Beneath His Silence
In her dazzling debut novel, Hannah Linder captures her readers' attention until the wee hours of the night with a gothic regency tale.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
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BOOK REVIEWS
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ADVENTURES IN ISRAEL
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As I so often write, we all have a calling on our lives. It might not be a specific project or career path, but all of us are called to live our lives worthy of Yeshua, following in His footsteps and being representatives of who He is. How do we do this? Many of you might say that by serving others over ourselves, we are walking in Yeshua’s selfless love, and you’d be correct; however, there comes a time when we need to prioritize ourselves first… Hear me out.
During Yeshua’s time on earth, He was EXTREMELY intentional about how He spent His time. Yeshua knew He didn’t have long among us, yet we often read how He would leave the crowds to be alone with the Father. Yeshua didn’t allow others to hijack His time or take Him away from the mission He’d been sent to do. In the same way, we need to be firm in the boundaries we set to serve others, so we can also focus on what God’s calling us to do! As Carey Nieuwhof so elegantly writes in his book, #AtYourBest, “Nobody will ever ask you to accomplish your top priorities. They will only ask you to accomplish theirs.”
Our time is precious, so we need to be aware of how much we’re allowing others to hijack. Each of us is worthy of the gifts God has bestowed upon us, but until we untie the pretty bows and take out what’s inside, we’ll miss the fullness of what God wants to do in our lives. Our greatest callings in life are to glorify God and serve others, but we need to stop allowing people to excel in their callings on our backs while our gifts lay unopened!
It’s been a lesson-packed month of learning that I am worthy of prioritizing my time and setting boundaries so others are not stealing me from what I know God has called me to do. At first, it was a difficult transition, full of guilt for putting my work before others; however, as I was reading Roseanne M. White’s upcoming novel, #WorthyofLegend, I felt the Lord encourage me that my work is just as worthy and important as others!
The same goes for you! Are you ready to open the gift God has given you and use it? Through Him, we are made worthy, and by living a life worthy of the Lord, we will walk in the light of redemption!
As I so often write, we all have a calling on our lives. It might not be a specific project or career path, but all of us are called to live our lives worthy of Yeshua, following in His footsteps and being representatives of who He is. How do we do this? Many of you might say that by serving others over ourselves, we are walking in Yeshua’s selfless love, and you’d be correct; however, there comes a time when we need to prioritize ourselves first… Hear me out.
During Yeshua’s time on earth, He was EXTREMELY intentional about how He spent His time. Yeshua knew He didn’t have long among us, yet we often read how He would leave the crowds to be alone with the Father. Yeshua didn’t allow others to hijack His time or take Him away from the mission He’d been sent to do. In the same way, we need to be firm in the boundaries we set to serve others, so we can also focus on what God’s calling us to do! As Carey Nieuwhof so elegantly writes in his book, #AtYourBest, “Nobody will ever ask you to accomplish your top priorities. They will only ask you to accomplish theirs.”
Our time is precious, so we need to be aware of how much we’re allowing others to hijack. Each of us is worthy of the gifts God has bestowed upon us, but until we untie the pretty bows and take out what’s inside, we’ll miss the fullness of what God wants to do in our lives. Our greatest callings in life are to glorify God and serve others, but we need to stop allowing people to excel in their callings on our backs while our gifts lay unopened!
It’s been a lesson-packed month of learning that I am worthy of prioritizing my time and setting boundaries so others are not stealing me from what I know God has called me to do. At first, it was a difficult transition, full of guilt for putting my work before others; however, as I was reading Roseanne M. White’s upcoming novel, #WorthyofLegend, I felt the Lord encourage me that my work is just as worthy and important as others!
The same goes for you! Are you ready to open the gift God has given you and use it? Through Him, we are made worthy, and by living a life worthy of the Lord, we will walk in the light of redemption!
Too often, we fall under the false illusion that we need to make every moment count and not waste the day God has given us. We work ourselves ragged trying to “please” the Father with works but wind up doing more harm than good to our bodies AND our callings! Through stress, constant pressure, and high expectations, we shift our focus off Yeshua, putting our lives and work center stage. This doesn’t mean we should avoid dreaming big or striving to achieve what God has called us to do; however, unless He is at the forefront of our lives, we’ll find ourselves skating on dull blades, slipping and sliding with no grip to keep us upright.
