The Grace and Joy of Christmas

Hello Friend,

In the Christmas-wild, sometimes the meaning is lost.

Sometimes I'm too busy to think about, to rest in the joy that the Gift of Christmas brings.

Recently, my youngest son reminded me of the grace-gift of God...of the reason I can rest and breathe and receive life.

Here's the link to my recent Family Grace post:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-love-and-grace-of-christmas-joy

Hoping you had a grace-filled Christmas - rich with love and peace and joy.

After the first of the year, there will be some changes to my blog, but I hope you'll still be here.

You are a blessing to me.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

The Strong Truth of Christmas

Hello Friend,

The other day I was moved, soul-deep, my the simple message of a marquee sign.

Oh, the power of the Presence of the Lord...

This truth is sustaining. It's an anchor for the spirit.

I'm so very grateful.

Here's the link to my recent Family Grace post:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-truth-about-Christmas

Wishing you peace, joy, and love on these days before Christmas. You are a blessing and I'm thankful you're here.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Finding Peace After Worry

Hello Friend,

Worry grows stronger when the night goes dark...

but the Lord recently reminded me that He is near. I'm His child. He watches over me and thus I can rest.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/finding-peace-after-worry

Wishing you peace and joy on this December day....
and the blessing of sweet rest!



Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Prayerful Path to Christmas

Hello Friend,

What joy when those first Christmas cards begin to come in! It makes me smile to see a boy running from the mailbox, most of the mail tucked under an arm, but Christmas cards held in hand.

Over the years, we've turned this blessing into an opportunity to pray for our family and friends. This prayerful path to Christmas can stretch beyond the season, into the new year, and even beyond...

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-prayer-path-to-Christmas

Wishing you peace, love, and joy today...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Rejoicing in God's Creation

Hello Friend,

Have you ever stood in a moment so precious, so dear, that your spirit fills with awe for the Lord? When His Presence in the ordinary is extraordinary?

The season's first snow took me to that place, and I'm grateful.

Oh Lord, open my eyes to Your great goodness and grace in the small moments...

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/rejoicing-in-the-seasons-first-snow

Thank you for sharing this time with me. You are a blessing.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Gratitude Soul Deep

Hello Friend,

His Presence.

I'm learning to rest in knowing that He is with me. Always. No matter what.

His Presence brings peace. His Presence is hope.

A recent Facebook memory brought thoughts of holding my baby son, and the memory caused me to think of how we, as His children, are held...

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/gratitude-that-goes-soul-deep


Praying peace and joy for you today, and every day, because He is near.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Comparing Myself to Others

Hello Friend,

It's a trap that I can fall into easily- the comparison trap. Sometimes it happens so quickly that I'm hardly aware.

But the other day, I began to understand that this practice, even hidden in the private places of my thought life, does not lead to a grateful heart.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/dont-compare-yourself-to-others

Wishing you peace today...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

With God, No Day is Ordinary

Hello Friend,

That's how He is.

The Lord fills an ordinary day with extraordinary blessing.

Recently, a tender moment with my mom brought a moment of fear. But God reminded me, in His kind and gentle way, that He is with us. His compassion allowed me to live in the moment. To drink deep.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/with-god-no-day-is-ordinary

May your day be filled with the extraordinary.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

When A Loved One Hurts

Hello Friend,

Concern for a hurting loved one can bring worry and fear. I've struggled recently.  But the Lord is teaching me about His Presence. He's there. Loving. Reaching.

His ever-present Light shines into my worry - and in to the life of my loved one.

He is faithful.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/when-a-loved-one-hurts

Wishing you peace and love and joy this weekend. Thanks for sharing this time with me.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

When An Answer to Prayer Comes Slowly

Hello Friend,

Happy November! Today we're enjoying a warm and wonderful autumn afternoon. Deep blessings...

The other day I was reminded of the blessing that comes from answered prayer - specifically when that answer comes slowly. I'm always moved by God's amazing grace. His timing. His care.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/when-an-answer-comes-slowly


I'm pausing to lift a prayer for you. If you are waiting, may you trust in Him. And may there be hope and value in the wait...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

What We Give and Receive as Mothers

Hello Friend,

We've been busy.

