Watch What You Say

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs

16:24

As a writer, I love words. In fiction, I love finding just the right words for my character to use

when they speak to each other.

But one thing I discovered. I wasn't as careful when I chose the words I said to myself. I realized that I said things to myself that I wouldn’t allow even the most evil character use. And that negative self-talk was having a huge negative affect on me. Unfortunately, I was beginning to believe the things I said to myself,and it was pulling me under.

Maybe you do the same thing.

     “I’m so stupid.” 

     “I should just quit, I’ll never amount to anything.”

     “I’m ugly.”

     “I don’t know why anyone would want to hang out with me.”

     “I can’t do anything right.”

Statistics tell us that when we speak negative things to someone close to us, it takes anywhere

from eight to sixteen positive things to outweigh one negative remark. This holds true when we

talk to ourselves.

The truth is, each of us is unique and precious to God.

He paid the ultimate price to bring us back to Him. How can we denigrate what God esteems?

Think about how different your outlook might be if you spoke respectfully to yourself?

Join me today as I make the decision to watch my language.

Edie Melson is a woman with a passion to share what the love of God looks like in practical application. Her books reflect her heart to help others hear from God and find His path for their lives.

She’s penned numerous titles, including While My Soldier Serves, Prayers for Those with Loved Ones in the Military and coming this summer, While My Child is Away, Prayers for

When We’re Apart. She’s also the military family blogger at Guideposts.org. Her popular blog or writers, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine. Connect on Twitter and Facebook.

Praying Friends

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessolonians 5:11, NKJV)

The retreat was coming to an end. All week, the attendees had been chalenged to work harder in their craft. Now, the time for a worship service was at hand. Sitting there soaking in the music, that's when it happened. My dear friend, Edie Melson sat down beside me and began to pray. While I don't remember the words she said, the thing I do remember is the affirmation I received from her that morning. To this day, anytime I need prayer I know Edie will pray. And though we don't talk or see one another often, when we do it's as if no time has passed. God brought a special lady into my life that day. Who has He brought into your life that you can call on at any time? If you don't have that person, I encourage you to ask Him to help you find someone.

Father, thank You for Edie. Thank you for the many women You have brought into my life. I pray for my readers. I ask You to send them that woman to pray with them at any time. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

You Are Mine

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine. (Isaiah 43:1, NKJV)

Over this week, this verse has been illuminated to me in a new way. Through some circumstances,  I'd taken my eyes off of the Lord. I'd taken my eyes off of the fact that "I am His and He is mine." This verse tells me that He has called me by my name. So no matter what another person think or doesn't think, I know who I belong. My friend Edie Melson made the statement, "I know longer fear who I am, because I know whose I am." Are you in a place today where you've taken your eyes off of the lover of your soul? Ladies, let me encourage you, refocus your heart and your life. Let Him envelop you in His peace and love.

Father, thank You for Your peace. Thank You that when we feel like we're alone, You so gently remind us of Your nearness. I pray for my reader today, that You'll just envelop her in Your peace and presence. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Don't Grow Weary

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galitions 6:9, NKJV)

"You're doing an excelent job." Those were the words I heard from my dear friend, Edie Melson last weekend as she was critiquing my blog. That goes to show you that in whatever you're doing for the Lord, don't grow weary. In His time, you will be rewarded. It may not be here on earth, but the greatest reward will come when we get home. The greatest reward will come when we see the faces of  the people that through one word . . . one deed, a life was changed. So what are you doing for the Lord that you feel isn't producing any results? Let me assure you, your reward is coming!

Lord, thank You for giving us a heart to work for You. Father sometimes, we feel as though what we're doing doesn't matter. Help us to see that in Your eyes, it does matter. It matters for eternity. Amen.

Those Nagging Thoughts

They will fight against you,
But they shall not prevail against you.
For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.” (Jeremiah 1:19, NKJV)

The thoughts swirled around in my head. It was as if the enemy had been given a pass that gave him the freedom to get inside my mind and take over!

