A New Chapter: Soul Water is Coming to Substack

Dear Friends,

Over the years, this website has been a place where I’ve shared devotionals, stories, encouragement, and glimpses of God’s faithfulness. Whether you’ve been reading for years or have recently joined me, I want to thank you for walking this journey alongside me.

As my writing ministry continues to grow, I’ve been exploring new ways to connect with readers, and I’m excited to share that I am in the process of expanding Soul Water onto Substack.

If you’re unfamiliar with Substack, it is a platform that allows writers to connect directly with readers through email subscriptions and online publications. It will give us a more personal and interactive way to stay connected while making it easier for you to receive new content directly in your inbox.

On my Substack, you’ll continue to find the things you’ve come to expect from Soul Water:

  • Devotionals and biblical encouragement
  • Reflections on faith and everyday life
  • Book reviews and reading recommendations
  • Historical fiction updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my writing projects
  • Stories of God’s grace woven through family history and everyday moments

One project that has occupied a special place in my heart is a historical/time-slip novel called Grace in the Gallows. Inspired by the true story of my eleventh great-grandmother, Alice Lake, who was tragically executed for witchcraft in Boston in 1652, this novel explores themes of grace, redemption, family legacy, and God’s faithfulness across generations.

The journey from research to manuscript has been years in the making, and I look forward to sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, historical discoveries, family stories, and updates as I move closer to publication. Whether you enjoy historical fiction or love stories of God’s grace at work in ordinary lives, I hope you’ll join me on this adventure.

For now, this website will remain active while I work through the transition. Some content may appear in both places during the coming months as I learn the platform and determine the best way to serve my readers.

My prayer is that wherever you choose to follow along, you will continue to find encouragement, hope, and refreshment for your soul.

Thank you for your support, your prayers, and your friendship through the years. I am excited to see what God has in store for this next chapter.

Grace and peace,

Keri Lynn Willis

P.S. You will be receiving an email with details soon, including how to subscribe and what you can expect from the new Soul Water Substack. Stay tuned! 

A Book Review – Sacred Margins by Steve Laube

Steve Laube draws from his decades of experience in the writing, editing, and publishing world to speak truth and wisdom into the hearts of writers. 

My fence needed a fresh coat of paint, and my soul needed nourishment, so I put on some old clothes, grabbed my earbuds, and pressed play on Sacred Margins. By the time the fence was finished, so was the book, and I was changed. 

My neighbors may have thought me a bit odd as I repeatedly whispered, “Yes” and “amen,” or a heartfelt, “That’s right.”

Steve Laube repeatedly put into words what my heart has struggled to articulate:

“A Christian called to write, writes out of obedience.” 

“We are created to create.” 

“We write because we can’t not write.” 

Throughout this book, Laube gently leads the reader back to the deeper purpose of writing: to reflect and illuminate the image of the Author and Finisher of our faith. He encourages writers to use writing as a means of lament, while reminding them to write from a place of healing rather than hurt. 

He speaks to both the experienced writer who seems to have achieved great success and the aspiring author who is struggling to faithfully pursue a calling to write, navigating the ever-changing demands and constraints of the publishing industry.

One of the most encouraging reminders in the book is that if our words impact only one person, even if that person is the writer himself, then the writing has fulfilled its purpose. 

Laube emphasizes that saturating oneself in God’s Word, along with patience and perseverance, is foundational to finding peace and success, not by the world’s standards, but within the calling God has given us.

I have listened to this book only one time so far, yet it will be one I will recommend often, give as gifts, and return to whenever I grow weary in my calling as a writer of truth.

This is a must-read for every Christian writer and anyone who wants to be challenged in their faith walk.

Sacred Margins: On the Spiritual Life of a Writer

The above is the Amazon link for the book. You can also read or listen to it through your library app, but I know once you listen to it, you will want a hard copy of it as well.

Chasing Butterflies in Heaven

“O Lord, what a variety of things You have made!
    In wisdom you have made them all.
    The earth is full of Your creatures.” Psalm 104

This girl came to live with us in a very crucial time in my life. We were empty nesters. My career had shifted dramatically. I needed a fresh start.

Belle (so named because her husband was Elvis, and clearly he would want a Memphis Belle) taught me something every day. We invested in each other. I bought her good food, and she became my personal trainer, pulling me up hills and challenging me to walk more often. 

“Just ask the animals, and they will teach you.
    Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you.” Job 12

She snuggled and comforted me in times of grief, and yipped and played during times of celebration. She wiped my tears of sadness and helped me be still when I needed to rest. If I sat for too long she would bark at me and tap my leg. (She would also do this if she wanted the food I was eating.) She loved popcorn, a good scone (or a bad one), enjoyed a tri-tip or two, and even liked broccoli!

Her protection was not as fierce or intimidating as Elvis’s had been, but I pity anyone who would have tried to bring me harm. If you were a friend and not a foe, Belle loved you, even if you didn’t love her… especially if you didn’t love her… She considered it her personal mission to make everyone a dog person. 

Every morning, I would get up, pour my coffee, and settle in my comfy chair for quiet time and the sunrise. After a few minutes, I would hear her toenails clicking on the tile. She sat at my feet until I patted the chair beside me. And she didn’t sit next to me; she sat on me. (She was NOT a little girl for much of her adult life.) This always reminded me that God’s mercies are new every morning. 

She seemed almost human sometimes. In fact, one time, she was being especially naughty, and I caught myself saying, “Would you please act like a normal human being?” Apparently, somewhere along the way, I forgot she was actually a dog.

Animals may not reflect characteristics of God, but as we studied the faithfulness of God yesterday, it reminded me of the faithfulness of my baby girl dog. She was faithful to her last day. God’s faithfulness never ends.

“The Lord is good to everyone.
    He showers compassion on all his creation.” Psalm 145

Belle was part of His creation. He cared about her even more than I ever could. I imagine her chasing butterflies and Frisbees in Heaven now, drinking from a stream next to a bear, and lying down next to a lion at nap time. 

It is excruciating to let go, but that is part of life here on earth. My sweet puppy… you will forever have a place in my heart. 

Springtime Restoration

Good Afternoon Friends,

Thanks for being here. I appreciate all of you who read the words I believe God has laid on my heart to share. I pray you are blessed and nourished by them.

You have probably noticed I have not been writing a ton here on Soul Water, but I have been writing my little heart out. By week’s end, I should have the first draft of my debut novel  (stay tuned for more information) written. There is a LOT of work to do between now and then…and beyond. 

However, I wanted to gather a few of my series into one place for easy access. I am going to start with the RESToration series, as the Lord has really impressed on my heart the importance of rest and the subsequent work that can be done when we are well rested. 

Here you go.

Destination RESToration
Destination RESToration: Preparation for Restoration
Destination RESToration: Restored Communion with God
Destination RESToration: Call the Carpenter
Destination RESToration: Remove Rinse and REST
Destination RESToration Refining and Replenishing
Destination RESToration Ten Tools for Restored Relationships
Destination RESToration Restoration for the Weary Soul
Destination RESToration The Cost and Value of Restoration

If any of these devotionals have blessed you, please share them with a friend or on social media.

Blessings!