I've been tired.

As mothers, we give from the soul's deepest place. But the other day, the Lord reminded me of the blessing in the giving.

What an amazing honor.

Sweet amazing grace...

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/what-we-give-and-receive-as-mothers

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Living with Intention

Hello Friend,

The other day I was reminded of the value of each and every day.

It caused a conviction - I want to live each day with intention.

Here's my latest post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-power-of-intention?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=GP&utm_campaign=FG10.22.15

Wishing you a beautiful weekend. May it be colored with His love.

Shawnelle

Letting Go of Guilt

Hello Friend,

Have you ever done something, said something, made a decision that's brought regret? Have you allowed that regret to become a burden that is difficult to carry?

This happened to me recently. I hauled that burden until the Lord spoke gently to my soul.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/letting-go-of-guilt

I'm forever grateful for grace....

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Battling Negative Self-Talk with Praise

Hello Friend,

Have you ever struggled with negative self-talk? The other day, the Lord used a circumstance with my son to make me aware of the battle that sometimes occurs in my own mind.

Here's the link to my recent post at GUIDEPOSTS:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/fighting-negative-self-talk-with-praise

A mind stayed on the Lord is a precious thing.

Wishing you love and grace and peace and joy...

Shawnelle

A Passion for God

Hello Friend,

Plink. Plink. Plink. Isaiah sits on the time-worn bench and plays the piano. It's finally his turn to take lessons and he practices every spare moment.  It's like his heart is on fire.

He's passionate to learn.

It's way I want to be in my relationship with the Lord - it's the way I want to learn about Him.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/a-passion-for-god

Wishing you peace and joy and passion on this day.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Mended by God

Hello Friend,

We had a broken treasure. A gift from a brother had been fractured.

But being broken brings the opportunity to be mended. It caused me to think...

there is nothing more precious than a life mended by God.

Here's the link to my recent post at GUIDEPOSTS:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/mended-by-god



Praying blessing for you on this day. May your weekend be rich and full with His Presence.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Overcoming Fear with Praise

Hello Friend,

Oh, we've been busy! When we run like wild, I worry. I fret. I get so anxious about the next then things on my to-do list that I forget to live in the moment.

And in that moment, there is opportunity to praise!

Here's the link to today's post at GUIDEPOSTS:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/overcoming-fear-with-praise

Take a moment to praise with me?

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Living Life and Faith to the Fullest

Hello Friend,

Hot Wheels track has taken over our home. Orange track runs over the floors. Under the tables. Across the living room into the dining room.

But the other day, my little boys made a contraption that made me consider my faith.

You can read about it here:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/dont-complicate-your-faith


Thank you for sharing your time with me. I'm praying blessing for you - may you live life to the fullest in the strong grace of Jesus!

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

God's Glory in My Life

Hello Friend,

The other day, a son's plea took me to an unusual place.

I'm so grateful.

It turned out to be a place to experience His presence.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/gods-power-and-glory-in-my-life


God's Presence in our daily lives.

What a grace-filled, graceful thing....

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Perseverance - One Day at a Time

Hello Friend,

Samuel and I ran a 5K last weekend. It was our first organized race.

We finished!

But the most precious part is that while I was running, the Lord taught me a little something about walking with Him.

Here's the link:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/perseverance-one-day-at-a-time

Sweet grace...

May you persevere, daily, one step at a time!

In His grace,

Shawnelle

A Job Well Done? Using Our Our Abilities for the Lord

Hello Friend,

Happy Labor Day!

Today, as the family gathers to savor this last weekend of summer, a question comes to heart:

Am I regularly using my gifts and talents to serve and bring glory to the Lord?

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/job-well-done-using-your-abilities-for-god


Wishing you peace and joy and rest on this day...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Faith for Tough Times

Hello Friend,

The other day a sweet interaction with a son caused me to think of my faith. It's possible to grow strong in spirit - so that in knowing Him we can endure tough times.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/when-you-need-to-build-faith-for-hard-times

Thank you for being here. May your end-of-summer days be filled with love.

