Are you struggling with all the social changes and new restrictions? It’s been weird and unsettling, don’t you think?

Stepping into the unknown can sometimes be exciting. But I wouldn’t consider this pandemic season one of those times.

Although we know God is at work, in control of all things, and doing something amazing in our midst; not being able to see a light at the end of the tunnel can be scary and worrisome.

We know that God is good and does great things. But when our circumstances are screaming the opposite we need to press into His presence, instead of shrinking back in fear or doubt.

It’s in these seasons that we must remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness. To trust and follow His lead, even when we can’t see where He’s taking us.

I have some great news that I believe will encourage you today! I’m sharing those details in this week’s episode, titled Gone Viral, on the Lighten Up, Sweet Pea! podcast.

In a time when the entire world is searching for a miracle vaccine to combat the spread of COVID-19, I want to share with you a 3-part antidote that can keep you spiritually and emotionally healthy. Not only in this COVID-19 season, but in every season of your life.

Click the link below to join me and Lisa as we chat about it. The truth is … we may be separated, but we’re not alone. God is with us. His presence and love brings us together in ways that far surpass the loneliness or isolation we may be feeling today.

Love Always,

The post Gone Viral (Podcast Episode) appeared first on Leah DiPascal.

Did you know you were designed for love?

You were created to receive love and to express it. To celebrate love and to protect it.

Sometimes, loving others can feel effortless like a scene in a Hallmark movie. Other times, not so much.

In today’s episode of the “Lighten Up Sweet Pea” podcast, we’re diving into one of the most famous love chapters in Scripture.

You may already know where to find it in your Bible. If not, no worries. I’ve got you covered. (Hint: it’s located in the New Testament).

You might have even chose some of these love verses to be recited at your wedding. I did, and I’m doing my very best to live out those love characteristics every day.

But can I be honest in saying, it isn’t always easy. Some days love is less of a feeling and more of an intentional action. Not just in my marriage, but in all my relationships. Is it ever that way for you too?

If so, I think you’re going to enjoy and get a lot out of this week’s episode of “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”.

When you’re finished listening, please leave a comment below and share what God is teaching you about loving others well.

The post What’s Love Got To Do With It? appeared first on Leah DiPascal.

Can you believe it’s the end of January?

I’m having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that 2020 is well underway.

Honesty, I’m still writing “2019” on my checks. It’s a habit that’s been hard to break.

Don’t get me wrong. I love new seasons and I’m always open to change. It’s just that I didn’t finish all the things I set out to accomplish in 2019.

Grabbing hold of a new year has been messier because of all the overflow. And new projects are coming at me in rapid succession.

In fact, a couple of weeks ago I recorded two episodes for this new podcast thing I’ve launched with my fabulous friend and co-host, Lisa Aultman.

Those recordings have been sitting in one of my digital folders ever since – just waiting to be sent out.

Well, guess what? Today, I’m releasing them to you!

I’m excited to share the inside scoop on how this whole podcast craziness came about. I think you’ll love the name Lisa and I have chosen and the funny stories behind this podcast’s inception.

In these recordings, Lisa and I share about our families, friendship, faith, faulty moments. We even tattle on each other and you’ll get a glimpse of just how silly we can be together.

These recordings are raw and unedited so I’m apologizing in advance. At one point you’ll hear Lisa’s phone alarm go off and my sweet, little dog, Chivas, barking in his sleep.

Why unedited? Because I’m still searching for a techno-savvy friend who can help untangle all the techy steps of podcasting that are still a big mystery to me.

But I didn’t want those hurdles to keep me from sharing these recordings with you before January comes to a close.

There’s a special surprise tucked inside each episode, so I hope you’ll take time to listen.

If you want to leave a comment and let me know what you think, I’d love your feedback!

Session One

Session Two

The post Starting Something New appeared first on Leah DiPascal.

Have you finished all your Christmas shopping yet? I’ll bet all your presents are under the tree by now. If not, I totally get it. I’m still preparing for Christmas. Purchasing and wrapping gifts are still on my to-do list.

Speaking of gifts … I have one for you! It’s a recorded conversation I had a few days ago with my good friend, Lisa Aultman. Lisa and I talked about some personal stuff that I think you can relate to this time of year. How Christmas can bring out the best in us, but also the parts of us that don’t always feel merry and bright.

