The Secret Garden
Become a child again with The Secret Garden! A classic that takes you on a journey of life, friendship, growth, nature, and true joy!
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
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BOOK REVIEWS
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BLOG
Dive into the Word of God and read what the Father is revealing to me! It’s inspiring to watch the Bible come to life! Click Here
ADVENTURES IN ISRAEL
Is the Holy Land on your bucket list? Join me on my adventures as I explore, experience, and enjoy the land of Israel! Click Here
Do you feel the joy of the Lord today?
Recently, I got myself into a funk. I thought I was living in total contentment, but as my prayers changed from thanksgiving and praise to cries of desperation and hopelessness, I realized that I had taken back the weight of worry and stress that I’d previously laid at Jesus’ feet. By reclaiming the pressure, all of the joy and energy I’d had turned to exhaustion, resulting in near burnout. Feeling completely drained, I begged the Lord to bring back my happiness and draw near to me again. He felt so far away that I didn’t know how to reach Him anymore; however, as I prayed, I heard Him say, “I am right where you left me. Now come back to me, and I will give you rest. Lay down this weight for me to carry, I can take it, and be restored.”
My lack of joy and peace was not a result of God walking away from me; instead, I had walked away from Him, claiming, “I’ve got this.” Meanwhile, the further I walked with the weight on my shoulders and my back to God, the more stuck in the mud of despair and discouragement I became. When I heard God’s voice tell me to come back to Him, I surrendered myself at His feet once more. The following day, I woke up and saw that the world around me was no longer dull but bright with vibrant colors that invited me to rejoice in the goodness of our Savior!
Have you lost your joy? What are you holding onto? Your joy is not lost! The Word declares that the Father will fill us with joy when we come to Him; however, every day, we must choose to either hold onto the reins or leave them in Jesus’ hands.
Do you feel the joy of the Lord today?
Recently, I got myself into a funk. I thought I was living in total contentment, but as my prayers changed from thanksgiving and praise to cries of desperation and hopelessness, I realized that I had taken back the weight of worry and stress that I’d previously laid at Jesus’ feet. By reclaiming the pressure, all of the joy and energy I’d had turned to exhaustion, resulting in near burnout. Feeling completely drained, I begged the Lord to bring back my happiness and draw near to me again. He felt so far away that I didn’t know how to reach Him anymore; however, as I prayed, I heard Him say, “I am right where you left me. Now come back to me, and I will give you rest. Lay down this weight for me to carry, I can take it, and be restored.”
My lack of joy and peace was not a result of God walking away from me; instead, I had walked away from Him, claiming, “I’ve got this.” Meanwhile, the further I walked with the weight on my shoulders and my back to God, the more stuck in the mud of despair and discouragement I became. When I heard God’s voice tell me to come back to Him, I surrendered myself at His feet once more. The following day, I woke up and saw that the world around me was no longer dull but bright with vibrant colors that invited me to rejoice in the goodness of our Savior!
Have you lost your joy? What are you holding onto? Your joy is not lost! The Word declares that the Father will fill us with joy when we come to Him; however, every day, we must choose to either hold onto the reins or leave them in Jesus’ hands.
Do you believe you are enough? The shame you once had no longer needs to hold you back from receiving the future God has in store for you!
If you look past the memories that bring shame or discouragement and turn your sight to the One who wore that sin and shame on the cross for YOU, your perspective will change! What lies has the enemy been leading you to believe? Through faith in the Messiah, you can be made new, and the lies that once held you back will turn into the promises of love and faithfulness that are written throughout Scripture! Shame no longer needs to hold onto you! Do you receive this?
Do you believe you are enough? The shame you once had no longer needs to hold you back from receiving the future God has in store for you!
If you look past the memories that bring shame or discouragement and turn your sight to the One who wore that sin and shame on the cross for YOU, your perspective will change! What lies has the enemy been leading you to believe? Through faith in the Messiah, you can be made new, and the lies that once held you back will turn into the promises of love and faithfulness that are written throughout Scripture! Shame no longer needs to hold onto you! Do you receive this?
