Why I'm Not Worried

With the way our country is heading, I take great comfort in this: God never loses a battle.

Not once do you ever read in the Bible that God loses a battle. Not once!

That's pretty significant.

God meets us where we are, and He's there to guide us through everything life throws our way.

There's never a moment that He's not with His children. We matter more to Him than anything in this world. His plans for us are good plans. We never walk through this life alone.

No matter what challenges (battles) I face, I know He will be right there with me, every step of the way, helping me just as He always has.

There's so much peace in knowing, and I mean really knowing, that God is with you no matter what.

I've had so many times in my life when I've felt alone, and God has reassured me that I'm not alone, even when it may feel that way, because He is with me. He leads me. Helps me. Comforts me. Keeps me safe.

When I think about Him, I picture Him like a father with open arms who holds me when I need holding. I can recall times in my life when I felt Him so close that it was almost as if I could feel His arms around me. It might sound unbelievable, but it's true.

God has been there for me in so many ways throughout my life that, when I think about them all, I am in awe of Him.

He has touched my life so deeply that no amount of anything in this world could ever keep me from believing in Him.

He is my world. My everything.

My life wouldn't be where it is today without His loving, fatherly touch on my life.

I can't say enough about all that He means to me and all that He's done for me.

I just want to shout it:

And not only to me, but to my husband and son, too. He's truly watched over us, and there aren't enough thank-yous I could ever say to convey the depth of gratitude I have in my heart. If it could explode out of my chest, it would.

So, no matter what happens in our country or in this crazy, messed-up world we live in, I know that God will not lose the battle!

That doesn't mean we won't face battles, uncertainty, or moments when we don't understand what's happening around us. It means we don't have to face any of it without Him. Our hope isn't in who is leading this country, what is happening in this world, or what tomorrow may bring. Our hope is in the One who has always been, and always will be, in control. And that, my friends, is why I'm not worried.

You might have to click on the image in order to really read it.

Understanding Someone Else's Perspective

Taking the time to understand someone else's perspective means being willing to recognize that we don't have to debate everything they say, especially when something affects them more deeply than it affects us.

Being humble enough to listen isn't always easy, but it can make such a big difference in someone else's life.

Sometimes it's about being willing not to point out someone's shortcomings or cause them additional pain. It's about choosing not to dismiss their experiences or, in some cases, their humanity. Instead, it's taking the time to understand what they have been through or what they may currently be facing. Showing a little empathy and compassion can make all the difference in someone's life.

It can be utterly game-changing for them and maybe even for you as you realize that you don't always have to debate someone or have the last word. Sometimes, you just need to be there and listen.

A verse God has kept ever before me, because let's face it, I need it, is James 1:19, which reminds us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

For me, that's easier said than done. I miss the mark on this more often than I'd like to admit and find myself having to ask for forgiveness quite frequently.

When I look at the quote above, I'm reminded of three things:

1. Empathy.

Just because something doesn't affect me personally doesn't mean it doesn't deeply affect someone else. I don't always understand the weight someone else is carrying.

2. Perspective.

We all experience circumstances differently. What might seem like a simple discussion or disagreement to me could touch a very painful part of someone else's life.

3. Humility.

Being able to remain calm doesn't automatically make me more knowledgeable, objective, or right. Sometimes I simply haven't experienced what someone else has.

God is continually challenging me to grow in empathy and understanding. He's reminding me how important it is to be slow to judge others because, truthfully, I don't always know what someone else might be going through.

I think we could all benefit from being a little more mindful of how we approach others, especially when their experiences are different from our own.

We don't have to agree with everyone to show them compassion. We don't have to understand everything someone has experienced to acknowledge that their feelings and experiences matter.

Sometimes the greatest thing we can offer someone isn't an opinion, an argument, or an explanation. It's simply a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and the willingness to understand.

After all, we never know just how much our words can affect someone else. Sometimes, choosing to listen instead of debate can make a difference far greater than we'll ever realize.

As we head into the holiday season, may we all be a little more mindful of others and what they may be going through. We never know when simply being present, taking the time to listen, and showing a little empathy might make all the difference in someone's life.

Disappointing Polls

Disappointing Polls

The picture above is just a graph. It has nothing to do with yesterday's results.

I woke up this morning to disappointing news about how the midterm elections turned out. It saddened my heart greatly to see the direction our country appears to be heading based on the way people voted.

I believe we did our country a huge disservice with our votes in these midterm elections. As an American who believes in the principles this country was founded upon, I want to see us moving forward, not backward. I want to see a country that values freedom, personal responsibility, constitutional rights, individual liberties, strong families, fiscal responsibility, and the opportunities that have made America what it is.

Unfortunately, I fear we're moving further away from many of those principles.

Historically, when our country moves in a direction that places more power in the hands of government, increases unnecessary spending, weakens personal freedoms, and loses sight of individual responsibility, I don't believe the results are good for everyday Americans. We eventually feel the consequences in our homes, our communities, our pocketbooks, and our everyday lives.

I feel for us all because we are the ones who ultimately have to live with the decisions being made. Politicians make promises, campaign on what they think people want to hear, and play political games to secure our votes. But when the campaigning is over, it's everyday Americans who are left dealing with the consequences.

And let's talk about voter turnout.

It wasn't what it needed to be, and unfortunately, that seems to happen so often with midterm elections. People recognize the importance of presidential elections, but when midterms roll around, participation often drops. Then we wonder how the political landscape changed so dramatically and why so many of the gains we worked toward are lost.

Our votes matter. Every election matters. We cannot expect to preserve the things that make this country great if we aren't willing to participate in the process. We cannot sit back, ignore what's happening, and then wonder why things aren't going in the direction we hoped.

I also think we've allowed politics to become far too divisive. While I have strong conservative values and convictions, I recognize that not everyone sees things the same way. That's part of living in a free country. We should be able to disagree without losing sight of the bigger picture.

However, having different opinions doesn't mean we should stop standing up for what we believe is right. Our constitutional freedoms, the principles of limited government, the importance of personal accountability, and the ability to pursue the American dream are worth standing up for.

I want future generations to inherit a country where hard work is valued, freedom is protected, opportunities are available, families can thrive, and people aren't constantly looking to the government to solve every problem.

I want to see America remain a place where individual freedoms matter, where our leaders are accountable to the people, and where the government remembers that it works for us, not the other way around.

