Can Curiosity be Courageous?

by Kelly Hall

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified …. for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

What comes to mind when you think of doing something courageous? My first thought is of my husband flying fighter jets throughout his Air Force career, or my son spending 40 days in the wilderness rock-climbing and mountaineering. I also picture my daughter, who without the slightest hesitation, allowed herself to be strapped into the Royal Gorge Skycoaster, where she soared through the air at 50 mph while suspended 1200 feet above the Arkansas River.

Now let me assure you, none of these brave, gravity-defying activities will ever be my courageous story. Yet God does call us to “be strong and courageous.” So imagine my delight, in discovering a Biblical story that redefined courage for those who prefer to walk out our bold faith on solid ground.

There it was, tucked inside Acts 2. All the followers of Jesus are gathered for the celebration of Pentecost, when they suddenly receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in a dramatic moment hearing a wind howling and seeing tongues of fire. They spilled out into the streets, proclaiming the wonders of God in languages they had not previously known.  

Although I’d read this miraculous story countless times, for the first time I was struck by the two polar opposite reactions from the crowd. The first group was “amazed and perplexed.” They asked each other, “What does this mean?” The second group “made fun of them” and concluded they’d had “too much wine” (Acts 2:12-13).  Although both groups were confused, we see a curious group who asked questions and a cynical group who jumped to conclusions contrasted.

Peter then preaches a brilliant sermon, straight from the mouth of God, and 3,000 people accepted the message that Jesus really was their long-awaited Messiah and were baptized.

Whose lives were transformed that day… the curious or the cynical? I propose that those who encountered the Living God were the ones who had the courage to be curious.

Maybe the most courageous thing we can do in our confusion, or even our heartache, is to come to the Lord with our questions. This thought stirred hope in my weary heart at a time when I felt neither brave nor courageous.

Could it really be as simple as asking a question?

Questions have the power to hold us in the tension of an unresolved, unexplained story. They posture our hearts to wait and listen for our precious Lord’s voice. Questions make space in our hearts for the possibilities of a bigger God-story. Questions allow us to resist the temptation of cynicism that might try to explain away the power of God as the actions of drunk people who suddenly become language experts.

My favorite thing about God is that when we come to him with our questions, we can expect Him to speak…personally, powerfully, and practically. What if our rescue from cynicism was just on the other end of a question?

What if the next time our stories stir confusion in our hearts, we simply have the courage to be curious, to curl up in our coziest chair and pour out our questions to the One who delights in opening our eyes to the wonders of His bigger story. What do you think?

About the author: Kelly Hall is a speaker, author, Bible teacher, and podcaster. Her Unshakable Hope Podcast: where Real Life intersects Redeeming Love, brings Biblical hope to the weary and highlights the unchanging faithfulness and love of God. Her Bible study, Courageous Faith, is framed around Proverbs
3:5-6 and expands on the faith lessons learned in her personal journey of raising four children, three
with special needs, in the constantly challenging world of Air Force military life. She enjoys the beauty of the Sonoran Desert with her husband, two adult daughters, and a super smart service dog, Skylar.

Join the conversation: Have you ever questioned God? Did He respond?

God of the Algorithm

by Ronda Wells

“In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:10 ESV

Algorithms are based on math—that much I remember from college. In fact, that’s all I remember. Your basic algorithm is a recipe: a step-by-step set of rules for solving a problem like quadratic equations. My math nerd hubby still remembers all of them. Me? That’s algebra, right?

Almost all areas of our modern lives are ruled by algorithms. Predictive algorithms help those who try to prognosticate future behavior – like stock brokers, marketers, bankers, and actuaries. Then there’s advertising, insurance, internet searches, healthcare, politics, government, and of course, the three eight-hundred-pound gorilla algorithms called Amazon, Google, and Meta.

It feels demoralizing and dehumanizing to be ruled by impersonal algorithms. We forget, though, the omniscient God who knows all and created the universe is the greatest mathematician ever. He controls the algorithms our world is physically and metaphysically based on.

