it from. Blessings to you and as always, thanks for reading!

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her” (Luke 1:45)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement, read my new ebook Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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The Perfect Christmas?

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I was in one of my favorite stores the other day picking up a few gifts when I saw one of their signs wishing customers “The Perfect Christmas”.

That’s a nice sentiment, but what does that look like?

Does it mean that everyone in the family gets along and acts just right on December 25th? Does it mean that the food is super delicious and everyone gets everything on their wish list?

Is a perfect Christmas all about living out a scene from your favorite holiday card or movie?

If that’s what Christmas boils down to, then we’re all in trouble my friends. That may be what the perfect commercial Christmas may look like, but last time I checked the first Christmas included:

  • A young lady and her husband who had to travel far to the town of Bethlehem because of a census.
  • The young mother had to lay her newborn son in a manger because there was no guest room available for her family.
  • The guest list included some simple shepherds that were out in the field and dared to believe what an angel told them.

Doesn’t sound very perfect, right? And yet that is how God ordained for His One and Only Son Jesus to enter this world to save us from our sins and reconcile us back to Him.

I hope this helps put things in perspective.

Let’s try not to stress about getting everything “just right” this Christmas. Let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus left all His riches in heaven to come live among us. He is “Immanuel” or God with us. Let’s rejoice over the best gift which is eternal life through Jesus Christ! Then every day can be Christmas!

Blessings to you and yours!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9 :7).

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

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4 of My Favorite Bible Verses

I’m continuing the look back at some of the short, encouraging videos I’ve shot in 2014 and 2013. This time I’m focusing on the videos where I share about some of my favorite Bible verses. I hope you enjoy these videos that are around 30 seconds each. To view the rest of my 20+ short videos, feel free to visit my YouTube Channel. Blessings!

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

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God’s Love in Every Season

I thought it would be nice to take a look back at some of the short, encouraging videos I’ve shot in 2014 and 2013. It’s fun to see all the seasons changing. It’s even better to remember that God loves us no matter what season of life we are in! I hope you enjoy these videos that are around 30 seconds each. To view the rest of my 20+ short videos, feel free to visit my YouTube Channel. Blessings!

Winter 2013

Spring 2013

Summer 2014

Fall 2014

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

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Being Emptied to be Filled

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Usually at the end of the year I get bit by the cleaning bug. This is the time of the year when I like to hibernate and take some time to purge and organize around the house.

I’m happy to report that it’s finally time to get to that one room that I’ve ignored for too long. I’m sure you have a closet, room or drawer that you have to force yourself to tackle. C’mon, be honest.

The thing is I finally have a vision for this room. That’s great. But there’s a problem. I can’t move forward with my plans because the room is already crowded with stuff.

Here’s where the lesson comes in…

This messy, disorganized room that is in desperate need of a makeover is exactly how some of us are. I know, ouch. But it’s true.

The Lord has a great plan for us, but how many of us still have “junk” in our lives that we haven’t dealt with? Before the Lord can fill us afresh in some areas, we need to let go of a few things. It’s different for everyone, but here’s a sample list: old grudges, hurts, offenses, secret sins, bad attitudes, etc…

What is the Holy Spirit pointing out to you? Could I encourage you to invite the Holy Spirit into that area of your life that is out of control so that you can be healed and filled with God’s love, grace, and mercy?

As we approach a new year, let’s let the Lord do the demolition and construction work He needs to so that He can continue His Divine Design for our lives. After all, we’re all Works in Progress.

I’m reminded of the verse that says that new wine can’t be poured into old wineskins.

“Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:17)

Let’s make room for the Lord in all areas of our lives. It may be a little painful and it will take some time, but in the end you will be amazed at how God can transform you from the inside out!

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

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Special Thanksgiving Greetings


I pray that you’re encouraged by this short video that I just shot yesterday. Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving! God is Good! All the time. God is Good!

In case you missed it, here’s another look at last year’s post 25 Reasons to Thank God Today and Every Day!

Many blessings to you!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Giving Thanks!

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I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving Day is already next week. Time is flying!

As I prepare for this upcoming holiday season, I would like to take a moment to thank you. Yes, You!

I am grateful to you for taking the time to read the words that I write here each week and for checking out my Facebook page, YouTube channel and my Pinterest boards.

Your words of encouragement and your “likes” and “shares” help to inspire me to keep writing and to keep sharing the different thoughts that God has placed on my heart.

I’m excited to see that people are visiting from all over the United States and from other countries. I’m so blessed that this blog is reaching “the nations”. If you’d like, please feel free to write where you’re from in the comments below.

I pray that you will have a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving and that you will never get tired of counting all your blessings from the Lord!

If you need some inspiration, please feel free to read this post from last year 25 Reasons to Thank God Today and Every Day!

