CrossReads Book Spotlight: Love and Chocolate 1/15/2026

Send to Kindle

CrossReads Book Spotlight

CrossReads Book Spotlight

Love and Chocolate

A Christian Historical Romance

(The Chocolate Chronicles Book 1)

by Linda Shenton Matchett

Love and Chocolate

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

Ilsa Krause and her siblings are stunned to discover their father left massive debt behind upon his death. To help pay off their creditors and save the farm, she takes a job at Beck’s Chocolates, the company her father despised and refused to supply with milk. Then she discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, her high school love who unceremoniously dumped her via letter from college. Could life get any more difficult?

A freshly-minted university diploma in his hand, Ernst Webber lands his dream job at Beck’s Chocolates. His plans to work his way up the ladder don’t include romantic entanglements, then Ilsa Krause walks back into his life resurrecting feelings he thought long dead. However, her animosity makes it clear she has no interest in giving him a second chance. Can he get her to change her mind? Does he want to?

Amazon-Buy-Button

Share Button

CrossReads Short Takes: Riches for God & Cora Glacier Bride 1/14/2026

Send to Kindle

CrossReadsShortTakes

CrossReads Short Takes

Riches for God

How to Break the Negative Mindset About Money and Use It God’s Way

(Biblical Financial Stewardship Series Book 1)

by Mey Espinol

Riches for God

If you’re a Bible-believing Christian who longs to give more to God’s Kingdom work but often struggles just to provide for your own family, Riches for God was written with you in mind.

Unlike prosperity gospel promises or worldly wealth formulas, this book reveals the biblical roadmap to financial freedom God’s way—teaching you how to honor the Lord while enjoying the abundance He desires for His children.

Inside this powerful guide, you’ll discover:

✅ 6 Spiritual Limiting Beliefs that may be blocking your financial breakthrough—truths about money, riches, and wealth that Scripture can set right.
✅ Freedom and Generosity as a Lifestyle—how to be more, do more, and have more not for selfish gain, but to bless your family, church, and community.
✅ 4 Biblical Wisdom Keys and 3 Godly Motives—your framework for creating righteous wealth and managing it as a faithful steward.

Filled with Scripture, personal reflection, and practical wisdom, Riches for God will reshape your understanding of Christian personal financestewardship, and biblical prosperity.
You’ll learn that money is not the enemy—it’s a God-given tool to multiply your generosity, expand your influence, and glorify the One who provides.

Whether you’re tired of financial stress or seeking a clearer view of God’s purpose for abundance, this book will equip you to:

  • Break free from fear and guilt about money
  • Live with clarity, contentment, and purpose
  • Build wealth that honors God and blesses others

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I pursue wealth without compromising my faith?” the answer is YES. It’s time to experience financial freedom God’s way and let your wealth become a testimony of His grace and goodness.

Amazon-Buy-Button

PageDivider

Cora Glacier Bride

National Park Bride Book 15

by Lynn A. Coleman

Cora Glacier Bride

Coming Soon!

Amazon-Buy-Button

Share Button

Gems From Pastor Jim 1/13/2026

Send to Kindle

 

Cross

by Jim Hughes

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence – David.

Click Above to Read/Listen to the Devotional

CrossProverbs 16:2 People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines his motives.

You have heard the saying that actions speak louder than words. It is true, but I will take it one step further, “Motives speak louder than actions.” We need to back up our words with our ways, but we also need to back up our ways with our whys. The Lord looks upon the heart to see the why behind what we say and do. The heart is where our character is found.

Jesus changes the heart. He gets rid of the selfishness and replaces it with His love. He gives us hearts that want to do what is right before God. He moves us to live with God in mind. The true test of whether or not we are getting it right is found in the motives of the heart.

We may not always get things right, but if the motive is right, it pleases the Lord. And, if we seemly get everything right and do if for all the wrong reasons, the Lord will not be pleased with us at all.

The only way we can be assured that our motives are right is for us to take seriously the role the Lord plays in our lives. We must stay deeply connected to Him so that He can influence the direction of our hearts. If our intent is to always do what is right before God, we will do it. He honors those who honor Him. When Jesus is Lord of our hearts, our hearts will always please God.

And, Jesus becomes our Lord when we purposely let Him. He will not take ownership of our hearts without our permission and cooperation. Are you letting Jesus have His way with you? Is He determining the course of your life? Are you cooperating with Him to keep your heart pure before Him? Are the motives of your heart to always do what is right before God and to please Him? Is it for His honor and glory that you live?

