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Accept Yourself – Andrea Merrell
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Beautiful to God

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . . Psalm 139:14 NIV

I can’t seem to make anyone happy these days—the mirror, the scales, or the camera. Why is it I worry so much about what they think? They don’t determine who I am, but they sure do have a lot to say about how I see myself.

God says I am “fearfully and wonderfully made”—unique—special—one of a kind. Then why do I constantly compare myself with others and long to be someone or something I was never created to be?

I spent years trying to straighten my naturally curly hair and longing to be taller. I want to write like Max Lucado, sing like Karen Carpenter, and dance like Jennifer Lopez (would be happy to look like her too).

Why can’t I just accept who I am and be happy and content with the way God created me? Since He is a God of order and doesn’t do things haphazardly or without purpose, do you suppose He made all of us for a specific purpose, carefully crafting our characteristics, inside and out? If we were all exactly alike, what a boring world it would be. If variety is truly “the spice of life,” then we should learn to embrace the variety and respect the differences in everyone . . . including ourselves.

When the potter shapes and forms the clay, the clay has no input. The potter undoubtedly sees the finished product in his mind. The clay cannot say: “Make me 5’6” tall with long straight hair and a Colgate smile. Oh and by the way, give me a superior intellect and outstanding athletic ability.

The truth is, the Father knew what He was doing when He drew up the blueprints for our existence. We were His idea—His creation—and He has a plan, purpose, and destiny for us, just the way he created us.

It’s been said that “what we are is God’s gift to us; what we make of our ourselves is our gift to God.” Maybe the greatest gift we can give Him is to accept who we are and strive to be the best we can be—for Him.

I’m working on that. How about you?

Andrea Merrell lives in the upstate of South Carolina and is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. She is a contributing writer and copy editor for www.DevoKids.com. Her work has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, Faith & Family, PEN Points, The Write Life, and Extraordinary Answers to Prayer. She also writes for www.cornerstonegreenville.com. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com.

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Life Happens – Andrea Merrell
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And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV

“When the going gets tough, the tough” . . . back off, give up, and quit. Ever been there? What happened? Life happened!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve gone through times and seasons where the stuff of life felt so overwhelming I wanted to resign—escape—find a little corner and never come out.

In the late 90s I had a year that started out traumatic and then got progressively worse. After an emotionally explosive church situation which devastated my family, there was a trip to New York that resulted in a serious illness with hospitalization and weeks of recovery. Then I had surgery for something totally unrelated to the other illness, along with a myriad of other problems, mishaps, and chaotic events. In the midst of it all, my teenage son and daughter were drowning in a sea of drug and alcohol addiction and I felt like I was going under with them.

That was over fifteen years ago. Now, as I look back to one of the darkest times in my life, I can see God’s hand of protection and provision. He truly worked all things together for good by taking what the enemy meant for evil, turning it around, and bringing growth and blessings into my life. I saw firsthand, His forgiveness, His deliverance, and His healing. I experienced His love, His grace, and His mercy, even though I didn’t recognize it at the time. God restored everything—my health, my joy, my peace and, best of all, my kids. My family was knit back together with powerful cords of love. Because of everything that happened, I grew stronger—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And, the best part of all, I can now take what I learned and help someone else who is experiencing the stuff of life.

There is a song that says, “Life is hard, but God is good.” I have found this to be true, all the time, with NO exceptions. God didn’t promise our journey would be problem free. He said tests, trials, and tribulations would come, but He promised to be right there with us, making a way of escape.

I’ve learned, when life happens, if I will shift my focus from the problems to the Provider . . . God happens.

Won’t you let Him happen in your life today?
Andrea Merrell lives in the upstate of South Carolina and is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. She is a contributing writer and copy editor for www.DevoKids.com. Her work has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, Faith & Family, The Write Life, PEN Points, and Extraordinary Answers to Prayer. She also writes for www.cornerstonegreenville.com. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com.

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Clutter – Andrea Merrell
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But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. I Corinthians 14:40 NASU

I have a confession. I am a stack-a-holic—a bonafide, 100% stack-a-holic in desperate need of finding a Stack-a-holics Anonymous.

