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Category Archives: The Devotional Porch

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New Beginnings – Noah

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on January 16, 2026 by JudyJanuary 16, 2026
New Beginnings - Noah

New Beginnings – Noah’s story. This month, we will look at a different Bible Character each week who experienced a new beginning in their life, examining what we can learn . There’s something about the quiet after a storm that … Continue reading →

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Doubting My Manuscript

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on January 16, 2026 by JudyJanuary 16, 2026
He holds me up!

What to do when, like me, you say, “I’m doubting my manuscript.” Last night, I finished the final edit of my book When Justice Sleeps. I sent the manuscript off to a professional editor and to three beta readers, then … Continue reading →

Posted in All posts OR Choose Blog, Along My Writing Journey, Devotionals, The Author Journey, The Devotional Porch, The Writing Desk | Editing and Writing Tips | Tagged AuthorDoubts, AuthorJourney, DoubtingYourManuscript, DoubtingYourWriting, judyvandiver, TheWomanAtTheWell, Writing, YouLiftMeUp | Leave a reply

The Christmas Star – by Judy Vandiver

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on December 5, 2025 by JudyDecember 9, 2025

I wrote this poem back in 2011, but every year around this time, it still tugs at my heart. There’s something about the story of that first Christmas — the quiet, the light, the promise — that never fades. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotionals, The Devotional Porch | 1 Reply

An Example of Devotional Time

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on November 12, 2025 by JudyDecember 13, 2025

How do we obey the Lord to find quiet time to spend with Him? When we choose our alone time with God, it is important to follow this example. Maybe you are not what is considered “a morning person.” I’ve … Continue reading →

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What Day is Here

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on November 7, 2025 by JudyDecember 9, 2025
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My People Don’t Listen

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on November 5, 2025 by JudyDecember 9, 2025

“But my people would not heed my voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. Oh, that my people would listen to Me, that … Continue reading →

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The Cart Before the Horse

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on November 3, 2025 by JudyDecember 9, 2025

We’ve all heard the old saying about putting the cart before the horse — getting things out of order, acting before thinking, or deciding before we have all the facts. Recently, a friend of mine, let’s call him Daniel, had … Continue reading →

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Promises

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on April 4, 2021 by JudyDecember 9, 2025

Cultural Change:  Here’s a thought. Change your thinking about promises. Don’t use earthy examples where promises are so easily broken. Parents promise their kids they’ll play with them later, but time gets away from them. Friends promise to call and stay in touch. That does’t always happen. Parents of divorce kids promise to come pick them up and have some together time. They don’t always show up. Politicians promise lots of things that they never deliver. My mom once promised us kids we would get a spanking when we got home. She forgot and we certainly didn’t remind her.

Here’s the real deal about promises. God does what He says He will do and He never breaks a promise. 2 Corinthians 1:20 in the NIV reads, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”  God promises salvation for those asking for it. He also promises eternal death for those who do not repent and come to know Him. He’s not a forgetful parent. He means what He says and He says He loves us. Read John 3:16.

Another thought for us is that we must be careful what we promise. Be faithful and true to your own words. The word “promise” is a the making of a “sacred oath.” Don’t speak the word lightly.

 

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The New Library

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on March 15, 2021 by JudyDecember 9, 2025

The other day, Steve, Dad and I were talking about our hometown of Pasadena, TX. I mentioned a place that I told them was located near the new library. Steve said he didn’t know Pasadena had built a new library … Continue reading →

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Back to the Future

Judy Vandiver - Author Posted on January 25, 2021 by JudyDecember 9, 2025

I find myself doing things again that I did in the past. I’m enjoying going for leisurely walks, reconnecting with old high school chums, and watching reruns of Barney Fife. I find I really like having the old and familiar … Continue reading →

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