Uncategorized

Leaning in

When someone is truly listening, it shows. There’s eye contact. There’s head nodding. A

good listener doesn’t sit back with crossed arms seemingly distant. They lean in to show

interest, presence, connection. I’ve been thinking about the physical gesture of leaning

in. It’s posture that communicates,

“I’m here. You matter. I care. I’m paying attention.”

This Advent season, we celebrate the birth of our Savior — God leaning into humanity. He

drew near…

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call

His name Immanuel,” which is translated,

“God with us.” Matthew 1:23.

He leaned into our world, close enough to hold, close enough to see, close enough to

touch.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the

glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

God leaned in towards you and I individually because we needed hope. We needed

forgiveness. We needed rescue. We needed restoration.

“For there is born to you this day

in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You

will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11- 13.

May we in this Advent season be reminded that God is near. Wherever we are may we

know that – We matter. He cares. He is paying attention. He is leaning in.

Say yes

About four years ago I received a screenshot of my own writing. 

It was from Carol Joy. 

She wanted me to know that a few times a week she would screenshot my devotionals and send them to parents of her students in hopes to lift their spirits. 

She said, “Always keep writing.” 

She didn’t know, no one did, that I had been praying for God to let me know if I needed to keep that part of my ministry going or not. 

But that’s CJ. 

She was obedient. She was a cheerleader. A joy spreader. She was God’s girl. 

He used her every single day inside the four walls of her classroom and out because she let Him. 

She said yes. 

And that’s why she’s leaving behind the legacy that she is. Ashlee Lewis said it best – Carol Joy is a China Elementary legend.

So today, and every day, be a CJ. 

Say yes to God. 

Spread joy. 

Smile big. 

Compliment someone. 

And laugh. 

And because of Carol Joy, I will always continue to write. 

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.” John 1:5

Trusting

Trust Him; He knows what He’s doing!

It’s been seven months since I stepped out in faith. Six months since I battled with the Lord in the high school parking lot when he asked me turn down two jobs I knew that were mine if I wanted them. Boy, did I ever feel crazy for doing that?

But here we are all these months later, and I have felt the Lord whisper over and over, “See, I told you so.”

During these 7 months, I have subbed for a teacher who needed to fight for her life, coached two middle school sports, been momma to my kiddos full time, had two kids break themselves in one way or another, and said goodbye to my Pawpaw.

And NONE of that would have happened the way it did without me first saying yes to trusting the Lord’s guidance even when it didn’t make sense.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ——-

Since 9/11/2001, this has been my heart’s Scripture.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”

I’ve read it a million times. I have held tightly to it when things weren’t going my way. But this time – man, it just hits differently. What I could have missed if I had stayed where I was comfortable…

Do I miss my people? Absolutely. Do I miss the stress? Not one bit.

The Lord knew back in May that this semester would be a wild ride. He knew where I was needed. He knew what would be happening. He knew I would need TIME and that my family would need me. And He knew that I would need those unique moments with 3rd graders at China and middle schoolers at Legacy. And even more, He knew I needed to rest (some).

We have had 5 basketball game days this week…so “some” rest.

He provided a new family that LOVES us. When my baby is on her way to the hospital, they hug me, pray for me, make phone calls and cheer us on. The caretaker is being cared for, and it’s a true blessing.

Trusting the Lord…well, it’s not an easy thing to DO, but seeing how He has moved this past 7 months makes me feel even more confident to do it again. Don’t miss His blessings because you’re scared to take that next step or when it just doesn’t make sense. He sees our tomorrows. He’s already there.

Worry


With the new year approaching comes a lot of change for my husband and me. We’re moving homes and welcoming our first baby, too. These are both exciting things but can also bring a lot of stress and sometimes even worry because my least favorite thing in the world is moving. It can be overwhelming, stressful, and a headache, especially considering I will be 7 months pregnant at the time. My husband can’t wait to move into our new home, but I tend to stress over the little things and worry about how it’s all going to go. 


But my gracious husband daily tells me these words, “God has been so good to us and it’s so evident, so why fear?” And honestly every time he tells me this I start to feel a little guilty because he is right. 


Who am I to fear or worry what the new year will bring, when it is bringing things that we have been praying for? Who am I to fear or worry what the Lord has for us in these next few months when He has already provided all that we have?


We cannot control anything but only how we respond to the Lord’s blessings. 


How are you choosing to respond today? 
Are you going to be like me and start to stress over the little things? Or are you going to be the one who daily knows that the Lord has been good and does not live in fear or worry of what’s to come? 


Remember what 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.” 


And Isaiah 41:10, “for do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, and I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” 


Remember today and everyday that He is a God who is constantly present, who loves His children, and we should seek to know and glorify Him in every thought, action, and response.

Gaze up


I am thankful for God’s TIMING!!!