“The best leaders are the best followers — the ones who move out of the way so Jesus can shine through.” ~ Gretchen Saffles (The Well-Watered Woman)
Over the last few days, I have noticed a lack of motivation and drive to get my work done. I would sit at my computer, to-do list in hand, ready to tackle the tasks that needed attention, but every time I tried to edit, write, or design, nothing looked right, and I’d have to delete it all, taking steps back rather than forward. Frustrated and discouraged at my lack of accomplishment, I went before the Father and prayed, asking Him to give me the words and inspiration needed to walk in the calling God has given to me. In true fashion, His answer opened my eyes to what I had unknowingly been doing.
We all have days where we feel dried up and stuck. Sometimes, that funk can be due to the weather; however, more often than not, this drainage is because we have taken the reins from Yeshua and said, “I’ve got this.” We forget that though God may have given us a vision, message, or calling, that doesn’t mean we can do what He is asking by ourselves. When we try to do things in our own strength, we’re going to fall short. Sure, we can tick some tasks off our checklist, but that doesn’t mean our work has been done with excellence.
God has not called us to be mediocre. He wants us to be masters (shout out to Jordan Raynor) and shine His glorious light throughout the nations in a way that will shake the foundations of the earth. We can’t do that through our strength alone. We need the Messiah to impart His Spirit into our hearts so that we can be led into the fullness of what God has called us to do.
As I prayed for the words to write, the Father clearly spoke to me, revealing that it was not because I lacked the words to write; it was because I was trying to do everything in my own time, my own way. God doesn’t operate on the same 24-hour clock we do; so, no matter how much we try to force the work to flow, I guarantee that unless we learn to abide in Him and become the best followers we can be, the fruit we produce will not taste sweet.
Are you struggling to get your work done? What does your schedule look like? Do you wake up and spend time centering your day in Yeshua, or are you diving straight into your daily activities?
My encouragement for you today is to take time listening to where the Father wants to lead you. Stop looking at your work through your own eyes, and ask the Lord to reveal what He wants to do through the work of your hands! Everything we do can be done for His glory. Do you believe that? If you do, then remember that only through Yeshua can we succeed and find true fulfillment. I am so grateful for the Father’s words and pray that you will find inspiration and truth within them as well! Happy Wednesday!💙🤗
“The best leaders are the best followers — the ones who move out of the way so Jesus can shine through.” ~ Gretchen Saffles (The Well-Watered Woman)
Over the last few days, I have noticed a lack of motivation and drive to get my work done. I would sit at my computer, to-do list in hand, ready to tackle the tasks that needed attention, but every time I tried to edit, write, or design, nothing looked right, and I’d have to delete it all, taking steps back rather than forward. Frustrated and discouraged at my lack of accomplishment, I went before the Father and prayed, asking Him to give me the words and inspiration needed to walk in the calling God has given to me. In true fashion, His answer opened my eyes to what I had unknowingly been doing.
We all have days where we feel dried up and stuck. Sometimes, that funk can be due to the weather; however, more often than not, this drainage is because we have taken the reins from Yeshua and said, “I’ve got this.” We forget that though God may have given us a vision, message, or calling, that doesn’t mean we can do what He is asking by ourselves. When we try to do things in our own strength, we’re going to fall short. Sure, we can tick some tasks off our checklist, but that doesn’t mean our work has been done with excellence.
God has not called us to be mediocre. He wants us to be masters (shout out to Jordan Raynor) and shine His glorious light throughout the nations in a way that will shake the foundations of the earth. We can’t do that through our strength alone. We need the Messiah to impart His Spirit into our hearts so that we can be led into the fullness of what God has called us to do.
As I prayed for the words to write, the Father clearly spoke to me, revealing that it was not because I lacked the words to write; it was because I was trying to do everything in my own time, my own way. God doesn’t operate on the same 24-hour clock we do; so, no matter how much we try to force the work to flow, I guarantee that unless we learn to abide in Him and become the best followers we can be, the fruit we produce will not taste sweet.
Are you struggling to get your work done? What does your schedule look like? Do you wake up and spend time centering your day in Yeshua, or are you diving straight into your daily activities?
