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!
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For the past 16 years I have struggled with anxiety and a little depression. Although I still battle anxiety from time to time, I will always remember the scripture where it states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind”. Thank you Jenny for today’s devotion. It has blessed me tremendously!!!
Thank you for your devo yesterday. I was working all day and haven’t been able to read until this morning. Man there are so many areas of my life that I allow to stay in the shadows of fear. So many mountains I haven’t climbed because of fear. I appreciate your encouragment, it has helped my eyes to be opened a little wider and know that I can face my fears with the Lord on my side pulling for me.
God Bless,
christy
Good Morning! I really like this site and thank you for letting me know about good books to read!
I appreciate your words of encouragement. Last week I began a Bible study about David, and I’m learning more and more about facing my fears and trusting in God, who is bigger than all of them!
I have serious self esteem issues and have had for many years. My fear is that my husband will suddenly discover he no longer loves me because of a significant amount of weight gain. I look forward to reading your book. I am hoping that I will be able to see myself and start to heal myself through the characters in your book.
Love finding good books to read! Thanks so much!
One of my biggest fears is that I’ll never get married and have children. I’m 41 now, so that fear is looking more and more like it might be a reality! I do pray about it, and I have peace at times with whatever God’s will is for my life, but it manages to worm it’s way back in when I’m not paying attention. Somtimes it’s difficult to concentrate on the hear and now instead of focusing on the “what if’s”.
Thanks for continual encouragement and inspiration that daily reminds me to “open the eyes of my heart.”
I think I am lucky because consciously, I don’t really have any fears. I consciously believe there is enough and I am protected and everything is in divine order. I am confident in my life path and my choices. But, deep down, I am uncovering old programs and old messages that have gotten disguised by years of learning – the fear of not being loved, the fear of not being accepted, the fear of not doing it right, the fear of not being good enough. The more people I meet, the more I am amazed we are all afraid of the same thing.
My Mother-in-Law was a wonderful servant for God, but she confessed to being a constant worrier. I have always wondered how to reconcile the two: trust in the Lord compared to worrying. Thank you for your willingness to explore your thoughts in this book!
I recently started a Christian women’s book club in my town- St. Joseph, Missouri. At our first meeting we discussed DeMuth’s Daisy Chain; I can’t even tell you how excited for the end of that series. This novel, Just Between You and Me, looks like we’ll love it. Thank you for the great book recomendations. Keem them coming!
Thank you for your words. It helped me to look at the areas of my life where I let fear lead.
I am very anxious to read this book! I love to read and hate to look for books this site is just what I needed!
I don’t like flying either but it doesn’t stop me. We fly down to FL (from OH) at least once a year to see grandparents. Much better than driving with 3 kids. The kids love to fly and think that it is fascinating. It is the takeoff that I do deal well with. The girls are looking out the window patting my leg saying, “Look Mom! Look! We are taking off!!! Isn’t it neat!” And I’m looking away from the window saying, “Yes honey that’s nice. Be quite honey. Yes. I know we are taking off. Now shut up!” The people around me are usually laughing at me. At least I can ease their nerves with a good ole chuckle.
This is the only experience that I have to go through and force myself not to panic. So I suppose that this is my nail biting experience.
But God takes care of His own on and off the ground.
Walking is so good for all of us, whether we are physically fit or just a wannabe. Walking can be such a pleasurable experience if we only take the time to soak in what is offered to us, aside from the shortness of breath, weakness of muscles and frequent collapsing on the roadside. Having a friend to walk along with us to share in the event always makes it sweeter. Sharing, encouraging and lifting each other up is such a great boost in our completing the couse we set before us.
So it is with going through every day’s course of events in our lives. Having each other to share our fears, disappointments, challenges and blessings and joyous events is one of God’s greatest gifts. With these precious friends who rally around and give us that boost, in Christ’s name, we are better able to face our giants and move forward. Our walk with the Lord is so much sweeter.
Not all of us have those friends that we can actually reach out and touch, you know, the ones with ‘skin’ on them. It is the friends we find like the ones here at this site, and many other like it, on whom we most rely. So, thank you for being here for me and others like me to help us along with uplifting devotions and a great big ‘boost’!—Joyce Sanders
A question I like to ask young women I mentor at our college just to discover what they are passionate about is, if money or fear was not a factor what would you see yourself doing after you graduate? In my own life there have been times when I knew I was capable of doing something but held back and missed a great opportunity because of fear and other times when God helped me overcome my fears and was blessed with a rewarding experience. Your devotional is inspiring and another reminder to pursue the freedom we have in Christ, to trust him and to claim,
2 Timothy 1:7 , “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (NLT)
My fear is water. I never learned to swim. My mother instilled in me a horrific fear of water because she didn’t know how to swim. I am so fearful of water that when I shower, I never face the shower head.
