Sony Elise

Sony Elise

Sony has been an avid southern gospel fan since she first heard The Happy Goodman Family on a cassette in the mid-1980s. She is the co-founder of Family Renewal and the owner of Sony Elise Editing Services.
There’s Power in Prayer

There’s Power in Prayer

I've been thinking lately of some of the prayers that God has answered for me--both recently and in times past. I can also think of some that He hasn't, but I am increasingly convinced of the truth of James 4:2: "You do not have because you do not ask." It's also true...

Thankful for God’s Mercy

Thankful for God’s Mercy

In reading through Exodus, I am struck by God's mercy--even to Egyptians who had no regard for Him whatsoever. Emphasis is often placed on the plagues that God sent their way, but more often than not, He warned them of what was to come if they continued to disregard...

Thankful for Memories

Thankful for Memories

When people list what they're thankful for, the most common responses among Christians are God, salvation, and family, and I would affirm that I am thankful for those things. But I also realized last week that I am thankful for the gift of memories. If you have had a...

Overcoming Fear

Overcoming Fear

In reading through Genesis for the umpteenth time in my life, I slowed down to better focus on the Patriarchs of the faith. Abraham is the one that many look to as the father of faith, but did you know that Abraham also had fears? I find it interesting that this man...

Are You a Hypocrite?

Are You a Hypocrite?

The biggest reason people give for not attending church is that it is filled with hypocrites, but I wonder what they mean by that. Sure, there are people who live one way at home and then go act spiritual on Sunday mornings, but there are also a lot of church...

Sin Is Not in the Struggle

Sin Is Not in the Struggle

I write a lot on forgiveness, not because it's easy but because it is necessary. This week, God showed me someone else I need to forgive, but I confess that I have a long road ahead. Whenever something comes up that I think I've conquered but apparently have not, it...

Creation Declares God’s Glory

Creation Declares God’s Glory

As I write this, I am in North Carolina looking across the ripples of Lake Hickory while I wait for my sister to get ready so that we can take a walk. It's a gorgeous Sunday morning. Having been in some roasting temperatures this past month, it's nice to have a...

Surrender Your Weakness to the Lord

Surrender Your Weakness to the Lord

As the congregation sang, "I'm not afraid to show You my weakness," I paused. That is not a line that I can honestly sing. Although God sees my weaknesses more than anyone, I find myself wanting to please Him just like I do my earthly family, and I forget that I am...

Testify of His Mercy

Testify of His Mercy

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever." ~1 Chronicles 16:34 I am 3/4 of the way through a business trip with my family and then I plan to take some trips to visit friends and family. I left on July 5 and don't know when I will be...