June 10, 2026

Reader,

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it to do." -Isaiah 55:11
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Sunday morning while reading my devotional, God led me to Isaiah 55. One verse in particular stood out to me:

"My word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty."

I found myself lingering there and getting curious. I went back and read the entire chapter, and I was reminded of just how beautiful God's invitation really is.

Isaiah 55 begins with God calling His people to come to Him. He invites the thirsty to drink from His living waters. He offers nourishment, satisfaction, and life—not through striving, but through surrender.

As I continued reading, I was drawn in further. This chapter is pointing us toward Jesus. It foreshadows the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior. It reminds us of God's everlasting covenant and His incredible love demonstrated through the gift of His Son.

If you have a few quiet moments this week, I encourage you to read Isaiah 55 for yourself. Read it slowly. Let the words wash over you. Let God speak to your heart through His promises.

One thing that stood out to me is that God is always pursuing us. He asks us to trust Him with the things we are holding onto so tightly. He invites us to surrender our plans, our fears, our coping mechanisms, and our struggles.

For many of us, alcohol has been one of those things that we often use to cope. We may have used it to relax, numb stress, celebrate, fit in, or simply make it through difficult seasons.
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Letting go of alcohol, another unhealthy habit, or a bad relationship, can feel complicated and/or impossible.

But what if freedom isn't about trying harder?

What if it's about trusting deeper?

God promises that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. What He has planned for us is better than anything we are afraid to release.

The journey of letting go of alcohol takes time. It involves healing the mind, body, and spirit. It involves learning new patterns and creating new routines. But lasting freedom doesn't come from white-knuckling our way through temptation. It comes from allowing God to transform us from the inside out.

I've seen this in my own life and in the lives of so many people I coach.

As we surrender, something beautiful begins to happen. We experience peace that doesn't make sense. We discover joy in ordinary moments. We begin waking up with hope instead of regret. We learn what it feels like to depend on God rather than alcohol.

And while the journey can feel scary at times, we never walk it alone.

God's Word reminds us:

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13

A word if you are just starting

If you're at the beginning of your journey of letting go of alcohol, remember this -You do not have to figure out the rest of your life today.
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Just focus on today.​
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Drink plenty of water. Get some rest. Spend a few minutes with God each morning. Take a walk. Reach out to someone who supports your journey. Most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Freedom isn't built in one giant leap. It's built one decision, one prayer, and one day at a time.

When cravings or doubts come, don't be surprised. Instead, pause and let those cravings or triggers become an invitation to turn toward God and ask for His help.

Maybe you are asking how do I do this? Breathe.
​Practice this right now.

Breath in for 4. Hold for 4. Breath out for 6-8. Repeat for 4 to 6 times.

As you breathe - remember He is faithful. Remember He brought you through other hardships.

The same God who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. Keep showing up. Keep trusting. Keep taking the next step.

Whatever season you're in today, whether you're simply questioning your relationship with alcohol, on day one, or years into your freedom journey, remember, God is with you. He is calling you closer.

His Word is working even when you cannot see it. And His promises never return empty.​
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Father, help me to live this day to the full, being true to You in every way.​
​Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet.​
​Spirit, help me to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.​
​Amen.

-Prayer from Lectio 365

Freedom starts with one step at a time. Surrendering it all. Keep going. God is not finished with your story.​

Peace & Joy,

👉 Sign up here for a free discovery call where we can talk through where you are, what you’re struggling with, and whether the Choose Freedom™ Group Coaching or 1:1 coaching would support you in this season.

There’s no pressure—just a conversation.

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For more tips and inspiration, follow me on Instagram @joyontheothersideofalcohol.

A Praise Report

Monday I had the opportunity to meet one of my former clients, who is now a dear friend, for breakfast in Danville. Dana was going to be in Indianapolis for business and made time for us to connect!

As we sat together, I couldn't help but thank God for His faithfulness.

Dana is an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, business leader, and woman of faith. Today she is celebrating more than three years alcohol-free.

And all glory goes to God!

Her story is also a reminder that you don't have to have some dramatic rock bottom before deciding alcohol has become a problem for you. Or is no longer serving you!

Many of us started as social drinkers.

Then somewhere along the way, one glass became two. Two became three. Social drinking became a daily after work habit. Alcohol slowly became something we relied on to relax, calm our nerves, take the edge off, fit in, or cope with life's challenges.

