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Encouragement, Excerpts

A Tail Wagging Greeting

Featuredby Leila Grandemange4 Comments on A Tail Wagging Greeting

A Heartwarming Devotional for Dog Lovers

Devotions for Dog Lovers. Excerpt from the book, "Pawz & Pray: Finding Joy in the Journey with God, Family and Furry Friends. 130 Uplifting Stories and Devotions for Dog Lovers!
Read this heartwarming excerpt from the book—Pawz & Pray: Finding Joy in the Journey with God, Family, and Furry Friends. 130 Uplifting Stories and Devotions for Dog Lovers!

Married, a mother of two children, I finally felt we were ready for a family pet. My husband conceded (well, I didn’t ask him. Oops!). And so, we brought home a cuddly Labrador retriever puppy! Goldy was our sunshine during rainy days, and the stable, strong force that made us all feel continually protected and loved. I stand in awe of all the wonderful things she taught me.

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Encouragement

A Prayer for God’s Steadfast Love and Mercy [Inspired by Lamentations 3]

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Heavenly Father,
As I go through my day, help me to remember that your steadfast love never ends, and that your mercies are new every morning. Hallelujah! Great is your faithfulness! Thank you for your steadfast love, which you so perfectly displayed at the cross. And thank you for offering me tender mercy instead of judgement. Because of you, I can wake up each morning free of guilt or shame, and walk in newness of life. I lean on your love and mercy today to see me through whatever comes my way. To you be the glory forever and ever!
Amen

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23
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Encouragement

How I Overcame Anxiety and Depression Through Praise and Worship

by Leila GrandemangeLeave a Comment on How I Overcame Anxiety and Depression Through Praise and Worship

Years ago, depression and anxiety tried to ruin my life.

But what the enemy meant for evil, God worked for good! I’ve written my story below, and also share it in this video set to the music “Praise You in This Storm”. I choreographed and danced it to tell of God’s goodness and love, and also as a testament to the power of praise and worship. Watch the video then read the story below to learn how God set me free! I pray it will be an encouragement to you, especially during this trying season with the global pandemic.
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.” Psalm 30:11

My Story: How I Overcame Anxiety and Depression Through Praise and Worship

When life hurts, when we’re anxious and depressed and the storm clouds are gathering, we typically don’t feel like praising God. Yet this is exactly the time we need to praise him most. Before I share my story, I’d like to give a definition of praise, and briefly highlight some of its powerful benefits.

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Encouragement

Our True Help [Thoughts from Psalm 121]

by Leila GrandemangeLeave a Comment on Our True Help [Thoughts from Psalm 121]
Trying times can provoke troublesome emotions—

Anxiety, fear, confusion, doubt, discouragement, try to enter our mind and steal our peace and joy.

So where do we turn for help and relief?

Many of us turn to the news, social media, or google search for help and answers. Sometimes we’re lucky and fall upon some really good advice. But more often than not we become inundated with information and can’t really know what’s accurate. And most of the information we read doesn’t address our deepest need, for inner strength and peace.

Thankfully, there is one true help always available and sure— GOD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

Take a moment and meditate on Psalm 121. May God’s Word strengthen your heart, comfort your soul, and fill you with indescribable peace.

Psalm 121 The Passion Translation

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