“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

It was happening all the time.  When I would attempt to make things happen on my own it would not work.  I would send emails and text messages and even leave voicemails with no response or if I got one it would be after a while of…..waiting.  I would plead my case to the Lord and it was met with no sense of urgency, I was still waiting.  After a while, I realized that instead of trying to “force” things to happen on my schedule or at my pace, I simply needed to wait.  This was not an easy task for me to even embark on, the waiting game.  I’ve never been a patient person and would pride myself on looking for the quickest, most efficient way to accomplish any task.  Now, it didn’t matter what I did or didn’t do, I was still waiting.  

So, I surrendered….I had to wait.  I thought that I was doing a good job at “waiting” until the Holy Spirit began to teach me there’s a difference in “waiting” and “waiting well.”  I was still impatient and although I was waiting, it wasn’t well.  I was still anxious internally.  I needed “peace” while I waited.  So He guided me to:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

There it was, I needed to simply “relax” and trust God to work it out in His time.  Although, it’s there in black and white I found it hard to implement in my own life.  My mind would constantly want to “figure it out” or “meditate on it”.  I had to consistently “cast my care” on the Lord while I waited.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 KJV

As the days turned to weeks and then months slowly the things that I was waiting for began to happen. But something else also began to happen while I waited, I was learning not only to “cast my cares” but I was also learning to “enjoy my life” while I waited!  How was this possible?!  Me?  Enjoy waiting?!

But it was true.  Instead of thinking, worrying, pondering the things that concerned me. I was learning to not worry about them and instead enjoy my life while I waited for the Lord to take care it.

I haven’t arrived but am on my journey and am learning there is wisdom in waiting!  I’ve learned so much about the Lord while waiting for Him in my own life that I want to share:

1. The Lord lives in the present 

2. I’m even more grateful for something after waiting for it vs getting it instantaneously

3. I can’t rush God

4. He’s a promise keeper no matter how long it takes

5. Each day is a gift to unwrap

6. His timing is perfect

If you are waiting for the Lord, be encouraged, wait well and enjoy your life.  I found 34 scripture references to “waiting on the Lord.”  It’s obvious that we are going to wait, but how we wait is the key.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

Heavenly Father, thank you for helping me to grow in Your word and in the path that You have for my life.  My desire is to please You in all that I do.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit who guides and teaches me in all truth.  Allow me to trust the plan that You have for my life and to wait “well” for it.  In Jesus’ name, Amen

Maria Y. Drayton, originally from Seattle, Washington is agraduate of Washington State University and has a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism through the Edward R. Murrow School of Communications.  Maria currently resides in Deptford, New Jersey with her husband and son. With a passion for the Lord, she has been serving and walking with Him since her twenties and desires to bring a young, fresh, new look into intimacy with the Lord.  Her desire is to show others how to learn to apply God’s word in their own daily lives.  Since 2001, she has attended Bethel Deliverance International Churchled by Bishop Eric A. Lambert and her passions include: reading, writing, scrapbooking and traveling.  

© 2026, All rights reserved

Palm Sunday

I like plans. (And planners!) I like answers. I like certainty. I like insurance. And military life rarely gives any of those, by nature.

Right now, my husband is deployed. And we have no idea what his command is going into right now. I wish I had the mental energy to write more about this odd, scary time in my life – but it’s too draining. (If you’re reading this later, it’s spring 2026 and the world is falling apart…well, it seems so.)

I hate not knowing what he’s doing or how safe he is. The feeling of the unknown is all too familiar, yet pervasively sickening.

I try to focus on Now. And Now, it is Palm Sunday.

When I picture Jesus riding into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday—keeping in mind he knew exactly what was coming—it honestly floors me. He didn’t walk into uncertainty like I do. He walked straight toward suffering. And still, He walked.

The people shouted “Hosanna!” as He passed by. They threw palm branches and cloaks and praise at His feet. But not long after, many of them shouted “Crucify Him!” instead.

When we stop and really think about the stories in the Bible, things get really deep. Honestly, I feel like that is the whole point of holy scripture. Though the stories may be old, they are rich with meaning.

Palm Sunday asks us a hard question: Do I only welcome Jesus when things feel good? Or will I still honor Him when His path looks nothing like what I hoped?

This week begins with celebration—but we know it’s heading toward the cross. Jesus knew that too. And still, He came.

