Welcome to those of your stopping in from Jenny’s devotion with Proverbs 31 Ministries! You came to the right spot today. We are giving away five copies of her novel, Just Between You and Me, and – are you ready for this? – a Baked Goods Dreambox from Zingerman’s (courtesy of Thomas Nelson Publishers)!
In Just Between You and Me, Maggie Montgomery has a rather voracious sweet tooth and were she not a figment of Jenny B. Jones’ imagination, she would be the first to enter our giveaway today. However, since she is excluded from our contest, as am I, you should take advantage of the better odds and enter! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post or sign up for our free monthly newsletter. One lucky winner will walk away with the gift basket and a copy of Jenny’s novel. Four other winners will each receive a copy of Just Between You and Me.
Zingerman’s Baked Goods Dreambox: “It’s a big foot and a half long pine crate stuffed to bursting with testaments to the temple of sweetness: our incredible nosher-sized Sourcream Coffeecake, two Ginger Scones, a Magic Brownie, a Dulce de Leche Buenos Aires Brownie and a Pecan Blondie, a Ginger Jump-Up Cookie, a Big Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, a nosher-sized Pecan Pie, a jar of American Spoon Cherry Berry Spoon Fruit, Mandelbread Jewish Biscotti, Washington State Fireweed Honey and one of our homemade Zzang!® Chocolate Bars.”
***Note: this dream 
box feeds 14 to 16 people, so be prepared to throw a party…or go into sugar shock. Or you could just send it to me. That’s a perfectly acceptable alternative.
And now, a few words from the lovely and talented Jenny B. Jones:
Just Between You and Me deals with the issue of fear–from phobias to the big, deep emotional things that can put the “pause” button on a life. One of my fears is flying. I hate it. I love hanging out in airports, but as for getting on a plane, I’d rather not. Despite the fact that I know who holds my life in His hands, I still have yet to get on a plane without being certain my life is about to end 30,000 feet in the air. Four years ago, I was on my way to a conference. It was a horrible flight. My friend Erin and I were praying for our lives. Literally. Out loud. Erin went with the 23rd Psalm. I went with some sort of begging-whining-made-up-on-the-spot thing. While flying doesn’t bring out the best in me, it also doesn’t seem to stop me from traveling. But it does ensure that my brain will be nonstop with panicked thoughts. On a recent trip, I jotted a few down. Thought I’d share.
Totally nervous. Somebody needs to take me out with a tranq gun. You know, the kind they use on rabid baboons who escape from the zoo.I need to workout. If I live, I’m gonna do that. And be kinder to strangers. And floss every day. And smile more. And read some classics. Okay, maybe just floss on the even days.
Yea, though I descend on American Airlines, I will fear no evil. . . but this turbulence is scaring the heck out of me.
Dear God, even though I’ve eaten enough this week to feed a small country, and now would be a good time to die calorie-wise so I don’t have to run all this off. . . it would be super cool if that didn’t happen.
Would I assist in an evacuation since I’m sitting on the exit row? SURE! (Was that believable? Because there is no way. It is every short girl for herself. Dude, if we go down, all rules are off, and I will go all Jackie Chan on you.)
Before a flight, I always eat whatever I want in case it’s my last meal. And it ain’t no salad, you know what I’m saying?
What was that noise?
The woman behind me has tuberculosis. I know it.
Seriously, what WAS that noise?
The pressure in my air conditioning vent could part the Red Sea.
I should advertise my books in SkyMall catalog. Right next to the FitFlops and the Nighttime Bunion Regulator.
Wow. The plane is really shaking. No wait. That’s me.
Okay, so flying is my big nail-biting fear. What about you?
Leave a comment. Share your fear. And enter to win enough sweets to give your dentist nightmares for a decade!
About Ariel Lawhon
Ariel Lawhon is the co-founder of She Reads, novelist, blogger, and life-long reader. She lives in Texas with her husband and four young sons (aka The Wild Rumpus). Ariel believes that Story is the shortest distance to the human heart.
