Let Nothing Move You – Visual Verse

August 27, 2014 By: Melissa

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Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

During my quiet time this week I stumbled upon this sweet little verse. It’s not necessarily “sweet” in the sense of ahhhh, that’s cute, but sweet because it hit me right where I needed it that day and was a sweet reminder that God is with me every single moment of every day.

I absolutely love to steadfastness of this. The strong words are powerful; “Stand Firm” “Let NOTHING move you” and “Always” — wow! There’s not a maybe, or you could have, should have, hem haw about it. It’s direct. It’s clear and it is powerful.

I pray it moves you as it did me. This is just as much for you as it is for me…

Visual Verses are simply verses that have been on my heart and that I’ve made into graphics. I am a very visual kinda girl and I love a pretty little pic along with my verse so that I can print them out and post them wherever I might need them…in the car, on the nightstand, or in my journal.

You are more than welcome to download them or even pin them on your pinterest pages.

As a matter of fact I would love it if you did, they are yours to enjoy as well.

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

PS – I took this picture at an orphanage we served at in the Bahamas. One of the other girls on the trip with me left this reminder “God is Good” on the playground for the kids to find later after we left. It was the perfect pic for this verse!!!

Book Review: Think 4:8 40 Days To A Joy Filled Life For Teens

May 19, 2014 By: Melissa

My Thoughts About the Book:

I absolutely adore Lyn Smith, I was blessed to co-author a devotional with her back in 2011 (you can check it out here) so when I found out that she co-wrote a new 40-day devotional for teens with Tommy Newberry I knew that I had to find out more about it. I love the heart and mission of this book — it’s to introduce healthy thinking habits early in a teen’s life (oh how this is needed!) and show them that God can heal them and their families through a concentrated focus on Philippians 4:8.

She had me at hello. Teenagers, better attitude, fixing their thoughts on good things — count me in! With an easy to read format in a language that teens will understand this sweet little devotional is perfectly pocket sized so teens can take it with them (in their purse, backpack or car) wherever they go.

The daily devotional is short enough that it doesn’t feel like homework, but deep and rich enough that they will definitely be challenged by it. Then they take it a step further by making sure the teens get it a little more with sections called, “Work It” where they have to work it out in their own words, “Talk It” where they talk it out with God, “Stick It” where they have a little nugget to take with them for the day, and “Pray It” where they can close their time out with a heartfelt prayer to God.

So much godly wisdom packed in this devotional…if you want to help your teen have a joy-filled life, then you are going to want to check out this book! Oh, before I forget, they also have additional resources of help and encouragement at ww.think48.com as well as tips for moms. They really did think of everything!

About the book:

Focus on the Good Stuff!

Your mind is a powerful tool. What you choose to think about and focus on today can impact the rest of your life.

So take forty days to get your thoughts rolling in the right direction—to help you reach your goals and live the successful, purposeful life God has planned just for you. When you follow this forty-day game plan, you will start erasing weak, unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with strong, productive thoughts.

Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. Philippians 4:8 (The Living Bible)

Think this, not that—start today, and live a joy-filled life.

I’d strongly encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself and your teen, you can do that here: http://amzn.to/1t7Ldkh

About the Authors:

Tommy Newberry
Tommy Newberry is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and head coach of The 1% Club, Inc. an organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and their families maximize their full potential. As a pioneer in the life-coaching field since 1991, Tommy has equipped business leaders in more than thirty industries to work less, earn more, and enjoy greater satisfaction with the right accomplishments.

Lyn Smith
Leader and Bible teacher Lyn Smith is the coauthor of three books, appears regularly on Christian Discipleship TV, and travels the world with her teaching. Known as a truth teller, Lyn brings the reality and power of God into daily living. You can find out more about Lyn at lynsmith.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Bible Readeez Review

April 15, 2014 By: Melissa

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My Thoughts About the CD/DVD:

In all my years serving in Kids Ministry I’m pretty sure that I’ve never seen anything like the Bible Readeez DVD. There is so much fun packed into every song on this CD/DVD. What an incredibly creative way to get kids into the Word of God– in a way they already love, through music and video.