The Father’s greatest desire is to be praised and glorified through all we do! It doesn’t matter how many things we manage to do in the day, the Lord looks at the fruit of our hearts, so unless we do each task in worship to Him, nothing else matters!
I’m so inspired by my mom’s spiritual mother, Royal, who always knows how to lift a shout of praise to the Lord, no matter the circumstances. When her husband, Brian, died this month, my family was heartbroken and called to comfort Royal; however, rather than expressing great sorrow for her sudden loss, Royal glorified God for His plans and thanked Him for giving Brian a rest before joining Him in eternity!
Hearing Royal sing her catchphrase — “Praise the Lord” — awakened my heart and restored the energy I’d been missing. With my blades sharpened, I felt confident returning to the ice (my tasks) and glided through the rink with ease. Since that day, whenever I have felt overwhelmed or tired, I take a moment to praise the Lord and lift a song of worship to Him. Feeling the Holy Spirit come into the room and hear my prayer, I release the pressure I wasn’t meant to be carrying and feel His peace wash over me, giving me a newfound motivation to return to work.
The Lord knows the things we need to get done, but unless we take time to sharpen our blades (setting our hearts on Yeshua and praising Him), we’ll spend most of the day flapping our arms for balance.
Have you sharpened your blades before getting on the ice today? It’s not too late to stop and PRAISE THE LORD!
Too often, we fall under the false illusion that we need to make every moment count and not waste the day God has given us. We work ourselves ragged trying to “please” the Father with works but wind up doing more harm than good to our bodies AND our callings! Through stress, constant pressure, and high expectations, we shift our focus off Yeshua, putting our lives and work center stage. This doesn’t mean we should avoid dreaming big or striving to achieve what God has called us to do; however, unless He is at the forefront of our lives, we’ll find ourselves skating on dull blades, slipping and sliding with no grip to keep us upright.
The Father’s greatest desire is to be praised and glorified through all we do! It doesn’t matter how many things we manage to do in the day, the Lord looks at the fruit of our hearts, so unless we do each task in worship to Him, nothing else matters!
I’m so inspired by my mom’s spiritual mother, Royal, who always knows how to lift a shout of praise to the Lord, no matter the circumstances. When her husband, Brian, died this month, my family was heartbroken and called to comfort Royal; however, rather than expressing great sorrow for her sudden loss, Royal glorified God for His plans and thanked Him for giving Brian a rest before joining Him in eternity!
Hearing Royal sing her catchphrase — “Praise the Lord” — awakened my heart and restored the energy I’d been missing. With my blades sharpened, I felt confident returning to the ice (my tasks) and glided through the rink with ease. Since that day, whenever I have felt overwhelmed or tired, I take a moment to praise the Lord and lift a song of worship to Him. Feeling the Holy Spirit come into the room and hear my prayer, I release the pressure I wasn’t meant to be carrying and feel His peace wash over me, giving me a newfound motivation to return to work.
The Lord knows the things we need to get done, but unless we take time to sharpen our blades (setting our hearts on Yeshua and praising Him), we’ll spend most of the day flapping our arms for balance.
Have you sharpened your blades before getting on the ice today? It’s not too late to stop and PRAISE THE LORD!
We all yearn to be loved unconditionally. During our childhoods, we seek this from our parents. Then, as we reach adolescence, we try to win it from our peers. Through the years, that desire to be known, seen, and loved grows into something more — often all-consuming. Search for it in the wrong places, and we’ll be left in a crumpled heap, but find it in the One who will never abandon us, and we’ll discover the joy and belonging we’ve been looking for.
Love is a fickle business. We want to believe that people will take care of our hearts and accept the love we have to offer, but not all friendships last, and romance often fades. However, that doesn’t mean our quest is in vain. Thankfully, we have the best role model and teacher to show us what true love and commitment look like!
