Jesus Calling Magazine Fall 2020 Issue 5

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THE

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MAGAZINE

T.D. JAKES

The Power of Women Who Pray

KATHIE LEE GIFFORD Faith to Dream Big

Anne

Neilson

FINDING the ANGELS AMONG US

OLD FRIENDS ARE FUR-EVER A Haven for Senior Dogs

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inside front cover - ChurchSource/FaithGateway

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Visit jesuscalling.com for meaningful holiday gifts.

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Jesus Calling Note-Taking Edition

Dear R eader

2020 has been a difficult, distressing year. As we approach the holidays, it may be an especially trying time for you. So it’s crucial to remember that Jesus is with you at all times. I urge you to make every effort to trust Him— even when you’re hurting and you can’t understand His ways.

It’s essential to stay in communication with Jesus—clinging to Him and His Word. During this holiday season, you may find it helpful to memorize portions of Scripture that are especially meaningful to you. It’s so comforting to have God’s Word hidden in your heart—guiding and encouraging you day and night.

Jesus Calling for Christmas

One of my favorite verses is: Trust in Him at all times; pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8). To develop deeper trust in Jesus, we need to come to Him and tell Him all about the things that are troubling us. He is indeed our Refuge. He is also our Strength—an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). In verse 10 of this psalm, the Lord instructs us, “Be still and know that I am God.” I invite you to spend time resting in Jesus’ Presence—ready to receive His Peace.

Jesus Calling: The Story of Chrismas

I offer you this excerpt from Jesus Always, December 4:

Life in His Presence: A Jesus Calling Guided Journal

PHOTO CREDIT: JEREMY COWART

As you relax in My healing Light, I shine Peace into your mind and heart. Your awareness of My Presence with you grows stronger, and My unfailing Love soaks into your inner being. Trust in Me, beloved, with all your heart and mind.

Bountiful blessings!

THE

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MAGA ZINE

F A L L

COVER STORY | 8

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Laura Minchew SVP & Publisher

Kathie Lee Gifford is calling all dreamers to follow their heart to find God’s path.

Michael Aulisio VP, Marketing Editor in Chief Linda Tozer Marketing Director Mandy Wilson Marketing Director

CONTENTS Country Music Star Sara Evans: Born to Fly

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Doing Good: Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

Amy Kerr Copy Editor

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Trent Shelton: There’s Power in Perspective

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Pastor’s Corner: O.S. Hawkins – “He Is Our Peace”

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Anne Neilson: Discovering the Angels Among Us

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Food Network’s Melissa d’Arabian: Holiday Dishes for Your Family

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Ally Brooke: Finding Harmony by Keeping the Faith

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Richard Cowdrey: “My Teachers Believed in Me”

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Bishop T.D. Jakes: When Women Pray, Things Happen

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A Jesus Calling Devotion to Celebrate Christmas Eve

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Chonda Pierce: Holding Joy and Grief at the Holidays

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Jesus Calling Social Media Spotlight

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Music Spotlight: Zach Williams – Blessings in the Broken Places

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RootedFamily.com: Cocoa’s Christmas Coupon Book

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Family Games & Puzzles

Senior Dog Sanctuary | 6

Anne Neilson | 18

Beth Murphy Senior Marketing Director Barbara Moser Senior Graphic Designer Candace Waggoner Senior Operations Manager Designer Michelle Lenger

Published quarterly by Thomas Nelson, Inc., P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214

T.D. Jakes |28

PHOTO OF ANNE NEILSON, JAMEY PRICE FOR QCEXCLUSIVE

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Laura Neutzling Managing Editor

Printed in the U.S.A. © 2004 Sarah Young All rights reserved; no materials may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher.

The Jesus Calling Magazine is not responsible for problems with vendors or their products or services.

Cover Photo by Jeremy Cowart

For advertising inquiries, visit JesusCalling.com/magazine

Born to Fly Sara Evans

THE COUNTRY MUSIC STAR SHARES HER RISE TO STARDOM, HER ROUNDABOUT PATH TO LOVE, AND HOW HER FAITH BRINGS HER DAILY JOY.

by Stefanie Schroeder

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AT FOUR YEARS OLD, most children enjoy simply drawing shapes, naming colors and numbers. Not country music star Sara Evans. When she was four years old, she discovered what she wanted to do for the rest of her life: she wanted to sing.

Evans grew up on a farm in Missouri, the third of seven children. When she was four, her parents bought guitar lessons

My mom “taught me to be the best I can be.

for her two older brothers. As the boys learned their way around chords, young Sara occasionally sang along. At one point, her parents noticed that she had a voice, and by age five, she had her first paying gig.

Years later, Evans can still look back and marvel at the power of her childhood intuition.

For Evans, the path to personal and professional success hasn’t been a straight one. She credits her willingness to face challenges head-on to the 24/7 work ethic engrained from her days on the farm—and to her mother, who “taught me to be the best I can be all the time, and don’t ever let anything go.”

She didn’t. In the early ‘90s, Evans moved to Nashville, became a demo singer, and was discovered by a music executive at RCA. It didn’t take her long to belt out chart-toppers like “A Little Bit Stronger,” “Suds in the Bucket,” “I Could Not Ask for More,” “No Place That Far,” and “Born to Fly,” which is also the title of her new book.

In Born to Fly: A Memoir, Evans shares what she calls the “bullet points of her life.” She writes about the highest highs, like her unexpected love story with her husband Jay, the joys of motherhood, and her path to career success. But the singer also reveals some of her most vulnerable moments: the pain she felt when her parents divorced, a car accident at eight years old that left her with broken arms and legs. But through it all, Sara writes with her signature warmth and humor that shows even her most avid fans a side of the star they’ve never seen before.

A young Sara sings ontage with brother Matt

“I always thank God for showing me that at a young age, because a lot of people don't know what they're supposed to do with their lives until later,” says the singer. “And I've always known that no matter what, I wanted to be a famous country music singer, a mom, and a wife.”

Check, check, and check. Not only is Evans a famous country music singer, she’s racked up awards and credits a mile long. She’s been named Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. She’s won Billboard and Country Music Association awards.

She’s played to millions of fans, achieved platinum sales, performed on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. She’s even been named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.”

But sit with her on the cozy couches at her home outside of Nashville, and it’s evident the awards aren’t the ultimate goal of Evans’ career. The latter part of her original bucket list—being a mom and a wife— are the conversation topics that make her light up.

Evans’ proudest achievement is being a mom of three, stepmom of four, and happily married to quarterbackturned-sportscaster Jay Barker.

In her recent appearance on the Jesus Calling Podcast, Evans shares one element of her life she keeps front and center—her faith—because she realizes how blessed she is. Growing up, faith was the center to her family life. They regularly attended a small church out in the country with only twenty members, but this small, sacred space helped her grow familiar with God even at a young age.

When she was twenty, Evans says faith was her foundation as she experienced the anxieties and fears that accompany early adulthood and finding your way. As she was traveling, she found a Gideon Bible in a hotel room and started to read it to find comfort.

As life ebbed and flowed, bouts of anxiety popped up now and again, which is when she found Jesus Calling. When Evans lived in Birmingham, Alabama, someone at her Bible study handed her a copy.

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Left: Sara sings the National Anthem at the NBA Finals, Above: Sara backstage with daughters Audrey and Olivia

that was just a pure gift to me, to be able to sing. Every night after the shows, when I come off stage or finish around the house, I’ll just thank God for a while.”

PORTRAIT OF SARA EVANS © LOWFIELD (PAGE 3)

“ Calling, Go to Jesus you'll have what you need.

Adapted from Sara’s interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast.

“I tell people, ‘Go to Jesus Calling, and you'll have what you need, what God knows you need to hear for that day.’ It's just awesome. It really helps me when I’m having major anxiety,” Evans says. “Like flying and leaving my children.”

