​The past several months have been hard for everyone. Everywhere. Fear of the virus, financial shifts, social distancing and isolation, political and societal unrest, has given rise to more fear and uncertainty in our nation than perhaps ever before outside of actual wartime.

“You will hear of wars nearby and revolutions on every side, with more rumors of wars to come. Don’t panic or give in to your fears, for the breaking apart of the world’s systems is destined to happen. But it won’t yet be the end; it will still be unfolding. – Matthew 24:6 (TPT)

In seasons of such unrest, people of faith are often faced with the distinct, and sometimes challenging opportunity, to really press in and gauge what they actually believe. And why.

Is God enough? Will He provide? Is He all we need? How will this all land in the end?

“What is the value of your soul to God? Could your worth be defined by an amount of money? God doesn’t abandon or forget even the small sparrow he has made. How then could he forget or abandon you? What about the seemingly minor issues of your life? Do they matter to God? Of course they do! So you never need to worry, for you are more valuable to God than anything else in this world. – Luke 12:6-7 (TPT)

Years ago I found myself struggling with truth. I just couldn’t wrap my heart around it. While I could clearly articulate for you what I knew I believed in, my soul felt uneasy and the world whirling around me seemed so unstable it felt nearly impossible to gain a sense of balance. Every day was a struggle to get my bearings, and I felt as though my entire life could come crashing down at any moment. How could a loving God ask me to walk in such chaos?

My brother suggested a book for me – The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel. Reading about the universe, how succinctly every element is positioned, I began to find my center again. If I truly believed that God designed everything, I had to start with His creation. Recognizing the magnitude of all that entailed, I began to sift through my fears and acknowledge that in the shadow of my limited understanding, my struggles were but leaves in a breeze.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (NLT)

When we align our life to the timetable of eternity, we can gain a proper perspective. Sometimes we simply must go back to the beginning – to our roots. If we chose faith because we experienced His love, we start with the revelation that a loving God will not abandon us. If perhaps we chose to follow God’s Word because our parents forced us to or led us in that direction, then we go back to the bible and reframe our life and experiences through a biblical perspective. The most beautiful element of faith is that we don’t have to have it all figured out, nor must we power through with our limited resources, but rather we come back to the reality that just like the old song says, ‘He’s got the whole world in His hands’. And he’s got you, too.

Shalom.

about

Heather Eder

I am a Mom. Wife. Coach. Author. Editor. Lover of Jesus and all things lovely. I am a Washington native and love the beauty and grit of the PNW. Professionally, I have worked in myriad setting over the years, but spent the majority of the past 22 years raising my precious babies. With two now out of the house and two still at home, time is more precious than ever, and I find myself more and more passionate about helping others pursue purposeful living. 

To me, the greatest joy in life is to evoke and nurture the greatness in one another. Walking with my clients and readers in discovering their purpose and unique gifts, guiding them in making the decision to live with intentionality in relationships, workplace, and in parenting; these are the things that make life so very rich.

My husband Chris, and I have been married for 18 years, and together have 6 children. In my personal time, I love serving on the worship, prayer and ministry teams at my church, books, coffee, the beach, a glass of wine and of course, rich conversations with good friends. 

 I look so very forward to walking this journey with you all!

As we settle into fall and a bit more of a routine, thoughts and planning begin to turn towards the upcoming holidays. Guest lists are forming, gifts purchased, and the Thanksgiving menu solidified. While for many this is a joyfully anticipated time, for some, the “most wonderful time of the year” is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, broken expectations and the memory of shattered relationships.

Of all the planning we do, I believe it’s vital we elevate spiritual preparation above all else.

I recently had the opportunity to spend time in prayer and repentance for reactions in my own heart which were not necessarily evident to the person with whom I was struggling, but overwhelmingly damaging to my own peace. Locking myself in my bathroom, I prayed earnestly for the Lord to soften my heart and allow me to see the other person as He sees them. Grace is not just allowing another person to be who they are in their own journey, but also giving ourselves the permission and authority to walk as we ourselves are called to, as people of faith. It was in that moment that I was reminded I needed to be proactive, not reactive. Knowing there will potentially be occasions for emotion to take over, advocate for yourself in advance in prayer and preparation. God’s word tells us to align our hearts and will to His, and to allow for our minds to be constantly renewed. This holiday season, choose to trust the journey and take this opportunity to grow and to be strengthened.

