Revisiting the 2018 Christmas story of a grieving dad who learns about Heaven from his little girl. Hey, friends! Thanks for taking this journey with me as we reflect on my past Christmas stories. This year's story is still to come. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading! I’ll Be Home for Christmas I hid in …
Author: Joey
“A Gingerbread House: Under Renovation”
Revisiting the 2017 Christmas story of a single mom trying to rebuild her life after divorce. Another story from Christmas past, one I hope you enjoy, friends. Stay tuned for more…and this year’s story! A Gingerbread House: Under Renovation The last thing I wanted to do after work was stand in a long line at the …
“A Broken Christmas Bulb”
Revisiting the 2016 Christmas story of a mom struggling with loss and brokenness. It's that time of year, friends! Before I reveal this year's Christmas story, I thought I'd go back to revisit a few others I've written. Enjoy! And stay tuned for more...and this year's story! A Broken Christmas Bulb After my husband Ted …
Get Back Up
Don't let the enemy steal your joy, friends. Especially this time of year. He's going to try. You know this. If Satan can't discourage you from following Christ, then he's going to distract you with worldly things. And when those attempts don't work, he'll attack through people you love, even twisting what you enjoy. Before …
When Christmas Hurts
If you're struggling with tragedy or loss during this time of year when most seem joyful, I pray this older post brings you comfort and reminds you of the hope that is yours. https://joeyrudder.com/2021/12/23/when-christmas-hurts/?page_id=757
“The Thanksgiving Table” – a fictional story
The Thanksgiving Table As I started the coffee early Thanksgiving morning, I remembered this day last year when Mom had relinquished the meal to me. It had been a morning much like this one – the house quiet, the view from the window dark with only a sliver of light emerging on the horizon. I’d …
Continue reading “The Thanksgiving Table” – a fictional story
Running Away from God?
When you get tired of running away from God and what He's called you to do, and you finally surrender to Him, you'll see life is better outside of the fish's belly. So much better. "The word of the Lord came to Jonah... But Jonah ran away from the Lord..." Jonah 1:1a, 3a NIV.
Discouragement is a Prison
Discouragement is a powerful tool the enemy uses to keep you down. It becomes a prison filled with lies: You're never going to make it. You're not good enough. You're not smart enough. You can't do this. Why don't you give up already? You're going to make a fool out of yourself. You're a fraud. …
God First
Oh, my friends. Change can be hard, and God's pruning touch can be painful. But when we keep Him first, we will not only endure but thrive. This older post of mine is helping me today as the Lord prunes things from my life. I pray it helps you too, whatever situation you're facing. Keep …
When God is Silent
Sometimes you're met with silence when you go to God.You wonder if you're praying wrong or if God is mad at you. You may even begin to doubt that He cares or, worse, that He even exists.Oh, dear soul, don't entertain those lies from the enemy or let them torment you in those moments of …