52 Reminders of How God Cares for You

You’ll be amazed at how so few words will speak so much truth and comfort into your soul. Hope Your Heart Needs is a compact little gift book with 52 entries measuring approximately 4 pages bound to infuse hope deep and far into even the furthest corner and slightest crevice of your heart. Each chapter opens with Scripture defining a specific attribute of God. Holley builds on that trait with personal stories illustrating how that aspect of who God is plays out in real life. Simple anecdotes, layered with additional Bible verses to bring the message home and make it something we can easily relate to and see. The truth she shares concludes perfectly with a short, effective prayer, connecting our hearts to the heart of God, where hope stems from. 

This powerful devotional is geared to drive you straight to the roadway marked with the character of God where we get to know Him better. Some of the characteristics you may have heard before. Many may surprise you. They include Bright Morning Star, Shepherd, Counsellor, Cornerstone, Grower, Upholder, One Who Sees,  Purpose-giver. You can pick and choose from any of the offerings to meet you wherever you need hope or healing and land on just what you need to hear.

What I especially love about this book is you don’t need to be in a tough place to get so much out of it. Holley brings refreshing insight, doubling as a Bible study dive into a wellspring of wealthy wisdom from the Word of God.  Like me, you may make unexpected connections. I would never have imagined identifying or having anything in common with the demon-posed man Jesus healed or see how God calls us in the same way to tell our story. From beginning to end, each page connects you to the God who loves you, gets you, and will be there for you. There is hope for today and tomorrow.

Hope Your Heart Needs has become a favourite I keep going back to. It is a treasure that brings hope, comfort, insight and understanding. I believe you’ll love and appreciate it as much as I do. 

Many thanks to Revell Publishing for the complimentary book in exchange for this unbiased review. 

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Did you know you’re already amazing?

Did you know you’re already amazing? Any doubt will swiftly vanish after going through You’re Already Amazing LifeGrowth Guide by Holley Gerth. Step by step, in six practical, doable sessions, she accompanies you on the journey where you come to behold your wonderful, amazing self while discovering the purpose meant for that unique masterpiece God created you to be.

In her warm, “best friend” style that makes you feel like you were having coffee together, Holley expands on her best selling You’re Already Amazing with clarity and compassion. The tools and format are simple, yet powerfully effective and useful. The guide is brilliantly pieced together to perfectly suit individuals, study groups, or on-line communities and matches everyone’s pace and lifestyle.

You’re Already Amazing LifeGrowth Guide is a wildly valuable, interactive resource that offers Get Creative ideas, Go Deeper Guide for more in-depth individual reflection or group discussion, and Your Life Coach components for each session. It also includes a generous measure of blank pages for notes, journaling and Get Creative activities in addition to a detailed resource, with everything you can possibly imagine, for group facilitators.

And, oh yes, my very favourite part!  Holley comes on board in the companion video for each session (available free on-line and conveniently as a DVD) that ties everything together. This is what really made it for me. With encouragement and relevant stories she presents a meaningful, personal dimension to the table, making the experience a shared adventure. A lot like having a supportive cheering section with you all the way.

What’s ultimately indispensable about this workbook is how it’s designed to have an everlasting shelf-life, serving as a starting point and launching pad. Holley helps you find your “sweet spot” where you best love and serve, drawing the blueprints you can go back to review regularly. And thrive. For a lifetime.

As a bonus, the book is enhanced with lovely printables as beautiful reminders that you’re already amazing. No doubt about it.

Many thanks to Revell Publishing for the invitation to take part in the You’re Already Amazing LifeGrowth Guide Blog Tour and the complimentary copy of the book in exchange for this unbiased review.

Oh, and speaking of Holley, we get to link-up with her today for more inspiration and encouraging Coffee for Your Heart. 

                                              

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There’s Always Hope

Can you believe a day or two before this picture was taken the poinsettia you see here was barren and lifeless?

Just when we thought it was time to toss a dying plant – new life emerged. Continuing to water what appeared to be a hopeless case brought revival and growth. It is now flourishing  Strong and healthy.

That miracle refreshed me a little while ago when so many things had screeched to a halting dead end. “Will things ever come together for me?” was a question glooming over my heart.

In one of those discouraging moments, when the the mounting trials and disappointments made me feel like a hopeless case, I remembered that plant. And God’s faithfulness. Yes, I may be barely hanging on, tip-toeing shakily on a tight-rope over scary  territory, but I have myself a mighty umbrella. God’s got me covered and keeps me steady. And if I should stumble and fall? I’ll land squarely in His everlasting arms.

