Mirrors, Magnifying Glasses, and Mercy

An unexpected message arrived in my Messenger inbox -- one that seemed more focused on examining another person’s faith than celebrating God’s grace.

It reminded me how easy it is to carry a magnifying glass, searching for the specks in someone else’s life, while completely overlooking the plank sticking out of our own!

Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1–2)

Yikes! That makes me want to put down my own magnifying glass and pick up a mirror!

Jesus wasn’t telling us to abandon wisdom or pretend that right and wrong don’t matter. He was warning us against assuming we know another person’s heart or standing before God.

We see a moment, a statement, or an action. God sees the whole story -- the wounds, prayers, private conversations, doubts, growth, and faith that we may never witness.

There is only one Savior -- and thankfully, He is Jesus -- not us!

When someone appears to be wandering -- our first response should be prayer, not condemnation. We can speak truth, but truth should always travel with love, humility, and grace.

Before correcting someone else, we might ask, “Lord, is there something in me that needs correcting first?”

Perhaps we should spend less time inspecting another person’s fruit and more time allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate ours: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

A critical word may close a heart, but a gracious word can open a door.

Today, let’s trade our magnifying glasses for mirrors, our assumptions for prayers, and our judgment for mercy. We don’t know every person’s story -- but we do know OUR assignment!

Let's speak the truth in love. Let's pray without ceasing. Let's encourage one another. And leave the final judgment to God.

#judgenot #fruitofthespirit #magnifyingglass

Once Upon a Time

I am still wrapped up in telling our stories! Those "Once upon a time" words once carried us into stories of castles, villains, heroes, and endings where everyone lived happily ever after.

But there is a beginning I love even more:
Once upon a tree, the Creator gave His life for His creation.

This isn’t a fairy tale. It is the greatest rescue story ever told -- and it never ends.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” — John 3:16

Last Sunday at church, I was reminded how important it is to tell our stories. We are mature men and women who have lived through heartbreak, healing, loss, restoration, failure, forgiveness, and amazing grace.

Our stories may help someone realize, “I’m not alone. God carried them -- and He can carry me.”

We don’t need a cape, theme music, or a Marvel-sized crisis to become part of God’s rescue work.

Once upon a phone call -- someone heard the encouragement needed to keep going.

Once upon a greeting card -- two hurting hearts found strength in God’s faithfulness.

Once upon a car ride -- a friend became God’s chauffeur and drove someone to a doctor.

Once upon a prayer -- a weary soul discovered that heaven had not forgotten them.

Once upon a social-media post -- someone read about Jesus and hope entered the room.

These acts may seem small, but placed in God’s hands, they become chapters in His great story of love.

Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” Then He said, “Feed My sheep.” — John 21:17
Those words are for us too.

Our testimonies aren’t trophies displaying how strong we are. They are windows showing how faithful God has been. Even our heart-wrenching chapters can help someone else believe that the Author is still writing.

So, tell your story. Make the call. Send the card. Give the ride. Offer the prayer. Share the post.

Someone may be waiting to hear that the same God who rescued, restored, and sustained you is reaching for them too.

Once upon a tree, Love gave everything -- and invited us into His never-ending story.

Now that is a story worth telling from here to eternity!

When the Rains Came Down!

Austin and East Texas have endured a long, dry summer. At Epiphany Ranch in Alto, the thirsty fields, the upcoming grassy wedding areas, and seven-acre pond have all been crying out for rain.
And so have we!

My daughter, Staci, would send another text: “Please pray for rain!” With four wedding venues at the ranch -- including the rehearsal dinner and the wedding of our grandson Payton and his lovely Christiane Line -- we prayed, believed, and watched the skies.

Then came the video!

There were Staci and her soon-to-be daughter-in-love, Christiane -- dancing, jumping, and celebrating in a humongous downpour! No umbrellas. No worries about their hair. Just boots, laughter, and arms lifted toward heaven!

It reminded me of Noah.
God told Noah to build an extra-king-size ark on dry ground. Can you imagine what the townspeople thought? “Poor Noah has finally gone cray-cray!”

Still, Noah kept hammering. He obeyed God before he saw a single raindrop. He trusted God when the assignment looked ridiculous and the forecast looked impossible.

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen -- built an ark to save his family.” (Hebrews 11:7)

Then the rain came -- and Noah and his family were safe aboard the M.S. Ark!

Faith doesn’t wait until the clouds gather. Faith keeps building, praying, and preparing while the ground is still dry. God’s answers don’t always arrive according to our timetable or look exactly as we imagined, but His timing is always trustworthy.

