faith – Long walks and dark chocolate

Who Do You Look Like?

May 8, 2026 2 Comments

My cousin has an adorable little boy, Bennett, who looks just like his dad. Not long ago, at a family gathering, I overheard several people say things like, “He is the spitting image of his dad,” and “He sure does favor him.” We hear phrases like that often when a child strongly resembles a parent.

Other times, a baby may not seem to look much like either parent at all, and someone inevitably asks, “Who do you think the baby looks like?” You can almost sense the hope behind the question. Most parents long to see some part of themselves reflected in their child.

We use all kinds of phrases to describe resemblance:
“takes after,” “mini-me,” “chip off the old block,” or “favoring” someone in the family.

Adult and child walking on coastal path with ocean and cliffs in background

Children resemble their parents largely because of genetics, but as they grow, they often begin to reflect more than appearance. Mannerisms, expressions, habits, and even responses are learned through time spent together.

I found myself thinking about that this morning.

The other day, I was in a situation where I could feel my own moodiness and frustration rising. As I spoke within the group I was with, I knew my words were not coming from a place of kindness, patience, or grace.

Although my husband and I faithfully read Scripture, pray, and do devotionals together each morning, I realized I had neglected my own quiet time alone with God. Usually, after my husband leaves, I spend additional time praying, reflecting, meditating on His Word, and simply being still before Him.

And I can tell the difference when I don’t.

There are days when I feel I reflect Jesus far more clearly than others. As His follower, it is my responsibility to recognize when my heart is drifting and return to the only place where true transformation happens: His presence.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai after spending time with God, his face literally shone. The change was so visible that he wore a veil before the people (see Exodus 34:29–35).

And in 2 Corinthians 3:18, we are reminded that we are being:

“changed into the same image from glory to glory.”

The more time we spend with Him, the more we should begin to resemble Him:

in character,
in holiness,
in peace,
in love,
and in the way we respond to the world around us.

Perhaps the real question is not simply who we resemble outwardly, but:
Who do we reflect most clearly with our lives?

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” – Romans 8:29

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational Tagged With: 2 Corinthians 3, Becoming like Christ, Bible, Christian encouragement, Devotional, Discipleship, faith, faith journey, Following Jesus, God, God’s presence, Jesus, love, Prayer, quiet time, reflection, Relationship with God, Scripture reflection, Spiritual growth, Time with God, Transformation

Pointing Others to Joy

May 1, 2026 3 Comments

“Don’t point.”

We were taught this as children, and many of us have taught it to our own.

I remember those tiny fingers and the excited, “Look, Mommy!” and the quiet hope that what they had spotted was a butterfly, a bird, or even the candy counter at the grocery store. Please, not another person.

Children learn quickly that pointing at others can embarrass and can wound. In their innocence and honesty, they don’t yet understand the weight their words and actions can carry.

And yet, pointing does have its place.

It can be helpful, even necessary, when showing someone the way.

The other day, while walking with my husband, he spotted a deer I couldn’t see. “Look, honey… no, over here. If you stand there and look between that tulip poplar and the maple—you’ll see a twisted branch. Look right under that. Yes, right there.”

He stood near my line of vision and gently pointed me toward something beautiful I would have otherwise missed.

That stayed with me.

Curved road through green fields and flowering trees with hills in the background

This morning, during my time with God, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude for all He has done for me, and for how much lighter life feels when it is fully surrendered to Him.

And I do mean fully.

Because when surrender is partial, when we hold tightly to the very things He is asking us to release, life remains heavier than it needs to be.

Let me be clear: life is difficult. We live in a fallen world, and following Christ does not remove that reality.

But it does change how we walk through it.

We are given a peace that passes understanding.
We are given Someone to run to—Someone who hears us, holds us, and understands us.

Jesus Himself walked this earth. He was mocked, betrayed, and ultimately crucified. He knows what it is to be rejected, to grieve, to watch others choose sin over life.

He understands.

And because of that, I’ve come to see that the only way for me to walk this life with joy is through complete surrender.

Which brings me back to pointing.

At this stage of life, what I long for most is not to point out flaws or differences, but to point others to Him.

To gently guide, as my husband did, toward something they might not yet see.

To point out His radiance, His beauty, His creativity, and His forgiveness.

To help others find what is already there, waiting to be seen.

I want to point people to Him,
fully, completely, and faithfully.