He gave us a set of rules for avoiding sin called the Ten Commandments. Jesus, the Son of God who came to earth and was born as one of us, elaborated on those. Just thinking about robbery IS robbery, not the actual act of stealing. Our chaotic, dangerous world right now would benefit from remembering Jesus’s Golden Rule.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 NIV

Not much of that going around right now.

It’s also said, “he who controls the algorithm controls the world.” Artificial intelligence is built on algorithms that have been shown to contain biases. Our God though, is not biased. Two things are true—God doesn’t lie, and He is no respecter of persons. His unbiased algorithm will be applied equally to us all.

He knows ahead of time which choices we will make. That alone is reassuring – because we have the promise of whether we choose to turn right or left, He will be there behind us. As long as the choice isn’t to sin, God is fine with it.

He doesn’t mind if you paint your kitchen taupe white or cream beige.

All the promises made by man’s algorithms and A.I. are false. They aren’t truth, nor are they unbiased. They’re mere tools, like a hammer and nails. Tools can be used for good—to build a house, or bad—to attack someone.

Live your life by faith in the genuine Creator of the universal algorithm, and you need not fear man’s algorithms nor the artificial intelligence based on them.

For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:11 NIV

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the Author: Doctor by day, writer by night, Dr. Ronda Wells is an award-winning author who has written inspirational fiction for over twenty-five years. She has helped numerous other Christian writers with creating authentic medical scenes for their books. A lifelong Hoosier, Ronda is a wife, mother and grandmother who lives in Mooresville, Indiana, and loves to travel. She writes fiction and non-fiction stories that illustrate extraordinary faith among the conflicts of ordinary life. Her contemporary inspirational novel, Harvest of Hope, is currently under consideration with a publisher. Visit her website to read a bonus chapter at www.rondawellsbooks.com or connect with her via Linktree at https://linktr.ee/rondawellsbooks.

Join the conversation. How does knowing God rules algorithms give you confidence?

How To Mend a Broken Dream

by Sheri Schofield

All my life I had wanted to serve God as a missionary, preferably in Latin America, since I spoke some Spanish. Once our family reached Panama during Tim’s military service, I poured myself unreservedly into mission work. Our plans were to go from Panama to Ecuador when Tim finished his service.

But life doesn’t always turn out like we plan. We found ourselves back in the States. My heart went through a period of great grief and inner rebellion, for we would not be able to pursue missions in the future because of Tim’s health.

One Sunday, a pastor from Mexico spoke in our church, telling of his outreach to the Tarahumara tribe living in Mexico’s Copper Canyon. As he told of their desperate plight, my heart went out to them. I wanted to write about the Tarahumara and the pastor’s ministry. Writing felt safe to me. It would be far enough away from Latin America to leave my dormant dreams alone. But the pastor, Tomas Bencomo, told me I would have to go there and see it before writing.

I was very reluctant to go. I was afraid to awaken my passion for missions for fear it would hurt too much to come home afterward. But I chose to go anyway. Sure enough, I fell in love with the Tarahumara and the missionary work among them. I burst into tears when it was time to leave. I felt as if my heart would break, for the work was exactly what my husband and I had wanted. I grieved over the death of our dream and the reawakening I felt, while knowing I could not stay there.

Sometimes giving up on an idea or a goal we hold dear can be incredibly painful. How do we cope with that pain?

For me, it meant changing my goals once I returned to the States. This didn’t happen easily or quickly. While in Mexico, I saw a need for a picture book on the plan of salvation using pictures of children from around the world and presenting Jesus as a Jew of his time, not Caucasian.

It was not a small task. It took three years. But eventually I had both an English and a Spanish book on the plan of salvation, entitled The Prince and the Plan. With help from our friends, we chose to give this to the work of the gospel, printing 4,000 for our town, the Native American reservations of Montana, and 1,000 copies in Spanish for use by the pastor in Mexico. Nearly every copy is now distributed.

As I worked on giving these books away, the Lord spoke to my heart. “Sheri, you have reached more children through this project than you could have reached in a lifetime serving Me in Latin America.”