The highs and the lows. The well thought out plans and the unexpected not-at-all-planned surprises. The joyful moments and sad memories from our past. The big expectations and unwanted disappointments. They’re all wrapped up like boxes that reveal themselves during the Christmas season … whether we want them to or not.

No matter what you’re experiencing or walking through this holiday season, I hope this honest conversation between friends will bring you some hope, encouragement, laughter, and joy today.

I don’t know about you, but I want to always remember that no matter what I face in life, my wonderful Savior is with me. Helping me navigate all the challenges and struggles. Not just during Christmastime, but each and every day.

I pray that you experience God’s love, assurance, and nearness today and in the days ahead. I want you to know that He loves you more than you can possibly fathom and He has great plans for you and your family in 2020.

Friend, I wish we could sit together over a cup of coffee and you could share with me all the things you’re experiencing this week. Even though that’s not possible, I hope you and your family have a wonderfully blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.

Here is my recording with Lisa …

The post Merry Christmas Sweet Pea appeared first on Leah DiPascal.

There he sat … all curled up in the seat next to me. I glanced over giving him a smile, but it didn’t ease his obvious discomfort and fear. Leaning over again, I tried to soothe his whimpers that were escalating by the second. The closer we got to the grooming store the more uneasy he became. Whimpers turned into frantic howling, so I looked over and calmly said to my gallon-sized Maltipoo, Chivas, we’re just going to the groomers. Remember? It’s the place you love. Where puppies play, receive treats and enjoy a nice, warm bath. He stared at me with the saddest eyes and my heart ached for him even though I knew he’d be fine.

Chivas and I take this same trip to the groomers every two weeks. We’ve done this his entire life. Whenever I tell him, “Let’s go for a ride to see the puppies!” he gets so excited. His rapid tail-wagging tells me he’s very happy. But somewhere along the way, his excitement turns to concern, then panic and I find myself comforting him once again. I know Chivas enjoys the groomers. Once we arrive and he sees the other dogs, his tail begins wagging again. He’s always content and happy at the destination, but there’s something about the journey to the destination that makes him unnerved.

This week’s trip was no different. But as I was comforting Chivas I sensed the Lord whisper to my soul, You do this too. Do what, Lord? Before I received His response I sensed where the conversation was going and whispered back, Lord, you know me so well.

You see, I’m always asking God to take me on an adventurous ride that will move me out of the daily grind and towards something that thrills my soul. I love to step out of my ordinary routine every once in a while and experience something extraordinary with Him that involves excitement and adventure.

When God opens a door and a new adventure begins for me, I’m excited. Thrilled. “Wagging my tail” with delight. But it doesn’t take long to change my mind and posture … just like Chivas. I start wondering if I really want to make this journey with God. I’ll start questioning what He will require of me. Hoping He doesn’t ask me to do something I don’t like. The excitement begins to wear off as drops of doubt start to seep in. My thoughts change as I become suspicious as to where He’s actually taking me.

Why Lord? Why am I questioning You again? You’ve been so faithful. You promise to work all things together for good. So why am I doubting Your plan when I know I shouldn’t? I started out brave and believing for big things. But now I feel unsure. Where has my adventurous heart and courage gone? Where exactly are we going?

Has something like that ever happened to you? Have you ever asked God to take you on an adventure in hopes it will make you feel fully alive and purposeful? He opened the door. You stepped through it. The adventure began, but somewhere along the way, you become uncertain. Restless. Doubtful. Maybe a little suspicious?

Does His love for us ever change? Does His goodness fade away? Is He no longer faithful? No. So, if we know this to be true, what causes our hearts to shift and our excitement to wane?

Maybe it’s because our journey is turning out different than we imagined. Maybe we encounter big distractions and problems along the way. We didn’t anticipate the random thoughts that would cause our courage to crumble or the unexpected waves of doubt that would make us become suspicious. Those things can steal our joy and keep us from being all-in on our adventures with God. Those things keep us from enjoying the ride no matter how many twists, dips, and turns we experience with Him along the way.

I don’t want to get to the end of my life and say, I should have trusted God more, and I’m guessing you don’t want to either. So, what do we do? How do we embrace the adventurous life with Jesus and not get all wigged-out in the process? How do we remain open to what He wants and not get all twisted up inside when life unfolds differently than we planned?