My encouragement for you today is to take time listening to where the Father wants to lead you. Stop looking at your work through your own eyes, and ask the Lord to reveal what He wants to do through the work of your hands! Everything we do can be done for His glory. Do you believe that? If you do, then remember that only through Yeshua can we succeed and find true fulfillment. I am so grateful for the Father’s words and pray that you will find inspiration and truth within them as well! Happy Wednesday!💙🤗
Are you thirsty? Do you feel withered in the scorching heat of the world’s expectations? Maybe you’ve been asking the Father for help while still drinking from the well of this world.
Yeshua tells us that all who drink from Him will never thirst again, but what does this mean? How can we partake in such sweet refreshments?
I used to think that by coming to the Father one time, my thirst would be quenched. Nevertheless, time and time again, I would leave the Lord’s presence and, in no time, feel as though I was walking in the barren wilderness. It wasn’t until the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the truth that I began to feel the rivers of living water flowing within me!
How we structure our day and live our lives matters! On the outside, we can act like godly people, but the Father looks at the heart and desires to have a deeper relationship with Him. What fruit are you producing?
When we incorporate the Holy Spirit into our everyday lives, basking in His glory and denying our flesh the fruits that are not of Him, a newfound joy will fill us, and our mindset will begin to change. Rather than allowing our struggles, stress, or fear to dictate how we see or live our lives, by learning to lay it at the Father’s feet, we will not only bring glory to our Savior, but our light will shine bright in the face of adversity!
Invite Yeshua into your daily activities and allow His Word to flow through you! We don’t have to crawl to the Bible for replenishment because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, and He is inviting us to be filled every second of every day! So, what are you waiting for, run to the Father and drink from the well that won’t run dry!
Are you thirsty? Do you feel withered in the scorching heat of the world’s expectations? Maybe you’ve been asking the Father for help while still drinking from the well of this world.
Yeshua tells us that all who drink from Him will never thirst again, but what does this mean? How can we partake in such sweet refreshments?
I used to think that by coming to the Father one time, my thirst would be quenched. Nevertheless, time and time again, I would leave the Lord’s presence and, in no time, feel as though I was walking in the barren wilderness. It wasn’t until the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the truth that I began to feel the rivers of living water flowing within me!
How we structure our day and live our lives matters! On the outside, we can act like godly people, but the Father looks at the heart and desires to have a deeper relationship with Him. What fruit are you producing?
When we incorporate the Holy Spirit into our everyday lives, basking in His glory and denying our flesh the fruits that are not of Him, a newfound joy will fill us, and our mindset will begin to change. Rather than allowing our struggles, stress, or fear to dictate how we see or live our lives, by learning to lay it at the Father’s feet, we will not only bring glory to our Savior, but our light will shine bright in the face of adversity!
Invite Yeshua into your daily activities and allow His Word to flow through you! We don’t have to crawl to the Bible for replenishment because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, and He is inviting us to be filled every second of every day! So, what are you waiting for, run to the Father and drink from the well that won’t run dry!
As my family battles the enemy on every side, reading Proverbs 3:25-26 the other morning, gave me hope that I pray will encourage you as well!
Though disaster seems to lurk around every corner, I’ve watched how my dad is remaining calm and faithful to God, unmoving amid Satan’s attacks. Inspired by his strength, I have adopted this outlook and have seen a significant change in my life!
When we let go of our earthly worries and doubts, holding onto God’s promises instead, we will experience an awakening.
•
Through my family’s obedience and trust, God is giving us victory! It’s like what these verses are saying, why do we need to fear the traps of the wicked when we have the Lord Almighty on our side? He is fighting the enemy for us and hears the prayers of the honest and righteous! If we remain in Him and act in godliness, our feet will not be caught in a snare.
So, as I see this scripture's fulfilment first-hand, I want to let you know that you don’t need to be afraid either. It’s not too late to walk on the path of wisdom, leaning on the Lord for all your needs. He’s listening and will sustain you, using your faith, obedience, and victory to bring glory to the Kingdom!
What are you holding onto today? Are you fighting a war you can’t win alone? Lay it all at Yeshua’s feet and watch as your faithfulness brings restoration and freedom!
As my family battles the enemy on every side, reading Proverbs 3:25-26 the other morning, gave me hope that I pray will encourage you as well!