About the Author:

Jim HughesSpending his formative years in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jim followed the love of his life to southeast Iowa where they married and have spent the majority of their lives. Jim has pastored several churches throughout his life and has worked many years in local factories to help support his family. The father of two married adult children and one son still at home, Jim is a first-time author.

C Through Marriage came into being through many years of pastoral and life experiences. The book first took on a life of its own over 20 years ago when I sought to address the much publicized moral failures of prominent leaders in the church. In the chapter on Chasity, I include the guideliness that I developed then to protect one’s self from such failures.

I am a firm believer in order to make sense out of life you have to use much common sense. We need to get back to the basics of what has worked for many, many generations. If it isn’t broke, why try to fix it? I strive to return to the basics of what really works in all my writings.

 

========================================
This site contains Third Party Advertising, using online behavioral tracking technology. Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.
========================================
Share Button

CrossReads Weekly Devotional: There is No Cure But Jesus 1/12/2026

Send to Kindle

cross2

by Rebekah Beene

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Bailey.

Click Above to Read/Listen to the Devotional

We watched a great movie last night. But we also watched Alice Cooper’s testimony. Some of you are saying “Who’s Alice Cooper?” A Rock icon who is known as the “Godfather of Shock Rock” for pioneering theatrical, horror-themed stage shows with guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors, blending hard rock with vaudeville and horror imagery. He was an alcoholic and drug addict. That is until he surrendered his life to Jesus. He shares in his testimony how his life was transformed, about his ongoing commitment to Christ, and his mission to help others through his music and outreach. The interview revealed the power of redemption and the hope that can be found in a relationship with Jesus. (By the way Alice Cooper grew up in church.)
Oh beloved, God speaks to our hearts this morning. This rock legend says “there is no cure but Jesus”. And oh that is so true. No matter how dark or how light your life may be, Jesus alone is the transformer of lives and the giver of new life. Nice people need Jesus, drug addicts need Jesus, teens need Jesus, old people need Jesus – there is no cure but Jesus.
God wants you to know that Jesus is life changing. As a born-again believer who has put your faith in Christ, you have a new life to live with wild abandon. The world is growing darker and what appears real and true is becoming more and more twisted and false. But you, beloved, get to live in the Light and walk in the Truth! It’s not time for fear. It’s time to walk by faith in the power of Christ’s resurrection. When Jesus knocked on your door, you answered. He gives you richly all things to enjoy. He works miracles, signs and wonders for you. Even today, as you wonder if the things you are going through will cause you to lose your faith, it is imperative that you stay close to Jesus. Nobody has a charmed life. Nobody gets to live without any pain. Nobody gets to avoid the hardships. But you beloved, are a testimony of royalty. As a child of the King, you are praying, seeking and speaking Christ.   Every time you talk to the Lord, He hears you. Every time you ask in Jesus’ Name, you draw on power beyond yourself. What an amazing life you live!
God loves you and He is with you. Run to Him this morning and thank Him for all the treasures of the Kingdom that are yours. And live fully surrendered and empowered by Holy Spirit today!
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

About the Author:

Rebekah Beene

In a Christian Women’s meeting in 1983, Rebekah was given a prophetic message that she would write books. Several years ago she began writing stories about special holiday memories and travels, sharing God’s love and care through each story. God has gifted Rebekah with the ability to look at the natural and see the supernatural. Both Rebekah and her husband Danny have a heart to share the Gospel and the riches of life in Christ to everyone they meet. They have served in the local church and in ministry to motorcyclists. Danny is an ordained minister and they both have been Bible study teachers for many years. Rebekah also speaks at women’s retreats and conferences. Her tag line says it all “God loves you and He’s for you”.

My website is http://rebekahbeene.wordpress.com

My first book in print is Oh Beloved! Live in the Light of His Word.
Link to buying the book via paypal is on the website.
As well a link to purchasing the ebook on Amazon is there too.
I’m also on twitter @rebekahbeene, tumblr http://rebekah-beene.tumblr.com/
and of course facebook as Rebekah Beene (Warren) I included my maiden name for old friends.
Share Button

Enthusiasm 1/9/2026

Send to Kindle

by Staci Stallings.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Ava.

Click Above to Read/Listen to the Devotional.

