Welcome to the Overflow! Whether you’re an old friend or a new one, I’m glad you’re here. This is a place where faith is spilled and souls are filled. I hope you’ll linger for a while and be encouraged. If you like what you find, feel free to sign up on the side bar to receive a trickle of inspiration in your in-box each month. Of course, we can also connect on Facebook or Twitter
Better yet, we could meet face to face! I’m now scheduling speaking engagements for 2019, and I’d be delighted to bring a message of encouragement to a ministry event near you. (If you’d like to know more, contact me at overflow@aliciabruxvoort.net)
Today I’m over at Proverbs 31 today talking about a little boy who lost the skip in his step and the four-foot-answer to prayer that made his legs brave again. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can find it here. But before you go, I’d like to tell you about the day a pizza made me cry…
I didn’t know pizzas could talk until a giant pepperoni pie made me cry.
Actually, it wasn’t the pizza that spoke hope and solicited my tears. It was the familiar scrawl on the post-it-note beside it:
I’ve got dinner tonight, and God’s got YOU!
I was in the midst of a difficult faith walk, and my feet were growing weary.
I wanted to follow Jesus with abandon, but on most days, I couldn’t even see where we were going.
Every step provided a chance to choose faith over fear, to practice worship instead of worry.
But as the road stretched long and the disappointments stacked high, my confident steps were giving way to a shaky stumble. I was tired and confused, discouraged and drained. And my hope was beginning to waver…
Until a friend used a blue-inked message and a take-and-bake pizza to remind me that I’m not alone.
She’d slipped into my house when I was picking up my kids at school, and she’d left the biggest pizza she could find on my kitchen counter. It would feed my family of seven, but more importantly, it would starve the lies that had taken root in my weary soul– I can’t keep going. Nobody understands. I’m so alone.
It wasn’t an elixir for my exhaustion or an answer to all my questions. But it was a gentle nudge to fix my eyes on Jesus. It was a timely reminder that my feet were enfolded in love and fueled by God’s strength, not limited by mine.
My friend couldn’t change my path but she could remind me of the One who shares my steps.
She couldn’t increase my faith but she could tenderly declare God’s unmatched faithfulness.
And we can, too.
Joshua 1:9 reminds us that our hope isn’t determined by what lies before us, but by WHO stands beside us.
Our strength doesn’t depend on the circumstances we face, but on the company that we keep.
“Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Sometimes, the best way to encourage one another is to bear witness to Christ’s with-ness.
We bring hope when we acknowledge our Living Hope (1 Peter 1:9)
So let’s point each another to Jesus today, friends….with a smile or a prayer, a note or a hug.
And with or without the pepperoni!
Thanks for lingering here for a few moments! If you’d like to win this free decorative reminder of Joshua 1:9, just leave us a comment and tell us how we can pray for you. Or share about a friend who points you to Jesus.
The winner will be announced on Monday, November 5. (U.S. addresses only, please)
I have always enjoyed reading the devotions you share via Proverbs 31 ministries! Your recent one meant a lot to me as my son Joshua is in kindergarten & based on your stories about your son Joshua (ie digging for dinosaur bones in the neighbor’s flowerbed & having lots of energy etc), they are very similar! Anyway, my son is slowly adjusting to kindergarten. I’ll pray that he has a 4-foot answer to my prayers as well!😊
Jesus, you are a healer and a giver of hope. Please bring wholeness and healing to Lynda’s mind and heart as she leans into you in this difficult time. Be her hope. Her joy. Her peace and provider. Amen
My friend,Liz Graham, who was my encouraged me and showed me how to have the abundant Christian life that Jesus wants us to have is in heaven. She sent me books, we had lunch together etc. This question brought back my memories of her – thanks for this and your devotion
Oh, Elsie, I bet you miss Liz. So glad we know that Heaven is our ultimate home- what a sweet reunion you’ll have some day:) Thank God for friends who point us to abundant life!
