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How to Walk Out Your Healing

The way you walk out your healing can affect not just your own life, but also the lives of your children. Facing our past mistakes and finding forgiveness and healing in Christ is so important. Today, I share I found healing through walking out my faith and how that affected our family.

How To Walk Out Your Healing
How To Walk Out Your Healing

 

Walk Out Your Healing

When my daughter was 13, I called her “mini-me.” When she answered the phone, people often thought it was me. Leslie has the same tone as me, and her voice carries the same inflections. Even though she had her own collection of CDs, she would often rifle through mine because she liked that music, too. She learned to put on makeup by watching me, and when she would see me engrossed in a good book, she would naturally want to read it. Even now that she is a grown adult, I see so much of myself in my daughter. She has many of my same convictions… And also some of my hang-ups.

When our kids are toddlers, we think it’s so sweet when they pick up a block and place it to their ear like a cell phone. But the older they get, the more they’re mimicking matters, and if they aren’t dealt with, the rock-solid bad habits in your life will most likely be theirs, too.

 

Walk Out Your Healing

In those days when you were slaves of sin, you weren’t concerned with doing what was right. And what was the result? It was not good, since now you’re ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.

Romans 6:20-22 NLT

What I love about that scripture is the fact that Paul isn’t trying to play down the past. Instead, he reminds fellow believers that what matters is what we are now free from the power of sin and slaves of God.

The word free here means “to liberate,” and this word has special meaning to me personally. Several years ago I wrote my first novel, From Dust and Ashes. It’s about liberation from a Nazi concentration camp from the points of view of both an American G.I. who opens the camp gates and a prisoner inside. To write the book, I interviewed both veterans and survivors alike. I also attended a ceremony in Austria organized by the survivors to celebrate their liberation 60 years after the fact!

Author Tricia Goyer shares the captivating story behind her book From Dust and Ashes

Walking In Freedom

These men and women — prisoners of the Nazis – had been near death, oppressed, and hopeless. Yet their victors came to open the gates and offered them not only hope but a future too. Once they walked from those gates, they were prisoners no more. They were liberated. They might revisit those times of bondage in their mind, but they no longer had to live behind the barbed wire. They did, however, have to realize their freedom and live in it, no longer behaving as if they were still in bondage. Likewise, if we don’t know the joy of true freedom in our hearts, how do we expect to lead our kids in the same freedom?

Kids go where we take them, they have no choice. How sad it would be if our own inner struggles pulled our kids back to our own past issues… Merely because we ourselves have not yet fully realized our freedom in Christ.

Walk Out Your Healing

It’s taken me years to deal with some of the issues from my past. I’ve attended Bible studies for women who’ve had abortions. I helped start a crisis pregnancy center in our community. I’ve spoken at purity retreats for young women. And I’ve mentored teen moms. For me, healing from my past involves helping others who face the same struggles. My heart is renewed when I help others find hope.

The additional benefit is that my children now have a mother who has wholeness in Christ. They’ve heard about my mistakes, and they’ve seen me reaching out. They’ve also gained conviction in these areas, following what I say . . . and what I do.

Now, it’s your turn. How have you walked out healing in your life? What has God done to liberate you from your past? Share your testimony with me in the comments!

Walk It Out

Tricia Goyer Walk it OutYou’ve heard the phrase Trust God. It’s easy to say but can be hard to do. But what if you did it. What if you did the things that God asked you to do and solely relied on Him? Women often pack their lives with family, friends, and faithful service, yet still feel empty and unfilled. Bestselling author Tricia Goyer has been where you are. She gets it and knows that the only way to live a fulfilling life is to walk it out with God.

Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time is a resource that teaches women how walking out the mandates of Scripture will allow God to spark passion and mission within them. Goyer teaches women, of all ages, how to:

    1. Use your healed heart to love and serve
  2. Create space and craft purpose
  3. Give generously without question
  4. Be vulnerable
  5. Truly love your family
  6. Do the work that God has given you to do

 

This book is for women:

  • struggling with anxiety or depression
  • feeling like they lost their way and are living by comparison
  • who feel like they’re never enough and always too much
  • searching for ways to develop a closer relationship with God
  • raising families while facing crossroads

Sometimes the steps we take in our faith are easy, but many times they require a move outside of what feels safe or secure. When women stop focusing on their own dreams and purposes, and instead focus on God’s dreams and purposes, everything changes. Get your copy of Walk It Out today!

 

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Finding Purpose Through Calendar White Space

Finding Purpose Through Calendar White Space can change your life–and that of your family. Years ago, I sat down with my husband John and, with his help, cleared away the calendar clutter that was robbing me of peace and purpose. Today, we live very busy–yet structured–purpose-filled lives that give our family the time and space they need to feed their souls and feed into others as well. Let me share what helped us craft purpose through creating white space.

Finding Purpose Through Calendar White Space

Whenever one of our children is involved in an activity, we show up as a family to support them. This has included attending football games to watch our daughter in the marching band or going to statewide basketball games for our son. We want our children to know they are uniquely special and that their whole family is cheering them on. These priorities lead to habits that fostered a more focused and settled spirit as a family.

