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Debbie Presnell

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Life is a journey—sometimes we’re on the mountain top and other times we’re in the valley. Regardless, let’s shine together. Subscribe Now

    Tagged: embrace love

  • Releasing Hate and Unforgiveness: Is It Even Possible? Jul. 18, 2023 / 4 Comments

      I walked up onto the porch and opened the screen door. Even though it was a hot June day, it was cold inside. Not…

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    • Plans, Dreams, and Goals … Oh My!
    • What Are You Waiting For? Something to Begin or Something to End?
    • Parents: 10 Ways to Support your Child’s Teacher

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    • Debbie Presnell on Plans, Dreams, and Goals … Oh My!
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    • Sometimes adults forget the simplest, yet most pro Sometimes adults forget the simplest, yet most profound truths. While I was teaching a fifth-grade class, God used Austin to remind me that God would always help me. I was waiting for an important text — one that concerned an issue I’d been praying about for a year. My phone was visible, and I glanced at it when it vibrated. When I read the simple phrase of good news, tears welled up in my eyes. Thinking the incident had gone unnoticed I proceeded with my work. Austin, a handsome boy with dark hair and tons of freckles, got up from his seat and walked to me. Our eyes locked. Thinking something might be wrong, he said, “Jesus will always help you.” Simple. Subtle. Truth. We were made to need God’s help in all things, big and small. No other person or god can do what Almighty God can do. In fact, in Psalm 60:11 David prays, “Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless.” Call out to God for help and remain confident that He will see you through your troubles. Then you’ll be as smart as a fifth-grader. Copyrighted Deborah Presnell.com
    SHINE FRIENDS, I am so happy to share with you tha SHINE FRIENDS, I am so happy to share with you that I have the honor of being the guest speaker at Liberty Baptist Church, Candler, NC this Saturday May 16. I am excited to talk about my Jesus! If you think about it, please pray for each woman in attendance (expecting about 100) and for me as I bring the message of God's faithfulness in our lives. TOGETHER we shine the light and share the hope of the gospel.
    Please be encouraged today that God has not forgot Please be encouraged today that God has not forgotten you. He is unable to ignore the child he died for. But if you feel He has, I want to say the “P” word. Not pity, but prayer. Okay … you have prayed. Now what? Ask your friends to pray for you, too. Their prayers FOR you reach the ear of God. And their words TO you refresh your soul. This has happened to me many times, but one time in particular I was discouraged, two of my friends hiked with me to the mountain top (where I always feel close to God) so we could pray together. Then we talked. No judgment. Some tears. Then laughter. And a whole lot of encouragement to press on in the journey. God gave us friends for this very reason. I can always tell when my friends pray for me. I feel stronger, refreshed, and my thoughts and plans become clearer. Often, I still must wait for the thing we’re praying about. But I’m filled with fresh hope and purpose while I wait. Seek out friends with whom you can pray and talk. If you don’t have any like this, ask God to bring you someone … a friend without judgment; who is non-complicated and understanding; makes you laugh, and encourages you. If you don’t have someone right now, then let me be that person who encourages you. Press on. Do not give in or up. God will turn things around for you. He’s not forgotten you. Believe God’s words in Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (NIV). Copyrighted@debbiepresnell.com
    “Are you okay?” she asked simply. A caring questi “Are you okay?” she asked simply. A caring question. And now I ask you. “Are you okay?” Maybe you are. But what if you’re not. What if external circumstances have come against you, not of your choosing. You feel overwhelmed. Perhaps poor choices have emptied you of the joy you once had. You feel shame. You’re emotionally exhausted and your light is dimmed. Not gone, but not bright. You feel distant or disconnected from God. How do you begin again? Sit still. And think … not about what you’ve done or not done. Think about God and how He is the same, unchanging God. His character is not based on what you do. Praise Him that His love for you is not based on your behavior … good or bad. Praise Him for His faithful character. Then worship Him. Read 1Chronicles 29:11-13. This beautiful passage puts all the spotlight on God. What He has done. Why He is worthy. Worship Him and thank Him for His blessings, mercy, forgiveness; the seasons and mountains and valleys; children, grandchildren; home and friends; life and breath and learning. The songbirds, the rising sun, music to rejoice and dance. Continue in quiet stillness and confess any sin. Seek forgiveness and receive it. Read Psalm 51. Ask God to restore your joy. Ask to be filled with His wonderful Holy Spirit. Ask to feel His presence. Ask for guidance and help. Now we can begin again. One step at a time. One day at a time. www.debbiepresnell.com
    I’ve heard many say (and cry) that the loneliness I’ve heard many say (and cry) that the loneliness and suffering they’re experiencing is so deep they aren’t even sure God can see it. Here’s a woman who felt the same, had a life changing encounter, and then gave God a name. Hagar was pregnant and alone — at least, emotionally. Although one of Abram’s wives, she wasn’t as favored as Sarai, who emotionally abused her, possibly because of jealousy. Hagar returned fire by flaunting her pregnancy. Distraught and weary, and with few resources, she fled to the desert and called on God. He heard her cries and answered: You will bear a son; and you shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has given heed to your affliction (Genesis 16:11). Hagar responded with a spot-on observation: “You are a God who sees” (Genesis 16:13). Psalm 94:7–9 tells us it’s “stupidity” when we think God doesn’t see our situation. God’s Word says He does. Many of us can relate to being in a “desert” season. We crave an escape from our present affliction. Although surrounded by dozens of people, we feel alone, helpless, and desperate. Does God see? He sees. He knows the number of hairs on our head and every tear we shed. He sees our pain and our exclusion. He knows our isolation, loss, and emptiness. He sees it all. Before becoming Abram’s second wife, Hagar had been a slave and in a position of weakness. In her current situation, she revisited her weakness — defenseless and without hope. Yet God saw Hagar in the desert, and His faithfulness to her was like a stream of water in a dry place. Sixteen years later and again in a hopeless state, Hagar and her son were forced to return to the desert. With impending death at the forefront of her mind, she called out to God. Again, God heard her cries. While Hagar and her son lay dying of thirst, God opened her eyes to see a nearby well (Genesis 21:15–21). May God open our eyes, allowing us to draw from the well that sustains us in our dry places. We may desire to escape our situation, but we can never escape God’s gaze. He sees us. He sees you. Copyrighted by Deborah Presnell.
    Happy Monday! Let's start the week off right: Be k Happy Monday! Let's start the week off right: Be kind, show respect, love others. Press on! Shine on!

    Debbie Presnell

    Inspiring women and teens to shine
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