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By Paula Williamson guest writer It Is Time to Set Sail As soon as I awoke the words, today is the day came to mind. I saw in my spirit, a massive harbor filled with ships—beautiful ships of every kind—so many that it felt as though they were docked in anticipation of a fireworks display. I sensed the ships were God’s people, me included. My mind flooded with words and bursting concepts: flamboyant ideas, pregnant dreams, vision, conviction, and expectant purpose. The excitement was sharp and direct—an urgency I had felt just before I invited Jesus into my heart. I heard: “You are ready. You were made for such a time as this. I am the captain of your ship. I am the Master of the sea, and the winds obey Me. I am your divine supply. You may have two fish and five loaves, but you lack nothing. It is time. It is time. It is time.” “Some of you have been in the harbor so long, planning the journey, that you have dry rot—but not beyond redemption. Some of you have been swabbing the deck so long that you have forgotten the purpose for which you were made. Some of you have loaded your ship with unnecessary weight—these things must be thrown overboard. Some of you were told to go northwest to Nineveh, yet you are sailing south to Joppa. Some of you have been waiting for perfect weather. I am the Master of the sea and the wind. Some of you have become so preoccupied with what you need for the journey that preparation itself has become your career.”   “It is time to hoist the anchor. It is time to undo what secures the ship to the dock. It is time to launch out into the deep for the purpose for which I have called you. You were created to be fishers of men—to gather the lost.” The scene shifted, the sea was scattered with those tossed overboard as unnecessary or useless. I heard: They are treasures to Me. Some are adrift, treading water and waiting to be rescued. Some are barely hanging on, about to give up. Some are going under for the third time, on the verge of sinking. Their voices are crying out for help. “It is time for My people to hoist the anchor, set sail, and gather them. Yes, there will be storms and winds—but the storms and winds obey Me. I am the Captain of your ship. Your ship is loaded with divine supply. Raise the sails. Undo the ropes that bind you to the dock. Launch out into the deep.” You Lack Nothing “It is time to stop asking if these bones can live. Time to hope. Time to dream. Time to let go.Time to set sail.” “Stop wondering if you are ready. Stop wondering how. Stop ruminating over the trip.Stop swabbing the decks, loading supplies, and preparing endlessly for the journey.” “I am your supply. Launch out. Launch out. Launch out into the deep. You are fully equipped and fully prepared. You lack nothing. Faith the size of a mustard seed is all you require. I am your compass. I am your supply. I am your Captain.” Gather the Lost “You were made for such a time as this. Go and gather those lost at sea—those swept away by floods, those thrown overboard, those battered and hungry, those adrift without purpose." “Not one is worthless to Me. Throw them a line. Bring them on board.” “It is time.” Prayer Lord, forgive me for the times I have waited in the harbor when You were calling me into the deep. Help me release fear, excess weight, and false security. I choose to trust You as my Captain, my compass, and my supply. Give me courage to set sail and compassion to rescue those crying out in the sea. I believe You when You say—I lack nothing. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Devotional Takeaway Many of us are not stuck because we are unprepared—but because we are comfortable anchored to the dock. God is not asking for perfect conditions, full understanding, or endless preparation. He is asking for obedience, movement, and trust. The call is clear:  hoist the anchor, release the ropes, and set sail.  The Captain has already gone before us.

By Paula Williamson guest writer Every season is full of surprises. Spring — Fresh Beginnings Spring brings fresh garden squash, okra, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, green beans, asparagus, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, rosemary, cilantro, bell peppers, green onions, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, jalapeños—and the unmistakable smell of the grill after a long, cold winter. Mesquite-grilled steak and baked potatoes feel like celebration food. There is nothing quite as rewarding as food grown with your own hands. Spring reminds me that life begins again, quietly and faithfully. Summer — Abundance and Laughter Summer arrives bursting at the seams—watermelon, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, fried chicken and potato salad, hoagie sandwiches, chips and dips, barbequed ribs and baked beans, pea salad, fresh avocados and guacamole, taco salads, strawberry shortcake, berries of every kind, peach cobbler, fruit straight from the tree, homemade ice cream. If you don’t have a peach tree, you should. Freeze some for later—you’ll be glad you did. Summer teaches abundance. There is always more than enough when we gather together. Autumn — Comfort and Tradition Autumn ushers in frito pie, chili dogs, apple cider, casseroles, crockpot meals, chicken and dumplings, and waking up to monkey bread made with canned biscuits rolled in cinnamon sugar and drenched in butter. Then comes Thanksgiving—turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, homemade rolls, chocolate pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce. Fall reminds us that comfort is found in togetherness. Winter — Warmth and Home Winter brings soups and stews, taco soup, potato soup, shepherd’s pie, homemade chili, red beans and cornbread, pot roasts, casseroles that warm the house, fresh breads—sweet, sourdough—and Christmas baking. Ham, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes, collard greens, holly wreaths, gingerbread, divinity, fudge, toffee, and sugar cookies. Winter teaches us how to slow down, gather close, and stay warm—body and soul. The Table That Forms Us Every family needs food memories. I will never forget summers at my grandma’s house—milking cows, churning butter, the smell of fresh biscuits, afternoon snacks of frozen peaches eaten straight from a Ziploc bag with a spoon, shelling purple hull peas. During cold winter mornings my mom made breakfast rice with sugar, butter, and cinnamon, or butter roll passed down from my father’s Norwegian roots. In my childhood memories of summer I remember sitting on top of the ice cream churn while adults took turns cranking. I remember holiday meals with aunts, uncles, and endless cousins—food lining every inch of the kitchen. I remember awkward meals in new places with new friends, sharing a table for the first time. Something holy happens around a table that doesn’t happen anywhere else. It is where stories are told. Where laughter heals. Where strangers become family. Where anxiety melts and love is passed—one dish at a time. I hope you will make your own memories around the table. Prayer Lord, thank You for the tables You have set before me—past, present, and future. Thank You for the memories that have fed my soul as much as my body. Help me create spaces where others feel welcomed, known, and loved. May my table always reflect Your generosity, warmth, and invitation. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Devotional Takeaway The table is more than a place to eat—it is an invitation to connection, belonging, and grace. God often meets us not in grand moments, but in shared meals, simple food, and faithful presence. When we open our tables, we open our hearts—and God is always willing to sit with us.

