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Responding To The Call Prayer & Testimony Blog Wall
The Responding To The Call Prayer and Fasting Blog Wall is a space for you to share prayer requests, pray for others, and receive encouragement through the powerful testimonies of fellow believers. Share your prayer request and testimonies in the comment section...
Church Hurt, Friendship, and Healing
Today's blog is brought to you by, Healing! Have you ever met a homeless person who decided to never live in a home because someone in the home hurt them? There may be a few but most often, life circumstances have led them to this place and they would do anything to...
Getting Past the Rough Part
One Sunday, my children and I sat around the kitchen table having our Sunday Brunch & Bible Study. Although our church has started back in-person service, we have not yet returned. One reason is that there are some clear things God is cultivating in my home during...
ACCESS Prayer and Fasting Blog Wall
The ACCESS Prayer and Fasting Blog Wall is a space for you to share prayer requests, pray for others, and receive encouragement through the powerful testimonies of fellow believers. Share your prayer request and testimonies in the comment section below! Let’s...
Wisdom Wins~Part 6
Pillar 5: Choices It’s been said that we make over 30,000 decisions, or choices, a day. This means a significant part of our life weighs in the balance of who, what, when, where, why, and how, and if we make the wrong decision, there’s a cost. I believe this is why...
Wisdom Wins~Part 5
Pillar 4: Words We recently added a puppy to our family whose name is Joy. The first few days with Joy were exciting and exhausting. We’ve never had a pet and I had very little knowledge of what to expect. I didn’t understand how a pet could become such an important...
Wisdom Win Devotional~ Part 4
Pillar 3: Reputation When I was a teenager my father would always say, “Remember, your reputation goes further than you do.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand what he meant and wasn’t interested in figuring it out. However, as an adult, I have not only...
Wisdom Wins Devotional~Part 3
Pillar 2: Friendship Relationships can be one of the most rewarding gifts and greatest challenges to our human existence. Friendship, a form of relationship, takes this concept to a much deeper level. As we choose to be vulnerable, authentic, and accountable with our...
Wisdom Wins Devotional~Part 2
Pillar 1: Finances In 1 Kings 3:15, we are given the opportunity to witness a significant moment in Solomon's life. God rewards Solomon's request for wisdom by giving it in abundance…in addition to riches, fame, and long life. This moment in Solomon's story gave him...
Wisdom Wins Devotional~Part 1
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ~Proverbs 2:6 In 2014 I created a website (that no longer exists) as a way to grow in my writing skills. It was called Wisdom Wins. That blog became the catalyst for many other writing...
The Song of Solomon Unfolded: A Fresh Revelation of Your Identity in Christ (Pt.3)
Young Woman 12The king is lying on his couch, enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume. 13My lover is like a sachet of myrrh lying between my breasts. 14 He is like a bouquet of sweet henna blossoms from the vineyards of En-gedi. Young Man 15 How beautiful...
The Song of Solomon Unfolded: A Fresh Revelation of Your Identity in Christ (Pt.2)
Young Man 8 If you don’t know, O most beautiful woman, follow the trail of my flock, and graze your young goats by the shepherds’ tents. 9 You are as exciting, my darling, as a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions. 10 How lovely are your cheeks; your earrings set them...
The Song of Solomon Unfolded: A Fresh Revelation of Your Identity in Christ (Pt.1)
Tucked away between Ecclesiastes and Isaiah is a book of the Bible that I have skipped more than once. I tried reading it but couldn’t quite make sense of it. And I didn’t understand why in the world it was in the Bible. So like you may have done, I breezed past it...
Occupy Devotional (Pt.3)
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. -Luke 19:13 As we continue the parable we started reading in part 2, we see how each servant exercised the practice of occupying. Luke 19:15-24 (KJV) tells us that...
Occupy Devotional (Pt.2)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:19 (NLT)...
Occupy Devotional (Pt. 1)
"Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham." - Luke 19:9 (NLT) There’s a story in the Bible about a man named Zacchaeus that I grew up hearing. It wasn’t until recently that I understood how...
The Occupy Fasting and Prayer Blog Wall
The Occupy Fasting and Prayer Blog Wall is a space for you to share prayer requests, pray for others, and receive encouragement through the power of testimony from fellow believers from all across the world. Share your prayer request and testimonies in the comment...
400 Years of Silent Nights (Pt 3)
"Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled..." (Matthew 2:17 NIV) For many during that time, the night that Christ was born was much like the nights prior. The people of that day were living their lives without honor for the sacred and holy laws...
400 Years of Silent Nights (Pt 2)
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:12 NIV) As I pondered the 400 years of silence, I honestly felt many unsettling emotions, unlike when I sing the popular Christmas song, “Silent...
400 Years of Silent Nights (Pt 1)
But if he chooses to remain quiet, who can criticize him? When he hides his face, no one can find him, whether an individual or a nation. (Job 34:29 NLT) Have you ever experienced a season in your life where you felt God was silent, a moment when the stillness of the...
Without a Spot or Wrinkle Devotional (Pt 3)
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (Thessalonians 5:11 NIV) I didn’t mind walking around with wrinkles as long as I was comfortable and warm. Even now as an adult, I will try to find a way around ironing. Still, I...
