Family - Andrea Merrell

"So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone,and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith." Galatians 6:10 TEV


When I was growing up, it was not uncommon to hear the question, “Who do you belong to?” This would generally take place at weddings, funerals and family reunions, and would be asked by well meaning people who had not seen me in a long time.

Belonging is important. Everyone wants and needs to belong somewhere, to someone, or to something. Being part of a family is important but, in today’s society, we have a plethora of broken, mixed and dysfunctional families. When we feel like we don’t belong (or fit in), it can bring feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and despair.

If you’re a people-pleaser like me, you know that disappointment emerges when we don’t feel we have adequately performed or met another person’s expectations. Many times, just when we think we finally have it down pat, their standard changes and we find ourselves, once again, trying to gain approval and acceptance. It can become a constant cycle, much like the hamster running circles in his little wheel, accomplishing nothing and getting nowhere.

Earthly relationships are fragile and must be nurtured and protected. Even then, the divorce rate remains high. Kids run away from home and parents abandon kids. Families fall apart and friendships dissolve. When the monster of offense rears its ugly head, no relationship seems safe from the onslaught.

As I was praying about this recently, the Lord gently reminded me that, when we become part of His family, there is a sense of stability and assurance nothing else can offer. When we belong to God, He promises to never leave or forsake us. He will never divorce, reject, or abandon us. The Bible calls Him a friend that sticks closer than a brother. God is our comforter, protector, and healer. He is also our provider, with a liberal supply of peace, wisdom, strength, and joy. He is El Shaddai—the all sufficient God—everything we need. The best part is, He always will be.

Need a family? God has a place reserved just for you.



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.

Enough Love to Go Around - Andrea Merrell

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
I Corinthians 13:13 NIV

My hands flew to my mouth, my breath caught in my throat, and tears sprang to my eyes. Standing in a little gift shop in Dillsboro, North Carolina, I was staring at a plaque that read, “I never knew how much love my heart could hold until somebody called me Grandma.” If you have grandchildren, I’m sure you will agree that a truer statement has never been made.

Love is a funny thing. It has to be given away in order to grow and multiply. Just like God gives us the measure of faith, He pours His very own love into our hearts and it’s up to us what we do with both—invest and get a return, or horde and become stagnant.

Many parents (and grandparents) worry while awaiting the birth of a second, third, or fourth child. They fear they can never love another child as much as they love the first. The truth is, when we finally see the next baby face-to-face and hold that tiny bundle in our arms, our hearts begin to overflow with love and we cannot imagine life without this new little person. Love just keeps on growing and spilling over.

Sometimes we can be selfish with what God gives us. We carefully pick and choose who to pour our love into. We act like there’s only so much love to go around and we need to ration it and strategically decide how to use it. That’s never God’s plan. Agape love (the love of God or the God-kind-of-love) values everyone as valuable and precious. It puts others first and is always giving. When we allow God to take up residence in us, that’s the kind of love He brings with Him—in abundance. We can keep it packed away, saving it for a “rainy day,” or we can draw from it moment-by-moment and live a life of peace, contentment and unspeakable joy.

The song says, “Love makes the world go ‘round.” The Bible says there is faith, hope and love, but the greatest, by far, is love. You may not think you have much to give, but you always have love. The more you give, the more you get back . . . and then some.

For God so loved that He gave . . .

So, what does He expect from us? Love extravagantly. Receive love gratefully. Love is what life is all about.

Love never fails. Try it—you won’t be disappointed.

Happy Valentine’s Day!



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.

The Check's in the Mail - Andrea Merrell

"Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands — all that you can hold." Luke 6:38 TEV

God never ceases to amaze me with the creative ways He chooses to bless His children. I haven’t found any money in the mouth of a fish lately, or caught any pennies raining from Heaven, but every single time I reach the proverbial end of the rope, He comes through in surprising and unusual ways.

Just when the bills are piled high and my checking account looks empty, provision suddenly appears. It might be in the form of a rebate, refund or dividend check. Maybe it’s a gift, bank error in my favor (yes, it really does happen), or receiving an unknown and unexpected inheritance. I’ve even had a couple of debts paid off or cancelled—honestly—wiped out completely! How and by whom I will probably never know. What I do know is this: God is our source. He is our provider and has an abundant supply of whatever we need. When we become wise and obedient stewards with what He gives us and pray according to His Word, we can be sure He hears us. We can also trust in His faithfulness and rest in the fact that He will liberally supply.