Keri

A Book Review ~ The Pursuit of Holy Leisure

Coming mid-April, The Pursuit of Holy Leisure, by Cara Ray will be just what you need to dig out of winter and jump start your next season. I can’t say enough good things about this one. (I have read it twice now!)  Cara is an amazing Bible teacher and friend. Read on for my full review. 

If you are like me, you probably feel a bit of guilt for just sitting and listening to the birds sing or the waves crash on the shore. My heart knows I am sitting in the presence of the Holy Spirit, but my brain tells me I should be “productive.” Reality is that sitting at the feet of my Creator in His creation is being productive–not only productive but obedient. 

In The Pursuit of Holy Leisure, Cara invites the reader to delight and rest in the presence of God. She encourages us to not only set aside sacred moments but to view every moment as sacred and an opportunity to fellowship with our Savior. She takes the reader on a journey to discover how God created us to be in communion with Him and how that benefits us and blesses Him. 

Have you ever been so thirsty you didn’t realize how much you needed water until you started drinking? That’s how I feel about Cara’s book. It’s like living water for your dry and parched soul. Once you taste the refreshment, you’ll realize how much you need it, and you won’t want to quit drinking it in. She invites you to sit with Jesus in the “cool of the day” and enjoy His presence. 

This is a training manual for learning how to be still, to rest, and abide in Him. From the introduction to the final word, the path to Holy Leisure is clearly laid out for the reader. The biblical truth is rich and articulated in a comfortable and inviting approach.

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I will be reading this many times over. I will also be giving this as a gift to MANY friends who are simply too busy for their own good. 

Reading it for yourself is a must. Reading it with a group of friends, Bible study, or book club is even better, because one of your friends is sure to pick up a nugget of wisdom you may have missed. 

Reserve your copy now! The Pursuit of Holy Leisure is Soul Water in its finest form.

A Book Review ~ “Not Here to Be Nice” by Dr. Heather Burchfield

Not Here to Be Nice by Dr. Heather Burchfield boldly unpacks the practical and thought-provoking truths found in the book of Ephesians. 

From the beginning, she explains that God’s Word is not here to make us “feel good” about ourselves but to provoke us to live the truth contained within. God is not “nice” in that He just tells us what we want to hear and give us what we want, but He is kind in that He teaches us what we must know and provides for our every need. 

Throughout the Bible study, Heather uses real-life examples to teach God’s truth. Humor is strategically used to assist the reader in better understanding and to offer grace when guilt needs to be silenced. 

She takes on hard topics and hits them head-on, offering relevant dives into the original biblical languages and cultural context, bringing Scripture to life in today’s world. 

Here are a few thoughts from my interview with Heather. 

Me: What is the #1 takeaway you want for your readers and what transformation can she expect in her life?

Heather: “A woman who finishes this study will know who she is, why she’s here and all about the power that lives in her. She’ll also have a read on her enemy and know well when his attacks arrive and what they look like. She’ll also know the Word, which is the basis for armoring up in the daily battles of life.” 

“She’ll be prepared. She’ll walk with purpose. She’ll be powerful. She’ll go after her calling with everything she has. No holds barred. She’ll be unstoppable.”

Me:  What made you pick Ephesians?

Heather: It saved my life. In the Introduction, I share how my experience with deep depression led me, in a roundabout way, to Ephesians, and how it saved my life.

I guess I thought, “If it could save my life, maybe somebody else’s needing saving, too.” My most fervent prayer is that it reaches that one.

Me: How did writing this Bible Study transform you?

Heather: “How hasn’t it?!? For one, it saved my life. It has forced me to take a deep look at who I thought God was versus who He actually is. And then to deeply self-reflect on who I thought I was versus who I actually am in Him. It has cemented my purpose and there’s no better feeling than walking in your purpose. It has made we walk a little taller, knowing that I have access to His power in me.”

**********************

There you have it. So pack your armor and your tool belt and get set for a challenging yet rewarding journey into Ephesians and a deeper walk with Jesus. 

Available on Amazon in print or Kindle. I recommend the printed version so you can write in it. Also, once you have purchased the book, in any format, you will have access to the video teachings and a Bible study network hosted by the author. 

If you want to grow and be challenged, this is a study for you!

Not Here to Be Nice, The Unvarnished Truth About Who You Are and the Purpose and Power You Have in Christ

Be At Rest ~ A Be-Attitude of the Christian Walk

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I woke up at my usual 5:30 am. I got up, took a nice long bath, and got ready for church. Then  poured my coffee and sat down in my big comfy chair to wait for everyone else.  The tears began. My heart prayed, “Lord, I am so tired.” The response I got was, “Come unto me all you who are weary.” “Does that mean get up and go to church?” I wrestled with this for a while, until the next prompting came, “Be still.” 

I pulled my fluffy blanket over me, snuggled my dog, and closed my eyes. 

Later, when my husband came into the living room, I told him I was too tired to go anywhere. He said, “Can I get you anything? Just stay there. You deserve rest.”

The day before, we said our final goodbyes to my mom. The service was beautiful. We had a nice family time, barbecuing, sitting in the sunshine, and watching football. The day was like an exclamation point on a really long sentence. I didn’t realize how long I had been holding my breath, waiting for the closure of an exhausting season. 

I have a confession to make. In my life, I haven’t taken rest seriously. I’ve viewed it as a luxury I would get to enjoy at some point in my life when I wasn’t so busy. If burning out for Jesus was a spiritual gift, it was mine. 

However, that is not God’s plan for us. It is not His will for us to burn so brightly that we overheat and become useless.

Rest Is Not a Luxury.

Rest is not a luxury. It is not something we earn or deserve. It is the fourth commandment (Exodus 20) Resting is obedience. It is an example given to us by the Creator of the universe. 

The God who never sleeps or slumbers took time to rest after six days of creation. Jesus went into the wilderness to rest. Scholars have noted over 400 passages related to rest in Scripture. 

If I want to be like Jesus, why is the concept of rest so hard for me to grasp?

There is no sin in hard work. In fact, Scripture says if a man doesn’t work, neither shall he eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) But our society has programmed us to believe we can do it all. We tend to believe our accomplishments are directly tied to our worth as human beings. 

He Does Not Call Us to Do “All Things.”

We are trained to push through when we need to stop, be still, and rest. We even misquote Scripture in our quest to accomplish more. “I can do all things through Christ” is a truth we cannot deny— when we understand it in context. He does not call us to do “all things.” So, when we push ourselves—or others—beyond what we should, using that passage, we are misusing God’s Word. 

Sit at the Feet of Jesus

“What is the one thing that can make the greatest difference in your life this next year?” The question was posed by our pastor. I wanted to be like one of my fifth graders and shoot my hand in the air and shout, “Jesus,” because Jesus is always the right answer.

Of course, Jesus was the right answer. But it was in the context of rest. “The most impactful New Year’s resolution you can make is to sit at the feet of Jesus more.” We were studying through the Gospel of Luke and just happened at chapter ten. Jesus entered the home of Mary and Martha. Martha wanted everything to be perfect for her guests (raise your hand if this is you). She was busy practicing hospitality. Her sister sat at the feet of Jesus, drinking in His words. 