By Paula Williamson guest writer Life is Your Boot Camp!   Anyone who has ever been in the military knows that in a battle, you'd better know your enemy. You study him, his moves, his coming and going, his patterns, and his strategies. No wise leader sends soldiers into battle blindly. A good coach does the same—studies the opponent, anticipates their moves, and prepares winning strategies. So why do so many Christians warn others not to pay any attention to the devil?   If I were the devil, my greatest weapon would be  deception —and Scripture confirms that is exactly his strategy.   “He continually deceives the whole world.”  — Revelation 12:9 “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.”  — John 10:10   Definition of deceive - deliberately cause (someone) to believe something that is not true, especially for personal gain.   This year has been full of trials, and frankly, I have felt pretty beaten up, but in my Bible reading today, I was sharpened, encouraged, and stirred up.   Luke 4 recounts a time of testing for our Lord Jesus. Luke 1 says the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness. That alone is a good reason to pause and take notice. The Holy Spirit can lead a person through a wilderness experience for our good.   The children of Israel were 150-200 miles away from the promised land, which should have taken a few days. It took them 40 years of whining, murmuring, and complaining. May it not be so for us!   The wilderness experience was not to destroy them, but to  train them , to reveal what was in their hearts (Deuteronomy 8:2). Wilderness seasons expose weakness, but they also  forge warriors.   Being led through a wilderness experience was not a new idea sprung on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an act of a loving God, training His people to be overcomers. Jesus set the bar for us!   Luke 4:2 After forty days without food, Jesus was hungry— the enemy’s moment of attack.  The devil targeted His weakness. But Jesus didn’t argue. He didn’t panic. He didn’t reason become defeated or complain.   He answered with one weapon:   “IT IS WRITTEN.”   Jesus was hungry. He hadn't eaten for 40 days. It was then that the enemy came, a weak point, a military strategy.   Luke 4:3 Then the devil said to Him, If You are the Son of God, order this stone to turn into a loaf [of bread]. I don't know about you, but if I were hungry and had the power to turn stones to bread, I'd be making myself a hot fudge sundae with pecans, whipped cream and a cherry on top!   Not Jesus–Again in Luke 4:4 He answers with one weapon!   IT IS WRITTEN! Now that's the winning strategy!   Luke 4:5-7 Then the devil took Him up to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the habitable world in a moment of time [in the twinkling of an eye]. 6  And he said to Him, To You I will give all this power and authority and their glory (all their magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, and grace), for it has been turned over to me, and I give it to whomever I will. 7  Therefore if You will do homage to and worship me [just once], it shall all be Yours.   Whoa! Did you catch that? Who has been given the kingdoms of the world? The earth has an invisible evil ruler whose purpose is to steal, kill, destroy, and deceive. Our job is to overcome. Do we do that with blinders on, pretending satan does not exist? That's not what Jesus did! He fought the fight with the word of God. Jesus had an arsenal!   Luke 4:9-11 Then he took Him to Jerusalem and set Him on a gable of the temple, and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down from here; 10  For it is written, He will give His angels charge over you to guard and watch over you closely and carefully; 11  And on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.   Whoa! Did you catch that? Satan quoted scripture. He's been studying his opponent. He catches Jesus at a vulnerable moment, hangry, and quotes scripture to support his temptation.   Luke 4:12 And Jesus replied to him, [The Scripture] says, You shall not tempt (try, test exceedingly) the Lord your God.   There it is again! IT IS WRITTEN! Scripture says!   Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended every [the complete cycle of] temptation, he [temporarily] left Him [that is, stood off from Him] until another more opportune  and favorable time.   Did you catch that? The war did not end there; that test was over, but the testing never ends. Not as long as satan is on the earth and we are alive. He will continually look for a more favorable time to trip us up, gut punch, trick, deceive, steal, kill, destroy, and lie. We were never promised a life without war.   This same day Oswald Chambers began his devotional with this quote:    “ Antagonism is the basis of all spiritual growth.  Opposition is not evidence of defeat—it is proof that what is inside you is alive and dangerous to the enemy.”   Jesus said: “Behold, I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy.”  — Luke 10:19   You are  not powerless. You are  not unarmed. But you  must be equipped.   When you are tired. When you are tempted. When you are discouraged. When you are hungry—physically or spiritually— what comes out of your mouth?   If the Word is not stored in your heart, it will not come out of your mouth. You hold the silver bullet! The enemy studies you. He knows your timing. He waits for “favorable moments.” You are the temple of the Holy Spirit—and because of that, you are a threat.   So  suit up, warrior. Put your armor on daily. Keep your weapons close. And when the attack comes—as it surely will—stand your ground and declare:   “IT IS WRITTEN.”   That is how Jesus overcame. That is how you will overcome.   Where in the world do we get the idea that every day is supposed to be the Mount of Transfiguration, sunshine, roses, and chocolate? Every day we have an enemy who never goes on vacation, never stops, the battle never ends. He is relentless but we are not powerless victims.   Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active  and  full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing  and  judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.   Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result),Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.   Do you have an arsenal of the world of God that you can pull out when you are hangry, weak, and tired? You must! Satan is counting on a favorable time to come and steal your testimony, hinder you, discourage you, trip you up, and defeat you. You can bet your bottom dollar that he has studied you and knows you. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and he hates you. You are on the opposing side. He is looking for a way to pick us off one by one.    Suit up, dear one! Put your armor on. Keep your battle plans in a convenient place. If the world is not stored in your heart, find an arsenal to pull out.   I have written one called Warrior Arise. It is a free resource on CoadWordBooks.com   It was written over ten years of my own struggle against the lies of the enemy, and I still pull it out today when I am under attack and say, "IT IS WRITTEN!"

