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Today I am so excited to share about a new book written by my friend Courtney Joseph titled Women Living Well: Finding Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids and Your Home, and to have her guest posting here on my blog.
Courtney has a popular blog herself where she frequently shares her journey as a mom, a wife and follow of Christ and her website links are below if you want to visit her and find out more about her book and ministry. Â She is also hosting a series of FREE webcasts starting this Thursday, September 26th, so be sure not to miss out!
Courtney stated about her new book that “God created us to walk with him; to know him and to be loved by him. He is our living well and when we drink from the water he continually provides, it will change us. Our marriages, our parenting, and our homemaking will be transformed. ”  These are truths that as women we can all benefit from!
Today I’m going to give away a free copy of Women Living Well! To enter to win, leave a comment stating one challenge you face as a wife, mom, home maker or believer which might benefit from a little holy transformation.  Winner to be announced on my blog on Friday, September 27th. Also the winner of our new Encouragement for Today Devotions book will be announced.  So be sure to subscribe for my updates or check back Friday!
Now I’m going to turn it over to Courtney!
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Thank you so much Tracie for having me as your guest today!
In my book, Women Living Well, I talk about finding joy in God, your man, your kids and your home. We will not experience God’s joy until we first learn how to simply linger…linger in God’s word. In the midst of this noisy world, God’s voice can be drowned out by the distractions of our busy days.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
My son has always been a very active little guy. From the day he began walking, he no longer wanted to sit in my lap. I would try to hold him and cuddle him and he would straighten his arms and like a bullet slip to the floor. He wanted to be free! But that made me sad – because I longed for lingering moments, like when he was a baby.
Sometimes I act this way with God. He wants me to just be still and enjoy Him. But nooooooooo, I want to be free. Free to run around distracted and doing my own thing. God doesn’t want to hold me down all day long – but He does want just a little while to linger with me.
He wants to tell me how much He loves me and guide me by His Word. He wants me to talk to Him about my day, my struggles, and my needs. He wants to teach me. He wants to reveal to me areas I need to mature in and fill me up with His joy. He wants to be thanked and worshiped. He wants me to be still and know that He is God.
He loves us so much he hung on a cross for us in agony. Oh…just linger on that thought for a moment…He humbled himself to death on a cross so we could be forgiven of all our heinous sins and know him personally…intimately. So we could linger with Him. Certainly we can set aside a few minutes a day to be still and gulp down a huge glass of living water. For it’s only when we learn to drink from the living well, that we will be women who live well in our marriages, parenting, homes, work places and ministries.
Won’t you join me on my journey as I walk with the King.
Courtney
Click on the graphics below to get more information about Courtney’s free webcasts & to order your copy of Women Living Well:
Courtney Joseph has been married to her high school sweetheart for 16 years and classically educates her son and daughter at home. Courtney is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship. After over a decade of leading women’s Bible studies, mentorships and workshops in her local church, she decided to move her ministry on-line at WomenLivingWell.org and WomenLivingWell.tv. Courtney’s passion to see women living well through discipleship in God’s Word, led her to co-found the rapidly growing, on-line Bible study community at GoodMorningGirls.org. There thousands of women globally, join together daily, to dig into their Bibles through on-line devotionals, videos, free Bible reading plans and tech-based accountability groups. Courtney’s first book titled Women Living Well: Finding Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids and Your Home is available now in bookstores or amazon.com.
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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.
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One challenge that I face is how to be the wife and mom that my family needs and deserves while balancing the daily requirements… all while trying to make a Christian impact on my world around me.
I so appreciated the devotional and clip this morning. Thank you for reminding me about the beauty and refreshment of lingering with God. That is MY challenge as I rush about every day with household duties and work and family and…
One of my biggest challenges is finding the time to cook a nutritious meal for my family. We are on the go so much. Often times when I have time to cook, I hadn’t made the time to make it to the grocery store. Eating out so much is hard on the pocket book and often makes me feel like such a failure as a wife and mom.
