Denying Yourself, Taking Up Your Cross...

Denying Yourself, Taking Up Your Cross...

Jesus never said following Him would be easy. In fact, He made it clear in Matthew 16:24: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

That verse sounds simple when you read it, but living it is another story.

There was a season in my life in my early to mid twenties where following Jesus meant walking away from what was familiar. It meant denying my own feelings, my own desires, and sometimes even the relationships I thought I needed to hold onto. But the truth is, not every relationship is healthy, and not every connection is meant to go where God is taking you.

There came a point in my life when I had to make hard choices—choices that hurt. I had to burn bridges with relationships that were toxic, draining, and harmful to my spiritual growth. Relationships that kept me tied to old mindsets, old wounds, and old ways of living. It wasn’t easy. It felt lonely at times. It felt painful. But obedience often does.

Denying yourself isn’t just about giving up obvious sins. Sometimes it’s giving up people, patterns, and places that keep you from fully walking in what God has for you.

For me, taking up my cross meant trusting God enough to let go of what was unhealthy, even when I didn’t know what was ahead. It meant choosing peace over chaos. Choosing healing over dysfunction. Choosing obedience over comfort.

And in those moments, I learned something powerful: when God asks you to lay something down, it’s never to harm you—it’s always to protect you and prepare you.

Following hard after Jesus has cost me things. It has cost me relationships, comfort, and sometimes understanding from others. But what I gained has been far greater—peace, clarity, healing, strength, and a deeper relationship with Him.

Not everyone will understand the boundaries you set or the doors you close. Some may call it harsh. Some may call it selfish. But when God is calling you higher, you cannot stay chained to what is breaking you.

Taking up your cross is personal. It looks different for all of us. But one thing remains the same: it requires surrender.

And I’ve learned this—anything I’ve had to give up for Jesus has never compared to what He has given me in return.

Sometimes following Him means walking away.
Sometimes it means standing alone.
Sometimes it means burning the bridge so you’re not tempted to go back.

But if it means getting closer to Him, it’s worth it Every Single Time!

The Living Word That Changes Everything...

The Living Word That Changes Everything...

The Bible is not just a book sitting on a shelf collecting dust. It is the living, breathing Word of God—supernatural in its origin and eternal in its truth. As Smith Wigglesworth so powerfully said, it is “regenerative in power” and “infallible in authority.” That means it doesn’t just inform us—it transforms us.

In a world full of opinions, shifting values, and temporary truths, God’s Word remains unchanging. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The Bible is our foundation, our guide, and our source of strength when life feels uncertain.

Reading Scripture is not about checking off a box or completing a plan. It’s about encountering God Himself. Every page reveals His character, His promises, His correction, and His love. When we read it, write it down, pray it in, and work it out in our daily lives, something powerful happens—God begins shaping us from the inside out.

His Word renews our minds.
His Word changes our hearts.
His Word strengthens our faith.
His Word equips us for every battle.

I’ve seen this truth play out not only in my own life but in our family’s journey. Through every season—whether homeschooling, walking through grief, building a business, or watching Tim pursue excellence in weightlifting—God’s Word has been the anchor. It has reminded us to trust His timing, stay disciplined, and remain humble in both victory and struggle.

Just like Tim’s journey to becoming a USA Weightlifting Junior National Champion didn’t happen overnight, spiritual growth doesn’t either. It takes consistency, obedience, discipline, and trust. Day by day. Verse by verse. Prayer by prayer. God uses His Word to mold us, strengthen us, and prepare us for the purpose He has called us to.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active…” That means when you open your Bible, you’re not reading dead words—you’re receiving living truth.

So read it through.
Write it down.
Pray it in.
Work it out.
And pass it on.

Because when the Word of God gets in you, it doesn’t leave you the same. It transforms you from the inside out and draws you closer to the heart of the Father.

And in that transformation, the world doesn’t just see you—they begin to see Him.

Believe in What God Placed Inside You...

Believe in What God Placed Inside You...

The world will often tell you to trust yourself, but as believers, we know our true strength doesn’t come from us alone—it comes from God.

Still, there are moments when life makes you question everything. Setbacks, disappointments, failures, and the weight of comparison can make you doubt your abilities and wonder if you’re truly capable of what’s ahead.

But here’s the truth: God created you on purpose, for a purpose.

He placed unique gifts, talents, and abilities inside of you—not by accident, but by design. The dreams in your heart may be the very things He’s calling you to pursue.

Believing in yourself isn’t about arrogance. It’s about having confidence in the God who created you and trusting that He doesn’t make mistakes.

