Let’s See Like Jesus

Think about it. Seeing what Jesus saw.
When everyone else saw children as interruptions, Jesus saw future disciples.

When everyone else saw five loaves and two fish, Jesus saw a miracle.
When everyone else saw fishermen, Jesus saw apostles.
When everyone else saw Saul, Jesus saw Paul.

Jesus always looked beyond the present moment.

Yesterday, I shared about the first through 6th graders who put on a rousing performance – after a full week of learning, performing and stepping up to the plate!

We were watching eternity unfold in little voices.
That thought gave me goosebumps.
And then another thought came.

Years ago, someone faithfully stood in front of a Vacation Bible School class and taught this little Dallas girl about Jesus. They probably have no idea what became of her.

They couldn't have imagined I would one day write over 4,500 morning devotionals, touching thousands of lives around the world.

They simply planted a seed. And God grew the tree.
Now I am one of the people planting seeds.
Isn't that just like God?

Paul said it perfectly: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow." (1 Corinthians 3:6)

That's the beautiful mystery of God's kingdom. We seldom see the whole harvest.

We simply keep planting. Perhaps those little children that I spoke about yesterday -- one might someday become the next pastor.
Or missionary...
Or Sunday school teacher...
Or faithful mom...
Or world leader...
Or grandfather/grandmother...

Or blogger...
Who quietly points people to Jesus every day.
We'll probably never know this side of heaven.
But heaven knows.

One more thing makes me smile. Yes, I want to encourage those in my sphere of influence the best I can. AND, I also want to be encouragers of the next generation – to write, to teach, to show up.

Won't you join me?

Planting Seeds That Last Forever

Last week, we attended the finale of our church's Creative Arts Camp.

Now, before you ask -- no, we don't have grandchildren in first through sixth grade! Ours range in age from 19 to 34. We probably looked a little out of place among all the young families – especially because we were smack dab in the front row!

But we wouldn't have missed it for the world. We went because we still delight in seeing children discover Jesus.

For one joyful week, children learned songs, choreography, rhythm, and teamwork while preparing a delightful musical called "Back to the Beginning".

Through energetic music, laughter, and lots of smiling faces, they traveled from the Garden of Eden through God's amazing story of redemption.

Watching those children sing with all their hearts reminded me of something. Long before I understood all the depths of Scripture, someone planted seeds of faith in me.

Vacation Bible School.
Sunday School.
Faithful teachers.
Loving volunteers.
Simple Bible songs.

Those weren't just childhood memories.
They became lifelong anchors.
I can't remember every lesson from school.
But I still remember songs about Jesus.

I still remember Bible verses tucked away in my young heart.
And here I am all these years later, still clinging to the Savior those dear teachers introduced me to.

Proverbs 22:6 says: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Every volunteer, every musician, every teenager helping backstage, every director, every teacher was doing far more than producing a musical.
They were planting seeds for eternity.

Some of those children may not realize it today.
But years from now, a song, a Scripture, or a simple truth learned last week may be exactly what the Holy Spirit uses to draw them back to God.

We should never underestimate what God can do with one seed planted in the heart of a child. The smallest seeds often produce the greatest harvest.

And, oh, by the way -- I don't think the heroes of this story were just the children.
They were the quiet servants.
The teenager who patiently helped a child remember one line.
The musician who rehearsed one more song.
The volunteer who handed out snacks.
The director who stayed late.
Most of them will never know the eternal impact of what they did.
But heaven does.

Groves of Mimosa Trees

This blog today comes from seeing so many Mimosa trees (my favorite tree) right here in Austin. I took a journey back in time – remembering those trees.

"I'm soooo bored!" Was that you when you were child? My mom wouldn’t let me go far in boredom-land.

Mom's solution was simple.
"Go outside and play!"
And play we did!

Our neighborhood became our amusement park. We rode bicycles until the streetlights came on, opened lemonade stands, climbed trees, dreamed big dreams -- and once, my friend and I decided to dig our own backyard swimming pool.