Martha was a little put off that her sister wasn’t helping and tattled to Jesus. And in His infinite gentleness and wisdom, He said, “Mary has chosen better.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Make a Plan

I must admit, I can rest better if the house is clean, the dishes are done, my ‘to do’ list is complete, or at least is full check marks. But in my quest for rest, I want to choose “the better”.

The Lord is showing me through His Word and His creation how to release my busyness, my worries and expectations, sit at His feet and receive grace and rest. 

As human beings, if we don’t have a plan for something, it doesn’t happen. If we plan for rest, we are less likely to find ourselves depleted–mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. 

We do not need to wait for retirement to rest; it needs to be part of our daily routine now. 

Small Steps For Rest

If you are like me, you are probably saying, “yeah, right… I would love a little rest.” So, I encourage you to start with small steps. Sit for five minutes listening to the birds sing. Take a ten-minute walk. Release things that you don’t need to carry. Say no to things that just add to your busyness. Remember, God wants us to use our gifts to serve Him by serving others, but we don’t have to do it all. He does not need or want us to try to do it all. 

The Art of Rest

In my quest for rest, I went searching for a good book. I thought, if I were to write a book about rest, it would be called “The Art of Rest.” So, I Googled the title, and sure enough someone already had done the work. It’s a good one. In fact, I cleaned my whole house and did yard work while I was listening to it. And then I sat down and took a nap. I hope you see the irony here, but I highly recommend the book (link below). Sadly, we have to retrain our brains to grasp the necessity and concept of true rest. 

Early in our marriage, my husband and I joked about how we measured the success of our days. My measure was how much I accomplished. His was how much fun he had. Now, after almost forty years of marriage, we are a little more balanced in our accomplishments and fun. He has learned that it is fun to accomplish stuff, and I have learned it is an accomplishment to have fun. 

I guess in all I have lamented and discussed here, the takeaway is simple: don’t put off rest; make it a priority and plan for it. As I was writing, a friend texted me a quote. It is third hand, so I am not sure where to give credit, but it is worth noting.

“Rest is not the reward for work finished; it’s the requirement for work we have yet to do.”

Questions to Ponder:

What does sitting at the feet of Jesus look like to you? 

Is there something you can set aside to sit at the feet of Jesus?

What do you think the outcome of more time at Jesus’ feet would be?

Is there a symbol that can be a reminder for you to rest? (like the birds singing)

Worship With Me:

Find Me at the Feet of Jesus by Christy Nockels 

Blessed Assurance – Guy Penrod – I especially like the phrase “Perfect submission, all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and blessed.” Ponder that in a moment of rest.

My Prayer for You Today:

Heavenly Father, please show us how to rest in you. Help us to be obedient in rest. Give us insight and wisdom in choices we make and work we do. Open our eyes to the benefits of rest and sitting at your feet. In Your Precious Name, Amen

For Further Reading:

The Art of Rest by Adam Mabry – I cannot say enough good about this book. I have already listened through it two times and plan to listen a couple more. There is such practical and rich wisdom contained in this easy to read and understand book. 

The Pursuit of Holy Leisure by Cara Ray – This book is written by a dear friend. I had the opportunity to beta read it for her. It is life changing. Have you ever been so thirsty you didn’t realize how much you needed water until you started drinking? That is how I feel about Cara’s book. It is like living water for your dry and parched soul. She invites you to sit with Jesus in the “cool of the day” and enjoy His presence. (Release date is March 17th – preorders available now)

Be Loved, Be Loving ~ An Advent Be-Attitude

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. …. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.  This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.  There is no fear in love. But perfect lovedrives out fear…” (I John 4)

During this season, we hear songs of hope, peace, and joy. It is a time when billions of people experience the love of another human being. Yet for many, this season also magnifies loneliness and a lack of human love. I know this well—I have been guilty of expecting perfect love from fallible humans and feeling disappointed.

But God loved us so much that He sent His son to us 2,000 years ago—the perfect gift. He doesn’t require us to dress up, perform correctly, or present ourselves a certain way to receive it. We don’t have to smile for the camera or write out a list of expectations.

He loves us as we are; broken, wounded, sinful, sad, happy, hopeless, and senseless. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8) Psalm 36 reminds us that His love is as vast as the heavens. In other words, God’s love is not finite. He has enough love to fill every heart of every human that will ever live. 

I don’t discount the heartache people feel during this—or any—season. God created us with emotions; sin fractured them. God can repair them. Often it is a slow process, but miracles of love can happen. God can restore brokenness in a heartbeat.

While preparing for my mom’s final trek on this earth, I shared my heartbreak with a group of ladies. Later, during my quiet time, the Lord revealed to me that He wanted my heart broken for a season. It was broken open so that He could wash it clean, take the pesky peace of sand that had been threatening to hurt me and make it into a priceless pearl. 

That pearl is my gift of love to my Heavenly Father. The love He pours into me is the gift I can offer others. 

Sometimes that love looks like a smile to someone having a bad day. It might be a word of encouragement to a friend or neighbor, a meal for someone in need, or a simple text that says I am thinking of you. Sometimes love is stepping away from a situation until God gives peace to step back in. 

God does not expect us to love perfectly but faithfully. The two greatest commandments are to love God and to love others. “We love Him because He first loved us.” (I John 4:19) And because He loves us, we love others. (I John 4:11) 

God is love. Love is of God. When His love dwells in us, loving one another becomes possible.

I encourage you to receive the fullness of God’s love. The greatest joy of receiving a gift is sharing it. This is one that is limitless. You can keep pouring, and it will never run out.

Questions to Ponder:

What difference has the love of God made in your life?

How can you share that love with someone today?

Worship with Me:
Light Of The World ~ Chris Tomlin & Matt Redman 

My Prayer for You Today:

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3 NIV)

For Further Reading: 

Bible Verses About Love – Bible Study Tools 

Be Joyful ~ An Advent Be-Attitude

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)

The sound of the coffee grinder momentarily woke me this morning, and then I snuggled down into my soft, cozy bed for a few more minutes of much-needed rest. A short time later, my husband brought me a steaming cup of joy disguised as coffee in my favorite Christmas mug. The rich aroma came first, and that first sip was heavenly. 

When I lay my weary head down at night, I admit I look forward to the next morning’s coffee. And when I inhale that scent, it makes me happy. A good scone adds to the pleasure. I love a radiant sunrise, a magnificent sunset, and a good walk on the beach in between. The birds singing in the trees outside my bedroom window bless me. 

But what if I can’t have a good cup of coffee or see the sunrise and sunset and hear the birds singing their worship to our Creator? What if I wake up in pain or with a heavy heart? Will I still have joy? 

The Difference Between Happiness and Joy

As I reflect on what joy really is this advent season, I am a bit convicted of what I think brings me joy. Coffee, chocolate, a good scone or a beautiful sky can give me reason to be grateful. These things can give me moments of happiness. The absence of them may give me momentary disappointment, but the presence of it cannot be my source of joy. 