It matters not which side of the political aisle you're on when it comes to the consequences of poor leadership and poor decisions. We all have something at stake. When our economy struggles, families feel it. When freedoms are threatened, everyday Americans are affected. When our country becomes increasingly divided, we all lose something.

And that's what makes these results so disappointing to me.

I don't expect everyone to agree with my perspective, and I'm certainly not suggesting that one political party gets everything right. But I do believe we need to take a serious look at the direction our country is heading and ask ourselves what kind of America we want to leave behind for our children and grandchildren.

I still believe in America. I believe in what this country can be, what it has stood for, and what it can accomplish when we get back to the principles that made it strong.

But loving our country also means being willing to speak up when we don't like the direction it's taking.

We cannot afford to become complacent. We cannot afford to stop paying attention. And we certainly cannot afford to take our freedoms for granted.

America is worth standing up for, and the future of our country is worth caring about.

Love Yourself

Loving yourself is easier said than done.

Sometimes we're so busy taking care of everyone else, meeting expectations, trying to get everything done, and dealing with whatever life throws our way that we forget something pretty important: We need to take care of our own hearts, too.

We need to learn to appreciate our own efforts, celebrate our own progress, forgive ourselves for our mistakes, and give ourselves the same kindness and grace that we so often extend to others.

We need to remember that our worth isn't determined by how much we accomplish, how many people approve of us, how we look, or how well we measure up to someone else's expectations.

Our worth was established by the One who created us.

You are valuable. You are loved. You matter. And you don't have to earn your worth because God already considers you worth loving.

God accepts you right where you are. He loves you just as you are, but He loves you far too much to leave you there. He desires so much more for your life than simply getting by. He wants you to grow, to heal, to experience His goodness, and to become the person He created you to be.

Think about that for a moment.

God knew you before you were ever formed in your mother's womb. He knew your days before you lived a single one of them. He knows your struggles, your hurts, your mistakes, your dreams, and even the things you have difficulty seeing in yourself.

And yet He loves you!

His plans and purposes for your life are greater than anything you could ever imagine for yourself.

Why can I say all of this with so much confidence?

Because I'm living proof that God can take a life that feels completely broken and turn it into something beautiful.

I've lived it. I've experienced it firsthand.

There was a time in my life when I didn't know how to love myself, didn't recognize my own worth, and couldn't see a way forward. I had been through more trauma in my younger years than I knew how to process. I didn't have the help I desperately needed, and eventually I found myself in a very dark place.

Before God truly changed my life, I was such a mess. I couldn't see straight, and honestly, I had lost my will to live. I had even made a plan to end my life.

But God!

He placed some wonderful Christians in my life who became instrumental in helping me find the path toward healing. Their willingness to be there, to care, and to help opened doors that I couldn't have opened on my own.

What began with local counseling close to home eventually led to residential counseling away from home. It was there that some of the deepest work of healing began. God used the people He had placed around me, along with the help I received, to put me in the right place at the right time.

It absolutely rocked my world!

My life changed in ways I never could have imagined. I went from being someone who didn't want to live to someone who genuinely loves life. Someone who loves her family, appreciates the blessings God has placed in her life, and loves God more than anything else.

Do I have everything figured out? Absolutely not! I'm still growing, still learning, and still discovering things about myself along the way. But I'm no longer the person I once was, and I am forever grateful for what God has done in my life.

If not for Him, there is no telling where I would be today.

And that's why I want to encourage anyone who struggles with loving themselves or recognizing their own worth.

Don't let your past define you. Don't allow the mistakes you've made, the hurt you've experienced, or the opinions of others to convince you that you're somehow less valuable.

You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. You are not the things that have happened to you.

You are someone God created, someone He loves, and someone whose life has purpose.

Sometimes learning to love yourself means giving yourself permission to heal. Sometimes it means accepting help when you need it. Sometimes it means forgiving yourself and moving forward instead of continually beating yourself up over things you cannot change.

And sometimes it simply means looking in the mirror and reminding yourself that you matter, even on the days when you don't feel like you do.

If God can take someone like me, who had reached a point where she no longer wanted to live, and help her discover a life filled with love, purpose, and hope, just imagine what He can do in someone else's life!

So the next time you question your worth, remember this:

You don't have to wonder whether you matter. You don't have to earn God's love. You don't have to become someone else to be worthy of love.

God already knows you. God already loves you. And He has a purpose for your life.

So give yourself a little grace. Appreciate the person God created you to be. Keep growing, keep healing, and don't give up on the life He has given you.

Because you matter. Your life matters. And the answer to whether you are worthy of love is a great big YES!

Healing Takes Courage

I've had the opportunity, and probably you have too, to walk this quote out in my own life and alongside loved ones.

Life has certainly had its share of ups and downs for me. I've had plenty of curveballs thrown my way over the years. I'm sure there are some people who go through life with very few interruptions to their routines, but I'm definitely not one of those people! 😂

More recently, though, I've found myself walking alongside loved ones as they've gone through their own physical healing journeys. My mom with her more recent surgeries and Tim with his elbow surgery are two examples that come to mind.

I'm here to tell you that healing most definitely takes courage. And we all have courage within us, even if we sometimes have to dig deep to find it.

I've watched my mom more than once as she's worked through the healing process following surgeries related to her arthritis. It takes a special kind of courage to face those challenges time and again. She's a trooper, for sure!

Then there's Tim and his most recent elbow surgery. There's just something about watching your child go through the process of healing from an injury. No matter how significant the injury might be, the feelings you experience as a parent are much the same. You just wish you could take it all away from them. You wish you could twitch your nose like Elizabeth Montgomery on Bewitched and magically make everything better. Wouldn't that be nice? But that's not real life.

I've been there every step of the way with both my mom and Tim as they've navigated their healing journeys. For Mom, as she gets older, it sometimes seems like her healing journey never ends because there's always another challenge to overcome. For Tim, it's been more of an injury-by-injury situation, with some downtime between the challenges he's faced.

I've walked through so much of it with them, though, and in some ways, I feel like I've experienced a little of their healing journeys myself. When you love someone, you don't just watch what they're going through. You feel it right alongside them.

Of course, I've also had my own physical healing to deal with recently. I've been healing from an infection following a tick bite. It's been a little scary because there are so many things that can potentially happen as a result of tick bites. Having to keep a close watch on my health for 30 days to make sure there aren't any additional issues is a bit of a pain. It means being more aware of things than I normally would be and paying attention to changes I might otherwise overlook.

And then there's emotional healing.

That's the kind of healing that isn't visible to others. It often has a depth to it that's difficult to put into words. I've experienced that kind of healing too. Sometimes things from our past, or circumstances we've walked through, have a way of resurfacing. Just when we think we've moved beyond something, we find ourselves having to work through it again.

Emotional healing can sometimes feel like a never-ending process. There aren't always visible signs of progress, and sometimes the hardest battles are the ones nobody else knows we're fighting.

But here's something I've come to appreciate: Healing takes courage, no matter what kind of healing we're facing.

It takes courage to get up and face another day when your body is hurting. It takes courage to keep going when recovery feels slow. It takes courage to face the things that have hurt us emotionally and allow ourselves to work through them rather than simply push them aside.

And sometimes, it takes courage just to admit that we need healing in the first place.

I believe that God gives us the courage and strength we need to walk through these seasons of life. He doesn't promise that every journey will be easy or that healing will happen on our timetable. But He does promise to be with us along the way. We don't have to figure it all out on our own.

God can use even the difficult seasons of our lives to grow us, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to Him. He can take the things we've walked through and use them for our good and His glory.

More than anything, I give God the glory for all He's done in my life and for everything He's brought me through to bring me to where I am today. I'm thankful that I'm walking with Him, continually growing in my relationship with Him, and doing my best to live the way He wants me to live and do the things He wants me to do.

I'm so thankful for His goodness and mercy toward me. I'm thankful for the time I have to spend growing in Him through His Word, prayer, Bible studies, and reading Christian living books. We have so many wonderful resources available to help us grow in our faith and navigate the different seasons of life.

The more I grow in Him, the more I realize just how much I need Him. And that's okay! We were never meant to walk through life in our own strength.

So, whether you're facing physical healing, emotional healing, or walking alongside someone you love as they navigate their own healing journey, remember that it takes courage.

Sometimes that courage is easy to find. Other times, we have to dig a little deeper.

But, it's there.

Healing takes courage, but we don't have to find that courage all by ourselves. God is right there with us, every step of the way!

Your Faith Voice

"Your faith voice is what brings true adventure into your life!"

I saw this quote posted by a man of God whom I have so much respect for. I have grown tremendously in my own faith walk through his teachings over the years.

I've been pondering this quote for several days now, and the more I think about it, the more I realize just how much meaning there is behind those few words.

Your faith voice.

What does that really mean? Is it simply the words we speak, the things we say about God, or the encouragement we offer to others? Or is it something much deeper?

I believe it's all of those things, but I also believe our faith voice is reflected in how we live our lives. It's what comes out of us when life doesn't go according to plan. It's how we respond when things are uncertain, when we're faced with challenges, when we don't have the answers, and when we have to trust God with things that are completely outside of our control.

It's easy to talk about faith when everything is going well. It's easy to say God is good when we're standing on the mountaintop and everything seems to be falling into place. But what about those valleys? What about the seasons when we are waiting, praying, questioning, and trying to figure out what God is doing?

That's when our faith voice really matters.

Over the years, I've learned that walking with the Lord doesn't mean having everything figured out. In fact, sometimes it seems like just when I think I have things figured out, God reminds me that I'm not the one in control!

And honestly, that's part of the adventure.

When I look back over my life, I can see so many times when things didn't unfold the way I expected. There have been seasons of uncertainty, unexpected circumstances, difficult decisions, and things that required me to trust God beyond what I could see in front of me.

I've also learned that faith isn't necessarily about knowing what the next chapter holds. It's about knowing Who holds the next chapter.

I think sometimes we get so caught up in wanting God to show us the entire picture that we forget He often asks us to trust Him one step at a time. We want the roadmap, the timeline, and maybe even a little reassurance that everything is going to turn out exactly how we hope it will.

But that's not always how He works.

Sometimes He simply asks us to take the next step.

Sometimes that step requires obedience. Sometimes it requires patience. Sometimes it means letting go of something we've been holding onto. And sometimes it means standing firm in what we know to be true about God, even when our circumstances are trying to tell us something different.

That's where our faith voice comes into play.

I don't want my faith to be something I only talk about. I want it to be evident in the way I live. I want my first response to life's challenges to be prayer rather than worry. I want to be someone who encourages others, speaks life, and points people toward the Lord. I want my decisions to reflect that I trust Him, even when I don't understand what He's doing.

Does that mean I always get it right? Absolutely not!

I'm human, and there are times when worry, frustration, and questions get the better of me. There are times when I have to stop, take a step back, and remind myself of what I already know about God's faithfulness.

But that's part of growing in our faith. We learn. We mature. We recognize those moments when we need to shift our focus away from what we see and put it back on the One who sees the whole picture.

One of my favorite reminders is found in 2 Corinthians 5:7:

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Think about that for a moment. Walking by faith means we don't have to see everything to take the next step. We don't have to understand every circumstance to trust the One who is leading us.

And perhaps that's where the adventure really begins!

I don't believe God calls us to live a life consumed by fear, constantly playing it safe, or needing to know every outcome before we're willing to move forward. He calls us to trust Him. He calls us to grow. He calls us to step out in faith and believe that His plans and purposes are greater than anything we could come up with on our own.

That doesn't mean every adventure will be easy. It doesn't mean there won't be detours, disappointments, or unexpected challenges along the way. But it does mean we don't walk through any of it alone.

The older I get, the more I appreciate that my relationship with the Lord is not about reaching some destination where I suddenly have everything figured out. It's about continuing to grow, continuing to learn, continuing to listen, and continuing to trust Him with whatever comes next.

I want my faith voice to be stronger than my fears. I want it to be rooted in God's Word rather than influenced by the circumstances surrounding me. And I want the way I live my life to reflect a genuine trust in the Lord.

So, here's something I've been thinking about, and maybe it's something worth pondering for yourself, too.

What is your faith voice saying?

When life gets difficult, do your words and actions reflect fear or faith? When God opens a door, are you willing to walk through it? When you don't have the answers, can you still trust Him?

Our faith voice isn't just about what we say when things are going well. It's about who we are and how we respond when life gets challenging.

I don't know about you, but I want to keep growing in my faith. I want to keep saying YES to God, even when I don't know exactly where the road will lead.

After all, the greatest adventure isn't knowing where you're going. It's knowing Who you're following! And that, of course is what brings true adventure to your faith voice, don't you think? 

Busy Times

This week has seemed like a whirlwind!

We went to Kentucky last weekend and were able to accomplish so much in the way of getting things taken care of at Nan and Pop's house. Our hope is to get the house on the market as soon as possible, so every trip up there brings us a little closer to that goal.

This weekend has gone by quickly too, especially after a week of dealing with a tick infection on my right lower calf and Tim battling a viral infection that had him quarantined upstairs.

We also had a commercial project in an empty building on Friday, and Tim was able to help manage the hose line. Getting out of the house, enjoying some fresh air, and working up a sweat felt good after being cooped up for a few days. Sometimes a change of scenery and getting back to a little normalcy can do wonders for your spirits! 

With everything we've had going on, it's easy to see why there's been a little lapse in my posting like I usually do. But I didn't want the day to get away from me without welcoming in a new month.

I still can't believe it's November already! This time of year always seems to fly by so fast💨. Before we know it, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving, then Christmas and heading into another new year.

I have some ideas for new posts that I hope to share throughout the week ahead. I'm always looking for things to share that might encourage someone along the way, but I also want to share more about my faith and my own growth in my walk with God.

One thing I've come to realize is that no matter how long we've been walking with God, there is never a point where we've completely "arrived." There is always room to grow, learn, be challenged, and draw closer to Him.

And that's something I want to continue doing, both in my life and here on the blog❤️.

For now enjoy my heart in the sharing of the image above. Love to you all and I look forward to sharing more with you soon.

Update: Tim's PT Yesterday

Update: Tim's PT Yesterday 

Tim had another good physical therapy (PT) session yesterday! He's a little sore today, but we're pretty sure some of that soreness is from PT and the rest is from his lower-body workout at the gym yesterday😂. He's still finding ways to get his workouts in while giving that right arm the time it needs to heal.

He's glad to be making forward progress, and we're encouraged to see how things are going. After dealing with elbow pain for so long, it's exciting to see him making progress toward getting back to doing what he loves.

The hope is that around Thanksgiving, he'll be getting to the point where he can start doing some weightlifting again. Of course, that will depend on how his recovery goes and what his medical team says he's ready for, but we're hopeful that he'll continue moving in the right direction!

His physical therapist is very knowledgeable and specializes in working with elite athletes, which we're excited about as Tim works toward getting back to weightlifting. We know rebuilding strength and getting back to where he was before all of this happened will take time, patience, and a lot of hard work.

We're looking forward to seeing what the coming weeks hold for Tim as he continues with PT. One session at a time, one step at a time, and celebrating the progress along the way!

This is just another chapter in his weightlifting journey, and we're hopeful for what lies ahead❤️!

Pilot Mountain

What A Weekend!

Whenever we drive up to Kentucky to visit family, we always pass by Pilot Mountain. I love the beauty of that mountain and am always on the lookout for a good opportunity to get a photo of it. There’s just something about the view that catches my eye every time we pass by.

Our goal this weekend was to work on Scot’s parents’ house. Since they’ve both passed away, we’ve been working to get everything out of the house and garage so we can eventually get the property sold.

It’s a constant work in progress, but we made some great headway this weekend! Two truckloads went to Goodwill, and we filled three trash cans with things that needed to be thrown away. Every little bit of progress gets us closer to getting this chapter wrapped up.

Of course, the weekend wouldn’t be complete without an unexpected adventure! Somehow, I picked up a tick that crawled up my pant leg and embedded itself in my right calf. I had the worst reaction to a tick bite that I’ve ever experienced. When I got home, I went straight to the doctor and was prescribed doxycycline because the bite had become infected.

Thankfully, the doctor wasn’t overly concerned about Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever at the time, but she told me to keep an eye on it and come back if it got worse. After several doses of the antibiotic, it’s already looking better. I’m certainly hoping that continues!

Tim was limited in how much he could help because of his elbow, so it was up to Scot, Jeff, Debbie, and me to get as much done as we could. Debbie and I worked inside the house while Scot and Jeff tackled the garage. Scot and Jeff were both able to bring a truckload of tools back home, which was another big step forward.

There’s still a TON left to do, but it felt good to put a dent in everything this weekend. Sometimes, when you’re dealing with a project this big, you have to celebrate the progress you make rather than focus on everything that’s still waiting to be done.

We’re hoping to head back up the weekend of November 6th to keep chipping away at it. Now that we’ve got the ball rolling, we want to keep that momentum going and get as much accomplished as possible before the snowy season sets in up there.

One weekend at a time, one truckload at a time, we’re getting there!

Senior Worlds in Ningbo, China 🇨🇳

Senior Worlds in Ningbo, China🇨🇳

We’re l👀king forward to watching the World Weightlifting Championships starting October 27! We always enjoy watching the world’s weightlifters compete and seeing how everyone performs on the international stage.

One of the things we love about this sport is getting to watch so many talented athletes push themselves, hit big lifts, and accomplish their goals. We’re always cheering them on!

We’re also thankful for our WH membership, which allows us to watch the sessions whenever it works for us. With the competition taking place in China, that means we don’t have to be up in the middle of the night to watch everything live! 😂

We’re excited to follow the competition and see what these athletes accomplish. Let the lifting begin!

Here is the USA Lifters Schedule adjusted to our time zone:

You might have to click on it to be able to read it clearly.

Update on Tim's Elbow: One Step at a Time

Update On Tim's Elbow: One Step at a Time

Tim’s stitches are officially out! 🙌 It may seem like a small milestone to some, but after everything he has been through with his elbow, it’s another step in the right direction.

He’s still limited to lifting no more than 5–10 pounds with his right arm, so he has to be patient and follow the restrictions given to him. For someone who loves Olympic weightlifting and has worked so hard to get where he is today, having to slow down and let his body heal has not been easy.

Now, the real work begins with physical therapy. The goal is to rebuild his strength, get him back to where he was before all of this happened with his elbow, and then continue building from there.

Tim is so glad to finally be getting to the other side of this, and Scot and I are excited for him. We know there's still work ahead, but we're thankful to see him moving forward.

Watching your child work toward something they love and then having to step away from it because of an injury is hard. As parents, we want to see our children succeed, accomplish their goals, and keep moving forward. Sometimes, though, the road to those goals takes an unexpected turn.

This journey has been a reminder that progress doesn't always happen as quickly as we'd like. Sometimes progress looks like a new personal record. Other times, it's getting through surgery, having the stitches removed, or being able to straighten an arm a little more than you could before.

Not every victory comes with a medal. Some victories happen quietly, one small step at a time.

For now, Tim's focus is on healing, showing up for PT, and doing the work necessary to rebuild. We don't know exactly what the road ahead will look like, but we're encouraged by the progress he's making and excited to see what comes next.

We're learning to appreciate each step along the way instead of focusing only on the finish line. And if there's one thing this journey has reminded us, it's that sometimes the small victories are the ones worth celebrating the most. 

Jesus, the Bread of Life

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to look for fulfillment in all the wrong places?

We look for happiness in the things we own, satisfaction in the things we accomplish, and comfort in the people around us. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings God has given us, but none of these things can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts the way Jesus can.

In John 6, Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Can you imagine witnessing that miracle? People had seen Him provide food for a multitude, and they continued looking for Him.

But Jesus knew they needed to understand something much greater than the miracle of a meal. They were focused on what He could provide physically, while He wanted them to recognize who He was and what He came to offer them eternally.

That's when Jesus declared that He is the Bread of Life.

Just as our bodies need food to survive, our souls need Jesus. We can fill our days with responsibilities, surround ourselves with people we love, work toward our goals, and enjoy the blessings of this life, yet still feel an emptiness that none of those things can fill.

Only Jesus can satisfy the deepest hunger of our souls.

I think it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life. We have things to do, places to be, responsibilities to take care of, and people who depend on us. Before we know it, we've spent more time tending to everything around us than tending to our relationship with the Lord.

Yet He is the very One we need most.

I've learned that life doesn't always go the way we expect. There are seasons of joy and seasons of uncertainty, times when we feel strong and times when we need to lean on the Lord more than ever. Our circumstances may change, and the things we once depended on may not always be there, but Jesus remains faithful.

This verse reminds me that I don't have to look to the world to find what only He can give me. I can come to Him in prayer, spend time in His Word, and trust Him with the things I don't understand. I can bring Him my worries, my disappointments, my questions, and my gratitude.

Coming to Jesus doesn't mean every problem will disappear or that I'll never experience another difficult day. It means I have a Savior who offers me something this world cannot: a relationship with Him, the hope of eternal life, and the assurance that my circumstances don't have the final say over my faith.

I don't want to become so focused on the blessings in my life that I forget the One who blesses me. I don't want to seek His hand without seeking His heart.

I want to know Him more, trust Him more, and make spending time with Him a priority, not just when I need something, but because He is my source of life.

Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is not simply a temporary source of comfort for a difficult season. He is the One my soul needs every day.

What about you? Are you looking for satisfaction in the things of this world, or are you turning to the One who offers you life that lasts forever?

My prayer is that we never become so busy searching for what we think we need that we overlook the One we need most.

Because the things of this world can never take the place of Jesus.

Have Fun, Get Organized & Enjoy Life!

My home is always a work in progress. I'm constantly going through things and making my donate piles, throw-away piles, and keep piles. My problem, and maybe yours too, is that my keep pile always seems to be bigger than the other two combined! 😂

That means I have to get creative about organizing the things that stay. I want our home to feel cozy, comfortable, and inviting rather than leaving me stressed because things don't have a rhyme or reason to where they're placed.

I'll be the first to admit that organizing isn't one of my strongest suits. Of course I do like everything to have a place and be put in it. It's figuring out the best placement that's a challenge for me, but over the past couple of years, God has been showing me what's truly important to keep and what I can let go of. More things that we don't really need are leaving our home, and the things that remain need to have a place where they belong.

I'm learning that it's not just about getting rid of stuff. It's also about being intentional with what we choose to keep.

When your budget doesn't allow you to purchase the furnishings or storage solutions you'd really like to have, you have to get creative. And while creativity doesn't come naturally to me, research does! These days, research is my friend. I'm always looking for ideas and practical ways to make our spaces look and feel better without spending a ton of money.

I'm learning to work with what we have, make a plan, and tackle things one step at a time.

One of the things I want to change is how comfortable I feel inviting people into our home. I don't generally have many people over beyond family and close friends, partly because I'm not happy with how some of our spaces look and function. I'd love to change that. I want to be able to entertain, enjoy fellowship with others, and have a home that feels welcoming.

I'm not trying to create an immaculate masterpiece. That's not the goal! I simply want our home to feel more intentional, with things in their proper places instead of looking as though they've been put somewhere just because there's no room in the inn. 😉

Pets add another layer to the challenge, but my guys hear me say it time and time again: "One day at a time, and we will get there."

And we will.

I'm thankful that we aren't people who hold on to things just for the sake of holding on to them. These days, we're learning to ask ourselves whether something has real value or purpose in our lives before deciding to keep it.

Over the years, we've helped friends move their parents and sort through their belongings. We've also experienced the loss of loved ones and the difficult task of going through their things, deciding what to throw away, what to donate, and what to keep or sell.

In some ways, we've become pros at sorting through other people's belongings. But that's not something you really want to become a pro at doing.

Those experiences have changed the way we look at our own home and everything in it. We've seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be for loved ones to face a lifetime of accumulated belongings, especially when they're already dealing with grief.

We don't want to leave Tim with that same burden someday.

That doesn't mean we have to get rid of everything or live in a bare, empty house. It means being thoughtful about what we keep and recognizing that a simpler life can leave us with more time and energy for the things that matter most.

Life goes by fast💨, and I don't want to spend so much of it managing our stuff that I forget to enjoy the life God has given us.

When you reach a certain age, you begin to see just how precious and short life really is. You start thinking more about the time you have with the people God has blessed you with and less about the things you own.

I want Scot and me to enjoy the years ahead of us. I want to make memories, welcome people into our home, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy this season of life without constantly feeling like there's something else around the house that needs to be dealt with.

We want the years ahead to be some of the best years of our lives, and that means making some changes now.

So, we're working on it. We're sorting, donating, organizing, researching, and figuring out how to make our home work better for us without breaking the budget. We may not get everything done overnight, but that's okay. Progress is progress!

My encouragement to you is this: Don't keep putting off getting things in order until tomorrow. Tomorrow isn't promised to any of us. You don't have to tackle everything at once, and you don't have to spend a fortune to make a difference. Start with one drawer, one shelf, one closet, or one room.

Do what you can today to make life a little easier for yourself and the people you love.

Because at the end of the day, it's not about having a perfect home. It's about having a home you can enjoy and a life you have time to live.

Make room for what matters. Let go of what doesn't. And don't forget to have fun while getting organized so that you can enjoy your life for years to come!

Learning to Bear With One Another

I'll be the first to admit that I haven't always been very good at this. I'm pretty much a black-and-white kind of person. When someone does something or behaves in a way that doesn't line up with what I believe or how I choose to live my life, my natural tendency is to distance myself and move on.

I've never been one to feel the need to keep people in my life just because they've always been there. And when someone hurts me or someone I love, it's especially hard for me to want to have anything to do with them.

You see, I learned at a young age that sometimes you have to put distance between yourself and people who cause you harm, whether through their words or their actions. Over time, I learned to protect myself and the people I love by keeping my distance. And honestly, there are times when boundaries are necessary. Not everyone needs to have a place in our lives, and forgiving someone doesn't mean we have to allow them to keep hurting us.

But as I've gotten older and continued to grow in my walk with the Lord, I've realized there's a difference between protecting my peace and allowing my own way of thinking to determine how I respond to people.

That's where this verse gets personal for me.

Forgiving others has become easier for me over the years, but bearing with them? That's a different story.

I've worked long and hard on forgiveness. When someone has wronged me or my family, I have to remind myself of how much God has forgiven me. When I really stop and think about the grace and mercy He's extended to me, it puts things into perspective. I know I haven't always gotten things right, and I'm thankful that God doesn't give up on me every time I fall short.

You would think that remembering His forgiveness would make bearing with others easier, too. But if I'm being honest, this is still an area where I struggle.

I can forgive someone and still not want to deal with them. I can choose not to hold on to an offense and still find myself frustrated by someone's behavior. And when I see things as right or wrong, it's hard for me to be patient with someone whose actions I believe are wrong, especially when those actions have caused pain.

But Colossians 3:13 doesn't just tell us to forgive one another. It tells us to bear with one another, too.

I've been thinking about what that really means for me. Maybe part of it is learning to be patient with people even when I don't understand their choices. Maybe it's recognizing that not everyone is going to see things the way I do, and that I don't have to agree with someone to treat them with grace. Maybe it's learning not to let someone's behavior dictate the condition of my own heart.

And that's not always easy for me.

I know what it's like to be hurt by people, and I know how easy it can be to decide that keeping your distance is the best way forward. Sometimes it is. But I don't want my past experiences to make me so quick to walk away that I miss opportunities to show the patience and grace God has shown me.

The truth is, I'm still learning. I know God has helped me grow in forgiveness, but I also know He isn't finished working on my heart when it comes to bearing with others.

And maybe that's the point I need to remember most. God continues to be patient with me while I'm learning, growing, and getting things wrong. He doesn't expect me to have everything figured out overnight, and I need to remember that other people are works in progress, too.

I'm not saying this is something I've mastered. Far from it! But I want to be more mindful of how I respond when people disappoint me, frustrate me, or do things I don't agree with. I want to be willing to ask God to help me respond differently instead of automatically choosing to distance myself.

After all, I can be thankful for the grace God has extended to me while still learning how to extend that same grace to others.

I may not be where I want to be in this area, but I'm thankful God isn't finished with me yet.

Next Gen Different

Next Gen Different 

Scot and I both feel this way when it comes to Tim. Our desire is to see him surpass what we've accomplished in our own lives and build an even better life for himself and the generations that will come after him.

Don't get me wrong. We've lived a great life so far! God has blessed us in so many ways, and we've been able to support Tim, not only emotionally but also financially, in the things he's pursued throughout his young life.

One of the greatest blessings Scot and I have experienced is being able to show up for Tim in ways that our own families weren't always able to show up for us. It wasn't for a lack of love or trying. They simply didn't have the same means or opportunities that God has allowed us to have. We're grateful for what they did give us, and we're equally grateful that we've been able to build upon what came before us.

That's what we want for Tim. We want him to have a stronger foundation, greater opportunities, and the freedom to pursue what God places on his heart. We want him to dream bigger, work harder, grow in his faith, and become the man God created him to be. We don't want him to feel limited by where we've been or by the things we may not have been able to accomplish ourselves.

We want him to go further.

And as he builds his own life, our hope is that he'll continue building upon what we've worked so hard to establish. Not just financially, but in his character, his faith, his relationships, and the way he treats others.

Because this isn't just about Tim. It's about the generations that will come after him.

The more we can build, steward wisely, and pass along, the more we can leave for those who follow us. An inheritance isn't just about money or possessions. It's also about the values we teach, the faith we live out, the work ethic we demonstrate, and the foundation we leave behind. We want the next generation to start from a place that allows them to go even further than the generation before them.

Proverbs 13:22 tells us that a good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children. That verse reminds me that what we're building today can reach far beyond our own lifetime.

That's what Next Gen Different means to us.

It's not about thinking we're better than the generations before us. It's about recognizing what we've been given, being thankful for how far God has brought us, and doing our part to make the path a little easier for those who come after us.

God has been faithful to us, and we want that legacy of faithfulness to continue through our family.

Our prayer is that Tim will take what we've given him, build upon it, and one day pass along something even greater to his own children and grandchildren.

Not because we expect him to follow in our footsteps, but because we want him to have the opportunity to go further than we ever did.

And if the generations after him can do the same, then what we're building today will have mattered long after we're gone.

That's the goal. That's the legacy. That's Next Gen Different.  

I Will Restore the Years the Locusts Have Eaten

In Joel 2:25, God was speaking to a people who had experienced tremendous devastation. He was calling them to return to Him and promising restoration after a season of loss. Their circumstances had been devastating, but their devastation would not have the final word.

Imagine working an entire year, planting the seed, tending the land, and looking forward to the harvest, only to watch it all disappear before your eyes. Everything you had worked for was gone in what seemed like the blink of an eye.

That was the reality for the people in Joel's day. The locusts had devastated their land, leaving them without the crops and provisions they depended on.

But there was more to this than the loss of a harvest. Joel used this crisis to call God's people to repentance and to return to the Lord with their whole hearts. He also warned them of the coming Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment.

I think it's important to understand this context because Joel 2:25 isn't an isolated promise that every loss we experience will automatically be repaid. God's promise of restoration came within a message calling His people back to Him and reminding them of His mercy.

That doesn't mean every hardship we face is punishment for sin. We live in a fallen world, and painful things happen for many reasons. But we can take comfort in knowing that God is merciful, faithful, and present even when life doesn't unfold the way we hoped it would.

For the people in Joel's day, restoration meant more than getting their crops back. God promised to provide for them, remove their shame, and remind them that He was among them.

I tell you all of that to say this: God's restoration is not only about what we receive; it is also about knowing Him more deeply through the process.

What really stands out to me about Joel 2:25 is that God speaks of restoring the years the locusts had eaten. The devastation had consequences that reached far beyond a single growing season. The people had lost food, income, and the fruit of their labor. It would take time for the land to recover.

Yet God promised that those years of devastation would not define their future.

And that is where this verse speaks to my heart today.

How many of us have looked back over our lives and wished we could get certain years back? Maybe there were years spent in painful circumstances, years filled with fear or regret, or years when we felt stuck and couldn't see a way forward. Maybe we spent years waiting for prayers to be answered, or circumstances took opportunities we thought we would always have.

We can't go back and change the past. We can't reclaim every opportunity or undo every painful experience. But we can trust God with the years behind us and the ones still ahead of us.

He can bring healing where there has been hurt. He can give us a new direction when we feel lost. He can open doors we never expected and bring purpose out of experiences we would never have chosen for ourselves.

Sometimes restoration doesn't look like getting back what we lost. Sometimes it looks like becoming stronger in our faith, learning to trust God in a deeper way, or discovering that He was with us even when we couldn't see what He was doing.

And sometimes, restoration means realizing that the difficult years were not the end of our story.

I want to be careful not to suggest that God has promised to give us back every lost year in a literal or material way. That isn't what this passage guarantees. But I believe we can hold on to the truth revealed in this Scripture: our losses do not limit God's ability to work in our lives, and our past does not place Him beyond reach.

When I think about God's faithfulness, I'm reminded that He sees the whole picture when all we can see is the part we're living through right now. We may not understand why certain things happened or why some seasons lasted as long as they did. We may never have answers to every question.

But we can choose to trust the One who holds our future.

Maybe you are in a season right now when you feel as though the locusts have eaten away at your years. Perhaps you're looking at something you lost and wondering how anything good could possibly come from it.

I want to encourage you not to measure God's faithfulness by what you've lost. Instead, look to who He is.

The same God who called His people back to Him in Joel's day is still worthy of our trust. His mercy has not changed. His faithfulness has not changed. And even when restoration looks different from what we imagined, we can continue to seek Him and trust Him with what comes next.

We cannot rewrite yesterday, but we can give God our tomorrow.

Our past may be part of our story, but it does not have to determine how our story ends.

What a Freaking Blessing ❤️

This is exactly how I felt after spending last weekend at the Carolinas WSO Championships!

Whether Tim is lifting or we're sitting on the sidelines cheering on the athletes who are, we genuinely enjoy being there. There is something special about watching these young men and women step onto the platform, give it their all, and accomplish things they've worked so hard for.

But what makes these weekends so special to us goes far beyond the lifting.

It's the community.

One of the things I love most about the weightlifting community is how much they genuinely want to see one another succeed. When an athlete hits a personal record, makes a lift they've been chasing, or earns a medal, there is so much excitement and celebration. You see athletes cheering for one another, encouraging one another, and sharing in those special moments.

Of course, they're competing against one another, but there is no reason someone else's success can't be celebrated, too. Someone else's accomplishment doesn't diminish what you've worked for or what you're capable of achieving.

And I LOVE that!

We've seen how sports can sometimes become wrapped up in backbiting, comparisons, and negativity. That's one of the reasons this weightlifting community has been such a blessing to Tim. It has lifted him up in ways other sports never did. The encouragement, friendships, and support he has found along this journey have made a difference in him, not just as an athlete, but as a young man.

As his parents, that means more to us than words can adequately express.

Last weekend at the Carolinas WSO Championships, we weren't just there to watch a competition. We were there to cheer, encourage, reconnect with friends, celebrate accomplishments, and make more memories with people who have become such a meaningful part of our lives.

We love watching Tim's fellow athletes succeed. We love seeing the hard work pay off. We love the excitement that fills the room when someone makes a big lift. And we love being part of a community where people can compete against one another while still wanting the very best for each other.

That's what makes this sport so special to us.

At the end of the day, the weight on the bar matters, the personal records are exciting, and the medals are wonderful reminders of hard work. But the people, the relationships, the encouragement, and the memories made along the way? Those are the things that stay with you long after the competition is over.

So, yes, we came home exhausted after the Carolinas WSO Championships. But it was the kind of exhaustion that comes from spending a weekend doing something you love with people you love being around.

And honestly?

What a freaking blessing that is! ❤️

I'll take a weekend like that any day. The tired feet, the long days, the excitement, the laughter, the cheering, and all the memories are worth every bit of it.

We are so thankful for this weightlifting community and the role it has played in Tim's journey. We may have started this journey because of a sport, but we've gained so much more than that along the way.

And that's something worth celebrating!

Happy World Weightlifting Day!

Today is World Weightlifting Day, and as the mom of an Olympic weightlifter, this day means a little something extra to me.

When I think about weightlifting, I think about so much more than the weights being lifted on a platform. I think about the dedication, discipline, and determination it takes to become an athlete in this sport. I have watched Tim put in countless hours of hard work, push himself to reach his goals, celebrate victories, and face setbacks. I have also learned that sometimes the hardest part of being an athlete isn't the training itself, but having the patience and perseverance to work through the challenges that come with it.

Weightlifting has taught our family that success is about so much more than the number on the bar or the medals hanging on the wall. It's about the character built along the way, the lessons learned, and the person you become through the process.

I also think about the coaches who invest so much of themselves into their athletes. They do more than teach technique and help athletes get stronger. They encourage them, challenge them, believe in them, and help them see what is possible even when the road gets difficult.

Then there are the officials, volunteers, clubs, and everyone who works behind the scenes to make this sport possible. Their time and dedication help create opportunities for athletes to compete, grow, and pursue their dreams.

And, of course, there are the families. We may not be the ones standing on the platform, but we are right there alongside our athletes through the excitement of competition, the sacrifices required, the disappointments that sometimes come, and the moments that make all the hard work worthwhile. We celebrate their victories, hurt when they hurt, and pray for them through the challenges.

One of the things we, as a family, have come to appreciate most about weightlifting is the community. People from different backgrounds, different ages, and different walks of life come together because of a shared love for the sport. Athletes compete against one another, but there is also encouragement, friendship, and support that extends beyond the platform.

Watching Tim grow in this sport has allowed our family to be part of something bigger than just weightlifting. We have met wonderful people, watched athletes accomplish incredible things, and seen how much heart goes into pursuing a goal.

Today, we celebrate not only the athletes who step onto the platform, but also the coaches, families, volunteers, and everyone else who helps make this sport what it is.

Happy World Weightlifting Day to the entire weightlifting community! May you continue to lift one another up, both on and off the platform!

Tim's 1st Post-Op PT

Tim's 1st Post-Op PT  

Today was a really good day for Tim!

This morning, Tim had his first post-op physical therapy session with the baseball specialist his orthopedic doctor wanted him to see. Because of the type of injury Tim had, his doctor felt it was important for him to work with someone who specializes in the kinds of elbow injuries commonly seen in baseball players.

Going into this first session, we were hopeful that things would go well, but I don't think either of us could have anticipated just how encouraging the day would be!

Today's session went amazing! Tim was able to straighten his arm all the way for the first time in months, and the best part was that he was able to do it without any pain!

If you have followed Tim's journey with this elbow injury, you know how long he has struggled with being unable to fully extend his arm. There have been so many questions, appointments, and moments of frustration along the way. For an athlete who loves what he does and has worked so hard to get where he is, having something as simple as straightening his arm become a struggle has not been easy.

So, you can imagine the smile on his face when he realized he could finally straighten it without pain! He left PT smiling from ear to ear, and honestly, I don't blame him one bit. 😊

Of course, after months of dealing with this injury and the time he has had to take away from his normal training, Tim can already tell that he has lost a significant amount of muscle strength in his elbow and upper arm. He has some work ahead of him to rebuild that strength and get back to where he wants to be. But he is thankful to have this time to heal properly and give his body the opportunity to make a full recovery.

One thing I know about Tim is that he is determined. He has put so much time, discipline, and dedication into his sport, and I have no doubt that he will bring that same determination to his recovery. He knows that getting back to full strength will take work, patience, and consistency, and he is ready to put in the effort.

Of course, as his mom, watching today's progress makes me hopeful that he will be back to full strength before we know it! I know we still have to take things one step at a time and follow the doctor's and therapist's guidance, but seeing this kind of progress on his very first day of PT is so encouraging.

And if you could see Tim today, you would understand just how happy he is! He hasn't stopped straightening his arm since he left PT. 😂 He keeps moving it and testing it because he is just so excited to be able to do something that has been painful and difficult for so long.

Sometimes, it's the little things we take for granted that become the biggest blessings when we have to go without them. Something as simple as straightening your arm might not seem like a big deal to most people, but after months of pain and limited movement, it means the world to Tim.

We are so thankful for today's progress and for the people who are helping him along this journey. We know there is still work to be done, but today gave us another reason to be hopeful and reminded us that progress, even when it takes time, is worth celebrating.

We are taking this one day at a time, trusting the process, and thanking God for every bit of progress along the way. We know recovery is a journey, but today was a really good step in the right direction!

Here's to continued healing, rebuilding that strength, and getting Tim back to doing what he loves fast💨! 

The Power of Prayer

When I read this verse of Scripture, I am reminded of just how important prayer is in our lives and how blessed we are to have a God who hears us when we call upon Him.

But to truly understand the meaning behind this verse, I think it is important to look at the circumstances in which it was written.

James, who is traditionally understood to be the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Christian church, wrote his letter to believers who were scattered among the nations and facing various trials and difficulties. His letter offered practical instruction on how to live out their faith, not just in what they believed but in how they treated others and responded to the challenges of life.

In the fifth chapter, James speaks about patience in suffering, prayer during difficult times, and calling upon the Lord when someone is sick. He encourages believers to pray for one another and to support one another in their faith. Then he gives us this beautiful reminder in verse 16: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

James wanted believers to understand that they were not meant to walk through life alone. They were to be a community of people who encouraged one another, confessed their wrongs, offered forgiveness, and lifted one another up in prayer.

I believe that message is just as important for us today.

Sometimes, we may feel that we have to carry our burdens alone. We may be embarrassed to admit our struggles or feel that we should be strong enough to handle everything ourselves. There may even be times when we hesitate to ask someone to pray for us because we don't want to burden them with what we are going through.

But God never intended for us to live as though we have to do everything on our own. He gave us the gift of prayer, and He gave us one another.

There is something special about knowing that someone cares enough to take our needs before the Lord in prayer. There is comfort in knowing that when we are struggling to find the words ourselves, someone else is faithfully asking God to give us strength, wisdom, healing, and peace.

And just as we need others to pray for us, we have the privilege of praying for them. We may not always know what someone is going through behind closed doors, but we can offer encouragement, extend grace, and lift their needs up to the Lord.

The part of this verse that says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” is especially meaningful to me. It reminds me that prayer is not simply a routine or a collection of words we speak. It is an opportunity to bring our hearts before the One who knows us completely and loves us unconditionally.

Being righteous does not mean being perfect. We all make mistakes, fall short, and have areas in our lives where we need God's correction and guidance. It means seeking to live according to His will, turning to Him when we fall short, and trusting Him with the things we cannot control.

James goes on to use Elijah as an example of the power of prayer. Elijah was a human being just like us, yet God worked through his prayers in extraordinary ways. I love that reminder because it shows us that prayer is not reserved for a select few. We do not have to be someone extraordinary to pray to an extraordinary God.

We may not always understand God's timing, and our prayers may not be answered in the way we hoped. But that does not mean our prayers are meaningless. We can continue to trust Him, even when we cannot see what He is doing.

As I think about this verse, I am reminded that one of the greatest ways we can love others is through prayer. We can pray for their struggles, their healing, their decisions, their families, and their walk with the Lord. We can also be willing to humble ourselves, admit when we are wrong, and allow others to encourage us in our own faith.

We may never know how much our prayers mean to someone else, but we can always know that bringing someone before the Lord is an act of love.

I am thankful that we serve a God who invites us to come to Him, not only with our own needs but also with the needs of those around us. What a blessing it is to know that we can turn to Him at any time, for any reason, and trust that He hears us.

May we never underestimate the power of prayer, and may we never underestimate the difference it can make when we faithfully pray for one another.

God hears our prayers, God knows our hearts, and God is always worthy of our trust.