"I don't feel like writing. I don't feel worthy. I'm not as good as you." The enemy was having a field day with me that night. I was comparing myself to another writer. I was told, "write anyway. And yes you are worthy...because God gave you the call." Edie Melson helped me put things into perspective that day. My mind also goes back to a time when she forced me to turned to her and repeat the words, "I am a writer." When she responded with "you're a writer because Edie Melson said so," that changed my life. Ladies, are the thoughts spinning around in your head? Are they telling you how much you're not worthy of the call God has placed on your life? Are you comparing yourself to another? My sweet sister, Satan is a liar! He's here to kill, steal and destroy. Let's stand up and refuse to let him!

Father, thank You for friends that will give us the perspective we need to have. Thank You Lord for giving us each an indevidual call on our life. Help us each to use it effectively for You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Friday Friends - Edie Melson

Edie Melson

It's my honor to welcome my dear friend, Edie Melson. Edie and I met in 2011 at the NCompass Writers retreat in SC. The thing that struck me about Edie was when I walked in the door a nervous wreck, the first thing she did was hugged me like she'd known me all of our lives. Edie's encouragement for writers is outstanding, and she's an encourager for life in general. 

Welcome, Edie!

*Tell us a little about your family and growing up years.*

I always tell people I’m creative out of self-defense. My mom is an

international artist and my dad is a classical musician and well-know

black-and-white photographer. They always encouraged me to follow my dreams.

*When did you know God was calling you to write?*

I’ve always written, but I felt God’s specific call in 1994. I’d just had

my third child and remember telling God I thought He was crazy. I couldn’t

even find a way to sleep through the night and He wanted to add something

else to my place? But I really felt like He was telling me that He’d

provide the way, if I’d be faithful and obedient. Turns out He’s true to

His word!

*Who is a person that is making and has made a strong impact on your life, 

and why?*

The person who’s had the biggest impact on my life is my husband, Kirk.

He’s shown me what unconditional love looks like in real-life application.

He’s always encouraged me to step out and follow God, no matter how crazy

it seems.

*What is your life verse?*

…Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for *such* a time as 

this? Esther 4:14

*Other than Jesus, what Bible hero would you like to talk to?*

The woman at the well. (John 4)

*What in-depth Bible study would you recommend to my readers?*

There are so many good ones out there, it’s hard to pick just one.  But if

I had to pick just one I’d Recommend *Just Give Me Jesus*, by Anne Graham

Lotz. 

*Tell us of how you came to a saving relationship with Christ?*

When I was eleven something happened that would change my life forever. I

had told a lie about a classmate and gotten them into trouble. I felt

horribly guilty and the next day, confessed what I had done to my teacher.

She didn’t believe me. She thought I was lying to keep them out of trouble!

I was devastated. I had done this awful thing and there was no way I could

undo it. Worst of all, someone innocent was going to pay for my mistake.

That night I was spending the night with my grandparents and as I lay in

bed alone I remembered that they had always prayed to Jesus to help them

when they got into trouble. I decided I would give it a try. I cried out to

Jesus and told Him that I was worthless and if He could forgive me and use

me, He could have my life. I immediately felt an unbelievable sense of

peace and forgiveness. It felt like the best hug you could ever imagine.

*Please give a word of encouragement and hope to my readers who may 

be struggling today.*

To this day I know I can cry out to Jesus, no matter my struggle and He

will answer me.  He is with me through the good times and the bad and I no

longer fear who I am, because now I know Whose I am.

Edie lives in upstate SC with her husband, Kirk. She blogs at TheWriteConversation.com

God's Path

guest post by Edie Melson

“Take my life and let it be, consecrated all to Thee.” 

I heard the words to that old hymn today and found myself transported back in time. Twelve years ago I hit a crossroads with God. Even back then I knew He’d called me to writing—in my heart I knew—but all around me everything was rejection and heartache. I’d been so thrilled when God called me to write. It just felt . . . right. I already had my future mapped out. I’d write Bible studies and teach and speak—bringing His Word to His people. I didn’t see anything except the glory.

I railed at God that night, shaking a metaphorical fist toward Heaven. “I didn’t ask for this gift of writing—this insane compulsion. Why make me suffer for it.” Even before the echo of my cry died away I knew it for the lie it was. I remembered an earlier time, when I’d committed myself to God, asking Him to do what He willed with my life. And now I complained because He had? I’d known what that commitment meant and the suffering that would come. How could I have ever thought suffering would be easy or martyrdom pleasant.