Shawnelle

Surrender

Hello Friend,

Control. When I'm afraid I try to gain it. Hold it. Claim it. When all along, I only need to trust  the Lord.

To surrender.

Can you relate?

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/when-to-surrender-to-god


What a precious thing, to surrender our struggles to His powerful, compassionate hands.

Thank you, Lord...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Confidence in God's Provision

Hello Friend,

Have you ever been challenged, in the deepest place, by the pure heart of a child? This happened to me, and I won't be the same.

Here's the link to my recent Family Grace post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/confidence-in-gods-provision

Wishing you peace and joy on this day. Thank you for being here.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

God's Love in Messy Places

Hello Friend,

It's that time of the year - county fair time.

My boys have been building and baking fair contest entries.

Oh, what a mess!

But the beautiful thing is that God's love was right there. In the center. Straight in the center of the messy stuff.

It's a little like life...

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/gods-love-in-messy-places

 

 

 

Sweet grace. I'm so very thankful.

 

Wishing you peace and love and hope and joy...

 

Shawnelle

God Is Fully Present in Times of Change

Hello Friend,

Change.

It makes me unravel.

It brings worry.

I'm forever kicking and screaming in the face of change...

but God is teaching me to trust.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/god-is-fully-present-in-times-of-change


Isn't it precious, that He would never leave us to face change alone?

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

God's Grace and Mercy Follow Me

Hello Friend,

I've been thinking about an amazing truth. It's a truth that changes the way that I think, the way that I feel, the way that I look at life and circumstance and change and trial.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/gods-grace-and-mercy-follow-me

Wishing you peace and joy today at the Lord's grace and mercy follows you, too...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Living With Hope and Expectation

Hello Friend,

We recently celebrated my birthday. Lonny's gift to me was simple, but the message was strong.

It was a gift of expectation.

He encouraged me to look forward to good things.

It reminds me of my faith. With the Lord, we can look forward to good things, too...

We can live expectantly because He's promised to never leave.

No matter what.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/fear-takes-a-backseat-to-gods-glory

Wishing you peace, joy, and hope on this day...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Hearing God's Voice

Hello Friend,

I often call my boys with a whistle. It can be a dinner call. A call to come home. A call to the dining room or front porch or even the picnic shelter at the park.

One whistle.

Sharp and shrill.

It's the way my dad would call my sisters and me when we were little. We'd be dispersed throughout the neighborhood and Dad would stand on the deck and whistle. We'd run, barefoot and summer-sticky, over the lawns until we met Dad's kind smile.

It's the way his dad called him, too.

Makes me think about how the Father calls us. How He speaks through His Word to His children.

What beautiful grace.

Here's the link to my recent Family Grace at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/hearing-gods-voice



Have a beautiful weekend...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Trust God WhenYou're Afraid

Hello Friend,

Recently while vacationing at our favorite lake, I was reminded of how when we trust the Lord, there is blessing on the far side of fear.

Oh, what a precious thing to trust the Lord...

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/trust-god-when-youre-afraid

Wishing you a peaceful and joy-filled day...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

The Blessing of Today

Dear Friend,

I think I have a backward heart. It seems that I'm always looking back to when the boys were younger, when they were small enough to hold on my hip...back to days when things weren't necessarily easy but endlessly sweet.

But the Lord is teaching me about trust.

Here's the link to my recent Family Grace post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-blessings-of-today

Wishing you peace and joy tonight...

Lovingly,
Shawnelle

Turning Pain into Purpose

Hello Friend,

Poor Isaiah. The first of five boys to get a cavity.

But as he and I sat on the steps, after the filling, I was reminded of how our pain, our hurts, can be used to benefit others.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/turning-pain-into-purpose

How precious - that the Lord numbers our tears and holds them in a jar.