Now I can write about Tomas Bencomo’s dream instead of mine.

I learned that my broken dreams led to bigger, more productive dreams, because I was willing to trust God with my pain and follow his lead. Even when I did not want to go where he led. Even when I did not understand that his plan was much, much better than mine. Even when his plan meant I must die to my own hopes and dreams.

God can accomplish great things through those who are totally sold out to him. I can trust him completely. Especially with my heart’s desire.

But he knows the way that I take; and when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. Job 23:10-12 NIV

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Sheri Schofield, award-winning author and Bible teacher, has added a new way to share faith in Jesus. Her ministry, Faithwind 4 Kids, can be followed on her blog at her website, http://www.sherischofield.com. Questions welcomed!

FREE CHILDREN’S PROGRAM! Author/Children’s Bible teacher, Sheri Schofield, offers a free series of video lessons about Jesus and His salvation—for children ages 4 and up. It is available at her website www.sherischofield.com. In this video series, Walk-The-Talk Island, Sheri presents her award-winning book The Prince and the Plan, in 24 video lessons for your children, grandchildren and any others with whom you wish to share. In addition, Campfire provides devotions for children.

Join the conversation: What has God done in your life that is far superior to your original dream?

For Such a Time as Not Yet

by Stacy Sanchez

At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen. Isaiah 60:22 NLT

How do you like being told no?

If you’re like me, you enjoy it. Being told no is fine—it’s great! Please, sir, can I have some more? In fact, slap on a double scoop of no while you’re at it. That would be super awesome!

Yeah…no. I don’t like it at all.

I especially don’t like to be told no when on vacation. I want to explore and experience my new surroundings freely. But I married a fun-sucker. He’s the one with the level head and likes to come home in one piece without making a trip to a foreign hospital. To keep me safe, he’ll say mean things like:

–“No, Stacy, don’t taste the water dripping from the cave rocks. It could have bacteria.”

–“Don’t climb on the lava. If you fall, it will cut you to shreds.”

–“No, don’t swim after the sharks. You are food, not friend.”

–“Don’t swim up to the Moray eel’s face. It will bite you!”

–“Get back in the car! You will sink in the quicksand!”

–“The sign says: Keep out!”

See? Fun. Sucker.

Although my desires may seem fun at the time, thankfully, I am married to a man who loves me and can reel in my crazy. I know he wants the best for me, and I appreciate it—most of the time.

First Peter 4:1, 2 says, “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God” (NIV).

If our goal is to grow into mature believers who look more like Jesus, we must hear the word no more often than we like. It might not be a for-such-a-time-as-this moment just yet.

When God tells us no, the work of sanctification begins. His no to our plans straightens out our priorities. Our ways, which once seemed important, become insignificant compared to the will and plans of God.

In the process of dying to our selfish behaviors, we learn to have the same attitude that is in Christ Jesus, who humbled Himself to the will of the Father. The night He was crucified, Jesus prayed, asking, “If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39 NIV).

God even said no to His beloved son. In Jesus’s death and resurrection, our salvation began. The temporary (albeit excruciating) pain of God’s no made a way for our eternal yes.

If it was good for the Father to say no to Jesus, how much more so for us? Although I don’t like to be told no or not yet, I am thankful for God’s directions.

And because of my husband’s no, I am safe—even though he’s more of a fun sucker than I would like.

Father, we are grateful that You love us enough to tell us no. Help us to remember that Your no may be the opening to an even-better-than-we-could-ever-imagine yes. We trust You, Lord, and faithfully await Your plans to unfold at just the right time.  Amen.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Stacy Sanchez and her husband, John have been married for over 35 years. She is a mother of 4, step-mother, the fun, “Best Aunt Ever” to many, and (a very young) grandmother of nine grandcherubs. Stacy is a pastor, author, and speaker. Her passions include baseball (Go Yankees!), the beach, and Bible study. She loves teaching Christians about the Jewish roots of their faith, as well as helping to empower women to become all that God has created them to be. When not teaching or writing, you will find Stacy and John on the beach, at a baseball game, or playing with their grandchildren. Look for her new devotional book “Diamond Dust: Lessons from the Ball Field” to be published soon.