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational Tagged With: Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Everyday faith, Everyday reflections, faith, Faith in action, faith journey, God, Guiding others, influence, Jesus, Life reflections, love, pointing others to Christ, Spiritual growth, surrender, Trusting God, Walking with God

Seeing Clearly: Understanding 1 Corinthians 13:12

April 27, 2026 4 Comments

Once again, I can be found on the porch, enjoying the morning. Things aren’t as crisp and clear today. I lost my glasses yesterday, and although my vision isn’t terrible without them, small print is nearly impossible, and I can tell there’s a lack of overall sharpness and clarity.

Eyeglasses resting on moss with small white flowers and green plants around in a forest

Sure, I can distinguish the birds from the squirrels, and even the male from the female cardinal, but the details are lost to me.

It has me thinking about the scripture, “For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know even as also I am known.” — 1 Corinthians 13:12

In Paul’s time, mirrors were made of polished metal, not clear glass like today. Reflections were dim, distorted, and incomplete. And isn’t that so much like how we see now?

We are given glimpses—through Scripture, through the Spirit, through creation, through experience and prayer—but it is still only in part. There are things we don’t fully understand. Things that don’t always make sense to us.

But one day, we will see clearly.

Fully.
Without distortion.
Without limitation.

There is comfort in that. A reminder to remain humble in what we cannot yet grasp, while holding on to the hope that understanding will come.

This verse follows Paul’s beautiful description of love, the kind that never fails, and perhaps that is no coincidence. Love is what carries us through the not-knowing. It steadies us in the waiting and in the wondering.

It feels like something God would do, to bring this verse to mind on a morning when my own vision feels just a little unclear.

My husband and I have been studying I and II Samuel, walking through parts of David’s life that are not always easy to understand. There are moments that leave us with questions, and places where our limited vision shows.

But even there, we are called to trust. To believe His Word, even when we cannot see it fully.

And maybe that is the point.

For now, we see in part.
But one day, we will see face to face.

Filed Under: Christian, Inspirational Tagged With: Apostle Paul, Bible, bible study, Christianity, Clarity, Corinthians, Devotional, faith, Family, glimpses, God, Jesus, love, understanding, vision

Morning Glory: A Prayerful Journey of Heart and Soul

April 24, 2026 12 Comments

Today is a new morning, a new gift. Sitting on my back porch, the sunlight peeking through the trees from a serene blue sky, with a slight chill in the air, the day couldn’t be more peaceful or beautiful. The only sounds are birdsong and childish laughter from a nearby school playground.

It’s a prayerful time, a time of soul searching, of heart pouring out, of weeping and repentance—yet a time that refreshes like no other. A necessity. I’m covered with a blanket, and it reminds me of the covering of the Father’s love.

A fat robin sits on the fence directly in front of me, scanning the ground for an unsuspecting juicy bug, and he quickly finds it and drifts down to claim his prize. A cardinal is calling, steady and confident, cutting through the quiet morning air like a small reminder that life is awake and stirring. I can see his distinct red beauty against the spring greenery. A squirrel makes his way gingerly along the top of the wooden fence, sniffing and stopping to scratch, as if he is in no hurry.

Again, I find myself thinking how lovely this day is. Thankfully, there is a calmness in my soul and a still small voice that whispers, “it is well”. His love is evident and abundant and so merciful and kind. He continues to refine me. I want above all, to get it right.

May my roots grow deep and strong and may the bad ones be cut off and thrown into the fire. May I pour out my alabaster box at His feet, knowing that He is the One, the Healer, the Master, the Creator of all of this beauty. God use me for your glory.

As I am writing this, a loud, persistent buzzing breaks the stillness for a moment, circling close enough to pull my attention away. A small reminder of how easily we can be distracted, even in the quiet.

And yet, just as quickly, my focus returns. Back to the stillness. Back to Him.

There is no fear here. No anxiousness. Just a quiet resolve to remain steady, to keep my eyes fixed on what is true.

To become more like Him—gently, faithfully, one day at a time. That is the goal.

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, faith, God, God's presence, Jesus, Morning reflection, quiet time, refinement, stillness, surrender, Trusting God

It’s Finished Again

March 29, 2026 6 Comments

There is something both familiar and entirely new about finishing a book.

I remember the first time, the mix of excitement, uncertainty, and the quiet question in the back of my mind: Will this matter to anyone else the way it matters to me? And now, here I am again, holding something that began as scattered thoughts, quiet reflections, and moments I didn’t want to forget.

Seasons of Grace is my second book, but in many ways, it feels like the continuation of something I have been writing all along..

If you’ve spent any time here with me, you’ve already seen pieces of it.

This book is made up of those same kinds of moments; the ordinary days, the lessons learned slowly, the reminders that seem to come just when I need them most. It’s about faith, family, growing older, letting go, holding on, and learning to recognize that even the quiet seasons are full of purpose.

Some of these pages were written years ago. Others came together more recently. All of them carry something I have needed to be reminded of — that God is present in every season, even the ones we wouldn’t have chosen.

Finishing this book has felt less like reaching an end and more like gently gathering pieces of a journey and placing them together in one place.

And if I’ve learned anything through both books, it’s this:

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply finish what has been placed on our hearts.

If you choose to read Seasons of Grace, I hope you find something that meets you right where you are. Something that encourages you to slow down, to notice, and to trust that even now, something meaningful is still growing.

Thank you for being here — for reading, for encouraging, and for walking alongside me in this space for so long.

With gratitude,
Lisa

PS It’s available on Amazon in Kindle version; soft and hard cover coming soon!

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational, Poetry Tagged With: Author page, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, encouragement, faith, Family, God, growth, Inspirational Writing, Kindle Book, life, love, Mental health, Mothers, New book, new season, Seasons of Grace, Seasons of Growth, Women, writing, Writing Journey

When ‘Someday’ Becomes ‘I Did It

November 10, 2025 3 Comments

With God’s help and the support and encouragement from my husband, family and friends, I finally published a book. It’s a short, funny children’s book based on a poem that I wrote and posted right here, many years ago. It’s titled, “If I Were a Turkey“

I’ve learned that sometimes you just need to finish something, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real. I had talked about this idea for so long that it became easy to stay in that safe space of “someday.” But there’s something deeply satisfying about crossing that line, seeing the final product, and realizing it’s yours. It’s proof that you followed through and that you can do it again.

The fear of failure can quietly hold us back from the very things God is calling us to do. Yesterday after church, I spoke with my granddaughter Cali about her lesson on Moses and the burning bush. It reminded me how God can call us in many different ways—often when we feel the most unprepared.

Granted, publishing a book isn’t anything like what Moses faced, but learning new software programs certainly wasn’t my idea of fun either. I had to figure out Canva, BookBrush, Kindle Publishing, and several other tools that were completely new to me. There were moments I felt overwhelmed and frustrated, but with prayer and encouragement, each task was slowly accomplished.

Moses had a profound fear of failure and a daunting task before him. Yet God’s response was simple and reassuring: I will be with you. Moses didn’t need to be perfect or confident; he just needed to be willing.

Each of us has been given gifts and talents by God. They are not meant to be hidden away in fear but used in faith. When we trust that He will equip us for what He asks us to do, our fear becomes smaller and His strength becomes greater.

Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4:12

Filed Under: Christian, Inspirational, Poetry Tagged With: Bible, Christianity, Daily Post, encouragement, faith, faith journey, Family, God, Jesus, love, Thanksgiving

How Love and Faith Rekindled My Creativity

November 7, 2025 8 Comments

My last post was back in 2021, and somewhere along the way, life took a few turns. For a while, I lost the spark for writing. The words just wouldn’t come. But here we are in 2025, and I’m back, heart full and pen in hand, ready to share new thoughts and stories.

This year has been one of the happiest chapters of my life. In March, I married a wonderful, Christian man who has been my biggest encourager on every creative journey. He’s an artist, one who works in a fascinating medium called gyotaku. Have you heard of it? I hadn’t either, until he introduced me to this beautiful Japanese art form that captures real fish impressions in ink. It’s as peaceful as it is powerful and it’s inspired me to look at art, nature, and even storytelling in new ways.

And speaking of stories… I’m thrilled to say I’m about to publish my very first children’s book!

There’s something about rediscovering creativity after a long pause. It feels a bit like waking up from winter. The ideas start to stir again, gently at first, until you realize they’ve been there all along, just waiting for the right season.

For me, that season came with peace, prayer, and a slower pace. I stopped trying to force creativity and began to notice it again in the little things; the rhythm of morning coffee, the sound of pencil on paper, the gentle fall breeze, and the way sunlight filters through the trees, setting the autumn leaves aglow.

I realized that creativity isn’t something we lose; it just changes shape for a while. Sometimes it hides beneath the busyness, or the changes life can bring, only to return when we’re ready to see beauty again.

A dear friend once told me, years ago, that my writing wasn’t finished. She said that there would be a season for it, and not to lose heart. I spoke with her today and reminded her of those words, and how right she was. Her encouragement stayed with me, even in the quiet years, and I’m so grateful for it now.

Now, as I step into this new chapter; writing, creating, and sharing stories, I feel that spark again. It’s humbler this time, steadier, grounded in gratitude and faith.

If you’ve ever felt that your own creativity has gone quiet, take heart. It’s still there, waiting for you. Sometimes we just need a little stillness, a little grace, and maybe a nudge from someone who believes in us to bring it back to life.

I’m so grateful to be creating again; writing, learning, and sharing and even more grateful that you’re here to walk this path with me. Here’s to new beginnings, rekindled passions, and the beautiful ways God reminds us that it’s never too late to start again.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Filed Under: Christian, Inspirational Tagged With: creative renewal, creativity, encouragement, faith, faith journey, God, God’s timing, Gratitude, inspiration, Jesus, life, new beginnings, seasons, writing

Simmering pots and changing views

April 7, 2018 5 Comments

“Up, up”, cried the curly blonde headed toddler as I stirred the big simmering pot of lima beans. The scent of supper hung in the air, tempting me to perform yet another taste test. My palate satisfied, I turned to put away the remains of the ham I had used to season my savory soup.

I felt a tug on the leg of my blue jeans, prompting a downward glance at a vision resembling my youngest 20 years ago.

The practical, get-things-done side of me almost said, “Go play, sweetie”, but the Nana in me bursting with love for this little angel, took one look in those blue eyes filled with curiosity and I picked her up and positioned her on my hip instead.

She was fascinated by the steam coming off the pot and pointed toward it, exclaiming “Hot, hot!”. Right on the heels of “hot, hot”, was “eat, eat”. I guess she repeats things to make sure she gets her point across. God does that with me.

As I held her, allowing her to touch the cool granite counter, and hold a round, ripe grapefruit and smell it’s clean citrus scent, she smiled. I gave her a taste from a small spoon, after she and I “blew it” to cool it off, and I was reminded of something.

While she stood on the kitchen floor, hearing the sounds of lids banging, water boiling, the chopping of onions, she couldn’t see any of it. She could smell something that awakened her hunger, but she couldn’t dig in, she heard noises but she couldn’t identify their source. From her line of vision, her viewpoint, her perspective, things were unclear, possibly a bit confusing, maybe even a little scary or unsettling at times. Only when Nana picked her up and began explaining things, did it start to make sense. At her age, and with her limited knowledge, things still aren’t 100% clear, but at least she got a glimpse.

Another spiritual lesson or reminder for me in the everyday things! We can’t see the whole picture, yet the goodness God has prepared for us continues to unfold, but often from our perspective we can’t understand. At times, our lines of vision are obstructed or clouded by unbelief. Since His ways are not our ways, we can’t fathom His plan.

As we lean into the Father, tug on Him and say “up, up”, we begin to get at least a glimpse. And because of His unconditional, passionate love toward us, even if we don’t understand 100%, we have peace in knowing we are in good hands. The more we seek Him, the more we find Him. The more we eat, the hungrier we become.

Let His word and His love change your perspective today.

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cooking, faith, God, grandchildren, perspective, point of view, viewpoint

Post Irma musings

October 5, 2017 6 Comments

SONY DSC

As I sit on my cousin’s porch here in Tennessee, the air is cool in the midst of my favorite season. The birds are filled with song and two little squirrels are chasing each other up, down and around a tree. In the midst of one of the most chaotic seasons of my life, I sing praises to my Creator and thank Him for His abundant mercy and the beauty of my surroundings.

After losing our home in hurricane Irma, I am a grateful guest in a household that is filled with the love of Christ.

Due to my granddaughter’s health condition and fearing long lines and possible fuel shortages, we fled the state of Florida prior to Irma’s approach. Some said we were over-reacting but I had prayed about it, discussed with my husband and had peace with our decision. He would stay and continue to make preparations and be close to assess the aftermath and my daughter, granddaughter and I would head for the hills.

The first weekend I was here I remember sitting in Sunday school thinking that if I let one tiny teardrop fall, I was going to bawl a big ole ugly cry in front of a room full of people I didn’t know. I did cry during service as the Pastor described efforts already underway to send trucks of essentials and workers down to assist in our area.