If you’re a giver, you know how we are to operate—give and it shall be given. The Word tells us to sow our seed in order to reap a harvest. When we lay up treasure in Heaven and make regular deposits into our Heavenly bank account, we can be confident our funds are well protected, drawing interest, and available whenever we need them.

I can say without hesitation, God has never failed to meet my needs. The answer may not come when I think it should, or the way I anticipate, but it always comes, and it usually far exceeds my expectations.

Do you have a need today? Present it to God. Ask in faith, believing that you receive. Then, you can confidently say, “The check’s in the mail.”


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.

All I Want for Christmas - Andrea Merrell

“You will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:1 NIV

When Christmas rolls around each year, most people make a mental list of everything they would like to have. Desires can range from a toaster oven to a sports car, or anything in between. The commercialization of the season and the pressure from others can put a guilt trip on us, causing us to spend way more than our budgets will allow. I know people who spend more on one gift than I have allotted for my entire shopping list.

Far too many people get way over their head in debt trying to satisfy a longing for material possessions, or fulfilling the longings of everyone else in their life. Kids want to keep up with their peers, but adults can be just as bad. Our attics and basements are filled with stuff we just had to have. The problem is, those things only satisfy for a time and then we toss them aside and start thinking about all the other items we can’t live without.

How much richer and more fulfilled our lives would be if we would change our thinking and focus on the real “reason for the season.” I heard a song recently that said, “All I want for Christmas is the presence of Jesus.” Being filled with and surrounded by the presence of the Lord is one of the most wonderful gifts we could ever receive.

The great news is, the presence of the Lord has been made available to us 24/7. When people talk about the “spirit of Christmas,” they are really talking about the spirit of the Lord that permeates this most wonderful and precious season. The hearts of men, women and children are more open and receptive than any other time of year. Why? Because it’s all about Him—a baby born in a smelly stable that would become the Savior of the world—King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

So, next time you make out your Christmas list, be careful not to overspend and go in debt. Don’t concentrate on the presents, but ask for His presence to envelop you 365 days of the year. That’s a Christmas gift with a lifetime warranty, no batteries needed, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Merry Christmas!

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 Associate Editor for http://www.christiandevotions.us/ and copy editor for http://www.devokids.com/. She lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at http://www.andreamerrell.com/.

Andrea is a featured writer in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust, A Journey to Financial Dependence.

Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9822065-4-6
Price: $9.95

That's Not My Dog! - Andrea Merrell

"Yanking a dog's ears is as foolish as interfering in someone else's argument." Proverbs 26:17 NLT

There’s nothing worse than a ferocious dog facing off with you, backing you in a corner with teeth bared and a low growl in his throat. Maybe his bark is worse than his bite – maybe not. How
can you be sure? One thing is certain. If you don’t approach the situation with wisdom and caution, you might get an arm or leg ripped to shreds.

In like manner, how many times have we stuck our nose into someone’s business where it didn’t belong, or tried to handle or control a situation that had absolutely nothing to do with us? Minding our own business is especially hard if we’re “fixers” who want to correct every wrong, change things that don’t meet our standards, and tell everyone else what to do. Unfortunately, I have found myself in that situation more than once.

Don’t misunderstand – there is a time to get involved, but there is also a time to step back, stay on the sidelines and just pray. How do we determine the difference? Body language speaks volumes but generally, when people want our help or advice, they will ask for it. We must always have someone’s permission to speak into their life. Until that time, it’s better to keep our solutions and opinions to ourselves. Unsolicited counsel and advice is typically not appreciated or accepted and can even come back to “bite” us. In other words, it can be just as dangerous to meddle, interfere and jump in the middle of someone’s business, as it would be to grab a strange dog by the ears and yank. Not a wise thing to do and the consequences can be severe!

Ultimately, there is a fine line between helping and hindering. The best way to get direction and know how to proceed is to pray and ask the Lord what to do. If He gives the green light, then go for it. Just make sure you walk in love and think before you speak. On the other hand, if you get a definite check in your spirit and there is no peace about getting involved, simply give that situation to God, walk away and say to yourself, that’s not my dog.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer 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.