These days, decades after she first had the dream to sing, and despite a career that still demands she stay in the spotlight, Evans has answered the biggest question in her hit song: How do you keep your feet on the ground, when you know you are born to fly?

Easy. The singer knows herself and what she’s grateful for.

“I’m grateful for my family, my husband, my children,” she says. “We are just blessed beyond. We have so many people to love and so many people to take care of. Family is everything to me. I worked really hard to get to where I am, but at the same time,

Sara’s memoir, Born to Fly, Fly is available wherever books are sold.

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Put your phone in Camera mode and hover over this code to hear more of her story now!

OLD FRIENDS HELPING SENIOR DOGS

Duke

by Abigail Nibblett

At the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary near Nashville, Tennessee, one thing never grows old—love.

WHEN ZINA AND MICHAEL Goodin started volunteering at the Middle Tennessee Golden Retriever Rescue in 2010, they noticed elderly dogs were often overlooked. “They were moving between foster homes and vet offices and kennels, never really getting to settle down,” Zina says. The Goodins knew there had to be scores of other aging breeds waiting for their forever homes, too, and were inspired by a special senior dog who’d blessed their lives: a golden retriever named Lucy-Lu. “Lucy-Lu came from a terribly neglectful situation,” Zina remembers. “She was very underweight—about thirty pounds, I guess, when she was picked up by the rescue and had a terrible bladder infection. She was just in horrible shape. She moved to our house, and she hit the ground running, smiling and never looking back. And because of LucyLu's attitude, we realized these senior dogs, no matter what terrible background they came from, could leave the past behind them and have a good life. She was with us for four years, and she was just happy all the time.”

In April 2012, they officially opened a nonprofit sanctuary out of their home, and since then, the sanctuary has continuously grown, thanks to the organization’s hit Facebook account, which boasts nearly two million fans who can’t get enough of the

Spencer adorable old friends. The Goodins are now building a brand-new facility that’s nearly 20,000 square feet—three times the size of the old garden center they currently occupy. “We never dreamed it would have gotten this big,” Michael says. “We thought we'd just save dogs in our home.” The space will have every aspect needed to adequately care for nearly 100 dogs, like better cleaning systems, a larger kitchen, treadmills for dogs with arthritis, and a vet’s office on site.

The Goodins do all they can to remove stressors that hinder potential adopters and are enthusiastic advocates for choosing an elderly canine companion.

“Senior dogs are much calmer than younger dogs,” Zina shares. “They've gotten past the point in their life where they have to be ‘top dog.’ They sleep when the people sleep, and they just live a little bit mellower.

They still play, but they play for shorter amounts of time, and they really can focus more on being part of the family.”

Adopters often pass on older dogs because they’re concerned about how much time they’d be able to 6

D O I N G

G O O D

ARE FUR-EVER FIND A NEW LEASE ON LIFE

PHOTO COURTSEY OF THE GOODINS. © ISTOCK

Cole

Lola

After years of watching senior dogs light up as they experience tender care, the Goodins believe that humans can learn a thing or two from our canine counterparts on how to enjoy every moment to the fullest. These beautiful canine companions show us that it’s okay to trust, and the simplest things in life can sometimes make you the happiest (one of the sanctuary’s dogs loves to play with toilet paper tubes!).

After only eight years in operation, the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary has shown millions of potential adopters how much joy humans can share with an older pet. In the Middle Tennessee area alone, they’ve helped more than 1,000 dogs find new friends and are placing approximately 6 dogs a week in happy homes.

Over and over, they’ve shown that no matter the age, friendship with these sweet pups, even for a short time, can touch your heart for a lifetime.

Raven

spend with their new friend. But the Goodins are adamant that an endearing quality of older dogs is they don’t have any concept of their age. And their senior dogs thrive in a home-like atmosphere— Michael and Zina have seen firsthand the rejuvenated energy and spunk that canines have when they’re placed in a stable environment.

There’s another looming factor that prevents many potential adopters from considering a senior dog: the cost. “Lots of people, especially those on fixed incomes, worry about medical costs of an old dog, and that's a legitimate concern,” Michael admits.

To help resolve that issue, Michael and Zina implemented a support system: their Forever Foster program, an adoption with benefits. The dogs are placed in a home where they can spend the rest of their days, but the sanctuary retains the right of ownership and provides veterinary treatment, medications, and preventatives that improve quality of life for their furry friend. The sanctuary has a policy that if a dog needs to come back to them for any reason, they’re always welcome—no questions asked.

Adapted for print from an upcoming interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast. To find out how you can volunteer your time, donate, or become a Forever Foster, please visit www.ofsds.org.

You can read stories of the most heartwarming Old Friends in the new book Homecoming Tales, in stores November 3.

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KATHIE LEE IS CALLING ALL DREAMERS Follow Your Heart to Find God’s Path

by Amy Kerr

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C O V E R

S T O R Y

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATHIE LEE'S PERSONAL ARCHIVES

I

f someone asked, “What’s your dream for your life? What are you working toward?” how would you respond? Would you list your accomplishments and goals with the air of someone who wears confidence like a favorite cardigan? Or would you feel your pulse quicken, your cheeks flush, and find that suddenly you couldn’t remember what you ate for breakfast, let alone what you wanted to do with the rest of your life?

Maybe it’s a question no one has asked you in a while. Maybe it’s something you don’t even ask yourself anymore.

Ask a child about their dreams, and they’ll rattle off every single occupation they’ve found halfway interesting from the stories they've read or watched. “I want to be a firefighter! And also a mommy. But I want to be an astronaut too, and maybe even a librarian!”

When kids dream, they don’t see obstacles. They allow themselves to expand their visions of the future with wild abandon. You probably dreamed like this once. When did you stop?

Kathie Lee Gifford wants to help you try again.

Ask the legendary entertainer about her dreams, and she launches into rich stories of a born performer who’s spent decades reaching for new ways to connect with others through story, song, and speaking. And as doors opened for her in the entertainment world, Kathie Lee discovered that God had so much more in store for her than she could have imagined for herself.

“I never had the dream to be famous—ever. That's sort of the irony of my life,” Kathie Lee admits. “It never occurred to me that I would be talented enough or blessed enough to be a star.”

Born in Paris in 1953, Kathie Lee remembers the birth announcement her parents sent to loved ones.

The card proclaimed her future career with stunning accuracy. “On the front, it was the Eiffel Tower with a big spotlight. And it said, "A star is born!" the fourtime Emmy-winning host says with a laugh.

“It has always been my dream to be an actress and a singer—there was no such thing as a talk show host when I was growing up. I remember being in the first grade, and I brought my favorite little book to my teacher and said, ‘Can I act this out for everybody in my class?’

“And she goes, ‘You want to do that?’

“I said, ‘Yes, please!’ I was always like that.”

Kathie Lee at 4 years old.

Her father, a Naval officer, brought the family back to the States in 1957. They settled in Maryland, where young Kathie Lee became an engine for creativity, trying her hand at singing, acting, writing—any creative outlet she could. She credits her parents for creating a loving, supportive space where she and her sister could try anything they set their minds to.

“ be born Every child should into a garden of growth and excitement, of joy and beauty and fulfillment.

“My parents encouraged every creative urge I ever had. They were the kind of parents who not only went to every performance—they went to every rehearsal for every performance. They loved it. A lot of children are born with beautiful dreams, but their parents 9

What does“God want you to be?

never cultivate them. Every child should be born into a garden of growth and excitement, of joy and beauty and fulfillment.

“I was blessed to start singing professionally when I was ten years old. My sister was eight, and we were paid $5 each to sing at my grandmother's birthday party. My dad used to tell me, ‘If you get paid for something, that makes you a professional.’”