So I grabbed onto hope, knowing He holds what presents itself today, and all my tomorrows, in the palm of His hands. He has a purpose and a good outcome to everything life throws at me. 100% of the time. Trust replaced apprehension and I was ready to bloom where I’m planted.

Are you, or someone you love, going through a tough time? Let’s not lose heart. The God who restores plants is watching over us.

No matter what is going down, He can lift us up. He is bigger than the hole we’re hemmed in. Higher than the mountain of challenges we face.

There is nothing He can’t redeem or turn into something beautiful, beneficial, and wonderful.

And always, always there is hope!

Linking with Holley Gerth and friends for hope-filled, encouraging Coffee for your Heart.  Hope you’ll join me!

                                              

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It’s going to be a joy-full year!

Oh joy! Can you guess what My One Word for 2016 is?

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. ~ Psalm 16:11

As you can see, I’m already having fun with it! 🙂 For some reason I’m plum giddy about focusing on joy this year. In the eye of a stormy, challenging season, this girl is choosing to be swept away by the many things that bring joy. Even more, so looking forward to seeking and finding more ways to bring joy to others. Committed to touching hearts with joy every chance I get.

One of the things that has sparked a surge of such joy so far this year is joining the hope*writers community. It’s a brand new adventure initiated by  Emily P. Freeman, Myquillyn Smith, Gary Morland and Brian Dixon– two sisters, their dad and a marketing genius. I have learned so much already and have been over-the-moon overjoyed with all the wondferful people I have come to know and treasure.

The words

has joy written all over it!

As always, it is my joy to connect you to Holley Gerth’s weekly link-up where a unique blend of Coffee for Your Heart awaits for your enJOYment and encouragement. See you there!

                                              

Amazing Wild and Crazy Dare!

Come on, I dare you. Double dare you, Triple dare you even.  Actually it’s more like an invitation. I signed up to join Holley Gerth in her wild and crazy dare to make 2016 an amazing year and wanted to tell you all about it! That way you can get in on all the good stuff that awaits. I mean, how could we refuse her free “LifeGrowth with Holley Gerth” newsletter offer which includes encouragement, exclusives like free printables, and life-coaching resources? All kinds of tools to make it happen.

She will also be introducing You’re Already Amazing LifeGrowth Guide an interactive workbook along with videos to empower us to embrace who we are and become all God created us to be. It releases in March but her book You Are Already Amazing is available right now to give us a jump start. I read it and can assure you it’ll be worth it!

So, what do say?  Are you in for making this an amazing year together?

For more details and freshly brewed hope, inspiration, and a generousd measure of encouragement head on over to this week’s link up for the most amazing Coffee for Your Heart!

                                                                

In Your Hands

It all started when I heard the song In Your Hands by Unspoken earlier this year.

That theme has been following me ever since. In so many ways and circumstances. All the things I wish I could change, fix, and make a whole lot better. All the things that are beyond my control and understanding I’ve been prompted to hand over to God. Trusting Him to cover each one in the palm of His care and providence.

It’s like God is trying to tell me something. Look at what turned up in this fuzzy photo of the moon from my window. It may be a bit of a stretch, but I see hands formed into a cross. The hand of Christ’s love nailed to a tree. Open hands pinned to outstretched arms and surrendered heart, crying out, ” Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit” as He gave up His will and His life. For us.

Jesus entrusted His heavenly Father with everything. Without fail. To the very end. What a powerful life-message to emulate! And what a liberating relief to acknowledge the fate of the world doesn’t rest on my shoulders but in the almighty hand of God. Every burden that weighs heavy on my heart; all the things that are too big and hefty to grasp, I can confidently lay in the Lord’s hands.

And, you know, I can’t think of a better place for them. Because God is faithful. His love is deep and everlasting. He is good and merciful. He knows what’s best and will deliver it on time.

My beautiful friend Holley Gerth has such a gift for drawing people around the steadfast heart of our trustworthy Creator. So, with huge gratitude and the joy of sharing, I invite you to join in her weekly link up. Come see what I mean and be refreshed by a generous pouring of hope-filled, encouraging Coffee for Your Heart. Together.

