Kelly Anne Liberto's Blog

 Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Put first things first. If you need some quiet time to have a cup of coffee and prioritize your day. Then do it. I used to wake up at 5:00 in the morning when my daughters were young just to have devotions.

Now my husband puts on the coffee. So when I wake up I can spend a few moments to prepare to take on my schedule.

That time is sacred because it sets my mind on higher things and puts my heart at rest.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. No matter the chaos you face his presence is in us. He promises to never leave us.

In light of recent events with the assassination of Charlie Kirk we need to remember Holy Spirit is here to bring comfort and wisdom.

You may be surprised where Holy Spirit leads you. Some of the unexpected places lead to tremendous healing, fruit, encounters with him.

One morning in prayer a small nudge from Holy Spirit sent me to the local shopping center. I pulled in the crowded parking lot wondering ‘what now?’

Feeling a little doubtful, I spotted a vanity plate on the car across the aisle. There was one word on that license plate. Pray.

I entered the first store in front of me and walked down the aisle toward a woman who looked frazzled. Her hair was sticking out and her tights were torn. Not a typical look for a sales clerk.

Turned out a mutual friend worked with her and introduced us. We then went to a local fast food place to pray with her.

This particular woman was troubled and I believe God had sent me there to encourage her and to pray.

Maybe you’ve had extraordinary experiences with him. Each one a building block in your faith to make you stronger in your trusting him.

These experiences with his presence and direction saturate us with his peace.

When we experience the darkness of evil in this world it shakes our faith. Or, rather, I believe, refines it. Our wellspring of life in Christ is the source of all true peace. Trouble comes in many forms. While we may do everything right a loved one has freedom to choose their course. Even in the midst of incredible suffering in your home we can know his peace.

Praise music and worship are a powerful way to bring peace into your home.

We have an adorable addition to our family in our 3 1/2 month Golden Retriever, Sienna. When she’s wound up she gets ‘bitey’ and runs all over. This signals a need for a nap. I often play praise music as she settles in her crate. Sienna falls immediately asleep.

Psalm 119: 50 “This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me and given me life.”

If you’re dealing with an overwhelming burden currently, I pray,

Father, please wrap your arms of love around my friend and give her your peace. You know what she is going through and you weep with her. We thank you for your glorious presence in our lives. You promise to work all things out for good. Thank you for your love. In the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.

It’s not about me.

Have you heard this phrase or something like it in the church?

It’s a wonderful concept to be so busy serving our husbands, our families, neighbors, co-workers and other church members. It’s where the joy is! Where we find the abundance Jesus has called us to live.

But then we get so caught up in doing good we forget why we’re here.

Are you the at home mom? You work hard serving your family and everybody else. You’re the church nursery director, lay counselor, lunch aide? Maybe you work out of the home.

You’re the mom where anyone can and does drop their kids off for a break or seek a safe place to talk. Or your coworkers and neighbors come to when they need a listening ear.

In fact you’re so busy telling yourself it’s not about you that you have no time for yourself.

As a child I knew God the father. My faith was a source of comfort and our traditions gave me consolation during difficulties.

One day, I looked at the cross and the man who hung at his crucifixion. I asked him. “Who are you?” I longed to know Jesus more.

As young marrieds my husband traveled for his job for long periods. I spent long sleepless nights worrying about break ins. Every little sound dragged me out of bed to check our home for intruders.

I needed peace and rest from the fear that drove me.

One night I received a harassing phone call while my husband was out of town. I wanted nothing more than for him to hold me and tell me it was going to be safe.

Desperate, I cried out with a simple prayer. “Jesus if you’re real will you give me peace?”

In an instant the fear left and I felt covered with a supernatural peace. Despite being alone in the house, missing my husband and after receiving an ugly phone call I slept well and deeply.

When I asked Jesus a question he didn’t say, “It’s not about you.” He said, “I died for you, I came to the earth for you, and I knit you together in your mother’s womb.”

There’s so much more he wants us to know. For now, remind yourself with Christ it is all about you.

Hebrews 13:5

‘Don't be obsessed with money but live content with what you have, for you always have God's presence.

For hasn't he promised you, "I will never leave you, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life!"’

I’d love to know how have you seen him at work in your life? Please use the comment section and share.

And speaking of more time for yourself, how much do you love reading a good romantic suspense novel?

This month I’m recommending Heidi Glick’s new release, Gazing Into Darkness.

Book Description

Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.

On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.

The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?