Join the conversation: When was the last time God said no to you? How did that turn out?

Thanks-Living

by Fran Sandin

“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV

I met Antonia, a quiet Hispanic woman, in the ICU waiting room of Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. My seventeen-month-old son was dying of bacterial meningitis and her infant son was dying from a congenital heart defect. Being grieving mothers gave us a common bond, but we did not have anything more in common. She observed our church friends, who gathered in a circle to pray with us, and one dear friend met Antonia and gave her a Spanish New Testament.

Within minutes after Jeffrey’s death, Antonia asked to speak with me privately. In broken, hesitant English, she said: “I see that you give your baby to the Lord. I want you to know that today, I give my baby to the Lord, too.” We hugged and cried together. Two weeks later I attended the memorial service for her baby, Jesse, and I asked Antonia to stay in touch.

While I had read the above verse in I Thessalonians many times, I never considered the impact of seeing them lived out so clearly. Antonia read the New Testament and became a believer in Jesus Christ. She chose to believe every word of those verses. Her letters inspired and encouraged me.

Antonia moved from Dallas to the Rio Grande Valley where her husband was awaiting his job, but they and their two young daughters were living in their old, used station wagon. She wrote to say how God had blessed them because they were parked beneath an orange tree and had plenty to eat. She was thanking God. Give thanks in all circumstances.

Later, in another letter, she explained that one day she didn’t have enough food to prepare a sack lunch for her husband. She prayed to God for help. Later that day, a strange man knocked on her cabin door and said, “Ma’am, I went fishing today and have this string of fish. Could you use some?” Antonia was so happy she exclaimed, “Yes!” She wrote, “Thanks to God, I fixed my husband’s lunch.” Be joyful, pray continually.  

When Antonia’s rent was due, she did not have the money, but the landlord agreed to wait a few days. Without telling anyone her need, Antonia prayed. Two days later, an unexpected check arrived in the mailbox that was enough to pay the rent. She was so thankful! Since the Holy Spirit indwelled Antonia’s heart, she lived with expectant help and hope from her Lord. Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.

Over the years we stayed connected through letters and gifts. Once, she and her daughters, while visiting relatives in Dallas, drove about 60 miles east because she wanted to serve us. She brought all the ingredients and did all the work to prepare an amazing, authentic, and delicious Mexican meal. They stayed overnight, so we could visit more.

I always sent a Christmas box and occasionally a surprise package of clothes for the girls, and they were thrilled. If Antonia sent something, I knew it was sacrificial. Even now, I have a small, heart-shaped, black velvet jewelry box, a friendship plate, and a Christmas decoration to remind me of my sweet friend.

Antonia and her family eventually moved to California for her husband’s job change. Her older daughter sent letters, and finally the sad news that at age 55 Antonia passed away after an extended illness.

Her example of genuine faith in God, with a thankful, joyful, prayerful heart, and giving spirit will never be forgotten and continue to inspire me, especially during the Thanksgiving season.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Fran Sandin is a retired nurse, organist, mother, and grandmother living in Greenville, Texas. She and her husband, Jim, have traveled to many countries and states. Find out more about Fran at fransandin.com. 

In Fran’s new book, Touching the Clouds, sixteen women reached out to God during life-altering situations, including: bulimia, suicide, homosexuality, job loss, husband’s death, drug and alcohol abuse, death of a child, and more. Fran wrote their true stories and added a Faith Lifter after each chapter, which includes Scriptures and practical help. For personal or group study.

Join the conversation: Has someone been an example for you at Thanksgiving?

Every Breath, Gratitude!

by Pam Farrel

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 NIV

The nurse rolled my wheelchair out the front door of the hospital. My eyes were working to adjust to such bright light as I had not seen sunshine for over a week. The crisp fall breeze fluttered the wisps of my hair. The sunshine sparkled and the rays shone its brilliance through the leaves turning majestic arrays of fall colors.

