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A Holiday Blessing – Edie Melson
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Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith . . . Hebrews 10:22

Our son’s first deployment was the first time our family was apart during Christmas. I found myself dreading the holidays and postponing decorating the house. This was way out of character for me. I’d always delighted in filling the house with multiple trees, twinkling lights, and all the trimmings of Christmas. But somehow it didn’t seem right to celebrate so abundantly when my son was halfway around the world in the middle of a war.

I was also feeling guilty about our other two sons. I didn’t want them to think they were any less important to me than their older brother. The closer Christmas got, the more conflicted I became. It seemed there was no right answer.

Fortunately my husband is a wise and caring man. Even though I hadn’t mentioned my dilemma, he was well aware of what was going on in my mind. He and the other two boys took matters in hand and organized a decorating day. Normally, I have to browbeat everyone into helping me drag the decorations out of the attic. This year they took the initiative and soon the house bustled with activity.

We didn’t put up as many trees that year, but we started a new tradition. It was the year our boys discovered decorating wasn’t a chore, but a time of bonding. We pulled together that year, taking time to relive old memories and anticipate new ones—and we’ve done it every year since.

I learned that God sometimes allows trials so we’ll hold each other close and appreciate what we have. And I’m thankful for all of my sons—for the memories and for the joyful times ahead!

Edie is a freelance writer and editor with over 16 years experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, publishing over 700 articles in 2010. She also has a popular writing blog www.thewriteconversation.blogspot.com and is a frequent contributor to many others. As a sought after writing instructor, her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital, Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in. Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, is one of Edie’s latest projects. This devotional book for those with family members in the military made its debut in the fall of 2011 with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Edie is a member of numerous professional writing organizations, including The Christian Pen, The Christian Writer’s View I and ACFW, where she serves as Editor for the Southeast Zone Newsletter and staff reviewer for Afictionado Magazine. She’s also an assistant proofer/editor for the Voices E-zine, a publication of My Book Therapy and a part of the My Book Therapy Special Teams Blog. Married 30 years to husband, Kirk, they have raised three sons.

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Prayers of a Righteous Man – Edie Melson
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The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. James 5:16b-18

These days the Middle East and fear go hand in hand. I fought so many fears while my son was deployed to the Middle East. Probably the greatest was that somehow my prayers wouldn’t be enough to keep him safe. I remember one night in particular. I awoke from an unknown dream, screaming in my mind. Drenched with sweat and tears streaming down my cheeks, I couldn’t remember the dream—only the terror, that horrible feeling of helplessness. 2:52 a.m. blinked on my clock. I could hear my husband’s soft snores and they reassured me I hadn’t disturbed him. Too often he lost sleep because of my fear.

I knew sleep wouldn’t return anytime soon, so I grabbed my Bible and headed downstairs. I settled into my chair in the den and began to thumb through the pages, searching for comfort. I tried to focus enough to pray for my son, but my prayers seemed common, not good enough to inspire God to go to great lengths to keep him safe.

In my page turning, I found myself reading verses in James. As I read I felt even worse. Did I have to be Elijah to pray effectively? I would never consider myself in the same category of righteousness as him. Even more discouraged, I thought about these verses. As I did, God brought something to mind I’d never considered. I remembered early on in Israel’s history, God had warned them if they didn’t obey Him, He’d withhold blessings, specifically the blessing of rain. I felt hope begin to blossom. I immediately turned to Deuteronomy 11 and there it was—God’s warning that He would shut up the heavens if they turned from Him.

My heart leaped. Righteous prayer wasn’t based on my goodness, but on God’s! Elijah’s prayer was effective because he knew God, and he just prayed God’s own words back to Him. God would always be true to His Word. I felt a floodgate of possibilities open up. I could pray scripture over my son and know that God would hear and answer.

Seek out the promises of God in His words and pray them back to Him. God hears every prayer.

Edie is a freelance writer and editor with over 16 years experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, publishing over 700 articles in 2010. She also has a popular writing blog www.thewriteconversation.blogspot.com and is a frequent contributor to many others. As a sought after writing instructor, her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital, Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in.
Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, is one of Edie’s latest projects. This devotional book for those with family members in the military will debut in the fall of 2011 with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She’s a member of numerous professional writing organizations, including The Christian Pen, The Christian Writer’s View I and ACFW, where she serves as the Editor for the Southeast Zone Newsletter and staff reviewer for Afictionado Magazine. She’s also an assistant proofer/editor for the Voices E-zine, a publication of My Book Therapy and a part of the My Book Therapy Special Teams Blog. Married 30 years to husband, Kirk, they have raised three sons.
Read Edie’s devotions.
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Un Uncomfortable Situation – Edie Melson
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They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death. Revelation 12:11

“What do you find hardest about being a writer?”

