By Erin Elizabeth Austin

“It’s a hard-knock life for us! It’s a hard-knock life for us! ‘Steada treated, we get tricked! ‘Steada kisses, we get kicked! It’s a hard-knock life! ….Don’t it feel like the wind is always howling? Don’t it seem like there’s never any light? Once a day, don’t you want to throw the towel in? It’s easier than putting up a fight!”

In case you don’t recognize these lyrics, it’s a song from the play/movie “Annie.” I don’t know about you, but sometimes, I feel like this song was written just for me. Let’s be honest. Life is hard.  There are always problems in every area of your life – personal life, finances, family and friends, emotions. It’s a never-ending barrage of problems and sometimes, it’s exhausting emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Because of that, many times it feels like we’re waiting for the next crisis to arise.

In “Annie,” there’s a secondary character named Pepper who struggled with the same thing. She’d been dealt so many terrible blows to her young life that she lost hope things would ever improve. She was a negative, bitter little girl, and she couldn’t understand how Annie could continue to hold on to hope that tomorrow would be a better day.

I think if we’re honest, we all have times when we think like Pepper. Yes, I know Christians are always supposed to be filled with hope, but sometimes, that’s easier said than done. Life is hard. For many, it has been one problem after another. This has definitely been the case in my life. People always tell me how strong I am, but every once in a while, there are moments when all that I must face every day simply overwhelms me. But then I’m reminded of how far God has brought me and how much He’s done in my life and through my life. Life definitely isn’t easy, but my hope is in an all-powerful God who can do anything. 

What we have to remember is that life is made up of a series of moments, both good and bad. But if we’re constantly waiting for the next bad moment, we will miss the joy that comes with all the good moments. The Bible says many times that God has a plan for our lives. In the past, I’ve been guilty of thinking of this promise as future tense, meaning He has a good plan for my tomorrows. Yet that’s not how God works. He has a plan for every moment of every day. He has a plan for this very moment of your life, but if you’re focused on what will happen or the pain of what’s already happened, you will be blinded to God’s good plan for today.

Rather than keep waiting for something bad to happen, hope and wait for something wonderful. Be a noticer of the good! Ask God to open your eyes to help you see the good in your life. Today, choose to live every moment to the best of your ability, and sit back and watch God work!

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might.” ~ Ephesians 1:17-19

© June 17, 2015

By Josie Siler

My feet crunched on the rocky path that wound through the valley as I contemplated the mysterious embrace of a dense fog; and that’s when it happened – I fell into a pit. It wasn’t a pretty fall either; it was a face first nose dive into a deep, dark hole filled with all sorts of creepy-crawlies that wanted to eat me alive.

I stumbled to my feet and assessed the situation. I tried to remember those glorious days spent at the top of the mountain, but the effort was like trying to capture the fog between my fingers. Was I really on the mountaintop just a few short weeks ago? Maybe, like the fog, it was a dream or a deception.

Was the fog there for me to enjoy its beauty or was it there to blind me to the pit? Is it foe or friend? I’m not sure, but I know this pit is the last place I want to be, and the fog brought me here.

I shake my head, trying to jog loose the mental cobwebs, as well as the real cobwebs I can feel clinging to my face. Ugh! A shudder races up my spine as I try not to imagine what the inside of the pit looks like. For this moment, I am thankful for the darkness.

At the same time, I long for the light. My memory is clear and I know that my time on the mountaintop was real. It’s dark in the pit. Still, I close my eyes and remember the light I saw from the mountain. Bright and clear, I could feel its rays on my closed eyelids. A warmth begins to embrace me as I remember the peace I felt high above life’s challenges and struggles.

I don’t want to open my eyes because I know nothing will have changed. I’ll still be stuck in a cold dark pit with no way out. Something has to change. I have to be brave.

I will myself to open my eyes. The pit is still dark, but I am at peace. I’m reminded of the words of King David of old. “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along (Psalm 40:1-2, ESV).”

If God could lift David out of the pit, He can lift me out of my pit too. I know this, yet the darkness is so strong and the creepy-crawlies nip at my ankles. I know it won’t be long before they get a taste for me and devour my flesh.

I have to make a decision. I can’t go on doing nothing, standing in fear, hoping I will be rescued. God help me. I can’t, I just can’t Lord.

I don’t have the words to cry out to God, but He hears my soul’s cry. The warmth of His peace wraps around my heart and begins to thaw the fear.

He gives me courage to cry out for help.

He sends a friend to call down into the pit and ask if I’m okay.

He gives me the courage to answer honestly. I’m hurt and I need help.

He reminds me I’m not alone. My hand brushes my pocket and I feel my phone. That’s it! I call out and let others know I’m stuck in a pit and ask for help.