Ever since reading The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning, I have been having a lot of fun. Why? Because I let go of “I have to. . .” and started letting God dictate what went on the schedule for any given day. Let me tell you, that will open doors you never even knew were there.

A couple of my friends who are around me a lot caught the bug and began doing it too. And let me just say, life has never been more fun!

We get together now and talk Holy Spirit. We marvel at the things He puts in our life to guide us, to encourage us, to teach us, or just to remind us He’s there. Living that yourself is cool. Sharing it with others is the most awesome experience I’ve ever had.

To be able to pick up the phone and scream, “AHHH! You will never guess what the Holy Spirit did now!” is so incredible, it’s hard to put into words.

Recently, I was reading a back issue of O Magazine, and I found this insight: the word enthusiasm, when translated from Greek means “with God.” Talk about a grab-for-the-phone moment!

When I told one of my friends that, she said, “Oh, how true is that! The more I’m with God, the more excitement and fun comes into my life.”

The other night, the same friend called. She had just gotten off work and was going to Wal-Mart. I could tell by the sound of her voice that it was not high on her want-to-do list. On a whim, (Thanks Holy Spirit) I said, “Smile at everyone there!”

Well let me tell you, by the time she got here after her shopping excursion, she was silly with fun. She said everyone she saw at Wal-Mart she gave a really big smile to. Apparently the reactions were worth the effort.

When I called her the next morning having just read the enthusiasm definition, she laughed. She knew exactly why. . . because living with God and sharing Him with the world can have no other effect than what is called “enthusiasm.” I tell you, those Greeks were smart people!

About the Author:

Staci StallingsA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Although she lives in Amarillo, Texas and her main career right now is her family, Staci touches the lives of people across the globe with her various Internet and writing endeavors.

Share Button

Book Spotlight: The Elite of the Weak 1/8/2026

Send to Kindle

CrossReads Book Spotlight

CrossReads Book Spotlight

The Elite of the Weak

by Precarious Yates

The Elite of the Weak

Book 1 of Revelation Special Ops

How far will teen spy Hadassah Michelman go to free kids from modern slavery? Will she stake out all night in a West African Jungle?

Swim through a polluted river in The Philippines?

Climb through abandoned sewers in Rome?

At least the organization she wants to work for, RSO, supplies handy espionage gadgets. She hopes they’re enough to get her out of a thousand impossible situations.

She never imagined anyone from her team would encounter dinosaurs. Terrorists with biochemical weapons. Earthquakes in every corner of the globe.

Will she still rescue kids from traffickers when disasters surround?

Will she have strength enough to be the elite of the weak?

And if not, where will she find it?

https://a.co/d/aFhEuuH

Amazon-Buy-Button

 

Share Button

CrossReads Short Takes: What Loyalty Demands & The Tracker 1/8/2026

Send to Kindle

CrossReadsShortTakes

CrossReads Short Takes

What Loyalty Demands

(Light in the Empire)

by Carol Ashby

What Loyalty Demands

Demands: an adventure set in Roman Britain that’s filled with dangerous choices, conflicting loyalties, spiritual struggles, and a love story you’ll long remember.

When simmering unrest becomes open rebellion, do you do what’s right or what loyalty demands?

Scorned by his family since birth, Rogatus is a loner who relies on no one. He only needs two more years as a tribune, and he’ll have earned enough that the future he wants is assured, no matter what his father does to him. But as he begins his final command in Britannia, he meets the people who might end his loneliness…or his life.

With a Roman mother and British centurion father, Narina is at home in both tribal and Roman worlds. As the only Christian, she’s the peacemaker between her Roman brothers and British cousins. Cousin Sulio hates most Romans, but he loves her like a sister. When Rogatus brings his cavalrymen to their town, their chieftain wants Sulio to befriend the tribune to learn what the Romans are up to. As the tribune’s interest in Narina grows, Sulio wants to quench that before she gets hurt. But how can he do both?

When unrest becomes rebellion, old loyalties create mortal enemies. Narina has God to guide her, but her Roman friend and British cousin aren’t Christians. How can she get two strong men, who seem destined to be enemies, to choose life over death before it’s too late?

What Loyalty Demands is another exciting addition to the stand-alone Light in the Empire series of Early Church Biblical fiction novels. The story is the first set in Roman Britain, and it includes historical notes related to the events of the story.