Though disaster seems to lurk around every corner, I’ve watched how my dad is remaining calm and faithful to God, unmoving amid Satan’s attacks. Inspired by his strength, I have adopted this outlook and have seen a significant change in my life!
When we let go of our earthly worries and doubts, holding onto God’s promises instead, we will experience an awakening.
•
Through my family’s obedience and trust, God is giving us victory! It’s like what these verses are saying, why do we need to fear the traps of the wicked when we have the Lord Almighty on our side? He is fighting the enemy for us and hears the prayers of the honest and righteous! If we remain in Him and act in godliness, our feet will not be caught in a snare.
So, as I see this scripture's fulfilment first-hand, I want to let you know that you don’t need to be afraid either. It’s not too late to walk on the path of wisdom, leaning on the Lord for all your needs. He’s listening and will sustain you, using your faith, obedience, and victory to bring glory to the Kingdom!
What are you holding onto today? Are you fighting a war you can’t win alone? Lay it all at Yeshua’s feet and watch as your faithfulness brings restoration and freedom!
Good morning! I hope you are all doing well! During my time of devotion this morning, I read a few things that I wanted to share with you.
As believers, we hold the light of Yeshua/Jesus within us that shines to those around us. We are not called to walk in darkness nor be shackled to the works of the enemy (fear, anxiety, worry, anger, hatred, bitterness, impurity, etc.) We have been set free in Yeshua, and when we turn our eyes to Him, we have the power through His spirit to take our thoughts captive and align them with His Word! It’s not easy, but in time we will slowly be able to catch when the enemy is infiltrating our thoughts and remind ourselves that it is not our flesh leading our decisions but the Holy Spirit!
On day 36 of Called to Pray, Marsha DuCille writes, “As prayer warriors, we’re not passive bystanders who let in whatever comes our way. Instead, we’re spiritual gatekeepers who are commissioned to keep watch over what we think!”
Where are you in your spiritual walk with the Father? How can we stand with you as you mature in your faith and fight against the enemy's assignments?
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18 NIV
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV
Good morning! I hope you are all doing well! During my time of devotion this morning, I read a few things that I wanted to share with you.
As believers, we hold the light of Yeshua/Jesus within us that shines to those around us. We are not called to walk in darkness nor be shackled to the works of the enemy (fear, anxiety, worry, anger, hatred, bitterness, impurity, etc.) We have been set free in Yeshua, and when we turn our eyes to Him, we have the power through His spirit to take our thoughts captive and align them with His Word! It’s not easy, but in time we will slowly be able to catch when the enemy is infiltrating our thoughts and remind ourselves that it is not our flesh leading our decisions but the Holy Spirit!
On day 36 of Called to Pray, Marsha DuCille writes, “As prayer warriors, we’re not passive bystanders who let in whatever comes our way. Instead, we’re spiritual gatekeepers who are commissioned to keep watch over what we think!”
Where are you in your spiritual walk with the Father? How can we stand with you as you mature in your faith and fight against the enemy's assignments?
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18 NIV
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV
The Nature of a Lady (The Secrets of the Isles #1)
Welcome to the Isles of Scilly, where holiday-goers come every summer to enjoy; however, in the summer of 1906, danger lurks on the Isles.
Freely and Lightly
Emily Lex didn't know who she was. After years of being who others needed her to be, Emily went on a journey to live freely and lightly!
The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane
Embarking on a journey that will take them into the heart of London, Jackson and Kit will need to work together to unravel hidden mysteries!
The Well-Watered Woman
The Well-Watered Woman by Gretchen Saffles contains something for everyone; inspiring believers to dig their roots deeper into the Word of God!
All That Really Matters
Molly McKenzie needs to find a cause. Silas Whittaker wants to expand his organization that helps teens build a brighter future. Can they help one another?
Peacebunny Island
Get ready for your heart to swell with bunny fever as you read Peacebunny Island, an incredible memoir about a sixteen-year-old boy's mission to save endangered rabbits, spread awareness, and train bunnies to console people needing a spark of hoppiness in their lives.
