Showing results by author "Cheri Swalwell" in All Categories

You find yourself in the role of caregiver. It doesn’t matter what circumstances occurred to get to this point. The reality is… you are here now. Caregiving, even if chosen willingly as an act of love to another, is hard work. It can be emotionally, physically and spiritually draining. It continually takes energy, strength and courage to put the needs of others first in order to tackle what has to be done. However, let me encourage you with another perspective. Caregiving can be full of blessings as well. In whatever way you see your position as a caregiver, I encourage you to view this...

Trust. Faith. Joy. These are words we should use to describe the adventures God sends us on, even when those adventures lead us into difficult circumstances. What we know as Bible truths often turn into life lessons, and they challenge us to reconsider our mindset. God invited me on a journey from fear to faith. What I thought would be a quick trip turned into years of teaching me valuable life lessons that prepared me to fulfill His purpose for my life. I invite you to join me as I share with you the truths my Heavenly Father taught me on this journey because sometimes the journey itself ...

Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. Wynn and her best friend Addie have been inseparable since first meeting in kindergarten. They share mutual activities, friends, and even the same employer in their small midwestern town. Behind closed doors, their lives could not be more different. Zane has loved Wynn for four years. He has no way of knowing the circumstances that put her off from the idea of ever having a boyfriend, much less getting married. When Zane goes looking for answers, his discovery about Wynn’s secrets reveals more than he ever wanted to know. When a trusted mentor ...

We all face crossroads in life. Sometimes we feel God is leading us in a new direction. It can be exciting, but it can also be scary when we're filled with doubt, unbelief, or fear. Whatever you are facing right now, know that you have a choice. You can either walk forward with faith in your Heavenly Father and His promise to protect His children, or you can hold back in fear. Join me on my journey as I offer encouragement to those who are struggling to take the first step, those who have been walking for awhile, or those who are ready to give up. I can't wait to connect with you on a heart...

God created each one of us to crave relationships. The first relationship He longs for us to choose is with Him. Our Heavenly Father realizes life is full of emotional changes – from wonderful blessings to complete heartache and everything in between. He never asked us to handle any of it alone. He promises to walk with us through all circumstances and provide the answers we need. God is a gentleman, though, and won’t force Himself into our lives. He offered the gift of eternal life because of His Son’s sacrifice and waits for us to receive it. In addition, He knows the strength that ...

Families stick together. That’s what they do. It’s no secret that Holly has a crush on Mitch, her older brother’s best friend. A church mission trip offers the chance to add adventure to summer vacation, and the added bonus to finally date the young man of her dreams. But early into the mission, a senseless tragedy rocks Holly’s carefully laid plans. Now she faces a future that’s bleaker than she ever could have imagined. Although members of her community blame her for the incident, it’s the support of her family that helps her through the rough times. When God gives Holly the ...

I’ve heard the phrase “Sisters in Christ” throughout my life, but it wasn’t until several years ago when God invited me into a friendship with an extraordinary woman that I took notice of its meaning. It was then I began to see what “Sister in Christ,” when put into action, truly meant. God quickly unpeeled the layers of superficial and invited us into a deeper relationship with Him, which naturally accelerated our friendship to a deeper level as well. Sisters in Christ don’t just share common interests, but they share a bloodline of rich ancestry. They aren’t just friends, ...

If you enjoy reading faith-based stories in wholesome small towns where God turns messes into miracles, then you’ll love The Redemption in Green Pines series. Adventure’s Invitation begins with Holly in Peritville, Indiana with her family. Heartbroken by a tragedy that rocks her carefully laid plans, God gives Holly the opportunity for a new adventure outside of her comfort zone. Will she choose to stay close to her family or trust that her Heavenly Father’s plans will lead to new friends, a new purpose, and perhaps, a new love? Meet Jace and Simone. Four children and two full-time ...

If you enjoy reading faith-based stories in wholesome small towns where God turns messes into miracles, then you’ll love the Redemption in Green Pines series. Continue your friendship with characters you've grown to love and meet new ones in the last three books of this six-book series. Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. Wynn and her best friend Addie have been inseparable since first meeting in kindergarten. Zane has loved Wynn for four years. He has no way of knowing the circumstances that put her off from the idea of ever having a boyfriend, much less getting married. When a ...

Have you heard the words Christian, Christ follower, or “personal relationship with Christ” and wonder what they mean? Are you a new believer but aren’t sure what’s next after praying the sinner’s prayer?Life can be hard. There are no guarantees that the path you walk will be free from trouble, heartache, or problems. Jesus wants to be there for the “tough stuff,” but more importantly, He wants to be your Friend every day. He longs for a relationship with you. He wants to show you how much He loves you. This devotional is broken down into 32 short but impactful days of ...