In situations like this, was the answer on the tip of my tongue?

Fortunately I had prayed for God to put a guard over my tongue and I managed to stammer out a less revealing answer.

What situation? It was an interview with me as the focus instead of me as the interviewer. You see, I’m a background sort of girl and any kind of attention makes me desperately uncomfortable. And, in my mind, I’ve always thought that was the way it should be. After all, I’m only where I am because of God’s blessings—not anything I’ve done. So situations that bring attention to me seem to be diametrically opposed to bringing glory to God.

Today, I was told differently.

Who dared to argue with my supposed biblical point of view? Nobody very important—just GOD!

Here’s what stopped me in my tracks.

They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death.

There it is, one powerful word—TESTIMONY—that little word is causing me a death of sorts. The death of my quiet, comfortable, life-in-the-shadows existence. You see, my testimony is what God has done in my life. And God wants to use that to defeat the enemy.

Uh, have you ever tried to share a personal testimony without talking about yourself? Don’t bother trying—trust me, it’s just not possible.

So what am I going to do with this information? The only thing I can do—try to be obedient—no matter how uncomfortable it makes me. Because the one thing I do know is that this life isn’t about me.

Let God make your life comfortable in Him.

Edie is a freelance writer and editor with over 16 years experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, publishing over 700 articles in 2010. She also has a popular writing blog www.thewriteconversation.blogspot.com and is a frequent contributor to many others. As a sought after writing instructor, her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in.
Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, is one of Edie’s latest projects. This devotional book for those with family members in the military will debut in fall of 2011 with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She’s a member of numerous professional writing organizations, including The Christian Pen, The Christian Writer’s View I, and ACFW, where she serves as the Editor for the Southeast Zone Newsletter and staff reviewer for Afictionado Magazine. She’s also an assistant proofer/editor for the Voices E-zine, a publication of My Book Therapy and a part of the My Book Therapy Special Teams Blog. Married 30 years to husband, Kirk, they have raised three sons.
Read Edie’s devotions.
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Beneath the Cross – Edie Melson
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For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. I Corinthians 1:18 NASB

Last Easter I found myself huddled beneath the cross where Jesus hung dying.

Now, for those of you that know me, that’s not as strange as it seems. I love the theater. I even majored in costume design for a time in college. But now, my favorite theater is found in the church. I love being involved in church dramas. For me, the Bible comes alive when it’s being portrayed on the stage.

I do have to confess that I don’t like being one of those onstage—hence the major in costume design. I absolutely hate being in front of a large group of people. I’ve found my place, though. I love being part of the stage crew and that’s what I was doing last Easter.

So, last Easter I huddled beneath the cross while Jesus hung suffering. I was dressed all in black, trying to make myself as small as possible so I wouldn’t detract from the actor portraying Christ. But as I crouched there, I heard his groans and watched him writhe in agony. I heard the cry of the crowds and felt my heart chilled by their impassive faces as they observed the drama.

Was this the way it had been 2000 years ago? The question in my mind transported me to ancient Jerusalem as my heart flooded with parallels. It was no longer just a drama on stage. Jesus’ agony and sacrifice became real in a way I could never have imagined.

The black I wore represented my sin and my invisibility to God in my wretchedness.

My silence, while necessary and expected during the performance, stung me with the resemblance of real life. The world expects me to be silent about the cross, or at least tasteful. And so often I comply, remaining quiet instead of speaking out.

Finally my attempt to remain hidden reminded me that while the world might not see me as I really am, Jesus had a perfect view of me while he hung suffering.

Yes, last Easter I found myself huddled at the base of the cross where Jesus hung dying.

And I will never be the same. Will you?