Prayer Prompt:

Jesus, help me welcome You not just in celebration, but in surrender. I don’t want to follow You only when it’s easy or exciting. Teach me to trust You when the path looks dark and confusing. You are the King—even when I don’t understand what You’re doing.

Reflection:

Where in my life am I struggling to trust Jesus right now—especially because I don’t know what’s coming?

I’m sitting at home on Sunday morning, looking at my Christmas tree. My kids are playing with their new advent calendar toys. My husband is in the kitchen, quietly and intently obliging my children’s request for breakfast: “something random.” Everyone is eagerly awaiting what Daddy dreams up; I gave him some easy ideas but I think he’s really going for it today; He’s got multiple cereals out, a pan, and pancake mix.

My collarbone really hurts, but my concussion seems better today; I’m not so dizzy.

I’m listening to my favorite legal commentators on YouTube, and my kids are even being pretty quiet. They show no signs of physical trauma or even really emotional trauma. The doctor said that they are perfect. Even the mental health counselors said they’re doing great – though I will continue to make sure of it.

My son comes up to me and says “oh my gosh mom; we have so many presents! I wish we could open them all now!”

Daddy walks into the room and serves up “Reese’s puffs/lucky charms/cinnamon toast crunch pancakes.”

They’re apparently delicious, because my son says “Dude these are so good.”

My daughter meanwhile, is suspicious. She needs to know exactly what is in the pancakes. Daddy eagerly explains.

My dogs are sweetly snoozing on the sofa as I continue to just rest beside them with my heating pad. Thank you, God, for heating pads!

Now my husband comes back with pancakes on a tray for me. God, how did I get so blessed with this husband?

I really am so, so blessed. And I am so grateful, Lord. Last week I was full of emotion, and it came out of me in my prayers like fire. I had to get it out. Thank you for listening to my heart, as you always do, of course.

I am grateful, lord, and not so angry now. I still feel some bitterness. It’s still raw.

I feel bitterness at the EMT who examined my kids and never examined me – the one who stopped mid sentence to say, “ma’am, if you calm yourself down, your kids will feel a lot better. You need hold it together for them. Okay?”

I told him through tears, gritted teeth and my shaking body that he had no idea how hard I was trying to do just that. I was trying to fight off the thoughts of hitting myself, the thoughts of ending my life. It took everything in me to not blurt “I’m gonna kill myself.”

His words made me feel even worse. Like I was failing at holding back those thoughts and hurting my children EVEN MORE.

I know he was trying to help. I know. I don’t blame HIM. I blame the words. They cut like a knife.

Those thoughts are long gone. And I am grateful, Lord.

I was really upset about my car, God. I felt so guilty. And SAD. Last week I said goodbye to my car. My dream car. And then at Target, while my husband shopped for stocking stuffers, he found a little red car in a box that read: “your dream car.”

The $1 purchase sits now on my desk, reminding me of the good times with my car, and now I’m just grateful I had that car at all. The insurance will work on helping us get another one.

The raw emotions have dissipated and as Christmas draws near, I’m able to see through the fog of shame, guilt, anger and pain.

For that I am very grateful today, Lord. Please help me continue to heal, Lord – for them. For my family. For Sundays like this.

Let all that I am praise the LORD;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the LORD;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies

Thank you Lord for all You Are.

Amen

Divas,

The prince of peace shares His crown with us: He crowns us all with love and tender mercies.

Trauma blinds us. The enemy blinds us.

We are in a broken world but He came to Save us. And we are His.

I lived out that realization in these Christmas devotionals this year. Thank you for being with me.

Straighten your crowns, Divas, you are daughters of the King.

Merry Christmas

And his name shall be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

This Christmas still looks different than I thought it would, Lord, and I’m bringing that to You. 

I lay it at your feet.

There isn’t quick healing here. 

Just soreness that lingers, memories that surface without warning, and a heart still learning how to rest and forgive myself.

I’m not asking You to fix this right now. 

I just need You here.

As my daughter says when she needs a cuddle: “just be with me!”

I know You didn’t come into a perfect world.

You came into a broken one.

Into uncertainty.

Into vulnerability.

Into the middle of things.

Not a magical setting, like the Christmas I imagined.

You weren’t born at the inn. That stable had to be a mess!

Just like my life right now.