Even though we have a large family, we established patterns to our days and weeks. The time we spend together makes us closer. Our priorities guide us when it comes to knowing what to say yes to and what to say no to. They help us determine what’s best for all of us, not just for one person in the family. Our choices have directed us to a quieter life, even as we’ve continued to add to our family through adoption.

Finding Purpose Through Calendar White Space

Not long after John and I were married, we sat down and went through the calendar together. I was in tears. I felt scattered. There never seemed to be enough time to do the things that were important to me. As we went through the calendar clearing exercises, I came across a verse that confirmed we were on the right track. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says, “Better is a handful of quietness than two handfuls of toil and striving after the wind” (ESV ).

purpose

 

Clearing my calendar and establishing family priorities didn’t just bring calm to my day, it also brought peace to my soul, making room for God to work. As Colossians 3:15 says, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

Finding Purpose Through Calendar White Space

Whenever I feel tempted to default and add on “just one more thing” I remind myself that adding more is just chasing the wind. As my soul is settled and I stop trying to prove myself, I start asking God to show me his heart, to direct my path, and to guide my steps. I tell him I want his purpose for my life — our lives, not just mine. And I’ve discovered God has been waiting for us to join his work all along.

Once I created white space and had a framework to guide family decisions, my mind became less cluttered, my day is less frantic, and my heart more open to God’s will.

Finding Purpose Through Calendar White Space can change your life–and that of your family.

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If you enjoyed this post, you might like my book Walk It Out:

Walk It Out

Women often pack their lives with family, friends, and faithful service, yet still, end up feeling empty and unfulfilled. In Walk It Out, Tricia Goyer demonstrates to women that walking out the mandates of Scripture allows God to spark passion and mission within them.

Whether believers realize it or not, God intended for them to do what the Bible says: adopt the orphan, take the gospel into all the world, and care for the needy. These are mandates that point believers down the path of true living and eternal life.

Sometimes those steps are easy, but many times they require a move outside of what feels safe or secure. When women stop focusing on their own dreams and purposes and instead focus on God’s dreams and purposes, everything changes.

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The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

The Power to Forgive your enemies isn’t something that comes naturally to anyone, even a hero of the faith like Corrie Ten Boom. But, with God’s help, Corrie was able to not only forgive but to extend grace and mercy to those whose actions had devasted so many. With Jesus’ help, we can too. Let the message of forgiveness in this story from Corrie’s life (adapted from my book Prayers That Changed History) lead the way.

The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

Corrie Ten Boom loved God and His people. Along with her family, Corrie helped many Jews escape certain death at the hands of the Nazis during World War II—including six people hiding in their home when the family was arrested. Her father died ten days later, but Corrie and her sister Betsy were imprisoned at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. While there, Corrie provided comfort to those jailed with her. And after the war, she returned to the Netherlands and set up a rehabilitation center for concentration camp survivors. She even set up a shelter for the Dutch people who previously worked with the Germans, and it was a visible sign of loving her enemies.

For 40 years, Corrie traveled the world speaking in churches and conferences. She also went to secret Bible study groups in countries where Christians were persecuted for believing in Christ. After hearing Corrie’s story, many people have learned how to forgive and I have gone on to live more peaceful lives.

Corrie was able to do this because she knew that sometimes the hardest trial we face is forgiving our enemies.

The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

Corrie faced hardship in the war, but one of the hardest trials came two years after the war ended. In 1947, Corrie was teaching in Munich, Germany. Germany had just been defeated in World War II, and Corrie had come to the country to share the message of God‘s forgiveness.

Through the crowd, a man approached her. Even though he wore a brown overcoat and hat, she perfectly pictured the blue uniform and the cap with the skull and crossbones of the Nazi SS guard. She knew him. He’d been one of the guards at Ravensbruck.

Pain shot through Corrie‘s chest. Anger and fear filled her mind, and her whole body trembled at seeing him. He had been one of the cruelest guards. She had spoken to many, telling them of God‘s forgiveness, but now — looking at her enemy — she had only hatred for this man in her heart.

“You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk,“ the man said. “I was a guard there, but since that time I became a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fräulein… Will you forgive me?“ He extended his hand to her.

With his words, a thousand thoughts went through Corrie‘s mind. She remembered how her sister Betsy died in horrible conditions, how so many women had suffered in the camp. Corrie looked at the man’s hand and struggled to extend her hand to him.

This was one of the most difficult things she’d ever faced.

Yet Corrie knew she had to do it. She had to forgive. She thought of Matthew 6:15, “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.“

Corrie knew that forgiveness wasn’t a feeling. She had to will herself to forgive.

“Jesus, help me!“ She prayed, silently. “I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.”

Corrie extended her hand to the man before her, and as she did, a miracle happened. A current started in her shoulder, raced down her arm, and sprang into their joined hands. Warmth flooded her whole being.

Tears filled her eyes, “I forgive you, brother. With all my heart.“ God‘s love flowed through Corrie as it never had before, showing that forgiveness is possible even for those who created the greatest offenses against us. Through Corrie’s story, people from all over the world have come to understand the Holocaust better, yet they’ve also come to understand God‘s mercy better, too. And history was forever changed.