Yeshua is the definition of selfless love. He sacrificed Himself because of His love for us and so we could be reunited with the Father. (Ephesians 2:1-10) As the foundation of our lives, our relationship with Yeshua should not only be reflected in our relationship with others but be the measuring rod for how we treat others and how we should be treated in return. Satan wants us to believe that we’re unloveable, overlooked, and unworthy, but Yeshua says we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Though you might be in a season of waiting, be encouraged, God is cherishing your heart and wants to use this time to teach you how to love others first! (John 15:13)
Love is a massive lesson in relinquishing control and being our barest selves, yet not all of us are ready to do this. We want the fairytale but forget the work it takes to cultivate, maintain, and produce what we desire. That’s why it’s so important to understand who our first love is and practice the art of loving others right now! So, don’t let the enemy steal your peace and joy in this season and lean into the love already around you (family, friends, God)
God will reveal the path at the right time, but don’t settle just because you’re tired of waiting or have found someone close to what you’ve been praying for. Newsflash: Close isn’t good enough!
Take heart! The Father SEES you, KNOWS you, and LOVES you!!
From Jeremiah 29:11 to Philippians 4:13, there are so many scriptures we take out of their full context. The other week, I was listening to Michael Todd’s sermon, Cuffed to Comparison, and his explanation of Philippians 4:13 hit close to home!
Though we often use the verse to help us push through whatever battles we’re facing, that wasn’t how Paul intended us to interpret his words. Instead, he was writing about learning the secret of contentment and rejoicing in the Lord in ALL circumstances. WHY? Because through Yeshua’s strength, he can do ALL things!!
Stop comparing your journey to somebody else’s. Just because they got a job promotion, married, or moved into a new home doesn’t mean your life is less valuable. God knows the timing and plans for your life, but we have to get out of the mindset that it will align with the ways of this world. None of us will have the same story, nor are we all called to the same things, but unless we stop comparing ourselves to others and complaining about where God has us right now, we’re never going to have the strength, patience, or tools to step into what God has in store for us!
I love what Michael Todd said, “Be careful how much you listen and look to people who are so great if your self-esteem isn’t solid because what it will do is rob you from the first steps you need to make because we’re being so critical to ourselves that we won’t even give ourselves the grace to become!! If we don’t unplug from this destructive engine of comparison, you will miss your calling doing something you were never fashioned and formed to do! DON’T LET COMPARISON KILL YOUR CALLING!!!!”
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most famous verses to recite, yet we're so focused on finding comfort in the words that we miss what the Lord asks His people to do.
Addressing Judah, the Lord declares that at the end of their seventy years in captivity, He will bring them back to the Land (vs.10), sealing the promise with the assurance that He knows the plans He has for them, plans for prosperity, hope, and a future. However, while they wait for the fulfillment of God's promise, Judah is not to sit idly. Instead, the Lord instructs His people to grow (vs.5-7) and, most of all, call on Him and seek Him with all their hearts (vs.12-14).
Like Judah, the Father has His hand on our lives and has promised to direct our steps; but, while it's encouraging to hear that the Lord knows the plans He has for us, that doesn't mean we don't have a duty to obey. I love what Changed Women's Ministry wrote in their devotional, Living Change: Provision, "God is still giving us gifts today. He gives us peace, strength, comfort, and wisdom. He's faithful to care for our every need. In return, He asks us to seek Him, spend time with Him, and trust Him. He asks us to surrender control and offer Him our whole lives."
Especially in hard times, it can feel difficult to come before the Lord, yet that's precisely what the Father instructs us to do. It's not enough to memorize Jeremiah 29:11; we must actively obey verses 12-14.
No matter which season you're in right now, I want to encourage you to dedicate each day to the Lord. Spend time with Him. Build your relationship with Him. Fervently seek His face. And meditate on the Word. When we do these things, not only will the Lord's plans be revealed, but you'll be taking active steps to ensure that they come to pass!
Part of My World
Jodi Benson (AKA The Little Mermaid) has had an EPIC career; however, it’s Jodi’s faith in Jesus that is the real shining star of her life.
The Bride of Blackfriar's Lane
In a gripping sequel, will Kit and Jackson make it to the altar, or was their whirlwind romance never destined for the long haul?
Worthy of Legend (The Secrets of the Isles #3)
In the grand finale of The Secrets of the Isles trilogy, Roseanne M. White takes readers on one final quest of legend, worth, love, & faith!
