Spotlight Writer!

Introducing Nylse!

 

Hi! I’m Nylse. A Christian wife and a mother of four who currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Originally from the Bahamas, I lived in New York before relocating to the West Coast.

I am a Christian Blogger who writes to encourage others from a Godly perspective at Life Notes.

When I’m not busy with my family or writing, I am actively involved in the Women’s Ministry at my church. I recently published my first book on marriage: My Best Marriage Advice: How To Thrive In Your Marriage, and I’m currently working on my 2nd book.

I never turn down the opportunity for conversation over a hot cup of tea.

 

When did you first begin your blogging journey, and why?

I started my blogging eight years ago initially as a result of my brother’s death. The writing was cathartic for me and clearly for my readers also. Soon after, my blog’s central theme became one of encouragement from a Christian perspective.

 

Five Faves

Fave Food– Ackee and Saltfish

Fave Tv show– Law & Order: SVU with a close second being House Hunters

Fave Quote– Just do it!

Fave Bible character– Deborah

Fave childhood memory– My father bringing home a box of mangoes that we then proceeded to devour. Sweetest mangoes ever.

 

Fun Fact

I can read whole sentences backwards.

 

Prayer Prompt

That my online presence truly reflects who I am, and brings glory to God.

 

Connect with Nylse!

**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Deb through one of the channels she has listed below!**

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Featured Post

As I was reading Psalm 119, I became fascinated by verse 164, which says “Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.”

Recall that this is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses, where practically every verse highlights the attributes of God’s Word, all from the very personal perspective of its author.

 

If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!

If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!

 

Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers who encourage and support one another. And there's a place just for YOU! Share on X

 

Let’s Link Arms by Linking Up!

1. Linkup 1-2 inspiring, family-friendly, posts using the Inlinkz tool below.
2. Visit the link directly in front of you, to leave a comment and share/pin their post.
3. Don’t forget to connect with this week’s featured writer by following at least 1 of their platforms!

 

Spotlight Writer!

Introducing Deb Wolf

Hello! I’m Deb Wolf @ Counting My Blessings.

I live in Kansas City, MO. Rev and I have been married for 46 years, our children are grown and we’re enjoying the fun of grandchildren days!

I launched Counting My Blessings at a time when we were going through a family crisis and I was looking for a way to hold myself accountable to seeing the good things God was doing in my life.

Today my focus/goal is to share the ways is helping my faith grow and apply it to life.

 

When did you begin your blogging journey and why?

I started blogging 11 years ago, but really became serious about it in the last four – five years. I always loved speaking … writing, not so much! But blogging is the perfect platform to combine both. My favorite part about blogging would be the friendships I’m able to have with people from all around the world.

 

Five Faves

Fave Food- Great question! I love seafood, avocados, and lots of veggies!

Fave Pastime- I love great conversations! My favorite thing in the world is sitting and talking about faith and life with my friends and family.

Fave Bible character- Ruth – I love her humility and kindness. I love her relationship with her mother-in-law and the ways God used her obedience in His royal genealogy.

Fave Quote- Help me love the Healer more than the healing. Help me love the Savior more than the saving. Help me love the Giver more than the giving. Help me love You, Jesus … more than anything. Natalie Grant.

Fave Childhood Memory- My family loved celebrating holidays – birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were always wonderful times spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I was an only child for much of my childhood – so celebrations spent with family enjoying good food and lots of laughter were the best!

 

Fun Fact

My parents named me Deborah Ruth Samuel – very Old Testament. My grandfather’s side of the family was Jewish. My great aunts and uncles always hoped I’d return to Judaism but that dream was dashed when I married a man studying to be a protestant pastor.

Music has always been a big part of my life. I started taking piano lessons at the age of six and began learning to play the organ for church when I was 11 and started playing for services at 16. Today I teach piano to my grandson and one of his friends.

I guess the other thing to know about me is that even after all these years, I’m domestically challenged. I love to decorate and organize but I don’t like to clean or cook. Thankfully, Rev helps me clean and I’ve found lots of easy recipes to make kitchen duty manageable.

 

Prayer Prompt

My constant prayer for my blog is that God will send it where He wills, use it for His purposes, and that He alone will receive all the glory!

 

Connect With Deb!

**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Deb through one of the channels she has listed below!**

Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

Feature Post

7 of the Best Ways to Have Balance that Sparks Joy!