You didn’t wait for everything to be okay or magical or picturesque before You showed up.

You came right in the middle. You made your bed in a manger. 

I am broken. Just like the world. 

I am a mess. Just like your birth day. 

And here You are. 

How absolutely perfect. 

The magic in the mess. 

Your Word says the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Some days that light feels steady.

And that’s enough for me. 

You were with us in the crash.

You are with me in the healing.

And I know You will be with us in whatever comes next.

Amen.

Why, God?

Why? 

This wasn’t the devotional I wanted to write next, you know. I was supposed to be on an upward incline and write about how Christmas is messy AND magical. Wasn’t I?

It’s Christmas and we’ve already been through so much this year. Not even just this year, but the last three months have felt like hell. I’ve leaned on you immensely. I’ve literally been brought to my knees. Broken bones, multiple broken pipes, emotionally broken children…everything breaks on deployment they say, and Murphy’s Law sure didn’t take long with us. 

So why, God, why give us more? 

A car crash?!

A SERIOUS car crash. A totaled car. An ambulance. 

I was and am a mess, much more than one week ago. Christmas just feels messy! 

Everyone said that it’s just an accident – and not to blame myself. “That’s why they call them accidents.”

But I did this, God. I made a huge mess.  

And you know as soon as I start to think of this, I’m brought back to the ambulance and the EMTs. I was holding it together for my kids, and I wanted to get them taken care of. 

But inside, you know I was screaming, Lord.  

And suddenly I feel the snap of the collision again, I hear my children’s cries, I see the impossibly slow round and round until my SUV stopped moving. How did I even get it to stop? 

I remember my prayer “Lord just let my babies be okay. Just let them be okay.”

And we are okay, all of us. I’m grateful to You for that. So grateful. I know how close we came to serious injury because of one. split. second…

Crash.

What a mess.

I’m looking down, Lord, taking torturous breaths as my bruised abdomen rises up and down. I’m trying to find the next words, God…  

But I can hear the enemy whisper “Hate yourself. Hate yourself…” 

It feels like a taunt. It feels like a dare. I think about all the trauma this is causing my kids, all the money this will cost, all the stress it will cause my husband…

“Hate yourself” the voice says. 

It feels like a dare.

Not today, Satan. 

I say under my breath.

I know that voice will be back again, Lord.

I’ve done this dance. This indulgent, cyclical dance of blame and guilt. Loathing myself and all that I am. Punishing myself mentally and physically. For what? You know. Everything.

I know that voice will be back again, Lord. I know this could be a bit set back for me mentally. This is a big mess I made.  

But today I still hear Your voice, and I pray Your light won’t leave me when the sun sets on this day. 

Thank you for bringing Brandon home from deployment to help me. Thank you for the bystanders that helped. Thank you for keeping all of us involved only minorly injured.

Help me, God. Help me through this mess. Help me through this Christmas. Help me care for myself and my children and make this Christmas magical still. Please bless the other family as you’ve blessed us. Please help us heal and wade through this chaotic Christmas. We need you now more than ever. 

Amen

Dear God:

I can’t believe I’m complaining about another Murphy’s Law occurrence during this season of underways where my husband is in and out on the boat! After the government shutdown, my cat breaking her leg, a plumbing issue and all of us being sick — I really thought we could have a peaceful Christmas.

No. Another plumbing issue! Our advent is hijacked. We are on day 3 of no water.

I’ll be honest, God, I’m a little annoyed. Why does everything in our yet-to-be-updated kids bathroom have to be breaking right. now. And why is it always something annoyingly expensive?

Can I get some credit for this and the really long deployment coming up might be OK?

No — it doesn’t work like that?

Okay. I get it, I think.

This is supposed to be devotional material, isn’t it?

THIS is Diva Christmas 2025? Not what I had planned.

Yeah yeah, “God laughs when we make plans,” I know…

Okay. I got the assignment. Our Diva Christmas theme is now about celebrating through the mess of real life. I need a catchy title now. Maybe my readers can help.

Okay. Okay. I got this. I always do. Because I have You. Amen.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14

Welcome to Devotional Diva Holy Week 2025 Divas! I have devotionals planned all week long!

I like plans. (And planners!) I like answers. I like certainty. And military life rarely gives any of those, by nature.