At Epiphany Ranch, the rain has finally come -- and word has it, more is on the way! PTL!

Today, we are thanking God for every drop, every puddle, and every blade of grass soaking it all in. And soon, we’ll watch Payton and Christiane begin their beautiful life together on ground that has been watered by heaven.

We prayed for rain – and Staci and Christiane danced in the answer! Sometimes faith means preparing on dry ground, just as Noah did, and trusting God before the first drop falls. Today, we’re thanking Him for soaked fields, a filled lake, and rain boots put to joyful use!

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Let’s Be the Chocolate Chip!

After returning home from Epiphany Ranch on my birthday, I quickly unpacked and we hurried to our church’s Wednesday-night family meal.

For only ten dollars, we enjoyed chicken-fried steak, cream gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, a roll, salad, AND dessert. Wowzer!

Apparently, our church believes in feeding both body and soul -- and making sure nobody leaves hungry!

Afterward, I joined about fifty to sixty women for our first Bible study of the new school year.

Then came my birthday surprise.

Carl carried in a huge box of homemade chocolate-chip cookies to share with my Bible-study sisters. Knowing I’m on a sugar-free fast, he made sure some were sugar-free. He also brought beautiful pink, full-sugar cookies for those whose fasting convictions were -- less restrictive!

I must tell you -- those were the best no-sugar chocolate-chip cookies I've ever eaten. AND, the extra joy -- was for our dear friend who has started her own cookie business -- to make the no-sugar cookies for the first time! They were a hit!

Chocolate-chip cookies hold a special place in my heart. I’ve tasted plenty in my lifetime, so I consider myself somewhat qualified in this field of research!

Think about the ingredients. Flour, butter, sugar, salt, and baking soda are mixed until they blend together. Once baked, we can’t distinguish one from another.

But the chocolate chips? We can still see them!

The book "Be the Chocolate Chip" by Jan Brewer and Amy Stucky uses that tasty illustration to remind Christians that we can live in this world without disappearing into it.

Like a chocolate chip, we should retain the distinctive nature God has given us and make what surrounds us better.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Being different doesn’t mean acting superior, strange, or holier-than-thou. It means being recognized by our kindness, integrity, joy, forgiveness, warmth, and love.

When culture becomes bitter, we bring sweetness. When conversations become cold, we bring warmth. When darkness gathers, we carry Christ’s light.

We don’t need to melt into the crowd or imitate every other “cookie” on the shelf.

Let’s be unmistakably His -- drawing others not merely to ourselves, but to the goodness of Jesus within us.

Be genuine. Be loving. Be light. Be the chocolate chip!

#chocolatechipcookies #BeTransformed #beachocolatechip

Step Into the Story

Last Sunday afternoon, many women gathered at our church for the kickoff of our new Fall session. What a beautiful reminder that God’s Word isn’t just something we read -- it’s something we live!

I especially loved the theme: “Step Into the Story.” And the Scripture? Psalm 107:2: “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story.”

Oh, my friends. We surely have stories -- and plenty of them!

We’ve weathered storms, walked through valleys, cried bitter tears, felt forgotten, nearly gave up -- and then came those two beautiful words: BUT GOD!

Psalm 107 reminds us that God gathered His people from every direction -- east, west, north and south. Different roads. Different struggles. Different stories. Yet somehow, He brings us together so we can reach back and take the hand of someone who is still walking the road we once traveled.

I once sat at a table with a man who shared how God had changed his life. He spoke honestly about alcohol and medications and the difficult road he had traveled.

He was still waiting for a liver transplant, yet he was telling young people his story. Why? Because perhaps his “what was” could keep someone else from repeating it -- and his “what is now” could give someone hope.

As we talked around that table, we realized something. Every one of us have a story of God’s grace. He has kept us. He delivered us. He spared us. Healed us. Restored us.

And yes, this is one reason I defend those selfies! 😊 Maybe we aren’t always saying, “Look at me.” Maybe we’re saying, “Look what God is doing!”

So let's tell our stories!

Let's tell the youngsters about the miracles we’ve witnessed.
Let's tell someone how we nearly gave up -- but God.
Let's tell them how Jesus found us, changed us, carried us and gave us hope.

Because someday, someone may look at us and say:
“Because you told me your story, I didn’t give up.”
Let's tell our stories of God's amazing grace!

For Such a Time as NOW!

