The next four books can definitely be grouped into a series all their own. They are particularly significant to me for a number of reasons. First, in 2016, after publishing Spoken from the Heart: Choosing Grace, God put me on a hiatus of sorts.
He told me to stop publishing books. I was allowed to continue writing my blog, but He wanted the focus of my time to be spent connecting with my family. I was working two jobs, basically full-time hours, and He wanted my downtime to be real downtime.
Did I say “Thank You, God?” No, I resisted His invitation from March until September. I didn’t publish anymore books and spent more time with my family, but I worried and couldn’t relax, fearing He was taking away the gift of writing He had given me five years’ prior.
For five years my family had patiently let me sit more at the computer than on the couch. I traded in leisurely hikes and family movie nights for publishing books. And God wanted us all to have time together before our next life transition began. Finally, in September, I said, “Thank You, God,” and stopped worrying. I decided if God didn’t want me to write anymore, He would supply a different purpose that I would enjoy just as much.
And, only with the love a Father has for His child, God used that downtime to help heal me of many things: fear of winter driving, depression and then holiday depression, false guilt, panic attacks, as well as fear in general.
He revealed to me that “Freedom is a choice. It means choosing to walk the path God’s way, trusting His way is best for my life and believing Him when He says He offers life and freedom.”
The cover for this particular book was gifted to me by a wonderful friend who lives in Australia. She posted these beautiful pictures on her Facebook page and when I asked if I could use a picture for “one of my books someday,” she graciously said yes without hesitation.
Every time I see this picture, I’m reminded of a fellow Sister in Christ who lives halfway around the world. Whether or not we will meet on earth is up to God; but I know we will see each other in person in Heaven someday.
The devotionals in this book were the beginning of some major healing God brought me through, and my prayer is that you will find encouragement to begin those hard conversations with our Heavenly Father that will bring you healing as well.
What does freedom mean to you? Freedom in Christ? Freedom from … (fill in the blank)? Please share with us by hitting reply. I’d love to continue this conversation with you.