Get a copy here

https://www.amazon.com/Gazing-into-Darkness-Queen-Heroes-ebook/dp/B0FD96PWLJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=9VVCNBX7W5XV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ah216ykG8SGcF9-NH1JvQg.MVyGJZdhV9Xk6yasxyDHBOez_OrqOpztbNTB92LjjMw&dib_tag=se&keywords=gazing+into+darkness+glick+heidi&qid=1755993189&sprefix=gazing+into+%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1

Have you ever noticed how somedays are filled with activity yet nothing seems to get done? I worked all day yesterday caring for our new puppy, working in the home and writing.

I ended up breaking a tooth on a carrot in my salad and with a migraine. I felt stressed out, exhausted and frustrated.

So last night I spent some time listening to the word of God. The scripture sowed seeds of peace and hope in my spirit. It calmed me and changed my perspective on resting in his mercy versus checking off items on my lists.

As I ran past a log this morning it struck me how the large mushrooms sprouted over night on a seemingly ‘dead’ log. It reminded me that resting in God produces more fruit than all of our efforts combined. I realized then that I got more done in one morning than I had all day!

A good night’s sleep helped too.

I’m grateful God writes the story. Aren’t you?

It’s been raining in the northeast in epic proportions. You might say biblical.

Sometimes the rain is refreshing. Day after day it can be depressing.

Like the rain there may be other circumstances that are out of our control and can drain our energy.

Like difficult relationships.

Have you ever heard “I love you for doing this?”

Or, “I don’t feel loved” from someone who is close to you?

We have two options:

Try harder and continue to be frustrated because we can never fill that bottomless need.

Or, look inward as to why we feel the need to do so.

I’m in process of asking myself why must I feel like I need to fill that person’s love tank?

For me, I was raised to believe my performance determined how I was loved.

When I grew older in my childhood church the same theme continued.

“If” I’m good then I’m worthy to be loved. If I do what is right then Jesus will love me. If I suffer and have no worldly possessions then and only then will I be ‘holy.’

The reality is we are all loved unconditionally, thoroughly, and entirely by God. Period. We’re saved by grace (unearned favor). And God’s mercies are not dependent on our behavior. What!?

It’s hard to believe isn’t it?

I’ve discovered some ways how to love those who set limits on their love.  And have joy despite the insults, demands and unrealistic expectations.

In my recent experience it is caring for elderly parents. You may have a family member who is demanding and harsh.

Because I could find nothing about dealing with my personal circumstance I wanted to share what I’ve learned.

-Decide how much you can help and follow through.

-Do not allow others insults or negative opinions about you determine your identity.

-Give them your help when you are feeling physically well and emotionally strong.

-Talk with others to manage a caregiving plan. And stick with it.

-If you’re empathetic with them make sure you know that guilt and manipulation may be used to get more of your attention.

-A great support system helps alleviate the stress of dealing with overly needy joy blockers.

Sometimes God uses the joy blockers to refine us.

If you’ve had enough of the insults, rudeness and lack of gratitude maybe it’s time to let go and step back.

Only then can we take back our lives by working on our own problem areas and watch God move in others lives.

Here are 3 bridges to receiving God’s unconditional love so that we can pour it back out to others.

1.Believe the scripture to be the true and immutable word of God. If God is faithful then what can man do to you? Psalm 118:6

2.Trust him to work in you and through you to bring about good even in the most difficult situation. Proverbs 3:5&6, Romans 8:28, 29.

3.Receive his love so that you might be free to have the joy he longs for you to have. John 16:24

I’d like to know— what are some ways you’ve learned to remove joy blockers from your life?

“As the rain soaks into the ground, so pray the Lord to let his gospel soak into your soul.”

~ Charles Spurgeon

Have you been to a book fair?

This will be my first. As an author. We’ll be talking books and all things bookish there.

I’ll also be reading from my Thriller Stealth. Fun!

Now it’s your turn … what part of the novel would you like me to read? Let me know in the comments.

Here’s the details.

Come meet me at the Readers and Writers Regional Author Book Fair on Saturday July 26th from 10:00 to 2:00! I’ll be signing copies of Stealth and reading an excerpt from the book.

Pike County Public Library

119 East Harford Street, Milford, Pa

“ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

“I don’t believe you.”

The man spoke through his clenched teeth with iron jawed resolve.

I’d been teaching a class in biblical counseling on the joy of overcoming sexual abuse. This stranger sat in the classroom listening in apparent anger and distress. I didn’t know what he’d been through but pray a seed was planted to alleviate him from the oppression he seemed to battle.

Regardless of his doubt my declaration remains true. At age nine a neighborhood boy had molested me.

Did I suffer trauma from the event. Yes.

It changed me from a light hearted child to a confused and frightened one.

I felt I had no one to confide in about my experience. For years I carried the shame and reproach on my little shoulders.

Some years later my dad asked me why I didn’t tell him what happened. I had prayed then how to tell him without it breaking his heart. And I said, “I buried it in my memories until I could deal with it.”