I sit with my coffee in hand, enjoying the sights and scents of Christmas time. I know that these are temporary, but being in the presence of the One we celebrate is now and forever.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 NIV

Restored Joy Through Christ’s Presence

If I want to be filled with joy and abide in it, I must always remember the source of true and complete joy; Jesus Christ—His birth, His finished work on the cross, and the promise of eternal life in Heaven. Jesus came into this world two thousand years ago to make my joy complete.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.  If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11

I want to be so filled with joy (Jesus) that it (He) overflows into the lives of those around me. I want to have the river of life flowing out of me as a refreshment to all those I encounter. So one of my regular prayers is this:

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and renew a right spirit in me. (Psalm 51 KJV) 

This week, pausing to ponder the theme of joy has been a challenge. There have been enjoyable interruptions mingled with migraines and traffic jams. It is Friday morning. I once again woke to my husband bringing me that coveted first cup of coffee. The fog outside my door and inside my head is beginning to clear. Thoughts of Heaven are replacing the temporal circumstances. 

An important part of Advent is looking forward to Jesus’ return when He takes us to be with Him in Heaven. As I thought about Heaven this morning, it dawned on me that there will be no interruptions, no traffic, no anger, no sadness, no busy shoppers, no headaches or pain of any kind. Amen and halleluiah! There will be endless joy, perfect worship of our perfect Savior. We will hear the angels sing, “Holy, holy, holy” and never tire of hearing it. 

True joy at Advent is not found in fleeting comforts, but in abiding in the presence of Jesus Christ—the One who came to make our joy complete.

This Advent, I choose to receive the gift of joy He has promised here on earth and look forward to the eternal joy He has promised to those who believe when we join Him in Heaven. 

Questions for Reflection:

  • What things do I most often confuse with joy?
  •   How do I respond when those things are absent?
  • Where has Christ proven Himself to be my joy in difficult seasons?
  • What would it look like for Christ’s joy to overflow from me to others this Advent?
  •  Is there anything I need to surrender so that joy can be restored?

Worship with Me:

Joy To The World (Joyful, Joyful) [Live From The Chosen] – Phil Wickham

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank you for coming to give us joy and make that joy complete through Your forgiveness and salvation and sacrifice for our sin. Help me to remember that my joy is only in you and not in the temporary things of this world. In Your Precious Name, Amen

For Further Reading:

  • Joy Bible Verses by Bible Study Tools
  • Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…
  • Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your strength.
  • 1 Peter 1:8 – Though you have not seen him, you love him… you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.
  • Luke 2:10 – I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Be At Peace – The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” — Colossians 3:15

Have you ever watched a literal rat race? They climb over each other, bite, and claw their way to the finish line where that prized piece of cheese waits. It can get ugly.

Lately, it seems like everywhere I go, this is what I experience. The freeways have become a free-for-all. Stores are crowded with shoppers who will grab the “cheese” right out of your hand as if it is the last one on earth. No wonder online shopping has become so popular.

Even in the privacy of our email inboxes, we are bombarded with distractions—flash sales that will only last for the next sixty minutes and endless “giving opportunities.” From the moment we wake, the enemy does everything he can to take our eyes off CHRISTmas and the peace it should bring.

In our age of cars, technology, and noise, you may think these disturbances are new, but they’re not. That is why Scripture teaches about peace in more than 400 places. The first reference appears in Genesis 15, where God promises Abraham that he will rest in peace at his death. But we also have the promise of peace while we live.

We may feel the pressure mounting, yet we can have peace because God is with us (2 Corinthians 4:7–18). And He has promised never to leave us (Hebrews 13:5). Just as He fought for the children of Israel, He will fight our battles for us (Exodus 14:14).

So what does He desire from us so that He can give us His gift of peace?
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 And that perfect peace is Jesus. “For He Himself is our peace…” — Ephesians 2:14 We must take our eyes off the rat race, the busyness of life, our own problems, and the problems of this broken world, and fix them solely on the Prince of Peace. After all, that’s why He came.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” —John 14:27

As I reflect on the circumstances that attempt to steal my peace this season, I’m reminded to turn my eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face. Nothing and no one has the power to take away what He has promised. If something distracts me or disturbs my peace, I need only to look away from it and into the eyes of my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

This Advent season, let Him be your peace. Let the peace of God rule in your heart. Let others see a difference in you because your heart has become the throne room for the Prince of Peace.

Questions for Reflection

  • Is something threatening to steal your peace?
  • Can you surrender it to the One who has promised to be your Peace?

I encourage you to surround yourself with worship, good fellowship, and wise counsel that leads you toward peace.

Worship With Me

“Emmanuel” — Amy Grant

My Prayer for You Today

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
— Numbers 6:24–26

Further Reading

50 Bible Verses About Peace – Bible Study Tools

The Path To Peace – Ann Swindell


The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Hopeful

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

While historic Advent lasted longer and the customs different, modern day Advent is the anticipation of Christmas and the Second Coming of Jesus. It is celebrated the four weeks before Christmas, each with a theme pointing to the Gospel. Though we need to be preparing our hearts every day all year long, this sacred time leads to reflection and focus. The first Sunday of Advent points us to hope—hope in Christ’s return and the true meaning of Christmas. 

******************

Last week, Black Friday tempted people to line up at crazy hours, enter stores and hope to procure one of the coveted door-busters or find the best price on a new 82-inch TV. We see on the news people fighting over the limited number of items available and overspending, hoping they can pay off the debt in the new year. This phenomenon of panic-driven shopping produces anxiety in me, not hope. 

Throughout history, one thing has prompted exploration and immigration; hope. Most of the early American settlers came here in hope of religious freedom. Many came in hope of finding wealth. Not knowing what was ahead and what they would endure to arrive safely and live in the New World, they had to have a strong hope of what they would find across the ocean. 

Ruth accompanied Naomi on the journey back to Bethlehem because there was no hope left in Moab where famine and poverty now settled. The journey was not easy, and the re-entry to life in Naomi’s community was challenging. But they had hope—hope they would find food, shelter, and maybe comfort for their broken hearts. In faith and obedience, Ruth cared for Naomi and was blessed to become a wife, mother, great-grandmother to King David and ancestor of Jesus. 

The Bible tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11 goes on to name heroes of the faith who all hoped for fulfillment of promises but did not receive it while they were on their journey here on earth. They stayed hopeful in their faith and looked forward to the city whose foundation and builder is God.  

Like biblical and historic figures, we are on a journey. Without hope, we would be lost.

The idea of hope specific to Advent leads us in anticipation of celebrating Christ’s birth. But there is so much more. 

As believers, we don’t grieve as those who have no hope. We look forward to heaven and seeing those loved ones who have gone before us. We have hope that those who were unsure of their faith found hope in Christ in their last hours. (I Thessalonians 4)

Isaiah 40:31 tells us our hope in the Lord will renew our strength. And Psalm 33 beautifully encourages us to place our hope in Him.

“We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
 In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
    even as we put our hope in you.”

Placing our hope anywhere but in Jesus Christ will leave us disappointed. 

I Timothy 6:17 tells us not to place our hope in the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. And Psalm 146:5 tells us “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” 

It can happen without even realizing it. We put our faith and hope in what we want; what we think we need, and how we can go about getting it. I need daily reminders that He will supply all my needs and that every good and perfect gift is from Him. These can be as simple as the sun on my back or birds singing in my backyard, but they are beautiful reminders of where my focus and hope is anchored. 