As she entered her teen years, Kathie Lee filled her “professional” life with gigs as part of the folk band Pennsylvania Next Right. She participated in the Maryland’s Junior Miss scholarship program, which led to a big move to Hollywood. She landed a job on the soap opera Days of Our Lives.

“I was what they called an ‘atmosphere person.’

You weren't allowed to say a word, and boy, did I milk that. They had to call me out a few times. ‘Don't move around so much!’ Ultimately, the producer came up to me and said, ‘Can you act?’ I would be ‘the voice of Flight 202 leaving for Portland,’ you know, those kinds of things. And my voice was always an asset. I thought I had to sing to have it be an asset, but it's something many people recognize me for. Long before they look at me and go, ‘Oh, itʼs you!’ theyʼll go, ʻI turned because I know your voice.ʼˮ

orette A budding maj

Kathie Lee’s voice has been a comforting presence on morning television for decades. She spent fifteen years as the co-host of Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, where she received eleven Emmy nominations. After eleven years as the co-host of The TODAY Show’s fourth hour with Hoda Kotb, the legendary host stepped down to pursue new creative dreams—and help others to find their own dreams, too.

“I believe we ask the wrong question of children when we say, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It's not what they want to be, so much as, ‘What does God want you to be? What dreams did He put inside of you that He will use for His glory?

To make your life rich and abundant and joyful and blessed?’ Because when we move away from our dreams, I truly believe we move away from His perfect will for our lives. That's what I'm trying to share with children in my new book Hello, Little Dreamer: that God doesn't make mistakes with us, and you are perfect in His sight.

“When anybody says to me, ‘I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I don't know who I want to be,”

Kathie Lee in her folk sin

ger days

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C O V E R

I go, ‘What makes you happy every time you do it?

When you were growing up, what was the one thing your mother couldn't make you come in for because you were having so much fun?’

“And they'll say, ‘Oh, I liked to put kites together and fly them.’ That's what you're supposed to do.

You're supposed to build things and watch them soar.”

Kathie Lee is quick to point out someone else who followed the dream God put on her heart—a dream to write and serve others—and has been used mightily

by Him as a vessel to help others: Jesus Calling author Sarah Young. Nearly two decades ago, Sarah began to share her prayer journal, which ultimately became a beloved devotional that’s touched millions around the globe, including Kathie Lee and friends in her circle.

entertainer. God has blessed me in so many ways, and He's used me to proclaim Him to a nonbelieving world. And that's been a tremendous blessing. Has it been a challenge? Yeah. Have I felt alone at times? Oh, yeah. But I always knew that was God's special place for me.

When you love“ people, that's when they sense Jesus.

“I can't tell you how many people I’ve been privileged to lead to the Lord because I happened to be on a TV set or in a recording studio—people who would’ve never read the Bible or would've turned off a television show talking about God, but they'd watch me. They'd watch the way I live my life, the way I treat people. Because when you love people, that's when they sense Jesus.

After five decades in entertainment, Kathie Lee is thrilled to walk with God in a new season of her life.

And as she writes in her upcoming memoir It’s Never Too Late, she’s making the next act of her life the best act of her life.

“I'm a widow now, an empty nester. I've moved away from the home I had for forty years in the

What we are “made to do is what we love to do.

“Even today, my hairdresser was saying, ‘Oh, I read her books every morning, and they give me just what I need for today.’ This is what everybody says. That's the miracle of what God has done with Sarah’s life.

“What we are made to do is what we love to do.

I was meant to be an entertainer—He made me an

gis Philbin

Kathie Lee with Re Earning her stipes as a young performer

S T O R Y

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Sarah Young and Kathie

Lee

Kathie Lee on loaction, directing her short film, The God Who Sees

worked in a very long career. I’m directing now—I just completed a short film called The God Who Sees. I've been in front of the camera my whole life and watched directors. I've learned from what they do, and I've been fascinated by it.

“We were born to co-create with our Creator. I've never been confused at all about what I'm supposed to do, and I think that's because I was pursuing my dreams. I can't even imagine what God's got for me next.”

Connecticut and New York area, and I'm down here in beautiful Tennessee—a whole new life, new world, new challenges, new friends. That's just the goodness of God to give me that. I'm 66 years old and I feel like three 22-year-olds. I'm working harder than I've ever

Kathie Lee’s upcoming memoir It’s Never Too Late hits stores December 1, 2020.

Kathie Lee’s new children’s book Hello, Little Dreamer is on sale October 13, 2020.

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Adapted for print from an upcoming interview on the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television series on Circle TV. Put your phone in Camera mode and hover over this code to learn how you can watch!

THERE’S POWER IN

PERSPECTIVE Motivational speaker Trent Shelton knows our biggest road blocks can become our greatest opportunities. Trent’s life changed dramatically when, around the same time, he was cut from the NFL and became a father. He began a journey to become a man and a leader his son could be proud of.

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questioning God and becoming angry. I wasn't turning to Him. I wasn't turning to my faith. I was turning to clubs. I was turning to temporary fulfillment, those things that give you a high but leave you empty.

Trent (#13) on the field for the Indianapolis Colts

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRENT SHELTON © ISTOCK

by Trent Shelton If I look back, there was a time I would have said, Losing football is the worst thing that could ever happen to me. But now I look back and say, This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I often try to find the good in every situation, and I allow my perspective to be my power instead of my prison.

I owe a lot of my life now to my family. My parents have been married for more than forty years.

I have two older brothers—they were my heroes and still are. They are part of the reason why I made it to the NFL because it was always “them versus me.” I don't know how that was fair, but they really strengthened me and made me tough.

My father's a pastor, so our relationship with God was everything. I understood the power of God at a young age. As I got older, I kind of steered away from my faith. God was a big part of my life, but it was more like, I'll call on God when I need Him. My main dream was to make it professionally in sports, whether it was football, basketball, baseball— football just happened to be what I was better at. My senior year at Baylor, I was on NFL draft boards.

I was blessed to have an uncle who still coaches in the NFL, and he gave me some feedback. I knew making the NFL was going to be a reality.

At the same time, it was terrifying, because when you realize that your vision can become a reality, you don't know if you're prepared for it. It made me dial in on the hard work it took to actually stay there, because that's the thing: what's harder than getting there is actually staying there, committing yourself to discipline, hard work, and consistency.

“ really I found myself questioning God and becoming angry.

Around 2008, 2009, it was a dark time. My son Tristan was born. His birth was unplanned, which ended up being the greatest blessing of my life. But at that time, I was dealing with that. I was dealing with being released from NFL teams and having an uncertain life. One week you're here, the next week you're at home. You don't know where you're going to be, and I found myself really 15

If my son “ follows my footsteps, where is my life leading him?

When I hit rock bottom, I realized I’d never built a solid relationship with God for myself. It was the relationship my parents gave me, which was great, but I had to go on a journey of understanding what that relationship meant to me.

And it took the death of one of my closest friends by suicide to wake me up and make me realize, What am I doing with myself?

I asked myself this question: If my son follows my footsteps, where is my life leading him? What's the path I've created? What's the mindset?

What's the faith? I wasn't happy with the answers, and I had to make a change. If I can't do it for myself, I have to do it for Tristan.

My prayers used to be asking God for things, and now my prayers are, "God, what do You need from me?" That has brought me clarity and peace. A lot of times, we think we need all these things, but what we really need is peace that surpasses all understanding. And I feel like that can only come from God through reflection, through appreciation, and through prayer. So I'm making sure faith is a daily staple of my life, and I'm making sure my kids see that in my family.

Straight Up Facts Here’s some of my most honest, unfiltered, as-real-as-I-can-put-it advice: STRAIGHT UP ABOUT YOU You were given worth at birth Comparison is death Protect your peace STRAIGHT UP ABOUT HARD WORK It’s not failing if you’re trying Get comfortable with being uncomfortable Busyness is sometimes laziness Do sweat the small stuff STRAIGHT UP ABOUT YOUR HEART Money won’t fill you That blue check on social media won’t fill you Pleasure isn’t happiness You are unique in your purpose

The Shelton Family from left: Tristan, Maya, Trent, Maria and baby Marlee

The most important “work you will ever do is the work you do on yourself.

