Recently, I started going through boxes of memorabilia I’ve saved since childhood- pictures, old report cards from elementary school, art projects, letters from friends, and journals. It was bitter-sweet to stroll down memory lane. So many thoughts of the past flooded my mind. When my husband and I moved to Kansas City with our three children over two decades ago, it was such a leap of faith- we barely knew one person. One thing we did know for sure was that God led us to come.  Seasons of transition can be super challenging when we're letting go of what's familiar, but we can trust that ..read more

The phrase "Little is Big to God" dropped in my spirit recently while wrestling through some mindsets and behavioral patterns that God has spoken to me about for a while. As I've continued to pray about it, I can see two sides to this coin of revelation that I want to share with you. First and foremost, little is big refers to the seemingly small and ongoing areas of disobedience to God's revealed will, whether in Scripture or things spoken to our hearts. In other words, we are quick to acknowledge and even tell others about the things the Lord convicts us about but end up not consistently wal ..read more

Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially the family of faith. (Galatians 6:10) The Lord has shown me I can love God and people regardless of circumstances. We are called to be a channel of God's love. (See Matt 5:13-16 & Phil 2:14-15) As I was reading a devotional entry, the Holy Spirit strengthened my heart with the following quote by Edmond H. Sears: How many burdens can I make lighter?  How much heart shine can I shed about me? How much can I increase the sum of human blessing in the circle where my lines have fallen? How easily we s ..read more

When my two-year-old grandson is told it's nap time or bedtime, he often says, "No, thank you!" His matter-of-fact response is cute but never helps him get his way. Similarly, when God asks us to do something, and we don't want to, or to wait patiently for something we strongly desire, if we complain or strive against His timing, we indirectly say, "No, thank You, Jesus- I know better."  (The last time I checked, this response was disobedience.)   We all know the story of King Saul when he pretended to listen but ended up doing his own thing, according to his way and timing ..read more

I recently watched a movie about Scottish runner Eric Liddell's remaining years after winning an Olympic gold medal in 1924. While serving as a missionary in China, Mr. Liddell ended up living and dying in a prison camp. Due to his renowned Olympian status worldwide, he was offered more and better food than the ordinary prisoners, which he gave away to benefit others in the prison camp. At one point, he was allowed to return home to Scotland to be with his wife and three children, and he insisted that a pregnant lady be released in his place while he remained in China to serve in the lowl ..read more

If you're like me, you seek ways to avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic. We commonly use the GPS feature in our smartphones to find an alternative route or a shortcut, to get to our destination. We all want to control our circumstances as much as possible, right? I was driving on the highway last week, wrestling emotionally about circumstances outside my control. The Holy Spirit drew my attention to a truck with an advertisement on the vehicle's side, which said, "We take no shortcuts." Sometimes when we're stubbornly not listening, God speaks creatively. In Mark 8 ..read more

I am in Florida on vacation, visiting my grandchildren for their birthdays. There is a lot of cuteness going on around here! My grandson, Caleb, is now two years old. One day, my daughter asked Caleb to come and let her put his pants on, and he said, "But, Mommy, I want to wear my legs." Now, how cute is that?  My daughter and her family live across the street from a community pool and playground. Anytime little Emery and Caleb want to go and swim or play, one of the adults takes hold of their hands and carefully walks with them as they cross the street. We would never let them go and all ..read more

Happy Mother’s Day! I enjoy wearing my favorite T-shirt, which I often wear during this special time of year (it says, “I Love Mom”). I have three adult children and two adorable grandchildren. I am so grateful for these gifts in my life. My son Simeon was four years old. He came to me and said, “Mommy, you are the most beautiful mommy in the world, and I love you so much!” My love language is affirmation, and I must say that my son’s words melted my heart. I sensed it was the Lord loving me through my son that day. My daughter, Alyssa, is a gifted writer, and she has written my husband and I ..read more

I've shared the story multiple times about my younger son running up to me in his Bible Man cape at age four, informing me that he wanted to be a superhero when he grew up. Needleless to say, it wasn't in his wheelhouse of grace- although he'll always be a superhero in my eyes! ...walk in a manner worthy of the calling (or sphere of influence) you have received... Now to each one of us, grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4:1&7) Grace is a gift or impartation from God- we can never earn it in our human strength. Here is a definition of wheelho ..read more

I would not be a bondservant of Christ if I were still trying to be popular with men. Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men or God? Or am I seeking to please people? (Galatians 1:10- paraphrased) I was driving to one of my ministry assignments last week and heard the Lord whispering to my spirit that I am His servant. I sensed Him reminding me that the other roles in my life do not define me. Later that afternoon, the verse of the day on my Bible app was Galatians 1:10- which confirmed what He said to me earlier in the morning.  It's helpful to see how the Apostle Paul cont ..read more