“Oh God, thank you for the breeze. It is like your life-giving breath. Oh Father, I am so grateful for every breath!” My mind reeled back to what had brought me to this hospital earlier that week. Many years before, I had been diagnosed with diabetes 1.5, a rarer condition that can be tricky to manage.

Recently, few weeks before coming to the hospital, I had hurt my shoulder on a flight to a speaking engagement. I struggled through the excruciating pain by taking various over the counter medications, but nothing seemed to help alleviate the excruciating and constant pain.

Several days later, when Bill picked me up at the airport, I was sobbing with pain. He rushed me to the neighborhood urgent care center and after many tests and x-rays the doctor discovered the source of my pain–a broken rib! The physician wrote a script for a stronger pain medication. However, the pain continued, day after day through that week (and what I didn’t realize, my system was becoming toxic).

When that Sunday rolled around, it was a hot California day, yet I could not get warm. I was in the recliner with blankets piled on me. I stood up to use the restroom, I got dizzy and threw up and my heart was racing inside my chest. I announced to Bill, “I think I am having a heart attack!”

My husband carried me to my father in law’s wheelchair, (miracle one, we had a wheelchair!) Bill carefully and swiftly wheeled me to the car. He pulled into the emergency room, which was only five minutes away, and as we entered, we realized NO ONE ELSE was in the waiting room! (Miracle two!) They moved me directly into ICU and Bill was verbally answering questions, “She thinks it could be a heart attack, her dad died of one at age 62, and her brother had one at 40! And she is diabetic!”

Two doctors were by my bedside, one a cardiologist and the other a diabetics specialist. He responded, “Diabetic! This is a DKA!” (Miracle three, the two best doctors for my critical condition were at the hospital at that moment!) They immediately connected me to eleven tubes and placed me in a medically induced coma with the hope of saving my life. While in my coma, the Lord, in His mercy, ushered me into His presence, and gave me a glimpse of His glory, and His presence surrounded me with peace (miracle four).

About four in the morning the doctors sent Bill home, “You wife needs you to get a little rest. I will stay here, and I will do my best to keep her alive. I will call if anything changes.” Bill complied and went home—and prayed. After a little slumber, Bill called all our family and friends and got on my computer to send “please pray” emails to all the groups I lead. (Miracle five, I already had a prayer network in place!)

Eventually, I blinked and woke up from the coma. The nurse ran in. My hands were tied down because I was on a ventilator to make sure I was breathing. She quickly explained to me all I had been through and told me she was glad to see me awake and alive. I spotted a white board and pen and pointed to them and mimed a writing gesture. “You want to write me a note?” I nodded.

I scratched on the board: “Thx” with happy face and heart emojis. The nurse wept, “Thank you. Rarely does anyone ever tells us “Thank you!” (In my mind, I thought, “What?! You save people’s lives daily, and no one says thanks?”)

Bill walked into my room in the ICU, smiling with relief, he said, “Thank you Jesus! You are back to yourself! You are going to be okay! You are writing and telling people what to do!”

Since I couldn’t talk, I wrote my “I love you”, and a “Thank You for Praying for Me!” to go with a photo we sent to our family and friends, to share my gratitude for just being alive and the joy of having people who care in my world.  I also penned a request to ask Bill to set up my tablet to play worship music. In my mind, while in a coma, I had experienced precious worship, and I had communicated to Jesus my desire to “worship my way to wellness”.

So, days later, as I rolled out into the sunshine, my worship continued. I was grateful for the smallest to the grandest things. Thankful for leaves, grass, sunshine, an experienced and caring medical team, a loving husband and family, a multitude of praying friends. With every breath, I was grateful to a Father in Heaven, a merciful Savior, and the Creator God who created all things – including creating life—and a path forward for me to walk with Him.  I also believed He would strengthen me and continue to create ministry opportunities for me. Once home, I opened my Bible, and the Lord led me to this verse:

For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God, in the light of the living. Psalm 56:13 NASB 

What are the small daily things you can thank God for today? Close your eyes, feel your breath go in and out, and thank God for His breath in you, giving life!