I fear that some people close to me, with recent health issues will die. Satan tricks me into thinking that death is so final…but I have to keep trusting in God and leaning on His Word and promises, to get me through.
Is this contest open to Canadians? If so, please enter me, thanks!
I have a student I am trying to help with her anxiety. She has a hard time making it to school, but when she is here she seems fine. It makes it hard for the teachers to see that anything is wrong.
One of my biggest fears is that when I am trying to regain my health by losing weight (about 200 lbs.), I will fail. I am finally on the right track by the Grace of God.
FEAR , I have dealt with fear for so long, it feels like an old (though unwanted) friend. One that always turns up at every event of my life. I have just started Beth Moore’s revised study “Breakin Free”.
Fear, is what I most need to break free from. I want to move on with my life, not always worrying what others will think or what the next catastrophe will be.
I am looking forward to reading this book. I am so thankful that I found this site and newsletter…what a wonderful way to get book recommendations.
I am loving all the book recommendations. I need to start a new SheReads list for my library holds now.
I have always struggled with fear. Fear of not doing good enough, fear of the unknown, fear of failure. God has helped me and continues to be my guide in this battle.
Thank You for your giveaway.
Reading the devotion about fear hit home for me–I am struggling with developing a strong writing ministry but I am my own worst enemy–I allow fear and anxiety and procrastination to take over instead of reaching out for God’s hand to help me. This was gratifying to know I’m not alone in this struggle and clarified what I had been doing to sabotage myself. Thanks so much!
Thanks for your devotion. I thought about what you said about Peter being brave enough to even step out of the boat. What courage he had to even take that first step…would I be that couragous if i knew God was there with me? My fear is losing someone dear to me…my husband, my 3 little boys, my best friend…I had alot of death happen to me while i was a young girl and even into my early 20′s. I do not fear where my loved ones are going it is the pain that I fear, the pain of them being gone from here on earth. I struggle with it everyday. I keep telling my self that my fear is not going to keep them from dying, that God is in control. But that doesn’t stop me from begging him “please don’t take them from me”. I need to be like Peter and take that step onto the raging waters and have a little faith. But of course i need to stay focused on God because I don’t want to drowned!!! thanks again for your Devotion.
I loved this book and I hate snakes. I even have trouble seeing them on TV. It is not a fear that I am working on getting rid of as I just avoid them and that way I have no problems with it.
I love this website! I am a read-aholic and suggestions from everywhere keep me going.
I can’t wait to try the Saints Coffee with my new read. I hope to get our church’s coffee shop to switch to this brand.
My biggest fear is success, I know that sounds weird but everytime I get close to succeeding with something, I sabotage myself. I think it has to do with being in the limelight. I am secretly(?) an extremely shy person. I am working on this and hope to make some progress…soon!
Well, well… my biggest fear (and drives me crazy when I let it get in the way of God) is What everybody else thinks… ugh – it truly makes me sick to my stomach and I know that Satan loves to use that to keep me from doing God’s Will!! I will say that I have come a very long way though. I have been knowing for a couple of years now that God wants me to be a speaker and share what HE has brought me out of and to have others speak and share as well as give a message from His Truth (the Word of God) about how others can exchange their life as well. I, along with “Just for Jehovah” Christian Dancers (a ministry God started through me) will also be doing interpretive dance. He has even shown me the messages and given me awesome ideas for the conference. Well recently He spoke to my spirit and my heart and said “It is time” and I am scared to death of what people will think, but I am not letting it get in the way of what God wants. I plan to hold a conference with help from many who are encouraging me and have confidence in me and who love me and know me. This conference is going to be so powerful and uplifting for the lost souls as well as for the believers – I WILL NOT FEAR!! The hard part is the time between now and then… the conference will be at the end of August or first week in Sept. I am praying still about that and I have to raise money for it through Spring and Summer. I know that God will prepare the way and supply all the needs and I am putting all my Trust in Him and I WILL NOT LISTEN TO THE LIES!!!! The verses that I love and stand on (along with many others) is: Proverbs 3:21-26 (where it says “son” I always say “daughter”. READ IT!! Its good stuff! I will share very briefly my testimony: I was 12 years old when my parents divorced and I was devastated (I am now 40) and I rebelled and got mad and began a road of destruction – I got drunk for the first time at 12 and then progressed into all sorts of drugs, but the age of 18 I was a full blown alcoholic and drug addict and stayed that way until I was 36 when I was led by my sister and my best friend to a place for help called “The Potters House for Women” http://www.pottershouseforwomen.com and this ministry taught me how to live by the Word of God and become that Woman of God that I had been created to be and I surrendered everything to Jesus Christ and made Him Lord of my life and I praise Him for delivering me, redeeming me, forgiving me and saving me from that dark and lonely life!! My family loved me through it all, Praise God!! I hurt them deeply, but today all the hurt and pain is gone and I have forgiven and they have forgiven as well! Forgiveness has been one of the most important parts of my recovery and deliverance! I give GOD all the GLORY & PRAISE!!
