Desires of My Heart Devotional Book and Scripture Necklace Giveaway

Desires of My Heart Devotional Book and Scripture Necklace Giveaway

desiresofmyheart smOne thing that really stands out to me about women (and maybe just people in general, but I notice it strongly in myself and my own gender) is that we crave control.

We want things to go our way. In our time. According to our desires.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

When I was younger, I used to naively think that this meant we could get the things that we wanted if we just did our best to serve and love God. The right husband, the perfect children and family, stable finances, a lovely home, a peaceful life.

The older I get and the more life experiences I walk through, I realize that the point of this verse is far more about delighting in the Lord and having our wills conformed to His, rather than having our every whim fulfilled. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee you that life will not go the way that you or I desire. There will be pain, loss, frustration, disappointment, confusion, difficulty, trials, heartache- the results of living in a sin-saturated, broken world as broken people.

What does it mean to truly delight in the Lord and submit our wills and desires to Him fully?

This is a question that Heather Bixler struggled with herself, and as she walked her own journey of learning to pry her fingers open from the things that she desired, and allow the Lord to show her what it meant to delight herself in Him alone, she realized that she needed to share it with others.

The fruit of her journey has been the 47-page ebook devotional, Desires of My Heart, based on Psalm 37:4. It’s not as much a Bible study as it is an exploration of these issues (control, pride, humility, fear, faith, brokenness, intimacy with God), how they affect of us, testimonies of faith from other women, and encouragement to examine your own heart and learn to say “yes” to what the Lord has for you, as you drink deep of the peace and joy that comes from delighting solely in Him.

Get Your Own Copy for $0.99!

To keep it affordable and accessible to anyone, Heather has generously kept the price at a mere $0.99 (regular $2.99)! At that price, anyone can pick up a copy of this to use for their morning or evening devotions, or simply something that you read slowly as you allow God to work in your heart.

It is available in PDF ebook, Kindle and Nook formats. You can purchase it here.

*And just a note that if you happen to win the book, you’ll receive a refund for your purchase of the book, so don’t let that stop you from getting it if you’re interested!*

psalm 37 necklaceEnter to Win a Copy Plus a Hand-Stamped Necklace!

She is also giving away two copies of  the Desires of My Heart ebook for my readers, and each copy will include a beautiful hand-stamped necklace with a cross and the words Psalm 37:4 (value $30).

Here’s how to get entered (remember to leave a separate comment for each entry):

1. Tell me why you’d like to win this ebook, or if you’re willing to get a bit more personal, an area where you struggle with really trusting in the Lord and giving up control.

2. Follow Desires of My Heart on Facebook or Twitter.

3. Subscribe to Keeper of the Home by RSS feed or by email (and be entered to win our monthly email subscriber-only giveaways!).

4. Share about this giveaway through your blog or favorite social media (find us on Facebook and Twitter here).

Giveaway has now ended.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book to review. This post was generously sponsored by Heather Bixler and the book Desires of my Heart.

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187 Comments

  1. I would like to win this book. I believe God puts things in our lives at the time we need it. Whether we always see or not is up to us. This past weekend I was struggling with being overwhelmed with life and becoming very irritable with my loved ones. They informed me that I had a control issues. I had never in my life thought about or acknowledge this. It sounds like Heather story is something that is right up my alley this week. I have been working everyday on control. Thanks.

  2. I could really use this book at this time. 4 months ago, my husband came to me & said we needed to separate. It quickly turned into him not being able to stay in the house & then insisting on a divorce. He has pretty much abandoned myself & my son – who thinks of him as his father because he has been the only man to stay in his life & be a father to him. My husband has almost over night, changed personalities. I pray daily for a change in him & for God to soften his heart. I pray for him to come back. He is so set in being single right now & proving that is better. I think this book may do me some good in opening my eyes about God doing things in His time not ours.

  3. I would love a copy because I struggle in the same ways I am sure many women do. This sounds like a great book to use during devotions!

  4. This looks like a great book! I would like to win it because I really need to work on my intimacy with God right now. Having three children four and under and being pregnant, I struggle to make time for prayer and Bible reading. Thank you for this opportunity!

  5. This was the bibleverse that we used on our wedding invitations! But in my language the translation is a bit different, it says ‘search your happiness within the Lord’, that why we choose this verse, because we wanted to remind ourselves that this is what we want in our marriage. To find happiness in the Lord, not in earthly belongings.

  6. I could use a book like this right now. My husband has been without steady employment for 3 years and our 19 yr old has moved out of our home and is making some unwise decisions.