The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

The Bible speaks about forgiveness and about loving our enemies. There is no greater example of this than Jesus’ plea for forgiveness for his enemies on the cross:

And when they came to the place that has called the skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.“ And they cast lots to divide his garments… Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!“ And having said that he breathed his last Luke 23:33-34, 46 (ESV)

Jesus is the reason we can be forgiven, and He is the reason we can forgive others. Forgiving others does not mean accepting what they’ve done. It’s not ignoring the hurt. Forgiving others is an extension of what God has done in our lives by forgiving us.

Prayer can help prepare us to forgive others. On the night before He was crucified, Jesus went to the mountain to pray. Prayer strengthens us for what we face and allows God to work through us when we’re willing to seek Him for strength.

Corrie’s family faced horrible pain and loss, yet they stood firm in their faith. They stayed strong because of prayer. For years her family had been praying for the Jewish people, and those prayers prepared them for what was to come. Prayer allowed Corrie’s family to be strong when they were needed to protect others. Prayer also helped Corrie to forgive and to push away the pain and anger and her heart.

The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

Corrie traveled the world, sharing the power of forgiveness. She wrote these words in one of her notebooks. Later these words were published in a book.

“Forgiveness is in the key that unlocks the door of resentment in the handcuffs of hatred. It is the power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.”

Prayers That Changed History

 

Martin Luther. Sojourner Truth. Helen Keller. St. Patrick. We read their stories, and of other people like them, in history books and hear about the amazing things they did to change the world. But one part of the story is often left out: Each one of them wouldn’t have accomplished what they did without prayer.

In Prayers That Changed History, the stories of twenty-five notable people are presented along with how prayer changed their lives and changed history. Following each historical example is a biblical story that ties to that person’s life and actions, as well as ways you can use the power of prayer in your life as well. Because God isn’t done changing the world yet, and he would love to use you to make history.

Perfect for use as a homeschool, Sunday school, or youth Bible study curriculum.

Get your copy of Prayers that Changed History here: Prayers That Changed History.

 

May you be blessed as you pray, forgive, and seek God today, friends.

In Him,

Tricia

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Bible Journaling for Future Generations

Several years ago I began Bible Journaling for Future Generations of my family. Today, I want to share with you how I created these keepsake Bible’s. God’s Word is the foundation for my parenting and my life. I want to make sure I take every opportunity to share His wisdom with those He has entrusted to me. You can do the same! Let me help you with these tips for creating your own Bible Journal for Future Generations.

Bible Journaling for future generations

Bible Journaling for Future Generations

I am the mother of ten children and two grandchildren. As a mom and grandmother, I want to pass on a heritage of faith, but for so long I didn’t know how I could do that. I didn’t have time to sit down with each person and have a one-on-one Bible Study. Instead, I decided to share my faith through written notes and prayers within my Bible.

Each year I buy a blank Bible, and through the year I write notes and prayers for one member of my family. Last year I filled a Bible for my 27-year-old son. This year I’m doing the same for my 24-year-old daughter. Each day that I sit down to read and pray, I write the date, and I highlight a specific Scripture passage. Then, in the margins, I write a personal note or story. Some days I share about my faith walk. Other days I write about moments when I’ve seen God work in my child’s life. I don’t worry about trying to sound wise or eloquent. Instead, I write plainly, as if I was sitting across from my son or daughter and sharing what was on my heart.

Bible Journaling for Future Generations

On the journalized pages, I also include a prayer. I pray the Scriptures, and I also pray about whatever my child is facing during that time in his/her life. I don’t always have the time to write a thought or prayer every day, but I commit to be faithful and do so as much as possible.

This year, I gave my son his Bible on his birthday, and he’s told me numerous times how much it means to him. My hope is that my words and prayers are something that my son can turn to throughout his life and even become a keepsake to pass on.

I’ve found the best Bibles to use are journaling Bibles. I plan to buy a new one every year until every family member has one. It may seem strange to pass on a “used Bible,” but I know these Bibles will be forever cherished because they were written in, prayed over, and adorned with my tears.

10 Tips for Bible Journaling for Future Generations

These 10 tips will help you in starting your own Bible Journaling.

  1. Pray about who would be blessed to receive a Bible with your notes and prayers. Bible Journaling for future generations

  2. Buy a Bible designed for note-taking, or if you prefer not to write in your Bible, select a journaling notebook.
  3. Gather pens, highlighters, and colored pencils that won’t smudge.

  4. Keep the supplies in a convenient location where you have your Bible study.

  5. Decide when you want to present the gift. Then determine if you have the time to read through the Bible, read selected books of the Bible, or focus on favorite verses to share.
  6. Each day, write the date in the margin of the selected passage or in the journal notebook.
  7. Spend time in prayer, asking God to show you verses that will be meaningful to your child or grandchild.
  8. As you read, highlight specific verses or write them in your notebook.

  9. If you have an artistic flair, sketch a design to emphasize a keyword or meaningful phrase, or use colored pencils to add your personal touch to your handwriting. Bible Journaling for future generations

  10. Remember, the most important part of journaling is letting your family hear you speak God’s Word into their life, so simply notes and prayers that come from your heart.

Originally published in Mature Living, January 2017

 

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22 Scriptures to Pray for Your Children in 2022

These 22 Scriptures to pray for your children in 2022 can make all the difference. And while we have high hopes that 2022 will have less conflict and trials than last year, we can’t guarantee it. There are many things we can do for our children to help them during hard times, but the best thing we can do is pray. Lift your children to God this year through the power of His word.

