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Amelia McNeilly

Pink Patriot - My desire is to share with you the journey God has me on. Whether in joy hardship, I hope that my blog offers a place of respite, and bring joy to your heart!

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Articles, Books, Devotionals, Holidays, Let it Be Christmas

Christmas Makeover Book Review

About the book –

Give your Christmas a makeover with this practical approach to help your family learn what it means to truly celebrate their Savior.
In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it’s important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ’s birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.
Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.
In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God’s grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts – 

This book is an explanation and a perfect example of what the Christmas season should be about which is Christ. It is a wonderful book that shares how the family can draw closer to the Savior and how to fix your mind and traditions around Christ. This is perfect for a family wanting to read something encouraging during the Christmas season.

I was given this book from Litfuse.

About the Author –

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the “First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree,” “Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness,” and “Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible” studies and “Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home” book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.
Find out more about Melissa at https://melissaspoelstra.com.

 

Leave a Comment November 17, 2017

Articles, Daily Inspirations, Hope a Little More Daily Quotes

Hope a Little More – November 17, 2017

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” ~Proverbs 23:18

 

Leave a Comment November 17, 2017

Articles, Daily Inspirations, Hope a Little More Daily Quotes

Hope a Little More – November 16, 2017

“Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful.” ~Colossians 4:2

 

Leave a Comment November 16, 2017

Articles, Holidays, Hope a Little More Series

Hope a Little More Series – Recipes to be Thankful For

A Favorite Christmas Recipe – Gluten-Free Spritz – From Heather Cofer

For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite holiday activities has been baking Christmas cookies. Even when I had to stop eating gluten almost 10 years ago, I delighted in the experience of crafting beautiful, delicious treats (even if just to watch others enjoy them). But I was so thrilled when I started being successful with some Christmas cookie favorites that I could also enjoy!
So, all that being said, here is one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes adapted to be gluten- free friendly! Enjoy!
Gluten-Free Classic Spritz Cookies (Adapted from the Pampered Chef Classic Spritz Cookies recipe)
You will need a cookie press
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups Pamela’s all purpose gluten-free flour mix (this is my favorite flour, because it can be used in the same ratio as regular flour, and you don’t need to add xanthan gum)
Colored sugar or sprinkles (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 375F. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed of the electric mixer about 3 minutes or until creamy, scraping down sides as necessary. Add the egg and vanilla; beat well. Add the flour, mix on low speed just until blended (the dough will be soft, do not refrigerate).
2. Fit the cookie press with the desired disk and fill it with the dough. Press the dough onto a cookie sheet about 1inch apart. Decorate the cookies with sprinkles or colored sugar if desired. Bake 10-12 minutes, then remove from cookie sheet and place on a cooling rack.
Makes app. 6-7 dozen

About Heather:

Heather Cofer is a wife and mother with a passion for encouraging others to love Jesus with all their hearts. This comes through writing, leading worship, and being actively involved in life-on-life discipleship alongside her husband, Judah, who is one of the pastors at their church. She is also a regular contributor for the ministry of Set Apart Girl, and is in the process of starting up her own blog in the near future (visit her landing page here)

Heather loves spending her days with their three young children, enjoying quality time with Judah, and having sweet conversations over cups coffee with friends.

Heather is a Colorado native, but spent most of her childhood in the country of Mongolia, which is where she and Judah met after his family also moved there several years later. After getting married in 2011, they moved to Windsor, Colorado, and have been there ever since.

Leave a Comment November 15, 2017

Articles, Daily Inspirations, Hope a Little More Daily Quotes

How a Little More – November 15, 2017

“Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in Hos dwelling place. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you. If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” ~1 Chronicles 16:27

Leave a Comment November 15, 2017

Articles, Daily Inspirations, Hope a Little More Daily Quotes

Hope a Little More – November 14, 2017

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” ~Psalm 118:24

Leave a Comment November 14, 2017

Articles, Hope a Little More Series

Hope a Little More Series – Erin Austin

Below is a post from one of my dear friends from my college days at CIU. I know her words will encourage and inspire you as they have me.