This summer I moved across the state for the chance to help a vulnerable population that I had been working with for 10 years. My husband and I agreed it was the right time, however, due to circumstances beyond our control, my husband of 35 years and I only see each other on weekends, as our home hasn’t sold. While this may seem minor, my husband is my Rock. The past 10 weeks have been a growing experience for both of us. My faith is tested daily and I am learning that “God’s got this,” and He knows when it will be the right time. Patience, faith, courage, and humility…
Mary, I’m praying with you that your house will sell and you and your husband will be reunited soon. So glad you’ve got God with you as you wait for your husband to join you.
I’m a new friend here, and I thank you for the encouragement. We are all responsible for witnessing, and, without one other, where would we be? Lonely. Discouraged. Afraid.
Please pray for me and my family as we seek the Lord’s guidance in an uncertain world. I want to teach my daughter to be strong and gentle, wise and courageous. I have so much changing to do, and she’s growing up so fast.
Thank you for offering to pray for us. May God bless and lead us all.
Jesus, you promise to guide us and to lead us through the power of your holy spirit. Please script Christina’s steps and give her all she needs as she raises her daughter in the your truth and your hope! Amen
I love your words and the way you write! You speak straight to my heart and I’m moved to tears with every word. My family has lost so much in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. But it’s just things! I’m tired, weary, stressed, worried. Yet, I feel God pushing me to give more. To do more. To love more. And in the midst of it all, the one person I never expected to reach out to me (my husband’s ex-wife) was there. She was there to give me hope when I thought there was no reason to hope. As of yesterday, everyone in my family has power back and the future doesn’t feel so overwhelming! Amazing what a hot shower can do! Lol!
Kimberly, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m praying that God will continue to pour into you as you pour out to others. And praise the Lord for a hot shower:)
My favourite moments are when God sneaks up on me. I’ll be in the midst of discouragement or doubt or anxiety or all three at once (Eek!), all this unbeknownst to anyone and through an encouraging word from a friend or someone who says “let me walk with you”, I know God is there, and everything is going to be okay.
This pizza tale reminded me of an incident that happened close to Christmas years ago. I had had an emergency; I was not able to breathe well, so my doctor put me in the hospital. I spent a week there until she could find the right treatment. I was 11 weeks pregnant. The result was that I lost the baby and was homebound for another week. Just before Christmas break, all of the faculty came to my room, bringing presents for my 2 year old. They decided that I wouldn’t have time to buy him presents, so they brought presents for him. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and the love they showed. It was a very special Christmas!
Lynn, I’m so sorry for your loss, yet I’m blessed by your story of your unexpectedly special Christmas. So glad you had people to wrap you in the love of Christ during that difficult time.
I really enjoyed this devotional. I have a difficult time opening up to people, but God has placed some wonderful people in my life. I just need to learn how to let go and open up, how to ask for help. Please pray for me in that area.
This is just another reminder from God to me that he’s with me everyday, through the good and the bad. This has been a recurring theme through messages from my pastor, devotionals and in my daily bible reading. God is so sweet to remind me by using his people that he loves me and is with me through a hard situation I’m experiencing right now. Thank you for sharing your heart. It’s been a true blessing today.
Oh Alicia…I love your posts!! I have been a widow since 2004 and The Lord’s provision is AMAZING!!! He has put very strong women in my life.. the one I think of is my friend Carol.. lifelong disabilities from crossed eyes she suffered thru until a young adult and had surgery to fix that to a rod in her leg due to one leg not being set right when as a little girl she fell over the family dog and her leg was broken.. she still wears special shoes for that to now a weight loss journey that just .. well.. wow! The One who loved her, created her, leads her is One she shares every day in her community, her University,her church, and all those around her. She drove hours to come to the hospital in my husband’s last days just to be there.. her presence, encouragement, faith , and glee inspire me daily! Jesus truly shines thru her and I am blessed beyond measure!
Thank you for reminding me that my hope and strength comes from the Lord and the Lord alone. I have been very anxious lately and it’s stealing my joy. I have PCOS and as a result have lost my last 2 babies and have had years of trying to conceive. I am 1 week away from my 2nd trimester and what I see as “safety”. Even though the doctors tell me I’m stronger this time and I have nothing to worry about, I can’t fully enjoy this blessing because I have that fear lurking in my heart. I have cried out to the Lord for the past 5 years to bless me with this child and here I am letting Satan steal my joy. Thank you for reminding me that my strength comes from the maker of heaven and earth. I leave it at His feet now, today. Lord it’s in your hands. In you I have faith.