“This is a fabulous ancient-world series of novels that follow the lives of fictional early Christians. Carol is meticulous with her research and a true expert on Ancient Rome! History lovers and those who enjoy my biblical books are going to LOVE this series!” — Roseanna White, best-selling author and Christy Award winner.

If you enjoy the Roman-era Biblical fiction of Tessa Afshar and Francine River’s Mark of the Lion series, you’ll love the stand-alone novels of the Light in the Empire series.

Buy What Loyalty Demands to enjoy the adventure today.

Also included in this edition:
Discussion guide for book clubs and teachers.
Historical note about Roman Britain
Map and glossary
Scripture references
Author’s reflection on the theme of the novel

For an unforgettable story filed with danger, friendship, faith, and love, buy What Loyalty Demands today.

Amazon-Buy-Button

 

 

PageDivider

 

 

The Tracker

(Red Ridge Chronicles Book 5)

by Sarah Lamb

The Tracker

allie Clark is determined to start fresh after her husband’s death—if only she could shake the guilt, the fear, and the sense that strange things are happening around her house. One thing she knows for certain—even if she wished for a love like her best friends have, she’s never falling for a man again.

Ryan Lundy couldn’t be happier that his latest job brings him to Red Ridge and his gunslinging friends. He’s significantly less thrilled when his quarry leads him straight to a beautiful widow’s doorstep—and the inconvenient feelings she’s stirring up. This was supposed to be a simple assignment, now it’s anything but.

When danger comes knocking and Callie becomes the target, Ryan discovers that saving her life means breaking all his own rules about keeping things professional. Now he’s racing against time to rescue the woman who’s turning his world upside down. Can Callie trust her heart to the man risking everything to save her? And more importantly—can Ryan find her before it’s too late?

These kisses only books can be enjoyed in any order, but are best read starting with book one.

Amazon-Buy-Button

Share Button

Overcoming Your Sinful Desires 1/6/2026

Send to Kindle

by Robin McKinley,

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Jasper,

Click Above to Read and/or Listen to the Devotional

1 Samuel 12 records a tragic choice made by the people of Israel. Instead of trusting the Lord who had faithfully led them, they demanded a king to rule over them like the surrounding nations. 

Their request revealed their hearts pulled by their sinful desires rather than depending on God. Through Samuel’s instruction, Scripture teaches us how to confront and overcome the sinful desires that pull us away from the Lord. 

After the Israelites realized their error, they asked Samuel to pray for them.

Pray to the Lord your God for us, or we will die!” they all said to Samuel. “For now we have added to our sins by asking for a king.” 1 Samuel 12:19

Here’s a phrase we often hear, usually from children but sometimes from adults: “That’s not fair. How come they have one and I don’t?” Earlier that same attitude fueled Israel’s demand. We’ll pick up their request in chapter 8.

“Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.” 1 Samuel 8:5

Israel didn’t just want leadership; they wanted conformity. They compared themselves to other nations and concluded that God’s provision somehow fell short. Only after Samuel called upon the Lord to reveal His power did the people recognize the seriousness of their sin.

You know that it does not rain at this time of the year during the wheat harvest. I will ask the Lord to send thunder and rain today. Then you will realize how wicked you have been in asking the Lord for a king!” So Samuel called to the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day. And all the people were terrified of the Lord and of Samuel.  1 Samuel 12:17-18

How Israel Learned to Overcome Their Sinful Desires

Samuel’s first words surprised them: “Don’t be afraid.” God never calls His people to paralyzing fear. Instead, He calls for reverent obedience—a deep respect that leads to repentance and renewed devotion.

Don’t be afraid,” Samuel reassured them. “You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. 1 Samuel 12:20

Worship with all your heart demands more than Sunday attendance. True worship shapes how we live each day. It moves beyond songs and sermons and becomes a way of life centered on God’s rule and priorities. Jesus explained this clearly:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

A lifestyle of worship includes active pursuit of God’s kingdom and daily obedience to His will. Living righteously simply means choosing what pleases God over what satisfies our sinful desires. Paul reinforced this truth when he wrote to the church in Rome.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1

Sinful Desires Hinder Our Relationship with God

Samuel also warned the Israelites to stay away from worthless idols. For us, idols often appear more subtle. Anything that competes for our devotion or weakens our walk with God can become an idol.

Samuel, however, didn’t leave the people without hope. He reminded them of the Lord’s unwavering commitment.