We take one moment at a time. One day at a time. One situation at a time. And we trust God in it as He brings us through it. We believe the best without conjuring up the worst-case scenarios. We reflect on the past and remind ourselves how faithful God has been to us. We keep our eyes on Jesus every step of the way, asking Him to keep our hearts and minds anchored in the truth of His Word.

I’m discovering that is where the true adventure is. Not so much in where and how far God is taking me, but what He’s doing in and through me along the way. Friend, our relationship with Jesus will be our greatest adventure. It’s not always about the destination. The adventure dwells in how we embrace and cherish the journey with Jesus one moment at a time.

He promises to take care of you.

He promises to always love you.

He promises to watch over you.

He promises to give you His peace.

He promises to lead and guide you.

He promises to safely get you to your destination.

He promises to give you rest.

Wherever He’s taking you His presence is surrounding so can trust Him.

The post Where Are You Taking Me? appeared first on Leah DiPascal.

It can make the best of us feel isolated, discouraged and doubtful about ourselves. It can be a confidence killer for sure!

I wish I could tell you that my not good enough struggles ended when I graduated from high school.  But you and I both know that isn’t the case. Not for me and probably not for you either. In fact, I’m confident that if we surveyed a thousand women, they’d all say they’ve felt the emotional weight of not measuring up at one point in their lives (if not on a regular basis). 

It’s not a matter of whether we’ll have to deal with not good enough thoughts. We will. What we need to discover are healthy and effective ways to process those thoughts (and feelings) when they want to take up residence in our hearts and minds.

That’s why I’m so excited to tell you about my friend, Sharon Jaynes. This week she is releasing her new book (she’s written 21 books, y’all!) and it’s called …

Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence. 

I’ve asked Sharon to share some of what she’s learned. And I know you’ll be encouraged and empowered by the amazing truths Sharon has discovered.

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I was alone, or at least I felt that way. Women huddled in happy clusters chatting about first one thing and then another. Some propped babies on their hips. Others clutched Bibles in their hands. Most wore smiles on their faces. I wore one too. But it wasn’t a reflection of what was in my heart. The upturned lips were simply the camouflage I wore to blend in–to avoid being found out. What I really wanted to do was run and hide.

On the outside I was a well-put-together church mom with trendy shoes and snappy jeans, but on the inside I was a little girl cowering in the far recesses of the playground hoping no one would notice my reluctance to join in. Once again, that nagging feeling tugged at my heart: I’m just not good enough.

“I’m not ___________ enough.” You can fill in that blank with smart, talented, gifted, spiritual, outgoing, attractive, or any number of positive attributes. But the root source of each one of those blanks is rooted in “I’m not good enough.” Period.

It’s one of the Enemy’s favorite deceptions to hold God’s children hostage to a life that is “less than.” “I’m not good enough” is an insidious lie that keeps God’s best at bay for many of His children.

The Enemy tries to get us to focus on our flaws rather than on our faith. When we focus on our faults, we take our focus off God, who equips us; the Holy Spirit, who empowers us; and Jesus, who envelops us.

The Bible does say no one is good enough to earn his or her way into heaven (Romans 3:23). Salvation is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). However, many have taken the truth that they are not good enough to earn their way to heaven and transferred it to “I’m not good enough—period.” But through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and His power working in you and through you, you are good enough to do everything God has called you to do and be.

One of the most important names for God is YHWH, or I AM. When we say, “I’m not good enough. God says “I AM.” When we say “I’m not strong enough.” God says, “I AM.” When we say, I’m not enough. God says, “I AM.” He is the God who fills in our blanks.

I’ll go out on a limb and say that every single one of us, at one time or another, will struggle with feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy just like Moses did. And the underlying statement feeding the sense of worthlessness is “I’m not __________ enough.” You can fill that blank in with any number of qualities.

I’m not strong enough.
I’m not experienced enough.
I’m not talented enough.
I’m not brave enough.
I’m not pretty enough.
I’m not thin enough.

But here’s what I want you to remember: Whatever you feel you are not, God is. Whatever you need, God is. He is the God who fills in your gaps; He is I AM who fills in your blanks.

Here’s what I want you to do. As you go about your day, I challenge you to “spot the nots” in your self-assessment. Sleuth for the “I am nots” in your thoughts and in your speech.

