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Mentoring Moments for Christian Women

NEWS: Recent articles, Speaking Invitations, Podcasts, and a Book Contract

 
Hello, dear ones!
 
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the many blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
 

Isn’t God great? 🙂

 
 
He certainly has been good to me. Here is an update on all that’s been going on… and there’s lots!
 
 

Recent Articles and Guest Posts

God has blessed me with opportunities to write for various magazines and blogs. Here is a list of my recent articles. I hope you’ll check them out:
 
 
 
“You are Welcome Here”

“Gentle on the Hair”

“My Drastic Estate”

 
 
 

Speaking Invitations

Several weeks ago, the Celebrate Recovery Pastor at Bell Shoals Baptist Church (BSBC) in Brandon, Florida, invited me to speak at their Celebrate Recovery program. I was so honored by their invitation to share my testimony with them. They have a great group of participants–so welcoming and transparent. I felt very much at home! I hope and trust that my story–God’s story in my life–helped even one person in the room. A very special thank you to all who came out to support me.

 
 
 

Podcasts

I will be podcasting soon! I’ll send you more information about it as the date gets closer. I plan to record some posts, as well as interview others and provide you with other tools to comfort–and empower–you on your journey. I can’t wait.
 
 
 
and last, but certainly not least…
 
 
 

Book Contract

You might know I’ve been wanting to write a book for some time now. I’ve had articles included in anthologies alongside great writers, for which I’m grateful. From the time God placed the desire in my heart to write a book, I’ve known what I wanted to write about. After working some time on a book proposal this year–and I mean, for some time, I finally sent it out. I was surprised, to say the least, to hear from them so soon, but elated with their response:
 

This is exactly the kind of manuscripts that we are looking to get into our lineup and market. There are so many women that could benefit from this, and we are 100% on board.
 

 
 

Isn’t God great? 🙂

 
 
 
I am beyond ecstatic about this. In the days before I heard back from them, I prayed to God and told him I turned it all over to Him. If it wasn’t His plan, to close the door. If it was His plan, to make it obvious and to work it all out for me in such a way that I–and everyone–would know that only God could pull it off. He has! My heart rejoices with the Love of my Father.
 
 
So… You’re probably wondering the type of book. For now, I’ll just say that it’s an inspirational book for hurting women. God willing, I plan to have the book ready by year-end. I know that’s soon, but if it’s God’s will, He will make a way. If not, then we’ll plan for next year.
 
 

Isn’t God great? 🙂

 
 
I want to thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. I appreciate your emails, your “likes,” comments, forwards, tweets, stumbles, and all your interactions–not only with me but with each other. God keeps showing me, especially on those days I question myself, that I’m on the right path. So, thank you!
 
Please let me know how I can pray for you. I want to join with you for those things that weigh heavily on your heart.
 
 
 
Many blessings and hugs,
Daphne
 
 

News: Daphne’s Article, “Cell Phones, Hurts, and Broken Hearts” Published in MMCW

Happy Saturday, Readers!

 

It’s finally feeling like Fall here in Florida. I have the windows open, and the breeze is quite refreshing.

 

Please visit Mentoring Moments for Christian Women to read my latest article, “Cell Phones, Hurts, and Broken Hearts,” which is part of the “Jesus Is…Healer/Deliverer” series.

 

 

 

 

I am so blessed to be part of the staff at Mentoring Moments. We have a great group of women whose hearts are to minister to other women at all stages of their lives. We truly strive to provide that mentoring described in Titus 2.

 

I have more news coming up in the next few weeks, but I’ll wait to share until then. In the meantime, I wish you much healing in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Big hugs,

Daphne

7 Ways to Prevent–and Reverse–Relapse (Part 1 of 2)

7 Ways to Prevent and Reverse Relapse

 

Recovery is a life-long journey. It’s day in and day out–morning, noon, and night. We rejoice with our victories, and we sob with our defeats.

 

Many times, our missteps teach us the greatest lessons. But if we’re not careful, our missteps can also send us head first into a full-blown relapse.

 

Today–and in my next post, I want to use the letters in the word “RELAPSE” to share with you seven ways we can prevent—and even reverse—relapse on our recovery journeys.

 

1. Reflect

Think about the things you are doing that remind you of your “former self”—that is, pre-recovery. Lately, I’ve been getting angry easily and making sarcastic comments—signs of “old Daphne” resurfacing. Maybe you are:

  • Criticizing others
  • Trying to please people
  • Taking a drink here and there
  • Bursting out in anger
  • Mistreating your body
  • Flirting with pornography

Identifying these signs will help you uncover any underlying issues that need to be addressed. God will show you those signs as you quietly listen to Him and ask Him to “search you” (Psalm 139:23).

 

2. Expose your triggers and plan your escape strategies

Once you’ve identified the red flags, uncover your triggers. What are you generally feeling, thinking, or doing before you, say, burst out in anger or try to please others, etc? When I spout out in anger or make sarcastic comments, I’m usually feeling overwhelmed because things aren’t turning out the way I want or planned. This has set me off big time lately.