  7. I’m looking for a new devotional to help keep me in the Word. It’s been hard to make time with four little ones and I’m feeling a little dry.

  8. I would love to win this book bc I truly need it right now. I am going to buy it but I would love the necklace to wear as a reminder.

  9. I struggle trusting God with the plan for my life. As a single mom I find is so hard to let go of my control with running my life because I’ve always been the one in control of it. I also struggle with the fact I’m still single, because I feel I should have been married by now. It’s hard to let go of control when it’s all you have. I would love to have this book because I truly believe it would help me a lot! Thank you for having this giveaway!

  10. i’d love more literature about drawing close to the Lord. And the necklace is so beautiful. Currently, i’ve been struggling with being in a wilderness place without any local fellowship. Missing the body of Christ.

  11. I am homeschooling and Although I love it, I find I have so many expectations of how it should go and get so frusterated and ANGRY when MY plans are not fullfilled. I really could use all the extra help I can get! THis book sounds like one of the many things to help me along this journey! Thanks

    I am (have been) a subscriber (I LOVE KOH)

  12. After my first son was born, my husband and I put our children in God’s hands. Since then Father has called two precious babies up to heaven without us ever having the chance to hold them. I’ve really been struggling with the desire to grow my family and feeling let down by God for taking these children to heaven so soon.

  13. My biggest struggle is waiting patiently on God to reveal “what’s next” and not plan it out myself!

  14. I would like to win a copy of thus book because I can use constant encouragement to keep myself focused on what is most important.

  15. Even the title of this devotional speaks to my heart. I’m in a season where so much is out of my control. I have new health issues that make my 5th pregnancy very high risk for both baby and I, and my husband’s travel schedule for work is busier than ever, to name a few things. I want so much to be able to control my circumstances and ensure this baby makes it here, but I can’t. But the more the odds against us stack up, the more I see that only God can handle it. Praise God that He is big enough and willing to carry His children! Also, 47 pages seems very doable at this stage of my life to read! Thanks for the giveaway!

  16. I would like to win this book. I am struggling with losing several babies this year and trying to be thankful for the one child we do have.

  17. Please enter me in the giveaway. This book sounds great. I have much happening in my life right now and it is easy to let those things get myself distracted and I lose my intimacy with the Lord. Also, I have a friend struggling and another friend whose sister is having trouble. It sounds like a great book to read and share. Love the necklace too.

  18. Good morning,

    Thank you for this offer. I know many families are in our situation right now–the economy is hurting, and with it, more intimately, real people, real families with real children. It’s not a “can’t afford the top brand” kind of hurting either. It’s a real, down-and-dirty, can we keep the house what are we going to eat kind of hurt that is affecting too, too many people. In the midst of such struggles, we learned that one of our children has a lifelong, expensive disease requiring a very specific diet, and we learned that we were expecting a seventh child. It has been a rough year. Sometimes, rather than turn to God who can at times (admit it, everyone) seem very far away and silent, I grit my teeth and stubbornly forge ahead with my “if You’re not gonna help, I’ll just do it my way” attitude. I don’t know how different “my way” is than His, but I can’t always see His way.

    Anyway, my daughter, “the sick one” as too many people in our circle label her, would probably love this necklace. Her physical appearance has been drastically changed by her condition, which is hard on a teenager surrounded by beautiful, healthy sisters. Her faith is strong, and she is going through her trials at the same time as a far-away friend goes through similar trials, so they pray for each other daily, which is a blessing to see. She, too, would benefit from the book, as her prayer time sometimes dwindles to reciting her needs list and meeting a Bible-reading goal rather than intimately seeking and waiting upon God.

    Well, now, that’s the longest entry I’ve ever posted in a giveaway! Blessing to you, and thank you again.

  19. I am stuggling to give to the Lord my money. I give him so many other places but for some reason i still hold tight to that.. Why? I dont know. i know its wrong and i shouldnt but I continues to.

  20. I am following Desires of the Heart Ebook on Facebook as The Simple Homemaker. How sweet of her to keep the price super-affordable for everyone!

  21. I would LOVE this book.. I know I am called to marriage.. that is the DESIRE of my heart. but sometimes find it difficult to believe that the Lord will fulfill that desire, ESPECIALLY since there are few men in the area.. AND it is extremely hard to find a good MAN of the Lord in this world of ours.. But, I remind myself daily of trusting in Divine Providence… and His timing. 🙂

  22. What a terrific topic – I’m always looking for a new bible study that is meaningful and this appears to fit the bill! I’d love to win a copy.