Unfortunately, my dad wasn't nearly as excited about our 5-foot-by-5-foot masterpiece as we were. Evidently, he preferred grass over mud! Imagine that!

One of my happiest memories was climbing our beautiful Mimosa tree.
To me, it wasn't just a tree.
It was a pirate ship.
A castle.
A fortress.

Its pink blossoms became decorations, and the long seed pods became ingredients for the finest pretend soup ever served.

The funny thing is, every time I see a Mimosa tree today, I'm instantly transported back to those carefree summers.

And it reminds me of something Jesus said: "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

Children notice things.
They imagine.
They wonder.
They trust.

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, many of us stop climbing "Mimosa trees." We become so busy making a living that we forget to enjoy living.

God didn't create a world filled with breathtaking beauty for us to hurry past it.
Look for a Mimosa tree.
Watch a butterfly.
Listen to a bird sing.
Remember what it felt like to wonder.

We may not climb a Mimosa tree anymore -- but we can still live with the joyful heart of a child. AND we can let our imagination run wild.
Because growing older is inevitable.
Growing dull is optional.
May we never lose that gift.

I’m imagining – maybe my dad -- somewhere in heaven, is laughing about that famous swimming pool we created. And, maybe he'll have a swimming pool there for me and beside it will be groves and groves of Mimosa trees!

Horse Power

One of the sweetest commitments Carl and I have made is this:
We are adventurers -- on purpose.

We want to keep our eyes wide open.
Wide open to God's creation.
Wide open to learning.
Wide open to wonder.

Let's be honest. We could easily spend our days glued to the television, listening to one discouraging news story after another, or dozing in our favorite recliner while life quietly passes by.

But God created a magnificent world for us to stop exploring it.

This week, we were invited to a members-only premiere at the Bullock Texas State History Museum to see the brand-new IMAX film: “Horse Power”.

What an adventure! For the next hour, we traveled around the globe without ever leaving Austin.

We galloped across the Mongolian steppe with a young girl and her faithful horse. We rode alongside America's wild mustangs, watched magnificent Arabian stallions race across the desert, joined mounted police officers in Amsterdam, visited hospital patients comforted by miniature therapy horses, and witnessed endangered wild horses being released back into their natural habitat.

I sat there in absolute awe -- not just because horses are remarkable.

But because our Creator is remarkable.
Psalm 19:1 reminds us, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

I'd add that the horses proclaim the work of His hands, too!

Every animal, every mountain, every ocean, every sunrise, and every star whispers the same message: "Look what God has made!"

May we never become so busy -- or so comfortable -- that we lose our sense of wonder.

There is still so much beauty to discover.
So much to learn.
So much to celebrate.

Carl and I are adventurers – on purpose! We go looking for the fingerprints of God.

And isn't that exactly what Jesus invited us to do?
To open our eyes.
To notice.
To marvel.
To worship.

I hope that you, my dear friends, will take the opportunity to stand in amazement and say, with us…..”Oh what a mighty God we serve!”

Come Along With Me

Have you ever heard the saying, "Don't just talk the talk -- walk the walk"?

Jesus said it even more simply:
"Come, follow Me." (Matthew 4:19)

Not, "Come admire Me."
Not, "Come agree with Me."
Not even, "Come learn about Me."
He said, "Follow Me."

I'll be honest. There was a time when I loved Jesus deeply but lacked the courage to tell others about Him. I'd gladly invite friends to church, but I secretly hoped the pastor would do all the talking. Fear of rejection kept me quiet.

Then something changed.
I stopped worrying so much about what people thought of me and started caring more about where they would spend eternity.

That changed everything. I truly wanted my friends and family to not just follow me but to come along with me. Let's do this together!

I really don't blog to gain followers for Donna. I blog because I want people to become followers of Jesus.

He's the Living Water. How could I keep that to myself?

The world has plenty of loud voices competing for our attention. But only one voice still says, "Come, follow Me."

The disciples weren't perfect. They stumbled. They questioned. They misunderstood. Yet they kept following -- and Jesus kept transforming them.

Isn't that encouraging?
He isn't looking for perfect people.
He's looking for willing followers.

