Growing Pains and Leaps of Faith

Photo by Jeanne Doyon

I have been blogging here at The Stream's Edge since August of 2010. 

Hard to believe it's been just about five years.

My writing and speaking ministry is growing and I am preparing for a huge leap. 

I'm creating a new website that will have my ministry and my blog under one roof...and my own domain.

This may mean a few less posts over the next month or so as I get ready to launch. 

In the meantime I would love to hear what The Stream's Edge has meant to you. Click to Tweet This

Did you have a favorite post?

Have you shared posts with others?

What features have you enjoyed (guest posts, movie and book reviews, suggested resources, etc)?

Will You Pray?

The other thing I ask is for your prayer during this transition. I have often told people that the hardest thing to write is your own BIO....and a website is like a bio on steroids. I am finding it a challenge to say the least!

I am really praying for the Lord's words as I try to portray what the heart of my ministry is all about.

Here is a sneak peak of what I have been working on: Click to Tweet This

Thanks for bearing with me during my growing and leaping....

I'm excited to see what unfolds. Will you pass the word? Once I get close to launching the new website, I will let you know. My new domain is JeanneDoyon.com. 

2015 has definitely been a year of growth for me. How about you?

I appreciate that you join me by the stream,

Jeanne

In case you're wondering, here are the top three posts here at The Stream's Edge:

Review: Jesus Daily Devotional

Do Not Be Afraid-Only Believe

Son Of God - Movie Review

It's An Investment

My guest this week is Melissa Longval. She writes transparently on her blog called, Taste and See That the Lord is Good. 

Her words to us are both encouraging and a challenge. Because investing in lives is what Jesus did...what He calls us to do. Click to Tweet

Welcome, Melissa!!

As I am now in my forties, hindsight is long and indeed useful for showing me how the Lord has been with me all my life. Circumstances, choices, and “coincidences” reveal His love, care, and provision over and over again. But none more than the godly people He has placed in my life to mentor, invest, and guide me in His ways.

These people loved the Lord and saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. They saw value where I saw deficiency. They saw potential, gifting, and talent where I saw average, plain, and ordinary. These people didn’t view me higher than anyone else, but because of their love for the Lord, they valued me. Because of the wisdom of the Lord, they were willing to foster the potential they saw to help bolster my faith.

With encouraging words, quality time, and listening ears, these people…these precious gifts instilled in me a desire to know their God…this Jesus that they loved so much. Why would they care for me? What made them invest in me?

Feel free to share this image by Melissa Longval

Friends, never underestimate the power of a kind word or gesture! Click to Tweet

Something small and maybe insignificant to you, can literally change the course of someone’s life. A small, “how’ve ya been?” and then really listening. Truly wanting to spend time with another person can be such a gift.

We see this with Paul and Timothy. As Paul writes his second letter to Timothy from prison (some experts say this was his last letter), we catch an intimate glimpse into how much time Paul has invested in Timothy.

"You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,  persecutions, sufferings…" 2 Timothy 3:10-11

We are all busy. I get it…truly. But busyness in NOT godliness. I feel so strongly about being intentional with investing in others. God brings people into our lives every day. Now, with internet, we have more exposure to people than ever before. How are we loving other people? Are we investing? Are we willing to spend time with people? Can we teach and encourage?

The people the Lord used to mentor me were not scholars, counselors, or professionals, but ordinary individuals willing to let Jesus love me through them. 

Are you willing?


Melissa

Hello! My name is Melissa Longval from New Hampshire. I am married to my childhood sweetheart. We have a two children, a daughter and son, who make us laugh and help us grow in the Lord every day. Keith and I are blessed to do ministry together.

The Lord had impressed upon my heart a desire to share my life with others. So I have very recently started my blog. “Taste and See that the Lord is Good” at www.melissalongval.wordpress.com . We all have hardship, but our Lord and Savior is good and kind through all of life’s messes.  My heart’s desire and prayer is that through the stories of my life, you would see the goodness and kindness of Jesus in your own.

Check out this mentoring resource just published in April:

Images courtesy of Morguefile.com unless otherwise noted.

When We Don't Understand Why

Have you ever questioned why?