As we enter this season of Advent, I want to encourage you today to allow yourself the blessing of hope. Turn your eyes off your circumstances, off the TV, off the trappings of this world and put them on Jesus. 

Questions to Ponder:

Where do you find hope?

What hinders you from having hope?

I encourage you to look to the One who came to give us hope.

My Prayer for You Today:

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, Ephesians 1:18

Worship With Me:

Oh Holy Night – Carrie Underwood

For Further Reading:

25 Best Bible Verses About HOPE – Bible Study Tools

The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Grateful 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Dear Heavenly Father, I have so much to be thankful for, but my heart is having trouble dwelling in gratitude. Please help me to not only see the things and people in my life I should be grateful for but give me a heart of gratitude. Please draw my eyes off of myself and set them on You, Jehovah Jireh. Thank you for the blessings and the trials in my life. In Your Name, Amen

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself waking up each day and recognizing I have so much to be grateful for. It is a lot. Not just materially, but emotionally, spiritually, and physically. So why does my heart still grumble? 

The easy answer is because I have unmet expectations. The deeper answer is that my heart is not abiding where it should. I am wrestling with the greater issue of where my heart rests. I need to seek joy only in the Lord rather than circumstances or a list of things I can name. 

To address my struggle, I did a little study on people who showed gratitude in Scripture. What I found was that most of the prayers of gratitude were born as a result of great heartache. Hannah had been unable to have a child. Job lost his fortune and his family. Mary was an unwed teen mom. The leper had a diseased body and was despised by his community. David had many near-death experiences and a prideful heart—until God used Nathan to show him his way back to the heart of God. 

I am sure every one of the above-mentioned people struggled with unmet expectations. Yet they were able to express gratitude, not just for a list of things or answered prayer but for God’s faithfulness. 

As a student of American history, I have read several versions of the “First Thanksgiving.” In 1621, after the Pilgrims survived their first year, and the harvest was plenteous, the governor set aside a day to celebrate God’s provision. 

Over the course of the early colonial era, many declarations of a “day of thanksgiving” were made. Reasons varied from “a plentiful harvest” to ships arriving safely. But almost every one of those declarations came after a season of suffering. 

Thanksgiving Day should give us all pause to remember what we have to be grateful for; not just a list of material possessions, not just friends, family or community, but for the God who promises to supply all our needs. 

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen. Philippians 4:19-20

Encouraged by seeing others express their gratitude, I posted every single day of November 2024, each day highlighting a different thing, person, experience. Then one day, hackers took over my social media, and every one of those posts disappeared. But a heart of gratitude should not be so easily stolen. Focusing on gratitude daily can help realign our thinking. However, it is focusing our hearts on the Giver of all good things that will keep us abiding in gratitude. James 1:17, Psalm 84:11, I Timothy 6:17

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15

A Prayer for Gratitude:

Heavenly Father, Please help me to take my eyes off of circumstances and focus them only on You and Your perfect provision and will. Thank You for loving me and dying on the cross for my freedom and salvation. Amen.

Questions to Ponder:

Do you struggle to have a heart of gratitude?

What is one thing you can do today to shift your focus? 

How can you practically take your eyes off your circumstances and put them on Jesus? 

For Further Reading:

Psalm 100

Heart Happy by Tricia Goyer

The Grumble Free Year by Tricia Goyer

Worship With Me:

Gratitude by Brandon Lake

A Tribute to My Mom

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” – 1 Peter 5:10

Over the past ten years, my mom endured much suffering—both hips broken, a broken leg, a broken face. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. A week ago, she had a stroke.

She suffered for “a little while,” but now she is completely restored.

Saturday, September 20th, around 5pm, surrounded by most of her immediate family, she slipped from this broken world into her perfect eternal home.

What Mom Was Not Good At

Could your mom make a feast out of a box of Rice-A-Roni? Mine could.

When I was eight, Mom and Dad moved our family from California to Virginia. Our hotels were KOAs, and our restaurants were roadside rest stops—if we were lucky, a picnic table might be nearby. Mom used a little camp stove to prepare meals as though she were cooking in a Michelin-starred kitchen. Hunger, I discovered, really was the best seasoning.

Once, on a trip moving her sister to Washington, Mom stacked rocks into an oven to bake a birthday cake.

She could fix just about anything. I once had a porcelain eagle that shattered into hundreds of pieces. I was heartbroken and brought it to Mom. She took the shards, glued them back together, and somehow restored it so you couldn’t even see the cracks.

Mom was good at putting broken people back together, too.

She could organize events, people, things, and her home.

But she was not good at resting. Rest went against every fiber of her being. If she was sitting still, she was reading.

Today, though, I can say with certainty: Mom’s soul is at rest.

She is sitting in the presence of Jesus. Her heart, mind, body, and soul are beautifully and eternally restored. She does not have to fix a thing or solve one more problem. She can sit and sing praises to her heart’s content—which will take all eternity.

I imagine her soprano blending with her own mother’s rich alto, accompanied by Grandma Willis on the piano. Any worship service she attended here on earth pales—PALES—in comparison with the one she is participating in this morning.

She is singing with the heroes of the faith.
🎶 Worship link

From Prayers to Praises

Yesterday, as I scrolled through my prayer list, I grew teary. Over the past ten years, as Mom’s needs grew, so did her presence in my prayer time. But now, I began deleting entries—prayers I no longer need to pray.

Instead, I found myself turning them into praises.

Prayer: Please help my mom not be in pain.
Praise: Thank You, Lord, that my mom is no longer in pain.

“There will be no more pain.” – Revelation 21:4

Prayer: Please heal her body—her hips, her shoulder, her knee, her mind.
Praise: Thank You, Lord, for giving her a new body.

“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down… we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands… God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1–5

Prayer: Please help her to be able to exercise and walk.
Praise: Thank You, Lord, that like the lame man You healed, Mom is “walking and leaping and praising God.” – Acts 3:8

Prayer: I pray that the fruit of the Spirit will be abundant in her life. – Galatians 5:22
Praise: Thank You, Lord, for the testimony of her caregivers, who told me of her joy, kindness, gentleness, and encouragement even in the midst of brokenness. Thank You for letting me share that her joy was because of You.

Prayer: Please provide the finances we need to care for Mom.
Praise: Thank You, Lord, for providing a special place for her in her final month, and for giving the exact time and resources needed.

Prayer: Please provide a home where she can be safe and cared for.
Praise: Thank You, Lord, that Mom is finally Home. Safe. Whole. Restored.

“So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord… We would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:6–8

Though my prayer list is shorter, my gratitude list is longer. The petitions I once prayed for my mom are now answered in heaven’s fullness.

And in that, I rest—with tears, yes, but more so with thankfulness.

The Be Attitudes of the Christian Walk – Be Filled

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

When my children were little and they came home from school grumpy, I would ask them, “Did you use up all your good at school?” Then when I started teaching, and I came home cranky, my husband would ask me, “Did you use up all your good at school?” I would snarl a yes, with a little curve of a smile, knowing that was my challenge to get filled back up and change my attitude. 

Do you ever reach the end of your day and just feel poured out? Or maybe you used up “all your good” with a person or event that left you drained? I had one of those days lately. I resisted for about twenty-four hours then reached for the bag of tortilla chips, carefully spread them out on a plate, sprinkled some (okay, maybe a lot) cheese over the top, melted it and indulged in some good Southern California comfort food. 

