God's Hidden Training Ground

 

Many years ago, I spent my days taking shorthand, typing letters, writing board meeting minutes, and helping put together newsletters.

At the time, I was helping support my family, but I often found myself asking God, "When will I do what You've really called me to do?"

Looking back, I smile at my impatience. What I thought was a boring job was actually God's training ground.

Isn't that just like Him?

Sometimes we dream of doing something great for God, imagining that one day we'll wake up with a sudden talent, a perfect opportunity, and a heavenly spotlight shining on us.

Instead, God quietly develops us through ordinary days, routine tasks, and even difficult seasons.

The Israelites experienced something similar. After leaving Egypt, God instructed them to build a beautiful sanctuary. Scripture says He equipped skilled workers like Bezalel and Oholiab for the task (Exodus 36:1).

I doubt they woke up one morning in the wilderness suddenly knowing how to work with gold, carve wood, or weave intricate designs. More likely, those skills were developed during years of slavery in Egypt.

What seemed like wasted years were actually preparation years.

The same is true for us.

Maybe you're caring for aging parents, working for a difficult boss, volunteering behind the scenes, or simply trying to make ends meet. It may feel ordinary, but God never wastes experience.

Trust me, even writing a daily blog comes with plenty of do-overs! My readers see the finished version, but they don't see the paragraphs deleted, the sentences rewritten, or the occasional battle with spell-check that seems convinced it knows better than I do.

Yet God uses it all.

Dear friends -- you may feel stuck in a season of preparation. Don't lose heart. The Lord is shaping your character, strengthening your faith, and refining your gifts.

The clay doesn't always understand what the Potter is doing, but the Potter always knows.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)

Keep trusting. Keep growing. Keep showing up.

God is preparing you for something beautiful.

#SeasonOfPreparation #ThePotter #theclayway

S

It's All About Him

If we want God to use us, we need to remember one important truth -- it's not about us. It's all about Jesus.

That idea runs completely against our culture. Everywhere we turn, we're told, "Put yourself first. Follow your heart. You deserve it!" Yet the more we make life about ourselves, the more frustrated and empty we become.

The truth is, we were never meant to be the center of the story. God is.

The Apostle Paul understood -- he said: “Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for His sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

We may achieve success, receive applause, and check every box, but if our motives are pride, greed, envy, or competition, we've missed the point.

On the other hand, we may stumble, make mistakes, and occasionally forget a key ingredient in life -- or in banana bread. (Speaking from experience, sugar is apparently important!)

Yet when our hearts are motivated by love for Christ, God can still use our imperfect efforts for His glory.

I'll admit it -- clearly I am still on the Potter's wheel. He's still working on me and I'm still working on me. Oh, I'd like to think I've arrived -- but not so. But, I'm not giving up!

Every day, I choose to press onward and purpose in "whatever I do, whether in word or deed -- to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17

What if today we made Jesus our motivation? Not success. Not recognition. Not comfort. Just Jesus.

Most of us won't preach to thousands today, but we can encourage those in our sphere of influence. And that's exactly where the Lord meets us.

May we see ourselves in the stories that point to Jesus. That's the beauty of the Gospel -- it takes ordinary moments and fills them with eternal meaning.

And, really -- this life isn't about making much of us. It's about making much of our Lord.

Now, that's a message worth carrying into every day.

#pressonward #ItsAboutJesus #OrdinaryMoments

Oh Happy -- Sweet Family Reunions

Last weekend, we traveled to Lubbock, Texas, for Carl's mother's side of the family reunion. We drove nearly six hours through dark clouds, pounding rain, and weather that made us wonder if Noah might be building another ark nearby!

But God saw us safely there -- and it was so worth it!

Carl enjoyed showing me the modest homes where he grew up and sharing stories of his younger years. There's something special about walking through the places that helped shape the people we love.

His brother Brent and wife Cathy hosted the reunion at their beautiful home -- an oasis filled with shade trees, laughter, splashing children, and lots of love.

The little ones practically lived in the swimming pool while the adults caught up on a year's worth of stories. We held babies, admired how much the children had grown, sampled enough desserts to last us till next year's reunion and celebrated the blessing of family.

