Top 10 Posts of 2019

“Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered” Psalms 105:5 (ESV)

Happy New Year to you!! Thank you for your patience during my “holiday hiatus”! Eric and I had a wonderful time on our 20 year anniversary trip (I posted a few of our pics on Instagram if you want to peek!–you don’t need an account to browse via the weblink), and we had a great time with our families over Christmas and New Year’s. It was nice and extremely refreshing to have some time off. 🙂

This week I’m sharing the Top 10 Posts of 2019.  I always like to take the first of the year to recount some of the top or most popular posts of the previous year.  I like to share them for a few reasons…

First, there are several new subscribers/followers who may not have seen or read these posts and might find some of them to be helpful.

Secondly, looking back also helps me to remember what God has done and is still doing through this website. I continue to hope and pray that I am making an impact with what I write and share. My hope is that looking back might help and remind you as well.

Lastly, it helps me (and hopefully you too) have ideas of how to pray based on what the current need or demand is, and when I know that I know how to continue to pray for others.  I pray very fervently over this blog, its content, and the readers. What people are frequently searching or clicking on can be an indicator of some of their needs. Whether it’s a need for spiritual growth, leading others to Christ or overcoming personal struggles, I can pray more specifically based on these posts and their popularity.

Take Some Practical Steps:

• As you look through this list of most popular posts, please stop and take a minute to pray for one or more of the topics that stand out to you.
• Please click on and read or re-read one or more of the posts from which you feel you may be able to receive some benefit or of which you might need some reminding.
• Take some time to remember and contemplate what God has done for you in these various areas of your life over this past year or previous years. Remembering what God has done can be an incredible motivator!
• Pay it forward…if one or more of the following posts has benefited you, please consider sharing the post on your social media channels (sharing links are available at the end of each post). You can also forward posts to specific people you know who might benefit (you might prayerfully consider who to share them with).
• Lastly, please pray for me this year to #1-continue to help others, #2-for me to have to right words at the right time, and #3-for the right people to be directed to my site for God to help them.

1. Praying a Hedge of Thorns

This type of prayer could be prayed on behalf of a person that might be wandering off track or pursuing things or people that may not be good for them. This post contains a few examples when this prayer might be helpful in addition to a prayer that you can pray based on scripture.

2. Why Would God Leave the Ninety-Nine?

This post shares some insight I had one day after thinking about the lyrics in Cory Asbury’s “Reckless Love” in addition to the parable of the Lost Sheep, both of which talk about God leaving the ninety-nine to go after the one who is lost. To me this was slightly offensive and a little unfair to the ones who didn’t get lost. I actually prayed about it one day and asked God why He would leave the ninety-nine. This post contains the answer I received from God.

3. How to Pray for Unsaved Loved Ones

We are instructed to pray for our unsaved loved ones. Sometimes it’s hard to know how/what to pray. This post will give you some specific things to pray and give you an idea of what to expect when you start praying.

4. I Cry During Praise and Worship

OK, I cry during praise and worship. Truthfully, sometimes it does make me a bit self-conscious! In this post, I share some of the reasons why we might get emotional during praise, and why that’s okay.

5. Name Meanings: How Is Your Name Prophetic?

Your name and its meanings might have more to do with your life than you think.  Your name meanings might actually describe some of your character traits and/or the traits that God will use in you to accomplish His will for your future.  This post discusses how your name might be prophetic.

6. How to Lead Someone to Christ

Knowing how to lead someone to Christ may seem nerve-wracking.  It’s not as hard as you might think.  This post includes 4 easy steps to follow to lead someone to Christ with links to follow-up posts about the next steps they need to take to further their walk with God.

7. A Prayer for Caregivers

Caregivers have a higher risk of stress and medical problems, in addition to emotional and mental turmoil. I’ve seen many of them suffering silently (and some not so silently!) as they care for ailing loved ones and deal with so many mixed emotions in the process. This post was written for and contains a prayer for caregivers.

8. 9 Common Causes of Insecurity

Most people deal with insecurity in one form or another.  This post addresses 9 common causes of insecurity with examples of each in scripture.  I share some of my personal struggles with insecurity.

9. The Importance of Writing Things Down

Many people know that taking notes or writing things down is helpful and that it’s probably a good idea (much like reading the bible on a regular basis), but they still neglect to do it merely for the hassle or inconvenience of it.  I’d like to discuss why the benefits of writing things down, such as journaling or taking notes during quiet times or sermons, might outweigh the disadvantages and hassle of it.

10. Biblical Examples of Waiting

Unfortunately throughout our lives, and often on a number of occasions, we will find ourselves waiting. Waiting can be an extremely difficult and sometimes painful process. There are several examples in the Bible of people who had to practice waiting for various things. This post contains some relatable examples from which we can learn and gain encouragement during the frustrating periods of waiting.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement in 2019!  Praying for you to be very Happy, Healthy & Prosperous in 2020 and all the years to come!

“Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health physically just as you are spiritually.” 3 John 1:2 (HCSB) 

P.S.  If you are not currently subscribed and liked any of these posts, you might enjoy receiving new posts delivered right to your inbox each week!  Sign up here. 

Also, if you have benefited from any of these posts or if you know anyone that could benefit from them, please pay it forward and share them via the sharing links below! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)