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Courage in the face of fear

February 24, 2026Leave a Comment

This past Sunday afternoon I told my husband Ron that I had no clue what God wanted me to teach on this Wednesday. Sunday afternoons are usually the day I work on the devotion to share but I was drawing a blank. I prayed and for some reason a ship came to me. At first, I thought perhaps it was the account of one of Paul’s ship wrecks. Monday morning I woke with the word “courage” in my heart. I felt prompted to study Mathew 14:22-33. In this passage Jesus walks on water and Peter did too briefly.

Prior to the account of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14, He had just performed an incredible miracle of feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves of bread and two fish. There were 12 baskets of leftovers too. It was evening and Jesus directed His disciples to get back in the boat and cross the lake while he dismissed the crowd to their homes. (They were in a remote place.). Jesus then goes alone into the hills to pray. Later that night the disciples were caught in a terrible storm far from land. The strong winds and heavy waves were terrifying.

Matthews 14:25-32 says, “About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.”(NLT)

There is a parallel here to our lives today. Often times “storms” and uncertainties arise and we feel overwhelmed. Just like Jesus said to His disciples “Take courage, I am here!’ Jesus still says the same to us today. Jesus wants us to trust Him with our concerns. Anything that concerns us, concerns our Savior. He wants us to “come” to Him just like He told Peter to “come”. And, just like Peter, we often times take steps of faith towards Jesus, then see the “raging winds and waves” and begin to sink. I’m so thankful that when we cry out, “Lord help me!” Indeed He does.

From the first book of the Bible to the last book,God is inviting us to trust Him! I found quite a few scriptures on courage in the face of fear. Joshua 1:9 is one of my favorites. It says, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) For some reason the word “IS” stood out to me. God IS with us wherever we go! Just like in Matthew 14:27 Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid! Take courage. I am here”. HE IS HERE with us in our storms. We don’t need to be discouraged. God is with us. He will up hold us and bring us victory. His kind of victory, for His glory. I’ll never understand it but I will cling to His truth!

There are two more scriptures that stood out to me. In Psalms 31:22 David says, ““In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the Lord!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.”‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Do you ever feel “cut off” from the Lord? Unreachable? Like you’ve fallen so far you just can’t find your way back? I’ve come across people like that before. Let this scripture encourage you. When we cry out to the Lord, He hears us in His mercy and compassion. He answers when we call for help!

Another scripture I found is Isaiah 41:10: it says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (NLT‬‬) Let these scriptures build you up with courage to stand in the strength God gives you. We all face “storm” and uncertainties in life. Life happens and I encourage you to invite Jesus to calm your fears, calm the mental and emotional storms. He is able to do far more than we ask or imagine. Will you trust Him? If you have never given your heart to Jesus and asked Him to be your Savior, He is waiting with open arms. Call out His name and He will answer you. That reminds me of a song we sing at church. I’m not the best with lyrics because I can’t hear well and sign language and English don’t always go “hand in hand”. (One sign can mean multiple words.) I think it goes like this, “whisper His name Jesus, whisper His name Jesus, whisper His name and He will answer you.” You can look up “Whisper His name/The name of the Lord” lyrics by William McDowell. It’s beautiful. Another song just came to mind that I used to play on the piano. “It is well”. I will attach the music video at the end of this post. The waves and wind still know His name. Let Jesus bring His peace, calm and strength into your life so you too can say “it is well with my soul”. Be blessed!!

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When you fail the test

February 15, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s been one of those days. To think I’m even on the iPad after all the technical difficulty I had this afternoon, is a testament in itself. There’s no way around the fact that I’m one “stubborn cookie”. So you might be wondering what test I failed. I’ll get to that in a minute. Well I’ll just spill the beans! Sunday afternoons I usually work on the short devotion I’ll teach on Wednesday. Today was no different. The irony of this is, I’m going to share on James 1:2-4. Considering it joy when we face trials of many kinds. My trial today was a technical trial that lasted for hours and with 12 reboots of the iPad to try to get around the technical problems. It was SO frustrating. I mean, really! I think God was probably getting a bit of a chuckle because I wasn’t even close to being joyful because I was so frustrated.