I've had it all—everything the world, the American Dream promises will fulfill you. But I feel like God leaves a void in us that can only be filled by Him. No matter what you have or who you have in your life, if you don't have God, you're probably missing a lot.

My whole mission is to rehab the world. My organization is called Rehab Time, and it stands for “Renewing Every Heart And Body.” And the word rehab also means just putting strength back into weakness. The most important work that you will ever do is the work you do on yourself.

We can change the world—I think it's possible. But we can't change the world if we don't change our households. We can't change our households if we don't renew our minds, if we don't renew our hearts. It all starts with you. Be the reflection of the change that you wish to see.

Adapted for print from Trent’s interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast.

Trent’s new book Straight Up is available wherever you buy books!

Put your phone in Camera mode and hover over this code to hear the rest of his story!

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As we turn our thoughts to Christmas, please enjoy this excerpt from pastor O.S. Hawkins and his new book, The Bible Code.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah.

Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting. . . . He shall be great . . . and this One shall be peace.”

PHOTO BY GUIDESTONE

—Micah 5:2, 4–5 Through the pen of the prophet Micah, God revealed Bethlehem as the divinely handpicked city

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Excerpted from The Bible Code, copyright 2020 by O.S. Hawkins. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

You can find The Bible Code at your favorite book retailer today!

Want to hear more from O.S. Hawkins? Listen to his interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast!

C O R N E R

by O. S. Hawkins

that would cradle the Son of God. Think of it. Of all the places for Messiah to be born, why Bethlehem? Why not Jerusalem?

It was the seat of religious power.

Why not Rome? It was the seat of political power. Why not Athens?

It was the seat of intellectual power.

Through Micah, God was sending a message. The hope of the world is not in religion, nor is it in politics, nor is it in philosophy.

The hope of the world is in a Savior. The Bible calls Him the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). And this same Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is our source of peace this very day. By choosing Bethlehem, God was also saying to us that it was a place of potential. He is reminding all of us that, in His economy, the small shall be great, the last shall be first. God saw Bethlehem as a place of limitless potential. And He sees you in the same light . . . not just for who you are, but also for who you could be. You are a person of potential in His eyes.

We live in a troubled world today, desperately in search of peace and yet totally unaware of the Biblical truth that there will

P A S T O R ’ S

He Is Our Peace

never be true peace without being centered in the “One” who is from everlasting to everlasting and who is called the Prince of Peace.

You will never have peace in your heart until the Prince of Peace Himself, the Lord Jesus, comes to live in you by faith. There is no true and lasting peace without Him! We find Jesus here in Micah.

He is our peace. And on the night before He was crucified on a Roman cross outside the city walls of Jerusalem, this One who was born in Bethlehem left us these parting words: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Yes, “This One shall be peace” (Micah 5:5).

Finding the Angels Among Us A Q&A with Artist and Author Anne Neilson As a fine artist, Anne Neilson is known for her ethereal Angel Series paintings. Anne paints with

passion and purpose, giving back to others by contributing to charitable causes near to her heart. She sat down with our editor in chief to talk about her brand-new devotional, Anne Neilson’s Angels.

Christ and huge supporters. She’ll tell me, “God has called you to do this. You have been given this gift.

You go out there, you paint.”

Your Angel Series paintings are so powerful.

When did you begin to create them?

As a little girl, I knew God had created me to create. Eventually I started a successful pottery line, but put it on hold after my husband and I started our family. I began to miss painting, especially, so I built a little studio and would paint there while my children were at school.

One day I wanted to create something that reflected my faith, so I painted an angel and sent an image to my sister. She said, “I think you found your voice.”

Later on, I was having shows a couple of times a year in my home. People just gravitated towards the angels, they were moved by them. That’s kind of how it started.

Tell us about your new devotional Anne Neilson’s Angels: Devotions and Art to Refresh, Encourage, and Inspire.

Words are powerful. Every day we choose which words we’re going to cling to, and which words we’re going to speak over our children, our spouses, our relationships, our marriages.

I learned how powerful words were when I taught school for a year right out of college. I was in a district where veteran teachers were paired with new ones. The veteran teacher went around the class and said, “He’s disruptive. She’s not going to amount to anything.” These labels were so harmful. I just took all those words off, and I just replaced them with words of affirmation. “She’s a studier. He is kind.”

For this devotional, I’ve painted forty new angels, and every day, I’ve paired one word with an angel. It's a word that people can take and use daily.

For example, let’s take “busy.” The number-one word I hear is, “Oh my gosh, I’m so busy.” I don't want to glorify that word. I want to transform that word to B-U-S-Y: “Be Uniquely Serving Yahweh” by doing what is specifically yours.

I hope this book is a blessing. Especially today in the broken world we're living in, I feel like our words are going to be very impactful.

You’ve had some fascinating people take a shine to your angels: Steven Curtis Chapman, Maria Shriver, your good friend Kathie Lee Gifford—even Oprah!

God has put these people in my path. He weaves us all together, and it's for a purpose that we might not even know.

Kathie Lee is truly one of my dearest soulmate friends today. When I was painting pottery, I was a Regis and Kathie Lee junkie. I mean, I loved watching them. When I released my first book Angels in Our Midst, I knew Kathie would be blessed by this book.

So I sent her a copy, and I got an email back from her saying, “Oh, my gosh, I'm gonna be late the first time ever to start my show!”

She has become one of my incredible sisters in

Adapted for print from an upcoming interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast.

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Anne’s Favorite Jesus Calling Moment I have been a Jesus Calling fan for I can't tell you how long. It’s something I go to, and share, and pass out like lollipops because I do believe that it's anointed.

I have four kids, and my oldest daughter begged and begged to go to boarding school. Tenth grade we decided, “Okay, we can do that.”

PHOTO OF ANNE BY JAMEY PRICE/QCEXCLUSIVE. ARTWORK PROVIDED BY ANNE NEILSON.

The day I dropped her off, it was August 23rd. I'm driving home, and I'm sobbing because I'm like, “What have I done? I've given my child to the world.” And I'll never forget coming home and picking up my copy of Jesus Calling, and reading that day’s devotion: “Trust your loved ones to Me. Release them into My protective care. They're much safer with Me than in your clinging hands.” And boy, were my hands clinging. That spoke to my heart.

Anne with some of her celebrated works, including The Lord Will Guide You, top, and A Deeper Love, bottom-left.

Anne’s new devotional, Anne Neilson’s Angels, is on sale November 3.

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“Food is filled with invitation. It's filled with connection to God and to each other,” says Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian. She’s sharing a few special recipes that grace her family’s holiday table.

CARAMELIZED BRUSSELS SPROUTS, PINE NUTS AND PENNE

ROASTED ASPARAGAS SOUP

D e l i c i o us Dis hes to Br i ng Yo ur F a mily Together a t t h e Holidays

CLASSIC APPLE TART

F OO D N E T W O RKʼ S ME LI S S A D ʼARAB IAN

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CARAMELIZED BRUSSELS SPROUTS, PINE NUTS, AND PENNE My husband grew up disliking Brussels sprouts because he always had them boiled, which brings out the cruciferous flavor. Sautéing and roasting the sprouts, however, brings out their natural earthy sweetness, which pairs perfectly with smoky bacon.

3 tablespoons pine nuts ½ pound penne pasta 2 slices bacon, finely chopped 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced 3 cups Brussels sprouts, sliced ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth Juice of half a lemon ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated Lemon wedges, for serving TOAST the pine nuts in a small skillet set over medium heat, shaking the skillet often until they are golden brown, 4–5 minutes.