For example, look out for words spoken or thoughts such as I’m not smart enough; I’m not pretty enough; I’m not good enough. Then once you “spot the not,” “swat the not.” That’s right. Swat it right out of your vocabulary. Here’s the deal: Whenever you say, “I’m not _____ enough,” God says, “I AM.”

Here are three steps for replacing the lies with the truth in your life.

Recognize the lie: I’m not good enough.

Reject the lie: That’s not true.

Replace the lie with truth: His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (2 Peter 1:3-4).

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**Order Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence by April 6, 2018 and you’ll receive 3 FREE eBooks. Click here for details

Do the voices in your head tell you that you are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or just not enough, period?  If so, it’s time to stop listening to the lies that sabotage your confidence and start embracing the truth of your true identity in Christ

Sharon Jaynes exposes the lies that keep you bogged down in guilt, shame, and insecurity. By recognizing the lies, rejecting the lies, and replacing the lies with truth, you’ll be able to

• silence the voice inside that whispers you’re not good enough.
• accept God’s grace and no longer allow past failures to define you or confine you
• be preloaded with the truth to fight insecurities
• walk in the surefootedness confidence of God’s unconditional love

Bio: Sharon Jaynes is an international speaker and best-selling author of 21 books. For those who know her best, she is a simple southern girl who loves sweet tea, warm beaches, and helping women live fully and free as a child of God and co-heir with Christ.

**This week’s BIG giveaway
Share this post with 5 or more people, then leave a comment that says, “I did it!” We will randomly pick one comment to win a FREE ENOUGH BRACELET made by the ladies of Fashion and Compassion.

The post Am I Really Enough? (Guest Post & Jewelry Giveaway) appeared first on Leah DiPascal.

One of the many things I love about Wendy is how she speaks the truth with honesty and transparency. Wendy loves Jesus with her entire soul, heart and being! Plus, she has a passion for His Word that is magnetic. Wendy doesn’t sugar-coat Scripture or make her life appear perfect, which is one of the many things I love about her. She’s the real deal and I’m so grateful we get to do ministry together through First5.  

Oh, and guess what? Wendy has generously offered to give away an I Am Loved giftset: one study book and DVD teaching guide. I’ll share more about that below, but first, take a moment to savor the truths Wendy wants to share with us today …

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Walk in the Light

John wrote this letter, 1 John, to the church, to believers. He saw that many in the church were choosing to walk in disobedience, walking outside the freedom and fellowship they had gained at the cross. They were avoiding the light. Many immersing themselves deeper and deeper into sin and darkness.

I get it. I’m guilty of this. When I think certain thoughts, or behave in certain ways, hearing a sermon or reading my Bible can make me squirm. Why? Because light exposes darkness. The light of God’s Word exposes my bad behavior. It shines a light on what I desperately try to hide.

Living in the light requires that our hearts, our actions, our words, our thoughts, our values, and even our schedules align with God’s heart and His character, not with our sinful nature and fallen character.

Oh, how I fail at living in light … often. In fact, it happened smack in the middle of writing this study. Of course!

While writing this study, my husband and I took a trip to New York City. The second day found us stranded in a downpour near Central Park, blocks and blocks from our hotel. With everyone trying to escape the deluge, cabs were scarce. We ran into the closest store to wait it out. But the rain continued. We decided to go for it, running in and out of stores, jumping over and around puddles. Soaked from head to toe, my patience wore thin. My husband and I exchanged words. You see, I had suggested heading back as the first dark clouds rolled in. My husband disagreed and persuaded me to stick it out. So, “I told you so” hijacked my heart. My words grew harsher, as did his. And then, I stepped over the line. You may know that line. Part of me wanted to take them back. To grab his hand, look in his eyes and tell him how sorry I was. But the other side of me … the dark side … reasoned how valid my words were in response to his. Guess which side won out?

You guessed it!

We walked into our hotel room and sat in deafening silence. For hours, no words passed between us.

As I sat staring out the window, my eyes wandered to the bedside table. The light from the lamp illuminated my Bible. The words I’d been studying on light and darkness flooded my mind. Sorrow engulfed my heart. I walked over to my husband, touched his shoulder, peeked my head around his, looked in his eyes and asked for forgiveness. I thought it would be hard, but it wasn’t. The illumination of God’s Word penetrated my heart and melted it. My heart ached that my careless words had hurt my husband so deeply.

And although it took a few hours for my husband to fully surrender his hurt, he did. We enjoyed the rest of our time, experiencing the exciting sights and sounds of New York City, sans any more rain … or darkness!

Friend, we all sin. Every day. Many times a day.

Does that mean this whole light and dark thing creates a forever barrier with God? Can we ever have true fellowship? Can we ever stand in the presence of God fully comfortable, fully welcome?

Yes! Absolutely, yes! We can be comfortable in the presence of a holy God. John reminded us of this in verse 7 when he said the blood of Jesus purifies us from all unrighteousness. You see, God doesn’t require sinlessness … in fact, that’s impossible. Only Jesus is sinless.

God doesn’t require perfection. Only Jesus is perfect.

God simply asks for repentance. When we repent of our sins, He forgives us fully and completely.

I love The Voice translation of John’s words in our passage for today, “walk step by step in the light.”

It’s a daily walk. But, we don’t walk alone. We walk with a loving, forgiving Father who empowers us through His Holy Spirit. He invites us to walk in the light. And at times we may take a wrong step away from the light toward darkness. This misstep may interrupt our fellowship with God.

But, the good news is, we need only turn our hearts back toward our heavenly Father and ask forgiveness. He waits with open arms!

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I Am Loved: Walking in the Fullness of God’s Love is for every woman who craves to truly understand, walk confidently in, and live out God’s unconditional, extravagant, lavish love because His love truly changes everything. Watch a sneak peek of the Bible study and download a sample week’s lesson for free HERE.

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The Giveaway
Leave a comment below and one reader will win a copy of Wendy’s I Am Loved Bible study book and teaching DVD. U.S. Addresses only please.

An invitation for you!
Join us for our Online Bible Study of #IAmLoved at Proverbs 31 Ministries. It started last week (January 22nd), but it’s not too late to join us. You can sign up by clicking HERE. 

Wendy Blight is a wife, mother, author, Bible teacher, attorney, and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministry’s First 5 app. Her desire is to help every woman know with confidence she can tackle any problem life presents through God’s Word. Wendy is the author of I Am Loved, I Know His Name, and Living So That Bible studies, and Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner. She lives with her husband, Monty, in Charlotte, North Carolina and loves most when her two children, Lauren (24) and Bo (19), come home to visit and fill their home with lots of love and laughter! 

The post Walking In The Light And Knowing I Am Loved (giveaway) appeared first on Leah DiPascal.

Today I want to introduce you to a close friend of mine, Lynn Cowell.  I’ve known Lynn for years and she’s amazing!

Lynn has a loving heart the size of Alaska and is one of the most generous people on the planet! (Hint: this week’s giveaway is an example of what I’m talking about.) Lynn is also an incredible writer and she is releasing her newest book, Make Your Move, this week.

Make Your Move is all about Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures.

Hello … where was this book 20+ years ago when I desperately needed it??? But here’s the thing. I still do and so do you, because life is full of fearful turns and failing tumbles that can make us feel insecure and doubtful. Ashamed and sometimes ready to quit.

Lynn unveils for us the keys to having bold confidence. The kind that is firmly rooted and unwavering, no matter what we’re facing. And I for one want to be a confident woman in Christ. Not just every now and then, but every single day! How about you?

Here’s just a confident slice of what I’m talking about …

Guest Post by Lynn Cowell

Fail. It’s a word I’ve heard my kids use when something goes wrong. Just plain “fail.”

It’s a word I know as well. Failure is what I felt when I’d done all I knew to do to make a large project successful. Yet, according to my measurement, I had fallen very short. All I could think was, You failed.

I found my mind swirling, trying to process what happened. Confused, I wondered, God, why didn’t You help me? The project was for Him, after all. You would think He would have stepped up and helped me, at least in the way I was looking for help.

What did I do wrong?

Maybe I’m just not cut out for this?

My confidence was gone.

Can you recall a time when you thought you were doing what God wanted you to do, yet it didn’t turn out how you anticipated? Was your confidence shaken, not just in yourself, but in God?

Friend, you are not alone. It’s so easy to lose our confidence when things aren’t going well.

When David wrote the words found in Psalm 57:7, “My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises” – words filled with faith and hope – he was hiding in a cave. Not alone, but with 400 guys who were also running from trouble, in debt or just plain discontented with life as they knew it.

Here, in this awful situation, David reaffirmed his security hadn’t changed even if his circumstances did. His confidence was still built on God.