 

Once you know your triggers, you can start planning your escape strategies. Yes, that’s right—escape. Listen to 1 Corinthians 10:13:

 

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

 

Did you get that? God will show you how to escape your temptation! Maybe your escape strategy could include physically removing yourself from a situation or setting stricter controls on your computer, or God may even bring someone into your life at that very moment to help you in some way or another—even if it’s just to distract you for a few minutes to get yourself back on track. The key is to say to yourself, “When I see this red flag, I will escape by [insert your escape strategy].”

 

3. Look up and re-learn scripture passages

Once you’ve exposed your triggers and planned your escape strategies, pull out the Scripture passages that you used early on in your recovery. If you don’t have them anymore, no worries. Write them down again. As you write them on paper, God will rewrite them on your heart. In my case, I would go back to these verses.

 

“If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies.” (1 Peter 3:10)

 

“The tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life.… Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty pool.” (James 3:6-12)

 

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit–you choose.” (Proverbs 18:21)

 

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

 

These are just a few passages, but you get the idea: Inscribe God’s word on your heart once again.

 

 

I hope you can already see ways to help you prevent sliding back into old habits. It’s all about staying in God’s word and presence, wouldn’t you say?

 

In my next post, we’ll look at the remaining 4 ways to prevent—and even reverse—relapse.

 

In the meantime, come alongside… How has this post helped you? What can you put into practice today? Who do you know who can benefit from this post? Will you share it with them?

 

 

For more posts on seeking God’s presence, visit the “In His Presence Link-Up” at Mentoring Moments for Christian Women.

 

News: Daphne’s Article “No More Shame” Published & Upcoming Event

Happy Wednesday, readers! I hope you’re enjoying this lovely Fall day wherever you are.

 

I have lots to report!

  

  First, I’m honored to have my article, “No More Shame” published in this month’s issue of Mentoring Moments for Christian Women. “No More Shame” is part of the series “Jesus is… Deliverer / Healer.”

 

I hope you will head on over, read, comment, and share with others who may be hurting. While you’re there, feel free to look around and read some of the other great articles on the site. Better yet, subscribe to their monthly newsletter.

 

 

 
And now on to the next bit of news… 
 
I am so excited to be part of the Polk Authors and Illustrators Festival this Saturday in Lakeland, Florida. This will be a one-day event (9am – 3pm) to “promote Polk County’s creative side, a celebration of all things book!” I am one of 28 authors and illustrators exhibiting their work. There will also be a used book sale to benefit a local charity, as well as a book giveaway to children (while supplies last).

 

 

I hope you are able to attend. If you do, please come by my booth. It will be great to chat with you awhile.

 

This is a great opportunity to speak with local authors and editors, to be inspired by them, to encourage them, and to network. Oh, and you can also get started on your Christmas shopping!

 

If you’re unable to attend and would still like to purchase one of my books, please feel free to visit my Books page.

 

I am so excited about what God is doing, dear ones. Thank you, all, for your continued support and encouragement.

 

Blessings and hugs,
Daphne

 

In His Presence: Snatched from the Fire to Live for You

I’ve been reading through the shortest books of the Bible—right before the New Testament. You’re likely to skip over them—they’re so short.

 

 

After reading some of them, I’m learning they’re nothing to skip over. Lots of great—and heavy—stuff there.

 

 

Today, I’m in Zechariah 3. I feel led to pray this chapter back to my Heavenly Father.

 

Is this your prayer too?

 

 

Father, I humbly come before you—your child.

 

I know I am yours, yet sometimes I still struggle with my past—it haunts me. Please rebuke the accuser—my enemy. Tell him, “No more! Enough!”

 

You have snatched me from the fire and taken off my filthy clothes. You have stripped me of my sin and guilt and put rich garments on me. How splendid! How beautiful!

 

Thank you, Father, for making me yours.

 

Help me to walk in your ways and to keep your Word in my heart. Instruct me, Master—I want to obey You.

 

Be the head of my household—You are welcome here. Teach me to guard all that you’ve put in my care—to use it all for You.

 

Help me to spread peace to those around me—to be generous, to get along with them as much as it depends on me.

 

Break down the barriers that keep me from others. Give me courage to invite them into my home and life.

 

Bless you, my Lord. Bless you, my King. Bless you!

 

In the name of Jesus, I pray.

 

Amen.

 

 

 

Come alongside…Can you relate with this prayer? Which part speaks to you most? Will you share this prayer with someone else?

 

 

 

For more posts on seeking His presence, visit the “In His Presence Link-Up” at Mentoring Moments for Christian Women.

 

Affiliate Disclosure

Daphne Tarango is a participant in affiliate programs with Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, DaySpring, Church Source, Hazelden, Christian Strong (via Conversant and ShareASale). These advertising services are designed to provide a means for sites like DaphneWrites.com to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to said merchants. Some images and articles may contain links to products on merchant sites. Should you choose to make purchases through those links, please understand that I will receive a small commission. Please do not feel like you need to use these links to make any purchases. The links are only for your convenience. Thank you.