Right now, we’re in that weird limbo—waiting to see when he’ll be sent out again. It could be next month, or it could be months away. It’s like standing at the edge of something and not knowing if you’re supposed to brace or relax.

I hate not knowing. It’s a feeling all too familiar, yet pervasively sickening.

So when I picture Jesus riding into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday—keeping in mind he knew exactly what was coming—it honestly floors me. He didn’t walk into uncertainty like I do. He walked straight toward suffering. And still, He walked.

The people shouted “Hosanna!” as He passed by. They threw palm branches and cloaks and praise at His feet. But not long after, many of them shouted “Crucify Him!” instead.

When we stop and really think about the stories in the Bible, things get really deep. Honestly, I feel like that is the whole point of holy scripture. Though the stories may be old, they are rich with meaning.

Palm Sunday asks us a hard question: Do I only welcome Jesus when things feel good? Or will I still honor Him when His path looks nothing like what I hoped?

This week begins with celebration—but we know it’s heading toward the cross. Jesus knew that too. And still, He came.

Prayer Prompt:

Jesus, help me welcome You not just in celebration, but in surrender. I don’t want to follow You only when it’s easy or exciting. Teach me to trust You when the path looks dark and confusing. You are the King—even when I don’t understand what You’re doing.

Reflection:

Where in my life am I struggling to trust Jesus right now—especially because I don’t know what’s coming?

Christmas is a season that reminds us of God’s extravagant love. The birth of Jesus wasn’t just an event in history; it was the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for humanity. In a humble manger, in the quiet town of Bethlehem, love took on flesh and entered a broken world.

That’s why I love Christmas so much. And I love to be extravagant with it and show my family and community as much love as I humanly can – My love language, after all is gift giving. I love to have as much fun as possible. Decorate as much as possible. Celebrate God‘s gift of love. (And with the leg injury I wrote about last week, it has been a little difficult lately!)

This Christmas, God gave me an opportunity to help a family in need. This wasn’t through an organization, just someone I saw put out a desperate call on our neighborhood Facebook: help giving her children any Christmas at all. Something I could do with my injury!

I talked to the mom of this family quite a lot and learned of her struggles this year. . She is having debilitating pregnancy complications, unable to work, and it just wasn’t possible for their family to afford gifts this year. I felt the pull from God to do what I could; Literally loving my neighbor!

Our family has so much, and I thought this was a good opportunity to show my kids how to give love too. Since my kids are older than the kids of the family in need, together we went through their toys and picked out some that were in good condition. We added some books and new little toys, and made a nice little gift bag for each child.

We dropped off the gifts on Christmas Eve Eve, snug on the porch, just like little Elves! My heart was so full. Seeing my children learn to give love absolutely made my holiday season. I was so thrilled to see them give of their own things and be generous and thoughtful. They took care in finding items for each child’s age. It was honestly so cute.

Christmas really is about acts of love. Mary, though uncertain, lovingly surrendered to God’s will. Joseph, despite the whispers of scandal, chose to love and protect Mary and the unborn child. The shepherds and wise men traveled great distances to honor and worship the Christ child, drawn by the love of God shining through the night sky.

But the greatest act of love was God Himself, giving His Only Son to the Earth, knowing the path ahead would lead to the cross. His love wasn’t just for a chosen few but for all of us — rich and poor, sinner and saint, near and far. All.

God’s love moved Him to give.. And let us respond by loving others as He has loved us—with selflessness, compassion, and grace.

Prayer Prompt:

Take a moment to thank God for His incredible love. Ask Him to help you love others well this season, especially those who may be difficult to love.

Reflect:

      1.   How has God’s love been evident in your life this year?

      2.   Who in your life needs to experience God’s love through your words or actions?

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, the greatest expression of love. Help me to share that love with everyone I meet, reflecting the light of Christ in my words and actions. May my life be a testimony to the power of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Merry Christmas, Divas. I love you.

Or: Diva Christmas and the Very Wobbly Christmas Tree

1.  Luke 2:10

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”

2. Matthew 2:10

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

The holidays are supposed to be a season of warmth, laughter, and joy. But what happens when everything feels…hard? And cold?

When life isn’t picturesque and the world weighs heavy on your heart, the idea of joy can feel impossible. Family stuff, health challenges, finances, or loneliness (shout out to those with a deployed loved one!!) can shake up our holiday joy.

