• Devotionals,  Faith

    He is Risen, and So Are We!

    [Guest post by Debbie Harris: I’m so happy to have more poetry on Devotional Diva today for you! Thanks, Debbie!] He is risen. And so are we. And so we rise and rise and  rise and rise! Ahhh such a wondrous, victorious, exquisite, doctrinal gem that if dwelt upon as we go through out our days has us living in the majestic throne room of our God perpetually. He is dwelling in us, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And we are ever so humbly, so gratefully, dwelling in Him. And so we, as sons and daughters of the Heavenly King of Kings and Lord of Lords, gloriously rise through our triune God’s resurrection power. And so…

  • Devotionals,  Faith

    Stop and Worship

    [Guest post by Alice Carter: You know the old saying, “stop and smell the roses.” But we also often forget to stop and worship the the One who created those beautiful roses! Thank you for this reminder, Alice!] Whilst on honeymoon, in the beautiful Lake District, my husband and I decided we needed a day in civilisation, so we headed over to Blackpool. In case you don’t know, Blackpool is a holiday resort in the North West of England; it is well known for the Blackpool tower, the Blackpool Illuminations and the theme park – Blackpool Pleasure Beach! Blackpool is a lot of fun, but I don’t think anyone could describe…

  • Devotionals

    Father of the Year

    [Guest post by Alisha Ritchie: When you think about how many children He has, God really is Father of the Year, isn’t he?] “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1 NIV Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed.   With two kids, it seems that I am always on the go and my children are too.  When you combine school, homework, basketball practice, gymnastics, projects for school, guitar lessons, and church, it makes for a VERY FULL week.  We stay busy, busy, busy!   I love my kids with all my heart and am tickled they want to be…

  • Devotionals

    Friend, Do What You Came For

    [Guest post by Jennifer McCollum: When Jennifer sent this piece to me, I just knew I had to use it for this day. The story of Jesus’ betrayal always makes me emotional, and I appreciate Jennifer sharing her story of betrayal.] I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. –Book of Timothy When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was desperate to stay alive. Full of “sorrow to the point of death,” he prayed for the bitter cup of crucifixion to pass from him. He begged his disciples to stay with Him. But,…

  • Devotionals,  Faith

    God Likes You! (+Giveaway!)

    [Guest post by Sandi Krakowski: This is an excerpt from Sandi’s book #BEMORE. I picked out this section to share with you because I think it’s important to remember that truly, God likes you!] Your thought for today: God not only loves you, He likes you. He doesn’t look at us as sinful, disgusting people, but as tender children He loves and adores. After all, He sent Jesus to give us all we need and to fix our mess. He’s not mad at us! He is for us, not against us. He delights to give good gifts. Yes, He has feelings and is hurt very deeply when we ignore Him.…

  • Devotionals

    Fighting for Bud: An Update

    [Guest post by Jenee Day: About a month ago, Jenee shared with us why she was writing to distract herself. Here is an update on her son Bud’s health and how she is fighting for him.] Some of the most difficult times in my life as a mother are when my children are sick.  The emotions that come along with nurturing our little ones are various and deep.  Helplessness, sadness, confusion, hope and determination are just a few of the feelings my husband and I have experienced recently. As Bud was admitted to the hospital again last week, we held on to each other and to our faith. I have…

  • Devotionals,  Faith

    Why are you cast down, O my soul?

    [Guest post by Nicole Bernard: Have there been times in your life when you have been cast down? This is Nicole’s story on learning to depend on our Savior, the great Shephard.] During the summer of 2011 I was well into my pregnancy.   One Saturday as I was home alone exercising, I found myself in an awkward position.  I’d just finished a series of left-side leg-lifts and attempted to roll over to my right side.  I ran into a snag, however.  I couldn’t complete the roll, and I found myself stuck on my back. For a few seconds I was amused, but as I rocked back and forth, unable to free…

  • Devotionals

    Unexpected Family Bonding

    [Guest post by Michelle Rise: I absolutely love Michelle’s story about winter camping and the unexpected family bonding she experienced on the trip! Praise God for such a chance to connect.] Camping was recently a new thing for our family and going in spring and summer for the occasional weekend was adventure enough for me, or so I thought.  When we purchased sleeping bags, we chose the ones only for temperatures down to 30 degrees for the simple reason that camping in frigid weather was for mountain climbers only.  Then our kids discovered snowshoeing on a trip with their youth group to Rock-N-Water Christian Camp.  They wanted us to go…

  • Devotionals

    Living a Fulfilled Life

    [Guest post by Ifeoma Samuel: Ifeoma is back to share her insight on living a fulfilled life. And on March 15th, she releases her new book, My 30 Days Journey To a Fulfilled Life.] I don’t want to wake up one morning and feel empty, like I watched my life pass on without me. With wrinkles lined on my face, no one to smile at because we have nothing in common and everyone else has moved on with their lives. And have no place to go because I had sat in front of my TV for years. Neither do I want to live a life filled with regrets of things I…

  • Devotionals,  Faith

    Writing to Distract

    [Guest post by Jenee Day: Previously, Jenee wrote for Devotional Diva on the topic of gossip. Today, she shares why she’s writing to distract herself. We’re praying for your family, Jenee!]   I am writing this to distract myself. Waiting is not something I have ever been good at, and today I wait for a phone call that may literally change my families’ lives forever. Bud is just 5 years old now, and he is the light of our lives.  Handsome and silly, sometimes quiet and others completely rambunctious, he is generous with his kisses and with his desserts.  Bud is everything I ever hoped my child would be. And now……