My recent birthday reminded me that I successfully made it around the sun in exactly 365 days. Honestly? What an achievement!

I’m even more convinced: God didn’t keep me on Planet Earth simply to occupy space, rearrange throw pillows, and wait for someday!

I’ve been reflecting on Dolly Parton’s life. God gave her extraordinary talent and resources, but she chose to use them.

She encouraged people, supported worthy causes, placed books into children’s hands, and scattered kindness wherever she could.

Her life reminds us that a gift becomes a legacy only when it is given.

God also had an intentional purpose for Queen Esther. When her people faced destruction, she could have protected her comfort, remained quiet, and decided someone else should handle it.

But Mordecai challenged her: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14

Esther recognized her moment -- and acted.

As God’s children, we also hold royal positions. We have been set apart, bought with a price, and placed here at this exact time. We may not wear crowns, but we carry Kingdom responsibilities.

It’s tempting to pull the covers over our heads when the world feels dark. We tell ourselves, “Someone else is more qualified,” “I’m too busy,” or “Maybe someday.”

But “someday” has a sneaky way of never appearing on the calendar.

What if we are God’s answer to someone’s prayer today? Perhaps we are meant to make the call, carry the meal, speak up for someone, offer forgiveness, mentor a child, calm a conflict, or remind a weary soul that hope remains.

We don’t need Dolly’s fortune or Esther’s palace. We need willing hearts, open eyes, and obedient feet.

Our assignment may not change the entire world -- but it could change someone’s world.

We are here to be peacemakers, solution finders, burden lifters, hope carriers, and lights in the darkness.

So, no more “maybe.” No more “someday.”

For such a time as this means right here, right now.

Let’s get moving!

When God Says "Go" -- Let's GO!

Sometimes God’s Spirit tells us to slow down, wait, and be still.

But other times, He says, “Move!”

Of course, we should prayerfully discern His leading and make sure it agrees with His Word. But once God’s direction is clear, we don’t need to form a committee, conduct a six-month study, or request three additional signs!

Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

Parents understand this. When we tell a child, “Please clean your room,” we don’t expect the reply, “Thank you for sharing. I’ll prayerfully consider it.”

We expect action!

Jesus said to two fishermen, “Come, follow Me.” That was no small request. He was asking them to leave their familiar work, routines, and security behind.

Their response?

“At once they left their nets and followed Him.” — Mark 1:18

They didn’t ask for a detailed itinerary, retirement benefits, or the location of their next meal. They trusted the One calling them.

Psalm 119:60 says, “I will hasten and not delay to obey Your commands.”

When God clearly tells us to encourage, give, serve, speak, go, or stop -- hurry is holy!

We should also move quickly when the Holy Spirit reminds us that a relationship needs mending. Jesus taught that if we come to worship and remember someone has something against us, we should first go and seek reconciliation. — Matthew 5:23–24

Ouch! God cares deeply about how we treat one another.

Resentment says, “Let them make the first move.”

Pride says, “I did nothing wrong.”

Love says, “This relationship matters more than winning.”

We may not be responsible for the other person’s response, but we are responsible for our obedience. We can apologize, forgive, extend grace, and leave the outcome with God.

Is there a net God is asking us to drop? A person we need to call?

A step of faith we keep postponing?

We shouldn't rush ahead of God -- but we shouldn't lag behind Him either.

When He says wait, wait faithfully.

But when He says go, let's lace up our shoes and move!

Obedience doesn’t need hesitancy. It needs a wholehearted YES!

Now, where did I put my running shoes?

God Is Not at the Bargaining Table

I heard someone say, “I’m negotiating with God.”

Negotiating with God? For what?

“Lord, if You answer this prayer by Friday, I promise to read my Bible every morning -- and I’ll even stop complaining about that certain person!”

We sometimes approach God as though we are sitting across a conference table, prepared to make Him a deal He can’t refuse.

“Here is my plan, Lord. I’ve included the schedule, desired outcome, and several excellent reasons why You should approve it.”

But -- whoa! God isn’t waiting for us to present a convincing argument. He already knows the beginning, the ending, and every detail in between.

Abraham respectfully pleaded with God for Sodom.

Moses interceded for Israel.

Jesus encouraged us to ask, seek, and knock.

There is nothing wrong with boldly bringing our desires to God. He welcomes our honest prayers.

But prayer isn’t twisting God’s arm until He agrees with us. Prayer is remaining in His presence until our hearts begin to agree with Him.

