Trust Beyond Understanding...

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

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

This verse sounds simple until life becomes difficult.

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

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

Why? Because our understanding is limited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trust often requires releasing control.

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

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

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

God is trustworthy even when life feels unclear.

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

So keep praying. Keep believing. Keep trusting.

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

Empowered to Be a Witness...

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

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

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

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

That same Holy Spirit still empowers believers today.

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

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

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

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

Our mission field looks similar today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giving From the Heart...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mom is Making Great Progress...

Mom is Making Great Progress...

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

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

The Shepherd Who Leads Me Into Peace...

The Shepherd Who Leads Me Into Peace...

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

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

Psalms 23 begins with a simple but powerful declaration:

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

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

The passage continues with a picture of rest:

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

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

Then comes direction:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Bible reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11:

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

That promise still stands today.

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

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

Loyalty Matters...

Loyalty Matters...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faith requires movement.

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

Transformation happens when faith meets obedience.

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

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

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

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

And yes, the choice has always been yours.

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

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

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

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

Happy Memorial Day...

Happy Memorial Day...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then and Now Pics—that I should have shared back in April but forgot...

What a Difference 8 Years Makes...

It’s amazing how quickly time passes when you stop and really look back.

Eight years ago, Tim was just beginning his journey competing in sparring tournaments. Back then, it was all brand new—learning discipline, building confidence, stepping onto the mat, and discovering what it meant to challenge himself both mentally and physically. Those early years were filled with growth, excitement, lessons, victories, setbacks, and countless moments that helped shape the young man he is today.

Fast forward eight years, and the transformation is incredible to witness.

Today, Tim is nearly four years into Olympic weightlifting, and what a journey it has been. The transition from sparring tournaments to the world of weightlifting brought a completely different set of challenges, but Tim embraced every one of them with determination and grit. Olympic weightlifting is not just about strength—it requires patience, focus, discipline, consistency, and the willingness to push through difficult days when progress feels slow. Through it all, Tim has continued to grow stronger, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

One of the greatest blessings as parents is getting to watch your child grow into who God created them to be. Looking back over these past eight years, we can see how every season has helped mold Tim’s character. The trophies, competitions, and accomplishments are wonderful, but what makes us the most proud is the person he has become along the way.

Tim has learned the value of hard work.
He has learned perseverance.
He has learned how to stay committed even when things are difficult.
He has learned humility in both victory and defeat.
And most importantly, he has continued to grow into an amazing young man with a kind heart, strong character, and determination that inspires those around him.

The road has not always been easy, but growth never comes from staying comfortable. Every practice, every competition, every challenge, and every moment of discipline has helped shape his journey.

Sometimes we look at our children and wonder where the time went. It feels like yesterday watching Tim take those first steps into competition, and now we are watching him chase bigger goals and continue building a future filled with purpose and passion.

We are beyond proud of the young man Tim has become. Not simply because of his athletic accomplishments, but because of his heart, his work ethic, and the way he continues striving to become better every single day.

What a difference eight years makes.

And the beautiful part is… his story is still being written.

Strength Through Every Step...

Four years ago, Mom was recovering from hip replacement surgery. At the time, it felt like such a long road ahead. Surgery is never easy, especially when it comes with weeks and months of rehabilitation, learning to move differently, rebuilding strength, and pushing through pain and exhaustion just to regain normal daily movement again.

Thankfully, she had an incredible PT who helped guide her through that season. The care, encouragement, patience, and expertise she received made such a difference in her recovery journey. Little by little, step by step, she regained strength and independence again.

Fast forward to today, and Mom is once again walking another difficult rehabilitation journey—this time recovering from knee replacement surgery.

If there is one thing that can be said about Mom, it’s this: she is an absolute trooper.

Most people never fully see the quiet strength it takes to keep going through chronic pain and repeated medical procedures. What many may not realize is that Mom suffers from two different forms of arthritis, one of which causes deterioration in her joints. Over time, the damage has become severe enough that joint replacements became necessary—not optional.

Living with arthritis is not just about occasional aches and pains. It affects everyday life in ways many people take for granted. Simple tasks become difficult. Movement becomes painful. Some days require tremendous effort just to push through ordinary routines. Yet despite all of it, Mom continues to keep moving forward with determination.

Watching her go through not one but multiple joint replacement surgeries has been both heartbreaking and inspiring. Heartbreaking because no one wants to see someone they love hurting. Inspiring because of the incredible resilience she continues to show through every setback, every therapy session, every difficult day, and every painful step of recovery.

Rehabilitation is not easy. It requires patience when progress feels slow. It requires perseverance on days when the pain feels overwhelming. It requires courage to trust the process and keep going even when your body is tired.

And somehow, Mom continues to do exactly that.

Through every challenge, she has shown incredible toughness, faith, and determination. Even on the hard days, she keeps fighting to regain strength and mobility. Her resilience is a reminder that true strength is not always loud or visible—it’s often found in the quiet determination to keep showing up and refusing to give up.

We are so proud of her and all she has overcome already. Watching her continue to push forward through these health challenges reminds us just how strong she truly is.

One step at a time.
One day at a time.
And through it all, Mom keeps proving that she is stronger than the struggles she faces.