This disease permeates my home and my office at work. When I don’t know what to do with something, it goes in a neat (or sometimes not so neat) stack.

Whoever coined the phrase “outta sight-outta mind” must have been related to me. When papers go into one of my stacks instead of a file or the trash, my intentions are to look at them later when I have more time. The problem is I never seem to have (or take) the time and the stack grows higher and higher until it’s ready to topple onto the floor.

With my basic perfectionist tendencies and my need for structure and organization, this malady drives me nuts. It’s my Achilles Heel—my thorn in the flesh. Trying to function in the midst of clutter is like cooking in a dirty kitchen—can’t do it.

As I get older, I realize how many times I’ve let other things pile up in my life—important issues such as asking forgiveness, making amends, or dealing with a critical attitude. Sometimes when God says, “Do this” or “Do that,” it’s easier to push it aside and put it in a stack to deal with later.

When I finally get around to de-stacking, it feels great. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and a large dose of peace. Dealing with spiritual matters and being obedient to the Lord’s promptings gives me the same feeling—only better. Makes me wonder why in the world I wait so long.

The Bible says all things must be done “properly and in an orderly manner.” If you’re dealing with natural or spiritual clutter, don’t wait. Attack it today and enjoy the freedom that will follow. God will be pleased and you will be too.

Andrea Merrell lives in the upstate of South Carolina and is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. She is a contributing writer and copy editor for www.DevoKids.com.  Her work has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, The Write Life, and Extraordinary Answers to Prayer. She also writes for www.cornerstonegreenville.com. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com.

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White Christmas – Andrea Merrell
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Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NIV

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas . . .

These are beautiful song lyrics and the inspiration for a wonderful movie I watch every holiday season. In fact, watching Christmas movies is one of my favorite things to do in December. I love the heartwarming stories, the music, the elaborate decorations, and, especially, the fact that it always snows.

Maybe I’ve watched too many movies but for me, Christmas and snow just naturally go together. Living in Florida for years and wearing shorts throughout most of the winter, made me long for the cooler temperatures of my hometown in South Carolina. I remember happy times and lots of snow from my early childhood, but now that I’ve been back in South Carolina for over twenty-five years, all we ever get is ice.

While I realize there are many who pray for NO snow, I’m part of the crowd who prays FOR snow every year. Last year, the Lord answered with an incredible blanket of white on Christmas day. We watched the flurries all day as we celebrated in front of our cozy fire with our family and friends. I felt blessed beyond measure.

The Bible says God will give us the desires of our heart when we take delight in Him. He knows those desires, whether spoken or unspoken, and I believe He takes pleasure in granting them—sometimes when we least expect it.

The weatherman said 2010 was the first white Christmas for our area in forty-seven years. I know I’ve prayed for one every year for almost half that time, and I know others have as well. This time, God granted our request and gave us an awesome gift.

What are the desires of your heart? If you’ve been praying and believing God for something, don’t give up. Bring your petitions before Him. Delight in Him and give Him the honor and glory He deserves. You never know when your White Christmas will come to pass.

Andrea Merrell lives in the upstate of South Carolina and is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. She is a contributing writer and copy editor for www.DevoKids.com.  Her work has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, The Write Life, and Extraordinary Answers to Prayer. She also writes for www.cornerstonegreenville.com. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com.

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It Is What It Is – Andrea Merrell
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Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. I Peter 5:7 AMP

My friend put her hands on her hips, stomped her foot, and glared at me. “If you don’t like it . . . change it.” she shouted.

If it were only that easy, I thought. Change is hard, whether it’s a change of heart, change of pace, or change of life. The problem is, I’ve spent too much of my life trying to change things over which I had no authority or control. I’ve learned that, in certain situations, it simply is what it is, and no amount of fretting, whining, or complaining will make it any different.

On the other hand, I’ve had to learn to recognize what can be changed – changed by patience, persistence and consistency – changed by hard work, determination, and time – changed most of all by prayer. If you, like me,  have a difficult time knowing when the ball is in your court, pay close attention to the Serenity Prayer:

God, give me the serenity to accept what I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.