Here are some of my favorite ways to set my intentions and maintain clarity in my personal
expectations:

• Plan – time for being refreshed and renewed in worship and the Word.
• Prioritize – clear time limits with people/events which are challenging for you.
• Permit – space for rest, naps, things you enjoy doing. Grace the need to pray, step away, or cry when you need to.
• Pray – maintain a list of scriptures to pray out loud over each event, person, situation, etc. God’s words are more powerful than ours.
• Prepare – fast and pray, focus on the long game, not just “surviving” the moment.
• Pardon – release others of personal expectation, disappointment, unforgiveness. This, above all, is the greatest gift you will receive this season.

Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. – Romans 12:2

May your days and nights be full of joy, contentment and infinite peace. Tis the season.

about

Heather Eder

I am a Mom. Wife. Coach. Author. Editor. Lover of Jesus and all things lovely. I am a Washington native and love the beauty and grit of the PNW. Professionally, I have worked in myriad setting over the years, but spent the majority of the past 22 years raising my precious babies. With two now out of the house and two still at home, time is more precious than ever, and I find myself more and more passionate about helping others pursue purposeful living. 

To me, the greatest joy in life is to evoke and nurture the greatness in one another. Walking with my clients and readers in discovering their purpose and unique gifts, guiding them in making the decision to live with intentionality in relationships, workplace, and in parenting; these are the things that make life so very rich.

My husband Chris, and I have been married for 18 years, and together have 6 children. In my personal time, I love serving on the worship, prayer and ministry teams at my church, books, coffee, the beach, a glass of wine and of course, rich conversations with good friends. 

 I look so very forward to walking this journey with you all!

Growing up in the 70’s, the atmosphere was not one given to fully developing who God
designed me to be. My police officer father could be overbearing and there were many times I
was silenced by his boom, or often excessively lengthy lectures. Community relations were in a
state of unrest, and adult conversation was often tense, even angry. Sometimes scary. Much of
my childhood motivation was dictated by my desire to become very small, while simultaneously
longing for my heart to be seen. I changed schools often, was shy and insecure; character traits
which followed me well into young adulthood. As a mother, I have often reflected on the journey
that has brought me from that hesitant child to the outspoken woman I am now, and have
wondered if I would have reacted to the world differently had I been given the opportunity to see
things through eyes of faith.

In today’s current climate of unrest, I have become super intentional in how I discuss certain
topics with my kids, or around them when speaking with other adults. I am painfully aware of
how easily my own concerns or opinions can inadvertently cultivate fear and bitterness, or even
taint my children’s opinions of others, politics, the world… of God… Our children are always
listening, and even when they are older, perhaps with children of their own, our decision to filter
and process life through the lens of faith above that of fear, continues to carry weight in their
lives.

Regardless of our age, position or status, women have the capacity to create, sustain and
promote, or to tear down, the people and atmosphere around them. So the question is, how do
we effectively foster a climate of faith in our homes, churches, workplace and communities? For
me, the most powerful tools I have access to are my mind and mouth. Given their weaknesses, I
find meditation on, and repetition of God’s Word in my daily life to be the key to discovering, and
maintaining, center; for myself and my people.

Here are some resources I personally use and love:

● Bible Gateway – online or the app. Great for a daily word and researching specific topics.
● Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. A word for every day of the year at your fingertips.
● Evoke Daily Devotional. Five 5-day devotionals with corresponding video on IGTV.
● Any of the brilliant topical prayer books by Stormie O’Martian.

My prayer today is that you would find your hope in God’s promises, in His unwavering truth and
goodness, and walk so fully in that freedom, that you would inspire those around you to do the
same. There is no darkness that God’s light cannot pierce through. In a world so clouded by
fear, may you choose to see it through the light of His hope. Shalom.

about

Heather Eder

I am a Mom. Wife. Coach. Author. Editor. Lover of Jesus and all things lovely. I am a Washington native and love the beauty and grit of the PNW. Professionally, I have worked in myriad setting over the years, but spent the majority of the past 22 years raising my precious babies. With two now out of the house and two still at home, time is more precious than ever, and I find myself more and more passionate about helping others pursue purposeful living. 