God has created us in his image! It amazes me how we can overcome terrible tragedy when the time is right.

Some twenty years later the memories resurfaced and I did forgive the boy involved.

How did I manage to forgive such an unforgivable assault? Through my personal relationship with Christ. And through his irrefutable words in the bible. He is a wise Counselor.

Why not allow Christ to heal your heart and trauma from the undeserved sin perpetrated against you?

There are many people who share your pain and will be transformed by the truth of God’s healing your heart.

Go to him now and pray.

Father the immensity of my pain is a constant reminder of the abuse I’ve suffered. I don’t have the power to forgive my abuser. But I need you to heal my broken heart. Please come in and remove the transgression and corruption from my soul. And help me to forgive and let go of my abuser.  Bless him with the knowledge of your profound love. And bring me to the place of your intentional purpose in my life as you make me more like you. I receive all the blessings of love, joy and peace only you can give. Amen.

It’s not a once and done ‘formula’. But God will show you how to grow in grace and love. Even towards your enemies.

Have you faced an unforgivable sorrow that has left you feeling alone?

Know that he has never left you nor forsaken you and he is waiting for you to come to him. He will set you free.

If you find yourself in an abusive situation now please consider getting the help you need. https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics

The diagnosis was cancer. You’ve taken the treatments and fought for your life.

Now you are cancer free.

It may seem like the cancer journey is over. It’s not. I know because In April 2001 I was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma.

After Three remarkable months of chemotherapy, hair loss and fighting for my life I was declared cancer free. Even though the physical healing came abruptly, and it was an amazing testimony to God’s goodness I was left with many questions. The most prominent one was—Now what do I do?

There are many good books about navigating cancer. In fact my doctor gave me his textbooks detailing my rare form of the disease.

He really was an exceptional oncologist giving me the advice I needed for recovering from the tumors in my liver.

But when I was finished I did not listen to him about post treatment hormonal therapy. The cancer I’d fought started in my uterus and we didn’t want a recurrence.

That may sound crazy since the man had saved my life.

—Take back your health. I take responsibility for my own health. After thoroughly researching hormonal replacement therapy I decided to take a more natural therapeutic approach. So I started to see a nutritionist.

Along with the medical books and testimonials from health experts, one of the textbooks I studied was the bible.

I asked him...

Father God, you are our source and giver of life. What would you have me do?

Isaiah 58: 8&9

“This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
    to break the chains of injustice,
    get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
    free the oppressed,
    cancel debts.
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
    sharing your food with the hungry,
    inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
    putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
    being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
    and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
    The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
    You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’

—Share your testimony. As I recovered from the disease and chemotherapy that saved my life I began speaking in churches, ladies groups and even a fortune 500 company.

I feel like this opportunity to share God’s goodness was the source of my greatest healing.

Encouraging others on their journeys brought me a peace and joy I’d not experienced until that time.

—Pray for open doors for God to use you.

One night a young woman approached me after speaking. She said, “why did God heal you and not my mother?”

I had no answer for her but attempted to encourage her regardless.

That question led me to say yes to an opportunity to train as a biblical counselor. For two years I studied a college course in Christian Counseling. And found great joy as a lay counselor in the same church after receiving my certification.

—Find out what service brings the greatest fruit in your life. Many people encouraged me to drive cancer patients or become involved in service as a cancer survivor.

Instead I found God leading me to serve in a women’s ministry as an Overseer in the mentoring department.

My volunteer work there has been one of the greatest joys I’ve had.

—Be open to new adventures. Yet one year later, I found myself on a new path writing a novel for victims of sex trafficking.

What trials are you currently going through? Whether it’s a physical disease, a difficult relationship or financial hardships  I promise you God is not finished in your life.

The burning presence of God is shaping you into a vessel he can use for his greatest exploits.

Are you cancer free? Congratulations my friend! A new adventure has begun!   

Have you overcome a seemingly impossible problem? Feel free to share in the comment section below.

“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. ”

Have you struggled with setting healthy boundaries like me? I tend to give to others until I’m burnt out.

Do you pick up on the tensions in a room when you walk in? Or seem to know how a person will react before they do?

I’ve read from some who call this an extra sensitive personality. Unfortunately, those of us who have this gift have been misjudged and baggage goes along with this label.

Maybe you’ve been attacked by others because you have this gift.

In one church I trained in this gift and made my self available to serve others during prayer. Some places call it presbytery prayer, others call it prophetic ministry.

In this experience I’d longed to encourage others and followed the rules of the church leaders as I prayed along side an elder and one other person.

We prayed for a beautiful lady who was a long time member of this particular church.

The prayer was amazing and extremely encouraging. Or so I thought.