Mindy, I am sorry for your loss and rejoice with you in the gift of this precious baby. I am joining you in this prayer—asking our gracious God to help you trade your fear for faith, your worry for joy. May your baby grow strong tucked beneath your heart. And may you experience the with-ness of God in a new and tender way through this pregnancy.
Such a beautiful reminder that how much Jesus and our Heavenly Father love each one of us. I am very grateful for your message. It is what I really need to hear today. Please pray for my kids that they can always follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Thanks again for such a sweet and encouraging message. 🤗
Yes, Lorena! That’s my prayer for my kids, too. Jesus, may Lorena’s children have hearts sensitive to the Holy Spirit, ears tuned to the voice of their Savior and feet willing to follow wherever You lead.
Thank you for the encouragement. Please pray that I would be strong and courageous and remember and rely on Him to be with me as I go. I need to remember I am not alone and even when I feel inadequate, He is more than enough.
Jesus, speak to Suzan’s heart today. Remind her even when she feels weak, you are strong. When she feels insufficient, you are more than enough. Give her courage, strength, and joy as she surrenders her steps to you each day.
Joshua 1:9 is the verse we cling to during our 5 year journey with chronic Lyme disease with my two children. They have lost their childhood but we haven’t lost them and this verse was always a reminder that God is watching over them and walking with us.
Oh, Roxanne, I will pray this verse over you ALL! Lyme disease is such a HARD road. May God meet ALL of your needs as you continue to trust Him with your children’s stories.
Thank you for sharing how our Lord cares and shows up for us. I’ve been in a long season of prayer and waiting. I’m thankful that Jesus is showing me glimmers of hope. Joshua 1:9 had been one of my go to prayers… Knowing that he’s with me gives me courage and strength to continue taking the next step.
Ana, I’m praying right now that you will continue to see Jesus in this long season of waiting and praying. I, too, am in a season of waiting and praying. May those glimmers of hope become flames of joy soon!
Your words of encouragement today met me right where I am. My mother is going through a difficult and scary medical issue now. Please pray for her as she travels along this road and for me to be able to support her in what ever way needed.
The word God has been focusing me on in this season of my life has been “encouragement.” I’ve been learning about and developing how I can be the best encourager to those I come into contact with. But that takes being strong and courageous because sometimes God calls me to encourage people who are intimidating. Sometimes He calls me to encourage people when I don’t know how they will respond. Because of that fear I am working to be available and obedient. I don’t want to let uncertainty stop me from being the vessel that God uses to reach someone who is hurting. Thank YOU for the encouragement to remain strong and courageous. …and for the idea on how I can use the take and bake pizza sitting in my fridge. ☺️😇
Heather, your words are a blessing to me today– yes and amen to all you’ve said here! I’m smiling just imagining what your take and bake pizza will “say” to a someone in need of encouragement:)
Jesus, would you equip Beverly to walk alongside her mom with gentleness and strength, and would you give her mother a peace that passes understanding as she walks this difficult road right now. Send “talking pizzas” (or whomever and whatever you choose) to encourage them both. Amen
I have always enjoyed reading the devotions you share via Proverbs 31 ministries! Your recent one meant a lot to me as my son Joshua is in kindergarten & based on your stories about your son Joshua (ie digging for dinosaur bones in the neighbor’s flowerbed & having lots of energy etc), they are very similar! Anyway, my son is slowly adjusting to kindergarten. I’ll pray that he has a 4-foot answer to my prayers as well!😊
Thank you for these encouraging words. Please pray for my mind and heart to be healed as I go through a difficult time.
Jesus, you are a healer and a giver of hope. Please bring wholeness and healing to Lynda’s mind and heart as she leans into you in this difficult time. Be her hope. Her joy. Her peace and provider. Amen
I loved this “tasty” reminder….
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalms 34:8
He makes me brave in the middle of my weakness & fear…thanks for reminding me that it’s NOT up to me… Thank God!!!
Yes! And I love that Psalm!
