Jesus – 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

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

Desperate

January 23, 2021 5 Comments

Jesus, You were spit on, ridiculed, beaten, called a drunkard, a glutton and a liar. You were betrayed by many including those close to you. You beheld the hatred, the depravity, the gross reality of the state of the human heart. You were hung on a cross between ungodly men, mocked and provoked.

Yet you died for those who had committed these sins against you. You gave your life so that these and many millions after them might have hope, a chance at salvation, and eternal life.

Yes, you were disgusted by the religious leaders, yet so merciful that your love changed Saul to Paul. You got angry, even turned over tables, but never committed sin.

You witnessed the atrocities man is capable of, you heard our pathetic excuses, you saw our doubt and unbelief.

Yet, you died for us.

You knew there would be more of us, generation after generation of self-righteous, flesh-gratifying, self-loving, immoral humans, born into sin.

Yet, you willingly went the way of the Cross.

Your love is unfathomable, your mercy undeserved, your long suffering immeasurable and your grace, ever amazing.

I want to love like you do; to see hearts, instead of hands; to see possibility instead of reality, to see hope instead of despair and life instead of death.

Oh, to truly be your hands and feet, all the time. This is my prayer. I know that kind of love is impossile without Your love, without Your spirit dwelling in me. Teach me, show me, mold me. Forgive me my pride and arrogance, my detestable desire to be right at all costs, any bitterness or hatred towards people who I disagree with. Humble me and break my heart for what breaks yours.

For You are the only hope and my faith is in You always.

Filed Under: Christian, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: Christian, forgiveness, grace, Jesus, love, mercy, Prayer, salvation, Woman

The love in the No-nos

December 17, 2017 5 Comments

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As Nana instead of mama, I can get tickled when my almost two year old granddaughter is testing my daughter. I have earned that right but I am wise enough to hide my laughter. My cousin’s wife has termed it being “rascally” when she starts acting like a little stinker. This usually happens when she is fighting sleep, but lately with the two’s looming in the near future, it happens more often.

She will go up to something she knows she isn’t allowed to touch and get her finger as close to it as she possibly can and look at you, studying your response. There is a snowman dish that captivates her, but she knows she can only look at the “no-man”, not touch. The other day, she touched it and took off running.

She is trying to see how far she can push before it’s too far. What can I really get away with? Will this really hurt me, or is mom just saying that? What happens if I touch the forbidden? She runs full speed ahead trying to taste, touch and see everything as fast as her little legs will carry her. When she knows she has committed a “no-no”, she will swing those golden curls back, look at you and swat her own little behind, all with a smile on her face.

She knows exactly what she is doing, yet there is something in her that rebels. She doesn’t always just listen and obey. At times, she has to learn the hard way.

This morning, I was contemplating sin and temptations and how long suffering God is with us. I am a firm believer that Jesus died for my sins, but I also believe when I committ them, I need to repent. Daily I pray that God will search my heart and help me to live a holy, committed life for His glory.

I thought about my granddaughter’s behavior and it reminded me so much of us as God’s children. Oh, how He loves us!

How often do we run through life anxious to see it all and do it all, and we wander too close to the things that God knows might cause us harm? He warns us, yet sometimes we fail to heed the Father’s voice. That seemingly harmless conversation we are being lured into might cause us pain later. A still small voice whispers, “no-no” but we ignore the plea and carry on, like a toddler running with scissors.

Thankfully, when we fall, He is there to pick us up. He willingly forgives the offense and loves the hurt away if we let Him. If we are smart, for our part, we will repent and learn something and we don’t have to repeat that lesson over again. We aren’t toddlers trying to figure out who is in charge. We do already know that God wants the best for us, and that His plan for us is perfect! Why do we question that? If He keeps something from us, it will always be for our benefit. If He changes our direction, it’s to keep us on the best path.

His banner over me is love. Maybe we can remember that the next time the spirit of God is dealing with us about something. His no is always shrouded in love, just like ours are with our children. It always means, I know a better way or I want a better outcome for you. It means, I love you. Trust that love.

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: Father God, grandchildren, Jesus, love, obedience, Parenting, repentance, testing, toddlers

An authentic love

October 8, 2017 1 Comment

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Many times I am asked to explain what I mean when I talk about feeling close to Jesus and having more than a superficial relationship with Him. How can I say he is my best friend? How do I know when He is guiding me in a certain direction?

When I was very young, I was taken to church by my mother and grandmother and as I grew it continued to be part of my life. In my pre-teen years, I went for the fun and games, to see my friends and because I genuinely wanted to be good. I wanted to do the right thing and I was afraid of the consequences if I didn’t. Somehow, in spite of all of the lessons telling me that Jesus died for me and how much He loved me, I couldn’t wrap my head around what it meant to be in a relationship with Him. There were times I felt more inspired than others, but I still didn’t grasp the depths of His goodness at the time.