By Paula Williamson guest writer L I F E I S Y O U R B O O T C A M P ! Know Your Enemy Anyone who has ever been in the military knows that in a battle, you’d better know your enemy. You study him—his moves, his patterns, his strategies. No wise leader sends soldiers into battle blind. A good coach does the same, preparing their team for what’s coming. So why do so many Christians warn others not to pay any attention to the devil? If I were the enemy, my greatest weapon would be deception—and Scripture confirms that is exactly his strategy. “He continually deceives the whole world.” — Revelation 12:9“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.” — John 10:10 Deception : deliberately causing someone to believe something that is not true, especially for personal gain. This year has been full of trials, and frankly, I’ve felt pretty beaten up. But in my Bible reading today, I was sharpened, encouraged, and stirred. The Wilderness Is Training Ground Luke 4 recounts a time of testing for our Lord Jesus. Luke 1 tells us the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness. That alone should make us pause. The Holy Spirit can lead a person through a wilderness experience—for our good. The children of Israel were only 150–200 miles from the Promised Land. It should have taken days. Instead, it took 40 years of murmuring and complaining. May it not be so for us. The wilderness was not meant to destroy them, but to reveal what was in their hearts (Deuteronomy 8:2). Wilderness seasons expose weakness, but they also forge warriors. This was not a new idea sprung on Jesus. Being led through the wilderness is an act of a loving God, training His people to become overcomers. Jesus set the bar for us. “IT IS WRITTEN” After forty days without food, Jesus was hungry— the enemy’s moment of attack . The devil targeted His weakness. But Jesus didn’t argue.He didn’t panic.He didn’t complain. He answered with  one weapon : “IT IS WRITTEN.” Luke 4:3 records the first temptation. And honestly, if I were hungry and had the power to turn stones into bread, I’d be making myself a hot fudge sundae with pecans, whipped cream, and a cherry on top! Not Jesus. Again, He answered: IT IS WRITTEN. That’s the winning strategy. The Enemy Studies His Opponent In Luke 4:5–7, the devil offers Jesus the kingdoms of the world. Did you catch that? Scripture tells us the earth has an invisible evil ruler whose purpose is to steal, kill, destroy, and deceive. Our job is to  overcome . Do we do that with blinders on, pretending satan does not exist? That’s not what Jesus did. He fought with the  Word of God . Jesus had an arsenal. Then the enemy did something startling—he  quoted Scripture . Yes. Satan studies his opponent. He waits for vulnerable moments. He twists truth. Jesus answered again: “IT IS WRITTEN.” The War Didn’t End There Luke 4:13 tells us the devil left Him— until a more favorable time . Did you catch that?The test ended, but the war did not. We were never promised a life without battle. Oswald Chambers wrote: “Antagonism is the basis of all spiritual growth. Opposition is not evidence of defeat—it is proof that what is inside you is alive and dangerous to the enemy.” Jesus said: “Behold, I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy.” — Luke 10:19 You are not powerless.You are not unarmed.But you  must be equipped . What Comes Out of Your Mouth? When you are tired…When you are tempted…When you are discouraged…When you are hungry—physically or spiritually… What comes out of your mouth? If the Word is not stored in your heart, it will not come out of your mouth. You hold the  silver bullet . The enemy studies you. He waits for favorable moments. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit—and because of that,  you are a threat . Suit up, warrior. Put your armor on daily.Keep your weapons close. And when the attack comes, stand your ground and declare: “IT IS WRITTEN.” That is how Jesus overcame.That is how you will overcome. Prayer Lord, train my hands for battle and my heart for obedience. Store Your Word deep within me so that when the enemy comes, truth—not fear—comes out of my mouth. Help me recognize the wilderness not as defeat, but as preparation. Teach me to stand firm, fully armored, confident in Your authority and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Devotional Takeaway The wilderness is not punishment—it is preparation. Every battle you face is an invitation to discover whether the Word of God is merely familiar to you or fully alive within you. When temptation comes, victory is not found in reasoning or strength, but in declaring truth. What you store in your heart today becomes your weapon tomorrow.