Unbeknownst to me the lady was offended by my prayer and went to the leadership about my encouragement to her.

Fortunately, I had followed the boundaries set down by the church pastors and leadership. Because the lady I prayed for shunned me and my words to her.

The elder who prayed along side called me and shared that what I had prayed for her was accurate and biblical.

So what went wrong?

Instead of blessing a fellow member of the congregation I was publicly ‘shamed’ and told I could no longer use this gift.

If this has happened to you my friend, my heart goes out to you.

It’s painful and crushing when you’ve prepared for years to be used in a gift only to be rejected by the one you are serving.

Some ways I have healed from this traumatic event that may be helpful to you.

If the offended person comes to you with the offense you may simply apologize and release them from what you told them.

Talk with a wise counselor about the incident and find out how she overcame the rejection.

Seek God and heal before you talk publicly about your hurt. It will protect your heart as well as stop from inflicting any further pain to others.

The church I was attending was undergoing a ‘split’ and so after much prayer my husband and I left that church.

My wise friend introduced me to a prayer group and her leader who helped me understand what had happened. As well as sharing scripture to give revelation to the event and how I could then proceed.

My wise counselors also helped me to construct a letter so I’d be released from the membership of this church.

Finally, the best thing I did was to look at my part in the conflict. And how I might do a better job in my next opportunity to serve.

What have you experienced in keeping God’s pleasant boundaries? How have they kept you safe? How have you overcome rejection in ways that may now help someone else heal from church hurt?

It’s my joy to write for you. Please drop a line in the comment section on ideas you may have for a future blogpost. I’d love to know!

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Have you ever worked diligently for a goal and after persisting through great resistance reached a victorious moment? A full circle moment.

You are waiting for the next big thing, a promotion, a pay raise, a new opportunity. It could be anything. You’ve dreamt about it, prayed for it and worked toward achieving it.

Despite your best efforts your dream seems no closer than it did before.

So what do you do? Complain?

Those feelings are good at first but instantly vanish.

Do you work harder at obtaining that elusive goal?

Sure. But then it becomes even more frustrating when that moment hasn’t arrived.

Do you switch goals or do you continue building on that future goal?

Or do you decide some dreams are God given and worth the wait?

One thing is guaranteed to help while you trust God to bring about his will for you.

Remember those full circle moments.

Some of my greatest breakthrough victories have come through my writing experiences.

But the most poignant have been with my family.

As a SAHM I remember sitting in an empty bedroom praying for our 3rd child after her sisters went to bed.

As newly marrieds our doctor had pronounced us infertile. You probably will never have a baby he had said. He was wrong.

Within the next several years  I gave birth to two perfect baby girls. But there was a strong sense baby number three would soon arrive.

‘Soon’ came nine years later after a molar pregnancy and treatment for endometriosis.

While our little family waited I intentionally remembered other full circle moments God brought us to.

In fact, my husband and I were reminded recently of one of these mountain top moments while watching our former pastor teach on his show “Deep Waters.” You’ll have to watch the program here to find out what it was.

Like a refreshing rain our third precious baby daughter entered the world.

She came at the perfect time at 3:00 A.M. on a Saturday morning. Fearfully and wonderfully created. Psalm 139.

What goal are you waiting to fulfill as you read this post? Do all that you know how to do, remember all that he has done in the past and leave it in God’s hands.

Share in the comments one of the things he has done in your life. So we can praise him with you.

“The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad! ”

It’s been awhile. Life has hit my family hard for the last two months with one crisis after another. And I’m tired.

Ever been there? I’m certain you have.

Thanks for hanging in there with me friend. I’ve wanted to finish this parenting series strong. But how to encourage you?

As I’ve prayed over this last post on Parenting I wanted to leave you with the knowledge that while you may be wondering about your own success or failures, no matter the place you find yourself, God is with you.

“The process of shaping the child, shapes also the mother herself.”

There are books, teachings and support groups to help you in the greatest ministry of family besides your worship to God. And I think Elizabeth Elliot expressed parenting best. “The process of shaping the child, shapes also the mother herself.”

Anytime we venture into parenthood we will be growing through difficulties and experiencing the greatest joys.

Because you’re reading this I suspect you are a wonderful mother or father. The best thing you can give your child is a life long or even a brand new faith in the perfect parent. God the father, Jesus his son and Holy Spirit.

What a God we serve! He has taken me through valleys I’d never imagine myself traversing. He has multiplied my joys in ways I don’t deserve.

Encourage yourself in the word. Stay in loving communication with your kids regardless of how they behave. Remember to discipline with Jesus’ model in mind. We are all sinners and learning how to be more like him.

“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.“ 1 John 4:18 NIV

Love your children well, my friend, and enjoy each moment of your blessings. That is true worship in itself.