Scriptures to Pray for Your Children
Scriptures to Pray for Your Children

 

22 Scriptures to Pray for Your Children in 2022

  1. Truth. With so many people trying to convince kids that “anything goes,” pray that your children will understand that truth comes from God. We need to follow what God says. “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you,” Psalm 25:5.
  2. Peace. Everyone is facing challenges in our world right now. Instead of being worried, pray that your children’s focus will stay on God so they can have peace. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3.
  3. Patience and Kindness. Most children are missing out on normal activities with their friends. Pray that your children can grow in patience and kindness with each other during this time. “Love is patient and kind,” 1 Corinthians 13:4.
  4. Obedience. It may seem strange to pray that your children will obey you, but when children learn obedience parents, they also learn to obey God. “People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray,” Proverbs 10:17.
  5. Purity. Pray for your children’s purity through obeying God’s Word. There are many things that can corrupt the mind, heart and body. “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word,” Psalm 119:9.
  6. Trust. Pray for your children to trust in the Lord instead of their own ideas. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding,” Proverbs 3:5.

Scriptures to Pray for Your Children

22 Scriptures to Pray for Your Children in 2022

7. Submission. Pray your children will be submissive to the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23.

8. Transformation. Pray your children will allow God to transform their minds so they may actively seek God’s will. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect,” Romans 12:2

9. A Seeking Heart. Pray your children will seek God’s kingdom above all else. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need,” Matthew 6:33.

 

10. The armor of God. Pray for your children to understand that God has given us armor to fight against the evil of the world. “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places,” Ephesians 6:11-12.

11. Action. Pray that your children will understand God’s word and be quick to act. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says,” James 1:22

12. Love. Pray your children will love others well. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 1 Thessalonians 3:12

13. Faith. Pray your children will have faith in God’s good plans. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns,” Philippians 1:6

14. Steadfastness. Pray your children don’t listen to bad advice from others. “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers,” Philippians 2:6.

15. Being a Peacemaker. Pray your children will be peacemakers, solving problems instead of causing problems. “And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness,” James 3:18

2022

16. Encouragement. Pray your children will always lift their heads to look to the Lord, and when they’re too hurt or discouraged, pray they’ll allow God to lift their heads. “But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high,” Psalm 3:3.

17. Surrender. Pray your children will learn to let God carry their burdens. “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall,” Psalm 55:22.

18. Humility. Pay your children will get on their knees before God often, knowing He can help them. “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” James 4:7

19. Accountability. Pray your kids will be connected to a community of believers who will keep them on their toes. “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God,” Hebrews 3:12.

20. Hope. Pray your kids will hope in God for a good future. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope,” Jeremiah 29:11.

21. Wisdom. Pray your children will turn to God when they need wisdom or knowledge. “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding,” Proverbs 2:6.

22. Joy. Pray that your children will find joy in their relationship with the Lord and that it will strengthen them as they walk through these difficult days. “The Joy of the Lord is your strength,” Nehemiah 8:10.

Choose a few things to pray for your child each day. I know God will use your prayers for good in your child’s life!

Walking it Out,
Tricia Goyer

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2020 is Just a Chapter of Our Stories | Bonnie Clark

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2020 is Just a Chapter of Our Stories. But with perseverance, we can lean into what God has for us in this season and not survive–but thrive. Today our guest Bonnie Clark shares how God is moving in her through the challenges of this year.

2020 is Just a Chapter of Our Stories

 

2020 has been a strange chapter in history for sure. The changes—some possibly permanent, the missed opportunities, our uncertain future. We’re all struggling in different ways. It seems unreal what is happening in our communities, and country and in our small world.

It’s like we’re living in a movie.

But even in the middle of this crazy year, I know deep in my heart that this is all part of our story. It’s part of my story because I am on this earth “for such a time as this” and recently, although I feel like they have missed out on so much, I’ve realized that 2020 is also a part of my children’s story too.

The writer in me has always loved a good story, and one that has always fascinated me is the story of the Titanic: The tale seems unreal. The ship was “unsinkable” and yet it went down in just a few short hours after hitting an iceberg in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean taking many lives with it to the bottom of the sea. The whole thing was like a bad dream that had come true.

But for me, what draws me in and still fascinates me to this day, are the incredible true stories within the story, of the people who were on the ship.

There were men who courageously and chivalrously ushered “women and children first” to safety.

There were men who cowardly dressed as women to get access to the lifeboats.

Wives chose to die with their husbands rather than be separated from them.

Musicians played to calm the crowd and then the music faded with their lives.

And there was a captain who valiantly went down with his ship.

Each person, through their individual choices, became a character in the story that we still tell today. There were victims and villains and victors.

AND HERE WE ARE.

The reality of Covid-19 on the world will one day be a story that we tell.

I’m not suggesting that this ship is going to sink. I’m quite hopeful that Covid-19 will go away, but the stories we tell about it will live on forever. What part are you playing in the story? What character and role have you assumed without even realizing it? Are you modeling courage and perseverance for your children?

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”- Shakespeare

2020 is just a chapter of our stories and the mission for a Jesus follower has not changed. It’s only become amplified. We are called to be a part of the story and to point people to the Storyteller.