By Paula Williamson guest writer Are You a Cinderella Story? The other day I was driving to work, thinking about how much God loves us and the immense price He paid for us through His Son. As I did, I couldn’t help but think of how many of us are like Cinderella. We spend our lives sitting by the fireplace, cleaning up cinders and ashes, our garments covered in soot—never truly knowing who we are. Yet He has a crown and a robe for us, along with a glass slipper that fits us perfectly. We don’t have to do anything to make it fit. The Slipper Was Never Meant for Another Satan spends his time distracting us—getting us to look at others and covet what we don’t have—when their slipper was never intended for our foot. We search everywhere for our place in life except in Him. I couldn’t help but think of Him waiting on His white horse, holding the robe, the ring, the crown, and the slipper tailor-made just for us. We are the princess bride. We were never meant to live among ashes and cinders. The enemy has fed us lies, but it is time to rise from the ash heap and allow Him, in tenderness, to wash us clean. He Is Pursuing You His plans for us are for good and not for evil—to give us a future and a hope. Though our sins be as scarlet, He will wash them as white as wool. Imagine you see Him approaching–He is here—always here—stepping off His white horse and pursuing us. Is that  your  slipper in His hand—the one you lost, or maybe the one you always dreamed of having? Imagine Him walking toward you. You have nothing to fear. The slipper fits. It is yours. It always has been—along with the crown and the Prince of Peace. Will you take it?Will you accept the role of His chosen bride? Leaving the Ash Heap Have you become so comfortable in the ash heap that it feels like home? Have you chosen to drink from the chalice of the enemy and believed that is where you belong? Will you stand up and dare to step out—stained and filthy—to accept the proposal? The ring. The crown. The robe. The slipper. Will you accept that His heart is full of goodness and make Him your Master, your Lord, your Prince, your Beloved? The Prodigal Bride I see so many of us—some behind real prison bars, others trapped by invisible, self-inflicted ones. Many prayed that prayer long ago, yet never truly believed they were forgiven and worthy of the robe, the ring, or the crown. Along the road of disappointment, their slippers were lost. But He never moved. He is still here. He is still waiting. He has not lost the sparkle in His eye for you. “Come,” He says.Come into relationship with Me.Come into My chamber.Lay your head upon My chest and listen to the beat of My heart. Allow Me to wash the stains of this world from My beloved. Allow Me to touch your scars and wounds. Share with Me the secret places of your heart where no one else dares to go. Listen… for His whisper, precious bride. The Prodigal Bride  (Poem) In humble adoration, I come before Your throne, garments filthy, stained with sin, but Lord, I’m coming home. I walk into Your presence, bearing every scar, accepted by Your outstretched arms—I’ve wandered, Lord, so far. I’ve searched for You in vain things, fooled by an angel of light,I humbly bow before Your throne and come to make things right. You are so much more; I’m beginning to see, Free me from thoughts of never being worthy. You’re pouring out Your mercy and forgiveness—Lord, You are so kind. I don’t want to be left to myself; I have been so blind. I’m thirsty for truth, for living water promised here, I’m coming home with my wedding gown on; I won’t waste another year. Pull out the robe, the ring, the crown—I’m ready to take my place. I’m running, Lord, toward Your outstretched arms to Your amazing grace. —  pjw Revelation 22:17 “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” Devotional Takeaway You were never meant to live among ashes. Your identity is not found in what you have endured, lost, or believed about yourself—but in the One who pursues you with a crown, a robe, and a perfectly fitting slipper. He is calling you out of the ash heap and into relationship, restoration, and belonging. This blog was taken from my book, Listen for His Whisper , a free download

By Paula Williamson guest writer Are You Listening? Deuteronomy 28:1 “Now it shall be, if you diligently listen to and obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all of His commandments which I am commanding you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.”   One day I was sitting and wondering—as I often do— what keeps us from believing God speaks to us? Why do people look at you like you’re a kook if you say you believe God spoke to you? If we believe God is the God of the universe, the Creator of everything, that would make Him pretty smart. Wouldn’t we want to hear what He has to say to us? Do we think we are smarter than He is? Have we formulated our own truths? The Bible is very clear that He spoke—and continues to speak. Yet I have even been told by authority figures that God does not speak anymore, and if He did, why would I dare bother Him with my small problems. Here is my issue with those thoughts. John 10:16 “I have other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become one flock with one Shepherd.” James 1:5–6 “If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.” How do we reconcile the fact that God spoke to Adam and Eve in the garden? That He spoke to Noah and told him how to build the ark? That He spoke to Moses and told him what to say to Pharaoh? That He spoke to Abraham and told him where to go and what He was going to do? He spoke to people throughout Scripture—from beginning to end—in ways that would get their attention: words, burning bushes, dreams, visions, angelic visitations, and even in person. Why would we think He stopped? Where is that written? The older I get, the more I realize that more often than not, I must  unlearn  something I believed was truth before the truth can actually find a place of rest in me. If you don’t believe God still speaks, how do you reconcile these scriptures? Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Isaiah 30:20–21 “Although the Lord has given you bread of deprivation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher, will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will see your Teacher.Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Mark 13:11 “When they take you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” Revelation 3:22 “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” When I take my last breath, there is only one truth that will matter to me—and that is  His  truth. He spoke. He still speaks. He continues to speak to anyone who has ears to hear. Will we mess up and think we heard God when we didn’t? Absolutely. We are human. But I would rather do my best to listen, and ask forgiveness when I fail, than to never tune my ears to His voice at all. Prayer: Oh, Lord God, give us ears to hear. Remove every lie we have been taught as truth—or concocted in our own minds as truth. Unravel the deceptions of this world: the mocking voices, the scoffing, and the fear of being labeled a kook or a fanatic. Help us to be courageous and obedient—like Noah, who built a boat for a flood when there had never been rain; like Abraham and Sarah at one hundred, when You promised descendants beyond number; like Joseph, who dared to believe his dreams; like Moses standing before Pharaoh; like Mary, a young unwed virgin who said yes to Your impossible plan. Oh Lord, that we would dare to believe, to move, and to live by Your truth. In Your great mercy, give us hearing ears again—and faith to believe that You are still the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen. Devotional Takeaway God has not gone silent—He is still speaking. The question is not  if  He speaks, but whether we are willing to quiet the noise, lay aside fear, and listen with faith-filled hearts. Hearing Him requires humility, courage, and a willingness to unlearn what keeps us from trusting His voice. This blog was taken from my book, Listen for His Whisper , a free download

