Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30 NIV.

Life is full, busy and at times complex. My heart today is simply to express my heartfelt gratefulness to the Lord for His Story in my life. I remember hearing about salvation as a young girl. Watching and listening to my father pick up his guitar and sing an amazing hymn, “In the Garden” with such sincerity and passion, that it made me want to know this Savior as well. I don’t know if I ever told him how much that impacted my life. There was something about his relationship with the Lord that was genuine. When I was nine years old, after hearing the salvation message at our local Methodist church one Sunday, I asked Jesus into my heart.

I remember playing by myself and talking with the Lord. One phrase from the song, is, “he walks with me and he talks with me”. I took that literally! I poured out my complaints, my joys, my longings to Him. The peace and presence of God was so real to me. It seemed to me that one of my other companions as a child, was loneliness. Having someone to share life with was so wonderful.

Growing up we were encouraged to have “quiet” time….a time to read the Bible and pray. My father, once again, modeled this for us. My mother, who taught us many things, did not seem to have the same connection with the Lord. She attended church, sang in the choir, but until she was in her 70’s did not comprehend what it meant to have a “friend in Jesus”. What a joy it was to come home and see an open Bible by her chair. Church was something we did. As we entered junior high and high school, youth group became a strong part of our life. There is something stabilizing to a young person when they can join together with other like-minded youth.

I can’t say I was consistent in prayer or Bible reading during this season, but somehow His wonderful love kept bringing me back to Him and His ways. Up until I was 19, my walk with God was pretty much about me. As a sophomore at the University of Washington I encountered believers who were filled with the Holy Spirit. God asked me this question, “up until now you have had me as Savior, will you now let me be Lord?” That day changed my life. All the scriptures dealing with “if you love me, keep my commandments” became much clearer. I said, yes.

Throughout the remaining years, I discovered I still need Him as Savior, more than ever. My shortcomings are real. The need for repentance and forgiveness is real as well. I am humbled by the cost He paid for my sin, especially when I don’t deserve it.

Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. I’ve begun to see how the Word of Life (Jesus) and the written word, the Bible, are one. The Word definitely has been exposing my innermost thoughts and desires…some in a convicting way, and some are actually quite inspiring.

Jesus is my teacher. He gave me some parenting lessons. (Every time I folded cloth diapers for two, He said: Remember, each of those represents time spent with your children. Don’t waste it! He is my Comforter. He helped me through the first days of Darryl’s passing and still helps when grief days appear. (Yes, they still happen!). He is my Strength and Guide. This week we have been helping my sister get her home wheelchair ready. I’ve felt not only His strength for helping with the physical stuff, but wisdom on how much to do and when. He is my Provider. I marvel how He provides for me, in both big and little ways. He is my Helper. He helps me balance my thinking, gives insight and wisdom where my thoughts are inadequate.

The good news is He is this for all His children. This Easter season, I have been reflecting on what it means to really embrace the fact we have a Savior. I am humbled by His goodness. I am also overwhelmed by His generosity. We are adopted into His family and receive the privilege of calling Him, Abba Father. What aspects of Him are you thankful for?

Father, thank you for really being our all in all. For spending the costly price for our salvation, even when we didn’t deserve it. You are so worthy to be praised, all I can say is thank you. Please forgive us when we treat you so poorly and with less honor than you deserve.. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Two weeks ago I went to a restaurant supply store to purchase some items for a young adult/senior ice cream social that our Senior Life Ministry is coordinating. It is not a place I frequent, so I am not familiar with all they sell. It was amazing how many of their employees took the time to ask me if I was finding everything I needed. Now that happens in other stores, but it was the sincerity of their inquiry that made the difference. Three different employees stopped what they were doing to ask me if I needed help! I felt seen and appreciated. There was something about how each of them asked that put it in the “kindness” category. Yesterday, as I was visiting my friend at her rehab, came to help adjust her IV. As she was leaving, she turned and asked if we would both like a cup of coffee! She took the time to bring it to us! It was my friends first day at this facility and this act of kindness blessed us both.

Acts of kindness necessitates us looking outside ourselves. I’m inspired often by my sisters Mary and Marie and their acts of kindness. Mary purchased a dozen small crosses to simply give to children for Easter. Marie is helping her neighbor with young children by taking the older ones to school. Their hearts are turned outward.

