Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 4

How To Give Thanks For Everything

Greetings, Refresh Readers!

It’s my pleasure to introduce one of my favorite writers. Meet Karen Wingate. Karen is an author, speaker, and Bible study leader living in Tucson Arizona with her husband, Jack, and their cat, Moses. She and I have collaborated long distance (thank you, technology) for more than ten years. Now she’s joined Our Daily Bread Publishing and is launching her second book, Grateful Heart: 60 Reasons to Give Thanks in All Things. She’s also launching her third, With Open Ears: 60 Reflections on the Wonder of Sound from a Woman Born Blind, with Kregel Publications. Twin book babies! What a woman 🙂

I knew you’d love Karen and her writing, so I asked if I could share an excerpt from one of her books. Leave her some kind words in the comment section and hop on over to Amazon or your favorite bookseller and grab copies of both books—and one for a friend.

~Lori

How to Give Thanks for Everything

By Karen Wingate

Gratitude comes easily the third week of November. Everyone is in a “count your blessings” kind of mood. We have the anticipation of the holidays—the lights and decorations, incoming family, the joy and wonder expressed on the faces of the little ones, and all those yummy treats. We ponder once again the meaning of Emanuel—God With us–and we delight in our spiritual blessings that Jesus, through His entrance into the world, has poured out upon our lives.

Then the winter holidays pass into the past. The lights go out. The family leaves. Credit card bills replace table decorations. Weight scale numbers increase, and wallet dollars decrease. And some of those holiday memories aren’t so happy.

You renew your efforts to make reading God’s Word a priority and might, like I did, find that verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Then Paul had to go and say it again—this time in Ephesians 5:20: “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Is this possible? Can we be grateful for everything, even in the worst of life moments? How do we stay grateful when life doesn’t cooperate?

Our eternal God is capable of consistency in all things even in the middle of our uneven, unpredictable lives. He never changes. He is always with us, and He is forever faithful.

Gratitude still comes slowly. How can we reach toward consistent gratitude no matter what happens in our lives? We can give thanks for everything when we remember what God has done in the past, celebrate what we have in the present, and anticipate with hope what God has promised in the future.

The Past: We all have stories of how we have seen God provide for us and rescue us. I don’t want to be like the Israelites who, days after witnessing God’s miraculous rescue from the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea, started whining about water. Pausing to gratefully remember what God has done in the past relaxes us and reassures us that if God has done it once, He can do it again.

The Present:  I have a severe visual impairment. For fifty years, I bore the label of legal blindness. Then an unexpected surgery gave me better eyesight than I’ve ever had before. Even so, my vision is far from normal, and the entire structure of my eyes is fragile, warning me that I may yet lose more vision. But I have the vision that I have today. I can see. And I have the choice to fear the future and mourn the lost years, or to celebrate the wonder of what I see today. 

Thank God for what you see, hear, and experience in this moment. Revel in the people connections that have blessed your life today. When you focus on gratitude for what you have, the taunt of what you don’t have will slip to the side of your thinking and blur like objects caught in your peripheral vision. 

The Future: Thanking God for what He has promised that you don’t yet have takes an extra dose of faith. Yet this is what God calls us to do—to look beyond the seen to the unseen. You can thank God now for His future protection and for how this difficult portion of life will pass. You can praise Him now that He will ultimately provide an eternal home for you, even if you have no glimpse of Heaven’s halls.

When we are grateful for all things, we’ll discover we don’t need things to make us grateful. We can find contentment in any life moment, no matter what happens, because we’ve discovered God is a good, loving, faithful, and powerful God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His consistent nature makes it possible for us to give thanks for everything, no matter what.

~Karen Wingate

FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY

Today, I’m giving away a free copy of Karen’s new book, With Open Ears. If you’d like to be entered into the drawing, share this post with someone and leave a comment sharing three things you’re grateful for today. At the end of the week, we’ll enter you into a drawing and choose a winner. You’ll receive your book in the mail.

READ THE BOOKS!