  23. HI
    I came to your website doing a search on GAPS diet. I started in May and so it will be six months that I will have been on the diet. I plan on going forward since for the first time I am getting better instead of getting worse.

    How are you doing and how is your family doing? Any new tips that you have found? I am the only one doing the diet although my family is very supportive.

    Becky

  24. I would love to win this giveaway! I am struggling right now with giving God total control over my impending move to MN with my husband’s job. It just all seems so impossible to sell a house in the fall with six children that we homeschool. I am really struggling right now and would love to win as some encouragement from the Lord.

  25. Giving up control is a daily struggle. I fear, if I am not in control, what will God ask me to do??? Can I handle that?? Would love a copy! 🙂

  26. I would like to win this ebook because I think I have that entitlement mentality when it comes to God and this verse. Because of the things that I have endured, surely God will give me this or that….

  27. I would love to give this e-book to my good friend who has been struggling to find a devotional that she can do (busy mom to three little kids) and really wants to develop her walk with the LORD.

    I personally find that not having control is a big issue in my life… trusting that God has FULL control over my uncontrollable circumstances are the hardest thing for me to swallow. 🙂

  28. I think I’ve been interpreting this verse wrong for years, and I would love to read another perspective on it.

  29. I struggle with giving up control in all areas of my life. What I have really been working on though is my children. I worry so much about them and want them to live long healthy lives. I get so scared that something might happen to one of them. I pray all the time that God will help me remember that they are His children, and He has a plan for them that is out of my control.

  30. I have a hard time trusting God somewhat in all areas of life. It seems to be my fleshly nature to try to take control of things or worry. But, God is so good. Those thoughts and actions, can be used for His glory when He reminds me that He is in total control and I surrender whatever it is to Him!!! I look forward to trusting God more and more as I grow in Christ!

  31. I would love to win this book and beautiful necklace. I place I struggle is totally trusting that God will clear all the paths so that I can totally follow Him on the calling I feel that He is leading me to. I always want to make sure that I am in control of having everything in place and taken care of and there are some situations that are too big for me to move and clear, so I need to know that God can do it if it is truly His desire.

  32. I know that our trials are for God’s plan, but I really struggle with understanding why we go through what we do.

  33. I struggle with letting have control over my decisions, daily and really important ones. I would enjoy gleaning from this devotional.

  34. I would like to win this e-book because it follows along really well with the bible study I am doing right now called “Respectable Sins” Confronting the Sins We Tolerate, by Jerry Bridges which deals with all the little things in our lives each day that we don’t even necessarily consider sins but they are holding us back from truly living in God’s will, ie: pride, unthankfulness, jealousy, anger, judgmentalism, anxiety, selfishness, lack of self control, etc. In order to find God’s will in my life and truly follow it, I need to dig deep, identify, and ask God to help me remove these road blocks from my heart and life. I think this e-book coincides because it talks about finding God’s will and will go nicely with the one I’m doing. Not to mention the fact that our adult Sunday School class is starting the book “Radical” by David Platt this weekend. I have a lot of challenging reading ahead and I’m excited to see what God will do in my life, and what he already is doing. He is changing my heart so much since I started committing to reading and praying every morning before I start my day. What an amazing difference!! I find myself having a hard time putting down my bible. This is something I never did before and I’ve been a believer since I was a child. Praise God for his patience and love for me. 🙂

  35. I would like to win this book because I need to be better connected to God, and His purpose and direction in my life. I have a hard time seeing (or allowing?)His presence in my life on a daily basis. Being a mom is HARD!

  36. I could use this because of issues I have with control and fear. More specifically, I’m afraid to let go of those I love because I’m afraid of losing them. I have a hard time trusting that even terrible loss is from God.

  37. The concept of delighting in the Lord is not easily grasped. I am currently doing Tammie Head’s study Duty or Delight and I am learning so much about delighting in the Lord and who I am to Him. I would love to have this eBook to learn more!

  38. I would love to win this ebook! It sounds awesome. I have always struggled with giving God total control. I’ll even tell myself that I’m letting Him be in control while I’m still trying to make it work out how I want it to. There are some family situations that have been so hard for me to relinquish control of lately.

  39. I would love to win a copy of this book because I am always looking for ways to grow in these areas. I find devotionals really help me to think in ways, and think about scripture in ways, that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. I really struggle to give to the Lord the area of our finances. I’m constantly trying to figure it all out and do it alone! *Phew*

  40. Where do I struggle with trusting God and giving up control? Wow, let me count the ways!! I think the biggest thing right now is in time management in my job and accepting His timing as my husband and I try to get pregnant.

