New Mercies for Toxic Times

Just as toxins in our bodies threaten stability and wellness, toxic relationships are equally if not more dangerous. These are really unprecedented (yes, I know the word is used so much these days) times and we have to protect ourselves from toxins.....so many right? Have you ever found yourself in a toxic relationship? In this case, my definition of a toxic relationship is when one of the people involved has failed to or is unable to contribute to the growth and development of the other; possibly because either or both have become stagnant and can no longer do so...or are unwilling to do so. Not all toxic relationships have to end as long as individuals are willing to change and stop any harmful or destructive behaviors. (If you are in harm’s way, please don’t stay.) I’m so glad that God’s mercies are new every morning. I've had some toxic relationships, and I was led to write a book to help others. If you want to learn more about how God brought me through my own seasons, you can order my first book available now online: When I Was 40. I can't wait to get my hands on the first shipment in a few weeks. I am planning a virtual book signing event, so stay tuned for the details! I want you to join me! For now, please 'like' and share this and let’s spread the word! Thank you for your prayers and support!

In-Dependence Day

The 4th of July is big! All week long we’ve been seeing reminders that it’s Independence Day and it’s time to celebrate our freedom!  I’m so grateful for having this opportunity, but guess what?  True freedom comes from Jesus Christ.  If you need help breaking free from some issues, let me tell you a little bit about Celebrate Recovery.  CR, as it is known all over the world, is a Christ-centered recovery program now in over 35,000 churches across the globe.  People hear the word “recovery” and think it’s just for individuals who have problems with drugs and alcohol.  It’s more than that.  It’s a 12-Step program that also uses 8 principles taken from the Bible.  Our Higher Power is Jesus Christ.  When He walked on the  earth, He healed people with an innumerable amount of diseases and afflictions.  He gave His disciples power to heal all manner of sickness and diseases.  Well, Jesus is still alive, and He is still able to heal and deliver today.  Celebrate Recovery helps us to walk in freedom from all kinds of stuff....anger, childhood hurts, codependency, sexual sins, shame...you name it, somebody has broken free because of the power of Jesus!  For more information visit www.celebraterecovery.com to see what we do and to find a CR near you.  It’s great we’ve been able to celebrate Independence Day here in the United States.  What’s more important is being able to celebrate your freedom in Christ!

Our Fathers Day

#father #

Every Third Sunday in June we let our Dads know how much we love them. Father's Day is a day of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. I acknowledge that it may not be a joyous occasion for everyone. I am blessed to still have my father, Joseph Stevens, Sr. and let me say Happy Father’s Day! I love you and I thank God for you! If your Dad is no longer here or not in relationship with him, my thoughts and prayers are with you. As I reflect on Father’s Day, I remember the little boy who hit a home run early last month during baseball practice. The proud papa cheered louder than anyone else as the little boy rounded the bases.  “Yeah, let’s go!” At the end, Dad said “You did it,

” as he picked up his son.  I know the little boy felt the love and joy of making his Dad so happy. I love to make my Dad and Mom proud.  Just imagine what we could accomplish for the Kingdom if we put in the extra practice time, study time, and obeyed God — not so we could earn His love — but to spend more time with Him and just to make Him happy! Father God delights in us. One day I want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  You made it — I knew you could do it!” Happy Father's Day!