Add Karen’s two latest books to your 2025 reading plan:

Grateful Heart: 60 Reasons to Give Thanks in All Things. Award-winning author Karen Wingate shares practical, everyday ways to experience thankfulness for what God provides, no matter what your circumstances might be. Reflecting on her journey with fragile vision after being born blind and receiving restorative surgery as an adult, Karen will inspire you to explore the power of giving thanks.  

With Open Ears: 60 Reflections on the Wonder of Sound from a Woman Born Blind. Stop. Take a moment to listen. What do you hear around you? God filled the world with sound, weaving a tapestry of melodies and rhythms that invite you to marvel at the splendor and power of creation. Through the gift of hearing, we have the ability to appreciate the symphony of life and find beauty in the gentle whispers of wind, the roaring of waterfalls, and the choruses of birdsong. Each sound is a divine invitation to pause, listen, and learn more about God’s character and creation.

You can find out more about Karen and her writing/speaking ministry at www.karenwingate.com

The post How To Give Thanks For Everything appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

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Don’t Miss These 3 Easy Steps to Peace and Joy

What are you thinking? Right now?

Don’t say nothing, because humans are always thinking. Even when we’re asleep, we’re thinking. Consider the last crazy dream you had. See? I told you.

What are you thinking as you struggle with a hurt or disappointment you just can’t shake?

What are you thinking as you face a serious health or relational challenge?

What are you thinking as you navigate this wonderful/horrible/exciting/terrifying thing called life?

What we think matters. It can determine whether we live in fear, confusion, and defeat, or live fearlessly, confidently, and victoriously.

Thoughts aren’t automatic

Most of us assume thinking is an automatic action, like driving. Thoughts just pop into our heads, and we have no control over them, right?

Wrong.

We have the power to control, direct, and reframe our thoughts.

And if we don’t allow God to control them, they will control us. Like the steering wheel on a car, our thoughts can take us places we never intended to go and do more harm than we ever imagined. They can discourage, depress, and defeat us.

Our thoughts have the power to lead us down dark alleys where Satan lives. Remember: not everything we think is true. Nor should we act upon everything we think.

In contrast, our thoughts also have the power to lead us to the freedom and fruitfulness God has for us.

Today I’m sharing three easy steps to help you face each day with peace on joy on Crosswalk.com. Hop on over by clicking the link HERE to read the rest of the article.

Lori’s Newest Devotional, an Amazon #1 New Release!

Have you ordered your copy of Lori’s newest devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace? An Amazon #1 Hot New Release, this story-driven devotional will help you fight negativity and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. You’ll experience joy and peace every day.

Have you subscribed to REFRESH?

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to Lori’s blog, Refresh. Each Monday morning, you’ll receive a short email filled with hope, joy, and spiritual encouragement. Click HERE or on the image below to subscribe.

The post Don’t Miss These 3 Easy Steps to Peace and Joy appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

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Sharing Fun (and Behind-the-Scene Pics) from a Happy Launch Day

This post contains pictures that will make you smile, but some email delivery services suppress the pics. Don’t miss them! CLICK HERE to read the post online and see all the pics .

Fun and Fabulous Facts:

Y’all are the best readers in the Kingdom. With your support and the hard work of my fabulous launch team, Think on These Things, my latest book with Our Daily Bread, reached Amazon #1 New Release in its category (see pic). 

How amazing is this?? 

Well, for one thing, the book that held on tenaciously to the #1 spot all day was David Jeremiah’s amazing new book. I had no hope of surpassing his well-deserved ranking.

BUT GOD. 

Remember: Christian book publishing isn’t a competition. It’s a team effort. When one author/pastor/teacher/missionary/layman succeeds, the Kingdom advances. 

But we’re also subject to the laws of economics and marketing. When Amazon and other retailers recognize a product, they help promote it, which helps us reach more readers with the good news of the gospel. So, in this world’s eyes, a #1 New Release banner means something. Thank you for ordering your copy and being a part of this happy moment. 

If you haven’t yet ordered your copy, it’s not too late. You can help Think on These Things stay on the Top 10 New Release list so more readers can find it, read it, and discover the hope and joy that comes from thinking on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy.

