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

What's In a Name?

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given
And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, New King James Version)

What's in a name? Have you ever wondered the significance of your name? Perhaps your child's? A friend's? Well, there's a person whose name means more than any of our names. His name is Jesus. His name can mean whatever you need Him to be for you. Do you need a counselor? He's the one. Do you need peace? He's your source of peace when you feel weak and like your world is crumbling around you. Have you had a miracle happen in your life? He is a Mighty God! He's mighty beyond any of our weaknesses or temptations. Let me encourage you, ladies, if you need peace; call out to the only one who can give you that peace. If you need counsel, go to the best counselor of all. Beyond any of these names however, there's one that's often overlooked. He's wonderful! When we're up on the mountain, it's not hard for us to say He's wonderful. The hard time is when we're going through a trial. Even then, He's wonderful. I want to end this month of Christmas focus devotions with this thought. When you can't praise Him for what you're going through, praise Him for who He is. Praise Him for being your counselor. Praise Him for being a Mighty God. Praise Him for being your Prince of Peace. Praise Him for being Wonderful. Let's just praise Him because He's worthy!

Father, we give you praise You today. We praise you for sending your son in that manger that precious night.
We praise You because He didn't stay there! He died on that cross so we could have life! Lord we give you praise and we love You. In Jesus Name, Amen.!

There's Power In Forgiveness!

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven may forgive you". Mark 11:25

Ok, I can think of several things that are easier to do than forgive someone who's hurt me, can you? In fact, we would rather just dwell on how bad we were hurt and stay angry about it. Maybe you grew up in a very abusive home, or you had an employer that treated you really bad,a close friend whom you trusted betrayed you, or something worse....the list goes on! The truth is that as long as we're alive on this earth there will always be those opportunities that will caoose us to chose to forgive or not. To chose TO forgive is the best thing you could ever do for yourself. I heard it once said that to NOT forgive was like drinking poison and wanting the other person to die. Wow, such powerful, thought provoking words!That unforgiveness is poison to our spirits should be enough to move us to forgive!

Jesus was the perfect example of forgiveness. Imagine that He was beaten so badly that you could not even recognize Him. Then He had nails driven through His hands and feet and was hung on a cross, and yet He looks up and says "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". It was by His love that He died for you and He would forgive. God loves you so much and He wants to heal you of every hurt! He does that as we chose to forgive and release that person/situation to Him. Forgiving those who have wronged or hurt us allows God to release great blessing into our life. What blessings is that? It's blessings of PEACE, JOY, HEALING, and WHOLENESS.

Mark 11:24 says "Therefore I tell you, whatsoever you ask for in prayer, believe that you receive it and you shall have it". Because when you prayed, you chose to forgive, you are able to receive whatever you ask of your Heavenly Father without the weight of the hurt and unforgiveness. You are FREE to experience all that God has for you, because remember, there is power in forgiveness!

I encourage you to, by faith, forgive and let go of the hurt that was done to you. Begin to pray for that person, even if you don't feel like it, and I promise if you will do that, God will put HIS love in your heart for that person and you will experience a joy and a freedom like never before!

PRAYER- Father I chose today to forgive that person who hurt or wronged me. I release them to you and pray that you would touch their heart. Thank you Lord for healing me of every hurt, I release all unforgiveness and resentment to You now and receive all that You have for me in Jesus' Name..Amen


Lisa Miller- Guest Blogger

What Gift Are You Bringing?

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:10, New King James Version)

I want you to picture a beautifully wrapped package. With this being the month we're so focused on gift-giving, we're so worried about the presentation of it. We're worried about what people will think of our gift. Ladies, that's how we come to God. We come to Him with our little pretty packages and think that's enough. I've got news for us all, He's not looking for our pretty little wrapped packages. He's looking for our hearts. In this season of Christmas, will you give Him your heart? Will you let Him create in you a clean heart? Will you let Him fashion you into what He wants you to be? I can promise you ladies, that will be the most precious gift you can give Him-and the most precious gift you can receive for yourself. Ladies, I love you, and I want nothing more than for us all to say, "yes Lord, do in me what you will!"