May our words point to Jesus.
May our lives reflect Jesus.
And may someone someday say,
"I found Him because you followed Him."

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
—1 Corinthians 11:1

Jesus never said, "Come, understand everything." He simply said, "Come, follow Me." Isn't that freeing?

If He had required us to understand everything first, none of us would have qualified! Instead, He asks for trust first, and understanding grows as we walk with Him.

Come on, dear friends -- let's follow Jesus together.

The Delight of a Child

Last Saturday, we celebrated my son Ryan's birthday at a wonderful restaurant, Roxie's, in Buda. Like many parents, I wondered, "What do you buy someone who seems to have everything?"
Then it hit me.

Carl and I begin every morning with devotions and reading God's Word together. Last Christmas, I bought us neck lights because the print in our Bibles was getting just a little -- shall we say -- "fuzzier!" (Aging does have its little surprises!)

Eventually, I decided to solve the problem another way -- I bought us a large-print Bible.
We love it!

So for Ryan's birthday, I bought him the very same Bible, engraved with his name. Between a few jokes about getting older, he opened it -- smiled -- and genuinely loved it.

But that wasn't my favorite moment of the day.

Just before we left home, Carl walked out of his closet carrying a two colorful children's activity books.
"Do you mind if I give these to Bailey?" he asked.
"Oh, yes, I said, and I have a pink bag and tissue to put them in!"

Five-year-old Bailey lost her precious mommy to cancer last year. Yet through the loving arms of her daddy, family, and friends, she continues to blossom into one of the happiest, brightest little girls you'd ever want to meet.

Honestly, I wondered if two little books would even get her attention.
Oh, was I wrong!

She hugged us, then spent almost the entire celebration carrying those books from person to person, proudly showing everyone her treasures. She climbed onto laps, smiled from ear to ear, and filled the room with childlike delight.

Watching her made me think of our Heavenly Father and how He loves it when we approach His Word?

Not as another item on today's checklist.
But as His beloved children, eager to discover what wonderful treasure He has waiting for us.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me..." (Matthew 19:14)

Maybe that's because children have a way of reminding grown-ups how to receive God's gifts -- with joy, wonder, gratitude, and excitement.

Lord, may we never lose the delight of opening Your Book -- and discovering Your love all over again.

Growing older may require a larger print Bible -- but it should never require a smaller childlike faith.

Why the Mob Got Mad

Yesterday, I wrote about how Jesus takes dead things and makes them come alive.

Today, let's see what happened when that actually took place.

The city of Ephesus was known for idol worship, witchcraft, immorality, and the magnificent temple of Artemis. It was a city where darkness seemed to have the upper hand.

Then along came the Apostle Paul. For three years he faithfully preached Jesus Christ and "The Way."

Lives began to change.
People abandoned their idols.
They confessed their sins.
They burned the very things that had once controlled them.

The Gospel wasn't just changing hearts -- it was transforming an entire city.

And that's exactly why the mob got angry. Sound familiar?
It wasn't because Paul was harming people.
It was because Jesus was healing them.

Businesses built on idolatry began to suffer. The influence of darkness was losing its grip. Hope was replacing hopelessness.

Whenever light shines, darkness resists.
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6)

The Gospel has never been merely a philosophy.
It is resurrection.

It brings new life to dead hearts, broken marriages, shattered dreams, weary souls, and empty lives.

The same is true today.

Whenever people begin following Jesus, forgiveness replaces bitterness, generosity overcomes selfishness, peace quiets fear, and hope rises where despair once lived.

Not everyone celebrates that kind of transformation.
There will always be voices trying to pull us away from Christ.
There will always be crowds shouting one thing while Jesus quietly calls us another way.

So let's not allow the crowd to determine our direction.
Let's -- let Christ control The Way!
Because crowds change.
Opinions change.
Culture changes.

But Jesus never changes.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

When the world grows louder, let's draw closer to The Way.

Because following Jesus has never depended on the size of the crowd -- it's the faithfulness of our Savior.