Today is the 20th Friday of 2018 – I can’t believe how fast this year is passing…

I started thinking about my resolutions and goals … how this year was going to be different. How I would deliberately and consistently do my best to balance work, play, and rest.

I started the year wanting to do all I could to enjoy better overall (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) health.

And I believe God wants us to experience the balance that sparks joy because… {Continue Reading}

 

If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!

If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!

 

Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers who encourage and support one another. And there's a place just for YOU! Share on X

 

Let’s Link Arms by Linking Up!

1. Linkup 1-2 inspiring, family-friendly, posts using the Inlinkz tool below.
2. Visit the link directly in front of you, to leave a comment and share/pin their post.
3. Don’t forget to connect with this week’s featured writer by following at least 1 of their platforms!

 

Spotlight Writer!

Introducing Debbie Kitterman

Hi, I’m Debbie Kitterman! I blog at DebbieKitterman.com I also have a non-profit ministry called Dare2Hear … the voice of God. Which teaches individuals how to discern the voice of God in their own life so they can be obedient to what He is asking them to do.

I blog about anything and everything that comes to mind or that God prompts me to write about. I have a passion for inspiring, encouraging, and equipping people through the truths found in God’s Word.

I live in Olympia WA in the great Pacific Northwest. We moved to Olympia 21 years ago, but before that I was born and raised in the small town of Philomath, Oregon.

I am married to my high-school sweetheart John. This August we will have been married for 29 years. We have two grown children. My son Jesse is 25 and my daughter Brandi is 23. I look forward to one day being a grandma, but first my kids need to meet someone and get married. My son graduated college 4 years ago and moved to Oregon for his job, and my daughter just graduated this year from college and also found a job in her field. She is currently living at home to save money so she can move out.

Then we will be empty nesters.

 

When did you begin your blogging journey and why?

I first began blogging back in 2008, but I had no idea what I was doing and the technical side of blogging was too complicated that I quickly gave up. I would post every once in a while, but it was not a consistent schedule by any means. This was before I knew about WordPress or more friendly user blogs. In fact, back then, I had a person comment on of my blog posts that I wasn’t very good at this whole blogging thing … <Yikes> but they went on to say, they would like to see me post more regularly.

I started to blog again because my ministry board members, who are much older than I am, told me I needed to. Hahaha which is funny, because most of them don’t even know how to navigate a computer very well. Out of obedience, I hired someone in late 2014 to redesign my website with the more user friendly WordPress, attended a bloggers conference to figure out how to blog, and I posted my very first blog in April 2015. Thus I restarted my journey back into blogging and I haven’t looked back since.

I even started doing weekly video blogs, but stopped last summer, due to a busy schedule and just haven’t restarted them.

 

Five Faves

Fave Movie- Miracle on 34th Street (the original version)

Fave Book- Which ever one I am currently reading … seriously, there are too many to choose from… but I love a good mystery. One of my favorite Christian authors is Dee Henderson.

Fave Bible Character- Elisha from the OT & Peter from the NT.

Fave Worship Songs- This is hard – I love to Worship.. but right now: Spirit Move by Kalley Heiligenthal & Reckless Love by Steffany Gretzinger.

Fave Childhood Memory- Friday and Saturday’s at my Grandmas house. Friday night we girls (my sister and my cousins) would get to stay the night with grandma. She loved Friday night wrestling, and so would let us stay up late with her. We didn’t really like to watch the wrestling, but we pretend to.

The best part was getting to have our pick of orange, grape or rooter soda and staying up late. Then Saturday morning, we would wake up, go to the chicken coop, collect eggs for breakfast while grandma fried up some bacon. After breakfast, we would start making the homemade spaghetti sauce for Saturday night dinner when our parents would come pick us up and my aunts and uncles would come for dinner. Spaghetti with grandmas homemade sauce with tomatoes fresh from her garden and loads and loads of freshly grated cheddar cheese. (I barely put any noodles in my bowl, it was mostly sauce and cheese.)

 

Fun Fact

I love softball. Some would say, I used to be obsessed with it. I played for years all through school and some in college. During several years when my kids were small, I would play on as many as 3-4 teams at the same time and would often get picked up to play tournaments when I was available. Softball was something I enjoyed and I was good at. My nickname is Special K … I got it from my softball playing days, but it has stuck around. Before I was married, my nickname was Big Mac (my maiden name was McEldowney and thus the Mac.. I was Big Mac and my sister Lil Mac) I much prefer the Special K nickname to being called a hamburger. LOL

 

Prayer Prompt

Thank you for being willing to pray for me. I am a firm believer that nothing advances in the kingdom without prayer! I have 2 requests: One regarding podcasting and one in regards to my writing.