I’ve been a lifelong “Christian” but in the last year, I’ve been re-reading the Bible in a way I’ve never seen it. Amazing, for the first time I am understanding and retaining information that seems I’ve never really listened to. Surrounding myself with The Word, prayerful thoughts, blogs, friends with similar goals and values has really helped to build my faith in God, and I feel such a great closeness as our relationship grows. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts with others. It really is an inspiration to all women who are looking for guidence in today’s crazy busy world.
Its been a tough year for my husband and I. Lots of stresses from work, family and finances. We each are just exhausted and need the other. Yet some days the other doesn’t have anything to give. Unfortunately we’ve gotten into a bad habit of self preservation. I need God to restore and rebuild my marriage in only a way that he can.
I really struggle with the wife part. Its so easy for me to give everything I’ve got to work and then being homemaker as I cook dinner and mom as I get the kids bathed and in bed, and then to collapse on the couch in a heap and pass out before 9pm. My poor hubby. I would love to rekindle the spark, the way I used to look at him in high school. He is my hero, but most often I do not show that. I want to have energy and resolve at the end of the day to snuggle, play and have fun with my man!
my biggest challenge right now with my husband and adult children is communication. how do i get through to them without being negative and with it seeming like I’m putting them down. It’s hard working all week and trying to keep house, and do things at church and raise a godly family. It’s hard to find the time to be alone with God. So many challenging things and I know that I need to let go and let God do what needs to be done. Can’t wait to read this book!
My greatest challenge is re-igniting my marraige. I am afraid jn the midst of full time work, raising 3 wonderful children, and managing budget and household I have unintentionally put my marraige on the back burner. We just sent our oldest child off to college and I pray daily that we find a way to to re-connect again as we move into this next phase of our lives. The easy way, and Satans wish, I know is to give up which I refuse to do. Thank God for these blogs and devotions which encourage me every morning!
I struggle to be myself. It seems like everyone wants me to do things for them all the time, but I can’t find the time for myself. I’ve decided to talk online courses to a degree so I can become my own individual. I have one son in college and another one about to graduate high school, so it’s about to me my time, if I can convince my husband of that. I need spiritual guidance as to where I need to go from here. Pray that I do God’s will in my next step into becoming myself. It’s going to be hard not having a child that needs me to help with daily needs as both my boys are going up. Pray that I make it through this year having my baby graduating High School.
I struggle with balancing all the different roles I play each and every day.
I’ve struggled with depression for several years now. I find it difficult to enjoy the little things in life, like my husband of 8 years and my 2 young children. I pray and hope that God will help me learn to be a better wife and mom, and show me how to enjoy the little things in life! I’d really love to win this book.
“Be Still and Know That I Am God…” I have that verse on a wood carving in our bedroom. I run past it every morning on my way to another day of frenetic motion and drag myself past it again at night before throwing myself, exhausted, into bed. Why can’t I seem to find the time to spend with God? I have the same 24 hours in the day as everyone else. I want it to be a priority in my life and I’ll DO it…as soon as I _______________________. (fill in the blank).
I long for a quiet time but, clearly, I haven’t found the balance I need.
Right now my biggest struggle is balance. I feel pulled in too many directions. Work, ministry, husband, kids and friends. To spend time quiet with God to seek what HE wants is my desire.
Oh my, one area? 🙂 The most difficult is keeping a godly attitude in sometimes overwhelming circumstances.
Thank you for the devotion, what a great reminder to be still and know that HE is GOD! Right now my biggest struggle is to offer forgiveness to my husband and to be patient with my kids.
I have a 16 (soon to be 17) year old son and a 57 year old husband. We have been married 1 year, 1 month, and it is my 3rd marriage, his 2nd. My struggle is working to keep everyone happy all of the time. I need prayers to help me focus on keeping God happy first, then my family. I, too have a “balance” struggle. Work, church, family, friends.
I hope to order Courtney’s book and read it with some girlfriends so we can help each other!
God Bless!
Thank-you for the great devotional! My greatest struggle, giving grace, and loving at all times no matter what!
