The Great Multiplier

 

Do you remember learning your multiplication tables?
9x9=81… 6x7=42…4x8=32 -- and somehow that information is still tucked away in our brains! No calculator needed!

But there’s a kind of multiplication that no classroom ever taught us -- the kind only God can do. Remember those words: "Little is much when God is in it!?

Picture this? A crowd of thousands, miles from the nearest “drive-thru,” stomachs growling. Jesus' disciples are panicking and say, “Send them home!!!” Sounds reasonable, right?

But not with Jesus. He already had another plan!

A little boy shows up with a little lunch -- five loaves and two fish. Not exactly catering for 5,000. But Jesus takes that little, blesses it, and suddenly -- it’s more than enough. Everyone eats. And there are even lots of leftovers!

Only God can do that. And, here’s what I love -- Jesus didn’t need a feast to start -- He just needed a willing heart and a small offering from a little boy!

And He’s still doing that with our "littles"!
What if, today, we present Him with what we have?
Maybe a LITTLE prayer, a LITTLE donation, a LITTLE kind word, a LITTLE love, a LITTLE comfort, a LITTLE care, a LITTLE meal, a LITTLE act of service.

No matter what the LITTLE is – as God's partners, our LITTLE just might be what God uses to multiply many blessings to others.

It may seem little to us, but BIG to them. Yes, little becomes BIG when we accept our partnership with our Master MULTIPLIER!

Because little -- becomes much -- when God is in it.

And who knows? That small act we almost overlooked might be the very thing God uses to bless someone in a big way -- TODAY!

Just Ordinary or Holy?

Isn’t it something how life can feel like a repeat button?

Grocery store -- again.
Laundry -- again.
Same routines -- every day.

And somewhere in between -- we see someone else’s “big” moment and quietly wonder -- am I making any difference at all?

We feel it deep down -- that tug toward something more. Ecclesiastes tells us God set eternity in our hearts. And oh, we know it’s there. That gentle stirring that whispers, There’s purpose here -- even now.

But what if the “more” we’re looking for is already sitting right in the middle of our ordinary day? What if holy isn’t found in the spotlight -- but in the small?

A kind word in a checkout line.
A phone call when someone needs it most.
A quiet prayer no one else hears.

Those don’t look like headline moments -- but heaven sees differently.

I have a feeling when we stand before the Lord, we’ll be surprised. The moments we thought were small may be the very ones He calls significant.

“Well done -- remember that day you encouraged someone? That mattered.”

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us we were created for good works -- prepared in advance. Not someday. Today.

So maybe nothing about our days are wasted. Not one errand. Not one conversation. Not one act of obedience.

So today, let’s place our “ordinary” into His hands.
Let’s ask our Lord -- who needs a little encouragement today?

Because what feels small to us -- may be eternal in His hands.

#eternity #welldone #OrdinaryToExtraordinary

Quick!!! Write It Down!!!

Ever walk into a room and forget why you went there? Oh goodness -- welcome to the club.

That’s why I write things down. Not just grocery lists -- but the things God whispers to my heart. Because what He gives us today -- we may need tomorrow.

And at this season of life – it’s a MUST-DO – otherwise, it’s gone.

Our pastor, just recently, with our bulletins, has been giving out a page of blanks that we fill in while he is ministering. It has been a beautiful way of writing down so we’ll remember. Thank you, Pastor Jonathan!

And, if you’re a little savvy with your i-phone, use the app, UpWord, and type those words in. I use it almost daily for keeping up with a word, a sentence, an idea – that might be my next blog!

There’s something powerful about putting words on paper (or our phone). It slows us down just enough to really hear what we’re learning. Whether it’s a sermon, a quiet moment with the Lord, or even a grocery list -- writing it down helps it settle into our hearts and minds.

Scripture tells us repeatedly -- to remember -- and to forget not. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:3)

That tells me something -- we are prone to forgetting. But God, in His kindness, gives us simple tools to help us hold on.

Sometimes what we write today -- is exactly what we’ll need tomorrow.

And don’t you love this thought? The Holy Spirit reminds us of truth (John 14:26), and those little notes we scribble can become the very place He points us back to.

I’ve gone back through old journals and laughed – cringed -- and thanked God all over again. What felt overwhelming then -- now shows me just how faithful He has been.

