Speaking of posting twice a week, this is going to be my new normal since school starts today. With the ushering in of autumn comes teaching, working on my book, family activities and ministry opportunities. Although I would love to blog more frequently, I am trying to pay attention to what#TheBestYes is for this sacred space during this season.
I am delighted to keep growing with this amazing community as we live with #OpenHearts and continue to explore what it means to be a #TightlyWoundWoman.
Are you walking through difficult days?
Is your heart hurting from the weight of worry?
Do you have foggy vision and aren’t sure which was is up?
Do you need a friend to speak truth to your weary soul?
What Your Hearts Needs for the Hard Days is a gift. Each devotion contains a verse from the Psalms, a story of identification, words of hope from the heart, and a place to speak to God and record His response to you.
But this friend isn’t the only one. What about sweet Rebekah who is recovering from heart surgery or Beth who is anxiously awaiting the return of her husband? What about you? What about me? Where do we turn when life is painful?
The Psalms are a great place to go when you are hurting. I am thankful that Holley chose the Psalms to headline each chapter of her devotional. She uses David as an example of one who cried out to God, especially during hard times. “I think God sees extraordinary beauty in our ugly cry. That kind of crying we do when the heart is laid bare and open. It’s what we do when we stop trying so hard to be strong. It’s our way of saying, ‘This is too much for me.’ It’s—dare I say it—an act of worship because we finally let ourselves be humans who need God” (pg. 95).
Head on over here to read more about this fantastic little book, full of encouragement and empathy. Holley delivers another wonderful source of hope and blessing with this devotional.
*I received this book for free from Revell Reads in exchange for an honest review.
Holley Gerth “When we’re weary, we often think what we need to do is just try harder. But maybe the opposite is true. Maybe what we need most is to sit down and let Jesus wash our feet.”
Jennifer Dukes Lee “I think now of Jesus, who voluntarily let go of His place in Heaven, hurling down through space and time to save a world begging for life.”
Karen Brown “We want what’s promised, yet we squirm on the crinkly paper and fast-talk our way out of the surgery that’s necessary.”
Beth Stiff “I can now look back at the brokenness and see how God takes our messes and makes something beautiful.”
Rebekah Hughes “God promises to go before us, beside us, in us, after us, to lead us and prod us all the way back to Him. God has not left us desperate sinners alone with dismal statistics or hopeless situations.”
Meredith Bernard “Life isn’t always easy and it’s not always bright, but the Son is always present, even when we can’t see Him or feel Him.”
Asheritah Ciuciu “He’s not placing another burden on our already-sagging shoulders. He’s inviting us to throw off the burden of performing and measuring up…”
I hope you are encouraged today. There is hope for your hard days. If today is one of those days, know that I am pausing right now and praying for you.:) “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).
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Linking-up with Holley today as we pour some Coffee for Your Heart. Join us as we encourage one another through the good days and the hard days.
I’m also linking-up with my friend Meredith as we talk Woman2Woman. Head on over…it’s like going over to a dear friend’s house for more of that refreshing coffee and heart-to-heart conversation (okay tea for me please). And last but not least I’m linking-up with Word Girl, Jennifer, for #TellHisStory. Pull up a chair and take in the fresh air over here as we gather to talk of His love. |
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Well done for completing such a rigorous bike ride! Amazing! I’m so impressed!
Was thrilled to read your review, as I’m about to post mine today about the same book! Didn’t you love it! I’m finding it so encouraging ..
Blessings on the rest of your week, as you get used to the new rhythm of the school year in the midst of the rest of your work!
Thanks Kate.:) The ride wasn’t always pretty but by God’s strength & grace we finished it. Happy school year to your family too.
I love the Psalms. Read one every day for the past 30 years! They have encouraged me SO MUCH. I’ll have to check this book out.
And kudos to you for the bike trip!
That is awesome that you read a Psalm a day- and for 30 years, wow!:) Yes, a great book! Thanks for the kudos about the bike trip it was fun and hard and comical at times.:)
I need to get this book. So many great books out right now. And I am so enjoying your Open Hearts Series. Blessings, Friend!
Jennifer
Thank you friend- I look forward to sharing your words for the series next week!:)
I just love coming here Katie. It feels like a sisterhood & I am thankful. So glad you reviewed Holley’s book. I didn’t know she had a new one coming out. It sounds beautiful. And girl – all that biking! Wow! It has looked amazing!
Thank you Jolene- your encouragement is a gift! Great to hear your sweet voice on Voxer too. The bike ride was something to remember that’s for sure- but definitely time well spent.:)
This sounds like a great book! I just added it to my list. And I loved seeing those pics on fb of you and your man biking. You are one amazing girl!
Karen- Thank you for stopping over. This “amazing” girl sure messes up a lot, like today, losing my temper all over the place. So glad for grace and forgiveness and fresh starts.:)
So glad to hear about this devotion, Katie! Sounds like a definite needed addition to my library. Thank you for your encouragement in this place always and for being a dear friend online and in real life. So glad to have you in my life! <3
Thank you Mer! As I watched MNO last night I thought of you. We are Mommy Bloggers- ha!:) So thankful for the Holy Spirit connecting us this past winter over FMF…in the dreary He brought light in this place with you as a friend. Cheering you on as you school, and “shoot” and farm and follow the One who lights your way.:)
Katie – Wow… that is some accomplishment, friend! (And yay for better communication, right?) I am reading this book by Holley as well and loving it! The timing of it arrived – no surprise – just in time and I am soaking up the hope that pours out from it! (And yay for Fall and book writing and saying TheBestYes for you in this season!)
Hi Karrilee- So nice to see you.:) Thank you for your sweet encouragement- glad you are enjoying Holley’s new book too!
I am reading my first Holley Gerth book now- You’re Made for a God Sized Dream, and I love it. I will definitely have to check this one out when I’m done. Thanks for sharing!