2. I began Launch Day with a celebratory cupcake because Launch Day is like a book’s birthday. I ended launch day with celebratory cupcakes with my grandkids (see pic). (Cupcakes and celebrations are always better with grandkids.) Andrew even sang Happy Birthday to my book. He gets it.

3. My beloved daddy (88), a.k.a. The Doughnut Man because he loves to bring Krispy Kreme doughnuts to EMS workers, doctors and nurses, and others, was admitted to the hospital on New Years Day with pneumonia. We had some scary days, but God has been so kind dto us. He’s recovering well and hopes to be released TOMORROW. Many of you prayed for him. Thank you so much! We’re so grateful for God’s mercy to our family.

4. Kind early readers have bgun submitting Amazon reviews. Reviews help other readers find great books. Here are tow that were especially encouraging to me:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much needed encouragement

Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025

Verified Purchase

Think on These Things is a powerful reminder to focus on the goodness of the Lord. In this lovely devotional, Lori Hatcher shares thought-provoking stories, Scriptures, and a daily truth to stir our hearts to trust God while renewing our minds. In a world where lies shout, it is refreshing to hear and focus on sound truth. If you are ready to experience peace in your daily life, gain encouragement, and walk more closely with Jesus, this devotional is for you. This is one I will return to over and over again––and I will share it with friends.

5.0 out of 5 stars TIMELY DEVOTIONS FOR THIS NEW YEAR

Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025

In a world of uncertainty, our longing for peace and comfort grows. We can focus on the corruption, divisions, and violence around us, or, as the Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8–9, we can dwell on the goodness of God. In this timely book, Lori Hatcher leads us on the quest for peace. Her insightful devotions will enhance our focus on the One who holds the world in His hands. Grab this book and your Bible and keep your eyes on Jesus.

If you’re reading Think on These Things, I’d be so grateful if you’d share your honest opinion in an Amazon review. CLICK HERE to do so.  If you need help, reply to this post, and I’ll send you a few tips. Would you pray that we’ll reach 50 reviews within the month? If we do, Amazon will begin to promote it to customers.

THANK YOU for all your prayers, encouragement, reviews, social media shares, and kind words. You’re the best!

Blessings,

~ Lori

The post Sharing Fun (and Behind-the-Scene Pics) from a Happy Launch Day appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

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Today’s a Special Day! Don’t Miss the Excitement

Note: To see the images contained in this post, CLICK HERE to read the post online.

My husband never worries about me shopping in a clothing store, but turn me loose in a bookstore—whooeeeee! Be afraid!

My mantra isn’t original, but it’s accurate: “So many books, so little time.” I think part of heaven will be unlimited books and all of eternity to read them. 

If you love books, especially Christian devotional books, today’s a big day! My latest devotional with Our Daily Bread Publishing, Think on These Things, 60 Devotions for Renewed Peace releases today. It’s kind of like a book birthday without the cake.

The early reviews are so encouraging. Listen to these kind words from one reader:

It’s almost that time of year. 

If you’re like me, there’s a stirring desire to start the year off right with a good devotional steeped in Scripture and filled with inspiration. 

Lori Hatcher’s soon-to-be released book  Think on These Things—60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace  is just that. 

From beginning to end, she shares stories from personal experience, beckoning readers to journey with her, taking them to a deeper, more intimate place with Jesus. 

Every devotion, though not lengthy, is inspiring—sometimes bringing laughter, sometimes tears, and… sometimes both. And each ends with a Scripture, a “Think On This” to ponder, and a prayer. 

What better way to begin the new year than with Jesus! 

Thank you, Lori, for leading us to Him. 

~Maureen

Many of you have already pre-ordered your copy. Thank you! Early sales will help Think on These Things earn the coveted Hot New Release banner on Amazon so more people can find it and be encouraged.

If you’d like to read a few sample devotions while you wait for your copy to arrive, CLICK HERE, then click on the book cover image.

Want to start the new year with more peace and less angst? Think on These Things can be your shot of joy to start each day. And why not order a copy for a friend who could use a reminder to think on those things that bring joy?

Thanks for your prayers and support!

~Lori

The post Today’s a Special Day! Don’t Miss the Excitement appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

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Are You Struggling with Lukewarm Faith? Here’s God’s Cure

When you hear the word hot, what comes to mind? 

I think of my favorite kind of shower—hot.

My early-morning cup of tea (Tazo Passion Tea sweetened with honey)—hot. 

My food. My friend Alicia used to say, “I want my hot food hot and my cold food cold.” Amen.

Hot pizza, hot cinnamon rolls, and hot soup. Mmmmmmm.

Now think of the word lukewarm.

What comes to mind when you hear this word?

Tepid lake water that neither warms or cools you—lukewarm.

French fries that sat too long in a takeout bag. Limp, soggy—lukewarm.

My favorite tea after it’s lost its heat. No longer infused with steamy goodness, it’s just meh—lukewarm.

What God Thinks about Lukewarm

God, through the apostle John, has something to say about lukewarm:

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot” (Revelation 3:15).

And He has an opinion: “I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (v. 16).

The church in Laodicea had a lot going for them, but they had lost their spiritual fire. Even worse—they didn’t know it. They thought they were fine, but they were lukewarm—nauseatingly so. 

They weren’t refreshing, effective, or comforting. They weren’t accomplishing the work God had called them to do. They were just going through the motions.

Lukewarm Me

I recognize their profile, because some days, I look just like them. Mediocre. Half-committed. Lukewarm.

Cruising on my past works. Resting on my previous Bible knowledge. Sitting in the ashes of yesterday’s fire.

This Christmas, my kids, all coffee and tea connoisseurs, bought me the coolest gift. It’s a rechargeable mug called an Ember that keeps my tea at the exact temperature I prefer (135°F). From the first sip to the last, my tea stays hot. 

It’s heavenly. Whether the mug is filled to the top or down to the last ounce, I’m never disappointed. Ever.

An Ember for Christians?

I wish there was an Ember for Christians.

We could sit ourselves on our charging pad, press the button, and, voila, no more lukewarm faith. Our spiritual lives would be hot, hot, hot for Jesus.

No more lukewarm church attendance or half-hearted Bible reading. No more mediocre ministry or meh attitude toward sin. Just an on-fire love for God and His kingdom.

I wish.

Thankfully, God loved the Laodicean church and didn’t want them to live ineffective, joyless lives. “As many as I love,” He said, “I rebuke and chasten” (v. 19). Then He provided a cure for their lukewarmness: “Be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19). 

The First Step

The first and most important step in regaining our spiritual heat is to repent. To agree with God that lukewarm isn’t His will for us. To acknowledge our sins of apathy and self-absorption and fling ourselves into His forgiving arms.

When we do, God begins a work in us. If we ask Him, in sincerity and faith, He’ll create a desire in our hearts to read our Bibles, pray, and serve God and others. He won’t make us robots, but He’ll give us the want-to and ability to walk closely with Him. If we pursue Him as He pursues us, one day, the fire from His Spirit will ignite our hearts again, and we’ll be on fire for Jesus.

It’s not an accident you’re reading this post on the cusp of a new year—a better year—a no-longer-lukewarm year. God’s calling you to repent of your lukewarmness and ask Him to set you on fire.

“Behold,” He says, “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (v. 20).

And I promise you, nothing at that meal will be lukewarm.

Treat Yourself to a New Devotional in 2025

As faithful readers of Refresh, you will always get the inside news on latest books and exciting happenings first, and boy, do I have some exciting news for you (and an invitation).

Would you like to:

Shift your gaze from your problems to God’s presence and power 
Feel renewed joy, increased energy, and rekindled gratitude  
Learn to lean on God in the messy and the mundane 

I would too! This is why I wrote my newest book, Think on These Things, 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace. I found myself struggling with fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. Yet I knew God’s people should be the most hopeful and hope-filled people of all. We should be characterized by peace, not anxiety.

When I read Philippians 4:8, I knew I’d found God’s prescription for lasting peace—we are to think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

So I went on a quest to find the loveliest, purest, most excellent and admirable examples from real life to think on. Then I captured them in short devotions you can read early in the morning, late at night, or whenever you have two minutes to “think on these things.”

Be the first to receive your copy of Think on These Things. Order NOW. Amazon’s release date is January 7, but they often ship early and sometimes run out.

The post Are You Struggling with Lukewarm Faith? Here’s God’s Cure appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

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Encouragement from Prison — How God Speaks in Unexpected Ways

The Greenville County Detention Center has neither censored nor inspected this item. Therefore, this facility does not assume responsibility for its contents.

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I was home in bed devastated by the flu when my husband brought me the mail. I’d had a bad night. Alternating between burning up with fever and shivering with cold, I’d battled a temple-splitting headache. Body aches made my skin, my hair, and my eyes hurt.

In the frailty of a miserable illness, I questioned everything about my life, including my call to write.

Who am I fooling? I asked myself. What makes you think you have anything to say that could help anyone? Why would God use you, a nobody from nowhere, to write for him? You don’t even have a degree in writing. You were trained as a dental hygienist, for heaven’s sake.

Maybe I’m done, I thought.  

Then David handed me the mail. I flipped through it halfheartedly when the red-stamped envelope caught my eye. Amidst foil-edged Christmas cards, colorful sale flyers, and bills, the plain white envelope stood out.

Greenville County Detention Center? I flipped the envelope over and read the return address—a  name I didn’t recognize and a number: #657848* 

Printed in black ink on college ruled paper, the letter began:

To Lori

Hello,

My name is James, and I received your address from a minister friend of yours. Someone donated your book Refresh Your Hope to our chaplain, and I got it. The devotional really spoke to me in times of despair and not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It brought me back knowing that I have sound hope in Jesus Christ.

I have passed the book on to two other people, and they both love it as well. I still borrow the book sometimes and read certain devotions over and over that give me the most encouragement. 

I am wondering if you or maybe the publisher if you can’t, but I would like another one of your “Refresh Your” books. I have no way of ordering or paying for a book. If not, that’s OK to. I still want you to know how one of your books impacted my life and to know others are being impacted by it also! I pray God continues to use you to reach many lives for His harvest! Merry Christmas!

In Christ,

James*

I flopped my head back on the pillow as silent tears leaked from my eyes and dripped into my ears.

First, I cried for James, struggling to find hope in the darkness of the prison system.

Then I cried in repentance, asking God to forgive me for ever doubting His ability to use a nobody from nowhere to encourage one of “the least of these.”

Then I cried in gratitude, humbled and thankful that I get to serve God through the ministry of writing.

I don’t know what you’re feeling on this Christmas Eve eve. 

Maybe, like I was, you’re feeling sorry for yourself and wondering if God is still at work in your life.

Maybe, like James, you’re struggling for hope in the darkness of your circumstances.

Maybe you’re lonely, or scared, or sad.

Take comfort today.

It’s not an accident that you’re reading this post.

God, who loved you enough to come to earth as a baby, live as a man, and die on a cross to pay for your sins, sees you.

He cares about you.

He is with you.

Just like He prompted a nobody from nowhere to write a book that found its way into a prison so a hopeless inmate could read it and be encouraged, He is working in the circumstances of your life. And He reminded me to tell you:

Two thousand years ago He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to save you—yes, you.

And then He sent believers down through the ages to share the good news until it reached you—yes, you.

So you could know you’re not alone. You, yes you, have a Savior, and His name is Jesus. Take comfort in this today. No matter what happens, He is with you.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel, God with us

(Isaiah 7:14).

P.S. You’ll be happy to know that I shared James’s letter with my publisher, Our Daily Bread Publishing, who responded immediately and sent James a box of books, including my newest release, Think on These Things, 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace. We pray God will use the material to encourage and equip not only James, but others as they live out their faith within the prison system. 

If you’d like your own copy of Think on These Things, it’s releasing soon and is available now for preorder. Click HERE  or on the image below to start 2025 with peace and joy!

Merry Christmas!

*The details been changed to protect the sender’s identity.

Think on These Things available for preorder

The post Encouragement from Prison — How God Speaks in Unexpected Ways appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

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How to Have a Perfect Christmas

I’ve washed dishes in the bathtub twice. Once was on Christmas Eve. 

Out of town family was on their way, and my eight-foot counter was covered with mixing bowls, baking pans, and kitchen utensils. I’d cooked all day, and now it was time to clean up. 

Except the sink wouldn’t drain.

While we tried to locate a plumber to tackle the clog, Pioneer Woman kicked in. I hauled my dirty dishes to the bathroom. On my hands and knees, I scoured the bathtub, then scrubbed the dishes. A blast from the shower head rinsed the soapy pile. 

Christmas wasn’t perfect that year. 

Another year, I awakened on Christmas morning with the worst case of vertigo I’ve ever had. If I moved my eyes too quickly, my head spun. If I moved my body too quickly, my stomach heaved. And the smell of our family’s traditional holiday feast? I sequestered myself in the living room to get away from it. 

Christmas wasn’t perfect that year, either. 

Then there was the year I had to work on Christmas Eve. When I’d finally dismissed my last patient and said Merry Christmas to my coworkers, I jumped into my car, eager to begin the festivities.

Maybe a little too eager. 

As I headed home, I took a curve too quickly. A car, coming from the other direction, drove dangerously close to the center line. I jerked the steering wheel to the right, over corrected, and hit the curb—hard.

Please don’t be flat. Please don’t be flat. Hoping against hope, I peered around the front of the car to check my tire. 

Flat. 

Flat as my hair after a rainstorm. Flat as a frog on an interstate. Flat as my spirits when I realized I’d be getting a tire for Christmas instead of something much more fun. 

That Christmas wasn’t perfect, either. 

The longer I live, the more I realize perfect Christmases only appear in Hallmark movies. No surprise, really, because real Christmases are never perfect.

Consider the first one—now that was one for the history books. 

Mary, who could have been as young as 14, was 9-months pregnant. Out-of-wedlock pregnant, no less. 

Then came the census, which meant she and Joseph had to leave home and travel to Bethlehem. The journey would take four days if Mary rode a donkey, seven days if she walked. When I was pregnant, I could barely walk to the mailbox, let alone 70 miles—with or without a donkey. 

Then, when Mary and Joseph finally arrived, they found no lodging. No Ramada Inn. No Motel Six. Not even a Good Sam Campground. 

And then her labor began. Maybe Joseph was able to find a midwife, maybe not. Either way, he was a key player in his wife’s delivery. Think on that for a moment. 

And then she gave birth in a stable. Read that again. She gave birth in a stable. 

And laid her newborn baby in a feeding trough. 

But it still wasn’t over. Just as the little family was falling into an exhausted sleep, they heard a rustling at the door. Then voices. Then louder voices. As Joseph peered out into the darkness, he saw a motley band of shepherds babbling about lights, and angels, and a heavenly message. 

“They won’t leave until they see the baby,” he told his bewildered wife. “They say they’ve looked in every manger in Bethlehem.” 



When I think about it, I realize how imperfect Mary’s Christmas was. But it didn’t matter, because Jesus was there.

This year you may be hoping for a perfect Christmas. Or you may already know you have no chance of one. Ill health, strained finances, or a broken relationship is making you struggle. Maybe you’re facing your first holiday without a loved one, or battling depression, discouragement, or despair. 

Maybe it’s time to change the channel on our Hallmark expectations of what Christmas is supposed to look like. Maybe Christmas doesn’t have to look “perfect” to be special. 

This holiday season, let’s ask God to give us the grace to follow Mary’s example. Let’s treasure the events of Christmas and ponder them in our hearts. Let’s give thanks for the journey, the stable, and the manger. And let’s glorify and praise God for all we’ve seen and heard, spreading the word to everyone we meet. 

I’m hoping for a clogged-drain-vertigo-flat-tire-free Christmas this year. Maybe it will happen. Maybe it won’t. Regardless, I know Christmas will still be special, because Jesus will be there.