Father, use my tears to help someone else today. Amen.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Turn to Jesus WhenYou're Stressed

Dear Friend,

Stress. It comes close. Whether it's sweating the small stuff, like an overloaded schedule, or heavy life worries, circumstances, and concerns, sometimes I feel like I could buckle under the weight.

Can you relate?

The other day, while waiting for a train (and being very late for swim practice), the Lord spoke to my heart about overcoming.

My hope is in Jesus.

He has overcome the world.

I can take heart.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/turn-to-jesus-when-youre-stressed

I am so grateful...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Back from Vacation - Two Posts

Hello Friend,

We're back from a week at our favorite place (other than home). Higgins Lake in Michigan. What a sweet blessing...refreshment.

Here are the links to the posts at Guideposts from while we were away:


FINDING GRATITUDE IN SMALL PLACES

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/gratitude-in-small-places

USING OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO HELP OTHERS

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/using-our-spiritual-gifts-to-help-others


Thanks for reading. I'm so very grateful for your friendship!

May you be blessed today.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Hope For A Hurting World

Hello Friend,

Samuel sat on the chair in the kitchen while I made dinner. We talked about deep things.

There is hurt in the world.

Our hope is in Jesus.

Here's the link to a recent post at Guideposts:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/hope-for-a-hurting-world

Thank you for sharing this time and space with me.

Wishing you hope on this day...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

When We Need Attention

Hello Friend,

I'm convinced that we all need it. There are times when we long for it.

Attention.

Love.

Someone to affirm and encourage us.

This came to heart as Sam and I helped in the toddler room at VBS last week. Watching the little ones reminded me of God's unchanging grace.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/when-we-want-gods-attention

I'm so thankful for His compassion!

Wishing you a warm and wonderful summer weekend...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Stop Stress With Praise

Hello Friend,

The other day I woke up and felt the pressure of stress before my feet hit the floorboards. No unpleasant thing was going to happen that day - it was just the weight of knowing that my to-do list was long and the day was to-the-limit full.

Can you relate?

Often it seems that's the way that we roll.

The Lord, though, in kindness and grace, reminded me of His Presence in the busy of my day. He gently reminded me of His care, and the pressure turned to praise.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/stop-stress-with-praise

Wishing you a praise-filled day, too. May we be keenly aware of His care for us.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

God's Pure Love

Hello Friend,

I love my children with all that I have. All that I am. I know you understand...

The other day while watching a son struggle, strive, and eventually succeed, I thought about God's love for us.

So pure.

So perfect.

Here's the link to my latest post at Guideposts:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/gods-pure-love

Have a blessed week. Thank you for sharing time with me here.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

The Weight of Fear

Hello Friend,

Have you wrestled fear? The keep-you-awake, almost-can't breathe kind?

I've been there a few times recently. It's a tough place. But one evening, deep in the night, the Lord put something on my heart that took weight from my soul.

You can read about it here:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-weight-of-fear


Here's to our Father - Lord of unending strength, power, and love!

Because of Him,

Shawnelle

God's Gift of Grace

Hello Friend,

Moment-by-moment grace. I am so thankful for it because I'm in deep need.

The other day, in an instant, this need became abundantly clear. Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/gods-gift-of-grace?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=GP&utm_campaign=FG06.22.15


Can you relate?

Then we can find peace and joy in knowing that His grace is sufficient.

For you.

And for me.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Who I Am in Christ

Hello Friend,

The boys and I recently cleaned my bedroom cabinets. I found a treasure inside, encouragement from my grandmother, and it caused me to consider who I am in Christ.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/who-i-am-in-Christ

My prayer for you and for me is that we would live out our true identities - the blessed, wonderful things that He allows us to be.

In His grace,

Shawnelle

My Father's Richest Blessing

Hello Friend,

Father's Day is this Sunday and I've been thinking of my Dad and the things he taught me. Like how to be patient. Or how to dance (while standing on his feet).

But one of the most precious things he taught me, I believe, can be found in the commonness of everyday.

It's about extraordinary in the ordinary and you can read about it here:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/my-fathers-richest-blessing

                                                           This is my dad holding me.

                                                         This is Dad holding my son.