Picture a Christmas tree after a cat jumps in it: a little bit messed up, goofy-looking and possibly about to topple over.

Have you felt like that lately? That Christmas tree is totally me right now.

I’m writing today’s devotional from the doctor’s office! I’m awaiting x-ray results after I fell down my stairs this morning. I was carrying my daughter, who is almost 6, so we could slowly wake up together on the couch. She’s getting big and I just…lost my balance. I leaned backwards and turned myself into her personal sled (how festive right?) while my legs went under me, hit the stairs and took the brunt of the fall. My left ankle looks like i strapped a grapefruit to it.

My daughter is fine, thank GOD. She said that she doesn’t think mama should carry her down the stairs anymore, though. And the doctor said the same thing. (Update as I’m editing this: thank the Lord I did not break any bones!)

I would pull that stairs move a million times over again to protect her from the fall, but I’m not gonna lie: I’m in pain, worried how I’m gonna finish all the Christmas tasks and mom life stuff, and my holiday joy feels a little janky today – like that leaning Christmas tree I mentioned. Wobbly!

But here’s the truth: true joy isn’t the same as happiness. Happiness is fleeting, tied to circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is rooted in the unchanging love and presence of God. Do you hear that? ROOTED. ANCHORED. (Not gonna topple!)

Even in seasons of hardship, joy IS possible because it doesn’t depend on what’s happening around us—it flows from God’s goodness within us. The roots of His love flow up and in and around us – always. Keeping ALL of us grounded.

Jesus came into a broken world, born into humble circumstances, surrounded by challenges. (His manger might have even been a little wobbly!) And yet, His coming brought good news of great joy (Luke 2:10) for everyone. That includes you, in this moment, even if things feel broken or messy.

Does it feel like the Christmas tree of your heart is a leaning tower of Pisa? How many cats does it look like have jumped in? Is the star atop the tree of joy closer to the ground than the sky? Maybe that star is meant to be GRABBED and embraced where it is!

Let God meet you where you are, even if that’s the floor. He sees you. He’s with you. His love is a mighty Redwood keeping you grounded.. Let His joy be your strength today—quiet, steady, and faithful, even in the middle of the mess. Ask God for help today. Let Him help you reach that star and feel Christmas Joy!

Prayer:

Lord, You know my heart feels heavy this holiday season. Help me shift my focus to You, the source of lasting joy. Teach me to rest in Your presence and find strength in Your love, no matter what this season brings. Amen.

Action:

• Write down one small thing today that reminds you of God’s goodness and gives you joy.

I’m doing a short series entirely written by me this Christmas, keeping our tradition of Diva Christmas going! I hope my words can comfort and inspire you, faithful readers.

   •       “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7

   •       “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” — Luke 2:14

Christmastime is filled with joy, but it can also bring a lot of stress and anxiety. I think that’s especially true for mothers and matriarchs trying to make a beautiful Christmas for their family, despite the inherent busyness, family dynamics, travel and financial pressures.

I know I’m frazzled, stressed and grasping for energy to get things finished. (How is it December 10 already?!)

Are you at that place too, Divas?

I want to write more about what our family is going through right now, but it’s a lot to explain. Nothing bad is happening, it’s just military life stuff. Dealing with the unknown, you know? That is heavy at any time of year, but especially right now. When one  should be so filled with joy, I am struggling to stay present and enjoy the season. I imagine that many of you feel your own type of stress unique to your lives.

But the central message of Christmas is peace.. The angels proclaimed it when they announced Jesus’ birth: “Peace on earth!” This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Jesus, who calms our hearts.

Jesus came into a chaotic, imperfect world to bring hope and rest. Amid the noise of holiday to-do lists and expectations, God invites us to pause and lay our anxieties at His feet. His peace transcends understanding—it’s a gift, just like the gift of His Son.

Let’s just pause for a minute here.

Take a moment to bring your anxieties to God in prayer. Write down what is weighing on your heart this season. Ask Him to replace your worries with His peace and to help you focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

And let’s keeping working on it through the week.

Let’s choose one way to slow down this week. It could be as simple as turning off your phone (COMPLETELY!), lighting a candle and praying, or just spending five minutes reflecting on God’s love on your daily drive. Let this time remind you that His peace is always within reach.

PS – if you want more Christmas content – we have 10 yearssssssss of Devotional Diva Christmas devotionals in our archives!