As I made a quick exit from my local shopping center hallway where I had been engaged in a conversation, a realization struck me: I have ended numerous conversations by acting as if I was in a rush, even though I wasn’t. I have trained myself to give a look that says, “Oh, I’d love […] The post Goodbye to the Quick Exit first appeared on gwenthielges.com ..read more

I Will Always Cling to You I wrote a song, “I Will Always Cling to You,” inspired by a trial I endured.  When I say trial, I mean it. Profound discouragement was what I was experiencing.  I felt like I was in a pit, so I did what I usually do: I threw a fit.  […] The post So You’re in a Pit? What Now? first appeared on gwenthielges.com ..read more

This is a brand new song I wrote: I Will Always Cling to You When the road is rough – really rough – that’s when the natural response could be to turn away from God and complain that life isn’t fair. But…I’m slowly learning that during those rough patches, really leaning in and clinging to God is critical. It’s much easier to hear Him and receive His protection and guidance when we are running toward Him instead of in the opposite direction! This song makes a bold claim: “I will always sing to You. I will always cling to You.” Lord, help me live that out. And the “not-so-new” song is from the ..read more

I think it is a safe bet to say there are days and seasons when we feel overwhelmed. If you are trying to navigate a packed schedule and you are wondering when you will feel like your head is above water again, here is a short prayer asking Jesus for His clarity and peace. I am including a printable – click here! I hope you find this prayer helpful. Dear Jesus, I am overwhelmed. Looking at my calendar, I realize I have overcommitted my time, efforts, and resources. Please grant me clarity about how to attain balance from now on. I am grateful that you are willing to guide me in deciding how I ..read more

What if I asked if you consider yourself to be a grateful person? I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that you often breathe a sigh of contentment and thank God for the obvious blessings in your life. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that saying thank you comes naturally to you.  But then again, perhaps that is more of a “gratitude-on-autopilot” situation? Here are a few questions that take it a step further and determine if you consider yourself intentional about gratitude. Do you wake up and count your blessings? Does gratitude set the tone for how you respond to people throughout ..read more

We are loved. What a blessing to know that when we say God loves us, we aren’t talking about a conditional, temporary love that the world embraces. We are talking about a matchless love, a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and supreme. A love beyond our comprehension. And that love for us? God has firmly fixed it at maximum capacity; nothing we do will change that. God isn’t waiting for us to chair more committees, achieve better grades, or drop 5 pounds so that He’ll love us more. And our failures and faults do not make Him love us less.  God isn’t waiting for us to chair more committ ..read more

Would you categorize your prayers as demanding prayers or devoted prayers? Have you thought about how your prayers might sound to our Heavenly Father? Demanding Prayers Looking back, I can recall seasons when one could definitely describe my prayers as demanding prayers. I remember a specific time when I was feeling lonely, weary, and weak…(cue the pity party music) and I was in desperation mode. I then told God that He needed to help me sense His presence. There wasn’t any asking involved…it was pretty much me insisting He get on board with what I wanted. And right now. Three Thoughts That p ..read more

*I would like to share this post from a few years ago as we start a new year! Scroll down for a free printable which contains all three scriptures and prayers. 3 New Prayers for a New Year As we prepare to begin a new year, it is a perfect time to thank God for being a God of new starts, second chances, and redemption. How incredibly blessed we are to be loved and protected by Him! For the New Year, I would like to share three passages and a prayer that goes with each one of them. I’m including a printable for you as well: Click here Happy New Year, Friends! May you strive toward a deeper ..read more

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year, With the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you be of good cheer. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” written by Eddie Pola and George Wyle If it sometimes seems that the “most wonderful time of the year” doesn’t feel so wonderful, I want to say that I can relate. I’ve been there too.  We may look around at our blessings and see numerous people and things for which to be thankful, yet we do not find ourselves feeling festive. (And when our feelings fail to align with what our mind knows, it can make us feel worse.) Recently, I was s ..read more

His Eye Is on the Sparrow God does not reject or forget us. Ever. There may be seasons when we FEEL like He is silent or distant, but our feelings are not to be trusted over the facts about God’s character! He never forgets about us or takes a break from caring about every single detail of our lives! He is near us and loves us so much that He is constantly working in our lives, teaching us to become more and more like Christ. What an amazing God. His Eye Is on the Sparrow The post His Eye Is on the Sparrow first appeared on gwenthielges.com ..read more