Dying to Live
By Erin Elizabeth Austin

I’ve become fairly adept at dying. After living with three different chronic illnesses for the past fifteen years, I’ve nearly died on five separate occasions. You could say it’s become a way of life.
Now I don’t want to give the impression that I’ve always handled being handed a death sentence by a doctor in a graceful manner, because I haven’t. The first time it happened I was only twenty-one years old and I responded with as much fear and anxiety as could be expected. The second time the fear only slightly lessened, but by the third incident, I was livid. I was ready to quit fighting to live. Even worse, I was ready to quit on God. It was wrong of God to allow me to suffer so much, so why should I pretend like I was okay worshipping a cruel, aloof dictator? I actually went to throw my Bible, a once-prized possession, in the trash. Yet I couldn’t quite bring myself to do it, so I gave God an ultimatum. I told Him I no longer thought He was a kind, loving God, and I was going to give Him one chance to convince me otherwise. I then proceeded to spend the next year pouring myself into studying God’s Word. Due to being on multiple immunosuppressants, I was literally confined to my house aside from regular doctor and hospital visits. As painful as that year was, it was a transforming, life-defining year.
I learned that my understanding of God and the Bible was wrong. My definition of good means no pain, but that’s not feasible. Somewhere along the way, we got the idea that having a relationship with Jesus meant we didn’t have to suffer. Yet because we live in a broken world, we aren’t exempt. The only way for us to no longer endure brokenness is to no longer live on this earth, meaning we’re dead and in Heaven. So, where’s the hope?
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is found in Daniel 3 when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were thrown into a fiery furnace for not denouncing their faith. The reason I love this passage is twofold. First and foremost, we see in verses 24-25 they weren’t alone in their suffering. Jesus joined them in the fire. Therein lies the great promise to those who have a relationship with Christ and the reason why we can have a joy-filled, thankful heart. Yes, we will endure suffering and hardship in this life just like everyone else, but we don’t walk through our trials alone. We have been promised that God will never leave us or forsake us (Deut. 31:6). Because of Jesus willingly choosing to die on the cross so that we might have a relationship with Him, we are offered comfort only God can give to His children who are going through hard times. He may not take away the suffering, but He does ease the burden. Even better, God will use our trials and turn them into something good. One of my favorite verses in all of the Bible is found in Daniel 3:27 when it says, “The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king’s high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.”
Have you ever been around a campfire? As fun as they are, the smell is awful once you step away from the fire. The smell of smoke permeates everything on your body. That’s what normally happens when a person endures a personal trial. It negatively impacts him or her. Yet when we have a relationship with God, if we keep our focus on Him and have a spirit of gratitude, it doesn’t matter how severe the trial or how big the fire. We will come through and we won’t smell like smoke.
Talk about a testimony! Have you ever been around someone who radiates joy despite all they’ve had to endure? Compared to someone who is negative and bitter, the difference is astounding. People are drawn to those who have hope and joy even though their lives are challenging, and because God made it possible for us to have a relationship with Him, we get to be those people who point others to God no matter what. I want that more than anything else! Yes, I have three chronic illnesses, but it doesn’t have to destroy me because my God is bigger than any fiery furnace this life throws at me.
Since I’ve learned this truth, I’ve endured two other times where I should have died. The most recent happened last month. I contracted meningitis from the vaccine. Even though I wasn’t contagious, I could have and should have died. I knew I was experiencing pain, but I kept reminding myself of Nehemiah 8:10 which says, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” When my doctor finally figured out what was wrong, she asked me how I was not only surviving, but actually living and going to work. My answer? “Thanking God each day and praying Scripture.”
God is walking with us through the fire. Do you see Him? Are you looking? More importantly, do you smell like smoke?

About Erin:
Erin Elizabeth Austin a writer, speaker, and the founder of Broken but Priceless Ministries, a non-profit organization which helps caregivers and people suffering with a chronic illness. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with family, friends, and play superheroes with her nephews. Her goal for each day is to have an adventure, laugh, love, and eat chocolate.

Links:
www.brokenbutpriceless.com
https://www.facebook.com/BrokenButPricelessMinistries/

Leave a Comment November 13, 2017

Articles, Hope a Little More Series

Hope a Little More Series – Becky Bernier

 

“In everything give thanks.”

Over the years I have heard this statement either in song or from scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I love this statement because it doesn’t imply that I should give thanks only on the days where everything is going my way and all is right in my world. It states that I should give thanks in all situations I go through. I honestly believed that I knew how to do this without hesitation. In every situation, give thanks to the Lord and be thankful for everything. Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart. It is an attitude of thanking God for everything I face daily. Even if I don’t know the reasons for what I am going through.
It seems as though what I have easily done in the past, be thankful in everything, has been hard lately. I’m in a hard season of my life and yet there are many beautiful parts to it as well. Recently, I have been going through some hurtful things. My heart has been hurt intentionally and well, possibly unintentionally and it has been very hard to give thanks for much during this season of heartache. But I do, some days through gritted teeth and other days through tears of the pain, I give thanks. I am learning that I don’t need to just survive what I am going through, I need and desire to thrive. I want to learn and grow through these times that can overwhelm my heart and mind. Cultivating a heart of thankfulness does not come easy. There is no four-step process on how to be thankful in everything. I wish there was!
For me, I learned a long time ago that when I go through the hard times (the ones that only few people in my world know about) it is good practice to intentionally encourage others. I choose to write. I write cards of encouragement to family and friends that I know who may or may not be struggling like I am. I want others to know they are being thought of and prayed for.
I found this act to be one that I can use to cultivate a thankful heart amidst the heartache. I pray for the person I am writing the card to. This helps take the focus off of me and my own struggles. I worry less when I write to others and pray for them. I see God’s heart for those around me in a bigger way.
Does the pain go away when I do this? No, it is definitely still there. It lessens enough that I can move forward and face the day. Giving thanks in all situations allows my heart to grow and it makes me even more thankful for the great days that are ahead.
I am thankful that I’ve been given a gift that God can use to encourage others and maybe bring a little hope to someone else’s life.