One of my favorite moments was seeing cakes decorated with edible photos of parents and grandparents who have gone on to heaven. Their pictures reminded us that while they may be absent from our gatherings, they are never absent from our hearts.

"One generation shall praise Your works to another." (Psalm 145:4)

Before heading home on Sunday, we attended City Church with Carl's sister, Beverly. The sanctuary was packed with joyful worshippers lifting their hands in praise. The message centered on Jonah and God's gift of second chances.

What wonderful news!
Most of us have needed more than a second chance. Some of us are living on chance number 47! Yet God's grace continues to meet us where we are.

As I looked around at all the generations represented during the weekend, I couldn't help but think of another reunion that awaits believers.

What a day that will be!
No goodbyes. No passing years. No empty chairs.
Just the redeemed of every generation gathered around the throne of God.

Until then, let's cherish our families, strengthen our relationships, extend grace freely, and keep pointing one another toward Jesus.

The greatest reunion is still ahead

#FamilyReunion #loveatallcost #GodsGrace

Let's Put a Stake in the Ground

Have you ever wondered why God put you on this earth?

Here's a clue: it wasn't just to take up space, pay bills, and figure out what's for dinner every night.

God created each of us to make a contribution -- not merely an appearance.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." (2 Corinthians 4:1)

Notice Paul didn't say, "Since I'm talented..." or "Since I'm successful..." He said, "Through God's mercy."

That's good news because it means our value isn't based on our performance.

I spent years believing that the harder I worked and the more I accomplished, the more valuable I would become. But eventually I learned that my worth wasn’t found in what I do. It's found in Whose I am.

God made me.
God loves me.
Jesus died for me.
That settles my value once and for all.

The second gift of God's mercy is that we don't have to stay stuck in our mistakes. If perfection were required, heaven would have a very short guest list!

Just look at the people God used. Jacob was a liar. Jonah ran from God. Martha worried. Peter was impulsive. Moses, David, and Paul all had serious failures in their pasts.

Yet God used every one of them.
Why?
Because God isn't looking for perfect people. He's looking for willing people.

The same is true today.
Your ministry may be a classroom, an office, a hospital, a kitchen table, a community center, or even social media. Every act of kindness, encouragement, service, and love can point someone toward Jesus.

So don't give up.
Keep showing up.
Keep serving.
Keep loving.

God has placed you and me here on purpose for a purpose. And as long as He gives us breath, He still has a calling on our lives

So, today, let's put that stake in the ground and declare our reason for being here on planet earth. We were called, are called and will continue to be called God's ambassadors -- His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs hope.

We are here on purpose for the purpose of carrying out God's calling on our lives.

Let's own it and live it.

Let Love Broke Through

I heard someone say “Summer is here”! I didn’t correct him, but I know that summer doesn’t officially begin until Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Oh, but bring on summer -- longer days, brighter skies, neighbors out walking. There's something about a new season that makes us hope for fresh beginnings.

What if this summer became a season of love breaking through?

Not the sentimental kind of love we find in greeting cards or old songs. I’m talking about the life-changing, world-shaking love of God.

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

Love broke through.

It broke through heaven and entered a broken world. It broke through sin, shame, fear, and hopelessness. It broke through the darkness of a tomb and brought resurrection life.

And amazingly, that love reached you and me.

Now here’s where Jesus turns our thinking upside down. He didn’t just tell us to love people who are easy to love. He said:

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

Honestly, that sounds impossible. Love those who hurt us? Pray for those who criticize us? Bless those who wound us?

Not in our own strength.

But when God’s love fills our hearts, something remarkable happens. We begin to see people through His eyes. The sharp edges of bitterness begin to soften. The urge to get even gives way to the desire to show grace.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Jesus proved it. He was rejected, mocked, beaten, and crucified. Yet from the cross He prayed for those who harmed Him.

That kind of love still changes lives today.

Maybe the breakthrough our world needs isn’t another argument, another opinion, or another angry facial expression. Maybe it’s believers who choose love over resentment, prayer over retaliation, and grace over grudges.

So today, let’s pray:

Lord, let Your love break through our hearts, our homes, our communities, and our world. Teach us to love as You love. Shine Your light into every dark place and draw people to Yourself. Amen.