Jesus Himself prayed in Gethsemane, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me.” He expressed His desire honestly -- but then surrendered completely:

“Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

That is not defeat. That is trust.

Surrender doesn’t mean we stop praying expectantly.

It means we stop demanding that God answer according to our script.

We trust that His “yes” is good, His “no” is protective, and His “wait” is purposeful.

God isn’t a used-car salesman, and prayer isn’t a bargaining chip. We don’t have to trade promises for His goodness. His love cannot be purchased, negotiated, or earned.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

So, I’ll keep asking boldly, believing faithfully, and hoping expectantly.

But when all my preferred terms are on the table, my greatest prayer will still be:

"Father, I trust You. Not my deal -- but Your will be done -- on earth as it is in heaven!"

More Than Rhinestones

For many years, I followed the remarkable life and career of Dolly Parton. The rhinestones may have caught our eyes -- but her heart captured our affection.

Dolly could wear more sparkle than an entire craft store and still make us feel that the brightest thing about her was the joy shining from within!

Behind the glamorous hair, quick wit, and unmistakable voice was a courageous, hardworking, faith-filled woman. She rose from humble beginnings, used the gifts God gave her, and never seemed ashamed of where she came from or the faith that carried her.

She protected much of her private life, yet generously shared her talents, humor, compassion, and resources with the world. Through her Imagination Library, millions of children received free books -- and with those books, the opportunity to dream beyond their circumstances.

Dolly reminds me in many ways of the Proverbs 31 woman: industrious, creative, generous, wise, and caring.

“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” — Proverbs 31:20

She wasn’t a preacher standing behind a pulpit, but she often preached through kindness. She showed us that faith can wear high heels, joy can have a country accent, and generosity can become a lasting legacy.

Perhaps that is the lesson she leaves us -- we don’t need her voice, her wardrobe, or her talent to shine brightly. We simply need to faithfully use what God has placed in our own hands.

We can encourage someone who is discouraged. Feed someone who is hungry. Help a child discover a book. Make a lonely person laugh. Give generously and love sincerely.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Dolly’s earthly song has ended, but the love she scattered continues singing.

May we leave behind that same kind of legacy -- not merely that we were talented or successful, but that because we lived, someone felt loved, found hope, and saw a little more of God’s light.

We Are Not Passengers -- We Are Carriers!

Okay -- this blog was inspired by my pastor.....again! I can't help myself! He speaks and bada bing bada boom -- another blog!

Yes, I really do have a vision: to lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. That's our church's slogan.

That slogan is why I write -- sometimes once a day and occasionally often enough to make my computer request overtime pay!

Through stories about family, church, community, and everyday life, I pray that every blog shines a humongous light on Jesus.

Last May, we thoroughly enjoyed being passengers on a cruise ship. Our responsibilities were incredibly demanding -- eat delicious food, enjoy entertainment, visit fascinating destinations, and decide whether we had room for dessert.

We were customers, and the crew served us. In fact it was all about US! But, I know -- we aren't built for cruising!

We are built to be battleships. Everyone aboard has an assignment. Its equipment must be maintained, its crew prepared, and its mission understood.

That sounds more like the Christian life.

We aren’t called to remain passengers who ask, “What can the church do for me?” We are carriers of the Gospel -- equipped, strengthened, and deployed to carry the love and light of Jesus wherever He sends us.

A well-known NASA story tells of President John Kennedy meeting a janitor during a visit. When asked what he did there, the man reportedly answered, “Mr. President, I’m helping put a man on the moon.”

He understood that his work mattered to the mission.
So does ours.

We may preach, prepare meals, welcome strangers, teach children, encourage prisoners, call someone lonely, or quietly pray. No assignment is insignificant when it serves God’s purpose.

“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14

What ship are we on? What team do we represent?

We have been enlisted into God’s Kingdom for such a time as this. We are not too old, too ordinary, or finished. We carry priceless treasure -- the hope of Jesus Christ.

So, Lord, choose us. Prepare us. Send us.
We're not merely along for the ride. We are part of the mission!

#NASA #cruiseship #battleship #LightOfTheWorld

Just Love

I had the most precious grandmother aka grandma, Mary Halbert -- known for loving everyone.

My grandfather, John Halbert, was an old-time Baptist preacher who could deliver a fire-and-brimstone sermon with the best of them! Then my sweet, gentle, polar-opposite grandmother would stand, look around the church, and temper the thunder with two simple words:

“Just love!” If her message was relevant then, how much more do we need it today?

In Luke 10, a lawyer asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with the story of a man who was robbed, beaten, and left beside the road.