Transfer the pine nuts to a plate and set aside.

BRING a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

SET ½ cup of the pasta water aside, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

COOK the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is browned and crisp, 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

ADD the olive oil to the bacon fat, then add the onion and cook until it is soft, about 3 minutes.

ADD the Brussels sprouts, raise the heat to medium-high, and cook until the sprouts begin to turn golden, about 7 min.

POUR in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stir in the cooked bacon, and season with the salt and pepper.

RECIPE PHOTOS © BEN FINK

TOSS the drained pasta into the Brussels sprouts mixture. Add the thyme, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, along with a few spoonfuls of pasta water (if the pasta looks dry). Divide the pasta among 4 plates and serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe Credit: Supermarket Healthy. Copyright © 2014 by Melissa d’Arabian. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House, Inc.

CLASSIC APPLE TART Apple tart is my family’s favorite dessert. Try it topped with ice cream for that delicious à la mode taste.

1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes, plus 1 tablespoon, melted 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons sugar 3 Granny Smith apples 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon MAKE THE TART CRUST Set the cubed butter on a plate and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Fill a cup with ice and water and set aside.

Place 1 ½ cups flour, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar in the bowl of a food processor, and pulse to combine.

Take the butter out of the freezer, and add it to the flour. Pulse the mixture until it looks like wet sand, about 10 seconds. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the ice water and pulse until the dough comes together into a ball.

Lightly flour your work surface, and place the dough on top. Then lightly flour the top of the dough, and roll to about a 10- to 11inch circle, sprinkling more flour under and on top of the dough as necessary.

Gently drape the dough over the rolling pin and transfer it to a 9- or 9 1/2-inch fluted tart pan (ideally one with a removable bottom).

Fit the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan as evenly as possible and press off excess dough from the fluted rim.

Set the tart pan on a baking sheet and place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS SOUP This incredibly quick and simple soup is a wonderful way to highlight asparagus.

1 ½ pounds asparagus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon lemon zest ¼ cup Greek yogurt, for garnish 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, roughly chopped, for garnish PREHEAT the oven to 400 degrees F. TOSS the asparagus and oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper on a baking sheet.

Roast the asparagus until lightly roasted but still crunchy, about 5 minutes. Cool the asparagus slightly.

COMBINE 1 cup water, the asparagus, broth and lemon juice in a blender. Puree until very smooth, about 2 minutes.

TRANSFER the soup to a medium heavy saucepan and heat the soup. Stir in the mint and lemon zest and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Divide the soup among bowls and garnish with the Greek yogurt and almonds.

Recipe Credit: Supermarket Healthy. Copyright © 2014 by Melissa d’Arabian. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House, Inc.

MAKE THE FILLING Preheat the oven to 350°F. Peel, core, and quarter the apples and then thinly slice them lengthwise. Place the apples in a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice, the cinnamon, and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and ⅛ teaspoon salt.

BAKE THE TART Remove the baking sheet with the tart shell from the refrigerator.

Arrange the apples in concentric circles so they overlap slightly. Brush the edges of the crust with the melted butter.

Bake until the edges are golden and the apples have cooked down, about 1 hour.

Cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Credit: Ten Dollar Dinners. Copyright © 2012 by Melissa d’Arabian. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House, Inc.

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You can find Melissa’s latest book, Tasting Grace, at your favorite book retailer today.

Put your phone in Camera mode, and hover over this code to hear Melissa’s story on the Jesus Calling Podcast!

ALLY BROOKE FINDS Harmony

BY KEEPING THE FAITH

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by Abigail Nibblett POP SINGER ALLY BROOKE has always had a big voice and even bigger dreams. After a meteoric rise to fame that held a few bumps along the way, she’s finding harmony between the star the world sees onstage and the strong woman of integrity she’s always tried to be.

Raised in a tight-knit, MexicanAmerican family, Ally remembers listening for hours to the powerful singers who filled her home: Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, Dolly Parton, Jaci Velasquez, and Shakira, to name a few. At nine years old, Ally began to show off her own powerful pipes as she performed in front of crowds at church. At twelve, Ally’s parents agreed to shuttle their daughter back and forth between their hometown of San Antonio and adopted home of Los Angeles so the talented pre-teen could pursue her passion.

In 2012, nineteen-year-old Ally auditioned as a solo contestant on the reality singing competition The X Factor. She was eventually placed in a performing group with four other young women, and they ultimately formed the pop group Fifth Harmony. Though Fifth Harmony only placed third on the show, pop fans didn’t seem to care.

The group shot to fame virtually overnight—a fact that Ally herself still can’t believe.

“That is something that is so crazy to me,” Ally says. “Being in Fifth Harmony had so many amazing highs. I was able to see the world, go to all of the big awards shows, have platinum records,

collaborate with so many amazing artists. And I loved meeting so many amazing, kind hearted, passionate fans who really cared about us. I will always be thankful for Fifth Harmony because it changed my life.”

However, life in the spotlight wasn’t always as shiny as it appeared.

As Ally shares in her new memoir, Finding Harmony, her time with the group revealed obstacles that were difficult to work through.

“ to carry me He was right there through everything.

“Being in the group had its challenges, for sure—everything from feeling like my identity was lost, to navigating challenges inside the group. I saw the reality of how the music industry really works, and it's not always kind. I was young, and I was more of a people-pleaser, so I had a really hard time standing up for myself. When the going got tough, I was on the floor asking, ‘God, why is this happening? How am I going to get out of this?’ He was right there to carry me through everything.”

Attuned to the demands of her industry, Ally’s a master at listening to the voices around her. But over the last few years, she’s come to know a softer, kinder voice through the pages of Jesus Calling.

PHOTO © JOSEPH PAPA. ALL OTHERS COURTESY OF ALLY BROOKE; © ISTOCK

There is a God“who loves me just the way I am.

“I am such a big fan of Jesus Calling. I use it just about every day, and it really inspires me and keeps me grounded. I'll have days where I'm going through something, or I'm sad, or I have a ton of anxiety, and through that devotion, I'm able to silence those thoughts and those worries. I'm just reminded, Yes, I'm on the right track, or, I needed to hear this word of hope.

That was the most wonderful thing—to be reminded that even in this crazy industry, there is a God who loves me just the way I am. Jesus Calling is such a source of comfort to me.”

Today, Ally’s walking in a brand-new season. Fifth Harmony disbanded in 2018, and in the days since, the young singer has been tackling her biggest obstacle yet: finding her path as a solo artist, a process she’s found immensely gratifying. “Fifth Harmony’s Ally Brooke is so different than the Ally you see now. Being on my own, knowing that I have that rock of faith and family, it means so much to me, and it’s carried me throughout my entire life. I've grown tremendously. I have finally come into my own, and I am the woman that I’ve always wanted to be. I have found my harmony.”

Adapted for print from Ally’s upcoming interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast.

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Tori Kelly. iend, singer fr er h h it .

Top: Ally w h her Mom ng Ally wit Bottom: You

Ally’s new memoir, Finding Your Harmony, hits stores on October 13.

My Teachers Believed in Me An Artist Finds Faith in Himself and God

by Richard Cowdrey friends would hand me their notebooks and ask, "Hey, can you draw Farrah Fawcett?" This was back in the ‘70s.

Mr. Koenig, the art teacher, became aware of that.

On his own accord, he gathered as many of those drawings as he could find and made a portfolio for me. He drove up to Columbus College of Art and Design, put my drawings in front of them, and said, "I have a kid who's got a lot of talent, but he's a lot of trouble." And I was a lot of trouble at that point. I hadn't even considered college.

I didn't know about Mr. Koenig making that trip until my graduation night, and my name was read off: “Richard Cowdrey, Scholarship, Columbus College of Art and Design.” That's when my family and I found out about the scholarship.