Surprise Package - Andrea Merrell

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” II Corinthians 4:7 NIV

Do you love surprises? Many people are put off by anything new and different. They’re comfortable with consistency – stability – the status quo. Others thrive on anything out of the ordinary. They love the adventure and the thrill of “the find.”

Surprises can appear in many sizes and shapes. They can be long awaited and come after much anticipation, or they can catch us totally off guard. Sometimes when we least expect it, God takes an ordinary happening and turns it into a tremendous life-lesson. Such is the case with a new face and voice that has appeared recently on YouTube, made the news, and is fast becoming a household name. That face and voice belong to Susan Boyle.

Who is Susan Boyle? A surprise package of incredible talent that was opened before millions, rocked the world, and crumbled our pre-conceived ideas and perceptions of what a gifted singer “looks” like. As Susan stepped up to perform for the judges and audience, eyes rolled, arms folded and tongues wagged. Disdain and contempt poured from the onlookers until approximately three seconds into her song. With a voice strong, beautiful and passionate, Susan delivered her message loud and clear and shocked every listener. People sat mesmerized until the final note rang out.

How many times have we, as Christians, judged a book by its cover, not willing to open it and see the treasure inside? God gives gifts, talents and abilities to men and women and wraps them however He chooses. The bright, flashy, expensive looking packages with the biggest bows might be a huge disappointment. Some say good things come in small packages. God says good things come in all packages – all we have to do is open them, look inside and give them a chance. We simply have to think about it—believe it in our mind and our heart.

If you want others to see the best in you – the heavenly treasure hidden inside a jar of clay – take the first step. Make up your mind to look for the treasure in others, and you’re sure to find it.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer 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 lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie.
Read Andrea's devotions.

Hurry Up and Wait -- Andrea Merrell

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Don’t you just love standing in line at the grocery store, the DMV or the movie theatre? Do you enjoy the thrill of rushing from one theme park ride to another, only to wait an hour for your turn? We all know what a blessing it is to arrive on time (or even early) for a medical appointment and sit in the waiting room for three hours. I recently made a phone call to the IRS and was on hold for forty-five minutes before I was connected to a warm body. A friend said I should be thankful – they waited and hour and a half.

Isn’t it exciting having your tolerance tested and your patience perfected?

Yeah, right!

We have become an instant, drive-thru, microwave society that cringes at the thought of waiting, even for a moment. Our lives are busy, busy, busy. We want it and we want it now! The old adage, “if it’s worth having, it’s worth waiting for” has gone out the window. Even our children are growing up to expect constant entertainment and instant gratification – instant grits, instant education, instant money . . . well, you get the picture.

Yet, God’s admonition is for us to be still and be intimately acquainted with who He is.

Hard? Definitely.

Impossible? Not so much.

I have learned the hard way that taking time out of my busy day to be still and quiet before the Lord, brings everything I need to meet the day head on – peace, joy, strength, wisdom and direction. That time sets the agenda for the day and brings my universe into proper order and perspective.

When we wait on the Lord, the benefits are well worth the sacrifice. So, what’s holding you back?

If you need a spiritual boost, better hurry up and wait – on the Lord!

Andrea Merrell is a part-time writer and a full-time Executive Assistant, with a passion for God’s Word. She has written her own lessons for Sunday school and Bible Studies, and served as both columnist and editor for Pan Am Bank Notes in Tampa, Florida. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for ChristianDevotions.us. She will be previewed in Spirit and Heart: A Devotional Journey.


Created in the image of the Father, we carry His Spirit and Soul, His Spirit and Mind, His Spirit and Body and His Spirit and Heart.

From the authors of Christian Devotions comes the first in a series of 30-day devotionals focusing on the image and attributes given to us by God.

Within the pages of Spirit & HEART: A Devotional Journey are passage markers to guide you into a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Father. Included in this compilation are devotions by Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles, plus, Christy award winner Ann Tatlock and best selling authors, Loree Lough, Yvonne Lehman, Ginny Smith, Irene Brand, Shelby Rawson, and Ariel Allison.

Contact us at: books@christiandevotions.us to place your order.

How Did I Do Today? -- Andrea Merrill

"Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21 NIV

Here we are again at the close of another day, so how did I do today, Lord? Did I accomplish your plan and purpose for my life, or just do my own thing? Did I listen to the leading of your Spirit and obey you, or did the noise of living drown out that still, small voice that I so long to hear?