About the author: Pam Farrel is author of 59 books including the newest Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs: A Creative Bible Study Experience (coauthored with Jean E Jones and Karla Dornacher). When the Farrels are not traveling for speaking, they reside on a live-aboard boat docked in Southern CA. www.Love-Wise.com.

Join the conversation: For what are you thankful for today?

Grateful – No Matter What

by Nicki Corrine White

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His Mercy is everlasting. Psalm 107:1 NASB

What does the Bible say about gratefulness? It is a response, a giving of favor and grace. It is a recognition of the good things that have happened to you, and acknowledging people who have made those things happen.

Thankfulness is more of an emotional response, whereas gratefulness can be appreciation under any circumstance. This time of year, we celebrate both. We may be thankful for our many blessings but grateful that God is still on the throne amidst struggles from the past year.

I love to study the history of our country. I think about the Pilgrims, whose desire was to flee the religious persecution in England. They wanted to worship freely.

Some had gone to The Netherlands where laws were more flexible. After spending several years there, they made the decision to set out for the New World. They went back to England to allow others to join them in the journey. The journey began with two ships, but one proved to be unseaworthy. Some of its passengers ended up staying behind. Many on board the Mayflower were not part of their original group. They also wanted a new life.

Life was very difficult that first year. Half their number died. But the following year, their crops did well. They had made friends with several natives. Beside their good harvest, they had great success hunting fowl and deer. So they held a feast to celebrate their abundance.

There is much more to this story, but what strikes me is that despite the tremendous hardship, they were grateful, even in light of all they had endured.  

Like those Pilgrims, we, too, can trust in God in the face of difficulty. We can be confident in His sovereignty. We can know His love for us will never change.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV tells us, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Not in some circumstances, but ALL circumstances.

I admit that this can be hard to do; I have cried out to God, pleading and begging for a loved one to love God and believe in Him. Even when there is pain in the asking, He is always there, and I can talk with Him about anything.

So dear friends, “Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name” (Hebrews 13:15 NASB).

O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV 

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Nicki Corinne White is an author, speaker, and founder of Live Boldly Ministries. She has taught Bible for over 30 years. Her desire in ministry is to share the gospel to as many as possible and encourage women to grow in their faith, so they can also share with others. She lives in Meridian, Idaho and has 4 children and 8 grandchildren. She loves to share her home with others, enjoys gardening, cooking and art.

Nicki’s most recent book, Bold, will encourage you with testimonies of ordinary people who stepped out of their comfort zone and took a risk to serve God. This book will inspire you in your own walk of faith as you serve our mighty God.

Join the conversation: For what are you finding it difficult to be thankful?

Gratitude: A Vitamin for the Soul

by Cynthia Cavanaugh 

A few years ago, I knew I needed to cultivate gratitude in my life. I’d had too many negative thoughts swirling around from situations I couldn’t control. Certainly, I wasn’t the designated fixer! But life can be overwhelming, and sometimes my heart just hurt from all the sadness and brokenness on our planet. I realized that I would turn into a Negative Nelly if I wasn’t careful. Ouch! That was who I really didn’t want to be AT ALL!

So I began a nightly ritual of cultivating gratitude.  Being a visual person, I liked creative ways to be intentional, especially when God gently prodded me about something I needed to change. As I slipped under my feather comforter each night, I postured myself to touch each of my five fingers. Moving over each finger on my hand, I named what I was grateful for that day.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, a subtle, slow transformation took place in a crevice of my soul. Negative Nelly and her thoughts was replaced by a new resident, one that brought thoughts of thankfulness rather than despair. I found myself looking at the world differently. Even on a hard day, windows of opportunity to be thankful presented themselves, and gratitude seeped through.

Now my new ritual is so ingrained, I can’t go to sleep without naming at least one or two things for which to be grateful. It is like taking vitamins for the soul. It keeps us healthy and changes our perspective.