Oh Yeah! Fear is one of those four letter words that is o.k. to say, but not o.k. to “be the star” in. Years ago, I struggled with the fear God was going to take my son. I had asked God for a son and he granted my wish, so why did I think he would take him from me? I thought I was a good person, went to church, read the Bible, prayed, did good deeds, you know…….doing christian things. Well, I loved my son so much, I was afraid that God would think I loved him too much, or I didn’t love God enough, or whatever, but I truly feared I would lose my little boy. One night when my son was about three years old, I woke up from a dead sleep to feel that terrible feeling of fear. I went into his room and checked on him. He was fine, but I just started crying. The next day, I told a friend of mine about what had been going on and she quickly gave me the obvious reason. Satan…..yes, the master of all evil and distruction. He was working on my faith and relationship with God. She reminded me that as long as I belonged to God, Satan would constantly try to win me over through his tricks of the trade. Well, some christian I was. I didn’t see the obvious works of evil within my spirit. But, I began immediately telling Satan to ” get behind me.” Oh, he still creeps around, but the fear he instilled in me is gone. My son is 29 years old now. He has been a policeman, deputy, and firefighter. God was with him all along. It was me that wasn’t with God.
Hey there! I’m a reader of Jenny B. Jones blog and love her books (and sweet food). So when I saw this I had to stop by! Got to say I love your blog and I will be stopping back by again! Thanks!
I really enjoyed this site as it tell of good books to read. I also like to read the interviews with the authors of books choosing as book of the month. Especially the Christian fiction books.
Fear. That is the worst 4-letter-word in my vocabulary. I have done everything I can imagine to conquer it, and yet it still controls me. I got saved two years ago and this was the first thing I asked God to help me with. I am still working on it, but I am a work in progress. Well, my fear is heights. I am not sure how far it goes back, but I do know that it has gotten worse over the last 5 years. At first I couldn’t drive over certain overpasses. Now I avoid them even when someone else is driving. It even extends to me not going up on 2nd floors. I have quoted scripture, prayed, read books like Fearless and If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat…these things inspire me, but this fear is so gripping. Now I can’t even attend my brother-in-law’s wedding because they are having it on the roof of a hotel. And nobody understands this fear. They wonder why I let it control me (yeah, well imagine how I feel). My dream is to go to Israel, and also to travel the world. I know one day I will go, but I don’t know how or when. It’s not that I lack the faith in God (or maybe I do?). I feel more that I lack the faith in myself.
Kathy,
I loved your devotion today!! Except for the fear of heights, your fear list looks like mine. I have often thought of the getting out of the boat moment and wondered when that would be for me, and would I sink or swim.
Well I had one on a missions trip to Argentina. I had to speak in front of a church full of people and didn’t have the faintest idea what I would say. I prayed so hard and as I walked to the front, I said well Lord, I wonder what you’re going to say. He gave me about the first sentence to start with and the rest just flowed out of me. It was totally the Holy Spirit speaking. Even today when I think about it, I’m still in awe at what God could do through me when I let Him.
Keep writing, Kathy. I’m sure God suprises and blesses you too, when you see what has flowed out of you.
I would love to read this book. I have lots of fears…basically I fear living on the edge. I prefer security in all things.
At 27 years old i still have a lot of fears. I thought by now i would be getting ahold of this adult stuff. but that is so not the case. I have a lot more and sometimes even biggers fear. I fear I am never going to have the time or money to go back to school, fear of never ending hospital bills that i cant get on top of, fear of wasting my life away on stuff that isnt important to me but most of all to GOD i could go on and on. I am slowly learning to have more faith in GOD and let him help me instead of me always trying to control everything. Most of all though. Im an divorced and I fear Im going to be alone forever and never have the family that I dream about.
I cannot wait to read this book. I have recently begun facing fears that I thought I had dealt with a long time ago. They have stopped me from living fully and just being comfortable in my own skin. Not anymore, God has had his hand out for me & I am finally taking it. This devotional was just what I needed today.
Amen sister on the fear thing, I hear what you are saying and thank you for the courage to name and claim it, now its my turn.