But that night at the crossroad I saw a different future. I saw a future where I didn’t second-guess God’s plan, but kept my gaze locked tightly on Him. I chose to trust Him and believe that He knew what was best for me, no matter what.

That was the night I died—died to myself and my dream—and began to learn how to live for Him. It was when I learned that to be truly His in every way means giving up my every way.

I didn’t know if God would resurrect me as a writer. Only time held that answer and I had to come to a point where I refused to care. Did I care? Oh I cared, I desperately cared. My dreams, my hopes, my ambitions had been tied to my writing. Now my ambition became the emptying of myself so that I could be filled with God. I learned that didn’t mean “make me look good because I work for You.” Instead it meant, “Make me look any way You choose because I’m totally Yours.”

The Rest of the Story

Why am I sharing this now? Because with the passing of years has come perspective . . . and peace. So many of you are where I was—second guessing your calling because it doesn’t look like what you thought it would. I urge you to stay the course. Place your confidence in a Worthy God. My life hasn’t taken the path I thought—it’s taken a much better one. 

Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She’s also a regular contributor to Novel Rocket, a Writer’s Digest pick for top writing websites.

She currently has two books available, the best selling eBook, Social Media Marketing for Writers, and her latest project, a devotional for those with family members in the military, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle. Married 30 plus years to her high school sweetheart, Kirk, they have raised three sons.

Ever Been a Doubter?

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6, NKJV

Doubting.

That can be a paralyzing thing to have. I was doubting myself as a writer a few months ago. A dear friend's words changed all that for me though! Did it totally erase the doubt forever? No. Would they assault me once more when I got home from the conference? Absolutely! You see, in that place I was with other writers with my same emotions. I was safe. Once I was home, I was back under the enemy's lies. So what were the words that changed my perspective? My friend, Edie Melson set me straight that day and I will forever be greatful to her! She made me look at her and repeat, "I am a writer." And then? "Now you're a writer because Edie Melson said so!" That may not seem significant to you, but those words changed my life that day. Are you struggling with doubt? Do you feel as though you've been sucked in by the enemy's lies? Ladies, he's a liar and he will cause the roots of doubt to form inside of you. God desires for us not to doubt. Ask Him to help you in this area of doubting today. Let's go forward in what He has for us!

Dear Lord, thank You for pouring confidence into us when we don't have any of our own. Thank You for the sweet reminders of dear friends when we need the nudge. Lord we love You and we praise You, Amen.

What a Friend!

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, New King James Version)

Walking into the house on that October afternoon, I had no idea what to expect. I was walking into a place of unknown territory. I was nervous and afraid all at the same time. Those feelings fled however when one lady that I didn't know walked up to me and wrapped her arms around me. That lady was Edie Melson. She hugged me and told me how glad they were to have me as part of the group. The next thing she said really broke the ice. She told me that she was reminded by a dear friend to be sure she took really good care of me while there. Since that first encounter, Edie and I have become extremely close. While the 2 of us are really good friends, there's an even greater friend that we have in common. His name is Jesus. If not for Him our friendship would be nothing.He reminds us in this verse that He sticks closer than a brother. While I know Edie would do anything she could for me, I also know that her friendship can't bring eternal peace. It can't bring me salvation. Only one person can bring that peace that we have for all of eternity. Once again ladies, that's Jesus. While you may have close friends here on Earth, do you have a relationship with the closest friend you'll ever have? Once you have that relationship, your earthly friendship will be all the more sweeter. I can promise you that!

Dear Lord, thank You for the friends you've so blessed us with. But thank You most of all for the friendship we share with You. We know that no matter how close wemay be to one another, You want us closest to You. Lord draw us all closer to our dearest friend-You. Lord we love You and we praise You. Amen. 

Broken and Spilled Out

And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. (Mark 14:3, New King James Version)

My mind goes in some strange places at times. But, sometimes the strange places are the beautiful places. Just as Mary poured this very expenseve perfume on her Savior, I have another picture. Picture this in your mind with me. Picture a much more dramatic seen taking place. I picture the cross, and I can see Him hanging there. Just as Mary poured the perfume, I can see the blood pouring-spilling from His body. I think it wasn't coming out in little drops like we dab on ourselves, I think it was probably gushing. That blood was gushing out for you and for me. Do you have goosebumps yet? I know I do. Why did Mary pour out the perfume? She did it to show her love for her Savior. Why did Jesus go to that cross and that blood flowed out of Him? He did it to show His love for us. He did it as a payment that we all should've paid, but He knew we couldn't pay the price. We'll never be able to pay the price. As we come to Easter, let's take time to not only remember the sacrifice He made, but let's take the time to say "thank You Lord" for what He did so willingly. I want to end this week with the words to a song.