According to my study Bible, the word “confident” in the original Hebrew means: “set in place, make secure, to be made ready, be attached.”

I love this last definition: “be attached.” My mind pictures a new bride, attached to someone who cares deeply about her, with her face glowing. Her relationship brings her confidence.

David’s relationship brought him confidence as well. Despite his horrific circumstances, David experienced security and contentment because he knew God was with him even in those circumstances.

God can make us brave whether our lives are coming together or falling apart. We can have a heart and mind that is set in place, secure and attached, even when our circumstances seem to say, “You failed.”

I want to be like David. Confidence attached to God. Unshaken by any situation or circumstances. Unable to hold back His praises.

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Has there been a time when circumstances were less than perfect and your confidence was shaken? In Make Your Move, Lynn Cowell explores how confidence-in-question keeps us from boldly experiencing what God intends for our lives. Learn more about her new Bible study HERE.

Lynn Cowell is a national conference speaker who is passionate about helping women of all ages understand the importance of Christ confidence. She is the author of several books including her newest study for women, Make Your Move: Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures, and Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You, just for girls ages 8 – 12. Lynn and her husband, Greg, have been married for over 30 years and are the parents of three young adults. They enjoy spending time together, especially when it combines the mountains, well-worn sweatshirts, and anything with chocolate and peanut butter. Connect with Lynn today at www.LynnCowell.com.

* * * * * * *Today’s Giveaway * * * * * * * *

*Update: This week’s winner is Elizabeth Weake. Congratulations Elizabeth! And thanks to everyone for leaving such great comments!

Leave a comment explaining why you’d like to win this Make Your Move bundle package and your name will automatically be entered into this week’s drawing.

**This giveaway contains one (1) book/study guide and (1) DVD

In this six-session study, Lynn will help you:

• Intentionally build your confidence on the one thing that cannot be taken from you.
• Recover from defeating decisions to move forward toward a strong self-worth.
• Position yourself to not lose your poise—even in the worst circumstances.
• Identify and address the fears that keep you stuck, with practical steps to walk in your calling with confidence.

For more information about Lynn Cowell or to order a copy of Make Your Move, click Here.

The post When My Mind Says, “You Failed” {Giveaway} appeared first on Leah DiPascal.

guest post by Suzie Eller

“When you are tempted, remind the enemy — and yourself — that you are incredibly loved and made for more. ~ Jesus”

We tend to think of temptation as BIG.

When I think of temptation, I tend to think of BIG things. It’s cheating. It’s stealing something that’s not ours. It’s something news headline worthy or at least fodder for local gossip.

Yet that’s not normally our greatest temptation. Instead, our greatest temptations come in ways that no one sees. We are tempted to discouragement. We are tempted to give up. We are tempted to look at ourselves and see a mess.

Those temptations may not be defined as BIG, but they pile up like mountains in our heart and thoughts. They get in the way of God’s best for us, and they trip us up.

Just this past week I was tempted.

No one saw it. If I wanted, I could push it down, down, down where I didn’t have to acknowledge it. Rather than be ashamed of temptation, the truth is we all struggle with it. If I pretend that I don’t, I’m lying to myself (and to you).

It started innocent enough. Richard and I were enjoying a rare night out together. He said something, and I disagreed. I pushed back, and so did he. Before we knew it, it sat between us like a boulder.

I was tempted to make him see it my way.

I was tempted to keep talking until he “got it.”

I was tempted to be angry when he didn’t.

I have to be honest. I was more than tempted. I caved in to all three of those things.

Don’t do it.

Oh, no. Not you! Not the Holy Spirit when I’m fully ready to cave in. After all, I’m right (even though he thinks he’s right).

So, I tried to compromise (because I was tempted, so more caving in).

Okay, I won’t say anything more.

I won’t try to make him see it my way. I’ll just be silent. Deafeningly silent. On the outside, we’ll look like the perfect couple enjoying a night out. Richard will reach for my hand, and I’ll hold it. I’ll nod and maybe say a word or two, but we’ll all be aware that I’m still angry. I’ll be so miserable that he’ll be miserable too.

Don’t do it.

There it was again. That invitation to take a different path. To resist temptation that seemed small, but Jesus knew had the power to create a divot in my heart (and relationship) if I chose.