  41. Well, right now I am struggling with trusting God with my husband’s job and what the future holds for us because things are not going very well due to this horrible economy! Thanks and hope to win!

  42. An area where I struggle with really trusting in the Lord and giving up control? That would be getting pregnant, I know is in His hands and His time is perfect but it is still a struggle to remember that and be content with my current season.

  43. I appreciate your perspective and thank you for sharing your thoughts on that verse about the desires of our hearts.
    But I have to say I disagree. I’m not always the most articulate, but I’ll try to say this as clearly as I can.
    There are many things in life that I want that seem to come directly from my relationship with God – my desire to be a good wife and mother most importantly.
    But there are other things that I think we all want that have a less clear connection. I, for example, love to dance. I know that my desire to dance doesn’t conflict with my relationship with God, but my relationship with Him didn’t inspire it either. I also know that God desperately wants to see me dance. He loves me as His child, His princess, and more than I love myself. He wants me to dance, because I want to dance. Not so that it will become more important to me than He is, but because it makes me happy, and my Father knows how to give good gifts.
    He wants so desperately to give me the desires of my heart, not because He put them there, but because He loves me just as I am. If I behave like the persistent widow, and stubbornly pursue my dreams, I will have them. My life has been the perfect illustration of the story of the persistent widow. If you could see what I have experienced, you would know that God wants to give you YOUR dreams just as you dream them now. If you give up on them and stop caring, He will too, because He’s just trying to give you your dreams. Be the persistent widow. Delight yourself in the Lord, never, ever give up, and you will have everything you want. If it matters to you, it matters to Him, too. That’s a lovely thought, isn’t it?

    1. @Laura, Also, I think it’s sad that so many people have become disheartened over not achieving their dreams that we are now compelled to re-word the Bible. The verse you mentioned makes no mention of a catch or a hidden meaning. It says the desires of our hearts, not His heart because He’s given us His desires. The only condition is that we delight ourselves in the Lord. Obviously, the verse makes no mention of a time table, but I will only go back to the story of the persistent widow. Never, ever give up.

  44. I struggle in giving up control over my time and to-do list. The Lord has grown me much in this area, but I still have a looong way to go.

  45. This is what makes me want to win and read this book!
    “Desires of My Heart is a powerful eBook that will help you work to get past any barriers you may have that is inhibiting your walk with the Lord, while also encouraging you to live a life guided by The Holy Spirit.”
    I need that encouragement! Right now I’m learning we eat up our faith with fear and complaining. I want a listening heart so I can hear God as he is directing me thru my good and bad times in life!

  46. I would love a copy of the ebook! I am really struggling to trust the Lord with my daughter. I fear that if I let go of her and give her back to Him, He will take her from me.

  47. I struggle with control issues a lot and it often manifests itself in different fears – fear of flying, riding with others in cars (b/c I’m not the one driving (as if I can control it any better)), etc. The Lord is constantly reminding me to trust in Him. I’m excited to get this book on my Kindle! 🙂 I need the encouragement especially with our second baby’s birth days away.

  48. I would love to win the book and necklace! I am currently in the lookout for a good devotional and have begun seeking God much more than ever before… This would be great!

  49. I’d love to win this book to help me in my quest to become more close to God…to be a better Christian mother to my daughters, and wife to my husband. I feel that I can accomplish all of this by just learning to spend a little quality time with God. This book will help with that.

  50. I’d like to win an ebook copy of this book so that I can use it as a guide to transform my desires into ones that will please the Lord. My struggle is adjusting in my role of step mother while keeping my integrity as mommy

  51. I would love this ebook. I struggle w fear lately and it’s starting to bereally bad. I have never had fear issues before.

  52. d love to win this book to help me to become more close to God…to be a better Christian mother and wife.

  53. I would love to win them both. I am currently struggling with remembering that he is in control. 🙂

  54. I would love to win this book. Ps 37:4 is one of my favorite verses, but sometimes I struggle with letting go of my control of my life. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

  55. I would love to win this book so that I can find encouragement in these areas and grow into more of what Christ would want me to be. I struggle a lot with control and my desire is to learn how to “Let go and Let God!” Thanks for the giveaway. GodBless you! 🙂

  56. I was hooked from the very beginning of this post. I am just starting to explore, looking for insight wherever it might come from. I relate to always wanting control, hadn’t put two and two together though. Sounds like a very interesting read!