My friend,Liz Graham, who was my encouraged me and showed me how to have the abundant Christian life that Jesus wants us to have is in heaven. She sent me books, we had lunch together etc. This question brought back my memories of her – thanks for this and your devotion
Oh, Elsie, I bet you miss Liz. So glad we know that Heaven is our ultimate home- what a sweet reunion you’ll have some day:) Thank God for friends who point us to abundant life!
This summer I moved across the state for the chance to help a vulnerable population that I had been working with for 10 years. My husband and I agreed it was the right time, however, due to circumstances beyond our control, my husband of 35 years and I only see each other on weekends, as our home hasn’t sold. While this may seem minor, my husband is my Rock. The past 10 weeks have been a growing experience for both of us. My faith is tested daily and I am learning that “God’s got this,” and He knows when it will be the right time. Patience, faith, courage, and humility…
Mary, I’m praying with you that your house will sell and you and your husband will be reunited soon. So glad you’ve got God with you as you wait for your husband to join you.
I’m a new friend here, and I thank you for the encouragement. We are all responsible for witnessing, and, without one other, where would we be? Lonely. Discouraged. Afraid.
Please pray for me and my family as we seek the Lord’s guidance in an uncertain world. I want to teach my daughter to be strong and gentle, wise and courageous. I have so much changing to do, and she’s growing up so fast.
Thank you for offering to pray for us. May God bless and lead us all.
Jesus, you promise to guide us and to lead us through the power of your holy spirit. Please script Christina’s steps and give her all she needs as she raises her daughter in the your truth and your hope! Amen
I love your words and the way you write! You speak straight to my heart and I’m moved to tears with every word. My family has lost so much in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. But it’s just things! I’m tired, weary, stressed, worried. Yet, I feel God pushing me to give more. To do more. To love more. And in the midst of it all, the one person I never expected to reach out to me (my husband’s ex-wife) was there. She was there to give me hope when I thought there was no reason to hope. As of yesterday, everyone in my family has power back and the future doesn’t feel so overwhelming! Amazing what a hot shower can do! Lol!
Kimberly, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m praying that God will continue to pour into you as you pour out to others. And praise the Lord for a hot shower:)
My favourite moments are when God sneaks up on me. I’ll be in the midst of discouragement or doubt or anxiety or all three at once (Eek!), all this unbeknownst to anyone and through an encouraging word from a friend or someone who says “let me walk with you”, I know God is there, and everything is going to be okay.
Stephanie, I love how you describe these moment as those times when “God sneaks up on me.” 🙂 That makes me smile.
This pizza tale reminded me of an incident that happened close to Christmas years ago. I had had an emergency; I was not able to breathe well, so my doctor put me in the hospital. I spent a week there until she could find the right treatment. I was 11 weeks pregnant. The result was that I lost the baby and was homebound for another week. Just before Christmas break, all of the faculty came to my room, bringing presents for my 2 year old. They decided that I wouldn’t have time to buy him presents, so they brought presents for him. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and the love they showed. It was a very special Christmas!
Lynn, I’m so sorry for your loss, yet I’m blessed by your story of your unexpectedly special Christmas. So glad you had people to wrap you in the love of Christ during that difficult time.
I really enjoyed this devotional. I have a difficult time opening up to people, but God has placed some wonderful people in my life. I just need to learn how to let go and open up, how to ask for help. Please pray for me in that area.
Yes, Megan- I’m praying for courage to walk authentically and vulnerably with the beautiful people Jesus has placed in your life.
This is just another reminder from God to me that he’s with me everyday, through the good and the bad. This has been a recurring theme through messages from my pastor, devotionals and in my daily bible reading. God is so sweet to remind me by using his people that he loves me and is with me through a hard situation I’m experiencing right now. Thank you for sharing your heart. It’s been a true blessing today.
I love it when God gives us “holy echoes.” He’s with you, Angie!
Oh Alicia…I love your posts!! I have been a widow since 2004 and The Lord’s provision is AMAZING!!! He has put very strong women in my life.. the one I think of is my friend Carol.. lifelong disabilities from crossed eyes she suffered thru until a young adult and had surgery to fix that to a rod in her leg due to one leg not being set right when as a little girl she fell over the family dog and her leg was broken.. she still wears special shoes for that to now a weight loss journey that just .. well.. wow! The One who loved her, created her, leads her is One she shares every day in her community, her University,her church, and all those around her. She drove hours to come to the hospital in my husband’s last days just to be there.. her presence, encouragement, faith , and glee inspire me daily! Jesus truly shines thru her and I am blessed beyond measure!