When Dead Things Come Alive

Last Sunday, our pastor, Dr. Jonathan Spencer, shared a message that I haven't been able to stop thinking about.

He told a story about his neighborhood.

Like many communities, there's an HOA that collects dues to keep the common areas beautiful. Yet for years, he drove past flower beds that looked -- well -- less than inspiring! Brown. Bare. Lifeless.

He admitted he'd grumble from time to time.
"We're paying HOA dues -- what happened to the flowers?"

Then one day everything changed.
Almost overnight, vibrant flowers bloomed, fresh plants appeared, and what had looked dead suddenly became beautiful again.

I smiled because it reminded me of something far greater.
That's exactly what Jesus does.
He takes what looks hopeless and fills it with life.

The Apostle Paul wrote,
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Maybe today you're looking at an area of your life that feels barren.
A broken relationship.
A weary heart.
A dream that seems forgotten.

Or perhaps you've been grumbling about the "dead spots" instead of believing God can still make them bloom.

Take heart.
Our Savior specializes in resurrection.

Every other religion points people to teachers who have died.
Christianity points us to a risen Savior who still changes lives today.

He doesn't simply improve us.
He makes us new.

So if you've been staring at the weeds, don't lose hope.
Our Master Gardener is still at work.

And when Jesus gets involved, dead things don't stay dead for long. He doesn't simply improve us. He makes us new.

#deadthings #ComeAlive #mastergardener

When Life Becomes a Comedy of Errors

 

If you know me, you know I have a slight affection -- okay, let's be honest, an addiction -- for QuikTrip's Black Mango Unsweetened Tea!

If I'm driving just about anywhere, chances are I'll stop for a refill. (The refill discount makes it taste even better!)

Last Tuesday, however, my usual three-minute stop turned into a fifteen-minute adventure.

I proudly carried in my extra-large refill cup. The young clerk, on his very first day, smiled and waved me over.

I pulled the handle.  Water.

He assured me the tea was probably "on its way."  More water.

After a little investigating, we discovered the problem.  No filter!

Once the filter was in place, that beautiful Black Mango Tea finally began flowing. Success!

As I headed to the register with two giant cups of tea, the manager smiled and said, "No charge. After all you've been through, it's on us!"

I couldn't help but laugh.  What could have been frustrating became one of the funniest parts of my day

.

Isn't life like that sometimes?

Everything seems to go wrong. Plans get delayed. Mistakes happen. Miscommunication abounds. We wonder if the enemy is trying to derail our day.

We can grumble – or we can trust.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Sometimes our greatest testimony isn't that everything went smoothly.
It's that we chose joy when it didn't.

So please trust me!  The next time your day feels like a comedy of errors, don't throw in the towel.  You might need it to wipe up a little spill.

Or -- wave it in celebration when God turns your frustration into a blessing!

After all, our God specializes in taking life's little mix-ups and reminding us that He is still completely in control.

When frustration, impatience, or disappointment begins pouring out of us, perhaps it's not because life is broken.  Perhaps we just need to let God's Spirit filter our thoughts and attitudes.

This Mother's Heart 🎈❤️🎈❤️🎈❤️🎈❤️🎈❤️🎈❤️

Today is a very special day.
It's the birthday of my firstborn son, Ryan Keith Wuerch -- the young man who gave me my favorite title this side of heaven -- Mom! Happy Birthday, Ryan!

#bestjobever

The day Ryan was born, I discovered a love I had never known before. I looked into those tiny eyes and thought, "How is it possible to love someone this much?"

To me, he was the most beautiful baby in the world. (I'm quite sure every mother thinks the same thing -- and we're probably all right!)

We grew up together. I was a very young mother who certainly didn't have all the answers. I made my share of mistakes, prayed more prayers than I can count, and leaned heavily on God's grace.

Then somehow, in what seemed like the blink of an eye, that little boy became a man. (FYI -- Moms who have young little guys and girls -- trust me -- time flies!)

Today, I thank God for Ryan's compassionate heart, his leadership, his love for his family, and his desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Watching him has been one of my greatest joys.