I want to encourage everyone, to take some time either before or after reading this, to listen to “Always On Time” by Elevation Worship. The lyrics are so powerful. 
The first verse says “I remember, how you provided, how you held me, through the night. I remember, how you sustained me, when you stepped in, to save my life. If I knew then, what I know now, I would be still, and let you work it out.” This brings me back to the scripture that has gotten me through so so much. It’s short and sweet, but some days, it was the reminder I needed to just breathe in His Grace, so I could get through the day.


Psalm 46:10 “Be STILL and KNOW that I am God.”


Even when we’re standing in the middle of a storm with the wind howling and the world feeling unbearably loud, rest assured, that He hears us. He never misses a single cry from His children. In those moments, it’s easy to feel unseen… like our prayers are getting lost somewhere in the chaos all around us.


Sometimes the weight we’re carrying makes it feel like there may never be a light at the end of the tunnel. But the Lord promises us that there always is, 100% of the time. God has never failed, and He will not start with you. He asks only for a heart turned toward Him and a faith—EVEN IF it’s tiny, trembling, and mustard-seed small.


I’ve learned that storms look different in every life. Some people face one massive, category-five storm that knocks the breath out of them. Others battle a collection of smaller storms that pile up until they feel just as heavy. But no matter the size or the number of the storms we walk through, one thing is certain: every one of us WILL face something. And none of us are meant to face it alone.


In these storms, we have to choose where our eyes rest. This is crucial, and it determines our next steps. If we look around (to the world), we’ll see the waves and destruction. If we look within, we can feel fear, and hopelessness. But if we look UP, we’ll see the One who commands the wind and the waves with just one word. 


Keep your gaze lifted!!!


And EVEN IF every step feels painful, and unbearable, keep moving with Him. Do not stop. Do not give up!!!


His Word WILL strengthen you. His presence WILL carry you. His timing WILL prove perfect. And you WILL make it through—not because you’re strong enough, but because He is.💛


“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea”
Psalm 46:1-2


Reflection Question:
Where in your life do you need to look up instead of out, and trust that God is working EVEN IF you can’t see it? 


Today, I encourage you to turn your “what if” into “even if” and watch God work!!! 
If anyone reading this needs someone to talk to, please reach out to me. I believe the Lord allows us to go through storms so that we can help others. I would love to pray with you, talk, or just listen. You are not alone! ❤️


Lord, You see every storm we face, even the ones we don’t have the words to explain. Lift our eyes toward You when fear tries to pull us down. Strengthen our faith, even if it feels small. Remind us that You are our refuge, our peace, and our steady place. Please help us walk through every season with Your Word in our hearts and Your presence beside us. Thank You for being on time, every time. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.


https://youtu.be/H1L6zv_ilzY?si=0UvMW67sX354i7Ta

True thankfulness

In our moments of reflection, particularly during times of gathering, we often feel the quiet ache of absence, remembering those who are no longer with us. Yet, even in this bittersweet space, there is profound cause for thanksgiving. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, encourages us to give thanks always for all things (Ephesians 5:20). Our thankfulness is not diminished by sorrow; rather, it is enriched by the gift of having loved and been loved. We can give thanks for the laughter that still echoes in our hearts and the memories that time can never erase. These shared moments are lasting treasures, evidence of a love that transcends physical presence and continues to shape our lives.

The life of Jesus provides a powerful example of giving thanks in all circumstances, demonstrating a heart aligned with the Father’s will even amid challenge. Before performing the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me” (John 11:41). He gave thanks before the visible manifestation of the miracle, trusting in God’s power and timing. He also gave thanks before the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:11), acknowledging God’s provision even when the resources seemed meager. In these acts, Jesus showed us that gratitude is a posture of faith, an acknowledgment that God is present and active in every situation, providing both for our physical needs and the deep needs of our souls.

This perspective becomes profoundly personal for those of us who carry significant dates on our calendars. Fourteen years ago, our father/ PaPa left this world on Thanksgiving Day. While such a date could easily become a day of somber remembrance, choosing to view it as a moment of profound gratitude reshapes the narrative. We give thanks for the love he shared, the lessons he taught, and the legacy of his presence in our lives. This conscious choice to infuse a potentially painful memory with thankfulness transforms the day into a beautiful tribute, ensuring his spirit lives on not in sorrow, but in the vibrant, enduring power of gratitude.

True thankfulness allows us to embrace the fullness of our human experience—the joy of presence and the pain of absence—and still recognize the hand of God at work. Let us cherish the gift of time we have together, viewing each shared memory as a blessing for which to be truly grateful. As we navigate the seasons of life, may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the enduring power of love and the promise of hope, continually giving thanks for the past that shaped us and the future that awaits, secure in the knowledge that God is good and His mercy endures forever.

Come before Him


November is a month that reminds us to be thankful, but what exactly does it mean to be thankful? Flippantly we laundry list items we are ‘thankful’ for; our family, our children, our spouse, our friends, our jobs, our salvation…the list could go on and on. 


Cambridge Dictionary says that “we use the word thankful when someone is kind to us or does us a favor.” Saying “Thank you,” is also a sign of good manners, like ‘bless you.” When those words are said, it’s often out of habit and not a true heart of thankfulness.