His Word reminds us in Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

That means when you feel weak, He is your strength.
When you feel unqualified, He equips you.
When fear tells you to stop, He reminds you to keep moving.

Your abilities are gifts from Him.
Your potential is rooted in Him.
And your worth has already been established by Him.

The road to your dreams won’t always be easy. It will require faith, discipline, perseverance, and trust. There will be hard days. There will be moments of doubt. But don’t allow temporary struggles to make you forget eternal truths.

God has placed something valuable inside of you.

Trust Him.
Believe in what He’s doing in your life.
Walk boldly in the calling He’s given you.

Because with God leading your steps, the impossible becomes possible.

And what you’re hoping for today may one day become a testimony of His faithfulness.

Freedom With Purpose...

(Picture from You Version Bible App)

Freedom With Purpose...

As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom this Fourth of July, it’s a time to reflect on the sacrifices made so we could live in liberty. Freedom has always come at a cost. Brave men and women fought, sacrificed, and gave their lives so generations after them could experience it.

But while we celebrate national freedom, there’s an even greater freedom we should never overlook—the freedom we have in Christ.

God’s Word reminds us in Galatians 5:13:
“Don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

That verse carries weight.

In America, freedom gives us rights, choices, and opportunities. But spiritual freedom gives us something far greater—deliverance from sin, shame, fear, and bondage.

The truth is, freedom without wisdom can lead to destruction.

Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.

Christ didn’t set us free so we could live however we please. He set us free so we could live differently—loving deeper, serving others, forgiving quicker, and walking closer with Him.

As I think about this, I’m reminded of our own family journey. Watching Tim step away from taekwondo after 11 years and walk into a completely new path with Olympic weightlifting took courage. He had freedom to choose what was next, but that freedom came with responsibility, discipline, and sacrifice. And now, seeing him become a Junior National Champion reminds me that freedom used wisely can lead to incredible growth.

That’s true in life.
That’s true in faith.
And it’s true for our nation.

As we celebrate 250 years of America, may we remember that freedom is not just something to enjoy—it’s something to steward.

May we use our freedom to honor God, love others, and serve with humility.

Because the greatest freedom isn’t found in independence from people—
it’s found in dependence on Christ.

So today ask yourself:
Am I using my freedom to serve myself… or to serve others in love?

Happy 250th Birthday, America—May we never take freedom—both earthly and eternal—for granted.

God Will Put You Back Together in Front of Those Who Broke You...

God Will Put You Back Together in Front of Those Who Broke You...

There’s a painful truth in life: sometimes the deepest wounds don’t come from strangers — they come from people we trusted, loved, and believed would never hurt us.

Words can cut. Betrayal can crush. Rejection can leave pieces of your heart scattered in places you never thought you’d have to heal from.

But here’s the good news: God is in the business of restoration.

What people tried to tear down, God can rebuild.

What they meant to damage, God can redeem.

What felt like the end of your story may only be the beginning of His greater plan.

Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Notice that Scripture doesn’t say the wounds won’t happen. It promises that when they do, God will be the One to mend them.

Sometimes God allows the breaking so He can do a deeper work in us — strengthening our faith, refining our character, and teaching us to depend on Him instead of people.

I’ve seen this in our own journey as a family.

Watching Tim walk away from a sport he gave over a decade to wasn’t easy. Eleven years of Taekwondo, years of discipline, sacrifice, victories, and disappointments. There were moments of hurt, moments of questioning, and moments where it felt like pieces of his identity were being stripped away.

But God wasn’t finished.

He was rebuilding.

What looked like loss became redirection.

What looked like breaking became preparation.

Now, seeing Tim become a Junior National Champion in Olympic weightlifting, it’s clear that God was putting him back together — stronger, wiser, and more equipped than before.

And sometimes God does that very thing in plain sight.

Not for revenge.

Not to prove a point.

But as a testimony.

A testimony that what broke you didn’t destroy you.

A testimony that God’s hand was on your life all along.

A testimony that healing is possible.

So if you’re in a season of brokenness, don’t stay in the pieces.

Give them to God.

He knows how to rebuild what others mishandled.

And when He restores you, it will be undeniable.

The same people who saw your pain may one day witness your healing.

The same people who counted you out may watch God lift you up.

Stay faithful.

Stay surrendered.

Stay trusting.

Because God is not done with your story.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” — 1 Peter 5:10

The Strength Found in Waiting...

The Strength Found in Waiting...

Waiting is one of the hardest things God asks us to do.

We live in a world that moves fast. We want quick answers, immediate solutions, and doors to open the moment we knock. When life feels uncertain and prayers seem delayed, waiting can feel frustrating, painful, and even lonely.