By Paula Williamson guest writer The Silver Lining One morning as I was driving to work, the sun was rising—and on this particular day, a huge gray cloud sat directly in front of it. Yet the sun’s rays spilled over the edges, giving the cloud a silver lining. As I drove, saying my prayers, I sensed the quiet whisper of the Lord stilling my heart about the things I was going through in my life—things that felt just as dark and heavy as that looming cloud before me. I began asking the Lord to show me the silver lining in my own dark cloud. I prayed quietly, Lord, it seems to be more than I can bear. I believe in Your promises, and I believe Your Word—but where is the silver lining here? I know You can teach me a valuable lesson, but I am so tired. I feel like giving up. I had fought many battles in my life, but this one felt like the darkest. I continued my hour-long commute, staring at that cloud as it almost completely covered the sun. As I approached a hill and reached the top, I was suddenly able to see what lay on the other side of the darkness. There was a beautiful rainbow. It felt like such a gift that tears flooded my eyes as I realized something profound: it had been there all along. I only needed to press on—to the top of the hill—to see it. 2 Corinthians 12:9 is one of my favorite verses: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” I knew my God was whispering hope and encouragement to me. It was as if He were saying, My darling, this rainbow is a promise to you. There is light on the other side of your dark cloud. My promises are faithful and true. Just press on. I am here for you—even though you do not see a way out. I am here for you—even though the darkness feels overwhelming. As I passed over the crest of the hill and began driving down the other side, the rainbow disappeared. Once again, before me was the dark cloud—still massive—but now edged with a silver lining. I knew God had given me another visual reminder: encouragement to press through the darkness, fully aware of its size. The thought of living through it felt overwhelming. I had no solutions. It was far too great for me to handle on my own. My only hope was in the promises of God. Isaiah 40:28–31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not faint. Prayer Lord, I come to You today praying Your Word from Ephesians 3:16–20.I ask that You grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in my inner being—so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. May I be rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend with all the saints the breadth, length, height, and depth of Your love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. Fill me to the fullness of God. Now to You—who are able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that I ask or think, according to the power that works within me—to You be the glory, now and forever. Amen. Devotional Takeaway Sometimes the silver lining is not revealed until we press forward—step by step—through the darkness. God does not always remove the cloud, but He faithfully places reminders of His presence along the way. The rainbow may disappear, but His promises remain, quietly calling us to keep walking. This blog was taken from my book, Listen for His Whisper , a free download

By Paula Williamson guest writer Shattered Dreams I don’t know where on earth I got some of my dreams and perceptions about life, and what it would be like, but I had them—and I believed they were simple and attainable. I dreamed I would marry a man who loved me, and the things I loved, and that we would be there for one another through thick and thin. We would have a little house with a white picket fence, just like the one I drew in grade school, and all the children would have smiling faces. I dreamed of my husband arriving home each day with candy and roses, grabbing me in his arms, wanting to hear every detail of my day. That was dead dream number one. I dreamed my children would always be happy and love me because I was such a wonderful mother. Of course, they would never be in trouble, drink, do drugs, or do anything wrong. They would go to college, marry the mates of their dreams—who had been carefully trained by yet another perfect mother—and go off to homes with white picket fences of their own. They would have wonderful lives and perfect children. That was dead dream number two. I assumed the house with the white picket fence—and all that came with it: furniture, appliances, carpeting, windows, plumbing, air-conditioning, lawn mower, and car—would never break because we took such good care of them. Surely, they would last forever or at least come with a lifetime guarantee. Dead dream number three. I dreamed we would all go to a perfect little church where everyone loved each other, spoke kindly, and stayed there forever serving the Lord. Dead dream number four. I dreamed of the perfect job that provided the perfect living, ended before dinner, and sent us home fresh as a daisy after a good day’s work—ready to spend the rest of the day in bliss with the ones we loved. Dead dream number five. I dreamed my soul mate and I would never fight, and neither would our children, because our home was so filled with love. Dead dream number six. I also must have dreamed I could fix all our favorite foods, eat all the desserts and candy my parents never allowed, enjoy the box of chocolates my darling brought home—and never gain any weight. That would be dead dream number… I’m losing count. Now, I have had many other dreams, and most are in the cemetery with their number on them. But where in the world did, I get these ideas? I know I didn’t consciously dream them up, but I felt the reality of a broken dream crashing down in my heart when things didn’t measure up to what I thought they would be. Each failed dream was a terrible realization and a major hurdle for me to get over. I don’t think I had even been married one week when my first dream crashed. We had just moved into the garage apartment in my in-laws’ backyard when my mother-in-law began to call my new husband home for dinner out her kitchen window. It wasn’t long before the eyes that had once held mine captive began to stare at the television instead, and when the children came along, I had no clue there would be times we would not have the money for diapers or milk. As the children grew, I never imagined they would be jealous of one another or want eighty-dollar shoes. I never dreamed they would think I was unreasonable or old-fashioned. Maybe I watched too many episodes of  Leave It to Beaver , or one too many fairy tales. Perhaps you’ve dreamed your own dreams that have come crashing down. It really doesn’t matter where they came from or how they became broken and shattered. What does matter is the good news—and that is this: God heals broken hearts and broken dreams if we allow Him and helps us to let them go. Scripture: Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Prayer: Lord, how thankful I am that You are in the business of healing broken heart and broken dreams.. I ask You to heal and restore the broken things in my life and in my heart. I willingly release the dreams I have held so tightly—especially those that were never within Your will or purpose for me. Though I do not understand how many things turned out, I bring them to You—for burial or for resurrection if it is your will—and I trust You to do as You see fit. May our hearts rest in peace in Your faithful hands. Amen. Devotional Takeaway: Some dreams must be buried before better ones can be born. When we release our shattered dreams into His hands, we make room for His promises—stronger, truer, and eternal.