I notice the creepy-crawlies have left my ankles alone. The fog is lifting and light is seeping into my pit. I look up and see concerned faces circling the pit, arms reaching down to pull me out.

It’s too far, I can’t reach their grasps.

What’s this? I feel the Lord lifting me up, up to the arms of my friends and family. Hands grab me and pull me out of the pit and into their waiting embraces.

They were there for me all along, but it was too dark to see them. They weren’t the only ones there.

A strong hand grasps me around the shoulders. He makes sure my feet are set on solid ground and He steadies me as I continue on my walk through the valley.

The fog has melted away and the rocky path is straight. I’m not afraid anymore. I know I will make it through this valley because I’m not alone. I was never alone, but I made the mistake of thinking the valley was the most difficult part. The pit took me by surprise.

There may be more pits in this valley, but now I know how to get out. And now you, my friend, know how to get out as well. If you find yourself tipped headlong into a pit, remember that you’re not alone. Wait patiently for the Lord to help you; let your heart cry out to Him. Reach past the fear and tell someone you’ve fallen in a pit. Ask for help and be amazed at what the Lord will do. 

Katy Kauffman

I have tried to imagine the adrenaline rush that over 100,000 settlers felt when the cannon sounded and they plunged forward into history. On September 16, 1893, the Cherokee Strip Land Run brought myriads of men and women to northern Oklahoma to claim land that had belonged to the Indians.[i] An estimated six thousand settlers lined up side by side at the front of the massive crowd, and anxiously awaited the signal of the cannon.[ii] With the blast and subsequent rifle shots, wagons, bicycles, and people on horseback, train, or foot raced to claim a plot of land. The movie Far and Away has been made about this moment.

In the movie, when settlers came to a plot of land to claim it, they were supposed to take out the government’s white flag that stood on the plot, and replace it with their own. Whoever’s flag stood there, the land was his.

It matters whose flag is flying over the “land” of our lives. Many spiritual enemies try to claim our hearts as their plots of ground to “settle” and fester, enemies like fear, doubt, anger, or selfishness. They try to influence us and our way of thinking, feeling, and acting. But if we are believers in Christ, the only Person who has the right to influence us and direct our lives is God Himself. He has made His home in our hearts (John 14:23), so there is no reason why we should let a spiritual enemy or anyone else stake a claim there. We don’t have to give in to the voice of discouragement or cower to the monster of fear. We belong to God, and His grace, peace, and strength belong to us.

So how we do refuse to let fear and similar enemies—especially our greatest enemy, Satan—have any influence in our lives? Nehemiah knew how.

Not everyone wanted to see Jerusalem secure and strong. When Nehemiah returned home to lead the people to rebuild its walls, certain enemies taunted them and tried to hinder the work. They concocted a lie that the Jews were rebuilding in order to rebel against the Persian king. But Nehemiah answered the enemy’s taunts and lies with the truth:

He was saying that they had no flag. No stake there.

When a spiritual enemy tries to invade your life and hinder the work that God is doing in you and through you, stop its momentum by remembering the truth.

Remember who God is. The “God of heaven Himself” (Neh 2:20) is the One who loves you, cherishes you, and sustains you. In the trials of life, He will give you the grace to endure and a strategy for victory if you look to Him. Remember who you belong to, and rest in His arms.

Remember who you are. Even though Nehemiah was made the governor of Judah, he saw himself as God’s servant. He boldly declared, “We His servants will arise and build” (v.20). See yourself as God’s servant, and stay under His protection and blessing. You serve the greatest Warrior and Champion of all.

Remember your reality in Christ. Because God resides in the heart of the believer, Satan can never make his home there. But he will do everything he can to make us miserable. Don’t allow Satan any “right or heritage or memorial” in your life (v.20)—that is, remember that Satan has no authority to influence you or stop the work you do for God. Disarm his lies with the truth—the God of heaven will prosper you, and Satan has no rightful place to demand his way in your life.

Each of us has a special place in God’s kingdom. A place to build. To love and be loved. We can help others to become sound and strong, as God restores our own spiritual and emotional wholeness. Let’s guard the flag of Christ in our hearts, and not allow the enemy to hinder what God wants to do in our lives. Stand your ground!

The story of Nehemiah is found in Katy’s new Bible study called Faith, Courage, and Victory. This Bible study capsulizes the stories of 24 characters of the Bible in 40 devotions, and shares the keys to walking in faith and courage in everyday life.  

Katy Kauffman is a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies and the designer of Broken but Priceless: The Magazine. Her heart’s desire is that people know and love God, understand the richness of His Word, and fulfill His plan for their lives. She writes about the daily spiritual battles of life and how to win the victory. Katy makes her home near Atlanta, Georgia. 