 

 

Thank you  Holley Gerth
for the Coffee for Your Heart image

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My #CoffeeforYourHeart Playlist

A little while ago I started building a “Coffee for Your Heart” music playlist. I named it after Holley Gerth’s blog moniker since it has become synonymous with encouragement. Which is exactly what the collection was created for. As I come across a track that might encourage someone, I save it for when someone may need to be uplifted, comforted, or affirmed.

The other day, it occurred to me that maybe people might appreciate a peek at that list to spread encouragement in their circles too. Would you like a sample of what I’ve been compiling? Perhaps there’s even a song that will speak to your heart and be just what you need to hear.

This selection is, of course, just a small beginning. When we share, things grow and get better. So, I invite you to join in this music mission. Would love to hear about songs you believe will bring hope, healing, joy and peace; melodies that soothe and help people carry on with renewed courage and strength.

Here are some of the titles I hope will touch and bless others. Can’t wait to hear yours!

1. In Your Hands by Unspoken
2. Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns
3. What Faith Can Do by Kutless
4. The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Poets
5. You Shine by Brian Doerkson
6. Don’t Give Up by Sanctus Real
7. Walk by Faith by Jeremy Camp
8. Verge of a Miracle by Rich Mullins
9. Stronger by Mandisa
10. Fighter by Jamie Grace
11. Flawless by Mercy Me
12. Carry You by Amy Grant
13. All You Got by Michael Tait
14. God is Watching over You by Phil Joel
15. Beyond Me by Toby Mac

…and two bonus tracks to pick you up and make make you smile out loud.

16. God is Bigger by VeggieTales
17. Cartoons by Chris Rice

Holley’s words are always encouraging music to my heart. So delighted to link up at her place with you today for a cup or two of refreshing Coffee for Your Heart together. See you there!

Thank you  Holley Gerth
for the Coffee for Your Heart image

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Coffee for Your Heart and Tummy

Mmmmmmmmmm….. coffee! One of my favourite things. Especially the flavoured ones! Trying new things is a joy and passion for me, so I’ve tasted a good many types of coffee over the years. I enjoyed every single one and some were so good it’s like a taste of heaven.

Since sharing is another one of my favourite things, I wanted to let you in on some of my top-rated coffees.

Anything that comes from employee-owned Paramount Coffee in Michigan will surely delight you! Their decadent Fudge Brownie is to die for and every bit as scrumptious as the best chocolate dessert ever!  You’re also in for a sweet treat with their Chocolate Caramel Cookie, Creme Brulé, Chocolate Raspberry, and cognac-hinted caramel Jamaica Me Crazy.

With over 75 years of dedication to the coffee culture, they have come up with a huge variety of seasonal and unique blends to tinkle your tummy all year round, and over and over again. Such as Apple Crisp, Blueberry Muffin, Toasted Tanzania Cashew, Black Bottom Cupcake, Doodle Dandy (a trace of cinnamon, warm fudge and toasted hazelnut), Pumpkin Pie, Caramel Apple, Peppermint Bark, Gingerbread, Nicaraguan Rum Cake, Mackinac Island Fudge, Toasted Maple Nut, Cozy Caramel Pecan Cluster, Vanilla Sugar Cookie. Just to name a few.

For those of you who are not into flavoured coffees, they offer everything else you could ever wish for. Organic. Fair Trade. Single Origin, Signature blends. Light. Medium. Strong, Decaf. You name it.

As you savour every sip of their coffee you will also feel warm all over knowing it came from a fun, ethical company that gives back to the coffee growers, supports the community it lives in, and will even help you fund-raise for your cause.

For all you chocolate lovers, Chocolate Mudslide (hint of coffee liqueur and rich caramel added to a decadent dark chocolate) in the Flavor Xotics Arabica Coffee brand from Magnum Coffee Roastery will get your taste buds singing and dancing for joy. And to top off the list of irresistible java pleasures, I invite you to check out Southern Pecan from the Spice Exchange Specialty Coffee, Chocolate Macadamia from Casa Europa and Little Italy Caffè Caramel distributed by Life Plus Style Gourmet.

The best coffee in the  whole wide world to me? The one I share with others. Hands down. Including the encouraging Coffee for Your Heart in our weekly link-up  with the lovely Holley Gerth!

Oh, one  more thing  If you live in the USA , you can order Holley’s real Coffee for Your Heart Signature Blend coffee. 🙂

Thank you  Holley Gerth
for the Coffee for Your Heart image

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Four Years and Counting…

Wow – I can hardly believe it! Four years have gone by. Actually, I should say, flown by since I published my first blog post. What a journey and joy this has been and I thank each and every one of you for making it happen. Because I write and share for you, and for some, because of you. For every encouraging word, comment, inspiration, and visit, thank you with all my heart.

Looking back on the year that was, here are some of the visual highlights since mariazwire’s third anniversary. May these bless you, touch your heart and brighten your day!

Continuing to link up with Holley Gerth today for some encouraging Coffee for Your Heart. Come, join me

There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. ~ Deuteronomy 33:26-27

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. ~ Proverbs 3:5-7

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. ~ Psalm 16:11

Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. ~ Proverbs 11:25

“Almost there friend. Keep hanging on to my tail and let’s stick close. Together, we’ll get to the top of this mountain in a flash.”

Thank you  Holley Gerth for the Coffee for Your Heart image

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Let’s Live Life Unstuck…Together!

What can I say about a book whose opening chapter starts off with the author describing how, as she was struggling to open her eyes, was aware of only one thing – her freezing cold, naked bottom sticking up in the air surrounded by chattering voices? Makes you want to laugh out loud or bite your nails nervously wondering how she got there. Definitely sets the stage for what you can expect from Life Unstuck – Pat Layton’s unashamed willingness to bare all and get personal as she flashes the truths that lift the stinky sticky lies and debris that hold us stuck. Beginning with the fact that God sees everything & knows everything about us. So why not expose who we really are since we serve a personal God ready to use us immeasurably, for His purpose right now, the way we are?

Pat’s stories and humour blended with compelling insights accompany you through a refreshing and transforming journey through Psalm 139. The book evenly divides the verses into four sections: Just Imagine Life Unstuck, Peace With The Past, Purpose in the Present, Passion for the Future with each chapter examining a single verse that uncovers a distinct Unstuck Truth.

With every word, you sense Pat’s support, like a friend buoying you up through plunging waters in this invigorating voyage toward the land of unstuckness. In addition to her guidance along the way, she offers resources available at life-unstuck.com to strengthen you and go deeper. Practical things like the 24 Days of Prayer and Praise Study Guide, Unstuck Performance Fact Checker, The Truth About Who We Are and Ephesians Anger Checklist that enrich the content of the book and make it more real and meaningful.

A powerful gift tucked inside Life Unstuck is the Unstuck Manifesto you”ll want to keep close by to declare on a regular basis. Especially on those days when you feel stuck. Stuck at the edge of dreams unfulfilled. Stuck with ‘not enough’ glued to your heart and convictions. Stuck in the comparison trap. Stuck in the past, stuck in your present challenges, struck to the invisible wall of anger, insecurity, or unforgiveness barring you from entering the future with joy and confidence,

Life Unstuck is definitely an action book. Pat Layton packs it to overflowing with gems and veins of gold mined by her clever and encouraging insights, observations and even surprises. Such as her dress code for unstuck victory, Garden of Personality test, Six Steps to Unstuck Emotions, Three Facts about Unstuck Imperfection, and ABC Steps to Unstuck Rest & Restoration. But the unstucking happens by applying and believing them.  As the author passionately points out,  “When we live unstuck & surrender every day fully to the Lord, God can not only use you mightily, but He can transform your life into something strikingly beautiful & breathtaking.”

Whispered throughout is this unmistakable message of hope and restoration: because ” my past is redeemed, my present is hemmed in, my future is secure” by the God who made us and loves us like crazy, we can boldly claim the truths contained in Psalm 139.  We can live in freedom, enjoying and sharing who we truly are – the perfectly designed masterpiece God knit in our mother’s womb complete with the longings, personality, gifts, talents, and yes, quirks and weaknesses too, He shaped in us. We can fearlessly light up the world and change it forever like no one else can. Like the magnificent, one-one-a-kind marvel God created us to be!

One of the best things about Life Unstuck is that the journey doesn’t end on the last page. Pat invites us to continue and connect at life-unstuck.com and join the Life Unstuck Woman’s Club. That way we can “get hold of Life Unstuck together.”

Ah, nothing like togetherness! That’s why I’m so delighted to link us up again at Holley Gerth’s for some encouraging Coffee for Your Heart that’s sure to shake loose the stuff that gets us stuck. Because,  we’re all in this together. With each other  For each other.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Revell Publishing for the invitation to be part of Life Unstuck Blog Tour and the complimentary book in exchange for this unbiased review.

Thank you  Holley Gerth for the Coffee for Your Heart image

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