• Faith

    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…

  • Faith,  Relationships

    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…

  • Devotionals,  Faith

    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…

  • Faith,  On Writing

    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…

  • Faith,  On Writing

    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…

  • Health & Body

    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…

  • Faith,  On Writing

    November is National Writing Month

    November is national writing month. Why? Because the world needs your novel. Some of you may think that writing is your hobby. Some of you have already participated in NaNoWriMo, an online movement meant to help you finish your novel in 30 days. And some of you might still feel lost when it comes to writing. I am here to let you know the time to start is now. Below are writing tips I’ve previously shared, which I am sharing to encourage you, once again! Don’t delay. Start writing today! 8 Tips to Write an eBook Tip #1 – Start With an Outline. Open Microsoft Word and start typing your…

  • Relationships

    Why is it that Christians Hurt Me the Most?

    [Guest Post by Mary DeMuth – If you or anyone you know has been hurt by Christians, the church, or anyone who claims to love God–please forward this to them! Be encouraged.] I wish it weren’t true. But I can honestly say being hurt by other Christians, particularly Christian leaders, has devastated me. I don’t have a category for the grief because of all the shoulds. (Those leaders should know better than to act that way. They should not have said those hateful words.) In the aftermath of the pain, I’ve not always processed it well. I’ve been angry. I’ve wanted vengeance. The writer in me wanted to craft a…

  • Relationships

    On Relationships: Don't Settle For Less

    [Guest Post by Alice Sullivan – I always appreciate it when a former guest poster asks to write again. This site is only possible by you all, and it is my pleasure to share your stories. Be encouraged.] Fall has always been my favorite time of year. From the beautiful autumn leaves and corn mazes, to campfires and hayrides, there’s nothing I don’t love about the cooler weather that signals the beginning of the holiday season. And this year, I was even more excited about it because after being single for several years, I had a boyfriend to share the season with. (Keyword: had.) We dated for only four months…

  • Relationships

    My Christian Boyfriend is Gay

    [Guest Post by Brenda Rodgers – I appreciate her honesty on a topic that is super sensitive. I know she’s not the only one who’s broken up with someone only to find out that their ex turned gay. I hope you are encouraged by her honesty.] I found out a year after the four year facade. Overlooking over the railing on the second floor of the mall, right outside of J. Crew, I heard the words on the other end of my cell phone. A friend was telling me my ex-boyfriend was gay. Even though that was the not-so-secret-secret in my mind, a stabbing piercing went through my chest. I…