Edie is a freelance writer and editor with over 16 years experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, publishing over 700 articles in 2010. She also has a popular writing blog www.thewriteconversation.blogspot.com and is a frequent contributor to many others. As a sought after writing instructor, her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital, Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in.
Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, is one of Edie’s latest projects. This devotional book for those with family members in the military will debut in the fall of 2011 with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Edie is a member of numerous professional writing organizations, including The Christian Pen, The Christian Writer’s View I and ACFW, where she serves as the Editor for the Southeast Zone Newsletter and staff reviewer for Afictionado Magazine. She’s also an assistant proofer/editor for the Voices E-zine, a publication of My Book Therapy and a part of the My Book Therapy Special Teams Blog. Married 30 years to husband, Kirk, they have raised three sons.
Read Edie’s devotions.
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The Stink of Death – Edie Melson
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But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. II Corinthians 3:15 NASB

Travel back in time with me as we watch Joseph and Nicodemus take the body of Jesus from the cross that fateful Friday and prepare it for burial. It must have taken valuable time to convince Pilate to let them have Him, but they managed. Nicodemus carried seventy five pounds of myrrh and spices to prepare the body. It was an offering worthy of a king—a dead king.

Imagine the tears they shed as they silently and gently lowered his broken body to the ground. See the abuse He suffered at the hands of his accusers. The beatings rendered Him almost unrecognizable as the blood and filth poured from His body. Still they loved Him so much.

Time was running out before the Sabbath began. They didn’t have time to prepare His body like they wanted, like He deserved. But at least there was an unused tomb in the garden close by. They took Him there and lovingly prepared His body. They tried to cover the stench of death with herbs and linen, but can you imagine the odor inside that dark, cramped tomb. The sickly sweet smell of myrrh combining with the overwhelming smell of blood and torture. As they worked, the smell must have seeped into their noses, hair, and clothing, and when they left they took with them the odor of despair as they gathered with the others to celebrate an empty Sabbath.

Move ahead to Sunday morning, that very first Easter. Mary Magdalene has returned with the news that someone has stolen Jesus’ body. As the disciples race to the tomb, a part of them must dread what they’ll find. But as John enters that resting place of the dead, something besides Jesus’ body is missing.

In a place once redolent with the stink of death, there lies only the empty grave clothes and spices. Imagine the odor now—this place of death now carries the aroma of life.

Jesus led the way—He replaced the odor of death with the aroma of life. Now it’s up to us to let Him lead others down the same path through us. The question is, does our life carry the stink of death or the fragrance of life everlasting?

Edie is a freelance writer and editor with over 16 years experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, publishing over 700 articles in 2010. She also has a popular writing blog www.thewriteconversation.blogspot.com and is a frequent contributor to many others. As a sought after writing instructor, her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital, Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in. Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, is one of Edie’s latest projects. This devotional book for those with family members in the military will debut in fall of 2011 with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She’s a member of numerous professional writing organizations, including The Christian Pen, The Christian Writer’s View I and ACFW, where she serves as the Editor for the Southeast Zone Newsletter and staff reviewer for Afictionado Magazine. She’s also an assistant proofer/editor for the Voices E-zine, a publication of My Book Therapy and a part of the My Book Therapy Special Teams Blog. Married 30 years to husband, Kirk, they have raised three sons.
Read Edie’s devotions.
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Crossroads – Edie Melson
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The ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.  Proverbs 16:2-3

I closed my Bible and sat in silence. What was God up to? The past six months I’d been working on getting my out of control life back under God’s control— and it hadn’t been easy. I’d made some tough decisions, cut some good projects so I could spend more time with my family. It was painful—I’m a Martha through and through. Filling my life with activities and people just comes naturally. One of the hardest things I’d let go of was visiting people in our community on Tuesday nights. These Tuesday night visits had given me a connection with new members of our church and the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with those who didn’t yet know Him.

Now, for the fourth morning in a row, the passage I read in my Bible told me God wanted me to share Jesus with a lost world. Did that mean I was supposed to go back to Tuesday night visiting? I’d come to treasure those nights with my husband and sons. I hated to think of missing that time.

Later that day I had my answer. A speaker told of an organization that utilized online missionaries to share Christ to the world. After several days of hearing from God, I didn’t have to stop and pray about this opportunity. There was no doubt this was the choice for me. I went through four weeks of training and in my first thirty days with GMO, I spoke to 34 people in 15 countries—and I did it all from my computer.

Are you at a crossroad in your life? Has God brought you to a point where you don’t know which way to go on your journey with Him? Well, don’t feel like you’re alone. These moments come to all of us. I have so many things I can spend my time on—necessary things—all of them good things. As a matter of fact, the only thing I know is that there isn’t enough time in the day to do everything! I can usually decide between good and evil, that’s a no-brainer, but good and good — that’s much tougher.

How do I know what to choose? I’ve found there’s one choice that’s right every time. I’ve learned to choose God.

Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for life’s stories. She loves to share her 16+ years experience in the field of writing through mentoring and teaching others. Hundreds of articles and devotions, including those for Focus on the Family, CBN.com, Crosswalk.com and Christiandevotions.us, have flowed from her pen to her audience.