But Psalm 27:14 reminds us:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

What stands out to me is that God doesn’t just tell us to wait once—He says it twice.

Because He knows waiting is hard.

Waiting stretches us. It tests our faith. It exposes our fears, our impatience, and sometimes even our doubts. In the waiting, we often wrestle with questions like:

God, do You see me?
Do You hear me?
Have You forgotten me?

I’ve been there.

There have been seasons in my life where I prayed for healing, clarity, and direction, and it felt like heaven was silent. Seasons where I wanted God to move faster than He was moving. Seasons where the waiting felt heavier than the answer I was hoping for.

But looking back, I can see something now that I couldn’t see then:

God was working in the waiting.

He was strengthening me.
He was healing parts of me I didn’t even realize were broken.
He was teaching me to trust Him when I couldn’t trace Him.

Sometimes we think waiting means nothing is happening.

But often, waiting is where the deepest work takes place.

It’s where faith grows roots.
It’s where character is built.
It’s where surrender becomes real.

The verse says to “be strong and take heart.”

That tells me waiting is not passive.

It takes strength to trust God when the answer hasn’t come.
It takes courage to keep believing when circumstances don’t change.
It takes heart to hold onto hope when everything in you wants to give up.

But here’s the beautiful part: God never asks us to wait alone.

He walks with us in the waiting.

He is present in the silence.
He is faithful in the delay.
And His timing is always perfect—even when it doesn’t feel that way.

If you’re in a waiting season right now, don’t lose heart.

The prayer you keep praying? He hears it.
The tears no one sees? He collects them.
The hope you’re holding onto? He honors it.

Waiting does not mean God has forgotten you.

It may simply mean He is preparing something greater than you can see.

So keep trusting.
Keep praying.
Keep believing.

And when it feels hard, remember:

Wait for the Lord.
Be strong.
Take heart.
And wait for the Lord.

The Simple Call That Changes Everything...

The Simple Call That Changes Everything...

In a world that often feels loud, divided, and self-focused, God’s instructions to us can feel surprisingly simple.

Micah 6:8 says:

“Do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly.”

Three simple instructions. Yet if we’re honest, these can be some of the hardest things to live out consistently.

Do what is right.
Not what is easy. Not what is popular. Not what benefits us most.

Doing what is right means choosing integrity when no one is watching. It means being honest when it would be easier to bend the truth. It means treating people fairly, even when they may not deserve it. It means standing firm in God’s truth, even when culture says otherwise.

I’ve learned that doing what is right often comes with a cost. Sometimes it means being misunderstood. Sometimes it means taking the harder road. But obedience to God is always worth it.

Love being kind.
Not just showing kindness when it’s convenient—but loving it.

That part stands out to me.

Kindness is powerful. It can soften hard hearts, heal deep wounds, and remind someone they are seen. Sometimes we don’t realize the battles people are carrying. A gentle word, patience, or simply showing compassion can make all the difference.

I know in my own life, there were moments when the kindness of others helped me keep going when I felt like giving up. And I’ve also seen how God uses our kindness as an extension of His love.

Kindness costs us something—our time, our pride, our comfort—but it reflects Christ.

Live humbly.
This one may be the hardest.

Humility means understanding that life is not all about us. It means surrendering our need to be right, recognized, or praised. It means trusting God’s plan over our own and acknowledging that every blessing we have comes from Him.

For me, humility has often looked like letting God heal the broken parts of my story and admitting I couldn’t do it on my own. It has meant laying down pride, pain, and control so He could do the work only He could do.

Micah 6:8 is not complicated, but it is transformative.

Imagine what our homes, our relationships, and our communities would look like if we truly lived this out every day.

Doing what is right.
Loving kindness.
Walking humbly with God.

Maybe today that looks like extending grace to someone who hurt you. Maybe it looks like choosing honesty in a hard situation. Maybe it means stepping back and letting God lead instead of forcing your own way.

Whatever it looks like, this verse reminds us that God isn’t asking for perfection—He’s asking for obedience.

And often, the simplest acts of obedience leave the biggest impact.

Stay Humble, Stand Firm...

Stay Humble, Stand Firm...

That truth has been at the heart of our family’s journey, especially watching Tim grow as an athlete.

Scripture tells us in Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” That verse reminds us that no matter how far God takes us, humility must always lead the way.

Watching Tim’s journey—from 11 years of Taekwondo, earning his 3rd degree black belt, to stepping into Olympic weightlifting—has been a lesson in both humility and confidence. There have been victories, setbacks, transitions, hard decisions, and moments where we had to trust God even when we couldn’t see the full picture.