To me, the greatest joy in life is to evoke and nurture the greatness in one another. Walking with my clients and readers in discovering their purpose and unique gifts, guiding them in making the decision to live with intentionality in relationships, workplace, and in parenting; these are the things that make life so very rich.

My husband Chris, and I have been married for 18 years, and together have 6 children. In my personal time, I love serving on the worship, prayer and ministry teams at my church, books, coffee, the beach, a glass of wine and of course, rich conversations with good friends. 

 I look so very forward to walking this journey with you all!

In the wake of July 4th, in the midst of so much environmental, social, and financial unrest, the
feelings of longing for authentic freedom is almost palpable. Many are facing both visible
challenges, and unseen emotional battles. Never before have we been simultaneously so
isolated, and, so in need of intimate human interaction.

I remember years ago watching a friend struggle with feelings of doubt and frustration. While
she knew there was something wrong, she struggled with how to discover, and manage, the
root of her dissonance. As someone who loved her, it was difficult not knowing how to help.
Today’s climate creates a challenge some days to try and maintain a sense of normalcy. As a
result we can choose to put on a brave face and keep pushing forward with the things that seem
familiar, but remain somewhat oblivious to the wake of emotion we leave behind.

So often we think our”private” battles, or unseen weaknesses or vices, don't really affect those
around us. The truth is, however, that any time we are not living with complete transparency, the
people closest to us can feel it and we often find ourselves walking in emotional bondage. We
may believe we are “getting away with it,” but in all honesty, we are only hurting ourselves, and
those around us, by denying the depth of relationship that could be available to us if given an
open flow of dialogue and vulnerability.

I joke sometimes that it’ a “disturbance in the force,” and in a way it is. Being designed for
community, we inherently desire human interaction, but often balk at the facet of the relationship
which requires transparency.

Who can you reach out to today? Who comes to mind when thinking of a safe person? Who
needs you in their life? None of us is created to, or capable of, effectively navigating life
independent of genuine relationship. To attempt to do so robs us of all the good things God has
created for us.

Step out. Reach up. Let His freedom flow today.

about

Heather Eder

I am a Mom. Wife. Coach. Author. Editor. Lover of Jesus and all things lovely. I am a Washington native and love the beauty and grit of the PNW. Professionally, I have worked in myriad setting over the years, but spent the majority of the past 22 years raising my precious babies. With two now out of the house and two still at home, time is more precious than ever, and I find myself more and more passionate about helping others pursue purposeful living. 

To me, the greatest joy in life is to evoke and nurture the greatness in one another. Walking with my clients and readers in discovering their purpose and unique gifts, guiding them in making the decision to live with intentionality in relationships, workplace, and in parenting; these are the things that make life so very rich.

My husband Chris, and I have been married for 18 years, and together have 6 children. In my personal time, I love serving on the worship, prayer and ministry teams at my church, books, coffee, the beach, a glass of wine and of course, rich conversations with good friends. 

 I look so very forward to walking this journey with you all!

What does community mean? What does it look like to develop it intentionally? For most Americans, we find ourselves not only operating in multiple groups, but we can often discover that they don’t necessarily operate cohesively; our jobs, churches, family, friends and interest groups don’t intertwine in the way that perhaps they did in generations past. While stepping outside of a smaller-knit sphere of influence can be of some benefit, we can also find ourselves feeling somewhat disconnected from finding significance in the value we bring, and receive, from each space. Community, at its finest, brings growth.

I would argue that this time in history obliges us, more than ever before, to fully engage with, and walk in, the fullness of true community.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a community can include similarities in geographical space, common values, living experiences, common history or even professional similarities. Boiled down, the community is wherever we choose to connect. While it may seem more natural or logical, even easier, to connect with those with whom we perceive we have the most in common, how much more valuable and life-giving it is to cross lines over that which is easy, into the depths of that which brings diversity and depth to our lives.

While the topic is vast, the heart of it is somewhat simple. Be intentional. Be creative.

Here are just a few ways that I have found to be beneficial in developing and expanding the breadth of my personal sphere of influence, and value in contribution.