Hope Lives even as a Last Resort

Hope Lives even as a Last Resort
"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. . . . For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians verses 4:13, 16-18
She and I stood in the front yard of the old apartment house. Lisa wore a light pink suit jacket, and her sad brown eyes looked directly into mine as she said, "I hope it's not cancer. I don't want to die." That visual image is sealed in my mind as vivid today as it was seven years ago when I lost my youngest sister. Bird-like hands clutched a shining gold star with a pearl-head pin. She handed it to me, "I want you to wear this." When she died, the heavens raged. Storm clouds covered the land and hurricanes blew in from the sea. That year, twelve blustery ones battered America's shores. The last, a storm named Lisa, tiny and non-threatening like her, eventually faded out over land. On September 13, a summons came for Lisa. Sent on a mission, angels ferried another angel home. As I fell to my knees bedside my bed and cried, I said a silent prayer. Then, I opened my Bible, and the Comforter sent me encouragement. I knew then, that even in death, hope lived, for I'd see my youngest sister again in heaven.

Dear Lord, thank you for Your encouraging Word and the gift of eternal life through Your son, Jesus. Thank you for opening my eyes so I no longer grieve without hope, Amen.

Lives disrupted:

You’re a young adolescent girl and life is too competitive--the competition is being the thinnest.

It's so sad when people diet themselves to death. Many lives are disrupted with the loss of a loved one. In my novel, Last Resort, the main character Faith has lost her sister to an eating disorder. This was an important topic for me to brooch because I lost my youngest sister in 2004 right after Hurricanes Charley and Frances. She wanted to share her story in hopes of helping others. Though my novel is romance, mystery, suspense, and intrigue entwined, this subject is one of several important messages I hope and pray benefit people. In school, author's purpose is taught. If you read Last Resort, you'll find I had several and this is one of the most important, but God's love is the most important of all. Without it, we'd all be lost. Even in death, there's hope, and I used this scripture in my debut Christian romance novel Last Resort to encourage those who have lost loved ones through death.

Set in fictional Bridal Wreath and Key West, Florida, the backdrop of a strawberry farm turns dangerous for Faith, when she's stalked. Last Resort is a 79,000 word woman-in-jeopardy novel that tells the story of Faith Grace Roussell, who escapes an abusive fiancé and endeavors to start a new life filled with peace and contentment. She returns to her family home to farm strawberries only to discover it's not a safe haven . Where will Faith be when the smoke clears? Will Faith and Matt's love survive? Five-star reviews on Amazon and B&N. Both men and women readers. Free sample. She's pursued by an ex-fiancé, shattered dreams, an awesome God, and a cowboy farmer. There's only one place she can turn . . . .There's only one last resort

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juwF0dLLX6M&feature=youtu.be
Book Trailer for Last Resort

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-184/B-J-Robinson-Last/Detail.bok
Read a free excerpt from the publisher. May also be purchased here as a PDF file to read on your computer.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-resort-b-j-robinson/1030124288?ean=2940012838063&itm=1&usri=last%2Bresort%2Bb%2Bj%2Brobinson Buy here if you own a Nook.

http://www.amazon.com/Last-Resort-ebook/dp/B005CQ7JQK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310918473&sr=1-1 Available here for the Kindle.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ©1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

B. J. Robinson lives in Florida with her husband, two dogs, and a shelter cat named Frankie. Her golden cocker spaniel, Sunflower, is featured as a character in her novel. Her children are all grown and have all made her a grandmother multiple times. She lost her mother and sister six years apart. Last Resort is her debut Christian romantic suspense. Southern Superstitions releases January 15, 2012, and Whispering Cypress releases August 15, 2012, all through Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. Visit B. J. at http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com.

Give Thanks!