Fantastic Journey (Exclusive Interview with the Author)
Set sail on a Fantastic Journey through the waters of speculative fiction and fantasy! The journey will be exhilarating! Includes an exclusive Q&A with the author!
Master of One
A guidebook to life! Jordan Raynor explores what becoming a master of one in a world that encourages us to become a jack/jill-of-all-trades does for the body of Messiah and our relationship with God!
Dearest Josephine
Imagine inheriting a manor and discovering two-hundred-year-old love letters addressed to you. Is it fate or something more?
Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones: Doubt
One of the most dangerous stumbling blocks of our faith is doubt. No one is exempt from its attack, we will all question God's existence.
The Story I’ll Tell - Bring on 2021!
We made it!!! Who would've thought that 2020 would actually come to an end? This has been one of the most challenging years I have ever known!
Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones: Wisdom
Throughout the Bible, we are told to ask for wisdom and understanding, and we shall receive it; but, what happens when our prayers are answered?
Finding Joy in a Sea of Pain
Being in pain sucks. Finding joy in tribulation might feel like a feat, but it's easier than you think. When we put our hope in God, we will find comfort!
Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones: Pride
"Pride comes before destruction," so what do you do when Satan's whispers become louder than the voice of Truth? Whose voice are you going to believe?
Free From the Status Quo
People love giving their opinions, but should believers meddle in God's plans for another? What is the status quo and does the Bible have anything to say?
Journeying Through the Wilderness
Do you feel like you are in the desert, surrounded by emptiness with no sign of God’s presence? May this week's blog be an encouragement.
I Don't Care
Do your words and actions represent the fruits of the Spirit or are you unconcerned about the effect they have? That used to be me, but not anymore!
Growing in Faith - Matthew 13
Where are the disciples who will minister the truth to these new believers, sowing them into good, fruitful, soil?
Dita Kraus, The Librarian of Auschwitz speaks about her Delayed Life
What really happened in the children’s block of Hitler’s death camp? Did books really save Dita? Dita Kraus shares the truth in an exclusive interview!
Adventures in Israel - Picnic in the Snow
Most people go to the beach or forest for a joyful picnic, not the Russells; we go to the snow, where our butts freeze, and we're layered up!
Adventures In Israel: X-Ray Edition
When someone breaks a bone, it's important to get follow up x-rays to determine the healing process. These visits to the clinic tend to be straightforward; you walk in, give the front desk your doctor's note, get the x-ray, and leave. However, at my six-week check-up, it was anything but a walk in the park…
Adventures in Israel: Let's Go Ice Skating!
Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been craving the true essence of winter; but what can you do to get the feeling of winter in a country that can’t seem to make up its mind? Well, the expensive solution would be to fly to a place where there is snow, and the temperature is …
Adventures in Israel - Massage Edition
The event you’re about to read, in the coming paragraphs, is just a sneak peek into what life can be like in Israel. It’s not always like this, but it sure does make my day better when it is!
Poem: Into Space (I Am Found Series)
Then everything stops... Floating in the space of her thoughts, Joy Lucia Hunneyball compares the May 30th launch to her own achievements. With skills in a multitude of things, but mastery of none, she wonders how she can make a difference and what landmark she will leave behind.
Poem: For Your Glory (I Am Found Series)
Joy Lucia Hunneyball stands in awe of God, breathing in His goodness and declaring, "To Him be the glory!" This inspiring poem will encourage readers to look at the gifts God has given them and offer up a shout of praise, even when the fight seems hopeless!
Poem: Overcomer (I Am Found Series)
In a moment of reverence, Joy Lucia Hunneyball goes into her room to intercede, cry, and worship before the Father. With a heavy heart, she shares a special prayer to encourage those feeling lost. We are all overcomers through Him, and we are not alone!
Poem: From the Inside Out (I Am Found Series)
Joy Lucia Hunneyball shares an intimate conversation with God about growth, guidance, spiritual battles, and admiration, in this original poem!
Poem: A Speck Within the Cosmos (I Am Found Series)
An original poem by Joy Lucia Hunneyball. In a moment of awe and wonder, Joy expresses her admiration of God's care and faithfulness. We are warriors and vessels to by Him!