“I can do it, I can do it!”
Those were my exact words, directed to my dad as a child, while I stood clenching a fishing rod, on the bank of a lake in the Rocky Mountains. I’d watched my dad’s technique so many times I was sure I could cast into the lake and catch a big trout.
Normally I keep my Bible right by my bed. I know it does not have magical power, but I like having it near. Having it right there certainly does make it easier to grab and jump right in to reading the wisdom filling it.
Sometimes the tiniest little detail catches my eye. I noticed this morning that when the Bible says, “this is what the Lord says” or “declares the Lord”, quotation marks hug the words He speaks.
Do you ever shout? Well, did you know that God commands us to shout? Our verse for today is only one of many times that God says, "Shout for joy!"
I had the privilege of keeping my grandson two days a week this summer. Of course, he did too many cute things to list here, but one such thing he repeated several times.
This summer my youngest daughter learned how to jump off the diving board. She would approach the diving board with her head held high, full of assurance that she was just as big as those kids around her.
I am, and always will be, a daddy’s girl. Even though my precious dad is in heaven now, I have so many fond memories of our time together. One of my favorites was our fishing trips together. He would get my uncle’s boat and truck and off to the lake we would go. Growing up in Louisiana you had some of the best fishing spots.
When I look in the mirror, I sometimes imagine the girl I used to be. The girl who had to have her hair braided just right to cheer at the high school football games and the little cuts from my braces on my lips when I smiled.
I love wind chimes. The soft music they make as the wind blows is so soothing to me. I live around several people who have wind chimes and, as the wind blows, the chimes play such a beautiful symphony.
It happened so quick I don’t think either one of us knew what happened. I came home from work one day, and as a opened the gate to my back patio suddenly something heavy and furry fell on my head. It was a squirrel! He quickly made his jump from my head to the fence.
If you are in ministry—whether leading, teaching, serving, or simply showing up—remember this: one day, someone else will carry the work forward. How are you preparing for that handoff? How can you support those who come after you
What’s your default reaction when you're exhausted, frustrated, or in crisis?
For me, it’s chocolate. It always seems to help—at least in the moment!
When was the last time you were genuinely afraid as you faced an enemy? As I write this, someone dear to me is walking through a storm stirred up by adversaries. Thankfully, she is surrounded by an army of prayer warriors, lifting her and the situation before the Lord. Still, facing enemies is never easy—it’s painful and deeply unsettling.
Wouldn't it be an incredible affirmation to hear God say about you, She did everything just as I commanded? Exodus 40 highlights this very commendation for Moses' diligent work in setting up the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among His people in the wilderness.
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
Do you detect the urgency and excitement in these questions? If someone said that to me, I would want to know more. What information might the person have that I did not? I would definitely listen to what was said next.
Moses wondered how he could keep going. God had shown up in miraculous ways for Moses and the Israelites. With God’s help, Moses had performed signs and wonders before Pharaoh, led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, crossed the Red Sea on dry land, and provided manna, quail and water in a barren wilderness.
A clip of a reality courtroom program came up on my social media feed. A cute little dog was involved so I had to watch it. Both the defendant (a woman) and the plaintiff (a man) claimed that the dog belonged to them, and they both provided supporting documentation.
At the beginning of the year, I buy an appointment book to keep me organized. This is my attempt at time management, which I’ve never been adept at.