So, here’s a gentle nudge -- grab a notebook or your phone. Nothing fancy. Just start.
Write the verse.
Write the thought.
Write the prayer.
Oh, the treasure we’ll have when we do!

#writeitdown #Godisfaithful #FaithJourney

This Beautiful Place We Call Home

I’ll be honest -- Earth Day hasn’t always been circled on my calendar.

But this year -- especially after witnessing our astronauts take the trip to the moon and returned to their home sweet home on earth, I find myself pausing.

Looking around. Breathing a little deeper.

And thinking -- what a marvelous place God has given us.

Over a billion people across the globe pause today -- April 22nd -- to celebrate this planet. That’s a lot of folks picking up trash, planting flowers, and hugging trees. (I might stop short of hugging a tree -- but I’ll admire a good one!)

But caring for the earth didn’t start with Earth Day -- it started with God.

In Genesis, we see Him as the ultimate Artist -- painting skies, shaping mountains, rolling out oceans like a vast blue carpet.

Then He planted a garden. Not just functional -- but beautiful. Lush. Life-giving.

And then -- He handed it over to us. “Take care of it.”

What trust and what a gift!

Even now, long after Eden, God still tends His creation -- watering the earth and here in Austin -- lots of watering -- filling fields with abundance (Psalm 65:9). And He invites us to join Him. Not out of duty -- but gratitude.

Because when we look around -- at a sunrise and a sunset – we see God at His finest! This isn’t one of His random creations – it’s intentional! It’s personal.

So, whether we live in a home in a neighborhood or a senior apartment complex, a mansion, or a motor home -- there’s something in our care. A patch of grass. A neighbor. A moment to choose kindness over carelessness.

Maybe Earth Day isn’t just about the planet. It is a reminder that we’ve been placed here --on purpose, in this time, in this place -- to tend what God has made and treasure what He’s given.

And that -- is a gift and a beautiful way to live. Let’s care for it with grateful hearts!

#motherearth #Godscreation #EarthDay

God's Plan A

 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if life came with a reset button?

One wrong turn -- one wrong mistake -- click -- back on track.

No matter what mistakes we've made, we’re still on God’s “Plan A” for our lives. He hasn’t revoked His original dream for us. It doesn’t matter what other people did to us, what we’ve done to others or ourselves, or what mistakes or poor decisions we’ve made.

We can still fulfill God’s dream for our lives. He doesn’t have a Plan B or an alternate file. There is no backup version labeled, “she/he tried.”

We are still -- right now -- God’s Plan A.

Even with our missteps.

Even with our regrets.

Even with those “what was I thinking?” moments that we’d rather not revisit.

We’ve all had them. (Some of us more than we’d like to admit!)

But here’s the grace-filled truth: God doesn’t discard broken pieces -- He redeems them.

"All things God work together for good…” (Romans 8:28)

All things!

Not just the polished parts. Not just the Sunday-best moments. But the messy middle, the hard chapters, the choices we wish we could redo.

Not everything is good. We know that. We’ve lived that.

But God is so good -- He can take everything and weave it into something meaningful.

So those whispers that say, “You’ve messed up too much -- you’ve missed your chance!"

Those aren’t from our Father God. Because He is still writing our stories.

Still restoring. Still rebuilding.

Still inviting us into His dream for our lives. Truly -- we haven't missed it. We're in it! Right here. Right now.

So let's take a breath and take a step forward.

Because the Author of our stories hasn’t changed His mind about you and me.

And He never will.

#reset #doover #Godisgood #stepforward

It Was There All Along

Getting ready for our trip outside the U.S. adventure -- I bought myself a sturdy suitcase -- one that could survive the bumps, bruises, and “flying lessons” of baggage claim.

Feeling quite accomplished, I packed it full -- and then decided to do the responsible thing -- register it. Easy enough, right? Well -- not quite!.

The form asked for a number “inside the suitcase.” OH NO!
My neatly packed suitcase? Emptied. Clothes everywhere. Oh me!

So I did what any slightly frustrated traveler would do -- I sent an online message. No response. Then I emailed the company the next day.

And then -- the answer came. “Rub the label against the label behind it. The number is hidden behind it.” Wait -- what? Two labels?

I tried it -- and there it was. The number had been there all along. I just didn’t know how to see it. And isn’t that just like us?