I’m praying for love to break through. Will you join me? ❤️

With All These Conveniences. -- Could I Do Less?

Someone recently asked me how I manage to write and post a blog every day of the year.

My answer was simple: God gave me a mission to encourage others and shine a little light in a sometimes dark world. My platform just happens to be social media.

What a blessing that is!

I can write from my desk, a hotel room, an airport, a cruise ship, a cabin, or even my car. As long as I can find a cell tower, I'm in business.

Well...usually.

I remember being in a cabin deep in the woods years ago with my children. There was no Wi-Fi, no signal, and no easy way to post my blog. One night, I drove several miles through the darkness to find enough signal to upload it. Another time, I found myself sitting outside a 24-hour laundromat borrowing its Wi-Fi.

When that blog finally went live, I felt like I had just landed a spacecraft on the moon!

Today, technology has made things even easier. I can schedule my blog posts in advance and let them publish automatically while I'm sleeping.

Of course, being a creature of habit, I still wake up early to make sure they actually posted!

Then I think about the Apostle Paul.

While I'm sitting in an air-conditioned apartment with Wi-Fi, electricity, hot coffee, and a comfortable chair, Paul was writing letters from prison. No laptop. No smartphone. No internet. No "Publish" button.

Yet his words have traveled around the world for over 2,000+ years.
His faithfulness challenges me.

If Paul could fulfill God's calling from a cold prison cell, surely I can fulfill mine with all the conveniences I've been given.

The truth is, God doesn't ask us to compare assignments. He asks us to be faithful with the one He's given us.

Every day, I pray that something I write will remind someone that they are loved by God, strengthened by His grace, and never alone in their struggles.

And as long as the Lord gives me breath, I'll keep showing up.
After all, how could we do less than give our best to the One who gave His all for us?

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

Our Heavenly Tech Squad

 

Part 2 -- I can’t help myself! My eye-opening experience from a couple of days ago has stirred me up. I am still amazed with that “Clear the Cache” message.

I was being entertained by worry, stress, and lack of faith. But, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watching over me 24/7, I realized I had the finest Support Team in the universe come to my rescue!

Our Best Buy service team aka Geek Squad -- has come to our rescue many times when we have computer glitches. But, nothing compares to our "Trinity Squad" Who are with us -- 24/7.

I know this more than ever -- our loving and caring Heavenly Father doesn’t make light of our frustrations. There I was -- wrestling with claim numbers, luggage reports, websites, error messages, and midnight determination. Meanwhile, my Support Team already knew the solution.

My heavenly squad was probably saying: “There she goes again – trying the same numbers again and again.” "Yep, still the same numbers." "Should we tell her?" "Let's let her take a nap first."

And then, after a little rest – I hear: "Clear the cache." Problem solved.

It reminds me of how often I think God must lovingly watch us exhausting ourselves trying to force open a door that He could unlock with a single touch. We worry. We fret. We analyze. We rehearse every possible outcome. We stay up late carrying burdens that were never ours to carry.

All the while, our Heavenly Father is saying, "Sweet child, I've got this!"

Jesus is interceding for us.

The Holy Spirit is guiding us.

And heaven isn't panicking.

What a comfort that is!

My Helpers, Father, Son and Holy Spirit have become my go-to! We have the Father who loves us, the Son who saved us, and the Holy Spirit who comforts, counsels, and guides us.

That's far better than any tech support team on earth.

I know the beautiful lesson isn't that I worried. We all do that. The lesson is that God was faithful anyway. He didn't withdraw because my faith wobbled. He didn't say, "Come back when you've got this figured out."

Instead, He gently nudged me toward the answer. Isn’t that just like Him?

With all my worrying, fretting, and late-night troubleshooting, I forgot that I have the best support team imaginable. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Maybe, it's time you connect with this team -- I'm sure you'll find none better!

#trinitysquad #Troubleshooting #TechSupport

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Clear the Cache

After waiting eight days for my luggage and helping Carl recover his after ten days, I thought the hard part was over.

I was wrong.

The next challenge was filing a reimbursement claim with British Airways. Every time I entered my claim numbers, baggage numbers, and flight information, the same message appeared:

"The information entered is incorrect."
Incorrect? I knew it was correct!
I tried again.
And again.
And again.