Illustrator Richard Cowdrey has brought iconic children’s books’ characters to life, like Marley the Dog from Marley & Me and social media sensation Fiona the Hippo. But Richard might have never found his way to career success, if it weren’t for two teachers who played a pivotal role in changing his path forever.

I CAN'T REMEMBER A TIME when I didn't have a crayon or a pencil in my hand. When I went off to school, I was recognized immediately for my drawing skills, but I wasn't a very good student. Back then, they thought I was being rebellious or something when I’d just sit and draw. I was a D-minus student.

By the time I got to high school, my parents were divorced, so I had no discipline and no one watching out for me. I hung out with the wrong crowd and partied a lot. I was even flunking art, the thing I excelled at.

At school, if it was test day, I'd zip through and answer enough questions to pass, then flip the test over and draw these elaborate, detailed drawings. My

My senior year in college, I was pretty jaded about life.

I’d partied a lot and tried just about everything the world had to offer. I thought I’d just get out of college, work forty years, and die. That's really what it came to.

I had an instructor named Mr. Drummond. We're sitting there drawing halfway through class, and I just hear, "Cowdrey! In the hall!"

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“ try everything.

I've watched you

sitting there watching the movie, and the Holy Spirit is all over me, going, “You never said thank you to Mr. Koenig.”

The next morning, I called Cincinnati Information and asked, “Is there a Lewis Koenig still alive?”

Because he was old when I had him. I called the number they gave me, and an old man's voice answered. I said, “Were you an art teacher at Oak Hills High School?”

He said, “Yes, I was.”

When are you going to try Jesus?

I went out in the hallway with him, and he said, "I've watched you for four years. I've watched you try everything. When are you going to try Jesus?" And I really didn't have much of an answer.

He pulled out his Bible, and he had it clipped to the Gospel of John. And he said, "Just read this section, and pray if you feel inspired."

After class, I went back to my apartment, pushed the beer cans aside, and started reading the Gospel of John. And by the end of it—I was twenty-one then, and I'm sixty now—I still cannot actually come up with the words to describe what happened. I knew the answers. I knew who I was, why I was. I knew what was ahead. I was just like, Wow. All I had to do was trust and give all that gunk over to Him, He would take care of it.

I owe you “everything.

And I said, “I don't know if you remember me, Rick Cowdrey.” I was Rick back then. “I'm married, I have four kids, I'm an illustrator. But most importantly, I was introduced to Christ at college, so I'm a Christian.

I've got this wonderful family and a wonderful career.

None of it would have happened without you. I owe you everything.”

He was very touched, and we ended up having a really great relationship.

Twelve years later, my wife and I went to see Mr. Holland’s Opus. He's a high school teacher who gets to the end of his career and feels like, What was that about? Then all these students come back to celebrate his life, and they tell him, “I'm in a symphony,” “I'm this and that.” He’s played a big role in their lives. I'm

After I started illustrating the Marley and Fiona books, I began to get calls from schools asking me to come speak. I hate standing up in front of people, so I prayed, If you really want me to do this, Lord, I’ll do it.

And He made it pretty clear that I was supposed to.

r to l: Richard in grade shcool.

Richard in college. Richard and his family.

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I pray before each school visit. I know it's not about me. I look out at all these students, and I look for the ones who look like me, who weren't the straight-A students, who weren't the quarterback. They're the ones on the edges, on the fringe. I try to encourage them that they have a gift, and I try to give them hope, because I know God gives a gift to everyone. I honestly believe every person has something.

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Adapted for print from Richard’s interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast.

Put your phone in Camera mode and hover over this code to hear the rest of his story!

2 It’s a Very Fiona Christmas!

It’s Fiona the hippo’s very first Christmas, and the zoo is sparkling with holiday spirit. When the little hippo asks her animal friends, “What’s Christmas?” they set out to show her all the wonders and excitement of the season. Amid the snow, twinkling lights, mistletoe, and stockings, Fiona ends up meeting a new friend at the zoo who helps her discover the true meaning of the holiday: Love.

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You can share A Very Fiona Christmas with a special little one in your life this holiday season!

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Try Your Hand at Journaling!

Drawing Edition Want to learn how to draw Fiona the Hippo?

Richard’s here to guide your inner artist through each step!

1.

Start with a big circle, then draw a smaller one inside for Fiona's muzzle. Draw where her eyes are, the top of her nose, and two little smile lines on her cheeks.

2.

Start to add a little more detail. Fiona's always happy, so give her a big smile.

And on her muzzle, draw the top of her mouth and then her bottom lip.

3.

Start to work on her eyes—first her brows. Then fill in her eyes, but make sure to leave a highlight showing the light reflecting in Fiona’s eyes.

4.

Fiona's a real girly-girl, so give her big eyelashes on top and bottom, then add her eyelids. Add nostrils that stick up from her muzzle, and ears right above her eyes.

5.

Finish her up! Fiona wiggles her ears when she's happy, so put little emotion lines by her ears. Give Fiona her big chin, and make sure to dot her muzzle with freckles!

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WHEN WOMEN PRAY,

THINGS HAPPEN Bishop T.D. Jakes Believes Women Can Change the World

by Laura Neutzling their power and strength, and his message has been resonating with women all over the world. His 1997 blockbuster book Woman, Thou Art Loosed sold seven million copies and was translated into eight different languages. Now, after forty-three years of counseling women through various circumstances, Jakes feels he has amassed the experience to say something new to women of all different ethnicities and nationalities.

“I have a long history of ministering to women who have gone through or are going through various levels of trauma,” says Bishop Jakes. “I was inspired to

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

PHOTO CREDITS: KATHY TRAN PHOTOGRAPHY; KIRA PURNELL; FAMILY PHOTO BY EMOTIONS, TD JAKES PERSONAL ARCHIVES, © ISTOCK

James 5:16 FOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS, Bishop T.D. Jakes has helped millions realize their purpose through his life-changing ministry. Recognized as “America’s best preacher” by Time Magazine and “one of the nation’s most influential preachers” by The New York Times, Bishop Jakes has had tremendous impact in a variety of settings—business, education, film and entertainment—as he champions people from all walks of life to find their God-given purpose and passion. These days, his focus is on showing women the tremendous power they hold in their hands.

Early in his life, Bishop Jakes recognized the extraordinary role of women in the church and believes they have the power to change the world.

For nearly four decades, he’s been married to Serita, a woman he calls “the First Lady” and embodies the boldness and strength Jakes believes all women have inside themselves.

Bishop Jakes’ first investment in empowering women began with forty-three women in a Sunday school class that, eventually, transformed into a women’s conference that packed a crowd of 86,000 into the Georgia Dome.

Ever since that little Sunday school class exploded, Jakes has been on a mission to let women know 29

write a book, When Women Pray, and it comes at a time that our whole world is going through trauma.”

Inspired by the biblical prophet Jeremiah, who called for women to pray at a time of war, Bishop Jakes felt a world plagued by crises was a catalyst to rally women and challenge them to pray. “We are being attacked on so many fronts today—personally, nationally, medically, economically. And when women pray, things happen,” declares the minister.

Growing up with his mother’s Baptist roots and his father’s Methodist background, then later under a Pentecostal influence, Bishop Jakes developed a global view of believers and the contribution they each have on the faith. In his latest book, he recognizes the work of many women in history, but starts by honoring the unique impact of Mother Teresa.

“I don’t think Mother Teresa would normally be in my orbit,” says Jakes, “But I think that's what fascinates me about her. She transcended denominational entanglements and became a global name without singing songs or speaking messages. It was her compassion for the poor and the rejected and the ostracized.”

Bishop Jakes also highlights strong praying women throughout the Bible: Mary, Sarah and Esther, to name a few.

