I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for He is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 (NLT) Series: Games People Play Have you ever played the game Pictionary? One person draws a picture while the others try to guess what is being drawn. At the stroke of the pen, players blurt out random guesses, often far from what the actual object is. Tension and frustration build as confusion of the unknown continues. Sometimes, this scene mimics our lives. God has created a plan and purpose for each of us. He is the Master Illustrator. But, when we take the pen, it gets messy. Picture this. At age ..read more

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the Earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Psalm 100:1-2  (ESV)   Series: Games People Play You may have heard it said, “Life is like a game.” But is it? There are certain similarities that stand out. Games have rules, as life has rules. Just like in a strategy game, the choices we make and the direction we go may bring us joy (win) or could bring us disappointment (loss). Some games require competition, others may require cooperation to take part. Real life is similar in that individuals often compete ..read more

Tell your children about it in the years to come,     and let your children tell their children.     Pass the story down from generation to generation. Joel 1:3 (NLT)   Series: The Breadcrumb Trail Some of my fondest childhood memories spring from our large, extended-family gatherings. My grandparents and their siblings sat around the patio or in a crowded basement family room and tossed memories back and forth. Laughter, joy, compassion, and connection filled the atmosphere. The younger generations sat on laps, hid under the card tables, or tossed ..read more

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. Romans 15:5 NIV   Series: The Breadcrumb Trail Have you ever felt closer to God as you listen to a special song? Music has always played an impactful role in my life. In my younger days, I used to sing “specials” in church. One of my favorites was the song “Find Us Faithful” by Steve Green. Based on Hebrews 12:1-2, this part of the song resonates with me more each year: We’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road, And those who’ve gone before us line the way ..read more

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;     yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will consider all Your works     and meditate on all Your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12 (NIV) Series: The Breadcrumb Trail Some years ago, I trudged through a rebellious season. I didn’t recognize it as such at the time, and those who saw me from the outside thought I was sailing along beautifully in my walk with God. Under the surface, however, was a raging storm of self-righteousness, envy, and selfishness. I was a rule follower who had committed my life to ..read more

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness.     Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises.     Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. Psalm 105:1-2 (NLT)   Series: The Breadcrumb Trail I will never forget the moment. Standing before the minister who called me out of the congregation, I experienced a miracle. He asked me a few questions. I answered. He spoke life and truth and healing over me. As he laid his hands on my head and prayed, I felt something in my physical body. It was power—not like the uncom ..read more

One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts. I will speak of Your splendor and glorious majesty and Your wonderful works. Psalm 145:4-5 (HCSB) Series: The Breadcrumb Trail Anyone remember “Creative Memories”? This successful scrapbooking company launched in 1987 and relaunched in 2014. The mission of the company is to help preserve precious memories for ages to come. “Life is beautiful. Share it. Remember it. Cherish it.” My sister-in-law was a distributor. We have tagged one of my sisters as our family photographer. And each of us has bought into the ..read more

Lord, don’t hold back Your tender mercies from me.  Let Your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. Psalm 40:11 NLT   Series: The Breadcrumb Trail Anyone remember clinging to a special blanket, or maybe a stuffed animal, for comfort when you were little? Maybe your child had a pacifier or has that “special something” you must bring on every car ride, and if it gets left behind—watch out! As an adult, it may sound silly to think of how much we needed that item to feel comfortable, safe or peaceful, but even all grown up we still have things we “need” to feel safe. We lock ..read more

How great are His miracles, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation. Daniel 4:3 (HCSB)   Series: The Breadcrumb Trail A few months back, as I sat in the stillness before dawn, thoughts of unworthiness flooded my soul. Tears welled in my eyes as I replayed all the reasons I was not good enough for the unconditional love of God. The confidence of the finished work of Christ eluded my heart, even though the words I had just read on the pages of my Bible confirmed I was worthy. As I wrestled with those lies, my phone lit ..read more

For the Lord is good;     His steadfast love endures forever,     and His faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:5 (ESV)   Series: The Breadcrumb Trail My Dad. He was an avid reader and knowledgeable about many things, even though he only had an eighth-grade education. Dad loved his Bible—the King James Version, of course. Everyone in our town knew he loved Jesus, his church, and his family, and he never hesitated to share how great all of them were. He was always in a good mood. I only remember one time in our years together when I saw my dad depressed ..read more