By midnight, I was tired, frustrated, and no closer to success. Carl's claim had finally gone through, but mine refused to cooperate.
The next day, I was still stuck.

So I did what many of us do when we're exhausted from trying to fix something -- I took a nap.

When I woke up, I literally heard: "Clear the cache." WHAT? "Is that YOU, Lord?"

Well, of course it was -- my Heavenly Father cares about what I care about -- and what you care about, too!

My computer had collected months of digital clutter -- old files, stored data, cookies, and who knows what else. I cleared the cache, reopened the website, entered the exact same numbers that had been repeatedly rejected, and suddenly.....

Success! The claim went through.

I sat there, in awe -- laughing and thanking the Lord. It was truly an encounter with THE ONE Who cares about what we care about.

Then it hit me.
How often are we like that overloaded computer?
We keep carrying around old worries, old disappointments, old offenses, old fears, and old ways of thinking. Our minds become cluttered with so much junk and gunk that we can't clearly process what God is trying to show us.

We keep doing the same thing over and over, wondering why nothing changes.

Sometimes the answer isn't to try harder.
Sometimes it's to clear the cache.
Take a walk. Take a nap. Open God's Word. Pray. Worship. Forgive. Let go.

Allow the Holy Spirit to sweep out the clutter and refresh our heart.

David prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

Maybe today is a good day for a spiritual cache clearing.
You never know what breakthrough may be waiting on the other side.....of a nap!

#clearthecache #FaithLessons #MYPEACEZONE

What is that Fragrance?

Once a month, two wonderful ladies come to clean our apartment. They dust, polish, sweep, scrub, and somehow leave behind a fragrance that makes me so thankful God gave me them!

Freshness. Cleanliness. Sweetness. It feels and smells so good.

As I walked through our apartment, enjoying that clean scent, a thought drifted through my mind: What fragrance am I leaving behind wherever I go?

Not my favorite La Vie Est Belle by Lancome. Not air freshener.
I'm talking about what I call “Eau de Christ”-- the fragrance of Jesus.

Thanks to Paul the Apostle for these words:
"Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ..."
(2 Corinthians 2:14-15)

Now that's a fragrance worth wearing!

Scents are powerful. They awaken memories and stir emotions.

I still remember driving past the Wonder Bread factory in Tulsa. The aroma of fresh-baked bread practically grabbed the steering wheel and pulled me into the bakery store.

And don't even get me started on Smokey Mo's BBQ. One whiff and I'm suddenly thinking ribs, brisket, and seconds!

A good fragrance draws people in.
And so does a life that smells like Jesus.

In a world filled with anger, division, worry, and discouragement, people are longing for something different. They are thirsty for hope. Hungry for peace. Searching for genuine love.

When we walk in kindness, offer forgiveness, extend grace, and speak words of life, we leave behind the fragrance of Christ. People may not be able to explain it, but they'll notice something different. They'll be drawn to the aroma of God's love at work in us.

Ephesians 5:2 says:
"Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

So today, before we leave the house, let's make sure we're wearing the very best fragrance available.
A little grace behind the ears.
A splash of kindness.
A generous dose of love.

And don't be afraid to overapply Jesus.
The world could use more of that fragrance.
God's richest blessings on you all today, dear friends. 💕📖🌷

#FragranceOfChrist #walkinlove #SweetSmellingAroma

More Than a Ballgame

Last night, two Texas softball powerhouses stepped onto the biggest stage in college softball. The University of Texas and Texas Tech (Carl's alma mater) are battling for a championship that both teams have dreamed about all season long.

One game down -- one or two games to go! As much as I'd love to see the Red Raiders bring home the trophy, I've found myself thinking about something bigger than the final score.

I've been drawn to the story of Texas Tech's coach, Gerry Glasco.

Like many of us, Coach Glasco knows both joy and heartbreak. He knows what it means to celebrate victories and endure losses that no one would ever choose.

Years ago, his daughter, Geri Ann, joined her dad as an Assistant Coach. Shortly thereafter, she was tragically killed in a car accident. No parent expects to walk that road. Yet somehow, through faith, family, and perseverance, Gerry kept moving forward.

Today, another daughter stands beside him, Tara Glasco Archibald, who is Associate Head Coach on the Texas Tech coaching staff.

What a beautiful picture of resilience. What the enemy meant for sorrow, God has redeemed with purpose, love, and legacy.

Isn't that true for all of us?

Life rarely follows the game plan we draw up. We experience unexpected losses, broken dreams, disappointments, and seasons that leave us wondering how we'll ever move forward. Yet God gently takes our hand and reminds us that our story is not over.

The Bible tells us, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)

Whether Texas Tech wins tonight or not, Coach Glasco's story is already a reminder that some victories aren't measured by trophies. They're measured by courage. By faithfulness. By getting back up after life knocks you down.

And perhaps that's the lesson for all of us. The scoreboard may tell us who won the game, but character reveals who won in life.

So tonight, I'll be cheering for the Red Raiders. But even more, I'll be celebrating the God who helps broken hearts heal, families persevere, and ordinary people become living testimonies of His grace.

Wreck 'Em, Tech!

Surprises Beyond the Gate

Along with fellow Rotarians, we were invited to join Carl's Rotary friend, Joseph, for a day at his ranch in Briggs, Texas.

Joseph and Carl are fellow Rotarians which is a wonderful organization dedicated to serving others both locally and around the world.

Rotary members tackle big challenges through acts of service, whether it's fighting disease, supporting education, providing clean water, mentoring young people, or helping communities thrive.

It's proof that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference in this world.

What we didn't know was that Joseph had a surprise waiting for us!

After driving several miles down a dusty country road, we arrived at a gate. Joseph opened it with a grin that should have warned us something special was ahead.

And was it ever!

There before us were longhorns, cattle, goats, deer, donkeys, zebras, and my personal favorite -- the "zonkeys."

Apparently, somewhere along the way, a zebra and a donkey decided to combine family trees, and the result was something that looked like God was having a little fun with creation!

Soon we piled into off-road vehicles and bounced our way across fields bursting with wildflowers. Joseph showed us deer stands, cabins, and breathtaking views that seemed untouched by the hurried pace of everyday life.

The fellowship was just as wonderful as the scenery. Stories were shared. Laughter echoed across the ranch. Barbecue disappeared quickly. Friendships deepened.

As I looked around, I was reminded of Psalm 19:1:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

Sometimes God's handiwork is found in majestic mountains.

And sometimes it's found in a zonkey.

The day reminded me that life is richer when we get involved in worthy causes, build meaningful friendships, and take time to notice God's creation all around us.

"Let us not grow weary in doing good." (Galatians 6:9)

Sometimes the greatest blessings are found beyond an unexpected gate. A day filled with friendship, service, laughter, wildlife, wildflowers, and God's amazing creation reminded me to never stop looking for His handiwork all around us.

Let's Keep Our Eyes Wide Open

While we were in London, we did a lot of walking. In fact, walking became our primary mode of transportation. But one evening we decided to give our feet a break and take an Uber to a theater.

We chose a comedy called "The Play That Goes Wrong".
And did it ever!
We laughed so hard we thought we might fall out of our seats.

But it wasn't the theater that inspired today's blog. It was the marquee next door advertising "The Devil Wears Prada".

That title stayed with me. Because these days, the devil seems to be wearing a lot more than Prada.

"Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14). He rarely shows up looking dangerous. More often, he appears attractive, harmless, and even helpful.

Many of us have watched friends, family members, and even some churches drift away from biblical truth toward a spirituality that feels more comfortable, more fashionable, and more accepting of whatever we want to believe.

A little astrology.
A few tarot cards.
Some crystals.
A touch of "manifesting."
A dash of "follow your own truth."

It all seems innocent enough.

After all, Adam and Eve weren't hanging around a witch festival. They were standing in a beautiful garden created by God when the enemy quietly questioned God's Word.

That's still his strategy today.
Not loud deception.
Subtle deception.

Peter warned us: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

The good news is that God has not left us defenseless.
He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His promises.

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy "a time will come when people will turn from truth and wander into myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Yet in the same passage, he declared that the Lord stood by him and strengthened him.

The same Lord stands by us today.
So let's keep our eyes wide open.
Let's stay grounded in Scripture.
Let's test every message against God's truth.

And let's remember that while darkness may seem fashionable for a season, Jesus Christ is still King AND the LIGHT of the world.
Thanks be to God!

We Are Wonderfully Complex

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous -- how well I know it.” Psalm 139:14

Isn't that a comforting thought?
God didn't create any of us on an assembly line.

He didn't make us cookie-cutter copies of one another. He created each of us with unique personalities, gifts, quirks, strengths, and yes -- even a few wrinkles, creaky knees, and occasional forgetful moments!

During our recent cruise -- when we had sea days, I enjoyed playing Mahjong with fellow passengers. It's, one of my favorite games -- and especially good for keeping this brain of mine intact!

I've been playing since 2012 and enjoy it almost as much as I enjoy visiting with the wonderful people around the table.

If you've ever played Mahjong -- or even a card game, you know one thing for sure -- you don't get to choose your tiles (or cards).

We play the hand we've been dealt.
Some days we look down and think, "Well, this looks promising!"
Other days we wonder if the dealer is holding a grudge.

Life can feel that way too.
We don't choose our birthplace, parents, talents, or many of the circumstances that shape our lives. Yet God, in His wisdom, has given each of us a unique combination of experiences, abilities, and opportunities.

The truth is, nothing on this earth is perfect. Bodies wear out. Relationships need work. The economy fluctuates. Even the weather can't seem to make up its mind.

But here's the good news -- God specializes in working with imperfect people and imperfect situations.

When we place our lives in His hands, He turns what looks like an ordinary collection of mismatched tiles into something beautiful.

He isn't asking us to play someone else's game.
He's asking us to faithfully play the hand we've been given.

One day we'll stand before the Lord, and He won't ask why we weren't more like someone else.
He'll simply ask what we did with what He gave us.

God didn't create us to be a copy of someone else. He made us wonderfully complex, uniquely gifted, and perfectly suited for the purpose He has for our lives.

Soooo -- let's play our hands well. After all -- our Master Creator gave us skills and wisdom to finish strong!

Heaven on Three Acres

While my website is taking an extended vacation and GoDaddy continues scratching its head -- life goes on -- and thankfully, so do wonderful friendships.

On Friday, we accepted an invitation from our dear friends, Evie and Jim, whom we met through a Tuesday night house church. It's one of those special places where people gather for home-cooked meals, heartfelt worship, and powerful testimonies of lives transformed by God's grace.

After every meal, Evie and I can usually be found at the kitchen sink, tackling dishes, pots, pans, and solving most of the world's problems through laughter.

Evie and Jim graciosusly invited us to visit their home outside of town on three beautiful acres.

What a delight!

They introduced us to their chickens, squirrels, deer, dog, and cat. It was obvious they weren't simply living there -- they were flourishing there.

As they gave us a tour of their home, every room reflected gratitude, faith, and love. Photos, keepsakes, and reminders of God's goodness filled their little corner of the world.

Then came my favorite story.

Evie showed us two beautiful Christmas ornaments given to her by her sister. Inside the wired ornaments were colorful balls inside. Years later, her sister asked if they had enjoyed the chocolates. Chocolates? Evie had no idea there were chocolates inside! She had spent years admiring them as decorations!

As we drove home, I couldn't help but think about what made their home so special.
It wasn't the acreage.
It wasn't the animals.
It wasn't even the beautiful surroundings.
It was contentment.

"Godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)

Evie and Jim have discovered something many people spend a lifetime pursuing. They have found joy in simple things -- God's creation, meaningful friendships, a peaceful home, and grateful hearts.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)

What if we all embraced the little things a bit more?

The flowers.
The birds.
The laughter.
The people God has placed in our lives.

After all, sometimes heaven on earth isn't found in grand adventures.

Sometimes it's found on three acres, with chickens, deer, good friends, and a bowl of "chocolates" that nobody realized were chocolates.

Sometimes the richest life isn't found in having more -- it's found in appreciating what God has already given. Friendship, laughter, creation, contentment, and a grateful heart truly are treasures. #contentment #Godscreation #SimpleBlessings #friendship