Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Fall Devotional Carnival Begins 9/20

Confession: For years I didn’t care much for devotional books. Never bought them.  Almost never read them. The writings inside just looked too short to accomplish much.
Fast forward and now I‘m a devotional reader, and writer.  And the editor for Proverbs 31 Ministries' online devotional Encouragement for Today. Plus, I served as General Editor, along with my friend Lysa TerKeurst, of the devotional book God's Purpose for Every Woman.  (Yes, God has a sense of humor.)
I finally grasped their value - in just a couple minute's time, a devotion can pull my heart towards God and refocus my priorities.
And that makes me a better woman.
Reading devotionals can be a powerful exercise in renewing our minds in Christ. Writing them can too. Writing does wonders for my walk with God. It helps me recognize what God's doing or has done in my life. It helps me search and apply God's truths from scripture. And writing devotions helps me turn my thoughts heavenward.
So I got to thinking ... what if you wrote devotions too? And I and others could read them? Last spring I held a devotional carnival here on my blog (see here). It was so much fun, with about 40 participating, that I continued every month until the summer. And I’m starting up again now that the summer break is over.
Next Monday, 9/20 , I'll host another devotional blog link up party.  And you’re invited.
Vicky wrote me recently to ask if I would be bringing the devo carnival back.  She was happy when I said “yes” and thrilled when I said, “why don’t you pick the first month’s topic.”  She chose SIMPLE PLEASURES.  Great topic – I can’t wait to read what you write about it.
So if you're interested in participating, here's the simple how-to: Offer a key Bible verse that ties with what you are writing about. Keep it under 700 words total.  And post your devotion on your blog on Monday, September 20th. Then come here to link it with my post for that day. There'll be instructions on my blog that morning for how to do this with a simple Mr. Linky box. People will then be able to get to your devotional post from my blog.
Doesn't that sound like all kinds of spiritual fun?!
But wait, on Wednesday, 9/22, I'll select a winner from the participating writers to win a copy of my new book It’s No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know. I know you want to go start plotting your devotional post right now. But before you do, go tell a friend about Monday's carnival and get her to participate as well. The more who do, the more we'll learn about enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Thankful for those who pierce my heart with just a few devotional words.

8 comments:

  1. Rachel just wanted to let you know that I got your book today. Am so excited to read it!
    Kim

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  2. Your book has been shipped. I got confirmation today. Can't wait to read it.

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  3. I'm so excited yall's books are arriving. Can't wait to hear what your favorite chapter was when you're done.

    I pray you hear Jesus whispering tranforming Truth to your heart as you read!

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  4. Rachel,

    Thank you so much for speaking God's Word into my heart this morning as I read the Proverbs 31 Woman daily devotion email. I never cease to be in awestruck amazement when God speaks directly to where I am at that moment, just as He did through you today. The verses you shared (Matt. 5:5, Matt. 23:11-12, 1Peter 5:6-7, Zeph. 3:12-13) brought my anxious, uncalm heart and head into the reality that I have because of my Savior Jesus Christ. And they have helped me to again bring my focus to my Father God, and the knowledge that He loves me just where I am and just who I am...right here...right now. Hallelujah and Amen!

    Anna
    anna.pamprdchef@gmail.com

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  5. Love that you are doing the carnival again! It is amazing how much we learn by reading others devotionals as well as composing our own! Thanks Rachel!

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  6. I'm so excited! I didn't realize you had a devo carnival before. Bummer!
    This is so inspiring!
    I used to write devotion's and email them to my church family & friends.

    I'd love to start back up! Can't wait to join the club! :)

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  7. Thanks Rachel. I love reading all the devotions. God uses them to speak practical things into my everyday life.
    Vicky

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  8. Just yesterday a church my husband and I have been attending recently had "Old Fashioned Day." I was obsessed with finding an old fashioned dress and bonnet. I called relatives, scoured second-hand stores, and asked people to ask people if they had one. I finally gave up, and decided I'd just go to another church that day. But in reading God's word, I realized that I'm clothed in the garment of salvation, and wearing the robe of righteousness. What I put on the outside of my body doesn't really matter. So I put together an outfit out of my closet that would do, and went to church. It was a wonderful message on the old fashioned blood, and I'm so glad I didn't miss it just because I didn't have a bonnet.

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