I’ve read about the effects of gratitude, both in physical and emotional health. A grateful perspective has the potential to transform how we approach life. I’ve personally seen it to be a sweet balm to my broken heart. Embracing gratitude to the fullest is the best pathway to wholeness. There was a time that I believed my heart could never be whole again.  It was too bruised, too wounded, too betrayed, and too weary. As I slowly surrendered, Jesus changed my heart, and I looked to Him to be my teaching healer on the journey. His ways are perfect, and his timing is impeccable.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, my heart is bursting with gratitude. It is surprising how many times it trickles out into the moments of my day. My ritual of gratitude has transformed me. My heart is healing.

I don’t know what circumstances you might be facing right now. Maybe the thought of being thankful is the farthest from your mind. I’ve been there. I pray that there will be a moment this week, in between family gatherings or chaotic Black Friday shopping, where thankfulness catches and inspires you to want more gratitude in your life. I challenge you: give it a try for 30 days every night. I guarantee that your tired heart will be different at the end. Here is some inspiration to get you started:

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1 NIV

 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17 NIV

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6 NIV

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Cynthia Cavanaugh knows what it’s like to walk through painful seasons, church hurt, and relationship struggles. Her story of brokenness has propelled her to write, speak, and help others heal through the pages of God’s Word. When the storms hit, God’s truth is what anchors her in adversity.

She is the award-winning author of several books, a speaker and leadership influencer. She holds her MA in Leadership from Trinity Western University and is the small group director at her church. Cynthia is also a certified Life Coach and the host of the podcast, The Soul Anchor. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and loves scavenging the beach for sea glass with the grands. She is a connoisseur of fine black tea and good dark chocolate. What even is fancy coffee?

Join the conversation. Has gratitude transformed you?

The Tortoise and the Cows

by Sheri Schofield

The old tortoise lived among the roots of the gnarled cottonwood tree next to a spring-fed pond. All he asked of life was to be left alone and to have clean water to drink. Yes, ducks and geese often visited his pond. But they left him alone. He was okay with them.

But one very hot day, the cattle in the next field broke through the fence in desperation to get to water and the protective shade of the cottonwood tree. They milled around for days, polluting the pond and tromping dangerously close to the tortoise. So the old tortoise decided to immigrate. He crossed the highway, where I saw him, and continued on toward a drainage ditch through the field, which led to another pond far from the cattle. Maybe he could be happy there.

His response to the invasion was to turn his shell and walk away.

I, and many others, have been praying for God to save America. As we have prayed, what has happened?

Look at our borders. Look at the number of people coming to America from around the world. Yes, there are bad actors among them. But there are also a large number of Christians.

Back in 2015, I felt compelled by God to write and illustrate
The Prince and the Plan, a children’s book about Jesus and God’s plan for salvation. I felt the Lord wanted me to present Jesus as a Jew with darker skin, like Jews were before the great return to Israel from other nations. I was also to include people of all races in the book so everyone reading it would know Jesus loves them.

Later, with help from other believers, the Lord had me give it to our Montana Native American tribes and then to the children of our town. I had been asked to provide classroom material for our outreach in Mexico, so I had the book translated into Spanish for our churches there … and also for those crossing our southern border.

My thought was, “If God is moving them here, I want to meet them with the gospel of Jesus.” We’ve given away about 5,000 books now, and are waiting on God for further instructions.

I often speak to people from other countries who are begging for money on street corners and near stores. If they have children, I give them copies of this book. Every time, the parent asks, “Is this from the Bible? Is this Christian?” They only accept it because it is. So far, I have met Christians from Moldova, Romania, Mexico and Guatemala. These are my brothers and sisters in Christ! I understand there are also Christians fleeing Communist China coming across our borders.

So I ask you, could this possibly be an answer to our prayers for God to save America?

God often answers my prayers in unexpected ways I may not recognize at first. Politics are irrelevant to God’s considerations. He considers only the good of his creation, particularly those who belong to his Son Jesus. I suspect this is his answer to our prayers … and theirs.