Cheryl, what a gift! So glad God has given you the gift of Carol! I love the way He loves us through His beloved ones:)
Thank you for reminding me that my hope and strength comes from the Lord and the Lord alone. I have been very anxious lately and it’s stealing my joy. I have PCOS and as a result have lost my last 2 babies and have had years of trying to conceive. I am 1 week away from my 2nd trimester and what I see as “safety”. Even though the doctors tell me I’m stronger this time and I have nothing to worry about, I can’t fully enjoy this blessing because I have that fear lurking in my heart. I have cried out to the Lord for the past 5 years to bless me with this child and here I am letting Satan steal my joy. Thank you for reminding me that my strength comes from the maker of heaven and earth. I leave it at His feet now, today. Lord it’s in your hands. In you I have faith.
Mindy, I am sorry for your loss and rejoice with you in the gift of this precious baby. I am joining you in this prayer—asking our gracious God to help you trade your fear for faith, your worry for joy. May your baby grow strong tucked beneath your heart. And may you experience the with-ness of God in a new and tender way through this pregnancy.
I loved this reminder of friendship, both in day to day relationships, & also in our relationship with Christ! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for lingering here, Jeanette.
Such a beautiful reminder that how much Jesus and our Heavenly Father love each one of us. I am very grateful for your message. It is what I really need to hear today. Please pray for my kids that they can always follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Thanks again for such a sweet and encouraging message. 🤗
Yes, Lorena! That’s my prayer for my kids, too. Jesus, may Lorena’s children have hearts sensitive to the Holy Spirit, ears tuned to the voice of their Savior and feet willing to follow wherever You lead.
Thank you for the encouragement. Please pray that I would be strong and courageous and remember and rely on Him to be with me as I go. I need to remember I am not alone and even when I feel inadequate, He is more than enough.
Jesus, speak to Suzan’s heart today. Remind her even when she feels weak, you are strong. When she feels insufficient, you are more than enough. Give her courage, strength, and joy as she surrenders her steps to you each day.
Joshua 1:9 is the verse we cling to during our 5 year journey with chronic Lyme disease with my two children. They have lost their childhood but we haven’t lost them and this verse was always a reminder that God is watching over them and walking with us.
Oh, Roxanne, I will pray this verse over you ALL! Lyme disease is such a HARD road. May God meet ALL of your needs as you continue to trust Him with your children’s stories.
Thank you for sharing how our Lord cares and shows up for us. I’ve been in a long season of prayer and waiting. I’m thankful that Jesus is showing me glimmers of hope. Joshua 1:9 had been one of my go to prayers… Knowing that he’s with me gives me courage and strength to continue taking the next step.
Ana, I’m praying right now that you will continue to see Jesus in this long season of waiting and praying. I, too, am in a season of waiting and praying. May those glimmers of hope become flames of joy soon!
Your words of encouragement today met me right where I am. My mother is going through a difficult and scary medical issue now. Please pray for her as she travels along this road and for me to be able to support her in what ever way needed.
The word God has been focusing me on in this season of my life has been “encouragement.” I’ve been learning about and developing how I can be the best encourager to those I come into contact with. But that takes being strong and courageous because sometimes God calls me to encourage people who are intimidating. Sometimes He calls me to encourage people when I don’t know how they will respond. Because of that fear I am working to be available and obedient. I don’t want to let uncertainty stop me from being the vessel that God uses to reach someone who is hurting. Thank YOU for the encouragement to remain strong and courageous. …and for the idea on how I can use the take and bake pizza sitting in my fridge. ☺️😇
Heather, your words are a blessing to me today– yes and amen to all you’ve said here! I’m smiling just imagining what your take and bake pizza will “say” to a someone in need of encouragement:)
Jesus, would you equip Beverly to walk alongside her mom with gentleness and strength, and would you give her mother a peace that passes understanding as she walks this difficult road right now. Send “talking pizzas” (or whomever and whatever you choose) to encourage them both. Amen