Growing up, the people in my life who were ‘expected’ to be there for me or take care of me weren’t always there. Additionally, I was often overlooked when it came to peers and friendships. When someone showed kindness or time to me, it was and still is monumental to me, because they are in no way obligated to be kind or spend their time with me. The same is true of our salvation. God was not obligated to send Jesus, He chose to, for no other reason than His love for us. Christ didn’t have to die death on a cross to satisfy the penalty of our sins, but He chose to, for no other reason than His love for us. 


Being thankful isn’t just about manners, it’s about heart posture. MANY times in scripture God says to come before Him with thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6 is a command followed by a promise.
 
In a time where we have a laundry list of prayer requests and worries, God encourages us to come before him not only with these requests and worries, but with a heart of Thanksgiving. This posture of thanksgiving reminds our heart and mind that: He’s already been faithful, He’s already made a way, He will always love us, He will never forsake us. Approaching God with thanksgiving tells Him that even if He doesn’t…, we will choose him every moment of every day. Approaching him with thanksgiving puts faith into perspective, it says God I know you can and I know you will even if it doesn’t feel like it, even if I can’t see it, and even if I end up like Moses and miss entering the promised land – I will still choose to have a heart full of thanksgiving.

Gratitude


Let me share when I talk about my upmost gratitude. It’s longer than usual, but worth the read.


I talk about the gratitude pretty frequently now. But just know, I use to hide it. 


Hold on… I didn’t “hide” my gratitude. 


I just didn’t talk about my desert journey. Maybe it hurts less when we don’t bring it to the surface? Or maybe us as humans rather just roll on with life and act like everything is fine. I guess it’s easier to talk about “God moving moments” on the back side. I really want to do better about talking about it in the mist of the desert. He was a faithful Father when the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness, and He is still faithful in your life today. 


I have recently realized the true beauty of bragging on Jesus. I’ve realized how we really should make it known that He completely brought us out of the desert. 


I still go back to that day. The day of bringing our first daughter home. It was November and cold with the sun out. Having children didn’t go any way how we had pictured, but that’s a chapter of our testimony for another time. 


Here is my point for today:


I remember on the drive home telling my husband I prayed and prayed, and it didn’t go the way I prayed for. That confused me, & truly shook me. Why would I ever say that? We prayed fervently for 3 years to even be in this very moment, so know this was not a shout of complaining or disappointment. This was human nature shocked in a moment. I will always remember my husband’s response, he said; “It went exactly how we prayed. We prayed for 3 years to have a healthy baby, and God did that exactly.” 


Then the gratitude hit me. Of course it didn’t go the way I had planned. His hands knitted all of it. He’s the author, not me. 


“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28


I love sitting back and reflecting on every single thing Christ has done in my life. I’m so heavy on the idea of He works all things together for the good. I’m a planner. I have leadership running through my blood. Although I have learned, my life will forever have better plans and guidance when Christ is holding the pen.


Flash forward to today. Oh the thankfulness I rejoice in. We have not one, but TWO healthy baby girls. I could tell you 10 + stories on ways and how the world thought otherwise through both of their stories. I won’t waste your time though, just know God was and always will be sovereign. 


Because of the truth we have in scripture, the way He has shown up in my own life and those around me, I will forever have the upmost gratitude. He’s a good Father.

When I am weak


2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”


This verse reminds me that God isn’t waiting for me to have it all together—He reveals His power right in the middle of my weakness. It’s in our dependence on Him that His power becomes most visible. 


In the moments I feel worn out, unsure, or not enough, God gently reminds me: “you don’t have to be”. When I lose my patience, He offers grace. When I feel unseen, He reminds me He sees. When I’m running on empty, He fills me again. His strength fills the gaps where my own strength runs out. 


So I thank God for every limitation, every shortcoming, every “I can’t.” Because in those moments, I get to see what He can do. My weakness, the very thing I want to hide, is where God shows up strongest. It’s in the quiet moments 
when I finally exhale, in the tears I try to blink away, and in the whispered prayers of “Lord, help me”. He’s right there. 


I’m learning to thank Him for the weakness—because it keeps me close to Him. It reminds me that being strong doesn’t mean having it all together. It means leaning on a God who does.


Thank you God for weakness and giving us the privilege to call upon You to give us strength 

Gratitude


It’s easy to be thankful when prayers are answered, doors open, and blessings are obvious. But true thankfulness is often proven when we’re waiting, wondering, or going through seasons we don’t understand.


1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice it doesn’t say to give thanks for all circumstances, but in them. God never asks us to pretend like the hard things aren’t hard. During these hard seasons, we need to turn our faces towards Him and remind ourselves of how good He is.


Thankfulness shifts our focus. It pulls our attention away from what’s missing and centers it on what remains true: God is still good, still faithful, still working all things together for our good. 


Gratitude is a choice we make daily. Some days it comes as easy as breathing, other days it’s a quiet prayer through tears. But every time we choose gratitude, we remind our hearts that hope is alive and that God’s promises still stand.