Yay! Jenny I just discovered your blog. I know snow days are not days feared by you:)
Wow… there have been times in my life that it would have been quicker to list what I was NOT afraid of! Of course, as a mother, I think it’s common to fear that something horrible will happen to one of our children. It is when a particular fear paralyzes us that we need to take notice and try to overcome that fear.
I am not an adventurous person. I have no desire to climb mountains or to freefall from a moving airplane. I want to overcome my fear of needles and blood, and be able to donate blood. I realize I could live an entire lifetime, and the need to donate blood would never arise. I do not like the way the very thought paralyzes me, makes me swoon. I WILL overcome this!
Denise
Thank You for showing me positive steps for acknowledging and facing my fears. I know God is always there and will make a way when there seems to be no way.
Hello Jenny, I so appreciate your books topic as it confirms my hearts desire to trust God, hold tightly to His hand and His promises rather than running in the opposite direction. Without faith we cannot please God and I want to please him.
I love this post. Girl – you speak to my heart! I am a first-year Special Education teacher. I teach 15 students with ADHD, MR, and Autism in grades k-2. Chocolate and Jesus get me through my day! I want to quit my job about 4/5 days a week…. then my kids do something that amaze me and I remember why God has me there and why I just need to trust Him through the hard and stressful times. Now, about that chocolate….
i would love a copy of this book! sounds like a book right up my alley! well…and chocolate, who wouldn’t want that! especially an expectant mother!
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We all deal with fears, big or little, real or imagined, each day. Having a close friend go through some anxiety issues made me realize that fear is a real issue for many. Thanks so much for the wonderful devotion! I love to start my day with thoughts from so many of the P31 women!
Wow! I tried to conquer one of my greatest fears this weekend. I took my youngest daughter to the Childrens Theatre to see a show. Since I didnt purchase the tickets I didnt even think about the fact that we might sit up high in the mezzanine. As we climbed the steps up, up, up my stomach did a flip. I sat in the row behind my daughter, who was in the first row. Throughout the show I had a death grip on my seat. Every time my daughter moved my tummy flipped, my chest tightened and I would hold my breath. At one point I had a flashback. When I was a young girl, I shared a room with my two younger brothers. We had triple bunk beds. Dads invention:). One night I dreamt I was falling out of a plane and I woke up just as I hit the ground. Yes, I dont like to fly either but I do, because I have faith and I believe when its your time to go, it’ll happen whether your up in a plane or swimming in a lovely pool. Now dont think I dont have a death grip on my seat or pray the entire time because I do, but I do it and get through it!:) That’s my way of conquering!
I would really like to read this book ; fear really can put life on “pause” and i would like noting more then to overcome.
My fear at the moment is being homeless. That fear came into greater focus today when I was told my job was no longer. There is no other provider save me and no one to go to for any help. I am trusting the Lord will be good and provide a way. I’m hoping a new door will open and I will be able to keep my residence. But what if that isn’t His plan? Then I hope He will guide me and open my heart and ears that I may hear and understand what His plan is for me. I have always felt a great need to be in control but all the while knowing I have never had any. Yet, I still seek control. How does one give control to someone not seen? Could that be Faith? Hope? Do these elements conquer fear? I have Faith that they do and Hope that is true. Thank you for sharing with us.
My greatest fear is death & dying. I work with frail elderly and have lost so many “friends” and clients, many from plain old age, through the years and dread each new year for who I will lose “this year”. I think about it daily, worry about it all the time…”is this my time?” Fear seems to take over even when my faith in Jesus is so strong. I worry about my “In Basket” and what I haven’t been able to finish, what will be left for my husnband to do; I worry about leaving a confused mess of paperwork in my home office. Part of this is from my Mom’s death 2 years ago and seeing and dealing with the “mess” first hand!
I fear that as I get older I will start to be more fearful of the unknown, or for that matter the known. I fear that I will be the person that when I get to heaven God says, I had all these wonderful things planned for you, why did you not take them when I offered?
I really want to read this book. I turn 40 this year and fear has paralyzed my life. I read a favorite blog yesterday and it was about this subject and naming your fears. Well, I named mine and it took a few minutes (or at least it seemed that). I am looking this up in my library and hopefully will have the chance to read it! I find novels really speak to my heart.