As the Kids Ministry Director at my church I am always on the look out for new ways to bring kids and their families things they can enjoy together at church and in their homes. I love that the songs and videos are perfectly balanced to be engaging for kids while also staying true to Scripture. Parents will love that this is something that their preschool and elementary age children enjoy as well as being something they can listen to enjoy together as a family.

About the Bible Readeez:

It’s the Bible’s Greatest Hits: Word-for-word texts of beloved Scripture passages – ideal for memorization – set in gorgeous new melodies by renowned children’s songwriter Michael Rachap. Classic inspiration like Psalm 23, The Beatitudes, St. Paul’s Epistle on Love, Psalm 100, The Lord’s Prayer and many more come vividly to life in this first-of-its-kind DVD/CD set. Each of these powerful songs is presented in a video with Readeez’ ingenious SyllableSync technique. So kids gain critical reading skills while they internalize the timeless messages. Bonus content includes clear spoken-word readings of the texts (audio and video). From children’s publishing innovator The Readeez Company, this new collection is destined to become a must-have for every family’s media library.

Have a look at the contents:

You can purchase a copy here: http://www.readeez.com/bible-readeez

Here’s a preview video: http://youtu.be/PSl7Dp-zzCE

About the Readeez Creator:

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Michael Rachap: An alumnus of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, here he studied songwriting and music production, Michael created Readeez in 2005 as a way to entertain and educate his young daughter. Rachap, a lifelong musician and composer, plays piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, melodica and other instruments. He also does all of the video animation. Prior to starting The Readeez Company, Rachap worked as an advertising copywriter, including four years as Associate Creative Director at DDB New York. He now lives in Atlanta with his wife and daughter.

Book Review: Daily Reflections on the Names of God, by Ava Pennington

April 9, 2014 By: Melissa

My Thoughts About the Book:

I am a huge fan of daily devotionals, you may already know that. Some of my favorites are ones that I read for years and years — like Jesus Calling, My Utmost for His Highest, At the Feet of Jesus…and now one of my new favorites is “Daily Reflections on the Names of God”.

Ava Pennington has packed in the meat and potatoes on each day in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you but simply reaches in and digs a little deeper. Knowing the names of God and allowing those names to draw you closer to Him while also uncovering some new insights and nuggets that you may have never noticed before.

With little symbols on the top of each page they guide you to look at each name or attribute of God in the devotional that day by looking “up”, looking “in” or looking “out”. Each day is ready for you to sit and soak in while allowing you to lean in to who God really is. This devotional is sure to be one that I read over and over again for many years.

On a personal note, I just have to mention that not only is this devotional rich with goodness, grace and mercy…but so is the author, Ava Pennington. She sent me this book almost two years ago and through various rabbit trails and delays I am just not posting the review and I’m doing so not because I “have to” but because as a woman in ministry and as a writer/speaker myself I could not let this sweet little gem of a book go by unnoticed, nor could I let the incredible author go unnoticed as well. Thank you thank you thank you Ava for your grace. You are a true gem! ~ Melissa

About the book:

Perfect. Almighty. The One Who Sees. Jealous. Forgiver.

Every name of God revealed in the Bible shows us something about his character and his ways. As the facets of a diamond combine to reflect its brilliance, the names and attributes of God combine to reveal the transcendence of his nature and the glory of his ways.

Daily Reflections on the Names of God offers readers a wonderful opportunity to spend time each day getting to know God more intimately. At the end of a year, they’ll be able to say they know him better than they did a year ago.

This insightful guide to the names of God provides 366 life-changing, personal devotions for new Christians and longtime believers. As readers explore 122 names and attributes of God, they will discover something special about who God is, who they are, and how they relate to others. Includes a Scripture and name index for easy navigation to favorite verses.

You can purchase a copy here: Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional

About the Author:

Ava Pennington is thoroughly enjoying her second career as an author, teacher, and speaker.

Originally from New York City, she left a twenty-year corporate career as a Human Resources executive. But don’t call her retired! She now teaches a weekly, interdenominational Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 180+ women from September through May.

Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is published by Revell and endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precepts International.

Ava also writes for organizations such as Focus on the Family, Christianity Today, and Haven Ministries. She has been published in 24 anthologies, including seventeen Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

She has also co-authored two children’s picture books, Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today?

Her training includes an Adult Bible Studies Certificate from Moody Bible Institute and an MBA in Executive Management from St. John’s University. If you’re looking for a speaker, she delights in challenging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations.

Please visit www.AvaWrites.com for more information.

Release: One Word 365

March 25, 2014 By: Melissa

Release…

Doesn’t it just NEED an ellipses after it?

Oh, if you only knew how much I’ve wrestled with this #OneWord365. I’ve actually had it picked out and ready to go since mid-January, but to be quite honest I’ve simply struggled to share my word and the reasons behind it.

Should be easy enough, right? But, it’s the gut honest truth that scares the hibbie jibbies out of me. You know, that jump and see what happens kinda thing. Yeah, that’s pretty much this one for me.

For the last 4 years I’ve jumped on board with the One Word 365 (click the link to find out how you can get involved too–it’s not too late) that the brilliant and witty Alece Ronzino (known online as Grit and Glory) started back in 2009. It’s so much more than picking a word and running with it, well, at least it is for me.

I spend a day walking, talking and wrestling with God with what my #OneWord365 focus should be for that year. I have a piece of paper beside my desk and throughout the day I write down various words that come to my heart.

Here is my list from this year;

As you can see, there are a lot of “words” on that list, but at some point throughout the day I wrote “RELEASE” and underlined it. It was right then and there that I knew that this is my word for 2014.

Here’s what I found out about the word RELEASE from Dictionary.com:

re·lease

verb (used with object), re·leased, re·leas·ing.

1. to free from confinement, bondage, obligation, pain, etc.; let go

2. to free from anything that restrains, fastens, etc.

3. to allow to be known, issued, done, or exhibited

4. Law. to give up, relinquish, or surrender (a right, claim, etc.).

noun

That’s great and all, but for me RELEASE means so much more…

Releasing my kids to be adults, they are now 18 and 20 and hardly need their mom in every single decision in their lives, but after raising them for 18 and 20 years it is oh so hard for this mama to RELEASE the reigns a little bit. (Yes Lord, I know you are working with me on this.)
Releasing my marriage to be better than ever before, our entire married life has been “with kids” (I became pregnant a little over a month after getting married almost 21 years ago) — it’s time to start a new adventure with my wonderful, godly husband.
Releasing the stress, worry and anxiety that comes along with having a child (ok, ok…he’s an adult now) with serious medical issues and trusting that God has a plan for these things in his life and ministry.
Releasing my idea of where I should be in my career as a writer/speaker and resting in His perfect timing.
Releasing myself from the need to “control” things and giving them over to God to do them in His way and in His time.
Releasing the pressure to be “Patty Perfect Pastor’s Wife” and just be the me God created me to be…flaws and all.

It’s been a couple of months now and I’m still working through my #OneWord365, but I have no doubt at all that RELEASE it one of those that is going to be easier said than done and also it’s going to have to be covered, smothered and blanketed in prayers.I’d love it if you get a chance and feel led to join me in prayer…

For God to reveal Himself to me through my #OneWord365 – Release,
If you haven’t picked out a #OneWord365 for yourself, for God to show you what your One Word might be,
If you do have your word picked out, that your #OneWord365 would be the filter that makes this year your most insightful, inspiring and incredible year yet.

I can’t wait to hear from you…