love – 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

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

A Tranquil and Quiet Start

November 15, 2025 1 Comment

On this beautiful fall Saturday morning, I’m grateful. Looking out my window, the leaves are fluttering on the trees, and some are giving up their lifelong perch and floating gently down to a ground already covered with their neighbors. The sky is blue with a wisp of white here and there, and the app on my phone promises a high of 71. The perfect autumn day! It inspired me to create a quick poem 🙂

Looking out my window, here, I feel such gladness, joy and cheer.

Leaves are falling gently down, they reach with silence, the covered ground.

Winds blow softly through the trees and dismantle the ones that are left, with ease.

A sky of open, endless blue, touched softly by a faint white hue.

A morning crisp with lingering chill yet whispering warmth that soon will fill.

Inside we are blessed with a tranquil start, the result of quiet and peaceful hearts.

A day began with prayer and the Word and assurance that our prayers are heard.

Leftover coffee, some still in the pot, smells awfully delicious, though none of its hot.

In the background, Christmas carols play, Their echo weaving through the gray.

Stirring the heart in a tender way,as autumn quietly slips away.

This day will pass as quickly as ever, no matter how slowly you choose to endeavor.

So, take a breath, take a pause, and savor all the joy it draws.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” – Psalm 118:24

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational, Photography Tagged With: Autumn, blue sky, fall, Family, God, joy, leaves, love, peace, thankfulness, tranquility

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

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

Misguided persistence

September 22, 2019 2 Comments

“Stop nagging!” We have all heard it and we have may have said it to someone else. If you look in Webster, the definition is “persistently annoying or finding fault with someone”.

When I think about nagging, I am reminded of summer evenings, sitting outside trying to relax while being persistently and relentlessly pursed by a gnat. It buzzes around your face, your ears and nose, awaiting an opportunity to settle in and bite. It is this incessant, relentless pursuit that sends you running for the house or bug spray. You will do whatever it takes to make it stop.

That is exactly how I have found myself behaving with certain family members at times. They won’t sit still and just do what I want, what I think is best, so I continue with the constant buzzing, thinking I will get a different result. Meanwhile, my victim wants to shoo me away, to render me speechless or probably even smack me at times. When they think they have peace, there I am again. There is a reason the book of Proverbs says, “it’s better to live in a corner of a housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife”.

I used to plan a big long perfect tailored speech, assured that if I could just get my victim to sit still long enough, they would finally get it! They would finally open their eyes to the truth I was so anxious for them to discover. Now, might be a good time to clarify that I am not talking about teaching your children wrong or right, or lovingly steering them in the right direction. I’m not even talking about a good discussion with your spouse. Remember the definition for nagging is annoying and finding fault.

The constant nagging wears people down. It never results in good. You never figure out just the right way to verbalize things to get your way. You ultimately do more damage with your words, especially when they accuse and find fault. Remember, it’s just annoying buzzing. Eventually, they will learn to run and hide.

I believe that God looks at the heart. For example, say that I am firmly convinced that my child should do something because I think it’s in their best interest. And say that I am right in this case, because I’m not always. What if she does it for me, but only for me. That’s nice and it feels good for the moment but has her heart changed on the matter? If her heart hasn’t changed, will it last? If she hasn’t received the conviction for herself, in her spirit, she won’t be doing it because its something she believes in. So, in turn it doesn’t feel genuine, because it isn’t. I might feel good, but she doesn’t because she is betraying her heart. She may be wrong, but until she realizes it, it doesn’t matter.

I have learned the hard way that I get more flies with honey. If I just go about the business of loving my family members, like Jesus does (unconditionally), and pray for them, eventually things work out and never the way I would have done it.

What if I did win? What if my nagging paid off? Then I would feel worthy of the credit. I did it, I fixed her. But, the glory belongs to God and He will have it.

So, the more quickly we learn to surrender outcomes to the One who truly knows best, the easier it will be for us to relinquish our delusions of having control. When someone you love makes a choice for themselves or because God touched their heart about something, a genuine change occurs. This is between them and God. We all have to learn most things and certainly some of the most important ones for ourselves. If we truly believe how much God loves us and ours, we can find the faith to believe in a good outcome while we are waiting.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Family, family life, God, grace, love, nagging

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

The Anything But Ordinary Day

March 24, 2017 6 Comments

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Today started out like most ordinary Fridays, with me peering through half closed eyes at the clock to check the time, then realizing its almost seven and feeling like I’m wasting the day away. I stumbled to the bathroom and on to the kitchen for coffee. Thursday is my Friday, so today I allowed myself to sleep late (for me) and take my time getting the day started.

Most Friday’s I do errands and this day would be no exception. As I journeyed to town, I took the time to thank God for the beauty all around me and to ask for His mercy throughout the day. I thanked Him for loving me and loved on Him as I enjoyed the view and the drive. I felt such peace and such a spirit of gratitude enveloped me. I determined in my heart that nothing would take that perfect peace away today.

I thought of a quote I had read this morning that said something about how we could be standing right next to someone who is completely broken and never even know it. I would approach others with this thought in mind and show love.

As I drove on, I didn’t sense any agitation over other drivers or traffic. I had a busy day ahead and many things to do, but I turned up “The Message”, sung along and resolved to do each errand without rushing and with patience and kindness.

Part of my list today included picking up some of my granddaughter’s medications. This can be a test in and of itself because often they aren’t ready, doctor hasn’t approved yet, they require a specialty pharmacy or a compound pharmacy (all things I would have never known about until Cali). I called the farthest pharmacy away (the compound pharmacy) and although that one wasn’t ready yet, they said they would text me when it was. My first actual stop was another pharmacy. The prescriptions weren’t quite ready here either, but they told me to come in and by the time I got to the counter, they would have them. They weren’t all covered by insurance, but the cashier offered to find a coupon that saved me $20.

One of these meds needed to be refrigerated, so I bought an inexpensive cooler and ice and was on my way to grab lunch. My hubby’s business needs required my next two stops and I found what I needed without delay and readied myself to kill time waiting on the other prescription. But, I got a text hours earlier than anticipated and proceeded to the other place, where everything was ready.

I went on about my day and every single conversation and experience was a pleasure. Traffic seemed to be waiting to give me the best spot in line; everyone was kind and helpful and returned my smiles. At my last stop, I talked to lady who was busily stocking shelves and she gave me a much appreciated compliment and then at the checkout I got to hear a story about a man who is helping build homes in earthquake devastated countries.

I left there with a grin on my face and the realization that today had been an extraordinarily good day; a day filled with peace and laughter. Many days are filled with impatience and agitation. Some “errand Fridays” I complain about traffic, rude people, long lines and anything else I can think of. Today, I didn’t!

Yes, I know that all days aren’t amazing and bad things happen, and we are faced with trials and troubles. However, I also know that how you approach your day makes a big difference in the outcome. Oh, the problems are going to show up. It’s how we deal with them that matters.

If I mediate on and implement the scriptures that say “love is patient and kind and long suffering” and the ones that say “think on good things” and “say things that edify others and build them up”, I know without a shadow of a doubt my day is going to go better than if I gripe, grumble and complain and look for the bad. If I meet others with a long face or a scowl, guess what I will probably get in return? If I greet the day with a grateful heart, thankful that I am saved by grace and given this precious gift that comes with such amazing peace I am much more likely to stay on the positive side of things.

As I sit here, errands done and the day winding down to a close I am thanking God again for His many blessings and for this anything but ordinary day.