Without a Spot or Wrinkle Devotional (Pt 2)
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord.“Though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow;though they are red as crimson,they shall be like wool. (Isaiah. 1:18 NIV) Have you ever gone out to eat and dropped food on your clothes? When that...
Without a Spot or Wrinkle (Pt.1)
“That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Eph. 26-27 ESV) Growing up, I...
Not Taking the Bait (Pt.3)
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 “I want to be an actress. Can you talk to David A.R. White for me?” I heard my daughter...
Not Taking the Bait (Pt 2)
Delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3 Someone once said, “We become what we behold.” Have you ever been scrolling on social media and come across a post that pricks your heart in an unhealthy way? Maybe you see an old...
Not Taking the Bait (Pt.1)
But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5 What would Eve’s story have become if she hadn’t listened to the voice of the...
Are you Uncomfortable Being Comfortable?
Two weeks ago, I did something I never thought was possible. Honestly, something I never dreamt I'd do. I signed a book deal with Moody Publishers for a book that will be released in March 2024! This is huge for so many reasons but the #1 reason is that it was never...
Lord, Please! Send Someone Else! (Pt.3)
Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord. ~Exodus 4:11 You don't have to be motivated to move in your mission. Do you know why? As we study...
Lord, Please! Send Someone Else (Pt.2)
Before Moses left Midian, the Lord said to him, “Return to Egypt, for all those who wanted to kill you have died. Exodus 4:19 "Rachel, I can't give you the next set of instructions until you follow the last." I remember about 4 years ago when God spoke these words to...
Lord, Please! Send Anyone Else (Pt.1)
But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else. Exodus 4:13 (NLT) When I was a young girl, I would sit on the living room floor in front of the big brown box television completely mesmerized by the 4 hour VHS film of Moses. My dad, sitting in his chair,...
From Regret to Reset Prayer (Pt.3)
"Then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you." Deuteronomy 30:3 Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross for my sins. Thank you...
From Regret to Reset (Pt.2)
"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11 Last week, I had the most amazing time with my sisters and our husbands. We stayed up laughing and talking about moments from our childhood one day and went on a triple date to a local board game cafe...
From Regret to Reset (Pt.1)
"...And he went out and wept bitterly" Matthew 26:75 There is something beautiful about entering the spring season. Upon its arrival, we are met with moments of reflection, anticipation, and reminders of present potential and future promises. From the fresh crisp air...
The Tutoring of Unexpected Transition (Pt.3)
"...Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" Romans 12:2 There is nothing quite like hitting the windshield wiper fluid when the gunk from the slushy snow has muddied up the windshield and you realize, it's...
The Tutoring of Unexpected Transition (Pt. 2)
"You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head." Ps. 139:5 Recently I heard a sermon by Sarah Jake Roberts called, “The Tutor and the Test.” In this sermon, she shared how we often attribute things we are going through to God testing us,...
The Tutoring of Unexpected Transition (Pt 1)
"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." -Psalm 37:25 It started off as a perfect morning. Children off to school on time with delicious lunches packed. Amazing quiet time with God. Husband headed to...
The Purpose of it All (Pt 3)
The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” -Luke 10:37 Now that we have a better understanding of the work that pleases God, I'd like us to return to our original question, “What does praise from God look like?” If...
The Purpose of it All (Pt 2)
But few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42 What work pleases God? Simply put, work that pleases God must first be work that He has instructed us to do,be it the work of our hand or...
The Purpose of It All (Pt.1)
Learning to Seek Praise from God with Work that pleases Him "And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people." Romans 2:29 NLT One hot and muggy summer day, I sat outside writing in my journal. Mentally preparing for this list of things I had...
What’s New In 2022
I hope your New Year is off to a great start! This blog is going to be full of new and exciting information that I pray will be a huge blessing to you in 2022. It is such an honor to serve you going into this new year. My heart is to help you carry the task...
Christmas with an Unwelcome Intruder
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. -Luke 2:10 Today, I wanted to share some hope and encouragement with you as we head into the Christmas Holiday. My family and I have already celebrated...
Part 3: It’s Time to Break Free
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. -Psalms 91:2 God is my protector! These words, although true, have not always been easy for me to speak. I have had experiences and grieved hurts that made me wonder if this was...
Trust God’s Process 2
Trust God’s Process
Part 2: It’s Time to Break Free
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. –Psalms 23:4 Back in my college days, I was forced to read a 423 page Novel called, “The Fellowship of the Rings” for an...
It’s Time to Break Free: Introduction
So God created human beings in his own image. Genesis 1:27 Last month I was blessed to celebrate another beautiful year of life on this side of eternity. In doing so, I adopted a new mantra that says, “The better I get at just being me, the better I will be at...
The Gift of Simplifying Success
Simplifying Success as Obedience By: Somer Phoebus of She Works His Way Hiii, I Can't Come Down new friends! We’re Michelle + Somer, and any friend of Rachel’s is a friend of ours. We share a similar passion for living the gospel at work – one idea in particular of...