Have you ever dealt with the pain of infertility? Heard the devastating words, “I’m so sorry but your child is no longer alive?” Lived with a heartache so deep it feels as though there will never be any relief? By answering yes to any of these questions, you know how it feels to belong to an exclusive club. This group is designated for men and women who have had to learn how to live with the pain of either the lost dream of a child through infertility or the crushing reality that a child you love is no longer with you - the result of miscarriage, stillbirth, or death. It’s a group ...

Do you like getting lost in large crowds or prefer the intimacy of one-on-one conversations? Regardless of your basic personality type, we can all agree on one thing - the fundamental need to connect with others. The One who created this world designed us all with an innate craving to connect on a deeper level with each other so that we would desire a relationship with Him. Maybe you’ve taken that step to accept His invitation of a personal relationship, but are left with the question, “Now what?” Consider me that friend who’s bringing you to the “party of the decade” or ...

Everyone knows that Ariana does not get rejected. Used to getting her own way, Ariana grew up having her daddy wrapped around her little finger—and he still is. As an adult, she goes through life expecting that all men will give into her whims. When the one man she sets her sights on won’t give her the time of day, Ariana is truly baffled. Matt avoids Ariana whenever possible. The young woman has no way of knowing that she reminds Matt of his mother and the heartbreaking memories that he worked hard to bury. If Matt has his way, there won’t ever be a reason to discuss the issue. But ...

Families stick together. That’s what families do. In the touching conclusion to the heartwarming “Redemption of Green Pines” series, Shawn and Annie have recently moved to Green Pines to be closer to his sister, Holly and her husband, Jace. New community. New job. New church. Shawn feels optimistic about the open doors God has given their family, even if the new position of superintendent feels a little out of his league. As Shawn embraces his new adventure, little does he know he will soon be called upon to save not only family and friends, but also those in the school he has ...

Life isn’t always as it seems, as you know. Jace and Simone said, “I do,” but they never could have predicted where life would take them a decade later. Four children and two full-time careers are the perfect chemistry for chaotic schedules that wreak havoc on the couple’s marriage. Ten years ago, the couple believed their deep love for God and shared interests and activities were all they needed to build a faith-based union. As Jace continued serving as a youth minister, Simone dedicated her life to their children and her teaching career. The fast-paced lifestyle weighs heavy on ...

Cancer. It is a word no one wants to hear when sitting in a doctor’s office or from a loved one during a phone conversation. It is a word so prevalent in our society today. I don’t think there is anyone who has not been personally touched by this word, this disease, this diagnosis. This book is not a “how-to” guide regarding cancer. You won’t find resources for the best doctors, the latest research, diet/nutrition, or even statistics about outcomes regarding the specific type of cancer that has entered your world. Instead, this book offers the comfort of 11 different men and women...

When you envisioned being a parent, did it involve juggling a career, household duties, and extracurricular activities? Or, did you imagine being a stay-at-home parent who excels at growing a garden and keeping the budget balanced? Regardless of what type of parent you dreamed of being, I think we can all agree that when done right, parenthood is one of the most challenging, but rewarding jobs we’ll ever undertake. It takes skills to balance our time and finances alongside the needs of multiple children and household responsibilities. Our mission is to raise children who are self-...

Marriage joins two imperfect people who pledge to love, honor, and commit to each other for life. Eleven couples graciously chose to share their stories within the pages of this book because they believe in the sanctity of marriage. None of the couples are perfect, but they come alongside you and your spouse with experience and encouragement as you pray about how to live out your own marriage. Some of the couples work in full-time ministry, others have chosen the military as their career. Some couples have faced the issue of infertility while others have had to deal with sickness or death. ...

What’s your definition of Joy? What’s your definition of fun? What does it mean to be JOYful? Fun is more of an experience whereas JOY is a lifestyle. JOY is a choice and becomes part of your character while fun is captured for a moment, enjoyed and then needs to be caught again. Join me as I share how God began teaching me the difference between JOY and fun. When you can learn to live surrounded by God’s JOY, it lasts a lifetime. This devotional is broken down into 32 short but impactful days of Scripture and encouragement. It's a great study to supplement your daily Bible reading or...

Does parenting leave you filled with excitement, or dread? Parenting can be an opportunity filled with laugher and chances to build positive memories - both for yourself and your children. It’s a time to cherish the ones that God loaned to you for a little while, to help guide them in the direction God has planned for them and to be their friend throughout adulthood as you hold them tightly in your hearts forever. Please join me while I encourage, challenge (just a little), and help you remember all the fun that parenting can be while reminding you it’s not a solitary assignment. ...