Did I speak when you prompted me? Was I silent when no words were needed? Did I rejoice in you and praise you in all things, no matter what came my way? Did I give that cup of cold water to one in need? Did my life reflect your Glory, or did I bring shame to your Holy Name? Were you proud of your child today, or did you shake your head and say, “there’s still so much to learn?”

Was I patient with those around me? Did I speak words of kindness and affirmation, or was I rude and disinterested in their problems; only concerned with myself? Did I speak words of praise and encouragement or was I quick to criticize and judge? Did I share your love and your hope with those who don’t know you, or was I too busy and distracted to notice them? Did I go the extra mile for a brother in need, or was I too caught up with my own busy life to even care? Did I offer a helping hand or even a smile to a hurting heart?

Did others see Jesus in me today? If not, what did they see? Did I walk in the Spirit and walk in love, or did I let my flesh rule me? Did I forgive all who wronged me? Did I look for the best in every person? Was my shoulder available for someone to cry on? Did I take the time to really listen? Did I praise you enough? Did I praise you at all?

So, how did I do today, Lord? Please forgive me where I failed and help me to make each new day a better and more glorious one. Help me to let your Word and your love flow out through me. When we meet again this time tomorrow to discuss the events of the day, may I have no regrets and may I hear only the words, “well done.”

Andrea Merrell is a part-time writer and a full-time Executive Assistant, with a passion for God’s Word. She has written her own lessons for Sunday school and Bible Studies, and served as both columnist and editor for Pan Am Bank Notes in Tampa, Florida. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for ChristianDevotions.us. She will be previewed in Spirit and Heart: A Devotional Journey.

He Knows My Name -- Andrea Merrell

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine."
Isaiah 43:1 NKJV

Do you ever feel like you’re lost in the crowd – unimportant, insignificant, and unnoticed? We all have these battles from time to time, wanting people to “see” us for who we are on the inside. When people take the time to really get to know us, it makes us feel special, affirmed and accepted. The great news is that whether we’re surrounded by friends and family, or lost in a sea of strange faces, there is One who loves us, knows our name and even has it engraved in the palm of His hand.

The fact is, we were God’s idea. He knew every part of us before we were even conceived. He gave us unique qualities that no one else possesses, and He has a wonderful plan and purpose for our life. He thinks we’re wonderful and there’s not a single thing about us that He doesn’t know.

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our name is written in God’s Book of Life. Not only does He know your name, He knows where you “live.” He knows right where you are every moment of every day, and how to find you. Nothing you do misses His attention. When no one else noticed a young shepherd boy tending sheep on a hillside, God noticed. He sent for David when the time was right and made him a great king. The best part is that when He looked at David on the hillside, he did not see the shepherd boy – He saw the king and all that David would someday become.

Our Heavenly Father not only loves us and calls us by name, He is so intimately acquainted with us that He knows the exact number of hairs on our head, just as He knows every sparrow that falls to the ground. He longs for communion and fellowship and He is continually whispering words of love in that still, small voice.

Can you hear Him?

Listen closely – He’s calling your name.


Andrea Merrell is a part-time writer and a full-time Executive Assistant, with a passion for God’s Word. She has written her own lessons for Sunday school and Bible Studies, and served as both columnist and editor for Pan Am Bank Notes in Tampa, Florida. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for ChristianDevotions.us.

God's Protection - Andrea Merrell

"For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11 NKJV

Decorating can be hazardous to your health! I discovered this fact recently as I climbed down a ladder after hanging something on the window in our church sanctuary. Thinking I was closer to the floor than I actually was, I literally fell off the ten-foot ladder, almost pulling it over of top of me, then landed very hard across the back of a pew. Sounds like a clip from America’s Funniest Videos (AFV), but I can assure you there was nothing funny about it. It felt like someone had whacked me across the back with a baseball bat!

As I struggled to recover my breath, deal with the excruciating pain, and decide if anything was broken, I began to think how much worse the outcome could have been. Then, I remembered many other times God’s hand of protection was on me; like the time I fell five feet off a stairway and did a belly buster on the floor below, or the time I stepped backwards into an uncovered vent while cleaning the floor. There was also an incident when my van hydroplaned and spun several times on the highway before it slammed into an embankment, just a few feet from a steep drop-off. I even stepped on some loose dirt and came close to falling off the side of a mountain while hiking one summer.