Temptation isn’t reserved for a few. In Luke 4, the enemy tried to tempt Jesus. Some of the temptations were big, but others incredibly small. Jesus met each with the same response.

He faced the enemy head-on, declaring that His love for His Father was greater than a right-now temptation. He refused to be deceived by one who cared less about Him, and more about the destruction of His soul.

Jesus understands how hard it is to be tempted. When we are tempted in any way, we are offered an invitation. We are invited to remind the enemy — and ourselves – that we are made for more.

That night I had a choice. First, to acknowledge that every temptation is BIG, when it filters into an enemy’s plan for my heart, or my marriage.

Second, to go the other direction of that temptation.

I reached for Richard’s hand, and said I was sorry.

I still felt I was “right,” but being right was less important than a right relationship with the guy I loved. He saw it one way. I saw it another. We are two different people, and that’s going to happen.

Sure, there are times we have to work through BIG conflict to find what is right for us as a family or in a relationship, but in this instance, it really was small. Even if I was right, it didn’t change anything.

However, realizing that I was made for more than a petty disagreement did change something – it changed me.

It wasn’t the first time I’ve been tempted. It won’t be the last. We all face temptation.

Whether it’s BIG or incredibly small (in the eyes of the world), we are not without help when temptation comes our way. And if we fail – because sometimes we all do – we won’t be tempted to give up or hide, because Jesus offers all of us forgiveness and a fresh start.

Are you tempted?

Look that temptation in the eye. Remind the author of it that you are incredibly loved, and made for more.  

Suzie 

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Suzie Eller is an author, international speaker, Bible teacher, top 100 Christian women’s blogger, and popular media guest. Suzie has served Proverbs Ministries for 10 years. And has been featured on Focus on the Family, Aspiring Women, Harvest Show, 100 Huntley Street, KLOVE, Daystar and many others. She’s a regular contributor to KLRC radio’s Words that Make a Positive Difference.

Suzie Eller just released her latest book, Come With Me: A Yearlong Adventure in Following Jesus. and she wants to share what she’s discovered with you. Here’s what you’ll want to do:

1. Leave a comment below to enter the Come With Me book giveaway.
2. Visit Suzie’s website HERE and download 5 FREE audio devotionals and Scripture journal pages.
3. Purchase your own copy of Come With Me at these following sites:

Amazon
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Barnes & Noble
Christian Book Store

*If you purchase the book through Proverbs 31 Ministries, the cost is a bit higher but 100% of the profits go right back into reaching women all over the world through First5, Encouragement for Today devotions, radio, and P31 OBS.

Big thanks to Suzie Eller and her team at Bethany House Publishers for this giveaway offer!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Heidi Amoth! She is our winner of this week’s giveaway! Thanks to everyone else for leaving your comments. Your words matter!

The post Incredibly Loved and Made for More {Giveaway} appeared first on Leah DiPascal.

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Have you ever felt like your thoughts and emotions were randomly running your life without getting your permission first? Anxiety. Fears. Obsessive worry. Overwhelmed. It’s not fun … not one bit. But what can you do about it?

When our thoughts get going in the wrong direction, we start believing the false slogans they’re feeding us and begin adopting them as truth.  Sort of like reigning in pesty gnats on a hot summer night – they seem almost impossible to control.

My friend, Tracie Miles, is all too familiar with how runaway thoughts and emotions take its toll on a person. She faced an unexpected crisis that almost paralyzed her with fear and anxiety. But in the midst of her storm, God taught Tracie His truths, which became her strategies for an unsinkable faith when life felt so out of control.

Tracie shares her personal story and the strategies God taught her in her newest book, Unsinkable Faith, which released this month and has already sold out of the first round of published copies!

I’ve invited Tracie to share on the topic of fear this week. And I’m praying God will personally speak to you through her transparent story.  Stay tuned and I’ll tell you how to win a free copy of Unsinkable Faith, along with 5 FREE bonus gifts.

Controlling Our Fears, So They Don’t Control Us
Tracie Miles

Life had been hard for many, many months. My marriage of twenty-five years had abruptly ended due to circumstances beyond my control, and overpowering negative emotions seemed to be running my life. The day finally came when I was sick and tired of feeling sad and spent, and I knew I needed to retake control of my thoughts. I was tired of letting my feelings boss me around, and I longed to break free from their stronghold over my mind and my life, but also my peace, joy and happiness. I could either control my mind, or it would continue to control me.