By Paula Williamson guest writer Somewhere Under the Rainbow Sometimes, I’m a little slow at understanding things. I need to  see  them to truly grasp them. Those who know me well have learned this about me—more than once they’ve said, “Here, let me draw you a picture.” We all learn differently, and I’m so grateful we’re not all the same. If we were, the world would lose so much of its wonder. Just look at springtime flowers. Each one is bursting with detail and beauty, crafted by God’s hand—yet only some of us slow down enough to notice. His love is extravagant like that. A Stormy Drive Home One afternoon, I was driving home from work under a dreary, overcast sky. A light drizzle began to fall, and the closer I got to home, the heavier the rain became. As I crested a hill, something unexpected happened. The rain stopped instantly. The sun broke through the clouds as if I had crossed into another dimension—and there it was. A stunning rainbow stretched across the sky. As I drove, my thoughts went straight to Noah and the ark. God placed the rainbow in the sky as a promise—never again would He destroy the earth with water. For months, I had been recording God’s promises from the book of Psalms, and suddenly they all came rushing back to me. Sometimes I’m completely oblivious to what God is teaching me. Other times, I know without a doubt that He’s trying to show me something. That day, standing between the dreary sky and the brilliant colors, I knew He was painting me a picture. Right Under the Promise As I neared the turnoff to my road, it looked as though I was driving straight  under  the rainbow. I’m thankful no one was nearby—I was practically plastered against the windshield, looking up, then left, then right, whispering to myself like a child: I think I’m going right under the rainbow… I can’t believe this… I’m right under the rainbow! My road required a sharp 180-degree turn, and when I looked again, the rainbow was gone. I stopped and wondered,  Where did it go? Then I saw it—reflected clearly in my rearview mirror. Out loud, I declared, “I AM UNDER THE RAINBOW!” God’s Gentle Whisper The moment the words left my mouth, I sensed God’s gentle whisper in my heart: Paula, I’ve been trying to teach you this all along. You are under My promises. They cover you. They protect you. They belong to you. They are yours. I sat there in tears, soaking in the truth of it. Every promise God has made is for His children. If you belong to Him, those promises cover your life too. What a precious picture God gave me that day—one I could finally understand. Known, Loved, and Wonderfully Made Psalm 139 reminds us just how deeply God knows us: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me…Even before there is a word on my tongue,Behold, O Lord, You know it all.” Isn’t that astounding? The God who created the universe knows us—intimately. Verse 13 says He formed our inward parts and wove us together in our mother’s womb. Verse 16 tells us His eyes saw our unformed substance. The original language even implies His hands were involved. We are not accidents.We are not overlooked.We are lovingly created with purpose and intention. Worth More Than We Know Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6 not to be anxious about our lives—what we will eat, drink, or wear. If God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies with splendor greater than Solomon’s, how much more does He care for us? When I think of His love, it overwhelms me. He knows exactly what each of us needs—even the way we learn and understand. He meets us there. Nothing Can Separate Us Paul writes in Romans: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”Neither death nor life… nor height nor depth…shall be able to separate us from the love of Godwhich is in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are always—always—under His promise. A Prayer: Father God,Your people perish for lack of knowledge. Forgive us for neglecting Your Word, so rich with truth and life. Stir our hearts to seek You and Your promises. Open blind eyes and deaf ears. Pour out Your Spirit upon this earth, that we might taste and see how good You are. Help us see You for who You truly are. Amen.   Devotional Takeaway:  When circumstances feel gray and heavy, remember: the rainbow doesn’t erase the storm—it  stands over it . God’s promises do not deny hardship; they declare His faithfulness in the middle of it. This blog was taken from my book, Listen for His Whisper , a free download.

By Paula Williamson Guest writer If Roses Could Talk Some people think I have an overactive imagination and that’s where all my stories come from.I don’t agree. More than anything in this world, I long to hear His whisper, to sense His nudge, to follow His lead, and to have  God-stories  to tell that bring glory to Him. That’s where my imagination truly comes alive—in the space where His voice touches ordinary moments and turns them into treasures. I have spent more than forty years teaching preschoolers, but truthfully,  they  were often the ones teaching me. They are never bored with life. Everything is wonder. Everything is new. They take things literally, trust without hesitation, and find delight in the smallest surprises. Their eyes sparkle with curiosity and innocence. Somewhere along life’s long road, we lose that childlike wonder. I believe it is one of our greatest losses. long to have that kind of relationship with my Father in Heaven—to walk through His world wide-eyed, seeing every detail He crafted with love. Often, in those childlike moments, poems and lessons come to me unexpectedly. When they do, I write them down, and today was one of those days. A Garden Center Whisper I drove to the garden center to buy roses—beautiful, fragrant, blooming roses. Now, I don’t know much about roses, so I just picked the ones with the biggest blossoms and the sweetest scents. As I pushed them along in my cart, seasoned gardeners stopped to admire them and offer their hard-earned wisdom. “Cut off the blooms so the roots can establish.”“Give them full sun.”“They don’t like wet feet.”“Don’t get their leaves wet.”“Pruning is essential, dear.” By the time I arrived home with my beauties, my mind was spinning. Cut off the blooms? These gorgeous, perfect blooms? The very thing that drew me to them? I followed the instructions, dug the holes, and gently placed each rosebush in the soil. The sun was warm, the birds sang, and the day felt just right. Then… that familiar stirring. That holy hush. The sense that God was whispering to me. I paused mid-dig. I wonder what roses would say if they could talk? Instantly, I remembered how each rose in the garden center seemed to call out, “Pick me!” Their beauty was irresistible. And then the elderly woman’s soft warning returned to my mind: “They’ll need a strong root system to make it through the winter.” Roots. Strength. Survival. Suddenly I knew: This wasn’t just about roses. Pruning Hurts, But It Heals I held the pruning shears in my hand and looked at the roses—full, vibrant, radiant. Yet, I knew what had to happen. I had to cut off the very blooms I loved. It felt cruel. As if the whole garden sensed it, a hush settled in the air. I imagined the little roses with wide eyes watching me approach. “Why would you do this?”