I always want to do it all and do it best. I have a hard time doing something if I am not sure I can be perfect at it. this leaves a lot unattended to and it builds up to an overwhelming to-do list that of items that seem as if they will ever be addressed. most days i feel so discouraged.
I constantly struggle with impatience. Unfortunately this has translated into many heated moments with my family. I have had some more time lately to delve into His Word and it really does make a difference. I am trying to live the life of constant prayer and communication with God to truly transform my being.
Juggling 3 kids, hubbie, full time school and part time job! My challenge is being PRESENT!
I have three kids under the age of 3 and I often find myself frustrated, stressed, worried and overwhelmed. I want to be able to enjoy my kids and not stress over ever little thing.
Parenting. Just parenting. I wanted this gig so much. Now I am struggling with such anger I never knew I had.
I struggle daily with finding quiet time in everyday. I have 6 wonderful children (ages 3-13)and a loving husband. We homeschool and they are always around…which I love and wouldn’t have it any other way, but it makes it difficult to find/make time to get away and find a quiet spot to sit and wait on the Lord.
One challenge I face as a believer, wife, and mom is being patient toward others and not having the last word. I often get impatient with my preschooler when it comes to teaching and training him. I forget he is 3 and I am 35. He has way less experience than I do. My husband has also said I like to have the last word. I always thought this meant something different. I would reply back, no, I am not trying to get the last word. What he really wanted was for me not to defend myself or say something back.
As a wife, I have constantly struggled to be humble, to be kind and sweet even though at times my husband has not been kind to me. THAT IS VERY HARD! Also to come from a family where I did not have a father in the home or at all. My mom not only had four kids, but she was in a very sinful relationship, and not just man or woman. Growing up with abusive mom (who was also horribly abused worse than I was) who physically abused me (not just spanking, if I needed, yes, but a slap, etc) and verbally abused me, I did not know what a healthy relationship was. I have a lot of traits that she has and I HATE IT! I have come to realize that a woman does not act like that and I have asked GOD to help me to rid of these hindrances and to give me his heart, his mind, and everything. I want to not only live a life that GOD has every hand it in, I want to live right to please him, to have a healthy family, and for when that day comes, (MY MOM was not happy for me, or believed in me or etc) that he will be pleased with EVERYTHING that I have done. That he will be proud of me, happy for me and I guess blessed to call me his child and for me to finally have a father.
One challenge I face with three small kids at home is making time for my husband. I often give him my crabby side because I have given my loving side to my kids all day. When I am in God’s Word I am able to keep that crabby, stressed out wife away, but I often struggle with making time every day for our Savior too. Thank goodness for a forgiving God and a forgiving husband 🙂 Would love the book!
Thank you for this lovely devotional. I need to stop and spend more time in Gods word. When I do I am so filled up with Him. Keep up your good work Courtney.
My challenge is “finding time” . I am a homeschooling mom of 4 (ages 2-9). Most days I am exhausted and really need inspiration.
My biggest challenge has always been myself. I try so hard, love so much, give so much, but I always end up feeling like nothing I do is good enough. I’m working on “me” trying to not be so hard on myself, but it is a constant struggle. It has affected my marriage, my relationships with my children, and friendships. All those things I tried so hard to get right. I am or used to be such a positive person, but now I don’t feel so positive anymore, so I am just going day by day trying to get through and get my hands on anything that might help.
I struggle with balancing a business and my children.
It is hard for me to fully engage in playing with my 5 year old son without being interrupted or thinking about all of the other things I need to be doing at the moment.
My challenge is remembering that God has everything under control. Thankfully He does, regardless of my forgetfulness.
My struggle is working to put all of the parts together – I either homeschool or train my children well, and my housework falls apart. Or I have a nice clean house, with ornery whiney children. Or I choose not to spend time in God’s Word and it all falls apart! Thankful that my husband and I have a wonderful relationship – but there have been times when the kiddos come before that and we both fight against that. Would love a copy of the book!