Psalm 91 is a Psalm of protection, provision and deliverance. From it we learn that God is our refuge and our fortress and He will not only be with us in trouble, He will deliver us. He has given His angels “charge” over us and instructed them to “keep us” (preserve, protect, watch over and defend). They continually surround us and respond to the voice of our Heavenly Father and His Word.

In all reality, we have no idea how many times God has protected and saved us from dangerous situations when we were totally unaware. Even when we’re caught off guard, God is not. He knows the end from the beginning and everything in between. He lights the path before us and promises to always be there to guide us.

Trust Him with all your heart and thank Him for His protection each and every day.

You can count on it!


Andrea Merrell is a part-time writer and a full-time Executive Assistant, with a passion for God’s Word. She has written her own lessons for Sunday school and Bible Studies, and served as both columnist and editor for Pan Am Bank Notes in Tampa, Florida. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for ChristianDevotions.us.

Fingerprints -- Andrea Merrell

"With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." Ephesians 6:7-8


Fingerprints amaze me. Nothing more than a series of little squiggles that are unique to every individual, they can be used as critical information in locating a missing person or identifying someone involved in a police investigation. When a crime scene is dusted for fingerprints and matched with the records of known and convicted criminals, a match can be quickly made.

One day during my morning devotions, the Lord prompted me to look at fingerprints in a different light. Thinking back over my life, I could not help but wonder how many people I have touched, leaving my fingerprints for my Heavenly Father to see? How many people have I encouraged and inspired along the way? It could have been something as simple as a smile, a hug, or a kind word.

Just as others have reached out to me with a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, I want to bless people in whatever way I can. There are many, many ways to impact someone’s life, but the greatest gift is time spent in prayer. That is when we truly lay up treasure in Heaven.

The truth is, we touch people daily and the impression we leave, whether positive or negative, is our choice. Imagine if you will, being put on trial for being a Christian and doing good for others. Would there be enough evidence to convict you? Would your fingerprints of love, compassion and kindness be visible enough to be entered as exhibits A, B and C? How many witnesses would be available for the defense? Would your attorney be wringing his hands, wondering how in the world to prove your case, or could he confidently approach the jury, asking them to look closely at the life of his client, examining all the facts and considering all the testimonies entered as evidence? Could you confidently predict the verdict?

The Bible is full of instruction about how we are to treat other people, but our primary responsibility is to have a proper attitude and keep the motive of our heart pure.
One thing is for certain. The only thing we will leave behind us is a legacy. What will yours be?


Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer 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 served as both columnist and editor for Pan Am Bank Notes in Tampa, Florida. She loves Christian fiction and is currently working on three novels, along with countless devotions.
Andrea (a new “grandma” with two more on the way) has been married to her husband and best friend, Charlie, for 37 years and lives in South Carolina.

DELETE – DELETE – DELETE Andrea Merrell

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9 KJV

For anyone who has grown up in the electronic age of computers, the old-fashioned typewriter has become a relic - a white elephant - something that belongs in a museum, much like the old rotary telephones. Even though some of us cut our typing teeth on these manual monstrosities, we can still agree we love our PCs and are not planning to pull our typewriters out of the attic any time soon. We certainly don't miss carbon paper, erasers, messy ribbons, or starting from scratch when a mistake is beyond correction.

Oh, how we cherish the delete button. Make a typo - hit delete. Change your mind - hit delete. Need to start all over - hit delete and you suddenly have a fresh, blank page waiting to be filled.

Wouldn't it be great if life were that easy? Say the wrong word - hit delete. Hurt someone's feelings - hit delete. React in anger - hit delete. Need to make a fresh start with a friend or family member? Delete - delete - delete. Maybe we would like to have our own personal "Groundhog Day" so we can keep living the day over and over until we get it perfect.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. We have to be mindful and conscientious of the way we behave, what we say, and how we conduct our lives. The Bible encourages us to think before we speak and to choose our words carefully.

I have learned the hard way that hateful words spoken out of frustration and anger cannot be retrieved. My heart has been broken many times as both the giver and receiver of harsh words. They leave a definite and lasting impression. No matter how much we regret an action, the seed has been sown. The old adage about "sticks and stones" is far from being true. Words do hurt and they can cause a lifetime of pain.

The good news for us is that God does have a delete button. When we mess up and miss the mark, God forgives, cleanses, and forgets. He wipes the slate clean and gives us the opportunity to start over - again, and again, and again. All we have to do is ask. Now, that's technology at its finest.