The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people. 1 Samuel 12:22

That same assurance belongs to believers today. God doesn’t abandon those who belong to Him. Through Jesus Christ, our redemption stands secure. 

His death and resurrection opened the door of forgiveness, restoration, and a new life. When you place your faith in Christ, you become God’s very own.

About the Author: 

Pastor RobinRobin, with his wife Cindy, became children’s evangelists early in their ministry. They ministered to children full time for 8 years. During that time they developed several children’s stories which were told with visuals and puppets.

Robin recently turned two of those stories into children’s books. One is called “The Contest,” a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, and the other is called “Twas the Night of Christmas”.  He has also authored 5 volumes of devotional books called, 3 Minutes Alone with God. Each entry is a product of his personal biblical Journaling.

These and his other writings are available on his website called Christian Perspectives at www.ramckinley.com. When you visit this site, you can sign-up for newly written devotions as they come out which will be emailed to you.

Presently Robin is the pastor of Calvary Christian Center in Pottstown, PA. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He and his wife make their home in Birdsboro, Pa. He also serves as the president of the local ministerium. He and Cindy have two married sons and four grandchildren.

Share Button

CrossReads Weekly Devotional: But Have You Wrestled 1/5/2026

Send to Kindle

cross2

by Precarious Yates

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Diana.

Click Above to Read/Listen to the Devotional

Genesis 32:24-29

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”

But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

The man asked him, “What is your name?”

“Jacob,” he answered.

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”

But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.

Have you ever felt called by God to do something, but it never felt easy? I have had to wrestle through each one of my callings. What does it mean to walk this out? Am I doing the right thing?

I’m not alone. Jacob the patriarch had a number of times when he had no idea what he was supposed to do.

When Jacob feared for his life and panicked that he would never have peace with his brother Esau, he had no idea what he would do. He put together lavish gifts for his brother. He put his family into two camps so at least some of them would survive. And he went off by himself so that if Esau wanted to kill him, he would die and no others would be harmed. Jacob wasn’t sure he even had a calling anymore.

A couple of months ago, I wasn’t sure I even had a calling anymore. I sensed my calling like a quiet whisper across way too much space, but I wasn’t sure if I heard or if I simply wanted it so much that I was imagining that call in all my hope and grasp for purpose.

During this time, as I was studying in preparation to teaching a Bible study on Genesis, I realized that God Himself named all three patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Genesis 17 records where God renamed Abram and also where He Himself bestowed the name Isaac on Abraham’s son. Genesis 32 is where God gave Jacob a new name. 

Jacob means ‘he who grasps the heel.’ I related to Jacob with all of my grasping for purpose. I tried to turn to the Lord, I tried to wait patiently, and I tried to do the right thing at every turn, but I could not stop my grasp for purpose. 

Jacob was faced with the conflict of his brother who once vowed to kill him. Now he was returning to his brother. And it’s at this time, when Jacob faced a conflict so much bigger than what he could handle on his own, that he encountered a Man who wrestled with him. 

Now, we know when we read this passage that this Man is God. And God, who is never overpowered, was suddenly overpowered by Jacob—Jacob who wanted nothing more than this: “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

Jacob’s greatest desire was for blessing. Jacob knew this blessing would extend far beyond him: it would be for his children, and his children’s children. This, to Jacob, was worth wrestling even God for.

Many people say we should approach God to be with Him not just for the blessings we can get from Him. Jacob didn’t simply approach God for a blessing. He wrestled God for it. And we don’t condemn him.

We shouldn’t condemn him.

First of all, Jacob got the blessing: his name was changed to Israel, which means ‘Prince with God.’  “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.

Second of all, Jacob saw the face of God not only in the Man he wrestled until dawn, he saw the face of God in his brother, Esau, his greatest adversary (see Gen. 33:10). God transformed Jacob’s heard during the wrestling.

Third of all, maybe God wants to encounter those who wrestle. Have you ever seen friends at play? This is often how they develop stronger friendships—through their wrestling.

Sometimes, when we are wrestling, we come away with far more than we bargained. Sometimes it’s a limp that reminds us of our dependence on God. Sometimes it’s peace where there had once been strife. Sometimes it’s purpose beyond our wildest dreams, like Jacob discovering that God wanted him to be named Israel.

Have you wrestled? Have you been in the midst of wrestling for what seems far too long? There is a blessing at the end of it—trust God for it!

Happy New Year and God bless you!