“It was hard to choose because there are so many examples,” Bishop Jakes admits. “I tried to pick women

Many“men are where we are today because some woman prayed.

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from different circumstances and different situations so I could make them relatable to professional women, housewives, single women, married women—and the kinds of issues they all confront.”

Jakes’ message isn’t only for women, however. He feels many men will remember the women in their lives who have consistently prayed for them, and the impact they’ve had on their lives. “Many men are where we are today because some woman prayed— whether it was a mother or grandmother, a daughter or sister, or a Sunday school teacher,” he says.

Jakes’ passion for empowering women began to bloom early on as he observed the women in his own life.

They were pillars of strength for the family and made prayer a priority in their lives.

“When I think of my Baptist grandmother, my first memory of her is sitting in a rocking chair with a Bible in her lap. She went to church. She took care of sick people. She knew all the hymns, and she knew all the scriptures about these women. I can't even begin to express what an impact she had on my life.

“My mother was a school teacher. She ended up working for the state of West Virginia, but she spent many years in the classroom. My propensity to articulate and to enunciate feelings, emotions, and moods were all the contribution of my mother.

Pray like your“grandmother,

femininity at different stages and ages, and I have a great deal of respect for the tenacity and endurance of women. And in almost every case, somewhere in the backdrop behind the curtain, was prayer.”

dream like your daughter.

“Being surrounded by my mother, my grandmother, my sister, my wife and my daughters—I've seen

Bishop Jakes has a word of advice for women trying to find their “prayer voice” and a reminder for

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The Jakes family.

how they might stoke their passion to pray fervently.

“Pray like your grandmother, and dream like your daughter. You can have ambition, tenacity, drive—and still be grounded like your grandmother. Dream like your daughter, because young women are ambitious and relentless, and they often feel invincible.”

For thousands of years, believers have witnessed the power of prayer on an individual and collective level, and Bishop Jakes’ thinks this understanding is key to changing our world—and changing ourselves.

Bishop Jakes Answers Four Questions About Prayer

“ changes Sometimes prayer things. And other times prayer changes you.

HOW SHOULD I PRAY? The Bible says, “The knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.” Jesus reminds us, “If you believe in Me, out of your belly shall flow living waters.” Be sensitive to the Spirit, and you will be “swimming” in anointing, glory and victory.

“We often think about prayer as verbalizing our concerns, our complaints, and our requests. But we don't think about how delighted God is that we are fruitful with the abundance of His answers and His grace. I'm not suggesting that every time you pray that God will do as you direct. But in the process of praying, you will hear what He has purposed.

Sometimes prayer changes things. And other times prayer changes you.”

HOW DO I TAKE TIME TO PRAY? Don’t despise small beginnings. What starts at the ankle will have you swimming in no time. Please don’t let anything stop you— your religion, intellectualism, anything. This is the time to step down and say: Take me under! Let the river flow!

Adapted for print from an upcoming interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast.

HOW DO I PRAY BOLDLY? Imagine the sky is the limit. No question or need is too big for God. Dream that you can reach the stars. Dream that you can go where no woman has gone before.

Look for Bishop Jakes’ new book When Women Pray wherever you buy books.

HOW DO I KNOW MY PRAYERS ARE HEARD? When your voice seems muted by the noise of the times we're living in—the noise in the workplace, the noise of the media, the noise coming from the challenges of our current crises—know that your voice can be a soft as Mother Teresa’s, yet it can shake the heavens.

Put your phone in Camera mode, and hover over this code to lhear Bishop Jakes' first appearance on our podcast.

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When women pray, it not only soothes the soul. It also changes the world.

A devotion from Jesus Always to celebrate Christmas Eve

December 24 P

REPARE YOUR HEART for the celebration of My birth. Listen to

the voice of John the Baptist: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight

paths for Him.”

Christmas is the time to exult in My miraculous incarnation, when the

Word became flesh and dwelt among you. I identified with mankind to the

ultimate extent—becoming a Man and taking up residence in your

world. Don’t let the familiarity of this astonishing maracle dull its effect on you. Recognize that I am the Gift above all gifts, and rejoice in Me!

Clear out clutter and open up your heart by pondering the wonders of My entrance into human history. View these events from the perspective of the shepherds, who were keeping watch over their flocks at night.

They witnessed first one angel and then a multitude of them lighting up the sky, proclaiming: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Gaze at the Glory of my birth, just as the shepherds did, and respond with childlike wonder.

MARK 1:3 • JOHN 1:14 PHILIPPIANS 4:4 • LUKE 2:13–14

EXCERPTED FROM JESUS ALWAYS, COPYRIGHT 2016 BY SARAH YOUNG. USED BY PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SCRIPTURE VERSES WRITTEN OUT IN PRINT BOOK EDITION.

the rock solid foundation that was all about Jesus,” a foundation she would need for the days to come. “My sisters and my brother and I, we were very close,” Chonda recalls. “Sadly, when I became a teenager, my big sister was twenty when she was killed in a car accident. About twenty months later, my little sister found out she had leukemia, and she passed away in twenty-one days. So I lost both my sisters by the time I was out of high school.”

When Chonda went to college, she found what she calls “the medicine I so desperately needed.” A theater arts major, she was armed with a love of laughter and natural Southern charm, and one summer at the Opryland theme park, audiences fell in love with her side-splitting impersonation of country comedian Minnie Pearl. “The only reason they gave me that role is because I didn’t know how to dance,” Chonda admits, “since I grew up hearing that dancing would send you straight to hell in a handbasket. I’ve always said the inability to dance is what gave me a career.”

Chonda began to make a life for herself on the comedy stage, as she and her high school sweetheart, David, married and raised a little girl and boy. And in the hum of her family’s routine, Chonda stumbled on a performing niche unique to her skills and her story.

“I would entertain at church. I remember we had a Valentine’s banquet, and somebody canceled at the last minute to come entertain our little church. My pastor said, ‘Put on your Minnie Pearl dress and give us fifteen minutes—and then give a word of testimony because, you know, we’re desperate!’ I’d never focused on, I’m going to build a massive career of this. You just take the next step.”

Eventually Chonda became the RIAA’s mostawarded female comic in history, a title she earned by wowing audiences across the country thanks to a grueling schedule on the road. Chonda’s children grew up and had children of their own. It seemed as if the hurts of the past had given way to new joys for the bubbly comedian. However, as it often does, life handed Chonda another blow: her daughter broke the news that she wished to have no contact with her family.

“For David and I, it was gut-wrenching, heartbreaking,” Chonda admits. “It was the worst thing we had ever been through in our lives.”

The couple handled their grief differently. Chonda

Chonda PIERCE

Holding Joy and Grief at the Holidays

by Cynthia Stuckey FROM OCTOBER’S GLOW TO DECEMBER’S SPARKLE, the end of the year is filled with a constant whirl of celebration. But for someone in pain, these months only serve to intensify the ache they hold year round.

Emmy-nominated comic Chonda Pierce can walk into a room and in five minutes flat have it shaking with laughter. For nearly thirty years, Chonda has taken the stage in venues large and small, all because she possesses one particular talent: she is hysterically funny.

But many do not realize her inner well of humor exists right beside a story of sorrow, starting from her teenage years.

Chonda remembers her early life as one “built on

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“Jesus Calling came along in my life when I had been through a deep depression. What the Word of God does for me—and things like the Jesus Calling book does for me—is it puts words on a page that do not change with my mood. They don’t change with how I feel. Our feelings are fleeting, praise God. I promise you, this will pass.”

Many believers struggle with the paradox of holding celebration and sorrow together. But in her own practical wisdom, Chonda illuminates that living as a believer is not ignoring the sorrow, but choosing to believe the sting of trauma will eventually fade. She gently reminds us, “This world is a mess! But Jesus says, ‘I have overcome this world.’ When you take that Word as fact, you have a life preserver that will get you through anything.”

cried out to God and leaned on girlfriends for support.