When we take ownership of the things in our life that are under our direct control and stop wrestling with things that are not, we begin to walk in a greater measure of peace and a large percentage of our frustrations cease to exist. All of a sudden those mountains we made out of all the molehills in our life, don’t seem so ominous and threatening.

If you can’t move the mountain, climb it, find a way to go around it, tunnel through it, or learn to appreciate it and enjoy the view.

If you’re dealing with a problem, situation or person you know you cannot change, stop beating your head against that proverbial brick wall and give it to God. Cast the whole of your care on Him. Ask Him for His wisdom and the grace to accept it. Then, let it go. If it’s something that can change and God gives you the green light, go for it. Do all you can and let God handle the rest.

You’ll be delighted and amazed at what He’ll do in your life.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions.
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Sew What – Andrea Merrell
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Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV

I hate sewing! A simple, elementary task women are supposed to enjoy – I avoid. Most men think sewing is a normal, natural, instinct in all women, just like being a mother. In the same way all those motherly tendencies seem to ooze out of our pores when a baby arrives on the scene, women are expected to hem pants, put in zippers, and recover the living room furniture – without instruction or prior knowledge – and without a hitch.

Sewing frustrates me. Even the sound of the word puts a knot in my stomach. And, don’t think I haven’t tried. I even bought a new sewing machine once, thinking there was some mystical power contained in the contraption that would do the job for me. Not so. After a constant struggle with thread knotting, needles breaking, and machine jamming, my nerves were shot and I decided sewing was definitely not my calling.

Years ago, my husband decided to show me the simplicity of this art. He purchased an old, dilapidated VW Beetle in dire need of bodywork and a paint job. The seat covers were ripped almost beyond recognition, so Charlie purchased material, made patterns from the old covers, and set out to make new ones. A couple of days later I was in for a shock. When I inspected the new plaid seat covers, not only did they fit like a glove, the stripes in the pattern lined up perfectly and looked like they came from the factory. Charlie was very proud of his accomplishment, but couldn’t understand why his excitement was not contagious. He looked a bit deflated when I walked away and said, “Fine, from now on, you do all the sewing.”

That was over thirty years ago and, to this day, my body still shudders at the thought of threading a needle (plus, now I have a harder time seeing it well enough). Nowadays, I pack up my needy garments and take them to an alteration shop. The Bible says to beware of angels among us, and these savvy professionals must surely quality. God bless all you brave people who enjoy things like basting, hemming, and darning. There will be extra stars in your crown – trust me.

The important thing to remember is that God created each of us with different gifts, talents, and abilities and He expects us to use them to bring honor to Him. Find what your hands do best, then do it with all your might.

Andrea Merrell lives in the upstate of South Carolina and is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. She is a contributing writer and Copy Editor for www.DevoKids.com.  Her work has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, The Write Life, and Extraordinary Answers to Prayer. She also writes for www.cornerstonegreenville.com. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions.
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No Strings Attached – Andrea Merrell
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For God so loved the world that He gave . . . John 3:16

In today’s society, we are flooded with commercials, advertising, and marketing ploys everywhere we turn. Billboards line the highways, and movies and television programs are continuously interrupted with someone promoting products we can’t live without. We can’t even check our e-mail or surf the net without pop-up ads of every description getting in the way. Each company, manufacturer, and vendor has a product just a little bigger, better, stronger or less expensive than the next. The competition escalates as each tries to outdo the other. We hear high-powered sales pitches and bogus claims for everything from vitamins to luxury automobiles. We’re promised low payments, no interest, and factory rebates. We’re offered lifetime memberships, extended warranties, and a slimmer, firmer body in just two weeks or your money will be gladly refunded. Many times we’re lured by the promise to buy-one-get-one-free.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t.” How many times have we heard that old saying?We can get ourselves in trouble when we don’t check the source, read the fine print, and use some good old common sense. As a result of all this high-pressured commercialism, people can become hesitant, skeptical and even cynical, ultimately shying away from things that are honest, true, and genuine. Some people become wary of everything, including salvation, because they are looking for the catch.