"I will remember,
I will remember,
I will remember the works of Your hands,
I will stop, and give You praise,
I will rememberYour faithfullness."

Father, thank You so much for going to the cross so willingly. Thank You for paying the debt that we should've paid but You knew we couldn't pay it. May we never forget or take for granted what you did for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.


*****I have a prize to give away this week! For those that leave a comment beneith this post, (emails don't count) you will be entered into a drawing to win an autographed copy of my friend Edie Melson's new Book, "Fighting Fear: Winning the War At Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle." This is a great devotional for the families of our military who have gone to serve our country. The deadline to enter is Saturday, March 31. The winner will be announced next Monday!

Beneath the Cross

A guest post by Edie Melson

Last Easter I found myself huddled beneath the cross where Jesus hung dying.

Now, for those of you that know me, that’s not as strange as it seems. I love the theater; I even majored in costume design for a time in college. But now, my favorite theater is found in the church. I love being involved in church dramas. For me, the Bible comes alive when it’s being portrayed on the stage.

I do have to confess that I don’t like being one of those onstage – hence the major in costume design. I absolutely hate being in front of a large group of people. I’ve found my place, though. I love being part of the stage crew and that’s what I was doing last Easter.

So, last Easter I huddled beneath the cross while Jesus hung suffering. I was dressed all in black, trying to make myself as small as possible so I wouldn’t detract from the actor portraying Christ. But as I crouched there, I heard his groans and watched him writhe in agony. I heard the cry of the crowds and felt my heart chilled by their impassive faces as they observed the drama.

Was this the way it had been 2000 years ago? The question in my mind transported me to ancient Jerusalem as my heart flooded with parallels. It was no longer just a drama on stage, Jesus’ agony and sacrifice became real in a way I could never have imagined.

The black I wore represented my sin and my invisibility to God in my wretchedness.

My silence, while necessary and expected during the performance, stung me with the resemblance of real life. The world expects me to be silent about the cross, or at least tasteful. And so often I comply, remaining quiet instead of speaking out.

Finally my attempt to remain hidden reminded me that while the world might not see me as I really am, Jesus had a perfect view of me while he hung suffering.

Yes, last Easter I found myself huddled at the base of the cross where Jesus hung dying.

And I will never be the same.

Once Upon a Time

I’m so grateful to Jamie Britt for allowing me to be her guest blogger today! Jamie has such an incredible passion for women, and it’s an honor to be included on her blog.

Christmas tends to bring out the child in all of us and one of my favorite parts of being a child was of course, books. Not just any books—but specifically fairy tales. Today I want to share my own story with you.

Once Upon a Time

By Edie Melson

There once was a poor girl who wanted to be loved. But she was a slave, completely under another’s domination. One day a young man appeared on a white horse, he was a prince and she hid in shame of who she was, dirty and unimportant. But she was the one he sought. 

He came to her, like she was someone important, someone worthy to be loved.  And he pledged that love to her, forever. Then, before he could take her away, her master pulled her back, refusing to let her leave. Her prince didn’t give up easily. He fought for her and won her and carried her off to reign with him and live happily ever after.

Sounds like many fairy tales we grew up with, doesn’t it?  But guess what, this is my story and it’s all true.

I once was that slave, and sin was my master. My prince came for me, with love and hope and a promise. He fought for me and paid a terrible price to win my freedom. 

He comes after all of us, no matter where we are, pursuing us with a love do deep he paid with his life. 

All he asks is that we accept his love, his sacrifice on our behalf.

Ladies, your prince is calling you.

Maybe you have strayed, he’s still pursuing you, come back to him.

Maybe you have never answered his call, you’re still hiding, unworthy and unloved, believing a lie.  Now is the time, run into his arms, experience the joy of happily ever after.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believed in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16