I have my very first traditionally published book that just released August 21, 2018. It’s been both exciting and overwhelming. I would appreciate prayers that God would get this book out there and it’s message would reach those who would benefit from it. This book is a miracle, and God has done amazing things to bring it about. I do not have the large platform numbers that most traditionally published authors have, but the publishing house took a chance on me on anyway. I need prayers for creative and innovative God ideas to market the book, and for helpful, excited launch team members. Plus prayers for me as I figure out this whole marketing and book launch thing, and for people to come along side who will champion the books message and help me spread the word.

Also prayers regarding podcasting. It has been on my heart for 2 years now, getting the book contract pushed it back, but if I am gonna be truthful, there is a little bit of fear holding me back to take the plunge and dive in and just begin. As for the blog, I want to continue writing and building connection with people online, so prayers for continued direction and clarification would be wonderful.

 

**I’ve heard nothing but RAVE reviews from those who have had the opportunity to read Debbie’s new book, and I cannot wait to personally get my hands on it!

The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement hit the stores yesterday! Be sure to support Debbie and grab your copy on Amazon today!** ~Rachel

 

Connect With Debbie

**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Debbie through one of the channels she has listed below!**

Blog | Instagram | Personal FB | Blog FB | Twitter | Pinterest 

 

Feature Post

And So Do We!

I am sure you have heard the saying Comparison is the thief of joy.

During the Christmas season it is easy to slip into the mode of comparison.

For each person, the comparison can come in different ways.

Maybe it is comparing our decorations to those of our neighbors, our instagram friends, or even those we see on Pinterest.

Maybe it’s comparing the way our kids performed in the Christmas production, who wore the best outfit to the party, or who made the best tasting dish.

Comparison can quickly lead to jealousy, envy and even pride. It is not just a “women issue.” It’s an “everyone issue.”

Maybe you don’t think you are comparing, but have you ever found yourself trying to keep up with the Jones’?

It’s not just at Christmastime that the comparison bug can get us.. {Continue Reading}

 

If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!

If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!

 

Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers that encourage and support one another. And there's a place just for YOU! Share on X

 

Let’s Link Arms by Linking Up!

1. Linkup 1-2 inspiring, family-friendly, posts using the Inlinkz tool below.
2. Visit the link directly in front of you, to leave a comment and share/pin their post.
3. Don’t forget to connect with this week’s featured writer by following at least 1 of their platforms!

 

Spotlight Writer!

Introducing Sue Donaldson

I’m Sue Moore Donaldson, of welcomeheart.com, where I share about God’s hospitality to us and how we get the privilege to pass on His invitation to our world one cup at a time.

We live on the Central Coast of CA – San Luis Obispo – midway between LA and SF – sort of rural tho we have a GAP (: and a university and too many hip coffee shops.

Married late at 35, still married 30 years to the Man-in-Plaid who is longsuffering in many ways, raised 3 daughters (USC, Penn State, Oregon -therefore, broke.)

 

When did you begin your blogging journey and why?

10 years ago sort of, stronger in the past 5. Began it because I’m a speaker mainly, and wanted a website for people to land. And because if I’m not speaking, I still have an opportunity to mentor, exhort, and share my faith journey with others.

I have the gift of being funny which is not a spiritual gift but God uses it and it’s fun (and why Mark married me–which I need to remember when I’m mad at him…)

 

Five Faves

Fave Food- Only one? Chinese moo chu pork or filet mignon or homemade pasta made by someone else.

Fave Movies- Pride & Prejudice; Little Women; Anne of Green Gables, Master and Commander, Hunt for Red October (:

Fave Quote- Trust God and do the next thing. (Chambers)

Fave Influencer- My oldest brother, Hyatt Moore – since I was single so long, I relied heavily on both brothers, but Hyatt and I both served with Wycliffe Bible Translators – me only 5 1/2 years, Hyatt, 32 years including being Director of WBT for a time. I still listen to him, mostly!