Leaving one sport after so many years wasn’t easy. It meant walking away from what was familiar and stepping into something completely new. But sometimes God calls us out of what is comfortable so He can lead us into what He has prepared.

Over the last few years, we’ve watched Tim grow—not just in strength, but in discipline, perseverance, and faith. We’ve watched him sacrifice, train, trust the process, and keep showing up. And now, in his first year as a Junior athlete, God allowed him to reach a huge milestone: becoming a Junior National Champion with USA Weightlifting.

At Nationals, Tim hit personal records with a 101kg/222lb Snatch and a 130kg/286lb Clean & Jerk, totaling 231kg/509lb, earning Bronze in Snatch, Silver in Clean & Jerk, and Gold in Total—making him the overall Junior National Champion in his division.

That moment was bigger than medals. It was the fruit of years of trusting God, staying disciplined, and being willing to walk through change.

But through it all, one thing we’ve tried to keep in front of him is this: medals, titles, and championships do not define him.

Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” His worth was never in the platform—it was in Christ long before he ever stepped on it, and it will remain there long after.

As a family, we’ve learned that humility means understanding every gift, every opportunity, and every victory comes from God. It means celebrating wins with gratitude, learning from losses with grace, and remembering that no matter what titles you earn, you are never above anyone else.

But wisdom reminds us we are no less either.

God has uniquely equipped each of us for the road He has called us to walk. Sometimes that road requires hard decisions, stepping away from what no longer serves the purpose He has for us, and trusting Him enough to keep moving forward.

Tim’s journey has become part of our family’s testimony. It’s not just about becoming a champion in sport—it’s about becoming who God created him to be.

And as parents, our journey has been learning to trust God with the process—even when it stretched us, humbled us, and pushed us beyond what felt safe.

Through it all, we keep coming back to this truth:

Stay Humble.
Stand Confident.
Trust God Fully.

Because when your identity is rooted in Christ, your purpose will always be greater than your platform. 

Faith Changes More Than Circumstances...

Faith is often misunderstood as believing that if we trust God enough, He will change our circumstances. We pray for the diagnosis to disappear, the financial burden to be lifted, the relationship to be restored, or the door to open exactly as we hope. While God certainly has the power to do all of those things, faith is not measured by whether our circumstances change. Faith is measured by whether we continue to trust Him when they don't.

Some of the most powerful moments in Scripture aren't stories of people escaping hardship—they're stories of people finding God in the middle of it. Joseph spent years in slavery and prison before he ever saw God's purpose. David was anointed king long before he wore the crown. Paul prayed for his thorn in the flesh to be removed, yet God responded, "My grace is sufficient for you."

God's greatest work is often done in the waiting.

We naturally focus on what we want God to do around us, but God is often more concerned with what He is doing within us. He uses difficult seasons to teach us patience when we'd rather have immediate answers. He teaches us perseverance when we'd rather give up. He teaches us humility when we'd rather be self-sufficient. Most importantly, He teaches us to depend on Him instead of our own strength.

When I look back over my own life, I can see situations I begged God to change. At the time, I couldn't understand why He wasn't moving as quickly as I wanted Him to. But now I realize that while I was focused on the destination, God was focused on the journey. He was building a stronger faith, a deeper trust, and a closer relationship with Him.

As a wife, a mother, a business owner, and someone who has walked through seasons of loss, uncertainty, and change, I've learned that God's faithfulness isn't determined by how quickly He answers a prayer. His faithfulness is seen in how He sustains us while we wait. He gives peace when circumstances don't make sense. He gives strength when we feel weak. He gives hope when the future seems unclear.

Sometimes God calms the storm.

Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.

The beautiful thing about faith is that it allows us to trust God's heart even when we can't see His hand. We may not understand what He's doing, but we can trust that He is working. Every challenge, every delay, every disappointment is an opportunity for Him to shape us more into the image of Christ.

So if you're in a season where nothing seems to be changing, don't lose heart. God may be doing a work that is far greater than changing your circumstances. He may be changing your perspective, your character, your priorities, and your faith.

The situation you're praying about may be temporary, but the person God is shaping you to become will impact eternity.

Faith doesn't always mean God changes your situation.

Sometimes it means He changes you—and that may be the greater miracle.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." — James 1:2-3

"And let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." — James 1:4

Become the Person Opportunity Looks For...

Become the Person Opportunity Looks For...

So many people spend their lives waiting. Waiting for the right moment, the right connection, the right break, or the right opportunity to finally move forward.

But what if opportunity isn’t something you simply wait on?

What if it’s something you prepare for?

This picture is such a powerful reminder that before the door of opportunity opens, there are steps we must take to get there. Those steps are rarely glamorous. They are built on growth mindset, hard work, learning, self-improvement, and integrity.