We search. We strive. We sigh. “All I need is an answer, Lord!” And He gently speaks: “Seek -- and you will find. Knock -- and the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7)

Sometimes the answer isn’t missing -- it’s just hidden beneath the surface, waiting for us to pause, ask, and look again.

How wonderful to know that God isn’t playing hide-and-seek with our lives. He’s inviting us closer. "Come to me -- all who are worry and burdened -- and I will give you rest!" (Matthew 11:28)

So when you (and me) feel like we’ve come up empty -- let's press on -- never give up! Lean in. Ask again. Trust Him.

Because more often than not, like that tag I couldn't find -- the answer was there all along!

#LuggageTag #seekandfind #nevergiveup

Don’t Click Everything

Carl received a beautiful, online invitation. A gala. He couldn’t wait to see where, what, and how soon this party will be!

Now, if you know Carl, you know he loves people, parties, events, and opportunities to mix and mingle. And a good gathering? Even better. So, he clicked.

And just like that -- the party turned into a problem.
His phone started ringing.
Emails started flying.
Friends were receiving HIS invitation -- only it wasn’t him at all.
It was a scam that required his passwords to be changed.

Like digital firefighters, we sounded the alarm to our Geek Squad. Hours later -- peace was restored.

But oh my -- what a mess from one little click. Isn’t it amazing how something that looks so inviting can be harmful?

Not just on our computers -- but in our lives. Every day we’re presented with “invitations.”
Opportunities. Conversations. Temptations. Offenses.

Some look harmless. Some even look good. But not everything that shows up deserves a click. “Guard your heart above all else…” (Proverbs 4:23)

Because what we allow in -- through our screens, our thoughts, our conversations -- has a way of spreading. Just like that scam email.

So maybe we pause a little more. Pray a little sooner. Discern a little deeper.

Protect our passwords – YES! But even more -- protect our peace.

As I type this blog today, Carl’s computer is at the Geek Squad hospital, so to speak. His very needed computer is getting cleaned up. (And he’s probably making new friends at Best Buy while he waits!)

But the bigger lesson? Not every invitation is from God. Beware of the evil schemes of our #1 enemy – the one who came “to kill, steal and destroy”. (John 10:10)

And, above all -- stay ever so close to our Good Shepherd -- the One Who came to give us abundant lives. (John 10:10)

WARNING: Not everything that looks good is God. Guard your heart – and maybe double-check that email! God’s invitations never steal, scramble, or confuse. They lead with peace. Always.

#FindPeace #eyeswideopen #passwordprotection

God Leads -- We Follow

 

Have you ever wished God would just send a text?
“Turn left.” “Call her.” “Don’t eat that second cookie.”
Wouldn’t that make life easier?

Instead, we sometimes find ourselves in that in-between place -- our best to trust, obey, and wait -- yet quietly wondering, “Am I getting this right?”

Let’s settle something right here -- we all miss it sometimes.

Oh, the “shoulda, coulda, woulda” list -- we’ve all got one. I’ve had my share of messy moments too. But here’s the good news -- we can’t mess up so badly that God can’t redeem it.

“In all things God works for the good…” (Romans 8:28)
All things. Even the missteps.

So instead of beating ourselves up, we bring it to Him. Admit it. Release it. Trust Him to reshape it.

Now, about knowing His will -- it's not as mysterious as we make it.

God’s will is never separate from God’s Word. When we spend time in Scripture, something beautiful happens -- our thinking begins to change. Our hearts soften. Our direction clears.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2)

And yes -- sometimes His answer surprises us.
We think we’re supposed to fix a situation, mend a relationship, or win someone over -- and God gently says, “Step back.”

Not every battle is ours to fight.
Not every voice deserves our energy.
Sometimes His will is to love -- and then let go.
That’s not failure -- that’s wisdom.

And here’s a simple truth I’ve learned, If we’re unsure what to do -- PAUSE!
God isn’t in a hurry. He’s not wringing His hands hoping we don’t mess this up. He leads with peace, not pressure.

So let's ask Him. Let's open His Word. Pay attention to what stirs in our spirit.

He will guide us. Maybe not with a text message -- but always with perfect love, perfect timing, and a peace that lets us know --
We’re right where we need to be.

#Godswill #pause #divineguidance

Dream a Little -- Dream a Lot

Carl sleeps like a champion -- eight solid hours, no interruptions, probably dreaming in full color with surround sound.

Me? I celebrate if I get six. And yes -- I’ve been known to sneak in a little “holy nap” during the day -- now and then.

And dreaming at night? Rare. If I do dream, it slips away before my feet hit the floor.

But there’s another kind of dreaming -- the kind that doesn’t happen when our eyes are closed -- but when they’re wide open.
The kind that shapes a life.

If we don’t have a dream for our lives, we won’t have direction for our lives. And it’s no wonder so many are asking, "Who am I? Why am I here? Does my life even matter?" Without a clear vision, confusion fills the space.

But here’s what I’ve learned -- the clearest definition of who we are doesn’t come from looking inward -- it comes from looking upward.

God has already dreamed a dream for you and me -- and it’s a good one.

Jesus said, “The eye is the lamp of the body…” (Matthew 6:22). In other words, what we fix our eyes on shapes everything. A short-sighted view leads to small, uncertain dreams. But when we lift our eyes to God’s perspective? Oh, everything changes.

We begin to see beyond today -- beyond our limitations -- even beyond ourselves. Our dreams start stretching into eternity.

And those kinds of dreams? They’re bigger than us. Stronger than us. And yes -- impossible without Him.

That’s the point. Because God-sized dreams aren’t meant to be achieved by human strength -- they’re meant to be walked out in trust.

So maybe it’s time.
Time to stop settling for small thinking.
Time to let go of confusion.
Time to ask, “Lord, what is Your dream for my life?”

Because when we discover that -- we don’t just find purpose.
We find peace.
We find direction.
We find life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Now that’s a dream worth chasing.

#dreambig #FindPurpose #GodSizedDreams

I Promise

“Promise me…” Those two little words carried big meaning, even as a child.

My parents promised we’d go to Six Flags Over Texas -- and oh, they delivered! Best day EVER. Sticky fingers, laughter, and the kind of joy only a promise kept can bring.

As we grew, promises got a little more serious.
We crossed our hearts. We locked pinkies. We whispered: “I promise,” like it was the strongest contract on earth.

And then came adulthood -- where promises wore rings.
Wedding vows. Lifelong commitments. Words spoken with hope, love, and intention.

Promises given. Promises kept. But if we’re honest -- not every promise holds. People forget. Circumstances change. Life happens.

Which is why God’s promises feel so different.
They don’t shift.
They don’t expire.
They don’t depend on moods or moments. They stand.

Take Noah. God asked him to build something that had never been built -- for rain that had never fallen. And Noah trusted Him. When the waters rose and the storm passed, God made a covenant -- a forever promise.

And He painted it across the sky. A rainbow. Not just a pretty arc of color, but a divine reminder: I keep My word.
And He still does.

The same God who placed that rainbow in the sky offers a promise even greater to us -- salvation, hope, and eternal life through Jesus.

No fine print. No crossed fingers behind His back. No broken vows.
Just truth. Faithful and sure.

So when life feels uncertain -- when promises around us fall short - - let's look up. That rainbow still speaks.

And so does the cross. God is a promise keeper. Promises made. Promises kept. And His greatest promise? An eternity with Him. Won't you draw near to Him and ask Him to be your Savior and Lord -- from here to eternity?

"The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does".

God's Ways -- So Much Higher

Have you ever paused and thought -- "What if God’s plan for me is even better than the one I’m holding onto?"

Not just a little better. But beyond anything we could ask, imagine, or dream up on our best day.

“God can do anything -- far more than you could ever imagine…” (Ephesians 3:20)
That’s not just an encouraging verse -- that’s a promise.

And here’s what I love most --
God doesn’t force His dreams on us. He doesn’t push or rush or overwhelm. He works gently. Quietly. Deep within our hearts.

Like a whisper that says: "Trust Me -- I’ve got something better."
We may have already seen glimpses of it.

A door opened we never expected.
Someone crossed our path at just the right time.
Provision showed up when there was no logical explanation.

Those aren’t coincidences -- those are God moments.
Because when God places a dream in our heart, He also prepares the path beneath our feet.

“I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” (Revelation 3:8)
Isn’t that comforting?

What He opens -- no one can close.
What He ordains -- no one can stop.
And, here’s our part -- we have to walk through the door.

