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Don't Throw Yourself Away
[Guest Post by Wendy Griffith – I really resonate with her story and not throwing your life away. If you find yourself struggling with your worth in Christ today, be encouraged! You are not alone.] My heart was crushed—but somehow I was still breathing. It had been just a week since my breakup with a man whom I had once believed was the love of my life when Dr. Pat Robertson, founder and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network, called me into his office. Like a concerned father, Pat gently commanded, “Wendy, come in here. Tell me what happened.” The compassion in his voice caused the tears that were already…
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Mental Health and the Church {With Video Links}
Recently, I attended the Mental Health and the Church Conference at Saddleback Church (#Hope4MH). The good news is that they just posted ALL the videos from the plenary and breakout sessions. You can watch them on YouTube here. If you struggle with mental health or know someone who does, please watch and share! It was hosted by the Rick and Kay Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA, Bishop Kevin Vann of Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, and Steve Pitman of NAMI-OC. You can download the conference workbook for free here. According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year…
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Why Your Weirdness is Wonderful
[Guest Post by Laurie Wallin – I love it when I get to meet new author and speaker friends personally. She lives in the San Diego area, and it’s neat to hear her story in person. I am excited to share her story with you too! Enjoy.] Sometimes I wonder what God is thinking. (OK, lots of times.) When prayer seems to fall fruitless to the floor, when personal battles rage unabated, and I’m frustrated with something in myself, it’s easy to wonder whether God’s thinking includes me at all. When I’m in one of those modes—those “Nobody loves me. I’m no good. Might as well curl up and succumb…
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When it's Easier to Declare Defeat
[Guest Post by Mara Rose – I am so encouraged by her story because someday if my husband and I decide to have kids I will have to go off my medications, and that will not be easy. I love what she says that God still performs medical miracles. Believe it! Be encouraged today my friends.] Sometimes it’s easier to declare defeat prior to trying, rather than to try and fail later. There are so many things that we can worry about in life. And our worries can be amplified when we decide to have children. This past summer, my husband and I decided that we felt ready to start a…
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Lessons Learned from Fasting
[Guest Post by Elise Boggs – We met many years at North Coast Church. She worked on staff with the College ministry, and I was serving as a volunteer in the 20-something ministry. It’s pretty amazing to see how far she has come. If you find yourself like Elise, unfamiliar with fasting — I think you will like to hear her story.] Miracles do happen. Last year was a challenging year. I made the decision to leave my role in ministry, I ended a two year relationship, and I became overwhelmed with anxiety to the point of being issued a mandatory three month sabbatical by my doctor. I felt like…
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New Book: Dream Devotional Releases Easter
I am excited to release Dream Devotional, my fifth book, on Easter! My story of hope. (No, this is not an April Fool’s joke)! There are many reasons why I choose not to share about writing this book until it was releasing. I loathe the fact that a traditionally published book can take up to two years to release, and instead of letting you know what I am doing every step of the way — only to have lost your attention by the time the book is released, I wanted to keep it a surprise! Surprise! I needed to write Dream Devotional for me first. When I wrote that my…
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As Though You Already Are
[Guest Post by Jennie Goutet – Have you ever wanted to share your story, but it’s taken you months to put pen to paper only to realize it’s more difficult than you thought? I’m so glad Jennie didn’t give up and after a few months of asking if she could share, she put herself out there and shared from the heart. If you’re struggling with being accepted as you already are — be encouraged today!] Twenty years ago, I was living in Taiwan when my younger brother committed suicide. I did not yet follow God, although I had already been invited to church in Hawaii and in Manhattan, and would…
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Are you terrible at reading the Bible?
[Guest Post by Ruth Cataldo – Every once in a while I post on social media that I’m looking for new guest posters for Devotional Diva. When Ruth asked if she could share on this topic I couldn’t wait for her to share! So many of us, including myself, can be terrible at reading the Bible at times. Let’s be open and honest and help keep each other accountable, okay?] I am terrible at reading the Bible — there I said it! I want to spend time with Jesus, I want to learn from Him, I want to be more like Him and I want that desire to come naturally,…
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Playing The Jesus Card
[Guest Post by Jenifer Jernigan – Like all authors meet, we met through social media. I love her vulnerability, her voice, and the desperation behind her story. I am honored for Jenifer to share her story, and if you, like her, have felt like taking your life–you are not alone! I know her story is long but please read the whole thing. You will be blessed!] The summer months found me serving as a youth intern in a local church, teaching, ministering, and loving on kids who became an important part of my life. The fall semester ushered in months of studying through the Psalms in my Old Testament class…
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When Your World Comes Crashing Down
[Guest Post by Rochelle Frazier – I met her through the Top 10 Blogs for Christian Women post I compiled. She was nominated for the list, and when I looked at her blog–I knew I had to have her share! For anyone who has seen their picture perfect like come crashing down, this is for you today. Be encouraged! You are not alone.] Is it possible to arrive at the place where you stop asking, “Is there more? Should I be more?” Is it possible that your restless heart could actually find rest right where you are? Satisfied? I dare to say “Yes!” I don’t have the story of overcoming an…