About the Author:

Becky Bernier grew up and currently lives in North Carolina. She is passionate about many things including: her faith, family, friends, writing, and being outdoors as much as possible. She has an older brother who has cerebral palsy and understands what it is like to live with the joys and struggles of a family member with a disability. She currently works for Joni and Friends and will be finishing her bachelors degree in Special Education next May.

Leave a Comment November 13, 2017

Articles, Daily Inspirations, Hope a Little More Daily Quotes

Hope a Little More – November 13, 2017

“Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;weeping may stay for the night but rejoicing comes in the morning.” ~Psalm 30:4-5

Leave a Comment November 13, 2017

Articles, Daily Inspirations, Hope a Little More Daily Quotes

Hope a Little More – November 12, 2017

“Allow your life to be a reflection of His radiance.” ~Jasmin Howell

Leave a Comment November 12, 2017

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Hi friends. Welcome to my website. I have a disability called Cerebral Palsy, but have learned over the years that my CP does not define me. Jesus Christ is my identity, not a disability. Read More…

Christy Catherine Marshall
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Lucy loves having our friends Jessie and Zeke visi Lucy loves having our friends Jessie and Zeke visiting this morning, especially Zeke. Ha!
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Yes and amen! ~Amelia 💜 Yes and amen! ~Amelia 💜
Enjoyed spending some time earlier today with my d Enjoyed spending some time earlier today with my dear friend @beckyabernier. So thankful for her friendship and her visit always encourages my soul! #friendship #joyinthelord #goodfriday
Amen! Love this quote from Lottie Moon! Amen! Love this quote from Lottie Moon!
The view looks fine from here. Enjoying sitting ou The view looks fine from here. Enjoying sitting outside for a bit. #thankful #saturdays #happyplace
Been watching royal baby coverage. I just can’t Been watching royal baby coverage. I just can’t help it ha! Welcome to the world the new royal baby! 💙 #royalfamily #british
I am so excited for my dear friends @nataliesosmar I am so excited for my dear friends @nataliesosmart and @jantzenmc on the upcoming birth of their sweet baby girl. Their announcement is below. Congrats! Love yall can cannot wait to meet Jubilee Amelia. I am so honored. Praising God for this joyful season of your life. //
"Name drop for our girl. Also her middle name Amelia comes from our sweet friend @ameliamcneilly who is a Godly friend that faithfully prayed for her. Also we love this sign from Gloriously Restored. #carolinajubilee"
Received this beautiful quilt today made and given Received this beautiful quilt today made and given to me by my sweet friend Joy (@themakingsofjoy). This blessed and encouraged my soul greatly today. Brought tears to my eyes. Thanks again my friend! Love you! Be sure to check out her other quilts and gorgeous designs on Etsy and Instagram. #themakingsofjoy #happymail #encouragement #friendship
Needed this reminder and truth from Scripture toda Needed this reminder and truth from Scripture today!
Lucy loves having our friends Jessie and Zeke visi Lucy loves having our friends Jessie and Zeke visiting this morning, especially Zeke. Ha!
Amen #daringtohopebook Amen #daringtohopebook
Received this call in the mail today from the swee Received this call in the mail today from the sweetest kiddos. I love it and it made my day! So sweet and thoughtful. 💕😍💕
My dear and sweet friend Josie who I met at CIU (w My dear and sweet friend Josie who I met at CIU (walker 1 Girls) came to visit with her daughter Lydia. They are on a road trip from Ohio and I’m grateful they came by for the afternoon. It was good for my soul. #thankful #friendship #encouragement 💕💕💕
I’m not the only one in my happy place. I love m I’m not the only one in my happy place. I love my Sissy girl 💕🐕💕 #happy #dogsofinstgram #sissy
I love my Sissy Girl! 💕🐕 I love my Sissy Girl! 💕🐕
Happy Wednesday! So thankful for this Scripture an Happy Wednesday! So thankful for this Scripture and the anchor I have in Christ no matter what my circumstances are. He is my hope! ⚓️
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