Check out Katy’s book: Faith, Courage, and Victory

Connect with Katy:

Website: http://lighthousebiblestudies.com/

Blog: Life With God at http://lighthousebiblestudies.com/katy-kauffman-blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyKauffmanAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatyKauffman28

© Copyright 2015 by Katy Kauffman


[1] “Oklahoma Journeys: Cherokee Strip Land Run,” Oklahoma Historical Society, accessed June 11, 2015, http://www.okhistory.org/about/transcript.php?episodedate=2009-09-19.

[1] “The Oklahoma Land Rush of 1893,” eyewitnesstohistory.com, accessed June 11, 2015, http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/landrush.htm.

By Josie Siler

The view from the mountaintop was breathtaking. I tried to soak in as much as possible, my eyes darting here and there, trying to burn into my mind each and every beautiful view and the shape of each new friend’s smile.

If my ears could twitch they would have, trying to catch every sound, every piece of wisdom and encouragement offered.

The taste of fresh mountain strawberries lingered in my mouth as I wondered where others kept finding the delicious looking blueberries. Alas, some mysteries are never meant to be solved.

My steps felt secure, firm upon the top of the mountain. There was a twinge of fear in my gut, but it was a fear mixed with hand trembling excitement and pure bliss.

The view from the top is rewarding. I worked hard to get here and I wasn’t disappointed.

My mountaintop was the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference – a place rumored to be full of God’s presence, a place where His divine power is always at work.

The rumors were true. I tasted and I saw the goodness of the Lord in this place.

The words of Psalm 23:1-3 (The Message) filled my soul with affirmation and truth. My heart cried out with the Psalmist, “God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.”

My passion for writing was flamed, new dreams were birthed, and bold prayers were answered. I caught my breath and knew God was sending me in the right direction. Whatever way I looked the view from the top was spectacular.

“Once you leave the mountaintop there’s only way to go, into the valley.” The words spoken by conference director Alton Gansky sank deep into my heart as I fidgeted with the pen in my hand. I knew how true those words were and my heart sunk as I tried to imagine what my valley would look like.

As the conference came to an end I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants and prepared to say goodbye to my new writing family and the dear friends I had made. I flew back to Wisconsin tired, excited, and a bit wary.

It wouldn’t take long for my steps to lead me down the mountain and into the valley. God had given me a miraculous two weeks. My health was good enough to not only climb the figurative mountain at the writer’s conference, but to explore a couple of real mountains and play in the ocean as well.

When I got home I started a new medication that is helping my body get healthier, but the process is torture. Welcome to my valley, affectionately called Productive Misery.

When your body is in the fight of its life, it needs time to rest; so I sleep and I rest and I sleep some more. I dream of writing and fresh ideas flow through my mind. I wake up and take notes on my phone only to fall asleep as soon as they’re sent to my inbox.

When your body is fighting something that can kill it, you can’t help but feel like death warmed over. Miserably, I knew I was deep into my valley.

Psalm 23:4 encourages, “Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.”

Friends, I don’t have to fear the valley and neither do you. We’re not alone there. God walks right alongside of us, guiding us and helping us when we stumble.

On one of our adventures before the writer’s conference Erin and I went searching for waterfalls. They were beautiful, but on the hike back up to the car my body started to freak out. I got ice cold and clammy. I couldn’t see straight, I was dizzy, and started to shake. I had to lay aside my pride and ask Erin to help me. She walked over to me and I put my arm through hers. She led me back up the path, allowing me to depend on her. Erin got me to safety and her nurse’s training helped me recover and avoid a hospital visit.

Erin wasn’t the only one walking alongside me that day. God was there, and He’s walking in your valley too. Call on His name and ask Him to rescue you and help you feel secure. He will be delighted to answer that prayer!

When you’ve made it to the top of the mountain, you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. But when you’re in the valley looking up at the mountain you realize how small you are and how big, mighty, and powerful God is.

Don’t try to pass through the valley too quickly. Take time to look around and appreciate what God is doing there. Marvel at His grandeur and lean on Him as you walk the path together.

Wherever you find yourself today, know that God is Lord over all and is working for your good. Praise Him from the mountaintop and praise Him from the valley, for His love is steadfast and endures forever. 

By Erin Elizabeth Austin

I am a coward. Those who know me would say otherwise, but truth be told, I am greatly lacking in the courage department. It doesn’t matter how many people call me brave, courageous, or lionhearted. When it comes down to it, I’m the equivalent of the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. Before every speaking engagement, every new work is published, every conference is attended, I find myself standing with my shoulders hung, tail between my legs, wishing for a courageous soul.