“Why cut off something so beautiful?”“Why take away what makes me shine?” Their blooms fell to the ground one by one. And right then, the Holy Spirit brought a scripture to my heart: John 15:1–2 “I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser…Every branch that continues to bear fruit, He repeatedly prunes,so that it will bear more fruit—richer, finer fruit.” Oh, I knew He was speaking. I could almost hear the cries of the roses—confused, hurting, unaware that cutting back now would mean flourishing later. I wondered: Do we do that with God? Do we assume He’s cruel when He removes something precious? Do we accuse Him when things don’t go our way? Do we forget that pruning isn’t punishment—it’s preparation? It cost me something to cut away those blooms.Love does that. A gardener’s heart does that. God’s heart does that. We are much like those rosebushes—proud of our little blossoms, confident in ourselves, strutting our stuff. Then along come the shears. Not because He’s angry. Not because He’s harsh. But because He sees what we cannot: next season.next spring.the greater fruit. It isn’t sunny days and easy paths that build deep spiritual roots. It’s trials. It’s testing.It ’s trusting the Vinedresser. When the Shears Come James 1:2–3  says: “Consider it nothing but joy… when you fall into various trials,knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance—leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace.” Oh, how hard that is to live out.But how necessary. Help us believe You when You say: “More fruit is coming.” Closing Prayer: Lord, when Your pruning shears come—when trials cut deep, when circumstances strip away what we thought we needed, when life feels barren for a season—help us not to grumble or grow bitter. Help us not to judge You as unkind. Help us trust that Your hands are gentle, Your timing is perfect, and Your pruning is always for our good.   Devotional Takeaway: If roses could talk…they might just thank the gardener later. Gratitude changes us from the inside out. _____________________________________________________________________________ This blog was taken from my book, Listen for His Whisper , a free download.

By Paula Williamson guest writer Ready to Fly For as long as I can remember, as I slept snuggled into my bedtime covers, dreams rolled through the night of me flying. Not in an airplane, not in a balloon or a helicopter—just  me,  soaring through the sky. The earliest ones came when I was about six years old. In those dreams I would run with my arms stretched wide, hoping the wind would lift me up like a kite. It never did. Other dreams had me jumping and flapping my arms with all the strength I could muster—still no flight. And yet, in my dreams, I kept trying. They were dreams I looked forward to as I slept and dreams that encouraged me to know, there is more in my waking hours. Deep within was always this burning desire in me to be set free to fly. When I was around twelve, something changed. In the dream, I ran down the sidewalk near my home, flapping like always, and suddenly—my feet lifted off the ground. Only a little, but enough to send a thrill through me. In the dream, I tried to get everyone’s attention, but no one seemed to notice. The dreams continued for years. And each time, I flew a little higher. By the time I was a teenager, I was flying like the old T.V. series The Flying Nun—soaring over neighborhoods, waving at people far below. Waking up was always disappointing. Flying felt so real in my dreams, so wonderful, so free. As the years passed, the dreams changed again. I no longer needed to run or flap. I could simply stand still, wiggle a finger, and lift straight into the sky. No effort. No striving. Just rising—carried by a strength that was not my own. Those dreams made my soul feel weightless, powerful, limitless. I even flew under water breathing as easily as if I were in the air. I didn’t think much about them at the time. But God did. When Life Knocks the Wind Out of You The truth is, most of my adult life has felt nothing like flying. It has felt like falling, breaking, surviving, and sometimes barely breathing. I have walked through seasons I never wanted to experience—more than twenty family members gone, painful divorces in my family including my own after thirty-three years, trauma, addictions, abuse, mental illness, cancer and chemo, shattered relationships, heroes losing health and heartbreak that took my breath away and battles I never saw coming.I have carried burdens far too heavy for human shoulders. Flying was the last word I’d use to describe my life. Until one morning…when God used a voice on the radio to meet me in the deepest part of my soul. Walk to the Edge Making my 45 minute commute to work I listened to the radio. I was listening to Priscilla Evans when she said something that felt like God stepped right into my car and sat beside me: “Many of you are coming to the edge of a cliff in your life, and God is saying: walk up to the edge.” Her words pierced my heart. I knew God was talking to me. But everything inside me screamed back: God, I’ve seen enough pain.I don’t want to go to any new edges.Not today. Not tomorrow.Not EVER—DOUBLE DOG NEVER! Yet in my spirit, I could hear Him: “Paula… walk to the edge.” I didn’t want to see what was there. I didn’t want to look down. I didn’t want another battle. I didn’t want to fall. But something in me—something deeper than fear—knew I had to obey. Priscilla’s voice broke through again: “Now do you know what God is going to do once you get there?He’s going to PUSH YOU OFF.And do you know what you’re going to do?You’re going to FLY.” She went on: “You’re going to fall until the powerful wind of the Holy Spirit catches your wings…and you’re going to soar as you have NEVER soared before.” At that exact moment, God brought every childhood dream of flying back to my mind. Dreams I hadn’t thought about in years suddenly made sense. Flying Was Never Meant to Be Your Effort As a young Christian, Galatians 5 was a checklist—love, joy, peace, patience…Okay, I failed this one today. I’ll try harder tomorrow. I flapped my arms, spiritually speaking. I ran faster. Tried