And now, a word from our sponsor:

The Captives

The Heart of the Caveat WhaleBook 1″When the caveat whale is gone, the time of the end has come, but the rise of Shunda will stem the tide.” Mermen are capturing aquavians and enslaving them to fight land battles in the MerKing’s quest for world domination. But on the world of Aiqua Marrin, there have never been people as peaceful as the aquavians. And of all the aquavians, there has never been someone as peace loving and joyful as Shunda. Meanwhile, the MerKing hunts for Shunda? Mookori fights on land and Qoshonni fights in the sea. While both warriors fight to protect Shunda, they glean a hint as to how important Shunda is. He may be the only hope to stop the worst war Aiqua Marrin has ever seen. Encounter numerous beautiful cultures as well as gorgeous landscapes and seascapes in this Young Adult Christian Fantasy!

Amazon-Buy-Button

Share Button

Vision, Planning, Courage 1/2/2026

Send to Kindle

by Staci Stallings.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Ava.

Click Above to Read/Listen to the Devotional.

Recently I’ve taken a leadership role in a local church organization. When I first started, I didn’t realize the intense spiritual opposition that would be creating conflicts and obstacles with every step we tried to take forward. As I worked and worked through problem after problem, some small, some quite large, I became aware of a process I have employed most of my life but one I had not previously thought about or through.

The more I have thought about this over the past couple of months, the more I see how I do things when opposition hits or when I have a goal I feel called to pursue. I call this process “Vision, Planning, Courage.”

Vision.

Have you ever heard the old adage that you can’t hit something you’re not aiming for? Well, that is as true in an organization as it is in an individual life.

I have a daughter in college right now, and one of the issues I see time and again with those she is going to school with is lack of vision. They are in college. Why, they’re not really sure. For what, well, they’re hoping they’ll figure it out. For now, they’re just kind of marking time, going forward but really not.

One of the things I saw a lot when I first started in the organization (and others I’ve been in) is a lot of marking time. Why do we do it this way? Because that’s the way it’s always been done. What if it’s not working? Well, it would be too difficult to change it, even if circumstances have changed drastically. Call it marking time in the midst of an earthquake… hoping if you just keep moving in one place eventually things will settle down. Very often, they don’t.

So the first thing I did with the problems we were facing is ask, “What is the vision? Where do we WANT to be—even if that sounds impossible?” Once you have a target identified, you’ve begun the process of setting your direction to get there.

I see this so clearly with my books. My original “vision” was that I had stories I loved to tell myself and I wanted to capture them so I could enjoy them over and over again. Now, God had a plan for that vision I never could have imagined back then. But that’s where this writing journey started for me.

However, there are some people who have BIG visions but somehow they stay just that—visions. “Dreamers” – that’s what people call them as if that’s a bad thing. It’s not! We NEED dreamers, but we need dreamers who can then work through those dreams to create a plan.

Planning.

I can have a dream of building a waterfall in my backyard, but if I simply dream of it, trust me, the waterfall never materializes (I know because I’ve tried this!). However, if I make a plan for my waterfall—draw up blueprints, figure out where I want it, how big I want it, how much and what supplies I will need, contract with someone to build it…. Now, I’m on my way to actually seeing the waterfall become a reality.

So with my books, when my “vision” expanded to consider sharing these stories, I then had to think through HOW to get them out there. That wasn’t easy, and there were a lot of bumps and changes along the way, but it was my willingness to make a plan that allows you to read my books today.

Courage.

There is, I think, one final step and that is having the courage to take action. The best laid plans will still be laying there if you don’t put some foot soles to the pavement. Yes, action is hard. In fact, that’s why I think I started this step not with “action” but with “courage.”

Let’s face it, it’s hard to step out there. It’s hard to put your dream on the line and work to make it happen. There is nothing “easy” about it.

Even now, even with “best seller” tacked to my name and to many of my books, it’s not easy. It takes concerted effort—advertising, writing for blogs, putting out new books, learning new online systems, rolling with all the punches the distribution sites throw. It is NOT easy.

But oh, how much fun it is to see what once was just a “vision” come to life and explode into reality!

So if you’re facing a problem today or if you have a dream, know it’s time to put Vision, Planning, and Courage to take Action to work in your life. Those three twined and laced with God can work miracles!

Copyright Staci Stallings, 2015

About the Author:

Staci StallingsA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading.

 

 

 

Share Button