The rich blessing is something I'll always be thankful for.

I'm praying you'll be blessed today, too...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Searching for Strength

Dear Friend,

Strength. We long for it. It's a deep need.

The other day, during a walk with a son, I was reminded of how he often depends on me for safety. It made me think about how we, as children of God, can rest in the strength and security of His love.

I can't imagine a more precious thing.

Here's the link to my most recent post at Guideposts:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/searching-for-strength

Thank you for being here. Praying love and joy for you today...

Shawnelle

Letting Go of Worry

Hello Friend,

Worry. It can come hard and fast. It's sometimes stubborn to leave. The other night, it was powerful. But then I remembered something precious...

You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/letting-go-of-worry

Such kindness. Such grace.

When worry comes, may you find comfort in His Presence, too.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

What God Can Do With Small Things

Dear Friends,

Small tasks. Sometimes the days can seem like a stack-up of small acts of service.

But servanthood is large when the tasks are small, and God values small things.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/what-god-can-do-with-small-things


Praying you'll have a rich weekend - rich with hope, peace, and joy.

Lovingly,
Shawnelle

Rest for the Soul

Hello Friend,

Do you feel like there's always something that needs to be done? I do. The lists are long and the hours few. But the other day, Gabriel helped me to understand that sometimes there is something better...

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:



http://www.guideposts.org/blog/rest-for-the-soul

Wishing you peace and rest on this day...

Lovingly,
Shawnelle

Bearing One Another's Burdens

Hello Friend,

Lonny, the three younger boys and I recently took a trip to Florida. Oh, I wish you could have seen their smiles when the boys saw  the palm trees!

Something about it reminded me of how we're called to support one another as believers in Christ. You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/bearing-each-others-burdens

Thank you for sharing this time with me...

Wishing you love, peace, and joy.

Shawnelle

Faith and New Beginnings

Hello Friend,

It's time for new beginnings. It's spring. The season of graduations. Weddings. We don't have to look far to see new opportunity and new life.

My son Grant graduated from high school last week - and I began to think...

There's no new beginning more precious than our new beginning in Christ.

Here's the link to my recent post as Guideposts:

 https://www.guideposts.org/blog/faith-and-new-beginnings

Sending love your way on this day.

I'm so grateful for you.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

A Listening Place

Hello Friend,

Have you ever been in a place of needing to hear from the Lord? Maybe there's a tough circumstance. A decision. Or a part of your spirit that just needs to be filled.

I've been there recently, and I've been thinking about listening for the Lord.

Though God is God and He can speak anywhere and whenever He chooses, I'm wondering if it's possible to put myself in a listening position?

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/a-listening-place

Wishing you grace and love on this holiday weekend...

Shawnelle

Traces of God's Love

Hello Friend,

The other day I found them: toy soldiers. Bright blue. Plastic. Perched on the thin leaves of my houseplant.

I love it.

Boys live here.

Did you know, that as believers, we can leave a similar kind of trace?

You can read about it here:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/traces-of-gods-love

Leaving traces of His love - what a precious thing!

Lovingly,
Shawnelle

The One Who Never Grows Weary

Hello Friend,

It's May. Some activities are ending. Others are beginning. The result? We're running like wild.

It's the way we live.

I know you can relate.

In today's post, I share of how a busy day reminded me of the strength of the Lord.  You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-one-who-never-grows-weary

 

 

 

 

Wishing you a blessing-filled day - rich with the love of the One who never grows weary.

 

Lovingly,

 

Shawnelle

A Mother's Grace

Hello Friend,

The other day I needed something to quiet me. Something to calm my worries. I knew what I needed - the sound of Mom's voice.

There's nothing like a mother's way...

In today's post, I share of a time when Mom came through for me - when she offered grace when there should have been something else.

You can read about it here:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/a-mothers-grace

Wishing you peace and love on this day...

Shawnelle

Choosing Rest

Hello Friend,

When I found my son, he was asleep.

Something about this peace pulled me - do you ever long for rest?

Here's my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/choosing-rest

 

 

 

Wishing you a wonderful day.

 

 May you rest in His love.

 

 

Shawnelle

May Day Baskets and Sweet, Easy Love

Hello Friend,

I remember childhood May Day deliveries. Mom, my sisters, and I would make baskets, bake treats, pick violets, and load up our wagon. I'm so thankful that Mom shared this tradition with us - a stretch-back from her own Mama and her own childhood.

My boys and I still make and deliver May Day baskets.

Here's why:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/may-day-baskets-and-sweet-easy-love


We're wishing you a beautiful spring day. May it be filled with God's love.

Shawnelle

God's Godness in the Rain

Hello Friend,

We often say "God is good" when the sun is on our shoulders. But recently, I've been thinking about His goodness in life's rain.

You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/goodness-in-the-rain

Thank you for being here. Wishing you a wonderful day in His Presence.

Rain or shine...

Lovingly,
Sawnelle

Perimeter of Praise

Hello Friend,

The other day, the boys and I helped with a Cub Scout service project. As we raked the perimeter of our small town's baseball fields, clearing away winter debris, a prayer came to heart.

Have you ever prayed through a job or a chore?

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/perimeter-of-praise

Thank you for being here.

Wishing you a weekend filled with peace and grace.

Lovingly,
Shawnelle

The 'Even If' Prayer

Hello Friend,

I've been wrestling with worry. I've been fighting fear.

And do you know what?

I'm learning to hold God's promises in trying times. You can read about it here:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-even-if-prayer


I'm forever thankful for a God who is so very personal with us. For a God who holds us in His hands. For a God who will never, ever leave.

There is comfort in Truth.

Thank you for being here with me. May His light shine on your day, too...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

The Beauty of Serving

Hello Friend,

Anger. It's consuming. It spreads and grows. It's a slippery slope.

The other day, I had the opportunity to help a son work through his anger.

And guess what?

With the Lord's guidance, his anger shifted to something else.

You can read about it here:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-beauty-of-serving



 

 

 

Wishing you a beautiful day. May it be filled with grace and love.

 

Shawnelle

 







 



Where the Broken-Hearted Go

Hello Friend,

Last week I went to worship service with a heavy heart. As I looked around the sanctuary, I understood that I wasn't alone in my brokenness.

Then I witnessed something wonderful.

You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/where-the-broken-hearted-go


Together with my church family, worshipping the Lord, the healing began.

Where do you go to experience His presence? His kindness and grace?

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

When Easter Is Over

Hello Friend,

Easter was almost a week ago. As I work through an ordinary day, I begin to think about the extraordinary blessings that Easter brings to our lives.

You can read about it here:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/when-easter-is-over


Praying that you will have peace, joy, and love...

oh, the goodness of Resurrection power!

Lovingly,
Shawnelle

Wonderfully Made

Hello Friend,

I've been thinking about how the Lord made us, knit us together, knew us before we were yet born. And as I'm stretching and growing both as a mother and as a woman of faith, I'm growing more and more comfortable with who He made me to be.

You can read my latest Family Grace at Guideposts entry here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/wonderfully-made

 

 

 

May you find JOY today in who He made you to be, too.

 

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Song of Grace

Hello Friend,

Isn't a wonderful thing that we can to go to the Father for comfort - but also for forgiveness?

Gabriel was in a piano recital last week, and a small mistake made me think of God's amazing gift of grace.

You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/song-of-grace

Wishing you a wonderful Easter. May it be filled with renewal and love.

Shawnelle

The Joy to Come

Hello Friend,

A recent conversation with Gabriel caused me to think about winter and spring and the promises that are to come.

You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-joy-to-come?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=GP&utm_campaign=FamilyGrace03.30.15

 

 

 

I'm so thankful that in Jesus there is hope!

 

Lovingly,

 

Shawnelle

Healing for the Wounded

Hello Friend,

With five sons, I've learned to keep the first aid kit close. It occurred to me recently, while bandaging a son's wound, that the Lord offers this kind of care to us.

He heals our broken hearts.

He binds our wounds.

Here's the link to my post at Guideposts:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/help-for-the-wounded

What a compassionate Father we have.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Blessed To Be A Blessing

Hello Friend,

In today's post, I ponder the goodness in serving. Isn't it precious that it is a blessing to be a blessing? God's Word tells us that when we refresh others, we will be refreshed.

Here's my latest post at Guideposts:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/blessed-to-be-a-blessing

 

 

 

Have a beautiful day in God's grace.

 

Lovingly,

 

Shawnelle

March Mud and Spiritual Cleanliness

Hello Friend,

March is here! So is March mud.

There's a constant path of prints through my porch, kitchen, dining room...three boys and a pup.

I haven't decided yet if it's better to mop ten times a day or to take care of it, once and for all, after everyone is tucked in bed.

It has me thinking about my spiritual life - and how grateful I am that because of Jesus, I can come spiritually clean.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/march-mud-and-spiritual-cleanliness

Wishing you a beautiful day - the very first of spring!

Lovingly,
Shawnelle

A Celebrating Home

Hello Friend,

Everyone loves a good celebration, right? In our home we celebrate many things - birthdays, braces coming off, basketball games, swim scores. But the most important thing that can be celebrated?

The sweet grace of God.

Here's the link to my most recent Family Grace post at Guideposts:



http://www.guideposts.org/blog/a-celebrating-home

 

 

 

Wishing you a beautiful, grace-filled day...

 

Lovingly,

 

Shawnelle

 

 

 

Loved and Lifted

Hello Friend,

Sometimes we all feel a bit down. Like we've fallen. Like we've taken a tumble. I pondered this a bit recently when I watched my boys ice skate.

When we fall, the Lord is faithful to pick us up.

Loving and lifting.

It's a beautiful thing.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/loved-and-lifted

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Walking as a Woman of Faith

Hello Friend,

I've been thinking about what it means to walk as a woman of faith. As I press through a painful circumstance, there's a truth, a promise, that I hold with both hands.

You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/walking-as-a-woman-of-faith?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=GP&utm_campaign=familygrace03.09.15


Oh, the sweet grace in the presence of His Light.

Thank you for meeting me here twice a week. The time that we share is precious to me. You are a gift from the Lord.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Filled by His Word

Hello Friend,

I'd been worried. Afraid. I knew that I needed to spend time with the Lord. Oh, such sweet grace that He is faithful. He never lets us go empty.

In today's post, I share about how in my fretful moment, the Lord was gracious to fill me with His Word:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/filled-by-his-word

His kindness met me right where I was at, and His promise settled my soul.

I'm praying you will experience His presence in a personal, powerful way today, too. Where would we be without such grace?

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Three Ways to Raise a Faith-Filled Family

Hello Friend,

I've been missing my grandmother lately. I think I always will. But when I remember her, I remember her faith. In today's post I think about a conversation I'd like to have with Mamo. It wasn't hard to imagine what she might say...

You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/3-ways-to-raise-a-faith-filled-family

What a precious gift. Her love reaches into my life still.

Wishing you a love-filled day. May tender, sweet blessings be yours.

Shawnelle

Anxious Thoughts

Hello Friend,

Do you ever struggle with anxious thoughts? I do. Sometimes they come around - making even peaceful moments dark with the threat of what if...

but I want to live differently!

You can read about it here:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/anxious-questions

I'm so very thankful that in Jesus we can overcome worry. Sweet, sweet grace!

Sending you hugs and love on this last weekend in February. Thank you for being my friend.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

A Parent's Joy

Hello Friend,

Our children...they just grow too fast.

Last week I noticed how a child has stretched and grown and it made me think about my spiritual life. Do you suppose that God delights in our growth, too?

Here's the link to my recent post at GUIDEPOSTS:

http://www.guideposts.org/blogs/family-grace/a-parents-joy

 

 

Wishing you warm and wonderful things on this winter day.

 

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

 

Seeing the Good in My Spouse

Dear Friend,

Have you ever been frazzled? Tired? Pressed thin? Overwhelmed by even good things?