I have, plenty of times. Like years ago when I found I was pregnant and then developed a pinched nerve. I could sit. I couldn't stand. I couldn't have X-rays. I couldn't take medications. 

I asked why then.

And recently I was diagnosed with shingles. I had a busy spring with lots of deadlines and speaking engagements. I knew I needed to rest and planned to do so. 

My calendar was thinning out and I was ready to step back.

Then this strange rash started.

Why? 

A friend shared this link to Dr. Charles Stanley's message on the subject. And, I am sharing it with you. There is plenty we don't understand. But in the middle of it, I think it's important to ask God, "What are you up to?"

Listen to Dr. Stanley's message, When We Don't Understand Why

I've learned a few things in hindsight to those times when I wondered why. Have you?

I'd love to hear your story.


Jeanne

Resources for when we wonder why:

 

Resting Doesn't Come Easy to Me - Will Shingles Help?

I'm enjoying the emerging spring - flowers, birds, three rabbits cavorting on the lawn and most of all, the warm sunshine.

This last week while recuperating from a bout of shingles, I began planning my garden. I made my list of things to get at the garden center:

                               Potting Soil

Basil, rosemary and parsley plants

Hanging planters of flowers

Even the need to rest can't keep my mind still.

So I grabbed a book and made a cup of tea. I took it upstairs to a sunny window and settled in for awhile.

Later, as I meandered about the yard, I noticed the beauty around me. Yellow primroses. Thriving chive plants ready to bloom. They promise more to come, eventually. 

As soon as I am able, I will create my outdoor oasis to enjoy. But in the meantime I will see the beautiful beginnings. I will focus on what is, not what could be. Click to Tweet

I am realizing how difficult it is for me to do nothing. 

Do you struggle with being still too?

You, my readers, have been reading The Stream's Edge long enough to know that if I take a short break - to rest - that I will be back - rested.

I would love for you to pray as the Holy Spirit brings me to mind, that I will listen to the voice of rest. 

Whenever I am set aside I ask, "Lord, what are you doing?"

And, I know rest doesn't necessarily mean inactivity on God's part. 

In a musical score, the rest is just as much a part of the piece as a whole or half note. 

So, I will take this time...and watch for my heavenly Father to prompt me when it is time to pick up the beat again.


What's the hardest thing about resting for you? Click to Tweet

You can read my last post about busyness. 


Jeanne

Feel free to share this image:

Photo by Jeanne Doyon

Images courtesy of Morguefile,com

Busyness Calls for Rest

What a busy spring this has been! I've gone from being stuck in the house all winter because of the weather to being out every night of the week.

Busyness calls for rest. (Click to Tweet)

Do you know what that's like too?

It all seems good. I don't feel the nudge to say no. But, suddenly I am wondering how in the world I am going to manage it all.  (Click to Tweet)

Truth is, I don't. Something suffers.

For me, it is usually making my bed in the morning and staying on top of the laundry. They ratchet down the ladder of importance when I am preparing for a speaking event, meeting a deadline or studying for Bible study night.

Yet, I know I can't keep that pace forever. I need to step back and block off my calendar for a few days of rest.

You too?

Jesus understood. In Mark chapter six He tells the disciples to come away for awhile. They had been so busy they hadn't even had time to eat.

Feel free to share; right click for options
Photo by Jeanne Doyon

Sound familiar?

So, I am going to hear His voice today and take some time away from the busy schedule I have been keeping - to refresh, recharge and refill.

Will you join me? Because busyness calls for rest.

If you have never taken a personal retreat, I encourage you to try it. Get away for a few hours, a day, or overnight to rest and focus on Him. You'll be surprised at how much you need it. 

It's like thirst; sometimes you don't know your thirsty till you begin to drink. (Click to Tweet)

I look forward to hearing about your time apart from the busyness. And, I will fill you in on mine. If you like, here is some help to plan a sabbatical.


Resting from the busyness,


Jeanne

Joanna Weaver's Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World is a wonderful resource to help address our busyness:


 
And free on Kindle right now (I just ordered a copy): 

Laundry image courtesy of Morguefile.com

What Are You Praying For?

Today is the National Day of Prayer. All over the country people are pausing to pray for our country, for revival, and for the needs in our world.