Character is revealed in times of trial. So, who do you want to be? Who are you becoming during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020? What will be your story?

I want to be the Unsinkable Molly Brown. Who according to many accounts urged the rowers in her lifeboat to go back and rescue more people who were drowning in the dark sea. I want to be fearless with my words and actions. I want to try to help others from going under.

Buildings may be closed, but now we get to be the real church. We can show the world that “we are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.”

We can live with a spirit of peace and not fear.

Schools look different for our kids, but THIS is real school. We can teach our children to love and be kind to EVERYONE especially those who think, act, or look different from you. We can learn to taste our words and bring life and encouragement to those who are really struggling. Let’s allow kind words to be nourishment and compassion be our teachers in this shared human experience.

Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. – Proverbs 16:24

 

2020 is Just a Chapter of Our Stories

We won’t all come out of this unscathed, but we can move forward with a deeper sense of awareness, gratitude, and faith. Heroic. That is the story I want to tell. I will not be pulled under by fear. I will create a story with my children that is worth telling. One of trust and truth and unsinkable faith.

The Storyteller invites us into the unfolding story of history. Let’s choose our part well, for ourselves and our children.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life so that you and your descendants might live!” – Deuteronomy 30:19

 

Bonnie Clark loves books that make her laugh, cry, or think for a long time. She has always enjoyed words and writing, but she has a special affection for picture books. Weekly trips to the library with her kids is one of her favorite things to do, and even though her older two are on to chapter books, they still enjoy listening to mom read a picture book.

When Clark isn’t writing and raising her kids, she does yoga, reads books, and drinks lots of coffee. Her favorite place in the world is ANY beach. She lives in Canton, Georgia, with her husband and their three children.

Learn more at bonnieclarkbooks.com or follow her on Facebook (Bonnie Clark Author), Twitter (@bonclark), Instagram (@bonnieclarkbooks), and YouTube (Bonnie Clark Books). 

More about Taste Your Words:

Teach kids about the power of words and the importance of kindness with this charming picture book that cleverly illustrates why we should think before we speak.

Amera’s having a bad day. Her best friend ruined her cupcake and they both said mean things. When Amera brings her bad mood home with her, her mom tells her to “taste her words.” Amera’s mean words taste like rotten eggs, spoiled milk, and lemons! As Amera realizes that her mean words make her feel bad and others feel worse, she starts saying the kindest, sweetest words she can find.

This picture book is an excellent resource for parents who want to teach their kids to think before they speak. With humorous text and lively illustrations, Clark and Bright make it easy for even the youngest children to understand the power of their words.

Purchase a copy of Taste Your Words here!

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One Man’s Story of Hope Shares The Gospel

One Man’s Story of Hope

It’s taken me a while to process some hard news that I received recently. I received a text message that read, “Dad left us in favor of heaven.” Thomas Graumann is now in the arms of Jesus. I’m crying, knowing what a joy that is for him!

As you know, I wrote Tom’s story in Twice-Rescued Child.​

​

One Man’s Story of Hope

 

Aged eight, Thomas Graumann excitedly boarded a train in Prague, Czechoslovakia, to embark on what he believed was a three-month holiday. “Go to Britain, learn English, and when the Germans leave, you can come home again,’ his mother assured him. Thomas carried two suitcases and a bag of food. At the time he knew his country had been taken over by the Germans and now was under Nazi control. That was the last he would see of his mother and most of his Jewish family, who died in concentration camps.

This was Thomas’ first rescue, aboard what became known as the Kindertransport.

His second came a year later when an evangelist from the Scottish village he was taken to for safety shared the good news of Jesus Christ with him. Saying a prayer on bent knee, Thomas’ soul was rescued, and he soon dedicated himself to missionary service, which he fulfilled as an adult in the Philippines, eventually moving to the U.S.

 

​It's amazing how One Man's Story of Hope Shares The Gospel. For years Tom had written down the story of his life--my job was to bring it to life...

 

 

​I am so HONORED to have known Tom and to have written his story. I first heard his story in 2008, and it didn’t leave me. I had it on my to-do list for YEARS, “Reach out to Thomas Graumann.” He was a Jewish child who was rescued from death’s grasp, and he lived his life sharing true HOPE.

 

 

Tom as a baby with his father. All his family died in concentration camps.

 

Answered Prayers

A couple of years ago, I was praying, and I felt God say, “Contact Thomas Graumann NOW.” I reached out to the Czech pastor’s wife, who first told me his story, and I got Tom’s phone number again and called him out of the blue.​

“Tom, I’d love to write your story.”

“Yes, good. I’ve been praying about that.” He wasn’t surprised at all! I smile just thinking about that. Tom had worked for years writing down all the information about his life, at the urging of his son Paul. My job was to bring it to life on the page.

​

 

Tom, my friend Robin Gunn, and me July 2019

 

God Makes A Way

 

I set up a weekly phone date with Tom, who lived in Colorado. I’d call him every Thursday at 3:00 p.m. I’d go over different parts of his story, and he’d fill in more details for me. His memory was so sharp! He could remember dates and names throughout the nearly nine decades of his life.

I talked to my agent Janet Grant and told her, “We need to find a publisher for this book.” She found one in the UK. They wanted to release it Summer of 2020. I asked if they could release it sooner. I promised to finish it fast. I did, and they released it in the UK October 2019 and the United States in January 2020. Isn’t God good?!

​

One Man’s Story of Hope Shares The Gospel

 

Tears fill my eyes, knowing this: Tom held his story, his book, in his hands. He knew that his story would go on and that many others around the world would hear about the gospel. It’s already being translated into more languages. Tom is still a missionary even now!

I am so thankful I listened to that stirring that said, “Contact Tom Graumann NOW.” My life is richer for it.

​

A story of hope

 

Purchase Tom’s Story

​

​One Man’s Story of Hope

God, indeed, had wonderful plans for this rescued child! You can watch my interviews with Tom here:

​

​

 

Part 1 – One Jewish family

​

Part 2 – Kindertransport
Part 3 – Learning of concentration camps
Part 4 – Returning to the Czech Republic
Part 5 – Meeting the Man Who Saved Him

Bonus with Robin Gunn, who smuggled Czech Bibles for Brother Andrew

 

​

 

In honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe and the end of World War II, my Liberators series novels are all on sale now!

Learn more about the true tales of the Greatest Generation and what they faced during WWII in Europe against Nazi Germany. These amazing men and women gave so much and faced enormous personal sacrifice to stop the horror of Hitler.

It’s been such an honor for me to get to know so many of them and to hear their stories. Now you can read the stories inspired by the real-life events from their time in WWII.

 


From Dust And Ashes https://amzn.to/2y7BOH8I

Dawn of a Thousand Nights https://amzn.to/2YdwlJx

Night Song https://amzn.to/3bMAvvU

Remembering You https://amzn.to/2VK0Uoh

 

You might also enjoy this post:

 

The Story Behind From Dust And Ashes

 

 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to 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.” Read full privacy policy here.

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Praying God’s Word For Your Family Today

I believe in the importance of Praying God’s Word For Your Family Today, and I want to share how you can do this starting now.

 

Through the years I've seen how important it is to pray God's word over and for my children. I've also watched how God moved in my kid's hearts and lives when I shared the scriptures with them. That's why I've made it a priority to read through the Bible each year and journal what God speaks to my heart through His word

 

Through the years I’ve seen how important it is to pray God’s Word over and for my children. I’ve also watched how God moved in my kid’s hearts and lives when I shared the Scriptures with them. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to read through the Bible each year and journal what God speaks to my heart through His Word.

 

This is an example of how I read Scripture and then pray for my child:

 

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Lord, I am so thankful that you always watch over my child, even when she lies down in sleep. May my child always sleep peacefully with knowledge of your care.

 

So many times I find myself praying for the same things for my children

 

That they are healthy.

That they are obedient.

The other day I was reading the Bible, and I came upon Philippians 1:9-11:

I pray that your love will overflow more and more,
and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
For I want you to understand what really matters,
so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—
the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—
for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (NLT)

As I read it I thought: This is a perfect Scripture to pray for my kids.

 

How to Pray for Your Child Each Day

 

Sunday: Pray for love that overflows

Lord, may the love of _______ increase and overflow for those in our family and for everyone else. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

Monday: Pray for growth in knowledge

Lord, may _______ grow to love your Word. May the heart of _______ trust your commands. May _______ seek good judgment. Fill _______ with the knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. (Psalm 119:66, Colossians 1:9)

Tuesday: Pray for understanding of what really matters

Lord, may _______ know your will and understand what is right because of your law. May _______ not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be transformed into a new person through changed thoughts and through knowing your perfect and pleasing will. (Romans 2:18, Romans 12:2)

Wednesday: Pray for a pure and blameless life

Lord, may _______ keep firm in their faith, staying pure and blameless, until the end. May the good work you started in _______ carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. May _______ hold firmly to the word of life, so life’s labor will not be in vain. (1 Corinthians 1:8, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:6)

Thursday: Pray for the fruit of salvation

Lord, may _______ be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. May _______ delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. And because of your word planted deep, may whatever _______ do prosper. (Psalm 1:2-3)

Friday: Pray for righteous character and for a life in Jesus

Lord, may _____ be a peacemaker who sows in peace and reaps a harvest of righteousness. Lord, may your name be honored because of the life of _______. I know this is only possible because of your grace. May love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control flow of the life of _______ because of your spirit within. (James 3:18 2 Thessalonians 1:12, Galatians 5:22-23)

Saturday: Pray for glory and praise to God

Lord, may _______ produce much fruit so that you may be glorified. May the life of _______ be for your praise and glory, because of hope put in you. (John 15:8, Ephesians 1:14)

As parents, it’s important to pray for our kids, and I’m so thankful that God has given us His Word as a foundation to do just that!

 

I have created a free PDF for you on How to Pray For Your Child Each Day

 

 

 

How to Pray for Your Child Each Day

 

 

Free Printable From Tricia Goyer. How to Pray For Your Child Each Day. Download now!

 

Download Here

 

Now, more than ever, it’s so important to pray for our families and to teach them God’s Word and to apply His will to their lives.

My book Praying Through The Bible in One Year allows you to do both!

 

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but found yourself giving up? Or even worse, you read the chapters and at the end question how they apply to your life.Tricia Goyer understands.Praying through the Bible in One Year offers a guided reading plan and a daily prayer starter to help you make God's Word applicable to your life. Discover the inspiration for real life transformation.