The truth is, success doesn’t usually happen overnight. It’s built in the quiet moments—when nobody is watching. It’s in the early mornings, the discipline to keep going, the willingness to keep learning, and the character you build along the way.

God often uses the waiting season to shape us. We may think He’s delaying, but many times He’s developing.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 says:
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…”

That means giving your best where you are right now—not where you hope to be someday.

Opportunity often arrives disguised as preparation.

When the door opens, will you be ready?

Don’t just pray for opportunities. Pray for wisdom, strength, discipline, and character so that when God places that door in front of you, you can walk through it with confidence.

Keep climbing. Keep growing. Keep trusting.

Because the goal isn’t just to find opportunity—

It’s to become the kind of person prepared to handle it.

Above All, Love Deeply...

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." — 1 Peter 4:8

In a world that seems to thrive on division, criticism, and offense, this verse stands as a powerful reminder of what truly matters.

Above all, love deeply.

Not love when it's convenient.
Not love only when people deserve it.
Not love only when it's easy.

Love deeply.

The kind of love Peter talks about isn't a shallow, surface-level love. It's the kind of love that chooses grace over judgment. It's the kind of love that forgives when it's been hurt, extends kindness when it's not returned, and continues showing up even when things get messy.

As Christians, we're called to reflect the love that Christ has shown us. The truth is, every one of us has flaws. Every one of us has made mistakes, said the wrong thing, or fallen short. Yet God continues to love us with a love that never gives up.

I've seen this kind of love firsthand in my own life. In nearly twenty years of marriage, there have been moments when grace was needed. In raising Tim, there have been times when patience had to outweigh frustration. In friendships and family relationships, there have been opportunities to choose understanding instead of offense.

Love doesn't ignore sin or pretend problems don't exist. Instead, it chooses to see people through the lens of grace. It recognizes that everyone is fighting battles we may know nothing about.

The older I get, the more I realize that life is simply too short to hold onto bitterness. I've lost loved ones, experienced seasons of grief, and learned that the relationships we have are precious gifts from God. At the end of the day, people won't remember every word we said or every accomplishment we achieved. They will remember how we made them feel. They will remember whether they felt loved.

So today, choose love.

Love your spouse.
Love your children.
Love your family.
Love your neighbors.
Love the difficult people.
Love the people who don't think like you.
Love the people who may not deserve it.

After all, none of us deserved the love that Christ freely gave us.

And according to Scripture, above everything else on our priority list, above our opinions, our preferences, our schedules, and our agendas, there is one thing that should stand out the most:

Love deeply.

Becoming Who God Created You to Be...

Have you ever noticed that the closer you get to something God has called you to do, the harder the battle seems to become?

The doubts get louder. The obstacles seem bigger. The discouragement appears out of nowhere. Relationships get strained. Fear creeps in. You begin questioning things you were once confident about.

That's not a coincidence.

Satan is afraid of you becoming everything God meant for you to be.

He knows he can't take away God's promises, but he will do everything he can to convince you to walk away from them yourself. He wants you distracted, discouraged, offended, fearful, and exhausted because a believer who understands their purpose is a powerful force for God's Kingdom.

When I look back over my own life, I can see moments when the enemy tried to convince me to quit. There were seasons filled with uncertainty, disappointment, and challenges I never expected. There were times when I wondered if all the hard work, prayers, and waiting would ever amount to anything.

But God was working even when I couldn't see it.

Many of the struggles that felt like setbacks were actually preparation. The difficult seasons strengthened my faith, deepened my dependence on God, and helped shape me into the person He was calling me to become.

I've watched this unfold in our family as well. I've seen God guide Tim through unexpected changes, closing one chapter and opening another. What once looked like a painful ending turned into an opportunity for growth and blessing. Looking back, it's clear that God's plans were always greater than what we could see in the moment.

The enemy wants you focused on your current struggle. God wants you focused on your future purpose.

Don't let temporary battles convince you to abandon eternal promises.

If you're facing opposition today, maybe it's because you're moving in the right direction. Maybe the resistance you're feeling is evidence that God is doing something significant in your life. Maybe the enemy sees the potential God placed inside of you and wants to stop it before it fully develops.

Don't give up.

Keep praying.

Keep trusting.

Keep showing up.

Keep becoming.

God created you on purpose, for a purpose. He has equipped you with gifts, talents, experiences, and opportunities that nobody else can fulfill exactly the way you can.

The enemy may fight against that calling, but he cannot defeat God's plan unless you stop pursuing it.

So stand firm in your faith. Walk boldly in your calling. Trust God's timing. And remember that every step of obedience is a step closer to becoming everything God meant for you to be.

The very thing the enemy fears most may be the person God is transforming you into right now.

(Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10)

Seek First the Kingdom...

In a world that constantly tells us to chase more—more success, more money, more recognition, more security—Jesus offers a different path. In Matthew 6:33, He gives us a simple but life-changing instruction: seek the Kingdom of God above all else.

That sounds straightforward, but living it out can be challenging. We often find ourselves worrying about tomorrow, trying to control outcomes, or striving to make things happen in our own strength. Yet this verse reminds us that our first priority is not to pursue the things we think we need. Our first priority is to pursue God.

Seeking God's Kingdom means making Him the center of our lives. It means desiring His will above our own, trusting His plans above our fears, and choosing obedience even when the path ahead isn't clear. It means asking not, "What do I want?" but "Lord, what do You want for me?"

Jesus doesn't promise that we will receive everything we want. He promises that God will provide everything we need. There is a difference. Our Heavenly Father knows our needs better than we do, and His provision often comes in ways we never expected. Sometimes He opens doors. Sometimes He closes them. Sometimes He gives us strength instead of an immediate solution. But He is always faithful.

Looking back on my own life, I can see countless examples of God's perfect timing. There were moments when I didn't understand why certain prayers weren't answered the way I hoped. Yet later, I realized that God was working behind the scenes, preparing something better than I could have imagined. What felt like a delay was actually divine direction.

When we seek God's Kingdom first, we can rest in the assurance that He is taking care of the details. We don't have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We can trust the One who holds the world in His hands.

Today, whatever concerns may be occupying your mind, bring them to the Lord. Place Him first. Seek His Kingdom. Walk in righteousness. Trust His timing. And remember that the God who calls you to follow Him is also the God who faithfully provides for every need.

Prayer:

Father, help me to seek Your Kingdom above all else. Teach me to trust You more fully and to walk in obedience to Your Word. When I am tempted to worry, remind me that You are my provider and that Your timing is perfect. Give me a heart that desires You above everything else. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What Real Freedom Looks Like...

When I first read that statement, it reminded me of how differently I define freedom today than I did when I was younger.

There was a time in my life when I thought freedom meant being able to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, with no one telling me what to do.

If I wanted to party, I partied.

If I wanted to hang around the wrong crowd, I did.

If I wanted to smoke, use foul language, or make poor decisions, nobody was going to stop me.

At the time, I called that freedom.

Looking back now, I realize I wasn't free at all.

I was allowing my choices, my wounds, and my circumstances to control me.

The truth is that just because we can do something doesn't mean we should do it.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:23:

"Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds up."

That verse has taken on a much deeper meaning as I've grown in my faith.

God gives us free will. He doesn't force us to choose Him. He doesn't force us to make wise decisions. He allows us to choose.

But every choice carries consequences.

Some choices move us closer to God.

Others pull us farther away.

For many years, I made choices that weren't helping me become the person God intended me to be. Some of those choices were rooted in pain from an abusive childhood. Some were rooted in wanting acceptance from the people around me. Others were simply selfish decisions.

Thankfully, God didn't leave me there.

As He began healing my heart and transforming my life, I started to understand that real freedom isn't found in doing whatever feels good in the moment.

Real freedom is found in having the wisdom and strength to choose what is good for you, even when it's harder.

It's choosing forgiveness when bitterness feels justified.

It's choosing integrity when cutting corners would be easier.

It's choosing God's way over the world's way.

And sometimes it's choosing to walk away from things that aren't necessarily sinful but simply aren't beneficial.

I've learned that some opportunities aren't helpful.

Some relationships aren't healthy.

Some habits aren't productive.

Some activities aren't drawing me closer to Christ.

Just because something is available to me doesn't mean it's adding value to my life.

Today, when I look at the life God has blessed me with—a strong marriage, a family I cherish, a business Scot and I have built together, and the incredible son He entrusted to us—I can see how many blessings came from choosing God's path over my own.

Were those choices always easy?

Not at all.

But they were worth it.

The older I get, the more I realize that freedom isn't the absence of boundaries.

Freedom is having the wisdom to know which choices lead to life and which ones lead to regret.

God's boundaries aren't there to restrict us.

They're there to protect us.

They're there to help us become everything He created us to be.

So the next time you're faced with a decision, don't just ask yourself, "Can I do this?"

Ask yourself:

"Will this help me become the person God is calling me to be?"

Because everything may be permissible.

But not everything is helpful.

Where the Spirit of the Lord Is, There Is Freedom...

Where the Spirit of the Lord Is, There Is Freedom...

