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Keep Moving Forward
Guest Post by Jayne Richards – How many of us have made a New Year’s Resolution or goal to lose weight this year? And how many of us have already given up? I am encouraged by this amazing woman who calls herself an old broad who runs, and I hope you are too!] My twenty-four year old daughter was digging around in one of our junk piles recently, and came upon what she thought was a treasure. It was a beautiful hardcover book entitled “Our Christmas Memories”. She very excitedly sat down to reminisce, only to discover that just the first couple of pages had been completed. It had a…
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Walking the Plank
Transition throws me for a loop every time – silly, of course. We all know that the only constant in life is change. But somehow my longing for comfort and control gets me to settle into a place with a deep, satisfying sigh. Close my eyes. Take a break from watchfulness. Then everything tips and I find myself rolling sideways, stumbling down a new ramp of transition. Looking for a new normal. Some transitions are instantaneous. In 2003 my husband collapsed on his favorite street in San Diego, Shelter Island Drive, just outside the bank. From that moment on, he never drove his truck, never wrote a check, dialed a…
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When is it going to be my turn?
[Guest Post by Ashley Ramps – When I asked is something is missing from your life on my new blog, I got this amazing post. I just KNOW she’s not the only one. If you, like Ashley, find yourself scratching your head wondering what’s wrong–you’re not alone!] When is it going to be my turn? Hope. Not even sure what that feels like anymore. How did I get here? When did I become 31? Why am I the only one of my friends not married? Why don’t I have a family? Why am I not in my dream job living out the purpose that God had created me to live? I…
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10 Tips for Blogging + Giveaway
It’s hard to believe 2014 marks my 10th year of blogging. I am celebrating by doing a blogiversary giveaway! Apparently you give tin for a 10 year anniversary. I found a cute set of tin tea lights & tin/glass holders on Etsy (pictured above). Leave a comment to win. A winner will be chosen at random on January 8. I also wanted to share 10 tips for blogging that I learned the past ten years of blogging on three different platforms: Xanga, Blogspot, and WordPress. Be encouraged! 1. Accidental Author – I didn’t set out to become a writer or dream of the day I’d make a living as an author. I…
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Top 10 Christian Speakers for Women's Events
After speaking for almost 5 years, I (Renee Fisher) thought it was time to make a top 10 list of the top 10 Christian Speakers for Women’s Events! Some of you may not know, but I used to book Christian Speakers through Outreach Events. I worked with top notch quality speakers such as Kirk Cameron, Josh McDowell, and Lee Strobel. Unfortunately, I was told early on that I wouldn’t book many women speakers. I was dumbfounded when my boss was right. People would call, but they couldn’t afford to pay to host speakers such as Bethany Hamilton, Sheila Walsh, or Lisa Whelchel. It also saddened me that churches would pay the…
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Singles Survival Guide to the Holidays
Singles need love this holiday season. The month before I met my husband Marc was the loneliest month ever. I hated the thought of spending one more holiday season alone. After spending almost my entire twenties single, December and I did not get along. That is why I am excited to announce I will be on the board for ChristianMingle in 2014. I look forward to encouraging many singles who feel like they have lost hope in finding a godly mate. If you are or were anything like me–singleness has a tendency to wear on you (especially during the holidays). Between the dinners, party hopping, and family events, it can be quite…
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Daily Devotional Tips for 2014
The New Year is almost here! I wanted to share some daily devotional tips and Bible reading tips to give you a jump start to 2014, starting with 10 Tips to Renew Your Devotional Life. 1. BE A FOLLOWER. Disciple simply means follower. It’s not a spiritual term. QUESTION: You follow people on Twitter and Facebook, so why not be mindful to follow God FIRST? BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV). 2. DISCIPLINE TAKES TIME. Over the years I’ve discovered what works for me. Daily eVerses + Yearly devotionals + One Year Bible…
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3 Reasons to Share Your Story
Recently I shared my story about why my dream died. I already wrote that I can’t sugar coat things anymore. And now? The gloves are off. “What kind of God would stand back and watch a dream–a good dream, for ministry and impact–fall apart?” That’s what I just read in Me, Myself, and Bob by Phil Vischer (the creator of VeggieTales®). I devoured his 80,000 word memoir in less than half a day. Seriously couldn’t have come at a better time. (Thanks Brett Burner for the recommendation). Phil continues. “Why would God want us to let go of our dreams? Because anything I am unwilling to let go of is an…
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Top Ten Devotional Books
Can you believe Christmas is only 58 days away? As the “Devotional Diva,” I (Renee Fisher) wanted to share my recommendations for my top ten devotional books for 2014. My life changed forever when I started reading the Bible every day. Since I was 15, I made a promise to God to spend time with Him daily through devotions. Sometimes I read through a One Year Bible, and sometimes with no Bible reading–only daily devotional books. Every year before Christmas, I am asked which devotionals are my favorite. Since DevotionalDiva.com will be on a break for November and December, I decided to share this as my last blog before I…
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How to Love Your Body Through the Holidays
[Guest Post by Rebekah Snyder – We tend to judge our bodies most during the holidays. It’s supposed to be a time to celebrate with family and friends, so why are we so quick to judge ourselves and weigh ourselves? Maybe it’s because we eat too much. Maybe it’s because we can’t help but enjoy those Christmas cookies or Thanksgiving turkey. No matter what happens this holiday season, I hope you are able to stay focused on how to love your body. No matter your body type. Because your body is good! Right, Rebekah?] Please don’t judge me for my skinny body. “Oh my gosh, Rebekah, you are sooo skinny!” She said…