 

Praying Through the Bible in One Year is a Scripture Reading Plan and Guided Journal in one. This book helps you read and apply God’s Word to your life. My desire is for this journal to guide you as you seek God and His truth.

 

It’s divided into three parts:

1. A Scripture Reading Plan. This plan takes you from Genesis to Revelation. Reading four or five chapters a day, you’ll read through the whole Bible in one year! Each week has five days of reading, leaving the weekends for catch up.

 

2. A Daily Scripture. Pause on these verses, read them closely, and consider how they can impact your prayers for your kids.

 

3. A Prayer Prompt. Through these prompts, you’ll focus on ways you can pray for your kids. Blank space is provided for you to continue the prayer or to write down other meaningful Scriptures that you read during the day’s reading.

Leave a Legacy

Second, I created a free course to help you master the skill of journaling through the Bible to create a Legacy Bible for your own children.

Join me as I guide you in sharing God’s Word with your children or grandchildren through the pages of your own journaling Bible. Through this free, 6-week course you’ll discover how to share your own personal reflections through the pages of God’s Word.

It’s such a meaningful way to pass on heartfelt prayers alongside your favorite Scripture passages, leaving a heritage of faith. Each journal entry will be a treasured gift to future generations.

 

Great Resources for Creating a Legacy Bible:

Blue Leather Touch Legacy Bible

 

NIV Quest Study Legacy Bible

 

Bible Highlighters

 

 

praying god's word

Worth The Effort

Finally, I want to encourage you not to give up! Praying Through the Bible in a Year isn’t dated because I know how much pressure that can bring. Life happens. If you get off track one week, just pick up again the next week.

God is more concerned with your desire to read His Word and connect with His heart than He is with your ability to complete a weekly task. This is your journal concerning your prayers for your kids. If it takes you two years to read through the Bible, that will be wonderful! Know your efforts, whether over one year or two or more, will be worth it.

 

Journal Through the Bible

Order Praying Through The Bible here!

 

I pray that with all these resources you can pray God’s Word for your family today!

 

 

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my newsletter, check out my podcast, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, or Instagram.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to 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.” Read full privacy policy here.

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What Does God Ask of Us?

What Does God Ask of Us? So many times we want God to reveal Himself to us. We question if He is real. And if we do believe in Him, we expect Him to really put Himself on display in big ways.

 

What Does God Ask of Us? So many times we want God to reveal Himself to us. We question if He is real. And if we do believe in Him, we expect Him to really put Himself on display in big ways.

What Does God Ask of Us?

What I’ve discovered the 30 years since I’ve become a Christian is that I’ve learned more about God by focusing on the priorities—the main things He asks us to do—in the Bible than any other way.

It seems the Bible is made up of a lot of rules, but actually, when we focus on the few most important things, the rest are taken care of.

 

Tricia Goyer in her blog post: What does God ask of us?

 

When we do what God has already asked us to do, He will reveal so much more about Himself and His ways. I learn about Him by turning to Him, depending on Him, thanking Him, and loving others.

What does He reveal? His loving heart. His willingness to provide for us. And His concern for people in this world. As I follow Him in these ways I am changed and the world is impacted for God.

What Does God Ask of Us?

 

1. Believe in Jesus.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household,” Acts 16:31.

Understand because of your sin you deserve to be separated from God for eternity, but through the sacrifice of Jesus, you can be saved from punishment and can spend eternity with Him. All you need to pray is, “Jesus, I believe in you. Please take my sin and give me eternity with you instead.” It’s that easy.

 

2. Put living for Jesus first in your life.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” Matthew 6:33.

This means daily seeking Jesus, reading the Bible, loving others as Jesus did, and trusting He will care for your needs.

 

3. Read the Bible.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

When we read the Bible, we learn more about God and His ways. We learn how to live life more effectively. When you sit down to read the Bible pray, “Lord, help me to understand.” Also, ask someone who has been reading the Bible for a while to help you to understand better.

 

4. Become involved in a local Bible-believing church and seek friendships with Christ-followers.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near,” Hebrews 10:25.

We are not meant to follow Jesus alone, but we gain help and encouragement from other believers. When you join with other Christ-followers regularly, they will be there to help and support you, and you can do the same for them.

 

5. Forgive others.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven,” Luke 6:37.

People will hurt us … a lot. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting. It means turning it over to God and allowing Him to handle the situation. God doesn’t take sin lightly, trust that.

 

6. Live your life with thankfulness, not complaining.

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation,” Philippians 2:14.

When we spend our day thanking God for all we have, instead of complaining about what we don’t have, everything changes, starting with our attitude and our view on life. We will notice the difference in our attitude during the day and others will, too.

 

7. Pray at all times.

“Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Pray without ceasing just means when you’re thinking about something over and over, it’s a good sign that it’s something you can pray about. Ask God to help the situation and give you wisdom on how to handle it.

 

8. Love others.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails,” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

When we love others as God asks us they benefit and we do too.

 

9. Care for the widows and orphans.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world,” James 1:27.

A symbol of being a Christian is not doing all you can to take care of yourself, but doing all you can to take care of others.