It was a temporary fix. 

What I really needed was to allow the Lord to fill me with joy, hope, peace and the power of the Holy Spirit. But how can we do that when we are too spent to even acknowledge our depletion? 

10 Practical Ways to Be Spiritually Filled

  1. Prepare in Advance
    If possible, get filled before facing a draining person or situation. Pray, read the Word, worship, and put on the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
  2. Find Rest
    Step away. Jesus said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31-32)
  3. Pray Honestly
    God already knows your heart. Be real with Him. Pour it all out, and ask Him to fill you with every spiritual blessing. (Matthew 6:6, Ephesians 1:2-3)
  4. Surrender Your Emptiness
    Give your empty heart to God. He longs to fill you with living water. (John 7:37-38)
  5. Listen to His Voice
    Let Scripture and worship music wash over you. Soak in His truth. (Isaiah 55:3)
  6. Phone a Faithful Friend
    It’s okay to call a friend, but go to God first. He may use others to support you, but He alone can fill your tank. (Proverbs 27:9)
  7. Take a Walk in Creation
    Fresh air and movement can boost your body and soul. Witnessing God’s creation renews your perspective. (Romans 1:20)
  8. Seek Wise Counsel
    Long-term pouring out may require long-term support. Don’t hesitate to ask God to lead you to the right help. (Proverbs 19:20-21)
  9. Be Still Before God
    Sometimes the cure is simple: silence, stillness, and His presence(Psalm 23, Psalm 46)
  10. Dwell on What Is Good
    Replace spiraling thoughts with what is lovely, noble, and true. (Philippians 4:6-8)
A Personal Note:

I’m not an expert. I often find myself poured out and empty, even after doing “good” things. I’m writing this not from a place of completion, but from a place of desire—to be restored, renewed, and filled by the One who never runs out.

My Prayer for You Today:

“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT

Songs for Meditation and Filling Your Soul

Instrumental Praise and Worship by Titus Major

Questions to Ponder:

Where am I feeling poured out right now? (Write out your feelings honestly. Be specific.)

How can I make space for God to fill me up again today? (Consider prayer, quiet time, Scripture, or rest.)

Ask the Lord to refill your spirit with His – His peace, His joy, His strength.

For Further Reading:

Psalm 103

John 4:1-13

The Spirit-Filled Life – by Charles Stanly 

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 – by W. Phillip Keller

The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Faithful

 

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3 

What does it mean to be faithful? Is it different than being full of faith? I believe both stem from the posture of our hearts prompting our attitudes, words, and actions. 

I am knee-deep in research of the early colonial era and have discovered not many historical fictions novels have been written about this time period. One of the reasons is that it was a very difficult time to live. War was imminent. Food was scarce. Winters and summers were equally grueling. Religion was compulsory. It was hard to know whom to trust, and accusation frequently equaled guilt. 

The only way to survive then was to be filled with faith – and it is no different today. 

A FAITHFUL CHILD OF GOD

In February 1675, during  King Philip’s War, after witnessing the destruction of her village many deaths of many loved ones, Mary Rowland was taken captive with her youngest child and others from Lancaster, Massachusetts . Years after her release at Redemption Rock, she penned one of the first “best sellers” in both the New World and  England: The Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson.

In her book, she details the horrors endured as her village was ravished and she was marched from village to village through the wilderness, eyewitness to brutality and loss – including  the death of her children, sister, nieces, nephews and friends. 

It would be easy to understand if she lost her faith – but she remained faithful and believed God was faithful to her throughout her tortuous journey. Of her second “remove,” she wrote:

“But God was with me in a wonderful manner, carrying me along and bearing up my spirit, that it did not quite fail.” 

Later, after falling from a horse with her wounded child in her arms, she said:

“But the Lord renewed my strength still, and carried me along that I might see more of His power; yea, so much that I could never have thought of had I not experienced it.” 

“He will cover you with his feathers,
 and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4

THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN

Her story reads much like the book of Job. One loss after another, but never without faith and hope in the God she worshiped. 

After the death of her wounded child left her feeling completely alone. She prayed: 

“Show me a token for good and if it were His blessed will, some sign and hope and some relief.”  The next day, her son who had been taken captive by another group, found her. 

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11

A RANSOM PAID

Eventually, her release was negotiated, and a ransom was paid. Her captivity that lasted eleven weeks must have seemed a lifetime. Her story is brutal, and she does not spare the details of what she witnessed and her emotions about them. But throughout her captivity, she remained faithful and faith-filled. With each account, she testified of the power, providence and faithfulness of God. 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
 great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

I’ve had some rough times, witnessed horrible injustice and hurts – nothing compared to what Mary endured – and certainly nothing compared to what our Savior endured. I can say that it is only my faith in God’s faithfulness that has seen me through. 

The struggle to remain faith filled can be moment by moment some days. Those are the times I need to be still and remember God’s promises:

 He will take care of everything I need. 

He will never leave me.

If He clothed the world in such beauty, how much more He will take care of me.

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30

BEING FAITHFUL IS THE POSTURE OF MY HEART

As with so many of the “Be – Attitudes,” being faithful is not about “doing” more but about the posture of our hearts. Sometimes we must be emptied of the worldly things we put our faith in – jobs, financial security, human accomplishments – to have our hearts filled up with faith. 

Honestly, I pray I never face the depths of emptiness as Mary Rowlandson did. I want to believe in the goodness, power, and faithfulness of God enough to be filled with a new measure of faith every single day I live. 

To do that, I must immerse myself in getting to know Him through time in the Word, prayer, and in His glorious creation. 

Remember, that “measure of faith” is not delivered all at once. We are given opportunities to exercise our faith through small hurdles. Little by little our faith grows stronger.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Luke 16:10-12

It was at Calvary—our true Redemption Rock—that the ultimate ransom was paid, once and for all. His faithfulness carried Him to the cross; now, our daily challenge is to live faithfully in response to the One who created and redeemed us.

MY PRAYER TODAY

Faithful and loving Heavenly Father, Only through trusting in your faithfulness can I be faithful. Please fill me with the measure of faith I need for this day and help me to remain faithful in my thoughts, words, and actions. In Your Precious Name, Amen.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

Is there a person whose life exemplifies faithfulness? I would love to hear about them in the comments.

How is your faithfulness being tested today? I would be honored to pray with you.

What is one little step you can take to remain faithful?

WORSHIP & MEDITATE ON GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

My Redeemer Is Faithful & True by Steven Curtis Chapmen

FOR FURTHER READING

Overcoming Fear with Faith – by Keri Willis

Open Bible – Being Faithful in Little Things – Bible verses on faithfulness

Knowing God – by J.I Packer

The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Comforted

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

When Comfort is Rejected

Have you ever tried to offer comfort to someone who desperately needs it and have them refuse you – even be angry at you for the comfort you are trying to offer? I must often remind myself that offering help to a wounded person can be like attempting to help a wounded animal. If you touch a sensitive wound, your hand may be bitten by the offending beast. In the same way, often when we are offering comfort to a wounded soul, it may not be received with the grace intended. 

