Come sit by the fire… where life slows down and Jesus speaks.
Have you ever noticed how quiet moments in nature open your heart to hear God more clearly? Jesus and Me: Life Lessons Learned Around a Campfire is a devotional written to bring you back to those tender places, where stillness meets Scripture, and where the gentle voice of Jesus comforts, teaches, and restores.
This devotional is simple enough to read in just a few minutes a day, yet deep enough to stir your soul and change the way you see God’s presence in everyday life.
What You’ll Discover Inside
• Lessons from God’s Word — each devotion points you back to Scripture, grounding your heart in timeless truth.
• Gentle Reflection Questions — designed to help you pause, think, and respond to Jesus in your own journey.
• Prayers & Names of God — worshipful prayers that draw you closer to God through His many names and attributes.
• A Call to Praise & Thanksgiving — every lesson encourages gratitude, worship, and a mindset shift toward hope.
Maybe you're asking......
Why This Book?
Jesus and Me is intentionally written to be:
• Short & Simple — perfect for busy lives or when you just need a few quiet minutes with God.
• Heartfelt & Real — rooted in raw faith, real-life lessons, and the comfort of Scripture.
• Spiritually Refreshing — designed to help you reset your thoughts, calm your heart, and refocus on Jesus.
Perfect For:
• Your morning devotional time
• Quiet moments of reflection at the end of the day
• Group studies around the fire, backyard, or living room
• Anyone who feels wounded, weary, or searching for peace in Christ
Come Rest by the Campfire
Let Jesus whisper peace, hope, and truth into your heart. These short but powerful lessons will remind you that God is near, that His Word is alive, and that even in the quietest moments, He is speaking.
Let's Keep the Conversation Going...
Why Join This Community?
Life is hard. Many of us carry silent wounds—regret, rejection, broken relationships, shame, or loneliness. This community was created so you don’t have to walk through those struggles alone.
By joining, you’ll find:
Daily Encouragement Online – posts, devotionals, and prayers to lift your spirit.
Connection With Others – real conversations with people who understand your battles and will pray with you, not judge you.
Bible-Based Hope – scriptures written out and explained in simple ways so you can easily apply God’s Word to your life.
Healing Tools – journaling prompts, Scripture cut-aparts, and reflection questions to help you process and grow step by step.
A Safe Place to Share – whether you just want to quietly read or open up about your journey, you are welcome.
Meet the Author
Joyel Skinner Ortega
Joyel Skinner Ortega is an ordained minister, inspirational writer, and co-host of the Beauty From Ashes weekly broadcast, where she prays for broken families live on Facebook under Vincent Strong Ministries.
With deep compassion for those walking through painful and difficult seasons of life, she points others to the healing power of Jesus Christ.
For over 25 years, Joyel has served as a school teacher, investing in the lives of children with patience and care. She has been happily married to her husband John for 33 years.
Her life’s work flows from faith, prayer, and a calling to bring hope and restoration to those who feel lost, hurting, or forgotten.
Don't miss the many opportunities to be encouraged.
If you're like me, as you lean into the healing process, you may find it helpful to hear the Word of God again and again.
Here are 3 weekly safe places for you to be encouraged and equipped for hope and healing.
Beauty From Ashes
Sundays
6pm EST
What to Expect on Online
Praying For You– bring your prayer requests and we will lift you up before the Father.
Encouragement and Strength – reminders that you are never alone
Community and Fellowship – walking in hope and healing as one family in Christ
Thursday Morning Prayer
Thursdays
6am EST
What to Expect on Live
Praying With You – bringing our needs and hearts before the Lord
Hope for the future – reminders that you are not defined by the one moment in time.
Standing United– unlocking the power of believing the Word of God for one another.
Come Rest by the Fire
Fridays
6pm EST
What to Expect on Zoom
Devotional Reflection – Gentle lessons from God’s Word.
Encouragement & Uplift – A space to be strengthened in faith.
Praying Together – Bringing our needs before the Lord as a community.
Friendship & Fellowship – Building connections with others.
Meeting ID: 851 8413 9149
Passcode: Prayer
Maybe You're asking.....
Let's search the Word for the Answers to the Questions in our Hearts.
When life feels heavy, where can you see even a small sign of God’s goodness today?
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!” — Psalm 34:8 (NCV)
What lie of shame, guilt, or condemnation have you been carrying and what truth from Scripture can replace it?
“So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty.” — Romans 8:1 (NCV)
When your hope feels weak, how can you invite Jesus to be your anchor?
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong.” — Hebrews 6:19 (NCV)
What memory of God’s faithfulness in the past can remind you He will be faithful again?
“Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God!” — Isaiah 46:9 (NCV)
When guilt or regret rises up, how does the cross remind you of forgiveness and love?
“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners. In this way God shows his great love for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NCV)
What gentle step could you take today, no matter how small, to rest your heart in God’s presence?
“Lord, help us to have more faith!” — Luke 17:5 (NCV)