In this day of Thanksgiving, we think so much about the commercial things-the food, the shopping, and all that goes along with preparing for this special days. Sometimes, we get so busy that we take our minds off the greatest thing of all, Jesus. We're so busy in the hussle and bussle that we don't stop and thank the Lord for the many blessings that He's given us each and every day. The greatest of all is His Son. He died on that cross so that we can have a life full of joy. I didn't say it would always be easy, but it certainly is worth all the struggle and pain that we go through. In the comments section, I love for you to list five things that you're thankful for this Thanksgiving! For me, (1) Christian friends, (2) the ability that God has gifted me with to write for Him, (3) for my writing mentors-Nan Jones, Vonda Skelton, and Edie Melson, (4) the fact that the things I write encourage people, (5) the fact that I'm going to meet one of my dearest friends in Febuary of next year! So let's hear it, what are you thankful for? Can I pray for you?

Father, I lift up my precious readers to you. Lord in this time of preparation, help us all to keep our focus on You. Lord we love and praise You!

Shattered Places

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart
These, O God, You will not despise.
(Psalm 51:17, NKJV)

Do you ever feel like all you ever have to offer the Lord is a broken heart-a broken spirit? That's ok. He will not despise that. He says that our praise is a sweet sacrifice to Him, whether it's on a day filled with joy or filled with pain. Are you going through a betrayal? He's been there. He was betrayed by one of His closest friends, remember? If you're going through the loss of a child-a loved one, bring it to Him. Bring Him your broken pieces. Your broken heart doesn't go unnoticed by a loving and faithful God. Ladies, I can assure you, He will bring you through to the other side. When He does, you will have so much to thank and praise Him for! Until then though, let's praise Him in the midst of our pain, in the midst of our broken heart.

Father, hold these precious ladies in your arms of love. Remind them that they're not alone. Lord, we love you!

He Does More Than We Can Imagine

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
(Ephesians 3:20, NKJV)

Have you ever had something in life happen to you that was hard for you to believe? I have. When I won a full scholarship to a writers retreat, I had never expected that. I felt like the odds were stacked against me. At the time, I had no transportation to get there or didn't think my family would even allow me to even attend. About a month before, I had some unexpected circumstances transpire that would allow me to attend this much needed retreat. That just goes to show that when we least expect it, God comes in and shows us that, Yes I will do this. You just need to wait on me. Is there something that you really want to do but just don't see a way to get it done? Let me encourage you, just wait on the Lord and if it's His will, He will allow you to do the thing you really desire to do.

Don't Worry!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
(Phillipians 4:6 NKJV)

How many of us have a problem with worry? This verse plainly states that we're to be anxious about nothing. That's saying to me, let the Lord handle the situation. I know that in life, we will all have those things that bog us down, but ladies, we need to give it completely over to Him! I know that's a lot easier said than done sometimes, but once we do that, we will begin to have peace. Are you struggling today with a trial that's bogging you down? I want to encourage you, give your wory to the Lord and let Him take care of it!

Peace for Today, Hope for Tomorrow

"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." - John 14:27 (NLT)

Have you ever felt like you were living out your life on your own? Have you felt like the struggles and challenges you face were unlike anything anyone ever experienced before or could even relate too? Have you felt hopeless or forgotten about by God? If you have ever felt like this in any way, then know today that the LORD has an eternal message for you. In fact, He has gifted you with infinite promises and assurances in His Word.

Over and over again, the LORD provides countless messages of love to His beloved children. He communicates all that He is and all that He has for those who trust Him and place their hope and their future in Him.

Not only has the LORD shared His Spirit with those who follow Him in the way of Christ, but He has also shared His peace. And it is this peace that can comfort the soul who feels alone, that can provide resolution to the soul who struggles, and that can give grace to the soul with little to no hope.

No matter what you have to deal with in your life in the day-to-day, the LORD has peace for today and hope for tomorrow.

Challenge: Go forward today being intentional in claiming God's peace, being purposed in celebrating and rejoicing in God's love, and being renewed in spirit.

A Prayer for You: Most Holy Father, You have promised us perfect peace. Our hope is in You; we trust You. Help us to live each day believing the words You have said. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Kim Teamer (The Phone Tree Bible Study Group), Guest Blogger

Have You Left Your First Love?