The Shepherd's Wife (The Jerusalem Road: Book 2)
When I first saw The Shepherd’s Wife, I thought it would be an exciting read; unfortunately, this might be my first & last Angela Hunt novel.
Love and the Dream Come True (State of Grace: Book 3)
A story of healing, forgiveness, romance, & faith, Love and the Dream Come True is the cherry on top of the fantastic State of Grace trilogy!
The Italian Ballerina
Taking readers on a journey between the past and present, The Italian Ballerina, is a story of loss, redemption, sacrifice, love, and faith.
Catch the Jew! - Includes Q&A with the Author
An insightful and often comical commentary, Catch the Jew! follows Tuvia Tenenbom in his seven-month search for the truth about Israel.
What if Love is the Point?
Carlos and Alexa PenaVega have grown up in the spotlight, but there is one thing that makes the PenaVegas stand out — their faith!
When the Day Comes
When the Day Comes is a PHENOMENAL novel! Similar to Outlander — though cleaner — the time jumps were flawless, and the plot was engaging!
Gallelujah Christian Music and Cultural Festival Coming to Israel June 2023
2023 just got brighter with a summer adventure that will gather believers to the Holy Land for Gallelujah a 3-day culture and music festival!
Adventures in Israel: The Jerusalem International Book Forum
As a writer, I'm always looking to learn about the publishing world so I jumped at the chance to go to The Jerusalem International Book Forum
Adventures in Israel: Hike Turned Trek
With 2,747 hiking trails in Israel — full of beauty, ancient ruins, and people seeking adventure — you're sure to have an unforgettable day.
Adventures in Israel: Hannah's Declassified Israeli Wedding Survival Guide
Israeli weddings are very different from the ceremonies we’re used to witnessing in movies or typical Western settings.
Adventures in Israel: Yemenite Henna Ceremony
We were invited to attend a traditional Yemenite henna ceremony — a pre-wedding gathering that celebrates the bride leaving her family..
Adventures in Israel: The Facial Shocker
Getting a facial should be a revitalizing experience, right? At least, that’s what it seems like when influencers post about facials.
Adventures in Israel: Driver’s License Edition
I recently discovered that to renew your license after driving for five years, I was required by Israeli law to take a “refreshers” course.
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 …
The Significance of the Feasts: Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)
Not only is Sukkot the final feast the Lord instructed His people to observe, but it will also become a GAME CHANGER in the coming days!
The Significance of the Feasts: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
Though most see Yom Kippur as a solemn day, thanks to Yeshua, we don’t have to live in fear that our salvation!
Gallelujah Christian Music and Cultural Festival Coming to Israel June 2023
2023 just got brighter with a summer adventure that will gather believers to the Holy Land for Gallelujah a 3-day culture and music festival!
The Significance of the Feasts: Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets)
Welcome to part two of the Significance of the Feasts series. The Spring Feasts have been fulfilled, and now it's time to dive into Fall!
The Significance of the Feasts: Shavuot (Pentecost)
Each Spring feast has a profound meaning to the Messiah's life, death, and resurrection; it's an exciting time to read through the Scriptures!
The Significance of the Feasts: Firstfruits
One of the least spoken about or underrated Feasts of the Lord, is the Feast of Firstfruits; but, why is this feast so important?
The Significance of the Feasts: Passover & Unleavened Bread
What is Passover about? How does Yeshua play a role in this feast? And, is Unleavened Bread a separate holiday? Let's dive in!
Coping with Suicide
Suicide affects us all. Everyone handles it differently, but there is always hope. No matter how bad it feels now, the sun will rise again!
Set Your Face Like Flint - Feeling '22
Whenever we come to the end of another year, I find it so exciting to revisit all of the ups & downs that have gotten me to where I am today.
The Significance of the Feasts: Shabbat
In the Bible, there are seven commanded feasts, separated by two seasons; however, there is one feast that takes place every week — Shabbat!
Poem: Be Still
By: Sheryl
Be still
O my soul and listen to His love
Love that is true and must be trusted
Ways that are pure and good
Gifts that are poured out in abundance
Grace that covers every insecurity
Mercy that wipes sin away despite our deserving
My Love, let me hear Your voice
That calmed the sea
May You once again calm this sea of …
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!