Many blessings to you!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Lessons From Imperfect Nails

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“I was admiring your nails from a distance,” said my colleague after a recent meeting.

What a nice compliment, right? But instead of saying, “Thank you,” I quickly blurted out something more like, “Oh, just keep admiring them from a distance. If you look closely, you’ll see how messy they are.” And I began to share all the flaws before she could spot them.

Stay with me. This incident is about more than simple nail polish or learning how to take a compliment. As I was having this conversation, I got a picture of what many of us do when we don’t want others to get close to us.

We try to keep people at a distance because we don’t want them to see how messy we can be. We want them to stay far away in hopes that they won’t discover our flaws.

Isn’t it sometimes easier to push people away instead of letting them see the real you? Especially if you feel like the real you is chipped, faded, or somehow missing the mark.

If you’re tired of hiding, may I suggest you:

Ask the Lord to show you who to trust. There are people around you who love you and want to get to know you better. The Lord will make them clear. Once He points them out, take step after step towards letting them into your world.

Be honest about your faults with trustworthy people. Chances are they probably can see your imperfections before you mention them or they can see them even clearer than you can. Pray and then take a risk and share with them some of what you’re struggling with. If they truly are your friends, they will love you even with your imperfections.

Remember that no one is perfect. Stop striving to be perfect in everything and in every way. We all make mistakes, we’re all learning, and as the Bible says we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). That means we all need a Savior! When we sin, we can ask Jesus for forgiveness and He is Faithful and just to forgive us (I John 1:9). We can also confess our sins to those trustworthy believers that God has placed in our lives (James 5:16). That helps to bring healing!

Be rooted and grounded in God’s love for you! He loves you. Plain and simple. He’s not surprised by your flaws and weaknesses. He loves you anyway. His Grace is enough to help you in your weak areas and to transform you into the image of His Son Jesus. Even if others reject you, God’s love remains.

The next time you’re tempted to shrink back and hide, I hope you’ll ask the Lord to give you courage to be transparent with others!

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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If You Could Chat with One Person from the Bible…

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I thought I’d take a stab at answering one of the questions from the “12 Journal Writing Prompts” that I made especially for those of you who have signed up to have my blog posts e-mailed to you weekly. I’d love to hear your answer in the comments below or on Facebook.

If I Could Chat with One Person from the Bible (other than Jesus) it would be.…

Abraham!

He’s been on my mind lately since I’ve been studying part of his story. I’d love to know how he had the faith to Believe God and leave everything behind and go to an unknown place.

What did he do during all those years of waiting and wondering?

What did he really think every time the Lord promised him that he would be the father of many nations? It must have seemed so far-fetched to him. So much so that he went along with the plan that Sarah hatched to help speed along their long-awaited heir.

And yet deep down, he still believed and he still waited. Now that is faith!

I’m sure he’d have fascinating stories to tell. What an interview it would be to speak with the Father of the Faithful!

Abraham’s story reminds us:

  • God is Faithful.
  • God Keeps His Word.
  • We can trust God no matter what.
  • Faith requires action even when we don’t have all the details.

What a beautiful legacy Abraham has left us. (Not familiar with his story? You can read about him in Genesis 12-25).

Now it’s your turn. Who would you like to chat with? Feel free to leave a comment or to join the conversation on Facebook.

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 

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“Moving Beyond the Fog” Special Video

As some of you may know, I recently won Our Daily Bread‘s Facebook Contest for Readers. I’m so honored and delighted to have won. I have been reading them for many years. Their inspirational words have encouraged me many times and their writing style has influenced me as well. They recently asked me to film a short-video to share at a staff meeting. I hope you enjoy the video. I’ve also included the devotional below. Blessings to you!

Moving Beyond the Fog

Read: Psalm 119:105-107

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Over the years, I’ve gotten accustomed to driving from New York City to Upstate New York to visit my sister and her family. Usually the ride over the Tappan Zee Bridge, which is the longest bridge in the state, is one of the most scenic parts of the trip. I love seeing the beautiful mountains and the Hudson River. But that wasn’t the case the day I got caught in a downpour and was blinded by fog. It was so thick that I couldn’t even see the cars beside me! All I could see were the taillights from the car directly in front of me, so I followed his lead until I safely crossed the bridge.

In our daily lives, how often do we get blinded by the fog of doubt, despair, discouragement, or disappointment? Something happens and we lose sight of God’s Word and His plan for our lives. We forget God’s promises and are tempted to give up in the middle of our journey. It’s in those moments that we need to cling to God and His Word. He will show us the way to go. His Word is “a light to [our] path” (Psalm 119:105), which helps lift the fog.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will guide, protect, and love us every step of the way.

Thank You, Lord, that even when we’re tempted to give up, You don’t give up on us! Help us to trust You and keep walking by faith and not by sight.

What seems foggy to us is crystal-clear to our all-knowing God.

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and be sure to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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