A New Novella Releases in November! “Christmas on a Mission”!

COMING SOON!!
I’m so excited about my upcoming Christmas Novella “Christmas on a Mission”!
It speaks to my teacher heart, my crafty-side, my love for yummy sweets, decorating, and my desire to live intentionally knowing we have a mission in life.

 

Fitting Christmas in a shoe box has been her mission…until now.

Audria Rylatt is the school system’s liaison for homeless students. She strives to make Christmas bright for hundreds, while the season brings only heartache after her fiancé was killed in combat nearly two years ago. So when her family decides to play matchmaker, she is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, they’ve invited a soldier friend of her deceased fiancé to the family cabin for the holiday.

But she’s surprised to find this soldier, Quinton Nolan, standing at the door of heart. Faced with painful memories, the despair Christmas brings her, and the fear to love again, Audria is in desperate need of a Christmas miracle. Or at least some of the hope Christmas seems to offer so many. Can she embrace a new mission? If so, Christmas may stand to deliver a lifetime of magical memories.

“Christmas on a Mission” is a delightful novel of hope, life, love, and second chances, filled with all the joy and cheer Christmas brings.

 

A Worm in Time: How a Worm Helped in the Spread of Christianity

A Worm in Time: How a Worm Led to one of the Greatest Factors in the Spread of Christianity

As a middle school world history teacher, I stand over textbooks and timelines observing the causes and effects of historical events. They weave together telling the story of time, and I can’t help but marvel at God. With each twist and turn, the ups, the downs, God moves, and bends history to His will.

I’ve been able to make many observations. For example, God often uses the ill-equipped to serve His purpose. Not only the ill-equipped, but God isn’t opposed to using the secular, the ungodly, small, least likely, and even seemingly insignificant events to bring about His plans and purpose.  It’s brilliant.

Around 3,000 B.C. the Chinese began cultivating silk from a worm. The raw material provided by the worm created a luxurious fabric and a high demand from buyers.  Two thousand years later trade opened between China and the Mediterranean region sparking a greater demand for silk. The demand led to the creation of what we now know as The Silk Road or Silk Route.

Today, the World Wide Web connects us, but for over a thousand years the Silk road acted like a World Wide Web of interconnecting roadways. More than silk was traded. Merchants stretching from East Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Europe exchanged gold, spices, salt, slaves, ideas, religion, and technology. A case can be that the Silk Road affected culture more than trade. In fact, trade along the Silk Road became arguably the leading cause for the spread of Christianity around the world.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, trade declined. The roads fell into ruin, and became dangerous for merchants and their caravan of goods. However, Christianity would not be stopped. God had other plans. Eventually, the Mongols, fierce nomadic warriors from Asia, begin providing protection along the roadways and trade and travel flourish once more.

A great empire falls, and God uses violent, unmerciful, warriors like the Mongols to protect the road in which His message of Grace, Love, and Mercy is shared. Slavery, an evil crime against humanity, was a lucrative business along the routes, yet these slaves will perhaps, for the first time hear God’s message of Freedom. Robberies, and murders were common occurrences along the roadway, yet God’s mission and message could not be deterred.

Notice how God worked through the trials, dark places, thorny paths, and sinful nature of humanity that manifested along the roadways. He does that today, working in our lives, in the dark place to bring truth and good for those that love Him. It’s the thorny, darkest, vilest places that need the light of the Gospel the most. What better place for the Gospel to shine than against the backdrop of the Silk Road?

God’s Word prevails, just like He says it will. There’s no stopping it.

Eventually, the effects of trade on the Silk Road will lead to Christianity spreading to Northern Europe and then over to England.  Overtime England will become a Protestant nation, through non-religious reasons– check out the story of King Henry VIII. It’s not a “Christian” story, yet, God will allow Protestant Christian beliefs to grow, and ultimately those beliefs sail their way to the Americas where they become the foundation of our great nation.

Let this sink in: God used a worm to create a product, that started the largest, longest lasting, trading system, which allowed for the world-wide spread of Christianity. Mind bogglingly brilliant.

He’s relentless, reckless, and stops at nothing to further His plan of salvation to be heard by every ear possible. Why? Because. He. Loves. Us. Every last person on this planet, past, present, and future. He’s a God who has chased us through history, in and out of time, simply to be with us.

If history repeats itself, as it often does, then God is still moving in the midst of our frustrations, doubt, fear, and uncertainty. He will use the secular, the immoral, ill-equipped, time itself, and even a worm to further His kingdom purpose.