Jesus demonstrated kindness continually. Feeding the various multitudes, taking time to heal the sick, cast out demons and teaching the disciples were all acts of kindness. Kindness actively helps promote the welfare of others in some manner. It sees a need and fills it. It has the possibility to change someone’s day.

But there is an amazing scripture that hadn’t registered in my spirit before, until I did a study on kindness. It is: a man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts themselves. Proverbs 17:11 ESV. Yes, according to scripture, when we are kind it not only benefits others but benefits our own selves! Science actually proves this. They have proven that it reduces stress, lowers our blood pressure, and releases oxytocin and dopamine. It can reduce depression and anxiety. There is a thing called “helpers high” which comes when we help others.

Kindness is contagious. Have you ever held a door open for someone else and watched them hold a door for the next person? Or letting a driver into a lane causes others to do the same. Kindness can cause a domino effect. It strengthens relationships. Families that encourage kindness among themselves are more peaceful and happier. Helping children develop kindness is so well worth it. Some children are naturally born more aware of the needs of others. While others, have to be encouraged to think outside of themselves…most of us I think!

Godly kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is something that increases as we stay attached to the vine. Part of our God’s nature is His kindness. The demonstration of His long suffering shows forth His kindness. The Lord is good to all, he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145.9. Of the course, the greatest example of His kindness is the gift of His Son Jesus and our salvation. When we deserved death, He gave us life. Ephesians 2:7 says: So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

Young children often struggle to be kind to each other. Immature adults often do themselves. When we are insecure, proud, or feel entitled, it is difficult to think of others. Life becomes all about us, doesn’t it? Kindness is definitely not the first thing we think about. Learning to walk in His love, acceptance and grace can help us look for ways to be kind to others. My friends, is it time to ask the Lord to help you learn to be kinder? To be intentional is looking out for the needs of others? It will not only be good for your soul–but also for those you are kind toward.

This is not something we should overlook or under use. Spending kindness takes time. It can reap wonderful benefits that we might not ever see. Unfortunately, being unkind always takes a toll on relationships. It can cost our influence for the Kingdom, something none of us want to happen.

Father, thank you for helping us grow in this area. Learning to be kind can be hard, because we must put others first in our thoughts and our actions. Please teach us, my Lord, in Jesus’ Name. amen.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:5

Our small group read this scripture last night. It was an ouch for me. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had…wow. The Amplified Bible states it this way: Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example of selfless humility].

As we talked about Lordship and obedience, this phrase stayed with me. Paul was writing to the church in Philippi concerning their relationship with each other. I have found, it is much easier keeping my attitude right with the Lord, than it may be with his people! One definition of attitude has to do with: a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior. (Oxford Dictionary).

This is difficult, isn’t it? In chapter 1, Paul writes: For i want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. This was one of his “prison” letters, but written with such joy and love you would never know that he was suffering. Paul’s whole attitude was set toward loving God and loving people. His heart (attitude) was to help them grow and experience the joy of their faith. (Phil 1:25).

Attitude is a choice. To have the attitude that Christ Jesus had is cultivated by wanting it. Our flesh can be so strong. This morning I struggled in my attitude about something. Why couldn’t they see things my way? As I prayed and struggled with the Lord about it, He said: “Those are my children. Not your problem”. Oops. I released them back into His loving parenthood. When I was a young parent, there was a lot of judgment and philosophy’s on so many different issues. Discipline, feeding, sleeping etc. all came with their own set of attitudes, and of course each parent felt they had the “right” way. I learned quickly, I was only responsible for my children and my decision to discipline or not the way I felt they needed. Trusting our Heavenly Father with His kids, is the same way!

Letting go of a judgmental attitude is crucial to have the attitude of Christ. (You know that critical attitude that comes from the place of negativity?) He alone is the judge. Asking Him to “parent” you in controversial matters is key. Searching His Word for His perspective is the best way to discover His attitude about a subject. Have you ever wondered why there are so many different denominations? One day I asked Him. I felt He reminded me about how many different restaurants were in our town. Most of them prepared some form of chicken. From Italian chicken Parmesan, Chinese stir fry, Japanese Teriyaki, they all started with the same type of bird. It depended on the taste of the eater, which one they selected. He said as long as each church prepared the “whole word of God”, it was acceptable. People have different tastes and He understands that. The most important thing is to commit to the church family He leads you to–knowing they won’t be perfect!

