Miraculous Lovely

The empowering and encouraging Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 365-day devotional got its very first 5 star review on Amazon. The review is included above. God is Good!

I’m so touched whenever I hear my books are encouraging Readers! That’s why I write Christian Living books. Kind Amazon reviews and Reader pics are greatly appreciated. They help to motivate others to check out this inspiring devotional.

Here’s a second 5 star Amazon review:

And here is an entry that a Reader recently shared in a Facebook group. This post got more than 70 “likes” and more than a dozen comments:

I’m hearing of Readers who are reading through the Feisty Faith devotional with their family and who are sending them to friends and loved ones, including in a hospital and nursing homes.

It’s not too late to go through 2021 with feisty faith! You can order your copy of the encouraging and empowering Feisty Faith 365-day devotional on Amazon today.

Transition times can be tricky. Change is good, but it can feel a little scary, unnerving, confusing and overwhelming. If you’d like help navigating your new start, I’d be delighted to encourage, empower and inspire you as you walk by abounding faith, hope and love and live your God-given dreams.

Here are 3 ways to let your faith arise so you can move forward by faith this new year:

Get Reading Be encouraged and empowered in your faith by reading through the 365-day devotional Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day and Abounding Faith’s other inspiring and Bible-based books available on Amazon,

Get Learning God has designed you for a specific purpose and for such a time as this. Now is the perfect time to explore what God has in store for you. The “Discovering Your God-Given Purpose” online course will help to stir your heart to dream big and say yes to God’s will for your life. This short and easy-to-follow course will help you:

Uncover your unique God-Given Purpose

Identify action steps you can take to live your God-given dreams

Develop a lifestyle of living out God’s call on your life. Learn more about this empowering and Bible-based video course here.

Get Help Consider signing up for individual life coaching sessions to help you gain the clarity, confidence and courage you need to experience the breakthrough and transformation you’ve been longing for. As your life coach, I’d like to prayerfully help you go from:

frazzled to focused

frustrated to fruitful

fearful to fierce

so you can step into this next season of your life. Learn more about personal Christian Life Coaching here.

Blessings to you as you fight the good fight of faith this year!

Happy 2021! After such a challenging 2020, it’s wonderful to have a fresh start.

But it’s already been a rough start to the new year, Now what?

Fret not. God is still in Control. He is still on the throne. Nothing surprises Him.

Since we’ll still face challenges this year, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

That leads me to my “One Word” for this year. My one word is actually two words this year:

STAND FIRM

At a time when everything around us that can be shaken is being shaken, it’s critical for Christ to be our firm foundation. We need to stand firm in our faith and to remain rooted and ground in Christ so we can stand when the storms come.

I’d like to share 7 Bible verses that come to mind when I think of standing firm and being rooted and grounded in Christ. May these verses encourage you at the start of this year. I have bolded a few words for emphasis:

1. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13 NIV)
2. “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord ,and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV)
3. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17: 7-8 NIV)
4. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27 NIV)
5. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)
6. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV)
7. “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.'” (Psalm 92:12-15 NIV)

May Jesus be your firm foundation this year and beyond.

I’m looking forward to continuing to encourage you this year as you stand firm in your faith.

If you need help staying rooted and grounded in Christ, keep reading your Bible and praying.

Here are 5 additional ideas to consider:

• Read through the empowering and encouraging 365-day devotional Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day and Abounding Faith’s other inspiring and Bible-based books available on Amazon.
• Consider signing up for individual life coaching sessions that will encourage and equip you as you walk by faith, hope and love and live your God-given dreams.
• Listen to the uplifting Abounding Faith for Today podcast.
• Check out Abounding Faith’s inspiring YouTube Channel.
• Connect with Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Because Jesus lives, we can rejoice today and smile as we look ahead to what’s ahead in 2021. Blessings!

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

JANUARY 4

Seek Wisdom

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Psalm 31:3

The seemingly minor decisions you make today can impact your life for years to come. The small choices you make now can lead to big changes in your life down the line.

Be sure to seek God’s wisdom when you’re making major or minor decisions.

The Bible is full of wisdom. The book of Proverbs is filled with practical advice for your everyday life.

Before turning to friends or mentors for advice, it’s wise to seek God’s direction.

May you not run after a job, relationship, or possessions without consulting God first.

God will not leave you clueless about what He wants you to do.

May God show you His will for your life and may you let Him lead and guide you all the way there.

© 2020 Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day

If this entry has encouraged you, be sure to order a copy of the NEW empowering, edifying and enriching Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day devotional in print or on Kindle on Amazon. Blessings!

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

There’s no way to sum up all the highs and lows of 2020, so I won’t really try.