harder. Strained more. But true flying—true living by the Spirit—was never about my effort. Hard years taught me that I am powerless to save myself, powerless to fix everything, powerless to keep life from shattering around me. I tried every resource, every self-help book, every great author and teacher, and every idea. I came to the edge of despair… and still couldn’t fly. Then I completed Beth Moore’s  Living Beyond Yourself. I thought it would teach me practical things to  do. Instead it taught me who God  is. It wasn’t about me flapping harder. It wasn’t about me generating my own lift. It wasn’t about me being strong enough to soar. It was about surrender. About stepping off the cliff with no ability to fly at all…and trusting the Holy Spirit to carry me. The Place We Learn to Fly Oh, dear one—are you tired today? Worn?Frustrated? Trying as hard as you can and still falling short? Maybe you, too, are standing at the edge of a cliff in your life. Maybe God is whispering the same thing to you: Walk to the edge.Let go.Fall into My arms.Trust Me to carry you. The safest place you will ever fall is into the everlasting arms of God. What an incredible place to land. What an incredible place to rest. What an incredible place to learn…to fly. Psalm 91:4 (KJV)He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust… Isaiah 40:30–31 (KJV)…they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings as eagles… Closing Prayer: Lord of Heaven and Earth,You are my refuge. You are the wind beneath my wings. Teach me to trust You so deeply that I stop striving in my own strengthand rest in Yours. Bring me to that Sabbath rest where I cease from my own efforts and let You be enough. Carry me. Lift me. Help me fly. In Jesus’ name, amen. Devotional Takeaway: God holds the prescription glasses that help you see heaven’s perspective. ____________________________________________________________________________   This blog was taken from my book, Listen for His Whisper , a free download.

By Paula Williamson guest writer New Eyes There was a season in my life when disillusionment settled over me like a heavy fog. Family struggles, friendships shifting, tension in my church, challenges at work—it all piled up until I wanted nothing more than to hide from the world. So , I did. I left my ten-year career as a Mary Kay beauty consultant and started cleaning houses. Day after day, I went from room to room searching for dirt, dust, and cobwebs—never realizing how symbolic it all was. It was during those quiet hours that I discovered a powerful but painful truth: what you focus on, you will find everywhere. A Heart Full of Dust My life had been marked by so much disappointment and humbling that journaling became my only outlet. But in that season, my journal wasn’t filled with hope or prayers—it was filled with complaints. One day, overwhelmed by frustration, I sat down and wrote out everything that had hurt, disappointed, or disillusioned me. Four full pages of it. I poured out every irritation, every wound, every ugly feeling that had taken up residence inside of me. When I finished, I expected relief. Instead, I still felt just as heavy. I folded up those pages and placed them in my God Box, hoping peace would come later. But it didn’t. I walked away with the same nagging oppression in my chest. Then came the gentle whisper: “Go back. Write down everything you’re thankful for instead.” The Shift So, I turned around.I sat back down. And I began listing blessings. One by one. Line by line. Gift after gift. Six pages later, the tears began to flow. I saw how ungrateful I had become. How negative. How critical. How judgmental. God wasn’t shaming me—He was softening me. My heart began to see with  new eyes  what I had completely taken for granted. When Did I Lose My Wonder? Why is it we can be endlessly patient with other people’s children—yet lose patience with our own? Why can we admire someone else’s home, job, or family—yet be so critical about our own? Why is it so easy to focus on what we don’t have, don’t like, or don’t want…and miss the blessings sitting right in front of us? Cleaning houses taught me more than how to scrub a floor. I realized I had been spending my days looking for dirt—so it naturally sifted into every part of my life. I majored in what was wrong. In doing so, I surrendered the gift of gratitude—the very thing that keeps our hearts soft, alive, and able to see good. Focusing on the negative didn’t just drain me emotionally…it drained me spiritually. It stole my joy, my energy, my hope, and even the sparkle from my eyes. How had I allowed that to happen? Still Blessed I am alive. The sun is shining. Birds are singing. There is beauty all around me. I can walk. I can talk. I can think. I can choose. I have a home, a car, a job, a family, friends, health, freedom, and breath in my lungs. How had I lost sight of all this? I had been staring at what I lost instead of what I still had, focusing on what was broken instead of what was beautiful? Noticing people’s faults instead of their strengths? Before You Throw a Stone… When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus, He simply said: “Let him who has no sin cast the first stone.” One by one, every accuser walked away with their heads lowered. I came into this world with nothing.I will leave the same way. I have heard that, “Every day in between is a gift.That’s why it’s called  The Present.” I can spend my day angry, bitter, ungrateful, and blind…or I can live as a child of wonder and awe—a grateful daughter of the King. Time is far too precious to waste on brooding, regretting, or clinging to offenses. It moves faster than sand slipping through an hourglass—and unlike an hourglass, life can’t be turned over for another chance. I don’t want to waste a single moment. What about you? The Corners No One Sees I once read that Michelangelo spent meticulous hours painting the corners of the Sistine Chapel on the tops of the upper columns no one would ever see. When asked why, he simply said: “God will see.” That’s how I want to live—paying attention to the hidden places, the corners of my heart and to others that no one else may notice. Closing Prayer: Father, Give me eyes that see the good in things when good is not obvious. When I see the storms of life like Peter noticing the waves surrounding him, shift my gaze toward the all-knowing, ever present invincible God who sees and cares and is always at work. Help me grab his hand with my faith and give thanks in all things.   Devotional Takeaway: Gratitude changes your perspective and your heart. _____________________________________________________________________________     This blog was taken from my book, Listen for His Whisper , a free download.