And here’s the best part, He wins!

 

About the Author:

Hannah Conway is a military wife, mother of two, middle school teacher, and speaker. Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists and turns sure to thrill, and encourage. Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My book Therapy. She and her family live near Nashville, Tennessee.

Check out her latest release, Up in Smoke ! Love it? Leave a Review on Amazon and let the world know!

Marriages Up in Smoke

No one gets married with the intent of getting divorced…I take that back. Leanna and Garrison, the characters in my latest novel, “Up in Smoke” do. And actually, I’ve heard stories of other couples that have done the same thing. Crazy, right?

But, for the most part, I’d say it’s safe to say that MOST couples never intend to divorce. However, nearly 50% of couples will divorce.

Ugh.

It breaks my heart.

It seems everywhere I turn, marriages are falling a part…even the couples in our church are being struck down. Why? Why is this happening? I get that things happen, people make choices, and sometimes choices are made for us against our will.

I’m tapping my pencil, clicking my tongue, wracking my brain trying to grasp why so many marriages are going up in smoke…here’s what I’ve come up with…

1: Transparency

As a society we tend to act like we’re okay when we’re not. Marriage is hard, and it’s okay to admit that, and it’s okay to get help, and glean from the wisdom of others.

2: Sanctity

Perhaps as a society we don’t understand the sanctity of marriage…it’s holiness. It’s a God ordained institution…a ’til death do us part deal. It’s worth our attention, our devotion, our time, energy, and our priority.

3: Purpose

Maybe we don’t understand the purpose of marriage. There’s an end goal, a goal that reaches past our life and into the generations to come. Marriage is a reflection of God’s love for us, and it also serves a safe, strong environment to raise up children. Our actions, good and bad, will be seen for years to come…we are a product of our ancestors, and we have a job to raise up the next generation teaching them about God, and showing them what relationships are meant to be.

I can analyze why marriages are struggling, but that doesn’t help us know HOW to stay together. HOW do we do ’til death do us part and not do it in misery?

1: Be transparent: plug in to a church or solid group of friends; share and care for each other

2: Realize the sanctity of marriage; care for your marriage; protect it; go on dates; make each other a priority

3: Realize marriage has a purpose; it’s worth the ups and downs; it means something that we can’t even really begin to grasp; it’s purpose reaches into the generations…we shape the future with our marriages.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, advice on this topic. 🙂 Any ways you have made your marriage stronger? Need us to pray for your marriage? Let us know. 🙂

 

Save

The Journal & the Journey: The One Who Knows the Way

Not too long ago, I stumbled on an old diary at a flea market. The journal year? 1888.

Wow!

What a treasure for a history lover like myself. Of course I bought it, then struggled whether or not to read it. I wouldn’t want a stranger snooping through my journal! Friends assured me no moral dilemma existed considering the age of the document, and we were all curious, so…well, we read it. 🙂

To our amusement and utter awe, Sierra Hunt, the writer, described her life, and it’s simple, often mundane tasks. With her words, this young teen, transported us back in time. Glorious experience!

Not much changed from Sierra’s day to day routine. School, fetching water, helping Ma in the kitchen. On Sunday she walked to church. She made mention of the weather, social gatherings, a family friend getting ill, and visitors. At times, she seemed frustrated by her simple life, and skipped several days in the journal –a sad thing for all of us reading.

Sierra had grown used to her life, and it’s routine. I found myself able to relate well this young lady of the past. For years I’ve stayed at home with my children, raising them, and moving from state to state with the military. At times the life set before me seemed so rote, and blah. Even as a 21st century grown woman, I understand Sierra’s century old teenage rant.

So we continued to flipped through the journal, thoroughly enjoying each entry, until it stopped mid sentence.

She wrote on July 6, 1888: “Warm & Pleasant. I worked for Mrs. Struthers this forenoon. Sewed some. Scottie [her brother] and I went up and got the “

And that’s it. Nothing more. We’re left wondering where she and Scottie went, what they were doing, and what ever happened to Sierra. Did she finish school? Get married? So many unknowns!

If our lives were a journal, how many unknowns would we have?

For me, plenty.

We don’t know what tomorrow brings, or what our future holds when our paths in life change. We’re on this journey, and our journals are filled with unknowns.

But God knows. He knows what happened to Sierra, and I intend to ask him one day. He knows the paths our lives will take, and we can trust Him with all our unknowns. All of them — the career choices, parenting tips, finances, the good & the bad of it all. I’m learning this day by day as I transition into a new phase of life with my hubby retired from the Army, and my youngest starting school.

A new path doesn’t have to equal uncertainties when we are certain of The One guiding us.


“And whenever you turn to the right or two the left, your ears will hear this command behind you — this is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Many blessings, and a journey full of joy for all of you.

Click to Tweet: “A new path doesn’t have to equal uncertainties when we are certain of The One guiding us.” ~Author @hannahrconway http://ctt.ec/6IC6h+

Never Go to the Grocery Store Again: Whole Foods Living Challenge & GIVEAWAY!

The Whole Foods Life Without Ever Going to the Grocery Store Again!

Challenge & Giveaway! Use the giveaway tools button at the bottom of the post to enter to win The Homemade Pantry by Alana Chernila Your email address is ONLY used to notify a winner. J

Never going to the grocery store again, now that’s a dream come true, but my family needs to eat. It’s not like growing my own food and relying on local farmers for sustenance is a valid option, right? Actually, it is, and one family is making it work rather well!

Say Hi to the Syner’s!
Hey guys! My name is Lisa Syner and I have been married to my wonderful husband, Cliff, for the past 12 years. I homeschool our 3 children on our small farm in Clarksville, Tennessee. I have a passion for the cultivation of the earth and the fruits of that labor, especially deep purple tomatoes and creamy Japanese sweet potatoes. Our family has chosen to follow Christ’s calling to love God and love others by stewarding this land and teaching others the beauty of tending, preserving and harvesting the bounty of His creation.

I had the great opportunity to hang out with Lisa and her family not long ago, see their farm, pick their brains, and soak up anything they wanted to teach me. They’ve taken a whole foods diet to a new level, and I’m intrigued.
Lisa and her family were stationed in Hawaii (whoop ,whoop for another Military family!). They saw firsthand fields of produce being mass produced, quickly grown, and sprayed with chemicals. She couldn’t shake the knowledge and concern of that food being shipped out and consumed by individuals who had no clue what gunk they were putting in their body, or where the food even came from.
Not many of us scan the isles of the grocery store looking for things that are harmful for us, well, sometimes I willingly purchase some sugary treat. For the most part, we buy things that seem healthy, or the box says it’s nutritional, so in the cart it goes.

Lisa says, “People are so disconnected from God’s creation. We don’t know how to eat.” I have to agree. We try to make the right choices, but we’re mis-informed. Before the Syner’s stopped going to the grocery store, they decided to only purchase and eat whole foods, meaning nothing from a box, and only organic, grass fed meats.

“Yes, it was expensive.” Lisa nodded with a grimace on her face. “We were spending $1300-1500 a month, easy.” I may have gasped or choked on my tongue at that moment.

And after the No Grocery Store Challenge?
“We eat the same quality of food, better actually, and we spend between $680-$740.”  Lisa smiled, and I’m sure her hubby is still smiling over those savings. “We used to have so much waste, but now, we use every bit.”

This lifestyle couldn’t have been easy?
“It’s been a learning process, but we base our meals on local, seasonal foods, and it’s healthier, and cheaper.” She also adds that there’s no pizza night to fall back on, so she’s got to be prepared.
It’s really just getting back the basics of how things used to be.
They “grow slow,” using heirloom seeds (organic, Non-GMO), and raise heritage animals that are able to adapt to their environment, making them stronger, less likely to get sick, and can forgo shots other animals raised for mass production require. Their chickens cluck about providing fresh eggs, and their sheep will provide much needed milk for homemade cheese, which Lisa is very excited about. A dairy sheep! How cool is that? Local farmers and farmers markets provide what they have not been able to produce.
“Everything is made from scratch.” And she’s not lying. Even mustard, and cream cheese! “If I don’t know how to make it, I look up a recipe.” I love that attitude. “If it’s not local, we don’t buy it.” Not lying their either.

Any concessions to this way of life? I had to ask that.
“Coffee is a concession.” Totally agreed with her. “Since there are no local coffee bean farmers, we buy the beans from locally owned coffee shops. We also eat out once a month, and if we’re at a friend’s house, we eat what we’re served.”
What about treats and sweets? No chocolate?
“No chocolate.” I’m kinda sweating over this. “Veggies are our snacks. Honey, homemade ice cream is a once in a great while treat when we have excess of milk, and local/seasonal fruit.”

Any health benefits you’ve noticed?
“I have so much more energy since beginning the challenge, and my seasonal allergies are much more controlled.” Her eyes widened in a ‘Thank the Lord’ kind of way.

What have you loved most about this lifestyle?
“The anticipation.” Her eyes lit up. “Food is a gift, each season for a purpose. There’s also a freshness factor. Before doing this, I never stopped to appreciate these gifts from God.” Lisa sat on the couch with me, hand propped on her head. “I’ve also love the farmers. We’re building new relationships, connecting in new ways, face to face, and able to share the gospel.”

Gardening tips?
“We use a no till method.” The Syner’s lay cardboard on top of the ground garden area, then pile on their fall leaves, mulch, and compost. “Start this process around February.” By planting time they simply push the leaves aside and plant into the rich earth. They actually water less because of how well the mixture holds moisture.
“Fish fertilizer.” Okay, that stuff is disgusting, but, as Lisa pointed out, the Native Americans used fish in their farming, so even though it stinks, it works.

Take the Challenge!
What is your challenge for the readers out there, and any advice to help them meet that challenge?
“Try not going to the grocery store for 30 days by eating whole foods from local vendors.” Sounds sort of easy, but then again, we all know things are easier said than done. To help us stick to the challenge, Lisa says, “Be committed. Find your local farmers and artisans, and ask them questions about their produce. Plan and prep what you want to eat. Have fun.”
She ends with, “It’s not complicated, it’s commitment.”
How about it Dear Readers? Are we up to this challenge?
 
 
 
For More Info on Whole Foods Living & Resources, Connect with the Syner’s @ 

Liberty Star Farms
Liberty Star Farms on Facebook
Community Resource Guide

Other Suggested Reading:


Remember to Enter to Win a The Homemade Pantry by Alana Chernila, one of Lisa’s go-to resources.

 
 

Worth the Sacrifice: Lessons from Memorial Day Weekend

“But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” (2 Chronicles 21:24 NLT)

King David wanted to build an altar to God. Araunah owned the perfect place for an altar located on the summit of Mt. Moriah. Nice view I’m sure!

When David approached Araunah about purchasing this “threshing floor” (a flat, hard surface), Araunah offered it to David at no cost. Awesome! A prime piece of property for free! What a bargain, right?! But, David refused to take the property without it costing him something. Instead of saying, “Hey God, I’m building this great altar for you, AND I got it at no cost,” David says, “I want to pay, and I want to pay A LOT for this place.”

Sounds a bit backward in our ‘something for nothing’ culture, but David understood what we’ve seemed to have lost: the definition and value of sacrifice.

David understood that a sacrifice costs something. It hurts, but worth the pain, whether physical or emotional. We feel a sacrifice, and if we don’t, it’s not a sacrifice…it’s something much different.

David was telling God, “I wanna pay. You’re worth it.”

What’s worth it for us?

What do we know of sacrifice? In a culture of abundance, credit cards, and self-indulging tendencies, what do we know of sacrifice? To give up something we value, perhaps even need, in order to benefit or honor someone else?

While we may be in short supply of sacrifice, it’s still there, and worth every penny, every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears that we willingly pour out.

I can think of several people, and groups that are accustomed to sacrifice, but this Memorial Day weekend I want to acknowledge those who have served and sacrificed their lives for this country. They saw a need, heard a call, counted up the cost, and served anyway. They deemed us worth their lives. Humbling.

I am thankful for the Military families that sacrificed alongside their soldier, willingly setting their soldier free to serve, knowing the dangers at hand. You too are valued, and appreciated. A hug, and kind words do not begin to scratch the surface of our gratitude.

We learn several things about sacrifice from the example of our fallen Military men and women, as well as David.

1: We learn a sacrifice is not a sacrifice if it doesn’t cost us something.
2: We learn a sacrifice is worth what we’ve given up.
3: We learn sacrifice is something we should do more of…setting ourselves aside for the benefit and honor of others whether with our time, money, or perhaps one day, our life.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Suggested Reading:
5 Ways to Be Blessed in the Stress: A Military Wife’s Perspective
Loving My Soldier: The Hindsights and Insights of PTSD and TBI
Army Wife Tips

Choosing Life: A Celebration Baby Shower at the Hope Pregnancy Center

The Feet of Those Who Were Given Life

As part of a Mom’s group, I recently had the honor of taking part in hosting a Baby Shower for many mothers-to-be at the Hope Pregnancy Center here in Clarksville.