Have you hit the delete button today? It only takes a split second, so give it a try. You'll be glad you did.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer 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 served as both columnist and editor for Pan Am Bank Notes in Tampa, Florida. She loves Christian fiction and is currently working on three novels, along with countless devotions.
Andrea (a new “grandma” with two more on the way) has been married to her husband and best friend, Charlie, for 37 years and lives in South Carolina.

BUSINESS-AS-USUAL -- Andrea Merrell

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10

For most of us, our day is essentially planned before we ever get out of bed. Once our feet hit the floor, we start our daily routine with personal hygiene, breakfast, and the newspaper. Then we might feed the cat, walk the dog, and take out the trash. When all is said and done, we send the kids off to school, and rush out the door to work. We can become such creatures of habit, we never take a different route to our destination, hesitate to try new and different foods and spend all our free time with the same few friends. We watch the same TV programs and movies over and over, and wear our favorite outfits once a week. Basically opposed to change, we get so comfortable that we do things automatically, without thought. Nothing new and different about today – it’s strictly business-as-usual.

Consider this: are we willing to allow God access into our everyday existence, giving Him permission to interrupt our routine and busy schedules? There are many God-moments in the midst of an ordinary day if we simply look for them. God is always at work in and around us. He has many unique and creative ways to bless us, and bless others through us. He constantly wants to wrap us in His presence, and show us His love, His power and His grace.

Being still (and quiet) is one of the hardest things to do, but we must give God something to work with. We have to set aside our agenda for His and allow Him to help us set our schedules and prepare our to-do lists. When we’re rigid and inflexible, not willing to “stop and smell the roses,” we miss opportunities for God to manifest Himself in our lives. We need to look for the divine in the common and miracles in the mundane. Sometimes God’s presence will show up and overtake us when we least expect it. Moses found that to be true when he happened upon the burning bush.

One word or encounter with God can change your life forever, so be ready. Listen to the birds sing. Watch a sunset. Take a walk on the beach. Look deep into the eyes of a child. Or, simply reach out to someone in need.

Can you see Him?

God is there in the midst of the opportunity, and He’s waiting for you.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer 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 served as both columnist and editor for Pan Am Bank Notes in Tampa, Florida. She loves Christian fiction and is currently working on three novels, along with countless devotions.
Andrea (a new “grandma” with two more on the way) has been married to her husband and best friend, Charlie, for 37 years and lives in South Carolina.

Birthday Blues -- Andrea Merrell

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV


Over the last decade, I have developed a love/hate relationship with birthdays. A constant reminder that I am getting older, they present another milestone that makes me look back at all the things I have failed to accomplish. They cause me to look a little closer in the mirror, searching for new wrinkles, gray hairs, and age spots.

Birthdays are bittersweet. Along with the unwanted feelings and regrets, they bring lots of smiles, laughter, and time spent with friends and family. Cards, cakes, and gifts always seem to make an appearance. Even e-cards and text messages are welcome surprises. Birthdays are a time to celebrate and recognize the difference one life can make in this world.

Children love parties, ice cream, and all the hoop-la that comes with birthdays, but I’ve noticed when you pass forty, then fifty, and start inching toward the sixty mile marker, you want less fanfare and more time for quiet reflection. You begin to take inventory of your life – what it means – what you’ve done – what you still have left to do. Someone once said, “I love birthdays because the more I have, the longer I live.” A true statement, but maybe we could add, “The longer I live, the more I appreciate the time I have.”

The truth is, age, like everything else, is relative. If we constantly compare ourselves to others or despair over our lost youth, we miss the peace, joy, and fulfillment of living one day at a time, looking forward to the experiences and opportunities God brings our way.

Life is truly a gift. We were given breath because God has a wonderful plan and purpose for each of us. We can take that gift for granted, or embrace it and determine in our heart to become all God created us to be, savoring every moment and living life to the fullest.

With that attitude, we can boldly say, “Birthdays don’t bother me – bring ‘em on!”


Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer 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 served as both columnist and editor for Pan Am Bank Notes in Tampa, Florida. She loves Christian fiction and is currently working on three novels, along with countless devotions.
Andrea (a new “grandma” with two more on the way) has been married to her husband and best friend, Charlie, for 37 years and lives in South Carolina.