The Gift of Deep Healing and Trust
Here in Ohio, we have three and a half seasons. Autumn, Winter, Winter, Summer. It's safe to say that summer doesn't last long and Winter overstays its welcome. Nonetheless, Summer has gone and Autumn is here and this month I get the opportunity to celebrate both my...
Are you Sharpen-able? (Part 3)
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17 "Rachel, it's not about you all the time." My sister yelled in frustration. I cringed in shock as she said these words to me. "Other people have things going on, and you're so busy talking about...
Are You Sharpen-able? (Pt.2)
"When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned." Galatians 2:11 I often wonder how Peter felt after he and the other disciples openly accepted Paul only for Paul to turn around a few verses later and rebuke him for his hypocritical...
Introduction: Are you Sharpen-able?
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24) No one likes to be told areas where they could improve, especially when there have been times that someone gave "crushing criticism" masked as "constructive criticism’". The...
Uncomplicating Prayer Part 3
"...Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." Luke 11:1 Not long after my time of awareness, I walked my daughter through a similar journey. “Gabby, it’s your turn to pray!” I said to my daughter as we sat around the kitchen table for our family...
Uncomplicating Prayer Part 2
"My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39 “Rachel, just talk to Me.” These words rang in my mind for days as I wrestled with what I knew about prayer versus what I felt God wanted me to know....
Uncomplicating Prayer: Introduction
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16 I’ve spent a significant part of my life as a Christ-follower. In my late teens and early 20’s, I...
The Trailblazer Leap
"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me." John 6:38 Oftentimes as we go from what is familiar to the unfamiliar, we tend to envision what could go wrong rather than planning for what could go right. It’s like our minds...
The Shepherd’s Leap
"The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you." Genesis 12:1 I love palm trees, sunny blue skies, summer dresses, and flip-flops. Unfortunately, where I live has grey clouds and requires snow...
The Builder Leap
"and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will...
The Tentmaker Leap
You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. Acts 20:34 One of the first ministries my husband and I started was around 2016 while we were still working full-time jobs and raising a house full of...
The Fisherman Leap
Taking the Leap Series: 2 of 6 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to...
Taking the Leap Devotional Introduction
Taking the Leap Series: 1 of 6 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 One day as I was teaching my writer's course, I listened as a student shared how she had been...
5 Ways to Make Time with God Irresistible
One of the most common concerns I hear from fellow followers of Christ is how difficult it is to make time. I know this struggle very well as time does not always worked out in my favor when it comes to setting time aside to linger. Some days I get to sit at his feet...
The Gift of Learning to Linger
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 Most mornings I wake up, brush my teeth, wash my face, and head upstairs to check the weather. Here in Ohio, the weather is what I would like to call, unpredictable. Currently, as I...
Our World Needs YOU
"Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?" (Matthew 6:26 NIV) The other day my son shared a video with me of him blocking another kid on the...
5 Simple Tips to Help you Focus
Did you know that focus is a choice? As we continue to adapt to the changing conditions around us, we can choose if we will be distracted or focused in each moment. Here is the catch, how we choose to focus today should not be based on how we chose to focus yesterday....
Why you should stop using the word Busy and what to say Instead
I couldn't quite understand why I would feel so frustrated when well-meaning people would constantly remind me of how busy I was. They would say things like, "I know you're busy but..." or "You and Willie (my husband) are always so busy," in a matter-of-fact way. It...
I Almost Gave Up
Can I be honest? As I write this email I am feeling a lot of real and raw emotions. I am stepping into unknown and uncomfortable territory in many areas of my life and... I want to stall I want to stop I want to go back to my comfort zone I want to sit in the...
A powerful lesson I learned Sunday
Yesterday evening my husband and I were talking in the car on the way home from our Valentine date and he began to share with me a story about his time with God a few weeks ago. He was on a walk and started to ask God questions. He had already shared with me bits and...
About this ‘Little’ Light of Mine
A couple months ago, my children and I were headed to the fruit farm to grab some of our favorite apples. On the way there, we had a debate about the song, "This little light of mine." My children seem to think that THIS version was the original version. I was trying...
Scriptures I Live By to remind me of how BIG God Is
Did you know that our words create an agreement with the truth of God or the lies of the enemy? I learned years ago that in order for me to accomplish the will of God for my life, I had to change my language. I had to align with the truth that God has prepared a table...
Have you heard of the Posture of Pause
Did you know that as the need for God's people to show up increases, the enemy is getting craftier in the obstacles he is presenting to hinder us. If that is where you have found yourself, can I tell you, "you are not alone." The enemy is working overtime in this...
What I did in 2020 to Turn Lemons into Lemonade
2020 was all about doing the hard, uncomfortable, tasking work that I had put off for years. It was the year I stopped making excuses and started making changes. I’ve often wondered how people achieved certain levels of success. Especially when social media makes it...
Did you Hear about what David told Solomon
One night during my 10-Minute Talk with my daughter, we came across 1 Chronicles 28:20 which says, “David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail...
Pictures are worth 1000 Words: Living out our dreams and visions
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. -Nehemiah 1: 4 All throughout the Bible, we see God giving His people dreams, and at the appointed time, He expounds on those dreams with...