These things don’t sound easy, do they? The truth is that everything God asks us to do is impossible unless we turn to Him and ask Him for help and strength. If you want to obey God in these ways, ask Him to help you. We cannot live as a Christ-follower in our own strength.

 

The first step is to pray this prayer:

Jesus, I want to follow you in these ways. Please help me, and please bring people in my life to show me Your ways.

Now, I want to pray for you:

Dear Jesus, you see my friend and you see his/her desire to live as you ask. Please help him/her today to draw closer to you and desire to do these things. And as he/she does I pray you will reveal yourself in amazing ways. Amen.

I can’t wait to hear how God is going to reveal Himself to you! Please let me know.

Download the printable here!

9 things god asks us to do copy

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Drawing Our Children Close

Today I welcome my friend Tara Davis to share with us about drawing our children close in times of struggle. I know her wisdom and gentle heart will bless you.

 

 

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

Drawing Our Children Close

I sat in an old, worn armchair feeding my third baby as I watched the early morning light filtering through pine trees outside our window. It was so beautiful, but I was so tired. I couldn’t seem to manage all that I felt was expected of me. My frustration with life was just one situation away from spilling out of my soul in a hot mess of emotion. Oh, how I wanted some peace and quiet and maybe even a little bit of order. I wanted everyone to just go away for a little while, to quit being so loud, to quit needing me so much.

I looked down at my little one’s pudgy, dimpled baby hands and glanced over at my two
wonderful, growing boys wrestling on the floor. A wave of guilt flashed like lightning across
my mind. How many times had I, in my exhaustion and frustration, pushed them away? How many times had I chosen the path of “not now” or “I’m too busy” instead of embracing their littleness, enjoying their wildness, and jumping feet first into the messy “yes” of intentional mothering?

My dear friend, some days the temper tantrums, squabbles, and diapers seem never-ending, don’t they? You so desperately want to do this mom-thing right. Me too. When my older boys were still babies, I looked everywhere for examples of godly moms to follow. I just wanted someone to tell me exactly what to do to make this all work out. I just wanted these wild ones of mine to turn out okay in the end. But with all that searching and fretting and wishing, I should have just looked up to the Lord.

Oh, how our Father loves us. Isaiah 40:11 says,

 

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”

 

 

He’s talking about us right there, my friend. He gently leads us moms with little (and big) lambs of our own. All we need to do is follow Him as we embrace these children He has gifted to us!

And oh, how I want to be a parent like my Father! In Hosea 11:4, God speaks lovingly of His children Israel, saying,

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them, I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.”

God’s gentle love for His children, the way He draws them with kindness and lifts their burdens is beautiful, isn’t it? It almost sounds like Israel is an easy child. But all we need to do is glance through the first few books of the Bible to see that Israel was a disobedient, defiant disaster. Yet our Father still loved them. Instead of pushing them away, He gently drew His children close to Himself.

God continually meets His children where they are, lifting them up during hardships, shouldering their burdens, and pouring His life-changing love into their hearts. Oh, what sweet grace to be able to follow the Lord’s example with our own children! But what about the times when we are exhausted, disappointed, frustrated, and overwhelmed?

 

 

In Colossians 3:12, we can find God’s truth for these times,

 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

 

There it is. When we are tired, when our children misbehave, when we have to break up yet another sibling fight, we are to allow the Lord to clothe us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We are to follow our Father’s example and pick up our children, draw them to our heart with tenderness, and show them the gentleness of the Lord in our words and actions as we shoulder their burdens.

Drawing Our Children Close

With our children pulled close to our heart, we are able to say yes to their exuberance for life. Yes to the thousand questions they ask, yes to the sticky hand in ours, yes to kneeling at their level and teaching their heart when they are disobedient.  Yes to rocking them to sleep on tear-soaked nights, yes to speaking truth in a kind tone, yes to living ourselves the way we have asked them to live. And yes to walking the path of Christ’s love one day at a time.

Let’s love these loud, crazy, beautiful children of ours just as Jesus does; we have them with us for such a short while. Our lives will one day be cleaner and less chaotic, and we won’t feel so much like we are on the verge of losing our minds, but our sweetest ones will be grown.

 

 

 

Will you choose to love this time with them and draw them tenderly to your heart even when you feel like pulling away? With God all things are possible, mama!

 

FAITH-FILLED IDEA: Have a Time-In

 

It is so easy to push our kids away, especially in times of frustration. Consider having a time-in when your child is upset instead of a time-out. Let them climb into a chair with you and talk with them about how to calm down, take deep breaths, and think on good things as the Bible instructs us in Philippians 4:8. Pray with your child that God will help them with their struggles and will create within them a clean heart. Use this time to teach your child how to run to God for help.

Hey Mama, do you need some help?

 

The Help Club for Moms is a group of ordinary women who read the Bible, live real lives with real families, rely on Jesus for everything, and have a deep desire to share the love of our Savior with everyone they can! You can join them online at https://helpclubformoms.com and you can even join them in starting a group in your own church or faith community!

 

Drawing your child close

 

 

Hey Mamas! Are you feeling stressed with the thought of your whole family being home during the Coronavirus season? Check out the “Quarantine Survival Kit.” It has everything you need, to strengthen your heart and your family while you are home together!

 

Click this link to access the “Quarantine Survival Kit” Printable.

 

Drawing our children close

 

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