A frequent faculty member at writers conferences, Edie shares her insights with other writers around the country. She also has a popular writing blog, www.thewriteconversation.blogspot.com and is a contributing editor with www.thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com.

Edie is a member of The Christian Pen, The Christian Writer’s View,  and ACFW, where she serves as the Editor for the Southeast Zone Newsletter, and staff reviewer for Afictionado Magazine. Married 29 years to husband, Kirk, they have raised three sons.
Read Edie’s devotions.

Run the Race of Life – Edie Melson
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“I shall run the way of Thy commandments, For Thou wilt enlarge my heart.” Psalm 119:32

The crowd began to roar as the runners came into view, arms pumping and feet pounding. All of their training and discipline came into play during that last mile. Their faces reflected the struggle to continue – to finish the race. If you’ve ever witnessed a marathon, you know what I’m talking about. These athletes train for months to be able to finish that grueling 26-mile race.

So how do they manage this amazing physical feat? They’re not born with the ability to run these distances; no one is. It takes training, months and years of discipline and sacrifice—and a larger heart. That’s right; doctors have found that long distance runners have significantly larger hearts than the average person. This is a result of their intensive training. They need this larger muscle to pump additional oxygen through their blood to compete at this level.

As believers, we also have a race to run. God has a purpose for each of us. At times, it’s a grueling marathon of faithfulness and work. But God also provides the strength, the larger heart, to accomplish His purpose through us. As we practice daily obedience and discipline, our capacity for the lifeblood of the Holy Spirit increases. Our hearts enable us to be used by God in His work. We, too, can become elite spiritual athletes – an example of what God wants for all His people.

So join me as I train for my marathon. Feel the joy that comes from a life lived with purpose and discipline. Accept God’s training and provision as He enlarges your heart.

Edie Melson is a writer whose passion can be summed up in three words—Speak the Truth. She loves digging in and finding out what’s relevant to her readers, whether the medium is fiction or non-fiction. Married 28 years, with 3 sons, she knows the world is constantly changing and often finds herself on the cutting edge of that process. As a freelance writer, speaker and editor with over 14 years experience, her byline has appeared in several national magazines and top websites, including Focus on the Family and Crosswalk.com. She currently works as Managing Editor for Centered Magazine, an online men’s collegiate magazine.Read Edie’s devotions.

Cramming for Exams – Edie Melson
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“The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.” Exodus 16:4

With sweaty palms and racing heart, the walk to my seat seemed to go on for miles. I hoped my all-nighter had done enough to prepare me for the exam I was about to face. Deep in my gut, I knew it hadn’t.

Do you remember studying for finals in high school and college? I do. I still have nightmares about it. I remember sliding through classes and doing the bare minimum to keep up my grades, while concentrating on other things. I seemed to be perpetually distracted by the trivia of day-to-day life. Then, at the end of a semester, I spent several nights trying to force all the information into my brain. No wonder we called it cramming instead of studying. It would have been so much simpler to have kept up through the semester. letting the lessons build on each other in a reasonable manner. There would have been time for reflection and growth in that area of my academic life.

At times, I’ve had the same challenge in my spiritual life. I’ve found myself going through the year, flitting from one thing to another, taken in by the trivial things of life, instead of being open to what God is doing around me. Then, at Christmas, or maybe Easter, I tried to cram as much spirituality into my life as I could get. How much better it would have been to spend the year keeping Christmas in my heart.

God is always at work around us, sharing daily lessons, ways we can grow closer to Him, learn more about Him. He makes it possible for us to know Him better throughout the year, instead of just concentrating on Him at certain times. These lessons build on one another and many times require time for reflection. This time is often lost in the busyness of the season, as we try to cram too much stuff into too little time.

So, my challenge to you is to join me in making this year different. Take time to listen to God, nurture your relationship with Him, reflect on the lessons He presents. Celebrate Jesus throughout the year.

Edie Melson is a writer whose passion can be summed up in three words—Speak the Truth. She loves digging in and finding out what’s relevant to her readers, whether the medium is fiction or non-fiction. Married 28 years, with 3 sons, she knows the world is constantly changing and often finds herself on the cutting edge of that process. As a freelance writer, speaker and editor with over 14 years experience, her byline has appeared in several national magazines and top websites, including Focus on the Family and Crosswalk.com. She currently works as Managing Editor for Centered Magazine, an online men’s collegiate magazine. Read Edie’s devotions.