I am so blessed to be his Mom. But being a mother has taught me something even greater.

If I can love my child this deeply -- with all my imperfections -- how much more does our perfect Heavenly Father love His children?

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)

Max Lucado wrote this: “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Face it, friend. He is crazy about you!"

YES -- God loves us and even delights in us!
"He rejoices over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

So today, as I celebrate my precious son, I'm also celebrating the incredible love of our Heavenly Father Who celebrates you and me! Oh what an amazing Father He is to all of us!

In closing -- Happy Birthday, Ryan! Thank you for making me a mom and for reminding me every day of just how deeply God loves all of His children. That's for all of us! 🎈❤️🎈❤️🎈❤️🎈❤️

Don't Forget to Smile

 

Yesterday morning, I was looking through some of my old Facebook memories and saw a simple post I wrote back in 2010.

It listed seven good reasons to smile. At first, I smiled at the list.
Then I remembered something else.
I had written those words during one of the hardest seasons of my life. But, instead of posting about fear or despair, I chose to encourage others.

And those words reminded me of an important truth:
A smile isn't always evidence that life is perfect. Sometimes it's evidence that God is faithful.

Proverbs 17:22 tells us: "A cheerful heart is good medicine."

Have you ever noticed what happens when someone smiles at you?
You almost can't help but smile back.

It's one of God's simplest gifts.
A smile says, "I see you."
It says, "There's still hope."
It says, "We're going to be okay."

No, a smile doesn't erase grief, solve problems, or remove pain.
But it can brighten someone's day -- including our own.

So here are my updated reasons to smile:

😊 Because God is still on the throne.
😊 Because His mercies are new every morning.
😊 Because someone may desperately need the kindness behind our smile today.
😊 Because joy is contagious.
😊 Because gratitude changes our perspective.
😊 Because Jesus loves you and me.
😊 And because smiling just feels good!

The world has enough frowns. Let's give it more smiles.

We never know whose heavy heart may be lifted simply because we chose to share the joy God has placed within us.

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

So today-- let's SMILE big; SMILE often -- and let someone see the light of Jesus shining through us. Instead of sitting in fear or despair, let's choose to encourage others.

Our smiles never mean we have an easy life.
It means we have a faithful Savior.

I'm reminded of this old Gospel song -- let's live it!
"Smile a while and give your face a rest,
Raise your hands to the one you love the best,
Then shake hands with those nearby,
And greet them with a smile!

 

 

My Way....or God’s Way?

Remember Frank Sinatra's famous song, "I Did It My Way"?
It became an anthem for independence -- a celebration of doing life on our own terms.

But I've discovered something over the years.
"My way" isn't always the best way.

I remember attending a women’s meeting where the speaker handed each of us -- an empty toilet paper roll!

Now there's a keepsake we don't expect to receive!

She asked, "Have you ever quietly 'corrected' the way your spouse replaces the toilet paper because he didn't do it the right way?"

Then she shared how God had gently convicted her. Instead of changing the roll back to her preferred direction, she intentionally left it the way her husband had hung it.

Her lesson? "It doesn't have to be my way!"

What a simple object lesson -- and what a profound truth!

How often do we insist on having the final word, proving our point, or convincing others that our way is the only way?

I've learned that peace often begins where pride ends.

The older I get, the more I ask myself:
"Do I want to be right -- or do I want to be loving?"

Most disagreements are about “my way” – like…..
The best route to the restaurant.
The better way to load the dishwasher.
The more appealing wall colors.
The cooler or warmer room temperature.

Or yes, and even the toilet paper roll!

Every day gives us countless opportunities to insist on our own way -- or to choose God's better way.

Humility doesn't mean we stop having opinions – it means we encourage each other and come to resolutions that work well for each other.

Imagine how our homes, our friendships, our churches, and even our world might change if we were quicker to extend grace than to win an argument.

That's a song worth singing -- not, "I Did It My Way," but "Lord, I Choose Your Way."

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)

Maybe today is the perfect day for us to loosen our grip on having things our way and trust God's way instead.