And sometimes that takes courage.
Sometimes it means letting go of our smaller, safer plans to step into something unknown.

But oh -- what waits on the other side.
Not perfection. Not ease.
But purpose. Peace.
And a deep knowing that we are exactly where God intended us to be.

So as this week carries on -- let's hold onto our plans -- loosely!
God’s dream for our lives are bigger, better, and already in motion.
When He opens that door -- let's walk through it.

#TrustHisPlan #opendoors #FaithForward

Snapshots of Love

On Sunday, Carl and I stepped into a busy, active and fun-filled place -- High Five -- that was filled with laughter, little feet running, bowling balls rolling, and the sweet chaos of a five-year-old’s birthday party. Gifts were opened with delight, hugs were given freely, and joy filled every corner.

And there they were – a precious father and daughter, Greg and little Mia (not their actual names – protection of their hearts). Less than a year ago, Greg and Mia walked through the deepest valley.

The loss of a beloved wife and mama after a long, hard battle with cancer. A journey no family ever chooses -- yet one they faced together.

And now -- here they are. Carrying on. Smiling again. Living forward.

Mia, full of joy and love, opening her gifts with that sparkle only a child can bring. Greg, camera in hand, capturing moment after moment -- freezing time the way only a loving father would.

Snapshot after snapshot -- holding onto memories while still making new ones.

BTW -- those last two photos -- daddy was determined to get his girl that ball. Probably $100 later of trying and trying -- he got her that ball!

And as I watched Greg, I couldn’t help but think -- that’s what love does. It stays. It shows up. It keeps going.

It reminded me of Max Lucado’s words:
If God had a refrigerator or a wallet… our picture would be on it and in it.

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending love of our Heavenly Father.
A love that chases us, holds us, carries us -- especially in the moments when life feels heavy and tender and fragile. A love that whispers, “You are not alone. You are Mine.”

Greg’s love for his daughter is a beautiful glimpse of that greater love. Steady. Faithful. Present.

And maybe that’s our reminder today. Even on the days when we miss someone deeply -- even when the party ends and the quiet settles in -- we are still held and seen and deeply loved.

“For the Lord your God is with you -- He will take great delight in you -- He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

So, let’s lift our eyes. Let’s choose gratitude. Let’s remember that we have a Father Who is with us, for us, and lovingly guiding us as we grow in Him.

Oh how deeply we are loved by our Heavenly Father – always!

#recklesslove #fatherslove #youareloved

Still Living Among the Living

I can't help myself -- I still have my Easter decor' up and am still living in the moment of embracing my risen Savior.

He lives! Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am His own. He lives. He lives -- salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives -- He lives within my heart!

On Easter Sunday, a week ago, across the world, voices rose in celebration -- He is risen! Churches filled, songs were sung, and hearts were stirred by the beautiful reminder that Jesus walked out of that grave.
And oh, what a glorious day it was!

But here’s the quiet, steady truth that lingers long after the lilies fade and the songs grow softer -- He still lives. Today.

Because He lives, we don’t just celebrate life -- we live it.
Not a someday hope -- but a right-now peace.

“Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)

That means on ordinary Tuesdays -- in doctor’s offices --
around kitchen tables -- through laughter and through tears --
He lives.

And I see Him.
I see Him in Carl -- steady, kind, and faithful.
In my family -- in their love, their growth, their resilience.
In friends who pray, who show up, who carry one another through hard seasons.

This isn’t just a story we remember once a year.
It’s a life we experience every single day.

The same power that rolled away the stone -- still rolls away fear.
still lifts heavy hearts and still breathes peace into anxious places.

So no, I don’t need a calendar to remind me that Jesus lives.
I see Him.
I know Him.
I walk with Him.

And here’s the invitation for all of us -- not just to remember Easter -- but to live it.

To wake up each day knowing -- He is present. He is powerful.
He is personal.
And nothing -- not even death -- has the final word.

So today, whatever you’re facing, let this settle gently into your heart --
The grave is still empty.
The Savior is still alive.
And resurrection life -- is still ours to walk in.

#HeLives #ResurrectionHope #resurrectionlife

There’s Something About That Name

 

Our weekly Women’s Bible study has been walking chapter by chapter through "Live a Praying Life" by Jennifer Kennedy Dean, and oh my -- what a gift it has been.