I was lamenting this particular thought with the Lord after a difficult day of service to someone who would rather not need my help. I told the Lord how hard it was when all I want to do is give this person comfort, make his life as pleasant as possible, make sure his needs are taken care of, and he lashes out in anger at the simplest of offerings. 

The Lord was silent for a few minutes while I continued my lament. He let me have my say, and then reminded me that He too offers comfort that is rejected out of hand. He wants to provide for us and give us life abundantly – and yet we (the collective we) run to friends, food, shopping, exercise, or chocolate (or as I did yesterday my Matcha Frap from Starbucks) to give us that comfort. Believe me, I like all the above. They all have a purpose and place. But they can never fully provide the kind of comfort I need in the depths of my battle-weary soul. 

A Psalm for the Wounded Heart

“Then I realized that my heart was bitter,
    and I was all torn up inside.
I was so foolish and ignorant—
    I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.(Very Convicting)

Yet I still belong to you;
    you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
    leading me to a glorious destiny.

 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    I desire you more than anything on earth.
 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
    but God remains the strength of my heart;
    he is mine forever.

But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
    I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
    and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” 

Psalm 73:21-26, 28 NLT

I did not respond with grace when my offering was mocked. I may have given in at a point and seemed like a senseless animal. Then I spent the better part of twenty-four hours beating myself up for my lack of grace or self-control. As I laid my head down, thoughts of the day threatened to pummel me again. I wasn’t getting up for chocolate or calling a friend at 10pm, so I went to the source of all comfort. I entered His presence and read the words from Psalm 73. Finally, I allowed the Lord to forgive my bitterness and comfort my heart and mind.

The Spirit Who Comforts

My spirit was weak for sure! But He reminded me that He is holding my hand through this journey we call life. He is there in the good times and the times that threaten to undo me. I can be comforted because He is my strength and my shelter. He is my counselor who is wise beyond any human words. 

The Holy Spirit was given to us as a constant companion, counselor and comforter. He is with us to guide and correct us and even when (especially when) we mess up, He is there to comfort us. It seems so simple, yet we reject His role so easily. 

“I cried out to God for help;
    I cried out to God to hear me.
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
    at night I stretched out untiring hands,
    and I would not be comforted.” Psalm 77:1-2

Even When it Hurts, He is With You

When life gets uncomfortable, I need to remember the words I memorized as a child from Psalm 23. I must allow His protection and presence to comfort and guide me.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; 

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Questions to Ponder
  • Do you struggle to receive the comfort of our Heavenly Father? 
  • Is it because you don’t want the correction or counsel that comes with the comfort? (Ouch, I know…)
  • What might you need to release in order to be comforted by God today?

Take comfort in knowing: 

“His mercies are new every morning.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

“His grace is sufficient.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 

“He is gentle.” – Matthew 11:29 

“His way is perfect.” – Psalm 18:30

“He will never leave us.” – Hebrews 13:5

Why would we ever look anywhere else for comfort?

Run to the Father!

Prayer for Comfort

God of all comfort, please comfort my restless heart. Help me to run to You and receive Your comfort rather than the comforts of this world when I am confronted with a weary and broken heart. Help me to rest in Your promise that You will never leave me or forsake me. Please help me be wise in how and when I offer comfort to others and be prepared when they do not receive it with grace. Help me to never grow weary in well doing but depend on you to be the strength of my life. In Your Precious Name, Amen

Worship and Meditate

With this song by Cody Carnes, Run to the Father

For Further Reading

Verses on Comfort from Bible Study Tools

The God of All Comfort by Hannah Whitall Smith

The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Free 

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Soul Water Summer Newsletter

Welcome to Summer!

Dear Readers,

Before I get into the meat of this newsletter, let me tell you a little story.

As a writer, one of the topics drilled into us at workshops is to build our writing platform and particularly our email lists. As one who does not like to draw attention to myself, this has been an ongoing battle… one where I continually shoot myself in the foot. 

One of those feet was Facebook. Mine got hacked and I lost 18 years of contacts and memories. So, if you lost me, look me up again and click “add friend” to Keri L Willis.

You may not remember signing up for this blog/newsletter, because it has been a while since you did. But buried under a pile of papers on my desk was a list of about 45 names that sat ignored (or lost) for way too long. Most of these were from women’s retreats where I have spoken. 

Also, the email server and website host changed things up on me, and I did not realize many of my subscribers were dropped or not receiving my blogs. I apologize on both counts for not being more proactive where my readers are concerned. All of that to say, can we start over?

If you have not been receiving the blog, I encourage you to go back through them and glean any insights or encouragement you might gain from the almost 150 posts. I will include links to some of my favorites here:

This is the most recent post of the Be-Attitude series –  “The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk – Be Gentle.”

From the prayer series – “One Word Prayers”

From the RESToration series: “RESTored to Our Original Purpose“

I also wanted to let you know of a few other of my writing updates. In the last fifteen months, I have been a busy writer. It seems I am behind the computer more than anything else. I love sitting in my backyard “office” writing while the birds are serenading me with their worship. Every so often, I have to get up and pull some weeds and do some yard work, but this really is my favorite time of year… but I digress.

I had written a series of blogs on prayer and was encouraged to put it into book form as a devotional and prayer journal. It is ready and available on Amazon here: 

Restore Your Soul with Seven Days of Prayer

It would be great if you wanted to pick up a copy and leave a review. 

Also, many of you may have been present when I read my princess story that is my testimony written as a fairy tale. You may have received a xeroxed copy of it at a retreat, full of all my typos and misused words. Bless you for wanting that but it is now available as a full color kids’ book, illustrated by one of my former fifth grade students. If you purchase a copy, let me know, and I will send you a pdf of coloring pages where your little ones can practice their art as you read them the story. It can be found here:

A Girl Who Wanted to Be a Princess

I was one of ten collaborating authors on “Back to School, Back to You,” a book geared to help moms and other adults through the challenges of beginning the school year. The chapter I wrote was on building authentic confidence in your children. 

Summer Reads and Recommendations

Speaking of books, summer is a fantastic time to catch up on your reading list. Here are a few recommended titles that pair perfectly with a sunny day:

Dive into one of these (I have read and love them all) or revisit an old favorite—there’s nothing like a good book to transport you to another world or set your heart right.

Seasonal Recipe Corner: Fresh and Delicious

Summer is a feast for the senses, and what better way to celebrate than with fresh, seasonal recipes? Here’s a quick and easy dish to elevate your summer meals:

Tropical Summer Salad

Ingredients:

  • Fresh greens (arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuce)
  • Sliced mango, pineapple, and strawberries
  • Grilled chicken or shrimp (optional)
  • A handful of toasted almonds or sunflower seeds
  • Honey-lime dressing: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey, the juice of 1 lime, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

  • Combine the greens and fruits in a large bowl.
  • Add the grilled protein for a heartier option.
  • Sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch.
  • Drizzle with honey-lime dressing and toss gently. Serve immediately!

Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at your next barbecue.

Seasonal Spotlight: Embrace the Outdoors

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, I’m thrilled to bring you this summer newsletter, filled with exciting updates, tips, and stories to make the most of this vibrant season. 

Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with God by soaking in the beauty of the world around us. Here are a few ideas to make your outdoor adventures unforgettable:

  • Explore Your Local Parks: Take a stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax under the shade of a tree.
  • Hiking and Camping: Discover hidden trails or set up camp under a starlit sky for a refreshing escape.
  • Beach Days: Enjoy the soothing sound of waves, build sandcastles, or try your hand at water sports.
  • Eat fresh strawberries, peaches, or watermelon!

Don’t forget your sunscreen, water bottle, and a good book for those quiet summer afternoons!

Looking Ahead

And last, the BIG project I am working on now is a novel based on the life of my eleventh great grandmother who lived in early colonial era Boston. It is a difficult story, but one I am trying to write with the grace and mercy she was not extended. The working title is “Grace in the Gallows,” and I am about halfway done with it. My goal is to have it completely written by the end of summer and into the right hands shortly after that. I covet your prayers and will keep you posted. 

Closing Thoughts & A Summer Prayer

Thank you for being part of this community and taking the time to read my summer newsletter. I hope it brings a little sunshine to your day and inspires you to make the most of this wonderful season. Here’s to a summer filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished memories!

Dear God, Creator of the Seasons,

Thank you for the warmer weather and the beautiful sunshine. Please keep us in your care as we go about our days. Help us to be aware of those around us who are in need and always be prepared to lend a hand or a word of encouragement. Please guide our steps and keep us from harm. And, more than anything, thank you for loving us enough to save us and give us the gift of your beautiful world and promise of Heaven. In Your Precious Name, Amen

Warm regards,

Keri Willis

PS If this was a blessing, please share with your friends. Encourage them to sign up for the blog as well.

The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Gentle 

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2

A gentle answer deflects anger,
    but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1

A Story of Gentleness from Colonial America

War cast a long shadow over early Colonial America. European powers battled for territory, often displacing Native American communities in the process.

This reality is in stark contrast to the reason many fled to the New World, to peacefully worship God without threat of government oppression or interference. 

However, one Puritan minister was known for his strong convictions and gentle spirit. Roger Williams believed that gentleness, respect, and cooperation would yield greater results than harsh takeovers of native lands and forced conversions. He learned the language of the Narragansett people, traded fairly, negotiated on behalf of various tribes and individuals, all with gentleness and humility. 

His gentle words and actions saved lives of both Native Americans and English settlers. But his belief –  that ALL people should be treated with respect and gentle words garner greater results than war – were not received well by colonial authorities. He interpreted Scripture differently than the majority rulers in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and stood up for what he believed to be right and fair. 

He was exiled to the wilderness outside the colony and became deathly ill. Because of his relationships already established through fair trade and treatment of the Narragansett people, he was gently cared for and nurtured back to health in their community.

Because of his relationship with the Narragansett people, he was able to purchase land that eventually became Rhode Island, a place known for peace and religious liberty. 

In a time when colonists often treated Native Americans with suspicion or violence, Williams’s approach was radically different. His gentleness didn’t make him weak—it built trust.

Where Gentleness Meets Real Life

Imagine the impact of gentleness today:
– In our churches
– In our families
– On the freeway
– In the checkout line
– On social media
– In politics
– Within our own hearts

I know it’s a struggle for me. I snap with a sharp answer rather than a gentle word. Even though they can’t hear me, I really let those crazy drivers on the freeway know how I feel about their recklessness. On more than one occasion (I can’t count how many times) I have had to ask my husband, children, and even my best friends to forgive my lack of gentleness. And I should add right here that when we fail to be gentle, we should be quick to apologize and not try to justify our lack of self-control.

But to be honest, and I am probably not alone here, the person I have the most trouble being gentle to is myself. The enemy loves to flash my shortcomings in front of me and rejoices when I begin the self-condemnation. If we do not experience gentleness at our own hands, how can we expect that we can be genuinely gentle with others? 

The Answer – Our Gentle Shepherd

The only answer is asking my Gentle Shepherd to change my anxious heart and surrendering my will to His. I need Him to clothe me in gentleness, give me a heart of peace, and help me be patient and gentle in every situation. I must believe that He (and only He) can transform me and help me be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1)

One thing I have done to help build gentleness into my life is ask the Lord to bring to mind Scriptures that apply to any given situation. It changes my perspective and slows down my response to others. I also ask Him to give me grace and gentleness when I am going into a difficult situation. I have seen Him miraculously answer these prayers!

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

Gentleness is not an action, it is a posture of our hearts and obedience that leads to peace and relationships that flourish, build trust, and grow deep roots. 

A Prayer for Gentleness:

Gentle Savior, Thank you for loving me and filling my heart with Your spirit. Please help the spirit of gentleness shine through and snuff out the waring frustration and anxiety that too often identify me. Please clothe me in gentleness so I can be identified as one of Your children and reflect Your image. In Your Precious Name, Amen

Questions for Reflection:

Do you know someone who seems to possess the ability to exude gentleness?

Ask them how they do it. I would love to hear the answer.

What is one step you can take today to be gentler with yourself? With others?

For Meditation:

Here is a simple song of prayer for gentleness by Sovereign Grace, Gentle Like Jesus

For Further Reading:

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Meek Not Week by my friend Abigail Wallace

Gentleness Verses at Bible Gateway

If this blessed you, please feel free to share it or let me know by leaving a comment or sending an email to soulwater@kerilynnwillis.com.

Check out the other Be-Attitudes here

When God Became My Daddy

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6

Songs have been written about it; poems have been penned; dances have been danced, celebrating the special bond between father and daughter. I believe that every one of us has an innate longing and desire for that deep relationship with that special man. I have heard that many of us form our view of God by observing our earthly fathers. While that may be true, often, if we look to any human being to form our ideas of our Heavenly Father, we will be deeply disappointed.

The greatest gift my earthly father gave me was to point me to my Heavenly Father. The greatest gift I can give my father for Father’s Day is to live my life for the One who gave His life for me. 

From the womb, I was in church at least three times a week and in every children’s club the church had to offer, hearing Bible stories and memorizing scripture. Sadly, too often, my early childhood memories of going through the motions of playing church bring with them anxiety and sometimes a bit of panic. I wasn’t good at remembering my Sunday school papers or saying my memory verse on demand. This led to unwarranted and unreasonable punishment. In hindsight, my dad was probably more worried that I would embarrass him, or that someone would think he was not doing his job as a father properly if I did not perform as the “good girl” I needed to be. 

 Miraculously, the Holy Spirit instilled a desire deep in my heart to love the Father and form an innocent and pure relationship that superseded any earthly or fallible human relationship. Long before I took my shiny patent leather shoes down the aisle in children’s church and prayed with Mrs. Katie Tunnel to give my heart to Jesus, I understood that God loved me, that He created the world for me, and that because of our own bad choices that world needed a Savior.

I knew that I needed someone bigger than this world to be my daddy. So, on that Easter Sunday in 1969, when Mrs. Tunnel asked who wanted Jesus to be their Savior, I marched my timid, shy self to the front of the room, wondering why nobody else wanted this precious gift.  I knew about the death, burial, and resurrection. I definitely knew about sin. I even knew how to pray “Dear Heavenly Father.” But that day, He became my Daddy. And He is a “Good Good Father”

Soul Water

Living Water for a Thirsting Soul

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