Developing the same humble attitude that Jesus had is so helpful when dealing with a critical attitude. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-7. NLT. Learning to serve others is often key to developing a Christlike attitude. The foot of the cross is a great leveler. Knowing the price of salvation was paid for me as it was/is for those I get frustrated with, helps me let go of my attitudes. It is a process and journey to grow to be like Him, but it is so worth it. I am grateful for His patience in my life, and the nudging of the Holy Spirit to remind me to adjust my attitude when needed!

Father, thank you for loving us in spite of our attitudes. Forgive our judgment, haughtiness and critical attitudes that do not reflect your love or care. Teach us to walk in humility with the same servants heart you had, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One, Listen to him”. Luke 9:35 NLT.

Listen to him. Such a simple statement and request. God the Father, speaking from a cloud to Peter, James and John after the transfiguration..interrupting Peter’s off the wall suggestion he build a tent for Jesus, Elijah and Moses. My friends, this is my simple encouragement for today. Listen to him.

Listen to him as you read his Word. Really pay attention to what he asks. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105. ESV.

Listen to him as you pray. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20. ESV.

Listen for the answers to those prayers. Expect him to bring the directions and insights you need. Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great, and hidden things you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3. ESV.

Listen to the sermons your pastoral leaders give. Pay attention to the corporate direction, encouragement and instructions given. Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Psalm 85:8. ESV.

Listen to the still, small voice within your spirit. When you hear it, respond with obedience. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Psalm 37.7 NLT.

Listen to the stops he gives. Pay attention to any warnings he may give. Do not ignore them. They are there for your benefit. I am God, your God who teaches you how to live right and well. I will show you what to do, where to go. Isaiah 48:17 MSG. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26. ESV.

Listen to his loving voice. When you know it is his voice speaking, enjoy the fact that you can hear the voice of your Savior who is also the Creator of the Universe.

When you listen, do not listen with fear. We must listen with faith and trust. Trust he wants to speak to you. Trust what he speaks is important and timely. Trust that no matter what you hear–it will lead you to become more like him. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27. NLT.

It is my prayer that these simple reminders will spur you on to open your ears to his voice. Remember to test the spirits, but know he is able to direct your steps. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV.

Father, please teach us to listen to you. Whether it is through your Word, through others or through you personal speaking to us. You promise you sheep hear your voice. Speak, now my Lord, In Jesus Name, amen.

Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Discouragement: losing hope or confidence , a feeling of being disheartened, dejected, or losing motivation, often due to obstacles, failures, or lack of progress. We don’t like to admit it, but everyone faces discouragement in their lives. It is part of life, but so is victory over it!

Over the years, it caught me in its trap far too long and far too often. The good news is I have learned some hints, tips, and warfare tools that I want to share. Discouragement is an effective tool Satan loves to use against God’s people. He uses it to stop us from moving ahead with God’s purposes. He is happy when he can thwart believers. He uses any tool he can find. Discouragement is often one of those tools.

Sometimes it is so subtle. A small seed of doubt begins to grow and the joy and expectation we had seems to fade. We can still function and fulfill our roles, but it seems harder to do. Failed expectations of ourselves or others often lead to discouragement. It is a natural part of our emotions.

Learning to recognize discouragement it one of the first steps in dealing with it. It used to be hard for me to admit I was discouraged (anything less than perfect you know!) Pride was the root of that. Now, I’ve learned to name it and own it. All people face it, and I had to admit I am part of the human race. Once I identify I am discouraged, I try to figure out exactly where it is coming from. Am I believing a lie from Satan? Did I expect a different outcome from a situation? Uncovering the lie and replacing it with the truth is key to victory. Am I tired and weary? Do I need a snack?

