• Devotionals

    Gratitude for Daily Blessings

    [Guest post by Jo Ann Erwin: Jo Ann sent me two samples from her “Daily Blessings” writings, but I was very partial to this one due to my pet-loving nature. I thought the message of gratitude was perfect to leave off with just before Thanksgiving here in the US. There will be no Saturday post, and now Devotional Diva is officially on Thanksgiving break! New posts will resume on December 2nd.] Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all…

  • Relationships

    Be Transparent & Get Naked

    [Guest post by Alicia Gill: I’m usually one to be pretty direct and honest; I have trouble holding in sour emotions. In this post, Alicia’s Sunday school student gives a great example of being transparent, letting it out, and “getting naked.”] “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (NIV) A few years ago, I taught a very sweet high…

  • Devotionals

    I'll Do What's Best for Me

      I came across this quote online earlier…and it just had to be this Saturday’s post. It’s important to remember what you need, despite what you think others may want or need. Personally, I’m struggling with this. I want to go full-steam ahead with all of the plans I have, but physically I need to slow down. That’s what is best for me. And now I’ll do what is best for me. As we head into this busy holiday season, try not to forget what’s best for you!   →M

  • Devotionals

    The Magnitude of Our Gratitude

    [Guest post by Sherrie Harris: Sherrie sent in this post that is perfect for this thanksgiving time! Please enjoy her inspiring story of gratitude and grace.] As the girls entered the room, trickling in one or two at a time, their faces shone with gratefulness and possibilities. They began to cry out in unadulterated and uninhibited praise, as the tears of answered prayers streamed down their faces. “God is faithful,” they confessed. “God is faithful!” In 2012, I had the privilege of ministering to and serving women and children in Africa, during a missions’ trip with like-minded servant leaders.  Our team traveled to Kenya with the hope of resembling the…

  • Faith,  Health & Body

    Little Miracle on the Way!

    I’m writing this post on my 3rd wedding anniversary. When I was younger, I always used to imagine being pregnant on my 3rd anniversary. I guess I just thought that would be a good time to have my first baby. And I wanted a May baby, because my home state of Iowa usually has pretty good weather in May. Both of those teenage dreams are coming true! My husband, Brandon, and I are expecting our first baby in May 2015 (I’m beginning the 2nd trimester now). My official due date is actually the day after Mother’s Day, which I think is kind of cool. I’m so excited to finally share…

  • Devotionals

    Letting Go

      I recently let go of something that was really, really bugging me. Sometimes, I hang onto issues that are bothering me until something happens that makes me get pretty angry. And then, because I hate being angry and upset…I’m just able let go. And it’s the sweetest feeling. There’s nothing sweeter than letting go. →M

  • Devotionals

    Hope with Painted Wings

    [Guest post by Rebecca Lamarche: This post is a two-fer! First, Rebecca shares a poem. Then, she has an “insight” that is more devotional style. I hope you enjoy Rebecca’s wordsmithery and viewpoint on hope as much as I did!] Hope with Painted Wings From the genesis of forming me inside my mother’s womb Through the exodus from innocence so early in my youth, In the desert of my wandering, I was thirsting for my purpose, And You led me through the sandstorms to oases of Your truth.   From every bucket of belief I drew from wells of tainted water, You dipped ladles full of murky thoughts and turned them…

  • Faith

    Finding Your Identity in Christ

     [Guest post by Ashley Linne: Sometimes I think, we as humans get wrapped up in ourselves and don’t stop to think about what a massive universe God has created. When we realize how small we are, it can be unsettling. But it can also give us to comfort to know that, even though we’re only one of His creations, we all have an identity in Christ.] I’ve been asking God who I am for what seems like forever. Not just “What should I be when I grow up?” although that has been a very frequent topic of discussion between the two of us. Most of the time, though, the questions…

  • Devotionals

    What Does Your Soul Need Right Now?

      What does your soul need right now? Does it need rest? Or a break? Or maybe it needs to just have a day filled with fun. Does it need a change? Does it need a resolution to an ongoing problem? Let’s mind our bodies and souls.