Every time I looked at the Christmas tree this holiday season, it didn’t give me the usual feeling of joy as I admired its nostalgic beauty. Instead, I saw imperfection. The top quarter of the tree was darkened, while the bottom portions were lit with colorful lights, thanks to the top light set going out about two weeks before Christmas …
Life After Christmas: Facing the Everyday with Fearless Joy
Christmas is a magical time. The glow of Christmas lights, the scent of cookies in the oven, children’s laughter and happy smiles, friends and families gathering to share love and blessings, people going out of their way to help others. Christmas may be stressful, but for many of us, the warmth that permeates and flows from this special holiday gives …
The Greatest Gift: How a Christmas Gift Can Conquer Your Fear
(As my Christmas gift to you, I’m giving away a print copy of Tamera Alexander’s Christmas at Carnton, one of my favorite Christmas stories! Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway!) He wasn’t supposed to be here today. The doctors told us our dog—our beautiful, gentle giant—had only three months to live. When we received this diagnosis for our …
When Hope Came Down: How Christmas Sets Us Free From Fear
Jerusha: I’m delighted to welcome back my dear friend and fellow author, Emily Conrad! Emily is sharing her special brand of faith-filled encouragement as well as giving away one free digital copy of her novel, Justice! Read on and leave a copy below to enter the giveaway! By Emily Conrad Terrified. The shepherds were terrified. So much so that they …
Fear Warrior Friends: A Chat with Elizabeth Ludwig on Christmas joy, Christmas tears, and fighting fear!
Jerusha: If this doesn’t get you excited for Christmas, I don’t know what will! Bestselling author Elizabeth Ludwig is sitting down for a chat with us today, AND she’s giving away a free copy (print or digital) of her mystery novel, Garage Sale Secret, to one of you! Leave a comment below after this Christmassy, encouraging interview to enter the …
Wrapped in Joy: How to Beat Your Gift-Giving Anxiety
Jerusha: I’m so happy to welcome back my friend and lovely writer, Angela Arndt! This month, I’m going to be holding more giveaways as my Christmas gift to you. The fun begins now with a giveaway of my own novel, This Shadow, a story that takes place during the holidays (if you already own a copy, you can still enter …
Thanksgiving’s Reward: How Gratitude Can Defeat Your Fears
Want to shock your relatives this Thanksgiving? Turning a holiday tradition on its head would probably do the trick. Many of us follow the tradition of having each person at our Thanksgiving gathering take a turn to share something for which he or she is thankful. The answers are usually pretty standard: family, health, love, home. If we’re keeping in …
Hosting the Holidays: Conquering Your Hospitality Fears
Jerusha: Just in time for the holidays, we get to welcome hospitality expert and encourager, Sue Moore Donaldson, back to the FW Blog! She’s giving powerful advice that can de-stress your holiday festivities this year. Join me in giving Sue a warm welcome! By Sue Moore Donaldson “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a …
Fighting the Good Fight: Conquering Your Fear Like a War Veteran
Jerusha: Several years ago, my grandfather, a WWII veteran, passed away on Veteran’s Day. To honor him on this anniversary of his heavenly homecoming, I want to share this post with you all. This is also my inadequate “thank you” to all the men and women who have served in military conflicts to defend all that is good. Bullets smattered …
When in Doubt: Silencing Doubt to Conquer Your Fear
Jerusha: I’m delighted to introduce to you my friend and fellow author, Rebecca Ondov! Rebecca is offering a free print copy of her inspirational nonfiction book, Great Horse Stories, to one of you! So read on and leave a comment below for your chance to win! By Rebecca Ondov It was pitch black when I jolted awake, sitting straight up …