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
(Revelation 2:4, NKJV)

When couples get married, everyone knows, there is the honeymoon phaise. You're so happy to be married and you're so thrilled to be able to have your own place. After a few years, the honeymoon period is over. In our walk with the Lord, we can have the same problem. Do you need to return to your first love today? Do you need that renewed fire and zeal? When we first get saved, we're so on fire for God and we want to do all that we can to please Him. After awhile, again, He becomes routine to us. We'll attend church because it's a ritual. We've always done it so we know that's what we're supposed to do. It's the same with our Bible reading and devotion time. There again, we've always done it, so it's just something we check off our list. Let me encourage you, stop making devotion time a thing we check off our lists, let's make it a priority!

Psalm 23, Week 6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
(Psalm 23:6 NKJV)

When this verse says that goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, does it mean that it will always be a good day? No, absolutely not! Far from it actually. To dwell mean to live, and when we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, that means whatever bad thing happens to us, He will turn it into good. If we let the Lord use our lives, He will use it for His glory. When He begins to use our experiences in that way, ladies, you won't hardly believe some of the thing that He will accomplish through you. Did I ever think I'd be a writier and leading an online Bible study for women? No, not in a million years. When I surrendered my life over to God and said "Lord use it how ever you see fit," then he turned it into more than I could've dreamed possible! That's because He's living inside of me and I'm letting Him use my life fully and completely. Is it always easy? No! Is it always worth it? Yes, absolutely! Ladies, as we end this Bible study, let me encourage you, let the Lord use you! With Psalm 23 being such a familiar Psalm, let's also remember, don't let the words become verbatum to you. I pray this has been an encouragement to you and also a reminder of just how good our God is! Can I pray for you?

Father, I lift up my readers to you. Lord I pray that you'll just bring the things to their mind that you want them to get. Lord get me out of the way of this study so you can do your work. Work in each lady's heart, whether she needs comfort, assurance, peace or whatever it may be. In Jesus name, Amen.

Are You in Need of 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)

I have a dear friend by the name of Nan Jones. Our story of the way we started communicating was nothing more than a God-thing. I'd sent one email to her asking a question about writing. I really didn't expect a response from her because she was a writer and speaker. I thought she'd be too busy to answer an email from me, especially not knowing me. Sometimes, we think Jesus is that way. We think He's too busy for little 'ole me. This verse tells us that He sticks closer than any friend or brother. I know that Nan loves me and I know she encourages me, but at the same time, even she can't take the place of the sweet encouragement that the Lord gives. She loves me, but He loves me even more than she ever can no matter how hard she tried. Sweet sisters, if you're in search of a friend today, let me encourage you to run to the greatest friend you'll ever have!

Psalm 23, Week 5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
(Psalm 23:5 NKJV)

How many of us have or have had enimies in our lifetime? I'm sure if we're honest, we all have at some point. There's always going to be someone who doesn't like you as a person or they don't like what you do. In Scripture, we're told that until we get saved, we're God's enimy. God's enimy! That's hard to believe for some people. They say that how can a loving God have enimies? Once we're saved, we become his friends and we're treasured by Him. That, my dear sisters, should make our cup overflow with praise. We should always praise Him for that fact! To think, we can be a friend of the Creator of the universe? Wow! That's just mind boggling to me. I don't want to assume that every person that may be reading this Bible study is a Christian. If not, let me encourage you to do that. When we do, it will be the best decision you'll ever make in your life! It will also be the hardest decision you ever make because living the Christian life isn't always a bed of roses. When you get saved, you can become a friend of God! Let me encourage you to become His friend today!

Psalm 23, week 4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
(Psalm 23:4, NKJV)

What does it mean to "walk through the valley of the shadow of death?" Some think of it as losing a loved one, and it can mean that. I think it's also when we're going through a trial in our lives. When we go through that storm or that trial, we feel as though we'll never make it out. We think we'll never make it to the other side. Though it may seem like an insurmountable obsticle, when we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, it's not. When we're going through that difficulty, we have the comfort of an almighty God! When we're feeling so alone and even deserted at times, He's there. Ladies, I want to encourage you to take that comfort when you need it. He never gets tired of us coming to Him for the comfort that we so desperately need at different times in our lives. I'd love to know your thoughts and comments.