After all -- there is only one true Know-It-All. And thankfully -- it's not us!

Does YOUR Light Shine Bright?

I was listening to K-LOVE in my car, when the radio host began talking about all kinds of lights.

That got me thinking.

We have a lamp in our living room with two settings. One click turns on a small light in the base, creating a warm, cozy glow. Two clicks brighten the entire room.

And then there's our favorite reading companion -- our neck light! That little gadget may not light up the whole place, but it does a wonderful job helping us enjoy our morning devotionals. Sometimes little lights do big things!

Then I thought about floodlights. They're powerful! They illuminate driveways, stadiums, and parking lots, making darkness disappear over a wide area.

My "aha" came when I thought about our great God Who started light in the first place. "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." Genesis 1:3

And, God created us to be lights too!

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world -- let your light shine before others." Matthew 5:14,16

Not all of us are called to be floodlights shining before thousands.
Some of us are the little bedside lamps that bring comfort to a lonely friend.
Some are nightlights who quietly calm a frightened child.
Some are reading lights, helping others see God's truth more clearly.

And every once in a while, God places someone where they become a floodlight, shining His love for many to see. That's who Billy Graham was -- His light brought millions of people to Christ!

Really -- the important thing isn't the size of our light.
It's whether we're shining.

Our smile, our encouraging words, our faithful prayers, our kindness, and our love for Jesus may brighten someone's darkest day.

Let's just keep shining. Because even the smallest light reminds the world that darkness never has the final word.

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

And, by the way, "God never asked us to outshine someone else. He simply asks us to shine where He plants us."

May our lights keep shining, dear friends. May we help many others find their way to the Light of the World. ❤️

Choose Life

Every day we make hundreds of choices:
What to wear. What to eat. Where to go.

But the most important choice we make each morning is this:
"What kind of thoughts will I choose today?"

God told Moses,
"I have set before you life and death -- choose life."
Deuteronomy 30:19

Those words are just as powerful today as they were thousands of years ago.

I know many people who are carrying deep grief. Others are weighed down by regret, disappointment, or dreams that never came true. Some have lost a beloved spouse, a child, a parent, or a dear friend. Those losses are real, and they deserve to be grieved.

But grief doesn't have to become our permanent address.

Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

Choosing life doesn't mean we stop missing those we love.
It means we refuse to let sorrow have the final word.

It means believing that, with God's help, joy can slowly return.

It means opening our hearts to laughter without guilt, to purpose without regret, and to tomorrow without fear.

I've learned that our circumstances don't always change overnight.
But our direction can.

Every time we choose gratitude over grumbling, hope over despair, forgiveness over bitterness, and faith over fear, we're choosing life.

Today, if your heart feels heavy, ask yourself one simple question:
"What is the life-filled thought God wants me to think today?"

Then take that one thought......and walk in it.
One life-giving thought at a time.
One prayer at a time.
One day at a time.

Because with God, there is always hope.
And hope always points us toward life.

Where Is Our Confidence?

Last week we went back in time as we visited the Titanic Exhibition here in Austin. What an amazing adventure!

The life-sized re-creations, personal stories, authentic artifacts, and even the icy water we touched -- that passengers experienced made history come alive.

Walking through the exhibit brought a whole new appreciation for that tragic night in 1912.

Last year, while on a New England cruise, we visited Halifax, Nova Scotia, where many Titanic victims are buried. Standing there, and now seeing this exhibit, reminded me that every statistic represented someone's mother, father, child, or friend.

The Titanic was considered a marvel of engineering. Yet despite its beauty and innovation, it lacked enough lifeboats, modern navigation, and many of the safety regulations we take for granted today.

It made me think about life.
We spend so much time building our schedules, careers, finances, and plans. While those things have value, none of them can guarantee tomorrow.

Only God can.

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)

Every cruise we have enjoyed has been made safer by technology, regulations, and experienced crews. For that, I'm deeply grateful.

But even greater is the peace that comes from knowing our lives are held securely in God's hands.