If I’m honest, it’s why I didn’t want to attend this year’s writing conference. I’m ashamed to admit it, but God had to basically force me to go. This year’s conference was my third time attending in five years. The first time I went to see if I had any business attempting to write. After being told I had talent, I went home with a new direction and sense of purpose, and Broken but Priceless Ministries was born. Two years later I returned to figure out what needed to be done in order to publish a book, and again went home with new ideas and a passion to start a magazine for people living with a chronic illness. Every time I’ve attended the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference I’ve seen God do a mighty work, but still, I found myself unwilling to attend this year’s conference. I was lacking motivation in writing. The year, thus far, has been hard for me physically. God has been healing me through experimental treatments, but they have been anything but fun. Between being extremely sick and doing everything in my power to further my writing career, I didn’t see what God could accomplish by me once again attending a writers’ conference. And I was wrong!

From the very beginning, God did more than I ever imagined possible. Many people in attendance knew who I was because of my writing, speaking engagements, the magazine, and the ministry. Not only that, I was given a table along with the staff in the appointment room so people could interview to be a writer for the magazine. (Side note: we now have new contributors, new columns we’re going to add, and a cookbook writer who will take over “The Corner Bistro.”) The crazy thing is none of this was why I went to the conference. I went to FINALLY begin the book publishing process, which is an incredibly long and tedious process. It’s the reason why so many people choose to self-publish. The publishing world is like a fortress, and it’s extremely difficult to even make it through the gates surrounding the wall. Yet God threw open the gates and did things I couldn’t have dreamed. I now have three different publishing houses who want to publish my first book, as well as several agents who are interested in representing me. There’s still a lot that needs to be done, and I desperately need your prayers as I start on this journey, yet I can’t wait to see what God does next.

God overwhelmed me at a conference with all He did, and I didn’t even want to attend. I’m so thankful God pushed me to go, and I don’t say this because of all He did. He taught me something new every day, lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Just a few of the things He showed me are:

By Josie Siler

Do you want to know a secret about great adventures? In my experience, they usually come with a warning. Somewhere there will be a sign posted that warns you of the dangers which lie ahead. If it’s a truly grand adventure you will be required to sign your life away, literally. You’ll be handed a piece of paper to sign that you probably won’t read. If you read it, it may frighten you enough to turn around and run. But all great adventurers know if you do that you’ll be missing out on something great, something spectacular. So you sign and date the paper, sealing your fate and assuring others that if you die on this grand adventure they won’t get sued.

I signed my life away a couple of weeks ago when I went ziplining through the mountains. It was an incredible experience! It may have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience – but I hope not! I’d love to do it again, and I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to sign my life away again. As my grandpa Marlowe used to say, “We’ve gotta have a little fun every now and again, haven’t we Josie?”

I have to admit, I’ve done some crazy things and I’ve have had more than my fair share of “looking back on this, it probably wasn’t a good idea” adventures. However, the greatest adventure of all is my relationship with Jesus. “Really?” you ask. “That’s the greatest adventure?” Undoubtedly, yes! 

Life with Christ is always an adventure and it’s one that should come with a warning sign. When we make the decision to follow Jesus we’re in essence signing our lives away in preparation of the greatest adventure we’ll ever take.

We’ve been going through what I’ve titled The Madman Series. Psalm 34 is King David’s song of celebration after God delivered him from a dangerous situation. His life was in grave danger and he pretended to be crazy so that a King who wanted to take his life would instead let him go free. It’s a psalm of praise and a psalm of instruction. David shows us, by his own example, how to live a life that honors God in the midst of suffering.

Throughout this series we’ve looked at a madman’s worship, deliverance, fear, desire, and Savior. As we end our journey, we’re going to study the words of this madman that we know to be a very sane David, King of Israel. In Psalm 34:19-22 (ESV) we read about a madman’s redemption.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” This is why I believe the Christian life should come with warning signs. Many of us entered into a relationship with Christ the same way we would enter into a friendship. Jesus sounded like a pretty cool guy, someone we’d like to hang out with. We heard about the good things He does and how He can make our lives better. Naturally, we think that if we follow Him our lives will get easier.

That’s where most of us are mistaken. Nowhere in the Bible does it tell us that we’ll have an easy life if we follow Jesus. In fact, we’re told that we’ll face afflictions, be persecuted for Jesus’ sake, and have many trials and sorrows.

So why would we want to follow Jesus if our life is going to be miserable? Because it’s so worth it! This seems like a silly answer, but I believe it with all my heart. Everyone suffers in this life. No one is exempt. When we suffer with Christ, we don’t suffer alone. Jesus knows what it is like to be a man of sorrow, much afflicted. He’s walked that path and He walks it again, alongside you and alongside me. 

We get all this and more when we decide to walk with Jesus. Jesus died on the cross to save us and He makes each day worth living – even the days that are full of suffering. We have two choices in life. Suffer alone or allow God to redeem our suffering. Which will you choose?

If you choose Jesus it’s time to walk past the danger sign, scrawl your name at the bottom of the page, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. It might be a little scary, but I promise it will be worth it!