One challenge that I face is understanding how to balance it all! Being a mom, wife, homeschooling teacher, sister, aunt, daughter, friend and every other title that I hold. It is hard to balance and maintain it all but slowly I am learning and have been reading and following the Women Living Well’s Bible Studies since the Proverb’s 31 study. I have learned so much but feel as though I still need help with trying to balance. Thanks so much for this contest!
One challenge I have is trying to find a balance with all the different roles I have.
I am a married disabled retiree. My daughter and 10 year old grandson live with us.. I am a wife, mother and caregiver. Our grandson plays sports and I take him to practice and games. To help with the family income, I have my own business in the health and wellness industry.. However, I don’t have time to do this. My days and nights are always filled with others needs. I love being with my family and helping, however, the stress of trying to do everything is very difficult. I attend a women’s bible study on Monday mornings. I read a daily devotional, but those are the only times “for me.” I would love to have the book to help control the stress of family, etc. Thank you.
I struggle with anxiety on and off. I try to give it to god but I pretty mug feel it creeping back in:( I am trying to reclaim the joy and peace that was given to me when Jesus died on the cross! I don’t want to let something like anxiety steal that and that’s exactly what I’m doing, letting it! I just need a little encouragement along the road to giving my mind fully back to Jesus!
Right now my greatest challenge is leaving the past behind and the mistakes made and moving my family forward with me into a new beginning that HE has for me!
My biggest challenge is balancing time with my children, with my husband, work, me time, and of course bible time and time with our Father. We are just too busy when we have to fit God into our schedules when we can. God needs to be first and everything else needs to follow!
Balance is definitely my biggest challenge!
Hi Tracie! I recently was blessed by God with a new job! It’s help to help my husband;however, I’m finding it hard to maintain balance. He works long hours and I’m often sleep when he arrives home. Now that I’m working, I don’t have the free time to read the Bible and devotions at my leisure. This is a big part of my life and I want to make sure I incorporate God in my day. I also need to squeeze my hubby in there, while trying to learn my new job.
One challenge I face as a mom and a homeschooling mom is my son who was diagnosed at 2.8 years old with autism. He is now 14 and doing very well, but everyday can be a challenge….and everyday with God no challenge is too big as long as we lean on him. Looking forward to reading Women Living Well book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Keeping my perspective to what is truly important and what is distraction!
My biggest challenge is trying to balance caring for my kids, husband, home and a sick family member as well as working full time. I also want/need to find quiet time with God and learning what He wants for my life, but it seems like when I finally sit down at the end of the day to read my bible, all I do is end up falling asleep.
I feel like I really struggle with trying to keep up with everything and being “present” for my family. It’s so easy to sink into the distractions when the chaos builds up…..!
My biggest challenge right now is to finally and completely let go and actually giving my adult children into God’s hands where they belong.
I have made it a point to pray and listen to God for just a few minutes when I first wake up. I do it better on days when I work than I do on off days. I also plan to spend one of my breaks at work just sitting quietly with Him. I really still need to work on being content with His plan for me–I tend to look with envy or anger at what others have, instead of feeling blessed that He is in control of my moving and being.
I want a nicer, more modern house–but mine is functional and in a safe neighborhood, while others are homeless. I desperately want another baby–other people have 2, 3 or more children–why do I have to have a bunch of money and go through a lomg drawn out process? Then, I remember that some couples are childless, no matter what they do, while I have a beautiful son. I want some relief from paying all our bills–but, at least we can pay most of the time–others have little or no income.
Lord, help me to see blessings, even in the “no” or “not now”. AMEN
Carissa in eastern Iowa
One challenge…Oh but I have so many…sigh…..boils down to really Not.Sweating.The.Small.Stuff! Not being anxious in the fact that I have a loaded schedule, dinner is not done, house is not spotless, etc…
My current challenge is empty nest, feeling lost
I struggle with doing well in all my responsibilities, prioritizing, and making sure to have quality time with my family- not just being there.
Always being respectful of my husband and not selfish.
Struggle with finances.. WOrk 2 jobs and miss out on so much. Being single is rough
Balance and keeping everything in perspective by not overreacting to small things.