This sounds like a really good book. I need something good to read. I have Greg Mortinson’s book Stones Into Schools, but I need some other books to read. I’m recovering from my son (who is bi-polar) living with us for two months. I have fears for my children and have a hard time letting go, especially when they are suffering and struggling. I have a fear of falling and failing as a parent, wife, mother and human being. I also have a fear of my children falling and failing. I have great dreams for us and I know they have great dreams for themselves. We all need to quit being afraid and reach out for our dreams.
Safety is comfort…that’s a new idea to me…
Trusting in God is difficult but well worth continuing to keep giving your worries back to Him. I have been without a benefitted job for over a year, but He continues to provide me with jobs to pay my bills. In December I had to have surgery for cancer and without work for 7 weeks. I am amazed at people that God put in my life to help me pay bills and support me. God is always there. Still looking for a job, but continuing to trust in Him.
Sounds like a great book. Fear. I don’t struggle with a lot of fear, I try to see things from the perspective that “nothing is that big of a deal” but I’ll admit that I’m really fearful of dark places. I don’t like entering an empty house that doesn’t have a light on somewhere or a basement in the dark. I like to see what’s out there and darkness can be very frightening.
I grew up afraid of everything…I mean everything! This is not a test. I was sort of tormented by close family members (older brothers to be exact) mercilously – in case you’re thinking “why” – because they could, and I was out-numbered and out-weighed and pretty much out-everything that would have given me an advantage. Consequently I didn’t trust anything or anyone very much. It is miraculous that all these years later, I can say, that my “fear factor” has been tested over and over, and God has “not given me a spirit of fear, but of power…love… and a sound mind”, and I am grateful. I learned young that He was the only one I could trust, the only one I could count on and it is He who has carried me through safely. Everyday it seems a new fear pops up, but then I hear a word of encouragement like this P31 devotional and I hear Him speaking to me again – saying, “Leah, keep your eyes on me and I’ll get you to the other side.” Thank you Jenny for reminding me
This summer I was in the process of interviewing for a job, and that same Scripture about Peter on the water kept coming into my mind. I kept hearing God say, ‘Come on, Suz, come out here to Me. Walk out in faith. I’m going to take care of you! Watch and see–and be light-hearted. Don’t be afraid, don’t worry; just come out here with Me.” I did, in my spirit’s eye, and when I got to Jesus, He held out His hand to me, and we began to dance on the waves–dance! We twirled, and He smiled at me, and I was lighter than a feather. Keep that in mind for yourself, girls: you can not only walk out onto the water; you can DANCE with your Savior!
Suz
I ordered the book on Friday and it is due here tomorrow. I can’t wait!!!
Truly an encouraging devotional, thank you! When we trust in God, fully and not just saying it, things begin to happen, our heart softens and our ears/eyes are open. Let’s all live the life that HE has arranged for us..
I would like to read this book. It was encouraging to hear about fears and meeting your giant about writing as well.
This was such an encouragement, today. I have long had a dream for ministry and felt encouraged to jump out of the boat! Thank you for sharing.~Lisa
My fear is that my problem with anxiety won’t go away. I know God can handle it for me, and I’ve seen Him do other huge things in my life, but I worry that I won’t have more children because I’m afraid of the anxiety it would bring.
I am visiting from the P31 devotion it really spoke to me. I have many fears I always have since I was a child I can remember always being so scared…scared something horrible would happen to my mom when she went to the store…scared that my parents would divorce if I wasnt the perfect child…etc…and now I fear for my children’s safety…I fear for my husband I used to drive myself mad…but am gradually learning to let it all go and lay it at His feet…
Hi-
timely devotional for me! God just won’t let things rest when he wants us to do what Peter did! Thanks a bunch and I hope to check out your books soon!
Thanks for the encouragement. Looking forward to reading the book. Blessings.
