• 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…

  • Relationships

    Discontent With Singleness

    [Guest Post by Debra K. Fileta, M.A., LPC – My new friend Deb launches her first book True Love Dates tomorrow. Check it out here on Amazon, and read below of what she says about how to get over your discontent with singleness. ****The month of October is themed Relationship Awareness. The months of November and December will have no theme because Devotional Diva is going on its first break in five years! Read why here.] Since the launch of TrueLoveDates.com at the end of March, I’ve had the honor and privilege of hearing from hundreds of men and women. Though I’ve noticed that sometimes these men and women across our country and world,…

  • Faith,  Health & Body

    The Daily Struggle With Anxiety

    [Guest Post by Angela McNeil – My friend has been through so much and I always appreciate when she shares parts of her story because I just know it will encourage at least one person.] Most of my childhood memories are of my sick mother working 2-3 jobs, and my dad sitting in his Lazy boy recliner. Starting at the age of 8, I picked up most of the chores around the house like cleaning and cooking, while my father sat in his recliner drinking a beer or a Jack n Coke. I remember one day my mom was in tears. My father was arrested for stealing drugs from the…