The emotions pre-Irma, mid-Irma and post-Irma have been like the tea-cup ride at Disney. One minute you’re screaming as someone spins the cup faster and faster and the next minute, you need to throw up. And, all of my emotions have been from afar, so add a strange sense of guilt for not being there with and for my friends and family. All I could do was pray, and that I did and continue to.

Mid-Irma, we watched with horror as we experienced wind and storm surge in real-time, thanks to Facebook, face time and videos sent to us. We sometimes watched along with the people we love who stayed to ride it out, hearing the fear in their voices as the waters continued to rise. Thankfully, technology also provided a way to let us know everyone was safe immediately after the worst of it.

Post-Irma my husband sent pictures of the destruction as he walked for the first time back into what we once called home. We cried along with him. We lamented some of our most painful material losses together, always thankful that we still had each other.

Then we shed overwhelming tears of gratitude as we saw people from all over; loved ones, clients and strangers begin to load up trucks like the hands and feet of Jesus, destination Everglades City, to unload a little bit of love and hope.

Homeless Irma victims, we have so much to be thankful for. We have family who immediately opened their home to us until we can find a place of our own, more family and friends, clients and colleagues who have blessed us with gift cards, money, prayers and encouragement, and a place for my husband to stay while he is down there working. We have our lives and our precious memories of how things used to be.

We have a lot to do and some new paths to forge but I remain steadfast in the knowledge that my God will provide. He has not forsaken us, nor will He. This life is fragile and our things are perishable but His love is everlasting and His promises are sure. I pray for wisdom to follow without hesitation His perfect direction and plan for my life.

My deepest gratitude to all who have helped in any way. May God richly bless you.

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Uncategorized Tagged With: Emotions, faith, Family, God, Hurricane Irma, Wisdom

Killing Orchids

June 25, 2017 3 Comments

My thumb is not a nice dark green. I suppose it’s more of a seafoam or chartreuse color. What I am trying to say is that I seem to have about a 60/40 chance of growing beautiful things. Many of my plants do indeed thrive. They have deep, robust color and if a bloomer, they have plentiful and hearty offerings.

Then there are those that start off with a bang, bring me viewing pleasure for months and then die a slow and pitiful death right before my eyes. Others limp along, making little progress only to become diseased.

In the past I attempted to grow orchids. My sister does a great job with them and hers always look beautiful. My friend, Rudy has several that thrive. She shows pictures of them on Facebook and I gaze in wonder at their beauty. One of my uncles used to have many different varieties and he also seemed to believe they were not hard to grow successfully.

I have brought several of them home with high hopes and visions of grandeur, imagining an entire shelf popping with several blooms in every shade of color in various heights. I have cringed as I watched one after another succumb to my inefficient treatment (and they aren’t cheap!). Much to my dismay, I’ve never seen one last for more than a month or so. Yes, I have read about the lighting, fertilization and watering and I have also solicited advice from the above mentioned orchid hall of famers. All to no avail I might add.

Then, I read something the other day. It was about how when the bloom falls off; you can cut the stem a little below the bloom and wait. Often, although it can take a long time, your orchid will bloom again. No one told me this. I always thought that once that flower was gone, it was as good as dead. Now I learn that as long as my leaves still have some life to them, it is very possible that my orchid will rise again to its former splendor. I just needed to wait! Isn’t the waiting always the hardest part? I’m sure some of you are laughing at my ignorance right now and I can’t say that I blame you.

So, I considered my hydrangea which is my favorite flower ever and not the easiest to grow this far south (at least not for me). All the leaves had fallen off. I could barely remember the last flower. But, I haven’t had much time for yard work lately so I hadn’t dug it up yet. I went out and took a peek and lo and behold, there are several green leaves gracing that once barren little collection of sticks. Therefore, I will wait.

In life, one of the things we have the hardest time with is waiting. We wait for the phone to ring, we wait for the water to boil, and we wait in line. We wait for the answer to that prayer. We hear, “good things come to those who wait”, extolling the virtue of patience. And in our exasperation, we throw out the orchid, we dig up the hydrangea and we avoid the plant aisle for fear of another failure.

I have learned today in my mediation on this topic and my prayer is that you have too. We will have to wait for the fruition of good things. We might have to look at an ugly barren stem for a while before we realize the beauty. May we be more patient with things, but more importantly with people. Let’s set our sights on the coming growth and glorious blooms instead of the dead branches of the now. I want to see what God see’s when He looks at me; His plan and the possibilities.