Candidly Christian

Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

Mariel Davenport

About Mariel Davenport

As an atheist transformed by the Word of God, Mariel Davenport knows the power of seeking God through His Word. She is passionate about equipping others to tend their soul by the Word as well. She does this through her TEND method, a simple process of engaging with God through the Scriptures.

She shares her method through online Tend Gatherings, Scripture journals and speaking engagements. Having been featured in places like CBN.com, Proverbs 31 ministries, Not My Story, Brave Woman Series and The Love Offering Series; Mariel has reached ladies of all ages and denominations with the joy of knowing God through His Word for themselves. She co-leads the membership community, Knowing God Through His Word, which encourages others to read through the Bible. She is co-author of Tapestry of Grace and Knowing God through the Word Scripture Journal.

Mariel is a wife to her man of nearly 25 years and a retired homeschool mama turned writer, who enjoys salsa from her garden as she pursues the Gardener who tends her soul. Tend your soul with her bi-monthly newsletter, Tending Tools, and get updates and announcements about upcoming TEND Gatherings by signing up at marieldavenport.com/tending/

3 Tips for Walking Wisely into 2022

· · 2 Comments

“These are desperate times!” These words from Ephesians 5:16 in the Message translation ring true even today. We live in a desperate time in human history, regardless where in the world we find ourselves right now.

So much pain, loss and fear-inducing events swirl around us. Even with feet firmly planted in Christ, believers can get shaken. The time is short, and we don’t know how long we have left on this side of Glory. But with the right perspective, God’s Word offers us a focus and purpose to navigate this time well and for His glory.

“Watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!” Ephesians 5:11-16 exhorts us.

How can we walk wisely in this time? How do we make the best use of the brief time we have been given on this earth, even though the days are evil?

[Read more…] about 3 Tips for Walking Wisely into 2022

Finding What Really Matters

· · Leave a Comment

Our days and calendars didn’t take long to fill up with the shift of the seasons, and even more as the holidays approach. Projects, people, and priorities make demands on our time and our minds. I find myself sitting, daydreaming, and longing for “when things settle down” only to rush into the next task by the buzzing of the device in my pocket.

How do we find and live from the perspective of what really matters?

[Read more…] about Finding What Really Matters

Above the Noise: What Does the Bible Say About Listening?

· · Leave a Comment

Being human is hard. We often live from a storm-tossed place with noise that can feel deafening even when it isn’t audible.

Walking hospital corridors towards the ICU to see my husband; rushing through afternoon traffic to get my son to the urgent care as the hives took over his neck; and getting a frantic call from my firstborn, who had hit bumpers with someone when he fell asleep at the wheel, have rounded out my last couple months. Adding to that, construction in our home as we made improvements only compounded my stress most days.

[Read more…] about Above the Noise: What Does the Bible Say About Listening?

Tilling with Gratitude

· · Leave a Comment

As the sun was beginning to peek over the horizon this morning, I reached first for my hot coffee and once settled into my favorite chair I opened my gratitude journal. The gratefulness poured out through my pen with increasing ease I reflected on the weekend. I felt the lightening of my heart as the remembrance of gifts were laid out before me in ink.

A table full of those I love.

Breakfast burritos made by my sons.

Handwritten reminders of how they love me.

[Read more…] about Tilling with Gratitude

Forgotten Prayers

· · 8 Comments

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.

Isaiah 65:24

Have you ever told someone you would pray for them and promptly forgot, later only to be reminded too late? I felt awful when I assured my husband I would pray him through his meeting only to forget until he was driving home from the meeting 2 hours later! I whispered the prayer then wondered if I was too late.

With all we have come at us throughout the day, is it any wonder we often forget to pray, even when we genuinely mean to?

[Read more…] about Forgotten Prayers

How to Endure When You Feel Stuck

· · Leave a Comment

I have been in a marriage I wanted out of, even sought ways to leave. By God’s stunning and undeserved grace, I stayed.

So did my husband.

But before you read that too fast, please know that getting from then until now in our marriage was a long, hard, and ugly road. 

During a recent time with the Lord, Ephesians 6:20 so captivated my heart in a fresh way. Paul asked the believers to pray for him while in prison. 

[Read more…] about How to Endure When You Feel Stuck