Our greatest security has never been found in the strength of a ship -- but in the strength of our Savior.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

The Titanic was one of the grandest ships ever built with tremendous confidence in human achievement, yet it reminded the world that our ultimate security is never found in what we build, but in the One who holds us.

Our God still reigns today!

The Titanic reminds us that no earthly vessel is unsinkable -- "but every life anchored in Christ is eternally secure." (Proverbs 4:18)

Walking Wiser

When I was a teenager, I wanted nothing more than to gain weight. I was so skinny they called me "Beanpole!" I tried weight-gain tablets -- which didn't work -- but giving birth to a baby boy one day -- brought on the weight I longed for. YIKES!

Fast-forward a few decades -- now I celebrate when the scale doesn't move! Funny how life changes, isn't it?

I also remember wearing those stylish spike heels! Let's just say my idea of "high fashion" now includes shoes that love my knees as much as I do!

Life has a way of changing our perspective.
But the biggest changes aren't found in our closets or on our bathroom scales.

They're found in our lives.

Children grow up. Careers end. New opportunities appear. Doors close. Others open. We celebrate weddings, welcome grandchildren, move to new cities, say goodbye to loved ones, and begin chapters we never imagined we'd write.

Change is inevitable.
Growth is optional.

That's why I find such comfort in God's unchanging promise:

"For I, the Lord, do not change." (Malachi 3:6)

What a relief! While everything around us is shifting, our Heavenly Father remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I've discovered that seasons of change are often God's invitations to trust Him more deeply. He isn't just changing our circumstances -- He's shaping our character.

So, whatever season you're walking through today, don't be afraid of change.
Lean into the One who never changes.

The same God who faithfully brought you through yesterday is already waiting in your tomorrow.

And that's one thing -- that will never change.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

He doesn't merely take us through change. He meets us there.
BTW -- I'm living proof of that! ❤️

Sons and Daughters Who Encourage

Have you ever wondered what people would call you if they gave you a nickname based on the way you live?

In Acts 4:36, Joseph, a Levite born in Cyprus, wasn't remembered by that name alone. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement."

What an incredible legacy -- to be known as someone who lifted others up.

It made me stop and think.

Would those closest to me describe me as an encourager? A peacemaker? A giver of hope? Someone who leaves people better than they found them?

The world has enough critics.
It has enough complainers.
It has enough people who are quick to point out what's wrong.

What it desperately needs is more “Barnabases” -- more daughters and sons of encouragement.

Encouragement doesn't require a microphone or a stage.

Sometimes it's a handwritten note, a warm smile, a sincere compliment, a meal for a hurting neighbor, a prayer offered quietly, or a phone call that begins with, "I was just thinking about you."

Have you ever noticed how one encouraging word can change the course of someone's entire day? We may never know the battles another person is fighting. A kind word spoken at just the right moment may be the very reminder they needed that God sees them and loves them.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."

Imagine what would happen if every one of us determined to encourage just one person every day.
Homes would be happier.
Churches would be stronger.
Friendships would grow deeper.
Even strangers would experience a glimpse of God's love through our words and actions.

Let's become known as people who bring hope instead of hurt, peace instead of pressure, and kindness instead of criticism.

May others walk away from us thinking, "I feel stronger because we spent time together."

Isn’t that what encouragement is? Not making people admire us – but helping them believe that, with God’s help, they can take one more step.

Now that is a legacy worth leaving!

#encourager #legacy #EncourageOneAnother

Let's Trade Places

I was looking through my Facebook Memories and saw this handpainting by my dear friend's mother. That one picture stopped me in my tracks.
It shows three children holding the world like a giant ball. The caption simply read:
"Let's trade places. You live in my world. And I live in yours."

Wow! That one sentence made me pause.
It's easy to focus on what's wrong -- that we forget all that's right.

This morning I turned on the faucet, and clean water flowed. I opened a refrigerator filled with food. I enjoyed air conditioning that keeps this Texas heat at bay. Tonight I'll sleep in a comfortable bed, safe beneath a sturdy roof.

Millions of people around the world would gladly trade places with us.