• Service – When we serve alongside others, we can discover our purpose and share our passions with like-minded people. Whether it is at church, a local food bank, holding babies, or praying with the sick at the hospital, developing our God-given gifts (empathy, prayer, financial contribution, etc), bring more joy and relationship than anything else. Choose spaces outside of your own neighborhood – connect with like-minded people who don’t look like you, or live in your town. Nothing is more powerful than evoking a commonality of the heart.

 Also there are different ways of serving, but it is the same Lord being served.
 – 1 Corinthians 12:5 (CJB)

• Giving – I recently had a conversation with someone for whom I had delivered a meal years ago. She shared that she was doing the same for a neighbor and when her daughter asked her why, she mentioned that the meal I had made, long after I even remembered doing it, had left a huge impression on her heart. When we give directly (a meal, our time, or indirectly (an anonymous gift card, monthly donation to a favorite charity, weekly tithe), we are using the freedom we have to give a bit of freedom to another.

 I have shown you with respect to all things that by working hard in this way it is necessary to help those who are in need, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
 – Acts 20:35 (LEB)

• Working – One of the greatest places to build community is in the workplace. Commonality of strategy and goals are beautiful bridges to bring people together of all backgrounds and experiences. While we may not become best friends with all of our coworkers, the opportunity to ask questions, listen to learn and to grow in experience can enhance our personal lives in ways most unexpected when we are actively looking for opportunities to authentically connect. If you work from home, or are retired, there are many other spaces in which we work where we can find similar opportunities – from engaging in ongoing dialogue with service workers to simply members of your neighborhood, practicing intentionality in conversation at every contact point, even the small ones, can bring additional feelings of connectivity and relationship.

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
– 2 Corinthians 13:11 (CSB)

• Living – Every day we are blessed with fresh options to learn a bit more about our larger community, and to fully partake in the fullness of how beautifully diverse we all are. AND, we have endless choices for learning, growing and supporting one another. I personally love trying local restaurants, street fairs, looking for small, family owned and/or immigrant run businesses, attending pow wow’s and farmer’s markets … The tapestry of our PNW landscape is rich, providing ample opportunity to meet and interact with, to feel connection with, people from all over the world. Again, the goal is commonality and the result is a deeper understanding of who God truly is.

Show respect for all people: Love the brothers and sisters of God’s family,
respect God, honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17 (NCV)

Building a network of relationships, of people to do life with, is not always something that happens quickly, and in today’s rush-rush world, it can feel daunting. We are built for community, however, and while it can sometimes seem like work, even a risk, it is a risk so very worth taking.

We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other. This becomes more and more important as you see the Day getting closer.
-Hebrews 10:25 (ERV)

about

Heather Eder

I am a Mom. Wife. Coach. Author. Editor. Lover of Jesus and all things lovely. I am a Washington native and love the beauty and grit of the PNW. Professionally, I have worked in myriad setting over the years, but spent the majority of the past 22 years raising my precious babies. With two now out of the house and two still at home, time is more precious than ever, and I find myself more and more passionate about helping others pursue purposeful living. 

To me, the greatest joy in life is to evoke and nurture the greatness in one another. Walking with my clients and readers in discovering their purpose and unique gifts, guiding them in making the decision to live with intentionality in relationships, workplace, and in parenting; these are the things that make life so very rich.

My husband Chris, and I have been married for 18 years, and together have 6 children. In my personal time, I love serving on the worship, prayer and ministry teams at my church, books, coffee, the beach, a glass of wine and of course, rich conversations with good friends. 

 I look so very forward to walking this journey with you all!