Elijah needed a break and a snack–plus time with an angel speaking truth will help! (Read the story in 1 Kings 19). We may not have an angel delivery system, but we do have the Holy Spirit and His help. Take a break, spend time in prayer–pouring your heart out to Him who never grows tired of listening to His children. Pride makes us feel we can’t come to Him when we are weak, but that is the best time to come to Him. Remember, the Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many trouble, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. Psalm 34:18-19. NLT. He loves to comfort and encourage us, but we have to come to Him. A crushed spirit is so painful and hard. I’ve walked through feeling crushed and downhearted, but I found His faithfulness. He led me out of those dark days and into His truly marvelous light. During one season, I picked up a journal and wrote out all my pain to Him and kept writing till I found my thoughts changing, from hopelessness to hope. Discouragement tries to steal our joy, our hope and then our faith. But our God promises to be close us during those times. Do not hide from Him.

Another tool David found was worship and music. Technology is my friend for this. Alexa, Google and Spotify are easy for me to turn on and worship fills my home. Suddenly, hope is renewed. As the various worship songs play, heaviness falls off and God’s promises and truths come flooding in. The discouraging situation probably has not changed, but my attitude has. Strength is renewed.

The gift of Godly people are essential during discouraging times. Humbling yourself and asking for prayer from other believers can break discouragement quickly. Giving them the opportunity to speak truth and love into your life can be the very thing you need to keep going. God did not make us to live life alone, find a community. Remember what it says in James? Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them. The key point here, is “let them” call. You can’t expect others to know when you are discouraged and need help–nor can you wait till they see it! There is too much to be done for His kingdom for us to fall for the trap of discouragement. Discouragement longs to undermine our faith and trust in God’s goodness, love and power and put our eyes back on ourselves.

Gratitude for what I do have, or have accomplished, or people who have proven faithful is another tip I’ve learned when facing discouragement. And they defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. Revelation 12: 13. Rehearse what God has already done and all the victories where you overcame discouragement. Sometimes I take a big view of history and think about how God has kept the church throughout so many difficult and struggling times. He is not about to quit. We will face trials and tribulations. Some face persecution. There are believers across the globe who are being persecuted in real time with real consequences right now. It makes our small troubles shrink in comparison. Praying for others can break the cycle of discouragement as you release your faith for them.

If a besetting sin is the source of your discouragement. It has to be dealt with. Repent and turn away from it. Admit it to someone else. Join a support group, whatever it takes. You do not have to carry the weight of un-confessed sin. If you have tried on your own to “get over it”, ask for help. Anger, lust, gossip, lying etc. are just some that often are self justified. My husband struggled with anger issues at the start of our marriage. I could tell the soul toll it took on him every time he had an outburst. He would feel disqualified and discouraged. What a blessing to watch the Holy Spirit help him overcome this learned behavior. He is able, my friends. Do not settle.

Father, I thank you for all the lessons you have taught me in dealing with discouragement. I ask you help us keep growing in these areas. I ask you to strengthen our will to persevere no matter the obstacles we face, because you are so able to finish our race. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

I am writing this on January 1, 2026. We have begun a calendar “new” year. I don’t really do resolutions. I have goals I hope to achieve this year. As i think about my definition of new and God’s definition of “new” I see the gaps. My thoughts of new usually include something the same, but maybe updated. I received a “new” sweatshirt, but it was still a sweatshirt–even though it was a new color and design. I will wear it the same way as my “old” sweatshirts. But God’s Word seems to define “new” as a transformation. If we are in Christ, we are new or different creation than we were before. Our old thoughts, complete with our moral and spiritual condition, lead us to death. But the new creation we’ve become lead us to life and godliness. We can look forward to new mercies every morning.

I can see the effects of the new creation I am in some areas. The Holy Spirit makes me aware of the changes I need. I have read through the New Testament letters this past year. Jesus words were very clear. Love one another as I have loved you. John 13: 34. Love those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who persecute you, just as God sends sun and rain on the just and unjust. Luke 6:27. This is heart of the type of new creation God wants us to have. I cannot just will myself to love those who curse me or despitefully use me. I need the power of the Holy Spirit to touch and enlarge my heart.

How does He do it? Often it is by bringing us to these very opportunities! These challenging tests are not easy, but if we want to grow in Him and into all the new things He has for us, we have to trust our Holy Spirit teacher to bring us the perfect lessons to help us grow. The Apostles Paul, John, and Peter all emphasized this need to learn to love one another. It’s written throughout each of their writings. My friends, should we not make it a priority to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our love ability? It is not easy, at least for me. But the more I learn about His love for me, the easier it is for me to love others.

