Relationships

  • Relationships

    Navigating Female Leadership

    [Guest Post by Elise Boggs – When I heard her share about women in leadership in person, I was blown away. I asked — no begged — Elise to share with all of you. It is tough to be a woman in leadership. I hope her story and three points encourage you to keep going. Pull up a chair. You are desperately needed!] I have led teams internationally and state side, within small and large organizations, and in the safety of both the classroom and the jungle of life. As a female, this meant saying “yes” to a narrow road, a road that traditional cultures attempt to restrict and boys…

  • Relationships

    The Parenting Package

    [Guest Post by Marci Seither – I met her at an event I hosted a writers event at my house last year. I am excited for her to share a parenting story with you today!] I handed my daughter a new toothbrush and toothpaste to pack alongside of her bathing suit and flip-flops.  “Do you need more sun screen or the little stick that you can swipe across your nose?” I asked. She continued folding clothes she would need, along with her journal and an assortment of pens. “I think I’m fine,” she said, looking under her bed and retrieving a lost tennis shoe. “Do you have batteries for your…

  • Relationships

    I lost more than a marriage

    [Guest Post by Kathy Moore – I have been walking alongside my friend through her separation, and then divorce. It has been especially hard to watch as the gossip train has started, and doesn’t seem to stop. If you are a “Christian” who knows others who have been destroyed by gossip, please forward this to them. If you are one of them — be encouraged by my friend Kathy’s story today.] I am divorced.   Out of obedience to the Lord, I have been silent to share my story — until now. Due to continuing gossip, I have felt the Lord’s prompting to speak truth. Matthew 5:13-14 reminds me as…

  • Relationships

    Our Need For Intimacy

    [Guest Post by Priscilla Cash – When I got an email from a military wife, I had to say yes. Not just because I support our military, but because I know many military wives and moms who can relate. I hope you are encouraged by her vulnerability and courage to share about intimacy.] It was not just that I was a woman. It was not just that I had seen too many TV shows or read too many novels. Deep within, I knew I needed intimacy. It is a profound need. We crave it, we seek it, but it often alludes us. And so, as a teenager, I waited, feeling…

  • Relationships

    Don't Throw Yourself Away

    [Guest Post by Wendy Griffith – I really resonate with her story and not throwing your life away. If you find yourself struggling with your worth in Christ today, be encouraged! You are not alone.] My heart was crushed—but somehow I was still breathing. It had been just a week since my breakup with a man whom I had once believed was the love of my life when Dr. Pat Robertson, founder and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network, called me into his office. Like a concerned father, Pat gently commanded, “Wendy, come in here. Tell me what happened.” The compassion in his voice caused the tears that were already…

  • Relationships

    How to Motivate Your Son to Follow Christ

    [Guest Post by Rhonda Stoppe – Whenever I meet a fellow Harvest House author I am excited to connect and have him or her share their story on Devotional Diva. If you are a mom of a boy or boys, you will appreciate this how-to!] How can I motivate my son to want to follow Christ? Moms ask me all the time, How can I get my son to want to follow Christ? My answer? You cannot coerce, manipulate, or even reward your son enough to make him want to live in full abandon to Christ. You can however, live in a manner that makes following Christ irresistible! Your son–as…

  • Relationships

    Why Not Pursue Him?

    [Guest Post by Paula Hendricks – I met her many years ago at the True Woman Conference in Chicago, IL. We were roommies and it was fun to meet her when I published my first book, and now years later it’s my turn to return the favor. Please welcome my friend Paula!] Ever been tempted to force your fairy tale? Yea, me, too. On those days when I’m tempted to act like a beggar or an orphan (instead of an adopted daughter of the King of Kings!), here are four truths I often come back to. I pray they spare you the frustration and heartache I’ve experienced along the way.…

  • Devotionals,  Relationships

    Learning to Pray Together

    [Guest Post by Shannon Kim – I love that the last time she wrote for Devotional Diva she was single and talking about about when dreams change. Please welcome her back on the topic of prayer.] Before our wedding a short time ago, my husband and I knew the importance of praying together as a married couple. However, I wasn’t incredibly aware of how intentional we would need to be to make time for it. I thought it would be easy to make time in the morning before Joe left for work, before bed or even to stop and pray during a conflict…my expectations were not met for a few…

  • Relationships

    Marriage Is My Idol

    [Guest Post by Jessica Dickson – I just love her heart and how she speaks truth over her singleness. When I read this I couldn’t help but want to post it immediately. If you struggle with viewing marriage as an idol — be encouraged!] I have a confession — Marriage is my idol. Was my idol. The worst part? It took me forever to realize it. I thought if I wasn’t perfect, nobody would want me. Few knew, but I hated myself. I thought I needed someone to love me and tell me I was okay. My mind set up a prison that I guarded. It was inconceivable that anyone could…

  • Relationships

    I never wanted a bruised heart

    [Guest Post by Laura – I appreciate how brave Laura is! This is the second time she has shared her story of rape on DevotionalDiva.com, and I love seeing how far she has come and how her story continues to encourage others. If you struggle with a bruised, broken, or shattered heart — be encouraged today!] Bruised. I bruise easily. Bruises seem to appear randomly on my knees or shins, and I can’t remember bumping into anything. To make matters worse, I can be a little klutzy. On the bright side, I’ve never broken a bone. But I’m fairly sure that a broken bone hurts exponentially more than a bruise. And…