Prayer is the wireless connection to the throne of God.  (Click to Tweet)

He is never to busy to listen. And, as we ask in accordance to His will, He is already in the process of answering them.

Do the answers come immediately?

Sometimes.


Is the answer always what we expect?

Not always.

Is the answer the best one for us?

Always!

What are you praying for today? (Click to Tweet)

How has God answered your prayer in the past?

Feel free to share this image:

Praying for people to see the heart of God,

Jeanne

Resources on Prayer:

Praying women image courtesy of morguefile.com

Happy Mother's Day

April Showers bring May Flowers

Photo by Jeanne Doyon

And an opportunity to honor your mom.

How can you let your mom know how much she means to you this week?

Feel free to share this image

Happy Mother's Day, especially to my mom, friend and sister in Christ. 

You model for me what it means to walk humbly with God and care for others.

Tell us something special about your mom.... (Click to Tweet) And leave a comment below

Jeanne

Don't forget, Mother's Day is May 10th Click to Tweet

Moving from Broken to Beautiful by Yvonne Ortega

Please welcome Yvonne Ortega to The Stream's Edge today. She has written a new book called, Moving from Broken to Beautiful:: 9 Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward .  She is sharing her book as part of the

Moving from Broken to Beautiful Blog Tour

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy!

Yvonne, you’re celebrating the release of your new book, Moving from Broken to Beautiful: 9 Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward. What led you to write that book?

Friends often asked me how I survived (Click to Tweet) and thrived after a domestic violence marriage, divorce, single parenting, breast cancer, several car accidents, and the loss of my only child. I would tell them, and they would say, “You need to write a book about that. It would encourage other people.”

After I heard some version of that response dozens of times, I sensed God leading me to write the book.

All those trials make me think the book might be somber or depressing. Is it?

On the contrary, remember the subtitle is 9 Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward. The style of writing is positive and hopeful. Friends tell me my sense of humor keeps the message upbeat.

How does your work as a licensed professional counselor influence the book?

I became a therapist after the divorce. My training and clinical experience helped me to focus on change for the better rather than being stuck in the past. However, my writing and speaking are not based exclusively on my training and clinical experience but also on the life lessons I learned. Although I’ve also used stories from other people, I have changed names and some identifying details to protect their privacy.   

What makes Moving from Broken to Beautiful an interactive book?

The introduction of Moving from Broken to Beautiful suggests how the readers can utilize the book. At the end of each chapter, the readers will find three activities, three affirmations, three Scriptural readings, a prayer, and two pages to journal their thoughts and emotions about the life lesson in that chapter. The book emphasizes application of the life lessons.

What additional resources make Moving from Broken to Beautiful an interactive book that encourages the readers?

Appendix A has thirty additional affirmations to encourage the readers. Appendix B has thirty additional Scriptural readings to give the readers hope that they, too, can move from broken to beautiful. Appendix C lists and describes helpful links for cancer, divorce recovery, domestic violence, grief recovery, and substance use recovery.

The book has one hundred and three pages. Did you have a reason for keeping it short?

Yes, I did. People who are going through a major illness or some other crisis don’t have a lot of time to read. They want help and hope, but they want them quickly.

Where can the readers purchase Moving from Broken to Beautiful?

They can go to Smashwords, Create Space, and Amazon. They can buy a paperback book or an e-book for the Kindle, iBook, Nook, Sony Books, Deisel, Flipkart (India), and Kobo (Europe).


Have you experienced brokenness? Do you need a copy of Yvonne's book? Answer the following question in the comments and I will enter your name in a drawing to receive it.

Why do you think you should receive a free copy of Moving from Broken to Beautiful?  (Click to Tweet)

Yvonne Ortega is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, a Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and bilingual professional speaker. She is the author of Moving from Broken to Beautiful: 9 Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward and Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer (Revell). She’s also a contributing author to The Embrace of a Father and Transformed. Her website is www.yvonneortega.com. 

Yvonne is on the board for Christians in Recovery, speaks for Stonecroft Ministries, and is the Stonecroft Regional Speaker Trainer for Virginia. She loves to speak to audiences in either English or Spanish about her journey in moving from broken to beautiful and enjoys hearing from her readers.

 I have included the link to purchase Yvonne's book on Amazon: