Friends Who Stay...

Friends Who Stay...

Life is full of relationships. Some people come and go, some stay for a season, and a precious few remain through it all. If you've ever had a genuine friend—one who celebrates your victories, walks beside you through your struggles, and tells you the truth even when it's hard—then you know what a gift that friendship truly is.

A genuine friend doesn't just show up when life is easy. They stand beside you when life is messy. They listen when you need to talk, encourage you when you're discouraged, and pray for you when you don't have the words yourself. Their loyalty isn't based on convenience or circumstances. It's rooted in love, trust, and a sincere desire to see you thrive.

The Bible reminds us of the value of true friendship: "A friend loves at all times..." (Proverbs 17:17a). Real friends aren't perfect, but they are present. They offer grace when we fail, wisdom when we're confused, and support when we feel alone.

As I look back over my life, I can think of a handful of people who have been that kind of friend. They were there during celebrations, but they were also there during disappointments, uncertainties, and heartaches. They didn't disappear when life became difficult. Instead, they checked in, offered encouragement, prayed, and reminded me that I wasn't walking alone.

Those friendships remind me of God's love for us. Just as a faithful friend stands beside us through life's ups and downs, God never leaves us nor forsakes us. Sometimes He uses the people He has placed in our lives to be His hands and feet, offering comfort, wisdom, and support exactly when we need it most.

In a world where many relationships can feel shallow or temporary, faithful friends are a treasure. True friendship is not measured by how often we talk or how many years we've known each other. It's measured by faithfulness, trust, and a genuine desire to see one another grow and succeed. Those are the friendships worth investing in and cherishing.

Today, I thank God for the amazing friends He has placed in my life. Each and every one of them holds a special place in my heart. I'm honored that they are my friends. I'm also honored to be their friend. My cup is running over because of God's goodness to me in bringing them into my life. What a huge blessing they are. I cherish every moment I've had with them so far and look forward to many more moments with them in the future. I'm so thankful that we know how much we mean to one another. 

If you have friends who have stood by you through thick and thin, make sure they know how much they mean to you. Friendships like that are rare, valuable, and truly one of God's blessings.

Also, ask yourself: Am I encouraging, supporting, praying for, and walking alongside those God has placed in my life? A faithful friend is one of life's greatest blessings, and sometimes God calls us to be that blessing for someone else.

Sometimes, all it takes is one faithful friend to make a world of difference.

Trust Beyond Understanding...

Life has a way of placing us in situations where we don’t have all the answers. Sometimes the road ahead feels uncertain, prayers seem unanswered, and circumstances simply don’t make sense. In those moments, one of the most comforting and challenging verses in Scripture reminds us where our trust truly belongs:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5

This verse sounds simple until life becomes difficult.

It’s easy to trust God when everything is going well. It’s easier to believe when doors are opening, prayers are being answered quickly, and the path ahead seems clear. But real trust is revealed when we cannot see what God is doing.

The writer of Proverbs, believed to be Solomon, understood the importance of wisdom and dependence on God. Yet even with all his wisdom, he pointed people back to trusting the Lord above their own understanding.

Why? Because our understanding is limited.

We only see pieces of the picture. God sees the beginning, the middle, and the end. What feels like a delay to us may actually be protection. What feels like disappointment may become redirection. What feels confusing now may one day reveal God’s purpose in ways we never expected.

Trusting God “with all your heart” means surrendering every fear, every question, and every outcome to Him. It means believing that His plans are still good even when life feels uncertain.

That doesn’t mean we will always understand what God is doing.

Sometimes faith means walking forward without having every answer. Sometimes it means praying even when heaven feels silent. Sometimes it means believing God is working behind the scenes when nothing around us appears to be changing.

The second part of the verse is just as important: “lean not on your own understanding.”

Human understanding can be shaped by fear, emotion, disappointment, or impatience. If we rely only on what we can see, we may miss what God is preparing. Our feelings can change daily, but God’s truth remains steady.

Trust often requires releasing control.

That can be hard because we naturally want certainty. We want timelines, explanations, and guarantees. But faith is built when we choose to trust God even without knowing every detail.

Some of the greatest blessings in life come after seasons where we simply had to trust God one step at a time.

Maybe today you are facing uncertainty about your future, your family, your health, your finances, or a situation that feels heavy on your heart. This verse is a reminder that you do not have to carry the weight of figuring everything out on your own.

God is trustworthy even when life feels unclear.

He sees what you cannot see. He knows what you do not know. And He is faithful to guide those who place their trust in Him.

So keep praying. Keep believing. Keep trusting.

Even when you don’t understand the path, you can trust the One leading you.

Empowered to Be a Witness...

Right before Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He left His disciples with a promise and a purpose:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 (ESV)

Those words were not only for the disciples standing there that day—they still speak to believers today.

Sometimes we feel unqualified to share our faith. We think we don’t know enough Scripture, don’t have the right words, or aren’t strong enough spiritually. But Jesus never told His followers to rely on their own strength. He promised them power through the Holy Spirit.

That same Holy Spirit still empowers believers today.

The disciples were ordinary people. Fishermen. Tax collectors. Men with flaws, fears, and doubts. Yet after receiving the Holy Spirit, they became bold witnesses who changed the world. Not because they were extraordinary on their own, but because God worked through them.

That’s the beauty of this verse. God doesn’t call us to do His work alone. He equips us with His presence, His wisdom, His strength, and His power.

Jesus also gave a clear mission: to be His witnesses everywhere.

Jerusalem represented home—the familiar places and people closest to them. Judea and Samaria represented neighboring regions, including places and people they may not have naturally connected with. “To the end of the earth” showed that the Gospel was never meant to stay in one place. God’s love is for everyone.

Our mission field looks similar today.

Sometimes our “Jerusalem” is our own family, workplace, church, or community. Sometimes God calls us outside our comfort zones to reach people who think differently, live differently, or come from different backgrounds. And sometimes our witness reaches farther than we ever imagined through a conversation, a kind act, a testimony, or even something shared online.

Being a witness doesn’t always mean standing behind a pulpit. Often, it’s found in the everyday moments:

• Choosing kindness when it’s easier to be angry.
• Offering encouragement to someone who is struggling.
• Living with integrity when no one is watching.
• Sharing how God brought you through difficult seasons.
• Loving people the way Christ loves us.

People may not remember every sermon they hear, but they will remember the way someone made them feel seen, valued, and loved.

The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to live differently in a world that desperately needs hope. He empowers us to speak truth with love and to shine the light of Christ wherever we go.

You do not have to be perfect to be a witness. You simply have to be willing.

God can use your story, your voice, your compassion, and your obedience to impact someone else’s life. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, what seems small can reach farther than you could ever imagine.

Giving From the Heart...

There is something powerful about a person who gives freely—not because they have to, but because they genuinely want to. In a world where giving can sometimes feel transactional or forced, God reminds us that the attitude behind the gift matters just as much as the gift itself.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words in his second letter to the church in Corinth:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

Long before Paul wrote those words, God spoke a similar truth through Moses in the Old Testament:

“You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.”
— Deuteronomy 15:10 (ESV)

Even though these verses were written centuries apart, their message is beautifully connected: God cares deeply about the condition of our hearts when we give.

Giving isn’t supposed to come from guilt, pressure, or obligation. It’s meant to come from love, compassion, gratitude, and obedience. God never wanted His people to give with resentment or bitterness. He wanted generosity to flow naturally from hearts that trust Him.

Paul was encouraging believers to support others willingly and joyfully. He understood that cheerful giving reflects the very nature of God Himself. After all, God gave us His love freely. He gave us grace freely. He gave us salvation freely through Jesus Christ.

Moses, speaking to the people of Israel, reminded them not to harden their hearts toward those in need. God knew there would always be opportunities to help others, and He wanted His people to be known for open hands and compassionate hearts.

Sometimes giving has nothing to do with money. Sometimes it’s your time. Your encouragement. Your prayers. Your kindness. Your patience. Your presence during someone’s difficult season. A cheerful giver understands that every act of generosity matters in the Kingdom of God.

The beautiful thing about these verses is that both remind us of God’s blessing. Not because we are “buying” favor from Him, but because generosity aligns our hearts with His. When we give freely, we reflect His goodness to the world around us.

God is not looking for perfect amounts—He’s looking for willing hearts.

So today, give with joy. Give with love. Give without resentment. Whether it’s something big or something small, let your generosity be a reflection of the God who has given so much to you.

Mom is Making Great Progress...

Mom is Making Great Progress...

Mom did sled pushes and pulls yesterday at her therapy session. She has hardly any pain at all now—PT does make it a little sore. Ice has managed her pain quite well though. She’s driving some now too. She’s not doing a lot of driving yet but it shouldn’t take her long to build up to being able to do normal drives again. After her appointment with her surgeon on June 4th she's hoping to go back to her house for a couple of weeks prior to coming back to mine to watch our pets while we go with Tim to USA Weightlifting National's. There's nothing quite like sleeping in your own bed which I'm sure she has missed. 

Next stop: addressing her other knee. Once we’re back home from Nationals, we’ll evaluate our options and figure out the best plan for getting her left knee replacement done.

The Shepherd Who Leads Me Into Peace...

The Shepherd Who Leads Me Into Peace...

There are seasons in life where everything feels rushed, noisy, and uncertain—where your mind is full but your peace feels empty. In those moments, Psalm 23 offers a quiet reminder of who God is and how He cares for His people.

This passage doesn’t just describe God’s guidance—it describes His care. Not distant direction, but close, personal leading. The kind of leadership that slows you down when you’re overwhelmed, restores you when you’re exhausted, and gently places you where you need to be.

Psalms 23 begins with a simple but powerful declaration:

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.”

That one line reframes everything. A shepherd doesn’t just lead—he provides, protects, and pays attention to every need of the sheep. Saying “I lack nothing” doesn’t mean life is perfect or easy. It means that in God’s care, nothing essential is missing. Even when circumstances feel uncertain, His provision is still steady.

The passage continues with a picture of rest:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”

He doesn’t only guide us forward—He restores and refreshes our soul along the way. There are times when He brings us into stillness, not as punishment, but as healing. Green pastures and quiet waters represent peace that can’t be manufactured by effort or control. It’s the kind of peace that only comes when you stop striving and allow Him to care for you, renewing your strength and refreshing your soul in ways only He can.

Then comes direction:

“He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.”

Not every path in life feels obvious or comfortable. Some decisions are unclear, and some seasons feel like waiting in the dark. But this verse reminds us that God’s guidance is intentional. He doesn’t lead randomly. He leads with purpose, even when we can’t yet see where the road is going.

What stands out most in Psalm 23 is not just what God gives, but who He is—a Shepherd who is present, attentive, and faithful. He doesn’t rush you. He doesn’t abandon you. He walks with you, step by step, even when the path feels uncertain.

So if life feels heavy or unclear right now, let this truth settle in: you are being led, not lost. You are being cared for, not forgotten. And even in the quiet or confusing places, your Shepherd is still guiding you toward what is good, right, and purposeful.

Because when the Lord is your Shepherd, you truly lack nothing.

When you can't see His plan, trust His heart...

When you can't see His plan, trust His heart...

When life feels uncertain and the road ahead doesn’t make sense, it’s easy to wonder what God is doing. We pray, we wait, we hope—and sometimes we still can’t see the bigger picture. But faith was never about having all the answers. Faith is about trusting the One who does.

There will be seasons where the plan feels hidden. Doors close. Dreams change. Prayers seem unanswered. In those moments, it can feel like God is silent or distant. But the truth is, God is never surprised by your story. Not by your heartbreak, your detours, your waiting season, or even your mistakes. He saw every chapter before it was ever written.

The beautiful thing about God is that He knows the beginning from the end. While we see confusion, He sees purpose. While we see delays, He sees preparation. Every step you take is held securely in His hands—even the ones that feel uncertain.

Often times God’s plan doesn’t unfold the way we imagined because His vision is greater than ours. What feels like a setback today may actually be protection. What feels like waiting may actually be God building strength, patience, and character within you for what’s ahead.

Trusting His heart means believing that even when life is hard, He is still good. It means knowing that His love for you never changes based on your circumstances. It means choosing faith over fear when you can’t yet see the outcome.

The Bible reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”

That promise still stands today.

Your story is not forgotten. Your prayers are not unheard. And your future is not out of God’s control. Even now, He is working behind the scenes in ways you may not yet understand.

So when you can’t see His plan, trust His heart.
Because the same God who holds the stars is holding you too.

Loyalty Matters...

Loyalty Matters...

Loyalty is one of those things you don’t fully understand until you’ve lived long enough to see both sides of it. You learn quickly that not everyone who is around you is truly for you, and not every smile comes with good intentions. That’s why loyalty matters so much—it’s not just about who stays, but who stands with you when it would’ve been easier to walk away.

Real loyalty shows up in the quiet moments. It’s the check-in when nothing is wrong. It’s the support when no one is watching. It’s people choosing to speak your name in rooms you’re not in, in a good way. Those are the people worth holding close.

But the highest form of loyalty is God-kind of loyalty. The kind that doesn’t change when you change. The kind that doesn’t leave when you fall short. God’s loyalty isn’t based on performance or perfection—it’s rooted in love, grace, and covenant. Even when people walk away, God remains steady. That kind of faithfulness sets the standard for how we should strive to love and show up for others.

And just as important as recognizing loyalty is learning to give it back. The people who consistently show up, support you, and protect your name deserve the same in return. Loyalty isn’t one-sided—it’s built in trust, respect, and consistency over time.

As life changes, circles get smaller. Some people fade, some drift, and some choose different paths. But the ones who remain—the ones who have proven themselves over time—those are the ones who matter most. Don’t take them for granted.

Look out for the people who look out for you. Stand by the ones who stand by you. And remember the example set by God’s unwavering faithfulness as the model for how we love others well.

Because at the end of the day, loyalty isn’t just a value—it’s a bond. And those bonds are forever—something to be deeply valued, protected, and never taken lightly.

Your Life Won't Change on it's Own...

Your Life Won't Change on it's Own...

Life has a way of waking us up to hard truths.

One of the hardest—and most necessary—truths is this: no one else can live your life for you.

No one is coming to rescue you from the choices you continue to make.
No one can force you to grow.
No one can pray, heal, forgive, discipline, or obey God on your behalf.

At some point, we all come face to face with the reality that change begins with a decision.

A decision to stop making excuses.
A decision to stop blaming the past.
A decision to stop waiting for the “perfect moment.”
A decision to surrender fully to God and walk forward in obedience.

The truth is, many people spend years praying for change while refusing to change anything themselves. We ask God for breakthrough while clinging to habits that keep us bound. We ask for peace while feeding anxiety. We ask for purpose while remaining comfortable in complacency.

But Scripture reminds us in James 2:17:
"Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Faith requires movement.

God will absolutely strengthen you, guide you, and carry you through difficult seasons—but He also calls you to action. Noah still had to build the ark. David still had to face Goliath. Peter still had to step out of the boat.

Transformation happens when faith meets obedience.

Sometimes we wait for motivation when what we really need is discipline. Sometimes we wait for someone else to push us when God is already calling us forward.

The life you desire—the peace, growth, healing, and purpose—will require you to let God transform your heart and renew your mind daily.

Romans 12:2 says:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..."

Renewal is intentional.
Growth is intentional.
Healing is intentional.

And yes, the choice has always been yours.

You can stay stuck in the same patterns, carrying the same excuses, repeating the same cycles year after year—or you can decide today that enough is enough.

Enough doubting yourself.
Enough settling.
Enough living beneath what God has called you to become.

Not because you can do it all in your own strength, but because Christ gives you the strength to take the next step.

God is not asking for perfection. He is asking for surrender, obedience, and willingness.

Happy Memorial Day...

Happy Memorial Day...

Today we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and for the freedom we are blessed to enjoy.

Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for the lives given so that others could live in liberty and peace.

Freedom is never free, and today is a reminder of the true cost behind the life we often take for granted.

Today, we also honor the memory of Ronald Keith Neal, a family member, who died of wounds received on April 7th, 1967, while engaging an enemy unit near the mouth of the Vam Sat River. He lost his life at just 21 years old. He served as a Radioman 3rd Class with two years in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam and being assigned to Kilo Platoon, Detachment Golf, SEAL Team 1, Task Force 116 (TF-116), U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam. His sacrifice, along with so many others, represents the deep cost of freedom and the bravery of those who answered the call to serve.

Thank you to all who have served, and especially to those who gave everything.

Wishing everyone a safe, meaningful, and reflective Memorial Day as we remember the heroes who made it possible.