Amid the untold trials, tests, trauma and tragedy the pandemic and civil unrest brought this year and despite any personal heartbreak you may have experienced, I hope you were able to feel God’s loving arms sheltering and comforting you.

As the world came to a collective standstill (and continues to be on pause in many places), I hope you were able to spot God’s fingerprints throughout your days.

You may recall my “One Word” for this year was SHINE.

God has a sense of humor. How do you shine when the world shuts down?

Wait a minute…. when is a shining light needed the most?

Oh yeah, as the saying goes the darker the night, the brighter the light shines!

God’s ways are so not our ways.

I trust you found ways to shine your light for Christ this year.

I’d like to share a few highlights of how the Lord allowed me to SHINE for Him this year. Here are 5 highlights from 2020:

1. Releasing Book 5

It’s a joy and privilege to get to honor God through writing and speaking about Him. This year I celebrated the fifth anniversary of the release of my first book and I celebrated the release of my fifth book, Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day! God is Good!

Feisty Faith has already been encouraging readers in California, Illinois, Michigan, New York and it’s on its way to Connecticut. I’m so touched by the lovely feedback I’m receiving and the wonderful endorsements such as this one from my friend at Our Daily Bread. I pray Feisty Faith, an uplifting 365-day devotional, will inspire and empower you!

2. Getting to Teach Again at the New York School of the Bible (NYSB)

It was such a blessing to get to teach for a second straight summer at the NYSB. It’s always an honor to get to teach from one of my books. This year the class was Abounding Faith: Choosing Faith Over Fear based on Book 2, Abounding Faith: 30 Bible Heroes Who Will Inspire You to Believe God for the Impossible! How timely that topic was! Meeting online meant we could welcome a student straight from Taiwan. Amazing! It was such a special time. Our first class met the same evening our city had a curfew because of the protests. I’m so grateful that on a night filled with chaos, my class could meet to speak about the Lord and to spur each other on in our faith. God knew what we needed especially that evening. I look forward to teaching again next June.

3. Teaching a WOW Seminar on Leadership Lessons From Ruth

I don’t take it lightly when I get to speak about the Lord and teach from His Word. I was so delighted to teach leadership lessons from the life of Ruth for my friends at WOW! Women of Wonder for their seminar in November. I got some lovely feedback about the teaching and how it sparked a beautiful time of sharing during the small group discussion time. You can find links to the podcast and accompanying blog post here.

4. Hosting My First Meet Up

I couldn’t have my fourth women’s conference this fall so we had a virtual Meet Up Day instead. We had such a special time of fellowship and prayer. It was so lovely, we’re doing it again next year. Mark your calendars with the January dates and RSVP via email (see the above flyer). Hope to see you there!

5. Special Writing Project

There’s a special writing project I worked on this fall. I can’t say much now, but I plan to tell you all about it in 2021. Please stay tuned for the exciting news.

Other highlights from this year included coaching a wonderful client as she takes steps toward her God-given dreams, being interviewed for a website for writers and getting to encourage my friends (via Zoom) at The Bowery Mission Women’s Center and my friends at Woodcrest and Cliffside Nursing Homes.

And what a blessing it is to get to inspire and encourage you as you walk by faith, hope and love and live your God-given dreams!

Thanks so much for your continued prayers, encouragement and support. Only God knows what He has planned for 2021 and beyond.

If you’re being blessed by Abounding Faith’s work and are looking for ways to show your support, I invite you to consider:

• Buying Abounding Faith’s books for yourself and to give away to your family, friends, small group, local nonprofits, etc.

• Becoming a member of Abounding Faith’s Dream Team. Let’s SHINE together!

• Buying me a coffee or two or more! Check out this NEW way to show your support by clicking here.

I’m looking forward to continuing to encourage you in the new year! May your faith in God and love for Him grow even deeper in 2021!

God has called us for such as this. Don’t shrink back now. Keep shining for Christ and move forward by Feisty Faith! Many blessings to you and yours!

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

DECEMBER 23

Immanuel

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23

Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.

The Lord is with you in the valley and the mountaintop, in the highs and lows, and in your desert and harvest seasons.

May you feel God’s wonderful presence when you’re at home, work, school, the gym, or on vacation.

Speak to Him. Cry out to Him. Worship Him. Listen for His soothing voice.

When God said He will never leave you or forsake you, He meant it.

May you feel the Lord smiling on you even now. 

© 2020 Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day

If this entry has encouraged you, be sure to order a copy of the NEW empowering, edifying and enriching Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day devotional in print or on Kindle on Amazon. Have a very Merry & Blessed Christmas!

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™