Four decades before founding Evoke Ministries, life looked a bit less structured and purposeful
than it does today. As I moved from childhood to early adulthood, I began to slowly recognize
that some of the “truths” I had grown up with, didn’t necessarily line up with my personal life
experience, or points of view. Increased knowledge, and an expansion of circumstances,
brought new light to things once held dear; thoughts and values once hidden in the subliminal,
came to light as life brought with it fresh revelation. Later, as a new mother, I began to challenge
myself in my “why’s,” and began engaging in intentional parenting. I spoke with mothers who
had gone before, read books, took courses and considered how my choices as a mom could
shape my son as an adult. There were certain core values I knew I wanted to instill, and I
carefully weighed my decisions as a parent, against those end goals for my child. Today, my
mantra is, “We do not get what we deserve. We get what we are committed to.” (Ronnie Doss)

Over time, this approach has served me extremely well as an adult; not just as a parent, but in
my relationships with family, friends and in marriage. While we cannot control the choices of
others, we can always choose our responses to them. We ourselves can cultivate the
atmosphere we want within those relationships. Living with intentionality in our decision making
and word choices, as well as our attitudes, also helps in identifying which relationships may not
be best for us – whether in that moment or long-term. Life (and therapy!) have taught me that
there is nothing more powerful and life-giving than choosing how, and when, we respond to the
people and situations in our lives. What we nurture and what we put aside, greatly determines
the atmosphere and culture we establish in our homes and daily lives. Intentional parenting
does not come by default but by design.

We must be willing to consistently learn and grow; challenge ourselves. “Do my choices speak
to the destiny I want for myself? My family? My children?” I have outlined a couple of
questions/statements which I often ask of myself and my clients, and hope they will bring some
clarity and encouragement to you as well.

What is my end game?

As women we can sometimes forget that our emotions are meant to be indicators of something
being out of balance, not a decision-making force. A solid pause and a reminder to think about
where I am headed, and where I want to lead, will do wonders in not only making a better
decision, but will also help us to maintain a sense of peace in our spirit and balance in our
relationships.

*Paid Advertising

Where am I headed?

When working with my coaching clients, I often encourage them that we don’t parent, or relate,
from where we came from, but to where we are going. Just because mom did it this way, or my
ex didn’t like that, doesn’t mean we respond in the same manner in the relationships we have
today. In my family growing up, our world was full of do’s and don’t’s, and emotional outbursts if
we didn’t line up with expectation, but there was little training in critical thinking, practical
application of life skills or relationship skills, and zero margin for error. As a parent, I work really
hard to communicate effectively while still maintaining a set of expectations. I don’t punish my
kids with chores – they do them because we are a part of a team. When a child makes a
mistake, they understand that there will be natural consequences because in life there are
always natural consequences. Learning now that the value of honesty maintains healthy
communication and trust, sets them up to be integral as an adult. Teaching them that we are in
control of our emotions and decisions, establishes accountability for future choices, which will
hopefully keep them gainfully employed and healthfully married.

Do I trust I’ve established a solid foundation?

Often as women, when we see others choosing a path which violates our personal, relational, or
familial expectations, we can perceive the need to continue to correct; whether it’s a child,
spouse or even friend. Our job, however, is not to control, but rather to help stir up one
another’s strengths, to evoke the greatness within them, while helping them to effectively
manage the weaknesses. When we feel the need to manage another person’s choices, it’s vital
we revisit if we have done enough to communicate our message clearly. If we have, we must
allow bandwidth for free-will and not take the decision personally. If we have not, it’s ok to grace
ourselves and gently, but firmly, reestablish those parameters. Our position is to lead and guide,
not control and micromanage.

While there is no one way to live life purposefully, I do believe these core questions are a vital
start to finding more success and peace in the relationships we hold most dear. May you find
great success and joy as you uncover your own personal strategies for living your best and
most fulfilled life!

about

Heather Eder

I am a Mom. Wife. Coach. Author. Editor. Lover of Jesus and all things lovely. I am a Washington native and love the beauty and grit of the PNW. Professionally, I have worked in myriad setting over the years, but spent the majority of the past 22 years raising my precious babies. With two now out of the house and two still at home, time is more precious than ever, and I find myself more and more passionate about helping others pursue purposeful living. 

To me, the greatest joy in life is to evoke and nurture the greatness in one another. Walking with my clients and readers in discovering their purpose and unique gifts, guiding them in making the decision to live with intentionality in relationships, workplace, and in parenting; these are the things that make life so very rich.

My husband Chris, and I have been married for 18 years, and together have 6 children. In my personal time, I love serving on the worship, prayer and ministry teams at my church, books, coffee, the beach, a glass of wine and of course, rich conversations with good friends. 

 I look so very forward to walking this journey with you all!