The great news for us is that God’s promises and blessings are truly free for the asking and the receiving. Jesus shed his blood, hung on a cross, and paid the ultimate price so that we could be forgiven, healed, and restored. Through His sacrifice, we can be filled with His peace, His joy and His wisdom. Included in the bargain is His unconditional and never ending love, His mercy, and His grace. We are also promised eternity with Him in Heaven.

Jesus said, Come unto me, and that invitation is still open to all who will receive it—no strings attached!

Andrea Merrell lives in the upstate of South Carolina and is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. She is a contributing writer and Copy Editor for www.DevoKids.com.  Her work has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, The Write Life, and Extraordinary Answers To Prayer. She also writes for www.cornerstonegreenville.com. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com.

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Spiritual Triage – Andrea Merrell
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Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 NIV

Webster’s defines triage as, “the sorting of and allocation of treatment (as in an emergency room, battle or disaster), according to a system of priorities designed to maximize the number of survivors.” In other words, people receive care according to the urgency of their need.

I’ve always been fascinated with the process of triage and a good example can be taken from one of my favorite TV shows, MASH. Whenever the wounded were brought into the compound, everyone snapped to attention, dropped whatever they were doing, and ran to the victims to determine what had to be done. “Severe chest wound–prep him and get him to OR–this soldier’s lost a lot of blood–superficial wounds; this one can wait.” The one with the greatest need got the most attention—fast and without any question, discussion, or confusion.

I’ve often thought about how this works in the Christian life and, especially, the church. What if someone walks (or staggers) into one of our services reeking of alcohol, unkempt, and shabbily dressed? Maybe this person has lived a hard life of poverty, addiction, and destruction. Or, maybe it’s a husband who just lost his child, a woman whose husband walked out on her, or a teenage runaway full of piercings and tattoos, with nowhere to go and no one to turn to.

How do we respond? Do we run to them and allow God’s love to flow through us, or do we turn and run away from them, seeking those less needy and offensive? What happens when our own Christian brothers and sisters fall? Are we quick to help them up and restore them, or do we turn our backs and let them make it the best way they can? It has been said in church circles that Christians are notorious for “shooting their wounded.” That’s a hard statement, but it holds much truth. The question is, how can we change the scenario?

Everyone has issues and is hurting to some degree. It’s up to us as believers to be sensitive to those around us, ready to extend God’s mercy and grace to them. When we minister to others, we minister to the Lord. Just as the Good Samaritan stopped and took care of the beaten man in the ditch, we are called to do the same. The need may be large or small, but God has called and equipped us to do the job. He wants us to be ready to do a little spiritual triage.

The choice is ours. Will you accept the challenge?

Andrea Merrell lives in the upstate of South Carolina and is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us. She is a contributing writer and Copy Editor for www.DevoKids.com.  Her work has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, The Write Life, and Extraordinary Answers To Prayer. She also writes for www.cornerstonegreenville.com. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions.
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Budget War – Andrea Merrell
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Who then is that faithful and wise steward? Luke 12:42 NKJV

“You want us to do WHAT? You’ve got to be kidding!”

That was my initial response when my husband first suggested we live on a budget. We were barely getting by, our paychecks spent before we ever saw them. The thought of taking our meager income and slicing and dicing it into categories seemed ridiculous.

After many discussions about this new financial strategy, I finally relented. I was willing to give it a try, if only to prove it wouldn’t work.

I remember sitting down with my checkbook, calculator, and notebook, and stretching a few dollars into categories: tithe, housing, utilities, food, insurance, car, and miscellaneous. The numbers were comical.

“This is crazy.”

“Be patient,” my husband said. “It may take a few weeks to get us on track, but I know we’ll be better off.”

Better off? Right! How was I supposed to pad these pages and pay our bills at the same time? I balked—I complained—then I did what I should have done in the first place—I prayed. Lord, if this is the right thing for us, I need your help. Please show me what to do.

It’s amazing what God will do when we invite Him to get involved in our stuff. In less than a month, the balance in our checkbook went from less than $100 to over $1,000. Our bills were all being paid on time, our other needs met, and there was even money left over toward the next month’s expenses. We could also see exactly where our money was going and it eliminated a lot of waste.