Flying is a fear of mine. I had to fly with my children a month after 9/11 and I remember being so scared. However, I completely gave my fear over to God and felt that peace that passes all understanding. It was definitely a growing moment in my faith.
My fear is aging and getting old and all that goes along with that.
I really appreciate the ministry of this site — thank you!
Thanks for your ministry. I love to read and enjoy seeing what other Christian women are enjoying.
Oooooooh, I want a basket of yummy–ness!
Share my fears, hmm, where do you start with that one when you have an anxiety disorder and hypochondria? Ha, finally I can use my anxiety super powers for good, instead of sadness.
OK, my major fears are these–doctors & doctor’s appointments, having my ears NOT POP when I’m on an airplane, being sick and hospitalized for sickness, MARRIAGE (ha! My mom doesn’t believe that one), and, uh, that anxiety will render me helpless one day.
Fortunately, I have a God who gives me the grace and strength each new day to face these struggles!
Now give me my carbs please!
Sounds like a great book. I look forward to reading it. Thanks you for sharing this information.
That’s easy. Public speaking, hands down.
I once threatened my husband I would close our frozen yogurt shop for the day when he casually informed me that a group of Girl Scouts and their leaders were stopping by for a little educational field trip. The thought of giving a tour/demonstration to this group panicked me and hubby finally acquiesced and gave the tour himself.
OK, I am a little better now that I’ve been a Sunday School teacher for awhile. Kids are ok; adults still scare me!
I hate hate hate centipedes-they absolutely gross me out. I can kill just about any other spider or bug but those centipedes… I just got a shiver up my spine thinking about them…..
I LOVE to read. As I enter the “Golden years” and face declining health, loss of friends, family, etc., etc.,–loss of my eye sight is my greatest fear.
I’m afraid of needles!
I am running out now to get the book. With a big snow coming ,I should have lots of time to read.
I loved this devotional! I am currently in a “small group” that is talking about getting out of the boat and walking on the water…something I am definitely struggling with! I live with so much anxiety and doubt, especially in my fear of failure and rejection. My biggest fear is FAILURE…I pretty much always feel like I’m failing at life. But, I can tell that God is working on that this year and showing me so many amazing things about Himself. I have gotten so much from these devotionals. I can’t wait to read this book!
Thanks, Jenny, for sharing your thoughts while flying. It was definitely enjoyable and completely understood as I share many of them.
I am finding that most of my actions are motivated by fear. Whether it be that I ask my husband many weeks in advance what we are doing for my birthday ( so that he won’t forget and I will get hurt) or the clothes I put on everyday ( dressing a certain way so that I can “fit” in no one know how I really feel). I think reading this book would help me dig into these “ugly” areas of my life and completely give all the God.
I get nervous when I have to perform. Two of the best examples I can think of are from everyday life. The first is when I play ladies doubles tennis. My partner wants to win, we’re neck in neck scorewise, and it’s my turn to serve. Talk about pressure — I sure don’t want to screw up. Somedays I burn off enough calories in nerves alone to keep me in shape! The other thing that’s hard for me is cooking dinner. I mean, what do you make? There are so many choices, it’s overwhelming! Once I settle on something my husband and I would like, the kids often complain they don’t like the taste. And if it doesn’t come out well, then my kids have been known to tell me what a bad cook I am. Talk about a bad rap!
Can’t wait to read Jenny’s book!
Really like the idea for this book, seems like a great read!
Just leaving a post to possible get a copy of the novel. Guess I’m too late.
Sounds like a great book!
Thank you for your devotional. My fears are failure & success. I need to block Satan’s words and listen and trust God. God Bless You.
Was it Roosevelt/Truman who said :” There is no fear but fear itself” As a Christian I know over and over again God’s word says ‘Fear Not….I Am With You…..Fear is the opposite of Faith……but I struggle with Fear, probably on a daily basis…./ As I immerse myself in Gods word it defintly gives strength over weakness……courage over cowardice……Hope…I love Hope……it encourages me to believe and not totally give in to fear….my desire to Fear Not and to Trust in the Dark what God tells me in the Light”HIS WORD” thanks for opportunity to share……would love to recieve Just Between You and Me….Jenny Jones…..:-)
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