David turned to alcohol—a battle the couple fought for five years, until David passed away unexpectedly from a seizure.

It’s a string of loss that makes the memories of happier times past, especially around the holidays, difficult to carry with hands that feel empty.

Despite the grief, exhaustion, and memories of loss the holidays represent to Chonda, she doesn’t discount past and present joys. She implores those who are hurting to hold the memories and the ache together, the joy and the grief side by side.

“ only person You are not the who fights through the holidays.

Adapted for print from Chonda’s interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast.

To those who would say that grief should take a break from November to January, Chonda declares, "Grief has no timeline, no rules, and no limits. It shows up unexpected, unannounced, and unrelenting. If you are grieving, turn off the Hallmark Channel. Start a new tradition. Work a puzzle and simply know you are not the only person who fights through the holidays.”

This fresh perspective goes hand in hand with Chonda’s belief that her freedom really does come through her faith, and she finds comfort in a few trusted resources.

Look for Chonda’s story this fall on the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television series on Circle TV! Put your phone in Camera mode and hover over this code to learn how you can watch!

Chonda Live at the Ryman.

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®

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT We love to see how Jesus Calling inspires you!

Here are some friends who recently caught our eye.

@nurselaughlove I recently purchased this book called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and I read a page every morning before I get my day started I highly recommend this book for starting off your day with Jesus

@journalofbliss Before everybody wakes up, i’m at the kitchen table getting my powerfood... ’cause i need to get me some Have a good weekend dear friends!

@kakitsuka85 As you can see by the chewed book Jax likes this book as much as me! #jesuscalling #sarahyoung #sundayvibes

@pinupandplan What a typical morning looks like for me After I’ve done the S.A.V.E.R.S Morning Miracle method I get into my Devotional & Use My Bible Hub on my laptop to break down the scriptures & have time to talk to God.

@tabissett This season in Michigan sheds so much light on Gods miraculous ways doesn’t it?!

Enjoy his creation today Friends!

@melissathompson.19 When the house is still sleeping, this is my favorite morning ritual. I sip my coffee and center myself in gratitude and prayer.

Hands down the perfect launch to any day.

WE WANT TO SEE YOUR JESUS CALLING MOMENTS! Tag us and use the hashtag #jesuscalling so we can keep up with you.

@jesuscalling

@Jesus_Calling

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@JesusCalling

@jesuscallingbysarahyoung

M U S I C

Blessings in the Broken Places Christian Music Artist Zach Williams’ Rescue Story Growing up in northeast Arkansas, GRAMMY Award®-winning singer/songwriter Zach Williams wasn’t interested in playing music—he wanted to play basketball. A talented athlete, Zach received a scholarship offer from a Division I college. Soon after the offer, Zach fell into a destructive pattern of drug and alcohol use, which led to trouble with the law. The school rescinded the scholarship.

A year later, the talented player walked onto a junior college team, only to tear five ligaments in his ankle during his freshman year. And with that, his basketball career was over. But while he recovered from his career-ending injury, Zach picked up a guitar—and never put it back down.

gave him: “If your drug use, your alcohol use, if your lifestyle continues, I don't think that I can continue to be your wife and support what you're doing.”

The Williams family began to attend church as they searched for healing. Shortly after, while on tour in Europe, Zach found himself once again lured in by the old habits from the road. During one dark moment, he prayed, “God, if You'll just give me something to prove You're real, then I'm done with this and I'll never look back.” On the tour bus the next day, the song “Redeemed” by Big Daddy Weave came on the radio.

As the lyrics about “setting down chains” washed over him, Zach realized drugs and alcohol could never make him whole—but Jesus could. He immediately called Crystal and told her he was quitting the band.

Zach’s music took on a new identity: one of worship, praise, and restoration.

Now enjoying a career that was a lifetime in the making, the Dove Award-winning artist is reaching fans across the globe, and even shared a stage with country music legend Dolly Parton in 2019 to sing their hit collaboration “There Was Jesus.” And as the former rocker looks back on his struggles, all he can see are the times God mended his brokenness.

Zach’s album Rescue Story illustrates his belief that his purpose is to honor God by sharing a new message: God knew who you were when He made you. And He can redeem any story.

“ give me God, if You'll something to prove You're real, I'll never look back.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZACH WILLIAMS.

Ready to embrace the rockstar lifestyle, Zach’s habits led him down the dark path of a functioning addict. “My music career was kind of starting to take off. And here I was, living this kind of double life,” Zach admits. “I remember thinking, I’m finally in a place where I'm playing music all the time. I have all these things I wanted, but I'm still not happy.”

Zach married and started a family, but after a while, his wife Crystal grew tired of her husband’s rockstar life. Zach remembers the ultimatum she

Adapted for print from Zach’s interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast.

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Look for Zach’s story this fall on the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television series on Circle TV! Put your phone in Camera mode and hover over this code to learn how to watch!

S P O T L I G H T

by Abigail Nibblett

Cocoa’s

CHRISTMAS COUPONS

A GIFT JUST FOR YOU

Cocoa's Not-So-Cranky Coupon Book!

This is Cocoa.

He used to be a little cranky, ‘til he realized how fun Christmas could be! Now he’s full of Christmas cheer.

Cocoa wants to help you make someone else’s Christmas not-so-cranky. A great way to do that is helping someone else out!

�

Cocoa’s made a coupon book you can give your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, or whoever needs a little help right now. Here’s what to do: 1. Cut out these coupons with an adultʼs help.

2. Sign your name on each coupon.

3. Stack the coupons on top of each other, and put them in an envelope or ask an adult to put a staple at the top.

4. Give your coupon book to your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, whoever—and make sure you keep a smile on your face as you help them out.

You’ll make Cocoa so proud!

1. I’ll go on a WALK with you.

Cocoa

BROUGHT TO YOU BY ROOTEDFAMILY.COM, THE ONLINE HUB FOR ALL THINGS PARENTING

Get instant access to the members-only RootedFamily.com community so that you can ask questions, get support, and feel inspired by people who are on the same parenting journey as you are. See more from Rooted Family by subscribing to their YouTube Page!

2. I’ll BE QUIET for one hour

so you can take a nap.

Cocoa

Facebook Group: @RootedFamily Instagram: @RootedFamily 38

3. I’ll help you COOK DINNER, as many times as you want!

6. I’ll help you PUT AWAY the Christmas decorations.

Cocoa

Cocoa

4. I’ll help you decorate EAT DESSERT.

7. I’d love to make SNOW ANGELS (or sand angels!) with you.

Cocoa

Cocoa

Psst:

BACKGROUND ART, @MACROVECTOR/FREEPIK

You can help Cocoa find his Christmas joy in his brand-new book, Cocoa’s

Cranky Christmas,

5. I’ll help you CLEAN UP Christmas

in stores October 20.

presents and wrapping paper.

Cocoa

Cocoa

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Games & Puzzles CHRISTMAS CAROL Word Scramble

BAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT ADD A FEW FESTIVE D E C O R AT I O N S T O T H E S E F R E S H LY- B A K E D GINGERBREAD MEN!

TREE MAZE F I N D Y O U R W AY FROM THE TRUNK TO THE TOP OF

Find the answers at RootedFamily.com/ freebies, or hover your phone in Camera mode over the code to get answers.

HOLIDAY ARTWORK BY FREEPIK.COM

THE TREE!

inside back cover

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Relating to God

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E n n e a g r a m

Jesus Calling

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The Enneagram is a personality assessment test that has helped people learn more about themselves and how to relate to others.

These videos give each of the 9 types deeper insight into ways God can use them for good in the world.

Hosted by Mark Eaton Pastor, Enneagram Coach Find your type and watch today!

PLUS download a FREE personalized 5-day discussion guide for each Enneagram type at

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