This has been my reality recently. And the other night, I snapped at Lonny and then realized a little something about what I was choosing to see.

You can read about it here:


http://www.guideposts.org/blogs/family-grace/seeing-the-good-in-my-spouse?int_source=front_page&int_medium=HPBlocks&int_campaign=SeeingtheGoodinMySpouse


Oh, the blessing of forgiveness and grace!

Thank you for being here with me.It's my prayer that you'll have a warm and wonderful day.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Vulnerability in Friendship

Hello Friend,

Have you ever noticed something so wonderful, beautiful, that it made you stop and consider that it seemed as though you were seeing this blessing for the very first time?

This happened to me, recently, when I sat down at my table to share coffee, and deep concerns of my heart, with a friend.

You can read about it at GUIDEPOSTS:


http://www.guideposts.org/blogs/family-grace/vulnerability-in-friendship


Vulnerability. What a precious, precious thing....

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Joy in the Lord's Love

Hello Friend,

I've noticed a dear thing about my youngest son - he skips. It's like the joy in his heart pulses through his body and he just has to move his feet.

Precious.

I think that this delights me so because it reminds me of the joy that we can have as believers in Christ....

You can read about it on my blog at Guideposts:

http://www.guideposts.org/blogs/family-grace/joy-in-the-lords-love?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=GP&utm_campaign=FamilyGrace02.12.15

Thanks for sharing this time with me. It's my prayer that you have the joy of salvation in your heart today, too.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Worship

Hello Friend,

A week ago, we woke to a white world. It was a Sunday, and the road in front of our home was buried deep.

No church service - and I longed to worship.

But you know, as I walked in the snow with my family that morning, I discovered something precious, beautiful...  You can read about it here:



http://www.guideposts.org/blogs/family-grace/worship?int_source=front_page&int_medium=HPMarquee&int_campaign=Worship

Thank you for this time that we share together.

I'm glad you're here!

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Truth Versus Lies

Hello Friend,

I was recently asked to participate in a women's event at church, and I was elated. Excited. My mind churned with ideas.

Until the fear set in.

Have you ever wanted to do something, longed to serve, but have been overwhelmed by negative thinking? Almost unable to move because you're stuck in the mire of fear?

Oh, I can relate.

You can read about it here:



http://www.guideposts.org/blogs/family-grace/truth-versus-lies?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=GP&utm_campaign=FamilyGrace02.05.15

I'm ever so thankful for God's faithfulness and the strength that we can find in His powerful, transforming Word.

 Learning to stand on truth...

what a precious place to be!

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Daddy's Love

Hello Friend,

In today's post, I remember at evening when a son's disobedience was met with tenderness, love, and grace.

It reminds me of our Father's love...what an amazing thing!

You can read about it here:



http://www.guideposts.org/blogs/family-grace/daddys-love?int_source=front_page&int_medium=HPBlocks&int_campaign=DaddysLove

Thank you for sharing this time with me.

Your friendship is a gift, and I am grateful.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Being Still

Hello Friend,

Stress. Worry. We all work through these things. If we're not at a place of stress or worry now, it seems that there will be a time when we will be.

It's life.

In today's post, I share of how the Lord, in His mercy and grace, drew my heart to a quiet place. A place of stillness and rest.

You can read about it here:

http://www.guideposts.org/blogs/family-grace/being-still?int_source=front_page&int_medium=LN&int_campaign=FamilyGrace

Isn't it amazing? How personal He is with us? How very intimate - His love and concern and care.
It's truly more than I can understand.

Oh, how He loves us...

Shawnelle

Fullness

Hello Friend,

Has life been wild? Have you ever felt pressed, rushed, full?

That was my week - then the Lord brought a new way to understand fullness. Oh, what sweet grace!

Here's the link to my latest post at Guideposts:

http://www.guideposts.org/blogs/family-grace/fullness?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=GP&utm_campaign=FG01.26.15

I'm grateful for this time that we share together, and I'm wishing you a wonderful winter day - warm and rich with the Lord's love.

Shawnelle