I loved your devotional. And the perfect timing! I feel like I recently got on a roller coaster ride… you know that giddy feeling of excitement and fear and wonder whether you are going survive as the car you are in is being jerked up, up, up… What you wrote, especially the prayer at the end is a confirmation of what I have heard God saying to me… I took a step of faith and quit my job, moved 900 miles to work on my Master’s, was offered a fabulous job unexpectedly while going to college… watching the hand of the Lord work in my life, waiting for open doors. His plans have yet to be fully revealed… but surely when I get to the top of that roller coaster… I’m buckled up and ready for the ride!
Thanks again. I look forward to more of your writing.
Dropping by for my chance to win a novel. I have struggled with the fear of success for years. I’ve been afraid if what would be expected of me if I lived up to my potential. I know now is time for me to deal with that fear & honestly um afraid of that. But God…
Thanks for the transparency; I thought I couldn’t admit my fears, but am slowly realizing that it’s not a shocker, and other prefectly normal people have fears, too. Mine? Fear of rejection, fear of public speaking (all those eyes on me!), fear of failure to the point that I sometimes avoid trying. Flying was ok with me until 9/11. . . now I’m a little apprehensive. I could add more, but suffice it to say that, like another reader/writer, I’m more and more able to leave my fears at the feet of Jesus – one at a time – and enter into His rest. Blessings!
Jenny – thank you for stepping out and being obedient to God. Your message today comes as continued confirmation for me of how God is asking me to step out in faith.
Thanks Jenny, for sharing your heart with us! I LOVE reading and would be very interested in checking out your book – I love free things even more!
My fear? Drowning. Since I was 5. I’d be just like you – “Jesus, how about that life jacket?” You made my heart smile. Thanks!
I used to be an extremely fearful person until I made the decision to ask the Lord to take that away from me. It’s such a joy for me to be able to share that with my 3rd graders. Just today we discussed keeping our eyes on the Lord (like Peter walking on the water towards Jesus) and having faith that he has the BEST plan for us!
My husband wants to start a new business. I know that as his wife, I am his built in cheerleader, but I’m just scared-scared of the mega loan, scared of selling our current business, scared that I quit my teaching job to stay at home with my kids and I now I have no income. The P31 devotion today helped me to begin to let it go.
My fear? I fear getting to the end of my life only to find that I never truly lived it to the fullest. Of course, I combat this fear by doing a lot of crazy things in the name of adventure, but I have to admit – my life is never dull!
Sounds like a great book! And I really love this site! I have recently found it and already ordered two books and started reading them…now I just need to catch up to the current ones…and maybe win this one
!
Count me in, I love to read and I love chocolate and all things sweet!
Wow! As I read more of these posts, I am blown away just thinking that I’m afraid of these things too- fear of failure, success, rejection, fear of flying and public-speaking,… on & on! There is empowerment in knowing I am not alone, yet I also am reminded of 1 John 4:18- “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” If we place these fears at the foot of the Cross where Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, we need never be afraid, He holds us in the palm of His nail-scarred hands.
I wish to thank you for reminding me that God can do it for me. He can help me to get over my fears and set my captive soul free. I wish i could purchases this book but i cant. But nevertheless it good reading.
I sat down to read my devotional tonight. The message on fear and getting out of your comfort zone really spoke to me. As I reached the end, I realized my 15 year old daughter’s favorite author was the author of my devotional! As I shared it with her, she said, “Oh, Mom, and I really think that you should read her book…I almost got it for you for Christmas!” Anyway, thank you so much for being such a wonderful encouragement to my precious daughter and encouraging her in the Lord. What a gift the Lord has given you! Re: fear…I just want to share that the Lord miraculously delivered me from panic attacks which plagued me for over a decade. There is hope, there is power in the name of the Lord. I hope that this encourages someone out there.
The devotional for today really hit home on fear, as I have struggled with it especially for the last 4 1/2 years in addition to depression. It just gripped me and held me prisoner; payalyzed where I could do nothing but lay on the couch and not even able to sleep without ambien, scared to go out, socialize with others. Praise God he has delivered me, but still have to take medication. but now able to work outside the home and am so greatful. It certainly is when we take out eyes off Jesus and trust no one much less him. He is always there for us and promises never to forsake us, so why not step out of the boat! Thank you, God bless you richly for sharing .