Therefore, I will pray for the safety of Christians coming across our borders, that they and their children will be safe from the cartels. I will pray they will be welcomed and helped by our churches. I will meet immigrants with the gospel wherever I see them. I will not, like that tortoise, turn away from those seeking help.

“They comin’ to America,” Neil Diamond sings. Sometimes the world gets it right when we don’t.

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:18-19 NIV).

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Sheri Schofield, award-winning author and Bible teacher, has added a new way to share faith in Jesus. Her ministry, Faithwind 4 Kids, can be followed on her blog at her website, http://www.sherischofield.com. Questions welcomed!

FREE CHILDREN’S PROGRAM! Author/Children’s Bible teacher, Sheri Schofield, offers a free series of video lessons about Jesus and His salvation—for children ages 4 and up. It is available at her website www.sherischofield.com. In this video series, Walk-The-Talk Island, Sheri presents her award-winning book The Prince and the Plan, in 24 video lessons for your children, grandchildren and any others with whom you wish to share. In addition, Campfire provides devotions for children.

Join the conversation: What opportunities has God given you to share the gospel?

Passing the Baton

by Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott

Our children will also serve him. Psalm 22:30 NLT

I spoke at a women’s conference this past weekend and the theme of the day was “Passing the Baton to the Next Generation.” This topic inevitably makes me introspective. I thought about how one of my main parenting goals was for my children to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

I didn’t want my children just to go to church because I went to church and made them go. I wanted them to personally know and love God for themselves. It was important to me that they knew for sure that God created the world, and He also created them and had a plan for their lives. I longed for them to appreciate all Jesus had done by dying on the cross for the remission of their sins. They needed to understand that prayer was effective, praise was wonderful, and giving was necessary. I wanted them to grasp the fact that God loved them, and that serving Him with their whole heart was a joy and the least they could do.

I believe that most Christian parents have these same kinds of spiritual goals for their children. We all want to pass on the baton of our faith. When they are small, kids have to do what we say. They look cute in their Sunday clothes and will dutifully say their prayers. They might participate wholeheartedly in Sunday School, youth group, camps, conferences, shut-in ministry, and choir. The church is a friendly, comfortable, welcoming place for them and the friends they’ve had since birth.

But kids grow up, and grown children may disappoint us in the choices they make, especially when it comes to spiritual things. They may stop going to church and get in with a crowd of friends who don’t honor God. Their lifestyle choices are such that we can clearly see them heading for a fall. But they’re grown; the best we can do is pray for them (and it isthe best we can do).

Parents cling on for dear life to Proverbs 22:6, which says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (NKJV). Yet we’re aware that these Proverbs are wise sayings, not guarantees.

However, I ran across two verses that gave me comfort and hope for the next generation. The New Living Translation of Psalm 22:30- 31 says, “Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.”  The Message (paraphrase) says it this way: “Our children and their children will get in on this as the word is passed along from parent to child. Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news—that God does what he says.”

As parents, let’s not despair of our adult children. As we keep passing the Word along to them—both by what we say and how they see us live—they’ll catch it. Future generations (including our adorable grandbabies) will then hear of the wonders of the Lord from our children. Hallelujah!

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: “Live significantly!” That’s the inspiring message of Sharon Norris Elliott, award-winning author, editor, agent, engaging speaker, and licensed minister. Author of 15 books, and associated with several prestigious organizations such as AWSA, ACE, and HSBN.tv, Sharon is also co-director of the WCCW conference. She is founder/CEO of AuthorizeMe® Consulting, Coaching, & Editing Firm and Literary Agency. www.AuthorizeMe.net

Sharon’s latest release, Didn’t See That Coming: When How They’re Living is Not How You Raised Them does its best to encourage parents of adult children when those grown folks make announcements about lifestyle choices that throw those parents for a real loop. Through introducing “care-frontation,” Dr. Elliott eases parents into the conversations they’d like to have with their adult kids. This book is heartfelt, timely, and scripturally sound.

Join the conversation: What are your spiritual goals for your children?