What I thought would be financial bondage actually turned out to be financial freedom. For the first time in our lives, we didn’t have to wonder where the money would come from. In a very short time, my categories were well padded and I added savings and vacation. My years of constant worry over money had come to an end—thanks to God and my wise husband.

It’s been over twenty years since I created that notebook and I still use it to this day. In fact, I can’t imagine NOT being on a budget, especially in this crazy economy. It has provided tremendous peace of mind (and a lot less arguing over money).

If you’re in a hard place financially, living paycheck to paycheck, give budgeting a try. It might be difficult in the beginning, but the benefits will be well worth the effort.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. Her writing has been published in Spirit & Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith & Finances: In God We Trust, The Write Life, and True Stories of Extraordinary Answers to Prayer by Guideposts. Andrea is a staff writer and Associate Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and Copy Editor for www.DevoKids.com. She lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions


Faith & FINANCES Devotions Delivered to Your Kindle, Smartphone, iPad or iPhone


Now you can receive our Faith & FINANCES devotions delivered weekly to your smartphone via the Kindle app.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about you and the Faith & FINANCES devotions this morning. Today is my payday, and I was running scared on paying bills, but the first thing I did was commit my tithe. THEN I paid my bills. THEN…. (drumroll from God!), in my wallet I found the EXACT SAME AMOUNT as my tithe. Does our Daddy God care and provide, or WHAT?! I was so excited, I just had to tell you! Thanks for sharing that book with me. It’s been wonderful.” – Molly

“…I haven’t slept very well for over 2 weeks now. Oh, who am I kidding–since before the holiday’s….we tithe. I tell my friends to tithe. I truly believe in tithing with all my heart. Still we are financially strapped with credit card debt. I want to blame it all on myself but my husband is too blame also. Anyway this book couldn’t have come at a better time. We need help. I fear it’s as much of a spiritual problem as a financial one.” – SB

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A Lasting Tradition – Andrea Merrell
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Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! II Corinthians 9:15 NIV

But what about our traditions? I thought as holiday plans were being made. Don’t they count? Thankfully, I put my feelings aside and kept those questions to myself—not something I usually do.

We were discussing when, where, and how we would spend Christmas as a family. Family—oh how the meaning of that word changes when you get married—when your kids get married—when your kids have kids. It’s not that change is bad, it’s just difficult and all parties must be willing to bend.

Traditions are wonderful but even the best of them have a shelf life. No matter how much we want things to stay the same, life happens and we find ourselves moving in different directions, trying to keep the flame alive.

I remember waking early on Christmas morning as a child in my grandparents’ home in South Carolina, and running to see what was under the tree. Mama and Papa were always waiting for me with breakfast, hot chocolate, and all sorts of goodies. They made everything special and I could never imagine spending Christmas anywhere but with them. Then I moved to Florida, got married, and started my own family. The first Christmas morning in my Tampa home was going well until I realized how much I missed my grandparents. I cried. My husband consoled. I cried more. Change had begun in our household.

As time progressed, we started taking turns with our plans for the holidays. Eventually, we moved back to South Carolina, my grandparents passed away, and my kids got married and started their own families. Now I find myself, once again, taking turns. There is a part of me that still wants “MY turn,” but I’ve learned it’s far better to be flexible and avoid arguments and hard feelings that would put a damper on our time together. Now, I’m happy with whatever works best for everyone—time spent as a family on Christmas Eve, breakfast on Christmas morning, or a big dinner Christmas afternoon. We’ve done it all and it still changes from year-to-year. You could say our traditions are in a continual state of transition, but as long as it works, I refuse to complain. Being with family is worth whatever sacrifices need to be made.

The important thing to remember is that it’s not about where you spend the holidays or when you get together. It’s about how you celebrate them. It’s not about the food, gifts, or decorations. It’s not about whose home or what time of day. Christmas music, eggnog, and stockings hung by the fire are empty and meaningless without the love of family and friends, and the real “reason for the season”—Jesus Christ, born in a smelly stable as the greatest gift to all mankind. Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords—a tradition engraved in our hearts that will last forever.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions