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HAPPY FRIDAY, FRIEND! It’s an awesome day because we have a GUEST POST and GIVEAWAY! {High fives all around!}
I’m stoked to introduce you to my old friend LISA WHITTLE and her new book PUT YOUR WARRIOR BOOTS ON. Lisa and I have sat side-by-side over the years on many uncomfortable gym bleachers and have cheered for our boys while they’ve played against each other. Even if months had passed between conversations, she and I can slide right into easy conversation filled with both brutally honesty and silly laughter. Lisa’s the kind of girlfriend I can talk Jesus, family, ministry and lip gloss with. The kind I can be sarcastic and sassy with. The kind I can be myself with. She that kind of chick… AND she’s an incredible writer and Bible teacher… AND I’m confident that you’re going to just LOVE her like I do!
Now, lean in and listen to the heartbeat of her new book, Put Your Warrior Boots On, as Lisa shares an excerpt…
I write this in the weeks following the killing of some black men by police officers and subsequent retaliation against the police—what’s becoming a continued thread…in what seems the constant chaos of this world. There’s been a lot of killing on the news lately, too much horrific killing, and I’m praying that by the time this book comes out this violence will have stopped. But I know the nature of this world in turmoil, and I know that unless there is a corporate turning back to God, there will be more of this and other heinous things we do not yet know. It grieves me to see our world this way, and yet I know without such desperation our stubborn hearts will never bow in submission to God. Our hearts are at war, and it’s showing up in our behavior.
The reality is that everything imperfect, wrong, horrible, unfulfilling, and seemingly hopeless drives us to God for this reason: there is no other answer. This is the best worst reality of our life. God is our stable place, but most of us have to stumble and limp our way over to Him. It’s not the way He wants it, but He knows it is the way of our choosing. It is a blessed thing to be in a no-way-out position: the Savior is the only One there.
My friend Sarah was going through one of the hardest times of her life last year, and in the midst of her struggle she tells me she is reading this book and I should read it too: The Inner Voice of Love by Henri Nouwen. He writes it when he’s in a mental institution, the mask is off, and he can no longer pretend he’s not a wreck. It’s a secret journal of sorts, and published years later after some heavy prompting from friends. Sarah needed the words, she tells me, because her life is a wreck too. She’s forgotten who she is and if she can truly be loved. The pages become a healing friend.
I pick up the book and start to read, since I am an endless well of neediness of God’s love and attention myself. I come to an entry called “Always Come Back to the Solid Place,” and though that is only the title, it is the entire message I need to hear. I know what this means, to always come back to the solid place. I recognize the language of the wanderer. In my own life, I have had to come back to God many times because I left. I left. It’s lunacy to walk away from something so good. To leave a God so powerful and loving seems like insanity, and this is indeed where the residual insanities start. When we leave God, we start marching the death march and eventually we reach the end: the end of ourselves, the end of goodness, the end of our standards, the end of peace, the end of the hopeful life. Getting to go back is God’s grace, not our brilliance.
My friend, you may be in the darkest hole of your life right now.
You may be a complete wreck, and no one would touch you with a ten-foot pole if they could see inside your heart. But you aren’t too scary for God. Your wanderings are not a surprise, and it’s not the first time He’s been left. But if you’re going to be able to walk strong in this world, you’re going to have to come back to the solid place. Those warrior boots will walk differently on solid ground. One of the most comforting things about a following-God journey is that you release the pressure to believe in yourself. You don’t have to do this; you don’t have to trust people you cannot trust, even yourself.
You don’t have to trust the process; you just have to trust God in the process. Knowing this makes all the difference in the way we walk in this world.
Hurray! Hurray! It’s a Giveaway!
Congratulations to our winners: Mary Jane Christopher and Rachael M. Trujillo
Lisa is giving away two copies of Put Your Warrior Boots On: Walking Jesus Strong, Once and for All! That’s right! TWO! To qualify for the drawing, you need to do TWO things:
#1. LEAVE A COMMENT to win by CLICKING HERE.
#2. SHARE THIS POST on social media.
That’s it! Once you do both, your name will be entered into the random drawing. Be sure to tell your friends so they can sign up too. The drawing will take place on Monday, June 5th, so don’t delay! {Contest is limited to US and Canada readers only.}
Jesus is everything. It is the heart, the passion and the leadership approach of author and speaker, Lisa Whittle. Lisa is the author of 6 books including her latest, Put Your Warrior Boots On, and a sought out Bible teacher for her wit and bold, bottom line approach. Wife, mom, lover of laughter, good food, her fluffy dog, interior design and The Bible, Lisa is a grateful work in progress.
ONLY A FEW DAYS AWAY!!!
Friends,
I don’t want you to miss this event! So, consider this your friendly reminder to sign up for The Journey Together Summit! This FREE virtual event goes live next week, June 5-8, but is available for viewing beyond these dates.
I’ll be talking about a huge fear I had to overcome in my life and what God has taught me along the way about guilt, forgiveness and restoration. Plus, 34 leading authors will be talking about seizing brave at home or at work, in your marriage or with your children, in ministry or in the mess of the day, dealing with a surprising life or just organizing it. The topics go on and on…
AT THIS EVENT, YOU WILL:
GAIN practical, relevant and biblical tips for stepping into peace, purpose, and passion.
IDENTIFY your biggest hold-backs, so you can go-forward in freedom.
AWAKEN your life purpose, instead of always wondering when it will show up.
Because this event is FREE and VIRTUAL, we are bringing all the interviews directly to you!
See the agenda by clicking here.
What are you waiting for? Grab your FREE ticket today. And, if you can’t attend June 5-8, we have you covered. Get the All Access Pass and you’ll be able to watch the videos post-event.
I can’t wait to see you there!
Your sister on the journey,
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SUMMIT
Comments 98
God’s timing is always perfect and I appreciate that this book you have written is here. The wonder of Him is that He knows what you need before you need it. THAT is awesome! I would love to sit in a cozy corner and settle in with Him and this book. In reading this book it sounds like it may first be something He wants to work in my heart and then in his timing be able to share with one of my besties! You women are the most precious!
These are just the words I needed this morning. I’ve been searching for an answer on how to handle “life” lately. Just when I think it has lined up, it jumps the track again. I’m trying to hang on to this runaway train called life. Thank you for allowing God to use you to spread His message.
Just what I need–Warrior Boots. Life is hitting me from all directions. Any help, encouragement and support is greatly appreciated. I would love to win a copy of the book. Thank you and God Bless.
I would love to win a copy of Lisa’s book. Her message sounds so powerful! I love her writing and feel she is so authentic and honest in what she shares. I am excited to read her latest book and I know it will bless so many! Congratulations on your book launch Lisa! Gwen, I love your voice, you sing so beautifully! Thank you, both for being warriors for Christ and sharing His message through your writing and musically.
Today’s devotional really hit home! I would love Lisa’s new book!!
I’ve not had the awesome privilege of reading any of Lisa’s writings, and would love, love, love to win this book! Would even share it with friends!!!!
I beleive that in this point in my life as I have Cardiac Sarcoidosis and given about 2.5 yrs of life on earth. I have 3 children that are 26, 25 and 22. My youngest is walking strongly by my side, this book would be very helpful to not just me but to my whole family.
If I dony win I will looking for it to purchass.
Thank you, God Bless.
A Warrior for Christ! Just what I want to be. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.
I am ready to put my warrior boots on, I’m ready to read your book and dig deeper!
Excited about this new mentor in my life. Hoping to win this book, I really need it right now in my life. Life after AML needs me to put on my Warrior Boots, just struggling to.
WOW! Trust God in the process…I needed that. Trust is my word for 2017. Whirlwind of a time these last 6 months. I have become my sister’s guardian-she has early onset dementia. She is just a year older than me. My warrior boots need tightening. It is difficult to say the least.
Very inspiiring post! I would love to win a copy of this book.
The title alone gets a ‘can-with-God-do’ spirit come over ya!
Thank you for the chance.
Always looking for a new read and Author would Love to read her book
Would be a great book to read thank you for the chance to win
I would love to win this!!!!
Ifrom what I read so far about the book, I can tell it is one I need yo read .
I would love this!!!
I would do love this.
Today was a particularly hard day, in fact a particularly hard couple months. I know I am down but not out! What I need most is to be reminded about being a “warrior” and I forget that! This book would sure remind me about that!
I have never heard you speak, so when I watched the video you made, I was truly blown away! I love your passion and am excited to read your book! Thank you for the chance!
I have ordered this book (in bulk) as a part of my moms prayer group to do together during summer. A few free books would be great to give as some of the woman couldn’t afford it. We have seen God move mountains in this group and are excited about the book!
As I am in the journey have a deeper relationship with God. I am excited for any resources to guide me to be the person he wants me to be. ❤️
This sounds like a book I need to read. It’s been twenty years since my ex alienated my daughters from me. I struggle on a daily basis.
I would a change to win these books! I have recently started Bible Study and am reading my bible on a daily basis! Thank you sisters in Christ!
Thank you so much at a chance to win this gorgeous book!!
Looking forward to reading this great new book and sharing with others.
“God is our stable place, but most of us have to stumble and limp our way over to Him. It’s not the way He wants it, but He knows it is the way of our choosing. It is a blessed thing to be in a no-way-out position: the Savior is the only One there…” This phrase speaks to me of how deep the heart of God is…. HE has never left us, and is always waiting for our return to HIM… God would love to have us go to HIM first before having to stumble and limp over to HIM, so why do we (and I speak for myself) continue to take this route, when God is so lovingly near to embrace us and give us the rest we need when going through these times of not having answers, being in the waiting, and just letting go so we can rest in a peace that is like no other. “Our hearts are at war, and it’s showing up in our behavior… ” God, through, his unconditional love and sacrifice, will not only fight our battles, but has equipped us with the armor to fight these battles. Not only does the enemy want to defeat us, but our families, friends, ministries, etc., so I am learning (as I continue to my journey) to realize that my attitude of having a no-way-out position is to seek my Savior’s face and to hand it over to HIM. He knows me better than myself and HE can do so much more then I can if I just give HIM the control over the experience and to learn from the experience as I trust HIM with even a “mustard seed” of faith. I loved this article, but it parallels what I have been going through, and reminds me how God is always in control, always in the sidelines, always present if I just seek HIM, and loves me even if I am stumbling, bruised, and messed up when I do seek HIM.
What an inspiring message!
Many times, in my life, I have left God…always returning in a broken state. This year has been the toughest year of my life, having been diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing treatment. I must confess that though I had not “left” God, before this happened, my walk was weak. God is so faithful and good, all the time! He has carried my family and I through all of this. He has blessed us with opportunities to give Him praise and glory and performed mighty acts of miracles on our behalf.
I’m so thrilled to find that this topic has finally been discussed! Thank you Lisa!
In the darkest moments of my life and the realities of the outcome, I have felt more alone than ever. It’ s not that I don’t believe in His care and love it’s the inability to truly accept changes that I didn’t create to make life better. In other words I can’t take my hands off and allow God to do what is right in the situation. Like the song “It is Well”, I long for the day when I can look back on my life and say yes, It is well.
Would love to have this book. I need all the help I can get. Thank you.
Would so love this! ❤
Perfect timing for this book!
Hi ladies,
Lisa’s post was right on time for me, like therapy. My bible study group just discussed society and I just posted to my discussion board for my class. (I am 33 with 2 kids, husband, and just finishing this degree.)
My professor gave us the topic: Society and media.
People keep mentioning black on black crime. It is a big problem. I heard my grandmother say “who taught you to hate yourself” (as a society)? I couldn’t answer it, because some of the people in from my culture have a short fuse especially when it comes to police. We can blame Ronald Reagan for letting crack cocaine come over here on war planes and not saying anything when his administration knew it was being distributed in the black low-income community. We can blame slavery which was an atrocity that raped black women and men, sold the babies, beat to death anyone who would speak up. It left serious psychological effects and telling people to just get over it, pull your pants up, and speak properly is not always going to work. Although I hate seeing underwear showing personally. We can blame everything but we must first start with opening the blinded eyes of people. Some just don’t care about facts, black or white. We can’t address what we won’t acknowledge, Black ,white, Hispanic, Asian. Only the holy spirit can change our hearts. That’s why I named my ministry Heart Transformation.
A women’s bible study group I am in.
https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18767702_10155276534500350_7036727394388547417_n.jpg?oh=81dab852ee6a4083c66b829e84753471&oe=59E28167
Grace & Peace
This book has changed so much in my life!! Thank you for this opportunity. I know a couple of ladies that really want the book but right now funds are where they are unable to order it. If the Lord wills, I could give them these. Lisa is awesome and so down to earth. Really makes you stop and think!!
Wow… What a powerful message. Thank you for sharing with us. I know right now in my life I have been struggling with being fired from my job because my mom has become unable to care for herself. Getting married in September and the conflicts we have been having over me needing be be a full time care giver to my mom.But, God is good and my hope will stay in what He tells me. I know I’m doing the right thing and just try to keep praying he will start to understand.
ID LIKE TO WIN THIS BOOK!
Wow! I am fighting such a life long battle with myself to be a woman after God’s own heart. I so need every bit of spiritual help I can receive.
I cannot wait to read this!
As a wanderer, I surely do need this book. I would love to win a copy. Thank you for the opportunity.
Oh, how I would love to read this book and then share with my friends who need to read it as well. Yes, we all need to come back to tje Father, but yet we allow the things in this world distract us from truth. We all need help and to be able to put our warrior boots on. I am looking forward to learning more if I win. Thank you for the chance to win.
Inspiring post. Would love to read the book!
I sure needed this message today! “You don’t have to trust the process; you just have to trust God in the process.” I, too, have spent time in a mental health facility where I felt alone and vulnerable, positive that no one could possibly understand what was happening to me. It was there however that God introduced me to a wonder pastor and family counselor who helped me to see some things in an entirely different way, I accepted his wise advice and have grown emotionally and spiritually since that time. I also want to read “The Inner Voice of Love” by Henri Nouwen. I’m surprised I haven’t already! Learning every day!
Wow! This is just what I need in this season. I have been in the wilderness, wandering for to long now and am ready to cross over into God’s place of promise to me with my Warrior boots on! Thanks for the opportunity!
I would love to read this book, and I love reading Girlfriends in God everyday you guys post. The messages are always something I need that day. I am sure this book would be the same.
Great excerpt! Want to read it!
Would love to read and win this book.
I can’t wait to read this!!!
Congratulations on writing another tool for us to use to help advance the Kingdom of God! Looking forward to reading this book.
Life is really a battle and warrior boots should be part of our Godly armor.
This sounds really good. I’m just out of a Behavioral Health Unit after dealing with suicideal ideation; how desperate I am to feel near to God again. I seek Him
Sounds like an amazing book,designed for the times we are living in. I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
This book sounds like exactly what is needed at this moment. Can’t wait to read and share!
Thank you for being here to help us really see God ,to get to know Jesus on a personal relationship
Would love to win and gift this book to someone.
I would love to have a copy of your book
If I don’t win I will have to buy this book! AND the book referenced.
What an amazing message! God has confidence in me, that’s an amazing portion!
I just ordered 4 of her books last night to share with some of my friends.
If I win, I will share these 2 as well, EVERYONE needs to #puttheirwarriorbootson
Thank you!
Need to learn to walk with confidence, and truly believe there is a purpose
Add Warrior Boots to the Armour of God that we already wear, and God could really use us in the battles taking place in this world today. I would love to have a copy of this book, it is truly another battle that is needing to be won by God’s people. We need to suit up and pray up!
