enLIVEn Devotionals

Abiding in Jesus - Overflowing His Spirit

The Joy-Giver

My first year of married life was a topsy-turvy one. I lost my job right before our wedding, which was a tough slam on my self-esteem. With no job on the horizon, I decided to try being a homemaker and freelance writer. I had mixed feelings about my new calling. I loved having the ability to write whenever and wherever I wanted, but the solitary days were tough. I was lonely, depressed, and feeling as if I wasn’t “doing” enough with my life. I felt as if I was settling for less by staying at home. It took the news of my husband’s military deployment to shake me out of my rut. It was then that ... Read the Post

I Have a Purpose

I remember so many days when I'd sit and cry out to God, Do I really have a purpose? It seemed my life was all about wiping noses, running carpools and doing laundry. While being a full-time wife and mother of three children, there were many days I questioned myself. After a very challenging day in Mommyland, I had a “Calgon, take me away” moment. I sat in my bathtub full of soothing bubbles asking God Why? I admit – I was having a full-blown pity party right there in my own tub! Before I went to bed that night, I picked up my Bible and began to read. I had questions and I needed ... Read the Post

Surviving Adultery

I have been married eight years now. In our second year, our marriage fell prey to adultery. The painful and unforgettable truth was unveiled by God's hand. We were done, I was sure. As I looked down into my arms at our ten month old son, I was surrounded by a whirlwind of emotions. This is not fair God! I stand here with so many heavy weights upon me, and I did nothing. I was angry, hurt, frustrated, and scared. Even though I was badly hurt, my husband didn't want me to leave. I didn't know what to do because I truly didn't want to hurt him or our son by taking his daddy away. But how ... Read the Post

God Winks

Grandma Eleanor was the stabilizing force in my life for as long as I can remember. Her wisdom and common sense echoed in the depths of my soul. After her death, it seemed the grief would come in waves and cast shades of suffocating bereavement throughout my day. I would always find comfort in the Scriptures and consolation in the old hymns about Heaven. But as our family was embarking on a new adventure, I was stung by this painful reality – Grandma Eleanor wouldn’t be part of my daughter’s wedding. As my daughter, Rebekah, and I made wedding preparations, I discovered a treasured picture ... Read the Post

Wood Block

One night I was lying in bed and whining to God. Why God? Why do bad things happen? Why can’t they be avoided -- both the things that we choose and things we didn’t choose. I sat there thinking about all the things I have experienced in my lifetime. I told God that I feel that all these negative experiences have chipped away at who I am and who I’m supposed to be. I feel weak when I should feel strong or hesitant when I should move. Why do things have to be difficult at times? Then God so gently answered as He always does. (Not the kind of reaction my kids get from me when they whine. God ... Read the Post

Waterfall

One night during my quiet time, I was pouring out my desire to know God’s Word more deeply. I told God that I wanted to be like a wine bottle: when the cork is popped, the contents just flow out. That is what I was wanting, but God so gently whispered, “Think bigger! A wine bottle will soon be empty, but a waterfall is continuously flowing.” Wow! What an amazing vision. God has always got such a bigger picture. God revealed that the waterfall represented His Never Ending Flowing Word because water is needed for survival, just as we need His Word. Satisfied with such a beautiful thought, I ... Read the Post