Many years later, after multiple failures and the death of my mother, I found myself in a bad place. I felt alone, insecure and without much hope. As a young wife and mother, I didn’t feel like I had anything left to offer the ones I loved.

But slowly and surely, the things I had learned in my youth came back to me and the timely words of a friend reminded me that there was somewhere to find strength and peace. I found myself thinking about God and wondering what it would feel like to run to Him and cast all my cares in His lap. Would it work? My mind, educated in the bible, said yes but my emotions were a wreck and my doubts numerous.

I don’t remember the exact day and time like some people do when they have life-changing experiences, but I do remember feeling like I didn’t have anything to lose. Why not cry out to God? I was at the end of me (and therein lies the key). That was almost twenty years ago and I haven’t regretted my decision to fully surrender to Jesus, not one time.

On the contrary, my love for Him has grown by leaps and bounds. He has been my friend when there was no one else who could possibly understand me. He has forgiven me though my sin was deep and He freely gave this precious gift of salvation. All I had to do was believe and ask and surrender my life to Him.

Has it been easy? No, I would be lying if I answered that with a yes. There were times I felt weak and frail when He has been my strength. When I felt faithless and my shortcomings seem to come in droves, He was long suffering. When my tears fell like rain, He taught me to have joy in spite of my circumstances. When I was afraid and fearful, He spoke peace. Making a decision to surrender didn’t make things perfect and life still had it’s curve balls to throw but now I had a perfect God to run to, Who gave strength like no other and a peace that I had never known my entire life.

Having said all that, I still haven’t fully explained how I feel so close to Him, why I am certain of His abiding presence and direction. How do I know how much He loves and and how can I confess such an overwhelming love for Him? Intentional time spent with Him, loving Him, getting to know Him and in the process, getting to know me.

The only way I know how to explain is this. When you love someone (and I’m not talking about the superficial relationships this culture is wrought with), you spend time with them. You get to know them. You read their notes or letters over and over again because you want to discern how they really feel about you. You’ll take the time to discover what moves them. It’s not a “hook-up” or a “best friends with benefits” type of attraction. It’s way deeper than that. You put them first and even in the midst of life’s craziness, they remain a priority. You look forward to their touch and you share with them your heartfelt thoughts and desires. You turn to them for direction and advice because they know you so well, they are the best to give it. You take every opportunity you can to be in their presence. It’s intentional.

This made all the difference for me. I went from feeling like I was outside looking in, to a beautiful, holy relationship with my Maker.

I felt inspired to share this on this beautiful rainy Sunday. We will all have our perfect sunshiny days, but we will all also experience the rain. Let us love Him intentionally, placing Him in the proper place in our lives. When the rain comes, He wants to be your shelter.

Filed Under: Christian, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: Christianity, Daily Prompt, God, Jesus, love of Christ, Relationships, superficial

The other side of the fog

December 11, 2016 1 Comment

Sunday morning Word

This morning I was studying the story of Joseph from his coat of many colors and the telling of his prophetic dreams, to the jealous brothers casting him into a pit, and then selling him into slavery. But all along God had a plan and He positioned Joseph to save Egypt and Canaan from famine. A good outcome didn’t look possible to the human eye, guided by the flesh.

I was reminded of one of my recent trips to Miami to be supportive to my youngest daughter and visit my almost 8 month old granddaughter, struggling with an infection in her lungs. Since her diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis, she has fought and won many battles in the short time she has been around to bless us. I attribute this to many prayers.

On the particular morning, the fog was thick and blanketed everything for miles. My travelling progress was impeded as I slowly navigated my way through the unknown. Visibility was limited, and I found myself a little nervous because I couldn’t see the cars coming toward me from miles away and I was unsure of what was creeping up behind me until the headlights broke through the fog. I found myself focusing on the fog and its dangers, ready for the sun to break through and begin to burn it all away.

I felt the stirring of the Holy Spirit as I realized that once again, God was trying to teach me something. You know, if we slow down and pay attention long enough, we can hear that still small voice.

Such is life. In this journey through the vast unknowns with Cali, I know that on the other side of it, there is clarity. I cannot begin to figure it all out now, to predict what is coming or to visualize the hidden hazards along the way. I can apply this to so many situations in life; those where I can barely navigate on a daily basis, much less discern the outcome.

But, this I do know; on the other side of the fog, there is a Son and He always burns for me. His will may not be understandable at times, the outcome may not always make sense to me, but I will continue to live in the knowledge that He wants the best for me. In the midst of a broken, fallen world, He is my hope, my strength and my refuge.

Remember, it was never God’s intention that we live in a broken, fallen world that is filled with sin and hurt and hate. And, He loved us enough to send His Son, to give us a chance at redemption, restoration and an eternal life, a life much more important than the short one we will live out on this earth.