Months earlier, many of the women in attendance found themselves pregnant & scared. There were many who didn’t want to be pregnant, didn’t want the baby, and considered having an abortion.

But they changed their mind. Some will choose adoption for their baby, and bless a loving and deserving family. But all of these women chose life.


Thank You Chick-Fil-A for
Donating to the Shower!

I admire their courage. In the face of fear they sought help and guidance. So many people, myself included, find it difficult to reach out in a time of need. I don’t want anyone to think I’m incompetent. Besides, I’m an Army Wife, and we can do it all, right? 



Sweet Treats!

Their bellies were large, and their feet were swollen as these lovely ladies neared the end of their pregnancy. Were they still scared? I never asked, but to some degree, I’m sure they were. We chatted about due dates, gender, baby names, nursery rhymes and shared labor stories–women want those details.



The “Don’t say Baby” game!

Listening, watching, and socializing with these women, I realized that every expectant mother deserves a baby shower. All of the shower stuff. From the fabulous food to the fun, right of passage baby shower games (I never lost my clothes pin!). Every mother-to-be deserves to be celebrated, especially these Mommas, because they chose life when they didn’t have to, when they thought it would be easier not to, when they knew their families would disapprove of their situation and possibly abandon them. Even then, they still chose life. Now that is something to throw a shower for!

Gifts for All the Mommas!

No matter the circumstance, right, wrong, whatever the reason these women found themselves pregnant and at a Pregnancy Center, they are still a child of God. They are beautiful, worthy, loved, special, and hand crafted by our Creator with a purpose. The child they carry is not a mistake. That baby was handcrafted for a purpose, he or she is beautiful, loved, special and worthy of the best life possible.

I know I’m speaking for our group, but I’m praying that we as the host were able to bless these expectant Momma’s as much as they blessed us.

Being an Army Wife, I’ve kind of adopted the saying of “grow where you’re planted.” For me, that means making a Kingdom impact on the community where I currently live. What better way to make a difference than partnering with a local pregnancy center to speak words of life and encouragement to women who may have found themselves unexpectedly expecting? 

Video Blog! Unmet Expectations

Unmet Expectations? Me? 

I didn’t know I had them…until they went unmet. In fact, I can’t recall ever being aware of what my expectations were for specific circumstances/people etc. It’s not like I  sat down and listed them out…until now, lol. So where did my expectations come from, and which ones went unmet? But the bigger question …what do I do when they go unmet?

My First Video Blog!
Thanks for Watching!

Army Wife Tips

As a young new Army Wife, I had many things to learn. Ten years in the saddle, and I’m still learning.