Each week feels like an invitation -- not just to pray, but to live in prayer. Not a routine, but a relationship. Not a checklist, but a conversation with the One who knows us fully and loves us completely.

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

That’s the kind of life we’re learning to embrace -- a life where prayer isn’t reserved for moments, but woven into every moment.

Last week, we leaned into the power of praying in the name of Jesus. What a privilege! Jesus Himself said, “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do.” (John 14:13)

When we pray in His name, we aren’t just reciting words -- we are standing in His authority. Heaven listens. The spiritual realm responds.

I learned that as a little girl. When my daddy was ill, I watched my mama whisper the name of Jesus throughout the day. Not loud. Not showy. Just steady. Faithful. And I followed her lead.

That name became my anchor, my comfort, my constant companion. Speaking the name of Jesus over our families, our fears, and our future -- it changes things.

And then Easter morning came. The sunrise seemed to declare, “He lives!” As if heaven itself was reminding us of the price paid -- and the victory won.

“At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow" Philippians 2:10–11

That name still calms storms. Still heals hearts. Still restores hope.

So let me ask you, dear friends -- have you had a little talk with Jesus lately?

Not just on Easter. Not just in trouble.
But in the quiet, ordinary moments of your day?

Because I can tell you this from experience -- there is nothing sweeter than walking and talking with Jesus every single day.

And oh -- there is something about that name!
Whisper it. Speak it. Live it.
Because when we walk with Him daily -- everything changes.

#TheNameAboveAllNames #TheNameOfJesus #PrayingLife

When Mercy Speaks Louder Than Judgment

It’s so easy to slip into the blame game -- pointing fingers at those who stumble, whispering sharp words about those who don’t measure up, and quietly justifying our own missteps when we miss the mark.

We’ve all been there… every single one of us. And yet, we have witnessed the greatest Mercy-Giver of all time.

Oh, the mercy of Jesus -- extended to the undeserving, poured out without hesitation. Mercy for Peter, who denied Him. Mercy for the thief on the cross, who had nothing to offer but a final breath of faith. Mercy for people just like you and me -- even in our weakest, most undeserving moments.

Jesus didn’t lead with condemnation. He led with compassion.

He saw beyond the failure -- beyond the denial -- beyond the past. He saw hearts that still had a pulse for Him. And instead of turning away, He leaned in.

What if we did the same?

What if, instead of pointing out faults, we extended grace?
What if, instead of rehearsing someone’s failure, we remembered our own need for mercy?

Because the truth is -- we don’t stand on our goodness.
We stand on His.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning…”
(Lamentations 3:22–23)

New mercy. Every morning. For them -- and for us.

So today, let’s put down the stones. Let’s loosen our grip on judgment. Let’s choose mercy -- the kind we’ve been given, the kind that restores, the kind that reminds us we are all still being shaped by grace.

Mercy isn’t earned -- it’s given.
And thank God -- it’s given to all of us.

Today, let’s choose grace over judgment, compassion over criticism, and mercy over everything.

#newmercies #GraceWins #MercyMatters

Let’s Go for a Walk

I was once a long distance runner. Miles and miles -- until my knees kindly suggested we find another plan. So now? I glide. The elliptical has become my “walk.”

No pounding. No pressure. Just a steady, gentle rhythm.
And somewhere between those smooth strides -- I started noticing something.
Some of my sweetest conversations with Jesus happen right there.
And, those conversations often come with praise and worship music!

It reminds me of a walk long ago -- right after Jesus' resurrection:
Two weary disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) -- with heads down. Hearts heavy. Confused, disappointed, wondering how everything had gone so wrong.

They were walking -- but not really seeing. And then --
Jesus showed up.
Not with a grand announcement. Not with a spotlight.
Just quietly -- walking beside them.

He listened. He asked questions. He opened the Scriptures.
And slowly -- something shifted.
“Did not our hearts burn within us…” That's it!!

That moment when truth came alive.
When confusion turned into clarity.
When heaviness lifted and hope began to rise again.

Isn’t that what we long for?
And here’s the beautiful part -- Jesus still walks with us.
On sidewalks.
On country roads.
Even on elliptical machines.

We may not always recognize Him right away. Life gets noisy. Our thoughts get tangled. But He’s there -- listening, guiding, speaking gently to our hearts.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
(Psalm 119:105)

So maybe today -- you don’t need to have it all figured out.
Maybe you just need a walk.
A quiet moment.
A willing heart.
A step -- or a stride.

Because somewhere along the way, you just might find --
He’s been right beside you all along.

You don’t have to run -- just walk. Or glide.
Somewhere between your steps and your thoughts, you may just hear Him. He’s closer than you think.

#WalkWithJesus #emmaus #FaithInMotion

Praise is our Defense AND Offense

It sounds a little strange, doesn’t it? Praise -- a weapon?

When life feels like a battle, my first instinct isn’t to sing -- it’s to stress and whine. To fix. To figure it out. Maybe even to complain just a little (or a lot).

But Psalms 8:2 flips that thinking upside down.
“Through praise -- you have established a stronghold against your enemies.”

Praise doesn’t just sound good -- it does good. It silences the enemy. It strengthens the weary. It shifts the atmosphere.

And here’s the part that gets me:
Praise works best when it makes the least sense.
When the bills are stacked.
When the diagnosis isn’t good.
When the prayer hasn’t been answered yet.

That’s when praise becomes powerful.
Not because everything changed -- but because we did.

Praise is faith with a voice. It says, “God, I don’t see it yet…
but I trust You anyway.”

Remember King Jehoshaphat? Surrounded by enemies, he didn’t send out the strongest soldiers first -- he sent the singers. And as they praised, God fought the battle for them.

Or Paul and Silas -- locked in prison, chains on their wrists -- and what did they do? They sang. And suddenly -- chains fell off.

That’ll make us want to hum a hymn in a hurry.
Praise isn’t denial. It’s declaration.
It declares that God is bigger than what we’re facing.

It invites His presence right into the middle of our mess.
It reminds our hearts where our help comes from.

And yes -- sometimes it’s a sacrifice.
Because we may not feel like praising.

But that’s when it matters most.
So today, if we’re in a battle -- big or small -- before we worry -- before we wrestle -- let's try this::

Whisper a thank You.
Lift a song.
Speak His name.
Because praise doesn’t just change our situations -- it changes us!

And that, my friends, is a weapon worth using!

#praiseandworship #SacrificeOfPraise #praiseisourweapon

He Rescued Me

On Monday, there I was -- on the elliptical -- getting my steps in, when I glanced at the news.

And suddenly -- my workout turned into worship.
Our U.S. airman -- alone, freezing, battered -- clinging to life on a mountainside. Thirty-six hours of hiding, climbing, surviving. Every move mattered. Every breath counted.

And then -- RESCUE! That word settled deep in my heart.
In that moment of danger, the airman's faith showed through.

NOW, hear this: He was shot down on Good Friday.
He was isolated -- hidden in a cave, a crevice on Saturday.
He was rescued on Sunday -- Easter Sunday!

He was rescued. Not by accident or luck.
But by courage, wisdom, and the right help at just the right time.

And I couldn’t help but think -- how many of us need rescuing today?

Maybe not from a mountainside -- but from something just as real.
A heart that feels overwhelmed.
A diagnosis that brings fear.
A relationship unraveling.
A mind that won’t quiet down.

We may look fine on the outside -- but inside? We’re hanging on.

And then comes that quiet whisper: "Cry out!"
Because there is One who sees you and me -- right where we are.

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.” (Psalm 18:16)

That’s what God does. He rescues. Not when we have it all together -- but when we’re barely holding on.

I’m reminded of an old song, written and recorded by dear friends, Jimmy & Becky Pearce: “He Rescued Me.” The chorus was this:

"He rescued me, Jesus rescued me
From the cold dark waters of sin's troubled sea
He rescued me, new life I can see
Jesus reached down in love
And He rescued me."

Jesus reaches into our mess, our fear, our storms -- and pulls us up.
Not because we earned it.
But because He loves us.

So today, if you feel like that airman -- tired -- alone -- unsure how your story ends. Don’t stay silent. Call out God's name.

Because the same God who rescues on mountainsides --
rescues hearts.

And He’s not late. Not distracted. Not distant.
He’s right there.
Reaching down.
Ready to save.

Feeling overwhelmed? Hanging on by a thread? You’re not alone. God still rescues—right on time, right where you are. Reach out…He’s reaching down.

#herescuedme #GodSaves #HopeForToday