Freedom is something every one of us longs for, whether we realize it or not. Freedom from fear. Freedom from shame. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from the pain of our past. So often, we spend years carrying wounds we never asked for, trying to survive the best way we know how.

For many of us, those wounds start in childhood.

For me, finding freedom in the Lord was one of the most pivotal parts of my healing journey. Growing up, I endured emotional and physical abuse at the hands of my alcoholic father. Those experiences left scars—some visible, but many hidden deep within my heart. The kind of scars that shape how you think, how you trust, and how you love.

When you grow up in chaos, dysfunction can start to feel normal. You learn to stay guarded. You learn to expect disappointment. You build walls to protect yourself because vulnerability feels unsafe. And while those walls may protect you for a season, they can also keep healing out.

For years, I carried the weight of that pain. I carried anger. I carried fear. I carried rejection. I carried questions that seemed to have no answers. Why did this happen? Why wasn’t I enough? Why did the person who was supposed to protect me become the source of so much pain?

Those questions can haunt you if you let them.

But what I’ve learned is that healing begins when we stop looking for answers in our pain and start looking to God.

The world often tells us freedom looks like moving on, numbing out, or pretending the pain never existed. But God’s freedom is different. His freedom doesn’t erase the past—it redeems it. He takes the broken pieces of our story and uses them for His glory.

That’s what He did for me.

When I surrendered my pain to Him, He began doing the hard work in me. He showed me that my identity was not rooted in what happened to me but in who He says I am. He taught me that I was loved, chosen, and worthy—not because of my past, but because of His grace.

He also taught me forgiveness.

And forgiveness was one of the hardest steps in my healing.

Forgiveness didn’t mean what happened was okay. It didn’t excuse the abuse or the damage it caused. It meant I was choosing to release the hold that pain had on me. It meant refusing to let bitterness take root and poison the life God was calling me to live.

That is freedom.

The freedom to no longer be chained to what hurt you.
The freedom to breathe again.
The freedom to trust again.
The freedom to love without fear.
The freedom to walk in peace.

Healing is rarely instant. It’s a process. It’s layers. It’s tears, prayers, surrender, and sometimes revisiting wounds you thought were buried. But with every step, God is faithful.

Where His Spirit is, freedom is.

Not because life suddenly becomes easy—but because His presence changes everything.

If you’re carrying wounds from your past today—whether from childhood, relationships, betrayal, or loss—know this: God sees you. He sees every hidden scar, every silent tear, every burden you’ve carried.

And He wants to set you free.

Your past may explain you, but it does not define you.

There is healing in Him. There is peace in Him. There is freedom in Him.

And if He could bring freedom to the broken places in me, He can do the same for you.

One Step at a Time...

I came across this picture recently, and it really made me stop and think.

At the top of the mountain is a flag labeled "Success." But what caught my attention wasn't the destination—it was the path leading there.

The stairs are marked:

Effort.

Patience.

Failure.

Hard Work.

Consistency.

Isn't that how life works?

We often look at someone's success and assume they got there quickly or easily. We see the mountaintop, but we don't see the countless steps they had to climb to get there. We don't see the early mornings, the late nights, the setbacks, the disappointments, and the moments when they wanted to quit but kept going anyway.

The truth is that success rarely happens overnight.

I've seen that firsthand in our own lives.

Whether it was homeschooling Tim through graduation, watching him pursue his weightlifting dreams, building our family business, or simply navigating the challenges that come with everyday life, none of it happened in a single moment. It happened one step at a time.

And honestly, some of those steps weren't easy.

There were days when progress felt slow. Days when it seemed like we were working hard without seeing immediate results. Days when plans changed, obstacles appeared, and disappointment tried to convince us to quit.

But that's where the signs on this mountain path speak volumes.

Effort means showing up even when you don't feel like it.

Patience means trusting that growth is happening even when you can't see it yet.

Failure isn't the end of the journey—it's often one of the greatest teachers along the way.

Hard work is what keeps moving you forward when motivation fades.

And consistency is what turns small daily actions into big results over time.

As believers, we know that success isn't measured only by achievements or accomplishments. Sometimes success is simply being faithful to what God has called us to do.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us:

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

In due season.

Not immediately.

Not according to our timetable.

But in God's perfect timing.

Maybe you're climbing a mountain of your own right now. Maybe you're working toward a goal, praying for a breakthrough, caring for a loved one, building a business, strengthening a marriage, or pursuing a dream that feels far away.

Keep climbing.

Keep taking the next step.

Don't let a setback convince you that you've failed. Don't let slow progress make you think nothing is happening. Every step matters, even the ones that feel small.

The people who eventually reach the top aren't always the fastest or the strongest. Often, they're simply the ones who refused to quit.

One step.

One day.

One prayer.

One act of faithfulness at a time.

And before you know it, you'll look back and realize that what seemed impossible was accomplished by simply continuing to move forward.

So today, if you're tired, discouraged, or wondering if it's worth it, remember this:

The path to success isn't a giant leap.

It's a series of faithful steps.

(picture is from Precept Ministries)

Where Do You Go When Life Gets Hard?

One simple verse, but it says so much.

In Acts chapter 4, Peter and John had just been arrested because they were boldly preaching about Jesus. They were questioned, threatened, and warned to stop speaking His name. What should have been a reason to become fearful only strengthened their resolve.

Then verse 23 tells us something important:

"When they were released, they went to their friends..."

After everything they had endured, they knew exactly where to go.

They went to people who shared their faith.

They went to people who would understand.

They went to people who would pray with them and encourage them.

That challenges me to ask myself a question: Where do I go when life gets hard?

When I'm discouraged, overwhelmed, or facing uncertainty, do I isolate myself? Do I try to carry every burden alone? Or do I seek out the people God has placed in my life for encouragement and support?

I've learned that some of the greatest blessings God gives us are faithful friends and family members who point us back to Him. They may not have all the answers, but they can pray with us, listen to us, and remind us that we're not walking through life's struggles alone.

There have been seasons in my life when I desperately needed that kind of support. Times when circumstances felt heavy, when decisions were difficult, or when I simply needed someone to remind me that God was still in control. Looking back, I can see how God used others to strengthen my faith when I was weary.

Peter and John didn't return to their friends to seek pity. They returned to share what God had done and to join together in prayer. The very next verses show believers lifting their voices to God with confidence and faith.

What a reminder for us today.

We weren't created to walk this journey alone. God designed us for fellowship, encouragement, and community. When challenges come—and they will—we need people around us who will help us keep our eyes on Christ instead of our circumstances.

So today, I'm thankful for the people God has placed in my life. The ones who pray, encourage, listen, and walk beside me through both the joys and the struggles.

And I'm reminded that when life gets difficult, the best place to run is not away from God's people, but toward them.

Because sometimes the strength we need comes through the very people God has placed in our path.

(Picture is from Precept Ministries)

Choosing Peace When It Isn't Easy...

If I'm being honest, this is one of those passages that sounds much easier to read than it is to live.

When someone hurts us, misunderstands us, criticizes us, or treats us unfairly, our natural reaction is often to defend ourselves or return the hurt. We want people to know our side of the story. We want justice. We want to prove that we were right.

I've certainly had moments in my life when I felt that way.

There have been situations where I wanted to respond immediately. Times when I replayed conversations in my mind and thought of all the things I wished I had said. Times when I wanted to hold on to frustration because, in my mind, I had every reason to be upset.

But over the years, God has been teaching me that peace is often worth more than being right.

That's not always easy to accept.

Romans 12 doesn't tell us that people will always treat us fairly. It doesn't promise that everyone will understand our intentions or appreciate our efforts. Instead, it challenges us to focus on our own response.

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

I love that phrase because it acknowledges something important: we can't control other people.

We can't control what they say.

We can't control what they think.

We can't control how they respond.

But we can control how we choose to act.

I've learned that there is a great deal of freedom in that truth. When we stop trying to manage everyone else's behavior and focus instead on honoring God with our own, life becomes much less exhausting.

That doesn't mean we become doormats. It doesn't mean we allow ourselves to be mistreated or refuse to establish healthy boundaries. Sometimes peace requires distance. Sometimes it requires difficult conversations. Sometimes it means quietly stepping away and letting God handle what we cannot.

What it does mean is that we refuse to let bitterness take root in our hearts.

I've discovered that carrying anger is a heavy burden. It steals joy, robs peace, and keeps us focused on the wrong things. God never intended for us to carry that weight forever.

Instead, He calls us to trust Him.

To do what is honorable.

To extend grace when possible.

To forgive even when it's difficult.

And to leave room for Him to work.

Some of the greatest moments of growth in my life have come when I chose peace over proving a point. Looking back, I'm grateful for the times God helped me hold my tongue, walk away from unnecessary conflict, and trust Him with situations I couldn't fix myself.

Was it always easy? Not at all.

Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Today, my prayer is that God would help me live out these verses—not just when life is easy, but especially when it's hard. That He would give me the wisdom to know when to speak, the humility to know when to stay silent, and the strength to choose peace even when my emotions are pulling me in another direction.

Because at the end of the day, I'd rather have God's peace than win an argument.

And I'd rather honor Him with my response than get even with someone else.