I would love this book it would be just in tin time for my 63rd birthday. Thank you
I would Love to read this book!❤️
This sounds like my life. Thank you for having the strength to voice this pain and a showing a way to release it and give it to God. Looking foward to reading this book whether I win it or not!
Your friend in Christ,
Nanci
I can’t get enough of learning to be who I am in God instead of trying to make myself good enough for Him. I want to be able to rest in His grace! Thank you!
Would love to read this book!
You don’t have to trust the process; you just have to trust God in the process. Knowing this makes all the difference in the way we walk in this world.
Wow! What a statement and so true! I’m ready to plant them firmly.
Yes, we must all put on our
Warrior Boots! Very interesting excerpt. I would love this book!
Putting on My Warrior Boots
Just Need Help and Encouragement Tightening them up:)
Smiles!
Tammy
I would love to receive and share this book. We should be trained as a warrior for Christ. He is our Savior and the only HOPE that will carry us through this wicked world. Thank you!
This sounds like an amazing book. I would love to read it.
There is always those times in your heart that you feel that ‘God is not near you’ We all go through this….and I have gone through this many time over and over again,,,but the more I trust and depend on God… the more I see things clearly and want to be a witness and words of encouragement to others. Not only do I want to read your book for myself, so I have the tools ready on hand..to accomplish “Resist the Enemies attacked…BUT also to Draw Nearer to God because he will draw ever so near to Me’ I really would love to read this book..thank you 🙂
This what we all need right now, for these times. It is actually an answer to prayer. I would love to share this book with our women’s group. This is exactly how we have been praying. It’s time for us to put on our warrior boots, and this book will help prepare us.
What an inspiration! Would love to read the book and then share with someone else too!
I would love to read and share this book!
I too, have left Jesus many times. But this time I’m back for good. There will no longer be any turning away from my Lord and Savior. I am so truly blessed, and Father continues to bless me every day. That doesn’t mean, of course, that I don’t sometimes stumble over those bumps in the road, but I pick myself up and get back on course. Lucky for us, our God is a loving and forgiving Father. Thank you for your post. I’m sure your book is outstanding and whoever wins those 2 copies, will be blessed ny reading it.
We all have to roam in the wilderness in order to hear God; it is not something we choose, but is the way of the world. Thank you Jesus, that the wilderness journey is one of wisdom, love, re-fueling, and learning. Learning so that we no longer have to stay in the wilderness.
Sharon Laas
June 2, 2017
Thank you for writing this book to help so many who have walked away- or thought about it. I believe it will help so many women or even men.. it seems from what Ive read so far that it is a good tool to use to minister to others as well… God Bless
I would love to have this book…..thanks
Warrior boots indeed – how I need them. I would love the book.
Blessings
Would love the opportunity to win this one!
These boots are not only made for walking, but standing in the gap. Would enjoy a good read this summer! Blessings
Love to read this book
Thanks for giving us this opportunity to win.shared on fb
I truly need this book right now. I have been stumbling and limping my way for forever towards God and I want nothing more but to realize He is all I need in this broken world. It’s hard to hang on with so much evil around us and we truly need to maintain wearing the armor of God. Warrior boots are a necessity!!!
I would so love this book. I myself have “walked away” from God a few times but I always come running back to him. My husband right now is struggling so I really believe it would help both of us.
I would love a chance to win this book. Thank you!!
I would love to read this book and also encourage my son to read it as he is going through a very difficult time and has alked away from God.
I would love to read this book and also encourage my son to read it as he is going through a very difficult time and has alked away from God.
I Am Trusting God Through The Process!! I am on a new journey in which trusting God & believing that He has everything under control, is the only way to go. I would love to read this book.
As someone who has “walked away” from God and now has a daughter who has walked away from Him also I would love to read this book.
Don’t want to be caught without my warrior boots .. Send me a free copy my way!
God Bless
I have “walked” away several times but always come back to the solid rock. Would enjoy reading this book. Thank you
Cheryl
Would love this book I already use some of the devotional s f o r my bible study class this will just add to it
Hope in God.
I would love to have this book.
I need this book, truly