My heart and my mind says I love them, but what about my actions. This is even more tricky, isn’t it? Laying down our lives for others, putting aside our own selfish concerns is challenging. I have found, when I obey the Holy Spirit’s nudging, fruit is born. Not necessarily in the situation, but in my own heart. It is worth it.

What He does with our obedience is in His hands, not ours. It really isn’t. The cost of obedience is sometimes higher than we think we are purchasing. Our old mind weighs the seeming cost, and can cause us to choose not to obey. The cost can be our time, talent, or treasure. In me, it reveals my selfish desire to run my own life. Submitting to becoming this new creation definitely means denying ourselves.

My friends, suppose your willingness to love someone above and beyond, when they are persecuting or cursing you brings them to the knowledge of our Savior? Would that be worth it? Suppose someone else’s willingness to go through those things for others may bring your loved one to the Lord? Jesus said the world will know we are His children by our love for each other. So let’s at least try to love those already in the body of Christ! This may be just for me, so pray for me, please?

Father, we need your help desperately in this matter. We aren’t good at loving each other. We aren’t good at glorifying your name by our actions. Forgive us for our selfishness, lead us into your truth, In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Let love be your highest goal! I Corinthians 14:1 a.NLT

My reading through the Bible this year has brought me once again to Paul and his inspiring letters. I have noticed that in everyone, his emphasis is on how we handle relationships. In Ephesians 4:31, he instructs us to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words. and slander as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God through Christ has forgiven you. He makes it pretty clear, doesn’t he? If we are to follow Jesus, it seems we must pay attention to these types of verses.

I Thessalonians 2:12, We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in His Kingdom and glory. Oh, my friends, I wonder what would happen if we actually took these verses to heart? I am not sharing this to bring condemnation or guilt. I want to remind us how important the Lord cares how we treat one another. The day we celebrate is birth is quickly approaching. From Genesis to the Gospels, God planned to bring us salvation, already knowing the price it would cost Him. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians not to live unto themselves. Instead, he urged them to live lives that God would consider worthy. This way of living is obviously not how our flesh would want to live. My friends, there is so much joy in caring for one another. Recently, I’ve added a visit to my friends in assisted living each week. They have been members of our church for years. Contributing their time, talent and prayers for years. We were not necessarily close friends, but always enjoyed sharing about the goodness of God. Doctors diagnosed her husband with dementia, and he is now in hospice. Having been there with my own husband, I know how difficult it can be. So, fulfilling 2 Corinthians 1: 4, He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us, I go and visit them. It isn’t easy watching his progression, but I know it is much harder for his wife. There is something God’s love does for us when we reach out to others with His love. I told her, “I can’t go through this for you, but I can do my best to make sure you aren’t doing it alone”. Please understand. I am not bragging about what I am doing. I am amazed at the grace God has given me to do it! He will do it for you to, if you ask. I admit that sometimes I am too selfish. I don’t want to love those around me the way they need it. But then, His love convicts me, and I repent and start again.

Proverbs 17:17 says a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Matthew 5:44-45: But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

Luke 10:27: And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.

John 13:34-35. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved, you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

I believe the verses above shares God’s heart on the matter. Asking Him to teach us how to love Him and His people is a high goal. It is not easy, and we can’t do it without His love being shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5). Paul’s instructions in his letters make it really clear on what love is and how we are to show it. 1 Corinthians 14:1 comes right after 1 Corinthians 13; what we consider to be the “love chapter”. The New Living Bible says: Make love your highest goal, the NIV says: Follow the way of love. The Message: Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it. Wow, that’s pretty clear. Love is not an emotion; it is choices and actions. We can do this! Let’s encourage each other to grow in love this coming year, OK?

Father, please help us learn to love you and those around us more perfectly. We aren’t very good at it. Your word makes it very clear that it glorifies You when we live a life of love. You know what it costs us to lay down our lives for others, because You paid even more for us. Thank You for loving us, even when we make a mess of loving Your people. In Jesus’ Name, amen.