None of my family members, to my knowledge, had much experience regarding military things, let alone the military lifestyle. Still, the prospect of traveling to new places with my very own hunky GI Joe that I was head over heals for, was appealing. Not only would we travel, but we would attend a formal ball every year. Hello dream come true!  In my mind, the Army was like any other 9 to 5 job, weekends off type of career. I knew nothing of rank structure, field problems, deployments, decoding acronyms, how busy the commissary was on payday. I couldn’t even begin to explain the difference between a unit and platoon, nor did I care.  
It didn’t take long to find out that the military wasn’t a typical 9 to 5 career. Sometimes he worked on the weekends. Sometimes he was gone for weeks and months…years. There wasn’t a formal ball every year. In ten years, I’ve been to two. I’ve learned about rank structure…it’s strange, and can create social barriers amongst the spouses, but necessary for job function. I speak in acronyms quite fluently, and avoid the commissary at all costs on payday-EVEN -if there’s a case lot sale (lol). Thanks to my patient, wonderful husband, and little toy Army men, I now have a visual on the difference between a unit, platoon…even a division and battalion! Look at me go! 🙂 
I’m no longer the new Army Wife–I’m still young though, lol. 🙂 It’s odd that I’m friends with military families that have been in for two, three, four years. That was us just yesterday…seems like it at least.  When my younger Army Wife friends ask for the Need To Knows  about Army Life here are my tips: 
1: KIA doesn’t always mean Killed in Action…especially if it’s the name of a car lot. Then that’s probably a KIA store that sells those cute little compact cars. Yeah…when I first started learning acronyms I was highly offended that someone would name their store “killed in action.” Then I was HIGHLY embarrassed to find out it was a car lot. Ugh. I was blonde then. 
2: If another military family invites you to go “swinging,” it’s not swing dancing that they’re talking about. Say NO, and then run away. That’s GREAT advice, and saves you from A LOT of embarrassment…let’s leave it at that. 
3: Pick friends wisely. That’s just plain good advice for anyone, but especially for the military spouse who has moved away from home for the first time. 
4: Be kind to the other wives, and help them when you can. Babysit their kiddos so they can have a date night with their hubby and not have to pay $40 for childcare. Watch that lady’s kiddos so she can go to the grocery store in peace for heaven’s sake. 
5: Find a place to volunteer. Military Life is a lot of hurry up and wait. Sometimes you don’t even know what you’re waiting for, but while you wait find a place to serve. Remember, serving your family is a great way to start.
6: Take advantage of your surroundings. Each new move is an opportunity to explore places the locals don’t even know about. Have fun with your family learning about your new community, and its culture. New moves are some of my fondest memories.
7: Laugh. Seriously, you have to learn to laugh. 
8: Don’t judge people. That’s so Biblical, and awesome advice. I didn’t realize how judgmental I was until I became an Army Wife. I was this young, naive, raised in church, Baptist chick that had never seen alcohol, and gasped at curse words. I think for the first 4 years of my Army Life I was in culture shock, and all but twitched. God really got a hold of me and was like “SNAP out of it, and love these people. You are no better than anyone else in this world.” I totally wanted to argue…but you can’t really argue with God…successfully at least.  SO…love others…period. 
9: Choose your spouse, always! I remember being so lonely, so homesick my first few years as an Army Wife. My hubby was deployed, and when he was home he was gone too often than I liked. I cried often, complained to everyone who listened…ugh, I was horrid. I was feeling so sorry for myself that when I had the opportunities to choose him, to be with him, date him etc, I would often not. I would go to my family…I felt safe, loved by them, but what I didn’t realize how choosing them over him was not only hurting him but driving a wedge in our marriage. SO…choose your man. ALWAYS…even if you’re mad at him, even if you want to choose something else…choose him!
AND the most important tip…
10: Pick up your Bible, and dig in. God calls His Word a sword…He calls it living, powerful, and able to cut through bone and marrow. That’s pretty stinking hardcore. His Word not only encourages me, but strengthens me, changes me for the better. Check it out, it will change your life!

Stronger Than We Think: Encouragment for Moms

“I don’t know how you all do it.” Many civilian women/moms say to me. “I could never be without my husband for that long. I’d go insane.” 

Ha! What makes them think I’m not insane? There are days I teeter on the edge of insanity. I’m sure my kids would agree.

It’s not like I want to be without my husband. I don’t look forward to him leaving for lengthy periods of time. Although, admittedly, I don’t mind a nice week or two away here and there, lol. To these women/moms who think they couldn’t do Army life, I say to you: you’re stronger than you think. I was stronger than I thought, BUT, that took some hard knocks to find out.

Life happens. Things are thrown your way whether you’re military or not. I’ve learned that it’s how you respond that matters. We learn to be strong. Courageous, kind and loving. Whining, fussing, and complaining does no good for anyone. It stresses my husband out, depresses me, frustrates our children, and causes rifts in our marriage, and family.

How did I learn? Where else? The Bible of course. I totally still struggle with being strong, brave, courageous, kind and loving. I’m such a work in progress–like right n
ow, I’m Picasso looking. There are days I just want to crumble, and I need to cry. I need to vent. Then I get back up, and say, “Okay, God, help me out.”

Take a few moments can and check out the verses below that help keep life in perspective when times get hard. They remind us that we are stronger than we think.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Philippians 2:14

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> because you know that the testing of your faith<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(B)”> produces perseverance.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(C)”> Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(D)”> and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4


“And we know that in all things God works for the good<span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> of those who love him, who have been called<span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(B)”> according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28


“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13


“But the fruit<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> of the Spirit is love,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(B)”> joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(D)”> Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23


No, in all these things we are more than conquerors<span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37


“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2


“But he said to me, “My grace<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> is sufficient for you, for my power<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(B)”> is made perfect in weakness.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(C)”>”<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(D)”>Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9


Ever in a bind? Don’t know what to do, how to respond, or what the next move should be? Ask God. He gives wisdom to those that ask.  

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,<span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5