raelynpracht

On Writing

For the past four years, I have wondered why God called me to write devotions. It was quite different than what I wanted to write (which are very different than each other) – books for first readers, young adults, and horror. But I followed His lead. It took me a while to fall in loveContinue reading “On Writing”

The Words We Plant

Words we speak to others and ourselves have a slow, subtle, quiet power. Words are tiny seeds being sown into ourselves or others – seeds that will slowly grow over time into mighty trees. Words are seeds. Seeds become trees. What kind of tree are you planting? Words we speak to ourselves and others, feedContinue reading “The Words We Plant”

I Won’t Back Down

Funny to think that a song on my 5k training playlist would spark a devotion. Yet it did. “I Won’t Back Down,” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was inspiring to me on a different level this morning. I won’t back down. I will stand my ground. There is a constant battle against sin andContinue reading “I Won’t Back Down”

Upheld: Poem on Psalm 51:12-15

Upheld with a willing spirit, not with defense or fight. Upheld with a hopeful outlook, one of trust and faith. Upheld above the clouds of darkness, far from my sins and transgressions. Upheld so I may be restored and focus my eyes on the joy of salvation. Upheld that I may sing songs of praiseContinue reading “Upheld: Poem on Psalm 51:12-15”

RELEASED

Every July 4th my neighborhood lines the sidewalks with small American flags. This year those flags not only represent American’s freedom to me, but also the personal freedom I have found through Christ. Lately, I have been consumed with worry, stress, and anxious thoughts about a whole list of things. These have made me feelContinue reading “RELEASED”

Let the Wind Take Hold

Our minds are like the tallest tree where the heaviest and strongest winds test the strength of the branches. Our thoughts are the many leaves attached to each branch. Some thoughts gladly let the wind take hold of them and send them either soaring in the rush or floating gently down. There are those others,Continue reading “Let the Wind Take Hold”

A Delicate Balance

Writing for me is a delicate balance of knowing not only what to write, but also when to write. Ideas are constantly swirling inside my head. I see everything in the world as a story idea. However, I am also all over the place. I see stories in forms of children’s books, short story ideas,Continue reading “A Delicate Balance”

A Reflection on Psalm 34:4-7 Reason to Shine

via A Reflection on Psalm 34:4-7 Reason to Shine

A Reflection on Psalm 34:4-7 Reason to Shine

I shine with the radiance which can only come from Him. There is no more shame, no more regret. I am saved from all my troubles, left only with security, protection and love. Sheltered by the angels’ love, I am saved. I am rescued. I am delivered from all my fears. My despair is lifted.Continue reading “A Reflection on Psalm 34:4-7 Reason to Shine”

Sealed and Unopened (Dedicated to my Dad this Father’s Day)

Every year for Father’s Day, I set out to find the perfect Father’s Day card for my dad. For him and I, this card expressed our relationship. It never had Thomas Kinkaide artwork on it (though he really liked him) nor did it have something about him being the World’s Greatest Father. Anything sappy wasContinue reading “Sealed and Unopened (Dedicated to my Dad this Father’s Day)”