  57. The write-up for this book really speaks to my heart. I’ve been struggling with these issues a lot myself recently.

  58. I would love this book! I don’t want to go into details, but I am struggling with trust. 🙂 what a great giveaway!

  59. Sounds like a wonderful book, one area I’ve struggled with this week is a “renting” issue I have no control over and is not going the direction I want 😉

  60. Since my 1st grandchild died at two days of age, I struggle with the thought of losing other family members. I believe & know God is the giver of life and has each of our days numbered, yet the grief of my grandson’s death is still so vivid in my heart and mind two years later.

  61. This book sounds fantastic!
    My personal struggle at the moment >> I will be going to Bible College in 2012. This call has been on my heart for a long time now! Yet there are so many things (such as the dates the course will run) to consider, and it has been an immense burden on me in these last weeks and months. See, I want to know what will happen and when it will happen. I want a Plan Of Action, with every step mapped out!
    Turns out, that’s not necessarily the way God works :O :O :O
    And I have been working on trusting Him with this!
    Tough stuff!

  62. I’d love to win this e-book. I have been struggling with comparison….Comparing myself to others…either to pull myself up or push myself down. Either way, not good.

  63. Any devotional that gives u food for thought so u can keep meditating & growing with God is worth having in my Library for personal use

  64. I’d love to have this book to read on an upcoming road trip. A big, long-hidden issue just came to light in our family, and it’s going to be a struggle to trust again.

  65. i would love to win – i’ve been looking for a new devotional and this one sounds like it would be very challenging and relevant right now. thanks!

  66. I would love insight into this verse. The desire of my heart is to nurse my baby due next month. I have a condition that physically I am not able to make enough milk to nourish my children. My son was breast and bottle fed (not that I am making any judgments as to how mothers chose to feed their babies) but for me not being able to nurse was devastating. I feel deep into depression. The Lord has taken me on a faith journey and my prayer is that he will heal my body and allow me this desire of my heart. I know His will is best and what I would chose for myself if I could see the entire picture!
    I liked on Facebook and I am a subscriber!

    Thanks,
    Jennifer

  67. I have a hard time dealing with daily stresses. Instead of thinking of what I could do to make the most of something going wrong, I panic, cry, blame others, and yell. It’s been a burden to me and my husband who is the polar opposite of myself.

  68. This book sounds encouraging and that it might be a tool for me to use when speaking with my dearest of friend whose husband has asked for a divorce. I struggle with what it is that God has planned for me to help her with this situation. A feeling of helplessness when your friend’s heart is breaking.

  69. I want to win this ebook because I really struggle to give up control especially when issues arise in my marriage. Sounds like a great devotional!

  70. I would love to win this book and necklace for my daughter who is in college. God has just turned her whole world upside down and everything she thought she had control over has come into question and she is searching Gods will and desire for her life and her future. This book would be perfect for her and she seeks God.

  71. I am a subsciber! I would love this book because I can not trust the Lord in all areas of my life depending on circumstances. It is sad but I do start to doubt & try to depend on myself or someone else in times of doubt or need before I go to the Lord. He should be my first stop!
    I would also love this necklace~ it is a beautiful reminder!
    Thanks for a chance to win

  72. Recently we have been struggling with our youngest to do what is expected. I have been praying for patience and to be more loving, but it can be so frustrating. The book would give ideas and the necklace something tangible to remind me that God has bigger plans.

  73. These are great prizes, thanks for the giveway! I was telling someone recently that I used to think I was a capable, strong person. The mere thought makes me laugh now. I thought I was strong in my own strength and the Lord has shown me clearly, yet tenderly, that I am nothing without Him. I would read Psalm 37:4 as a teenager and dream of a perfect husband and family. Now the verse is so much more dear to me and He has showed me that nothings compares to knowing Him. Even while I write this post I am thinking of how I can win the giveaway in my own strength, and He is reminding me that its not me! It is a constant struggle. To have the necklace around my neck would be a physical reminder of my Savior and the things he has taught me in my life. And the devotional sounds wonderful, submitting my will can be such a struggle!

  74. I’d love to win this for one specific reason:
    My son was born 6 months ago with some digestive issues. He’s my 3rd son. He is a terrible sleeper, doesn’t really want to do anything but be held because of the pain he’s in, and, as a result, I feel like I’ve lost my identity. I have guilt because I’m not able to be a “keeper of my home.” This book would be great for me and the struggles I am going through. I must submit to the will of the Lord that I may continue on and fight strength in Him. Thanks for the giveaway.

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