Fave Childhood Memory- Camping with family in Mt. Lassen – one time after some of the siblings were older and married, we all gathered again at our favorite camping spot and put on skits – mom laughed so hard she fell off her lawn chair (that last part may not exactly be true – but she laughed so much and got such a kick out of us 5 being hilarious – at least we were to ourselves.)

 

Fun Fact

I attended a dinky Baptist college and loved every minute – well, most minutes. Memory is a sorter, of sorts, and that’s okay. I’ve had a wonderful mentor for the last 20 years or so. She loves me and prays for me and my family and it’s a wonderful gift from God. I write about her in my mentoring book. Mark and I joined a travel company last year to invest in our marriage. It’s been a worthy investment. (:

 

Prayer Prompt

Well, recently in my QT I got another idea for yet another book (oh, brother)- so I began jotting down ideas. But I can get discouraged easily about getting traditionally published, so if God wants this, I’ll need continued prompting from His Spirit (and that nasty thing called “diligence.”) And I love speaking – this year has been fun and full – so I would like more gigs for 2019, if He so likes. I have 7 retreat series (I’m old) which I may turn into books but probably not! Thanks!

 

Connect With Sue

**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Sue through one of the channels she has listed below!**

Welcome Heart Blog

Facebook

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Pinterest 

 

Feature Post

Road Trip Part III: Fill ‘r Up! Seven Books to Fill Your Tank

If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!

If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!

 

Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers that encourage and support one another. And there's a place just for YOU! Share on X

 

Let’s Link Arms by Linking Up!

1. Linkup 1-2 inspiring, family-friendly, posts using the Inlinkz tool below.
2. Visit the link directly in front of you, to leave a comment and share/pin their post.
3. Don’t forget to connect with this week’s featured writer by following at least 1 of their platforms!

 

Spotlight Writer!

Introducing Emily Saxe

Hi! I’m Emily Saxe, of To Unearth.

I write about finding God in the midst of our ordinary routines. Each article focuses on how God reveals Himself and teaches us new things each day, we just have to be willing to seek Him. I live in Indiana with my husband.

 

When did you begin your blogging journey and why?

I began my website during the spring of 2017 after God moved in my heart to get back to my journalism roots. My goal has been to help people see God in the midst of their ordinary. I honestly don’t know where God is taking me on this writing journey, but I’ve loved learning about this field and seeing God work through my words!

 

Five Faves

Fave Movie- Ever After is my favorite movie. I’m a sucker for a quality love story and an amazing movie score!

Fave Book- I love “Arena” by Karen Hancock. It’s a fun allegory of the Christian faith and really sucks you in!

Fave Pastime- Reading and sewing to relax, working out with my husband to stay healthy!

Fave Childhood Memory- Family dinners. My parents were really good about making sure we all sat down together and ate dinner as a family.

Fave Quote- “It is inbred in us that we have to do exceptional things for God: but we have not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people, and this is not learned in five minutes.” ~Oswald Chambers

 

Fun Fact

I used to want to act in Christians movies. In my head, I was going to help Christian movies get up to par with secular ones! I am, quite honestly, so thankful God changed that desire!

 

Prayer Prompt

I could really use prayer about keeping my identity in Christ and not in my job or how much (or little) money I make. It’s hard work to maintain a website and do freelance work on the side, and I didn’t realize how much I had placed on my job title until I quit my full-time job to pursue this. I know God has His own version of success, so I can’t measure success based on my job title or my paycheck!

 

Connect With Emily

**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Emily through one of the channels she has listed below!**

To Unearth Blog

Shop

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

 

Feature Post

I’m Not Ready For Kids: A Look at Christian Peer Pressure

There are certain struggles in this world we’ll never escape, no matter how old we become. Even though with age come wisdom and discernment, we will never quite reach the point of no longer fighting. The struggle is always real, so to speak.

We struggle against our sin, yes, but we also struggle against the sin of others. And in the Christian community, we see too often how our brothers and sisters in God’s family put us in the position of struggling against something we thought we wouldn’t have to deal with once we matured past the college-age mentality: peer pressure.. {Continue Reading}

 

If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!

If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!

 

Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers that encourage and support one another. There's a place just for YOU! Share on X

 

Let’s Link Arms by Linking Up!

1. Linkup 1-2 inspiring, family-friendly, posts using the Inlinkz tool below.
2. Visit the link directly in front of you, to leave a comment and share/pin their post.
3. Don’t forget to connect with this week’s featured writer by following at least 1 of their platforms!