That was certainly true for me and Dana.

Without even realizing it, alcohol had become an idol. Something you look to for comfort instead of looking to God.

The good news is that God is in the business of setting people free!

As I sat across from my friend, I was reminded of what is possible when we surrender and trust Him. Two women who once believed alcohol was helping them navigate life, now celebrating years of alcohol freedom, better sleep, clear minds, most importantly - deeper faith, and a life no longer revolving around when we would have our next drink.

What a gift.

Today, I am praising God for His faithfulness in both of our lives. I want you to know that you too can also say the following:

I never have to have another hangover.
I never have to wake up at 3 a.m. with anxiety from drinking wine.
I never have to wonder if I said something I regret.
I never have to disrupt my sleep, my health, or my relationship with God because of alcohol.

Freedom truly is possible. Alignment with what you want for your life is possible!

If you're still in the beginning stages of your journey, please don't lose heart. What God has done for us, He can do for you.

Did You Know?
Alcohol Impacts Bone Health

One of the things I continue to learn on my own alcohol-free journey is how alcohol impacts nearly every system in our body - including our bones.

Many people are surprised to learn that alcohol can contribute to weaker bones and increase the risk of fractures as we age.

Here's what happens:

Alcohol interferes with calcium and Vitamin D absorption.​
Alcohol affects the gut's ability to absorb calcium and disrupts the liver and pancreas, which are needed to activate Vitamin D. Without these nutrients, our bones lose some of the building blocks they need to stay strong.

Alcohol suppresses bone formation.​
It directly inhibits osteoblasts, the specialized cells responsible for creating new bone tissue.

Alcohol disrupts important hormones.​
Heavy drinking can lower testosterone in men and disrupt estrogen levels in women. Both hormones play a critical role in maintaining healthy bone density.

Alcohol increases the risk of falls and slows healing.​
Alcohol affects balance, coordination, and reaction time, making falls more likely. If a fracture occurs, alcohol can also slow the healing process by interfering with the body's ability to build new bone tissue.

My goal isn't to create fear - it's simply to help you become informed. The more we understand what alcohol does to our bodies, the more empowered we become to make choices that support our long-term health and freedom.

Resources I Love

Education is key, and there are some wonderful experts sharing free content online.

For strength training, mobility, healthy aging, bone health, I follow these experts:

• Nourish Move Love​

• Tracy Steen Move Daily​

• Dr. Vonda Wright​

Matt and I also workout at our local YMCA and meet with a trainer once a week. As we get older, building muscle, improving balance, and maintaining bone health become increasingly important. Not just important - imperative!

Remember: it's never too late to start. Every healthy choice you make today is an investment in your future self.

“Amy wasn’t just a coach—she was a trusted guide who helped me reconnect with who I truly am. Her empathy, wisdom, and real-life insight made the Choose Freedom journey feel safe, powerful, and full of grace. I didn’t just let go of alcohol—I am finding freedom in all areas of my life.” -Annie M.

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Choose Freedom™​
​ Are you looking to make a change?

If you’ve been feeling stuck in a loop with your habits especially when it comes to alcohol you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. I’m Coach Amy, and I’m inviting you to join me in the Choose Freedom™ 1:1 or Group Coaching Program (Get on the Waiting List!), our faith-centered community designed to help you break free and walk in the freedom God has already promised you. 🙌

​Schedule a free discovery call here!​
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Here’s what makes this program different:
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💫 Each week we focus on one of the 12 Biblical Core Concepts that build strength, peace, and confidence from the inside out.
💫 We pair Scripture from The Plans He Has For You Devotional with practical tools to renew your mind and restore your relationship with God and yourself.
💫 You’ll gain community, accountability, and Spirit-led encouragement as you grow in both faith and freedom.

And friend if you’ve been on the fence, let this be your time to start.​
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Imagine being filled with calm instead of cravings… confidence instead of compromise… and waking up on every morning hangover free!
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📞 Book a free discovery call today, and let’s explore how the Choose Freedom™ Program can help you live the life God designed for you—one filled with peace, purpose, and lasting joy. https://www.amyedwardscoaching.com/bookwithme​
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"Amy Edwards is an exceptional life coach. Incredibly kind and caring, she creates a supportive environment and offers valuable, non-judgmental insights. She's a compassionate guide, a gift from God." -Deb M.

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