A priest saw him -- and passed by. A Levite noticed him -- and kept walking. But a Samaritan, someone considered an outsider, stopped. He treated the man’s wounds, carried him to safety, and paid for his care.

Jesus asked which man had been a true neighbor.
“The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”

There is our answer.

Our neighbor isn’t merely someone who looks, thinks, votes, worships, or lives like we do. Our neighbor is the person God places before us -- including the wounded, overlooked, difficult, and different.

Loving people doesn’t mean approving every action or ignoring evil. It means we refuse to let hatred, bitterness, or revenge take possession of our hearts.

God offered grace to Saul, Zacchaeus, and the thief on the cross. And He offered grace to us -- not because we earned it, but because He is love.

In our own strength, loving some people may feel impossible. But Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” -- Matthew 19:26

The cross frees us from malice and gives us courage to answer cruelty with kindness, injury with forgiveness, and evil with good.

We have choices every day: hater or helper, finger-pointer or forgiver, passerby or Good Samaritan.

The world is shouting loudly. Perhaps our strongest response is still my grandmother’s gentler one:
Just love!

#justlovethem #Godislove #LoveLikeJesus

Still Here -- So I’m Not Done!

It's my birthday today! Whoohoo!
I won’t dwell on the number. Let’s simply say I’ve accumulated considerable amounts of experience!

Special thanks to God and my precious, loving mama who truly impacted my life with loving and serving my Lord with all my heart.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude.

Yesterday, Tuesday, August 25th, we celebrated my Payton's bride-to-be, Christiane, with a beautiful, personal bridal shower.

Staci and I gave her a special token of love -- a dainty, gold necklace with a gold cross and a diamond in the middle. We want her to know how much we love her, and how much the cross represents the love our Savior has for her AND us!

Generations of women came together: the grand hostess and mother-in-love to be, Staci -- my daughter; Alexia -- my granddaughter -- flying in from Nashville; my daughter-in-love - Shawntel; the bride-to-be, Christiane; her mother, Christine; her grandmother, Nonna; and me, affectionately known as Nana and several other dear friends.

There was laughter, love, plenty of girly-girl excitement, and probably enough preparation to qualify us as professional event planners!

Staci poured her heart into welcoming Christiane as her soon-to-be daughter-in-love. What a gift to witness families joining together and a new chapter beginning.

I'm driving home today with a full heart -- replaying the joy, the travels, the friendships, the family moments, my Carl, the Bible studies, and every opportunity God has given me to encourage someone.

Has every year been easy? Mercy, no! There have been steep climbs, unexpected turns, painful goodbyes, and a few body parts that occasionally submit formal complaints.

But I’m still here -- so I’m not done!

God has given me strength for each day, peace beyond understanding, people to love, and purpose that continues calling me forward.

The song “Goodness of God” has become my testimony:
“All my life You have been faithful.”
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God,

[Chorus]
'Cause all my life you have been faithful
And all my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.

“Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” — Psalm 23:6

My birthday prayer is simple:
Father, thank You for every year, every lesson, every person, and every new beginning. As long as You give me breath, help me use it to sing of Your goodness.

I’m not counting candles -- I’m counting blessings.
And I’m not finished yet!
Grateful for another year to celebrate the goodness of my God!

Celebrating the Bride -- Praying for the Marriage

Today is the day! The food is prepared, the decorations are lovely, and the personal bridal shower for our precious bride-to-be, Christiane, is about to begin!

I have now met her mother, Christine, and her grandmother, Nonna -- and we hit it off immediately. Nonna and Nana together at last!

Our girly-girl conversations have included plenty of laughter, but also the sweet presence of God as we’ve shared prayers, dreams, and hopes for the couple’s future.

A bridal shower is a big occasion, but the wedding is an even greater one. There are lists upon lists, details upon details, and enough “to-dos” to keep several people gainfully employed!

On September 26th, the wedding will take place right here at Epiphany Ranch. The skies are brilliant morning, noon, and night. Hummingbirds dart through the air, and the resident cats will soon discover that their peaceful domain has been invaded by wedding guests!

But that’s life: change, excitement, love, and great expectations for the future.

In only one month, two lives will be joined in holy matrimony. The decorations will eventually come down. The cake will be eaten. The photographs will preserve precious moments. But the marriage --that sacred covenant -- is what truly matters.

Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” — Matthew 19:6

So today, while we celebrate the bride, we also pray for the marriage.

Father, prepare their hearts even more carefully than we’ve prepared this shower. Teach them to choose one another daily, forgive quickly, laugh often, communicate honestly, and keep You at the center of their home. May their love remain tender in joyful seasons and steadfast through difficult ones. Let their marriage become a testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen.

Today we’ll enjoy food, gifts, memories, and plenty of girl talk.

But beneath every ribbon and bow is our greatest gift:

A family surrounding this couple with love -- and a future covered in prayer.

Now, let the celebration begin!

Feathering the Nest for Love

This morning, I am driving three-and-a-half hours to Alto, Texas, for some serious girly-girl business at Staci and Larry’s Wallace home and Epiphany Ranch!

Carl received a loving exemption from this trip. With bridal excitement, manicures, pedicures, and plenty of girl talk ahead, he was quite willing to stay home and attend his Bible studies and Rotary.

My drive will be filled with Christian music, perhaps an audiobook, and plenty of praise for God’s goodness and mercy. I also carried precious cargo: my “world-famous” cheese ball and crackers. That is my entire culinary assignment!

Meanwhile, Staci has been cooking, decorating, organizing, and preparing everything imaginable for tomorrow’s personal bridal shower honoring Christiane.f

Watching Staci reminds me of a mother bird feathering her nest -- gathering every twig, soft feather, and finishing touch so her soon-to-be daughter-in-love feels welcomed into the Wallace family.

Today, I’ll meet Christiane’s mother, Christine, and her grandmother, Nonna. Imagine that -- Nonna and Donna, also known as Nana, under one roof! There should be no shortage of love, laughter, or grandmotherly wisdom!

Occasions like this make my heart overflow. Our children have raised their children, protected them, prayed for them, and continually placed them into our Heavenly Father’s hands. Have there been ups and downs? Absolutely. Families rarely travel in a perfectly straight line.

But God!

Through celebrations, concerns, illnesses, victories, mistakes, and lessons learned, He has remained our driving force. Every difficult season has driven another strong peg of faith into the ground, teaching us what to do -- and occasionally what never to try again!

“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3

Today isn’t merely about lovely decorations, delicious food, or beautifully polished nails. It celebrates the beginning of a marriage, two families coming together, and another love story entrusted to God.

I may have done plenty wrong along the way, but looking around at this family, I know God has multiplied every prayer, every act of love, and every step of faith.

Now, let the celebration -- and the cheese ball -- begin!

Hold On -- God’s Master Plan Is in Progress

Our Lamplighters teacher, Zack Dawes, loves God’s Word -- and it shows! Each Sunday, he passionately teaches up to 200 of us, using multiple screens so no one misses the lesson -- or has an excuse for dozing off!

His recent teaching about Ruth and Naomi stirred my heart.

Naomi returned to Bethlehem carrying unimaginable grief. Famine had driven her family away, and now her husband and two sons were gone. When old friends recognized her, she said, “Don’t call me Naomi -- call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.”

Naomi wasn’t faithless -- she was wounded. Pain had convinced her that her story was over.

But Ruth, her widowed daughter-in-law, remained beside her. Ruth grieved, too, yet she kept moving forward. She worried -- but she also worked. She wept -- but not without hope.

Ruth went to gather leftover barley, as Jewish law allowed the poor to do. “As it turned out,” she entered the field of Boaz -- a relative of Naomi’s late husband.

What appeared accidental was divine appointment.

Boaz recognized Ruth’s faithfulness, protected her, and eventually married her. Their son, Obed, became King David’s grandfather -- and Ruth, a foreign widow gathering scraps in a field, became part of the earthly lineage of Jesus!

Naomi, who thought everything had ended, held a grandson and dared to hope again.

After my father died, my mother was a young widow raising me alone. Our pastor told her, “This can make you bitter or better.”
Mama chose better.

She could have surrendered to fear and resentment, but instead, she embraced God’s peace. I am who I am today because she trusted Him when she couldn’t see how the story would unfold.

Bitterness says, “My life is over.”
Faith says, “God is still working.”

Choosing better doesn’t mean denying grief or pretending pain doesn’t hurt. It means refusing to let suffering write the final chapter.

Perhaps you’re standing in a barren field today, gathering only enough strength for the next step. Keep going. Your Boaz moment, new beginning, or unexpected restoration may already be growing beyond your sight.

Anxiety whispers, “It’s all over.”

But faith answers, “Hold on -- God’s Master Plan is still in progress!”

#ruthandnaomi #GodsMasterPlan #bitterorbetter