Would you like to give a gift that will refresh someone’s faith and share uncommon devotions from every book of the Bible? Refresh Your Faith is the perfect gift for the seasoned believer or the searching friend. Enjoy the promo video to learn more.

Would you like to receive weekly REFRESHING posts straight to your Inbox? Click HERE to Subscribe.

The post How to Have a Perfect Christmas appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

               
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One Powerful Habit to (almost) Divorce-proof Your Marriage

You’ve heard the statistics. You’ve even been encouraged by them. Couples who pray together have less than a 1% chance of divorce. So if there’s a 99% chance that your marriage would succeed if you just do this one, little thing… why is it so difficult for even committed Christians to get in the habit and stick to it?

Good morning, Refresh readers!

My husband, David, and I had the pleasure of talking with Amy Morgan, feature writer for an amazing ministry called The Marriage Initiative. It’s a collection of resources to strengthen and encourage marriages. Amy learned about our Our Daily Bread Devotional, Moments with God for Couples: 100 Devotions for Drawing Closer to God and Each Other, and wanted to hear our story. I’m sharing a snippet of the interview below with a link to read the rest of the article:

“Build Connection Through Couples’ Study & Prayer” By Amy Morgan

You’ve heard the statistics. You’ve even been encouraged by them. Couples who pray together have less than a 1% chance of divorce. So if there’s a 99% chance that your marriage would succeed if you just do this one, little thing… why is it so difficult for even committed Christians to get in the habit and stick to it?

Authors and marriage mentors Lori and David Hatcher found themselves in the same situation. Ten years into their marriage, they had hit a plateau. The responsibilities of parenting young children had left them exhausted – and more like roommates than lovers. “Children can be loud and demanding, and you have to take care of them,” David said. Like most of us, they knew Christian couples were “supposed to” read the Bible and pray together. And like most of us, they tried, and failed to make it a habit. Every year they’d give each other a new devotional at Christmas, but when evening rolled around, and the kids were finally in bed, they’d fall asleep before they could finish even a page.

To read the rest of this article (and learn our secret for strengthening our marriage), click HERE

Video Interview with David and Lori

Amy also invited us to share our failures, successes, and crazy stories live on The Marriage Initiative website. Here’s the link to watch the video interview. While you’re there, be sure to check out all the amazing stories and resources they’ve gathered to help marriages and families stay strong.

Invite God into your marriage with this 100-day devotional specifically created to draw you closer to your spouse and to God.

Whether you’ve been married for a month or 50 years, reclaim the joy in your relationship that sometimes gets lost amid personality differences, moments of pride, and life circumstances. From the Moments with God series, this volume will help you and your spouse make space to reflect Christ in your marriage every day through relatable stories, relevant Bible verses, and practical applications.

Would you like to:

Shift your gaze from your problems to God’s presence and power 
Feel renewed joy, increased energy, and rekindled gratitude  
Learn to lean on God in the messy and the mundane 

I would too! This is why I wrote my newest book, Think on These Things, 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace. I found myself struggling with fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. Yet I knew God’s people should be the most hopeful and hope-filled people of all. We should be characterized by peace, not anxiety.

When I read Philippians 4:8, I knew I’d found God’s prescription for lasting peace—we are to think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Think on These Things is available wherever fine books are sold.

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If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word subscribe HERE.

The post One Powerful Habit to (almost) Divorce-proof Your Marriage appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

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How a Christmas Flunky found Holiday Joy

I cannot lie. I stink at Christmas. 

Some years, I don’t even like it.

First, there are the presents. I have friends who intuitively know how to find the perfect gift for everyone they love. I so envy them. I feel such pressure to find just the right gifts that I dread the start of the holiday season. 

Then, if I manage to find a decent gift, I feel the pressure to wrap it—just so. It’s not enough to have substance, there must also be presentation. 

My children will tell you they always know which packages are from Mom. Each has an extra square of wrapping paper taped to the bottom to cover the place where the paper doesn’t quite meet in the middle. 

And those big, sparkly, wire-ribboned bows? I can barely tie my tennis shoes, let alone create something stunning to adorn my packages. 

I’m not very good at decorating, either. My friends start scouting for trendy new additions to their décor as soon as Hobby Lobby sets out its Halloween/Christmas display in August. Not me. I postpone it as long as possible unless I can talk one of my artsy daughters into helping me. If I didn’t have grandchildren, I’d skip the Christmas tree altogether.

For years, the angst I felt about all things Christmas stole the joy from my celebration and made me dread it long before the December calendar page flipped.

Maybe you’re a Christmas flunky too. Maybe you despise our culture’s pressure to make every Christmas bigger and better than the one before. Perhaps you too feel the desire to slow down, simplify, and savor, but you’re not sure how to make it happen. 

I shared the rest of this story with the Our Daily Bread community on the God Hears Her blog. CLICK HERE to read How a Holiday Flunky Found Christmas Joy.

The post How a Christmas Flunky found Holiday Joy appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

               
CommentsHow a Christmas Flunky found Holiday Joy by LoriAHatcherTreat Yourself to New Spiritual Resources for the New Year by LoriAHatcherHope We Can Cling to While We Wait by LoriAHatcherBest Christian Books for Gift Giving (Complete with Black Friday) by LoriAHatcher4 Simple Steps to Take If You’re Not Feeling Grateful This Thanksgiving by LoriAHatcherPlus 5 more...Related Stories4 Simple Steps to Take If You’re Not Feeling Grateful This ThanksgivingGood Parent, Don’t Miss the Best for Your ChildrenIs Life Hard? 4 Steps to Help You Cope 

Treat Yourself to New Spiritual Resources for the New Year

Do you think of everyone else during the Christmas shopping season, but seldom buy anything for yourself? I do too. Honestly, it brings me way more joy to give to those I love. BUT, there’s one exception. I always, always invest in new spiritual resources to start the new year off focused on Jesus.

A New Bible

Sometimes I invest in a new Bible. I’ve been reading through the Bible every year for two decades now and I love it more every year. One year I used a Chronological Bible. Another year I used a journaling Bible in a different translation (ESV). Usually, I turn to my old faithful favorite, the MacArthur Daily Bible.

On January 1, I turn to the page marked January 1 and read a selection from the Old Testament, a selection from the New Testament, an a portion of the Psalms and Proverbs. (Reading portions of the New Testament every day helps me make it through some of the drier parts of the Old Testament.) The next day, I turn to January 2 and do the same. Before I know it, I’ve read through the BIble—the WHOLE Bible. What a joy!

A Great Bible Study Resource

I hope to disciple a new believer this year, and together we’re going to use Jean Wilund’s Ease into the Bible, How to Wade into the Water of God’s Word with Confidence. It’s the perfect introduction for new Christians, those struggling to understand the Bible, and mature believers who want a fuller Bible reading experience. Light-hearted and easy-to-understand explanations engage even the most reluctant readers. I’m buying two copies—one for myself and one for my new believer friend.

The Best Pens

A friend turned me on to Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens. They write smoothly, dry without smudging, and, best of all, are available in super fine point (0.5 mm) so I can write neatly in the small spaces in my Bible. It’s amazing what a difference .2mm makes. I also love Mr. Pen No-Bleed highlighting pens that enable me to highlight passages without the color bleeding through the pages.

A Brand New Devotional

It’s not too soon to order your copy of my latest devotional from Our Daily Bread Publishing, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace. If you’d like to start off your new year thinking on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, this is the devotional for you. Here’s what the publisher says:

In this 60-day devotional, Lori Hatcher provides you with powerful promises from the Bible that teach you how to shift your gaze from your problems to the incomparable power and love of God.  

Each day, reset your mind by meditating on what’s true, right, pure, and praiseworthy, and lean on God in the midst of the messy and mundane. Discover how to have joy, hope, strength, and deep-rooted peace when you focus on Jesus no matter what’s happening around you. 

Now it’s Your Turn

What resources are you investing in to make sure 2025 is a year of joy, spiritual growth, and drawing ever closer to our precious Savior? Leave a comment below and join the conversation!

The post Treat Yourself to New Spiritual Resources for the New Year appeared first on Lori Hatcher.