I sometimes find the hardest to stay focused on the good when there are too many stumbling blocks at a time. Balancing it all takes serious work and faith!
To find one challenge, now that is the issue!! I would have to say being a wife and a mother of 4 has many challenges. The biggest one for me, is trying to find time for each person in the family individually! Plus trying to make sure to have balance in every area of my life! Too be honest, each new day, we face a different challenge!!
My biggest challenge is dealing with a husband who doesn’t know how to love.
I face the challenge of being gracious and patient when I feel bogged down by so many responsibilities as a working wife and mother. The house is always the last to get attention b/c I try to prioritize relationships, but the fact is that when the house is a mess, it makes my mind feel like a tangle of chaos. I wish my family would help more without needing me to nag them or yell.
I really struggle doing the balancing act. It seems like I’m always needed for something by all parties at the same time. Phone rings, kids cry, dinner needs to be fixed, dryer chimes, etc. It’s a challenge.
I face a few health challenges…chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, orthostatic intolerance, anemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, post traumatic stress disorder & severe anxiety issues. I would love a copy of your book as I’m on a journey to health with my Lord Jesus Christ & the your book sounds like it would be invalueble. I’m in my early 40’s & do not have any children, but would LOVE to become a mum! I need to get my physical & mental health under control first (it’s had me debilitated for 9 years so far but still praying for a total healing) & am running out of time :'( As I am unable to work, being able to afford wonderful books like yours is a bit tricky. I want to thank you for writing such valueble & relevant work. May God bless your ministry & all that you do xxx
Balance of all the roles is a struggle but the most important is spending time with God and that’s my hardest. I get caught up in legalism about how much time to spend, the best time to have your quiet time, exactly what to use just the bible or other good books. I go from that to just reading a devotional, feeling like I have never done enough unless I read, pray, journal etc.
Being content with my life, my marriage, my family, my friends, my job, etc. Praising God in the midst of my struggles and not constantly looking to change my circumstances. Defeating the thought pattern that the grass is always greener…
My biggest obstacle right now is when my husband is home-the TV is always on and it’s very hard fo find a quiet place to linger with God and his word. I recently discoovered that ear plugs work really well-I used them yesterday and I couldn’t hear a thing–It was an answer to prayer! This book sounds wonderful–who couldn’t benefit from learning how to linger with Jesus just a bit longer. 🙂
Having quality time with my family is a godsend. As I linger with God, I am learning to concentrate less on myself and more on Him. Balance is a big hurdle, yet I am breaching to overcome this struggle in my life. Our road seems long, but the end is near and I want to run well and to finish the race toward the arms of my Savior… Heaven awaits!
for me lately the challenge is learning to be truly joyful despite the circumstances or where I am in life vs. where I think I want to be. To be able to praise God sincerely despite my selfish ambitions.
My challenge is trying to manage my time for my kids,my husband and still trying to fit my quiet times with God,chores,work and fitness. I surrender everything to God but I just feel burnt out with no energy and still feel that I can’t keep up with it all.
I wish I can truly say I feel God is in control of my life but the reality is I want to take control, I don’t trust God and I end up feeling defeated and guilty.
The biggest struggle is living out a life of surrender and obedience. The Lord is showing me my impatience and how I want his will my way, using reasonable and timely methods, and a detailed timeline of events.
Be still and know that I am God. Linger with The Lord. Yes humbly in his presence is where I find my rest, my peace and the grace that is sufficient for all my needs.
Challenge of finding rest and balance.
Like many others, I thought, “Only ONE?!” I would say my most crucial challenge right now is reaching my teenager’s heart – inspiring her to want to seek God. I know this means continually revamping my relationship with God and my marriage, but figuring out HOW to do that (and following through) is a huge challenge in this season of life when the key words to describe me and our marriage are “tired” and “out of sync”.
A challenge I face is trying to balance it all and not trusting God as I try to do more instead of seeking Him and then letting Him lead me to live out my priorities.