I decided to spend some time in prayer, and bowed my head. I began asking God to show me what I needed to let go of – mentally and emotionally – and to equip me spiritually to break free from the negative thoughts consuming my heart and mind. God soon helped me realize that I had been struggling with many negative mental strongholds, but there was that had a life-robbing one chokehold on my peace.

Fear.

Suffocating fears of what the present day, and the future, might hold would crush my spirit every morning before I even got out of bed, and would rob me of sleep at night. Fears of how my children were feeling and coping. Countless fears that would always morph in my mind the more I thought about them, forcing me into thinking about all the “what-ifs”. Nine times out of ten my what-ifs were followed up with fear inducing thoughts of worse-case-scenario theories that would pull me deeper into sadness, even if they weren’t entirely rational.

So, in my prayer time that morning, as God opened my eyes to the invisible enemy I had been fighting – the fears in my thoughts – I committed to working on my attitude and to surrendering all the fears that had been building up in my head for months.

I got out my journal and began to write down my fears one by one and to my surprise, within minutes, I had written out thirty-three fears that had slid off the tip of my pencil with ease. Thirty. Three. Paralyzing. Fears. Have mercy. I didn’t realize until that very moment how my fears had multiplied or how much they were damaging my attitude, much less that they had such a strong power over my thoughts, emotions and perspectives.

Immediately, I surrendered those fears and all the accompanying emotions to God in prayer. I wanted to break free from fear, and grab onto hope instead. I committed to God and myself to take a stand against letting them slip back into my subconscious. The difference that prayer of surrender made in my outlook and my life going forward amazed even me. Slowly, yet assuredly, as I intentionally captured fearful thoughts before they crushed by spirit or threatened my peace, my attitude began to change. I invited God to help me transform my thoughts, and that is exactly what He did.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (ESV) These words were primarily directed to the Jews who had been exiled during their difficult captivity in Babylon. God was reminding them they were His, and therefore, had nothing to fear. We are also His. Therefore, we have nothing to fear.

God’s promise to be with His beloveds, to strengthen those who need strength and to uphold with His own mighty righteous hand, is as valid for us today as it was for Jews back then. We won’t always be protected from things that eilicit fear in our hearts, but we can always surrender those fears to God and trust that not only will He will never leave our side, but He is more than capable of handling whatever it is that is filling our hearts and minds with fear.

Although most of my fear-induced emotions and feelings that fretful night were valid, I had allowed them to take over my mind and, in turn, take over my life and my happiness, in addition to robbing me of much needed sleep and rest.

Maybe today you are struggling with fear regarding a difficult circumstance in your own life. Maybe you’ve received a concerning health diagnosis, a termination at work, or are facing living life without someone you once held dear. Maybe the bank account is low, the refrigerator is empty, and the bills are due, and you have no idea where money is going to come from. All valid fears that elicit valid emotions. Yet regardless of the scary unknowns in your life which seem large and looming, many of which you feel inadequate to handle, there is great news, my friend.

As believers, we all have the power of the Holy Spirit within us to break down the stronghold of fear and grab hold of the peace God offers. We can all learn to submit our fears to God if we choose to put our trust in Him, instead of tossing and turning every night under the weight of worry.

How wonderful would life be without the presence of fear? How much happier would you feel if you no longer had to carry the burden of worry? That type of living is possible, as we learn to focus on faith instead of fear. We can control our mind, or it will control us.

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I’m so grateful the Holy Spirit can help us control our thoughts and emotions, aren’t you? Many thanks to Tracie Miles for joining us this week on the blog!

Giveaway Announcement:

Leave a comment below and your name will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Tracie’s newest book, Unsinkable Faith.

Bonus Alert:

With the purchase of at least one copy of Unsinkable Faith before Apri 29th, you can claim 5 FREE gifts worth $60.00! Visit http://www.traciemiles.com for all the information and to learn how to claim your freebies.

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To intentionally make positive living a reality in your life, and to begin experiencing a total life makeover through the transforming and renewing of your mind, consider purchasing Tracie’s newest book, Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies for Transforming the Way You Think, Feel and Live. You can also purchase a Companion Study Guide & Journal and other valuable, faith fueling resources on Tracie’s blog at www.traciemiles.com.

The post Controlling Our Fears (Guest Post & Giveaway) appeared first on Leah DiPascal.