That doesn't mean life in America is perfect. We have challenges, heartaches, and struggles just like every nation. But we also enjoy freedoms and opportunities that many only dream about.

Most of all, we have the freedom to worship God, open His Word, gather with fellow believers, and share the hope of Jesus.

James reminds us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above." (James 1:17)

Gratitude changes the way we see life. Instead of dwelling on what we don't have, it opens our eyes to the abundance God has already provided.

Today, let's thank Him for our families, our friends, our health, our homes, and the opportunities He has placed before us.

And while we're counting our blessings, let's also remember those who would gladly trade places with us. May our grateful hearts move us to pray, to give generously, to serve faithfully, and to love compassionately.

After all -- the greatest blessing isn't simply living in a place of abundance.

It's living each day with a heart that recognizes the Giver of every blessing.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."
(Psalm 103:2)

#soblessed #sothankful #countyourblessingseveryday

Please Do Not Feed the Fears

While scrolling the other day, I came across a sign that made me stop and smile:

"Please Do Not Feed the Fears." Isn't that clever?

We've all seen signs that say, "Do Not Feed the Animals." Apparently, fear can become a pretty hungry creature too!

Fear is a lot like a stray cat.

If we feed it today, it'll be back tomorrow -- and the next day -- and before long, it brings all its friends!

Faith works the opposite way.

The more we feed it, the stronger it becomes until, one day, fear doesn't disappear -- but it no longer gets to sit at the head of the table.

If we constantly feed our minds with worry, bad news, "what-ifs," and worst-case scenarios, fear grows stronger. But when we feed our hearts with God's Word, worship, prayer, and His promises, our faith begins to flourish.

I've lived long enough to know life isn't always easy. There have been seasons of heartbreak, unanswered questions, financial concerns, loss, and unexpected detours. Yet through every chapter, God has proven Himself faithful. Looking back, I can honestly say my greatest trials became my greatest teachers because they taught me to trust the One who never changes.

Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: "Fear not, for I am with you. -- I will strengthen you and help you."
Notice God doesn't say, "You won't have trouble." He says, "You won't face it alone."

That changes everything.

I still chuckle when I think about how often we feed our fears a five-course meal while giving our faith only a cracker! Maybe it's time to reverse the menu.

Today, let's feast on God's promises instead of tomorrow's possibilities.
Turn on worship music.
Read His Word.
Talk to your Heavenly Father.
Remember His faithfulness.

The more we feed our faith, the less room fear has to grow.
So here's today's reminder:

PLEASE....do not feed the fears.
Let's feed our faith instead.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

#donotfeedfear #FeedOurFaith #GodsFaithfulness

Don't Miss the Exit

Have you ever missed an exit, taken a wrong turn, or ended up exactly where you thought you were supposed to be -- only to discover you were one level off?

I smiled this week as I reread my journal from last year.

Carl and I had just landed in Denver, Colorado where dear friends were picking us up at the airport. We collected our luggage, called to let them know we were outside, and waited -- and waited -- and waited.

They were there.
So were we.

The only problem? We were on the upper level, and they were waiting on the lower level!

Once we figured it out, we all had a good laugh. No harm done. We were simply in the right airport -- but the wrong place.

Life can be like that.

Sometimes we miss an exit, take a detour, or listen to the wrong voice. We become distracted by the noise around us and lose sight of the One who knows the way.

That's why these words from Isaiah caught my heart:
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" (Isaiah 30:21)

What a promise!

The Holy Spirit is our faithful Guide -- not just when life is easy, but when we've taken a wrong turn or can't seem to find our way.

One of my favorite ways to tune in to His voice is through worship. Nearly every morning, while I'm exercising, Scripture-filled songs fill my heart and quiet the competing voices around me. As I worship, His peace settles over me, and His direction becomes wonderfully clear.

The world is noisy.
God's voice is steady.

Today, let's turn down the volume of fear, distraction, and worry -- and turn up the voice of our Good Shepherd.

He still knows the way.

And if we've missed an exit? His grace is always big enough for a U-turn.

#faithfulguide #GoodShepherd #GodsVoice