Here’s the issue. The last three iOS updates which are supposed to be “all that” have been a nightmare to me. I’ve talked to many people with good vision and I have yet to find one who likes the latest three updates. For me the issue is, when I zoom the screen (that’s a triple tap and drag – and I’m always zoomed in to see since I have low vision) if I edit anything then I basically lose control of the screen; it automatically scrolls and wiggles all on it’s own and won’t let me control the screen. It is horrible. Rebooting only allows me to read it, but once I make any changes, even a single letter, it does it again.

So there I was working on my notes (or rather trying to) all afternoon and it did nothing but frustrate me AND I was making those notes on having JOY in trials. Ok Lord! You might be getting a laugh but I’m down here shaking my head and knowing I failed that test. I will still teach on this on Wednesday because life is a good teacher and God is teaching me right along with everyone else.

I’ll copy/ paste my notes here. Who knows, just maybe I can complete them in the blog. It’s worth a try. I’ve tried everything else and nothing has worked. So here are my notes……

Devotion for 2/18
Tonight I want to open with James 1;2-4(NLT) “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (NLT‬‬)

How many of us count it as an opportunity for joy when we face trials? Anybody? Me neither. Well….. We’re learning. Let’s think about this. When we experience tough things in life, pure joy is not usually our first response.

As we are facing something tough our first responses are often times uncertainty, anxiety, fear, frustration, even dread. There could be some moans of “not again” and “Can’t I catch a break!” We all know the drill, from different situations.

The scripture in James doesn’t eliminate these feelings in a believer and honestly rarely is my first response joy. However, it can be. In those few verses of James we learn that we can consider and approach our tough times with joy. I did fail this test today but just hear me out. When a tough situation arises, we have opportunity to trust God with the situation. That makes our burden lighter as we realize God can somehow work it out.

Joy is brought about by the greater “picture at play’. And indeed I did laugh a bit after my initial great frustration. (Which repeated itself again and again until it wore me out.). The greater picture is that trials develop our maturity and perseverance. When our minds are focused on the present, here and now, everything can feel harder and much worse.
If we see out current suffering in light of the “grand scheme”of our life, our development of perseverance is important and going through these trials refines us so we can choose to respond in joy, as we see God developing us.(wow! That was a long run-on sentence!)

Until the day we die, God will be developing us into the image of His son Jesus. Romans 8;29-30 says. “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. (NLT‬‬) That is the love of our God. How truly rich we are when we know God’s precious Words and study them.

The way to experience Joy in the midst of trials is to look to Jesus. He’s got us in His hands. He wants us to surrender, confess our sins, repent and live for Him. Look at the big picture in your life. The moment by moment that develops us along the way. So I failed the “finding joy” in the technical trials today and it wasn’t just the iPad, it was also the stove and the microwave. I could tell you some stories but we live and learn, wake up the next day and do it again. Hopefully passing the next test with “flying colors”.

Well that’s the end of my notes and Glory to God, I was able to make some edits without the screen taking on a mind of its own. I know I’m not the only one who “deals with life”. Let’s try to keep our focus on Jesus when our frustrations try to get the best of us. When I share this lesson on Wednesday, this days struggles will be gone. Only God knows what tomorrow holds. Let’s trust Him with His best.

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Architects of Atmophere

February 9, 2026Leave a Comment

In the prayer room at The Cove in November 2021

Recently I was reading a devotion online and came across the term “architects of atmosphere” and it struck a deep cord in my soul. The devotion itself was about the overflow of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus we are a living sanctuary. 1 Corinthians 6;19 says “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,” (NLT‬‬) With this being true, we can choose to invite God’s presence everywhere we go! Living in the overflow. The atmosphere of our homes, work places, social circles, churches, everywhere really. God pours in and we pour out. It’s a continuous flow of living water. John 7‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ says, “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” ‭(NLT‬‬)

The Bible creates a beautiful picture for us to live by. Psalm 1:1-3 says, “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (NLT‬‬) That is my goal in life. To be like a tree planted by stream of living water, producing fruit in season, never withering but thriving in the flow of the Holy Spirit.

We can choose to embrace an atmosphere of prayer where it is welcome everywhere we go. We can choose an atmosphere of humility where we don’t look down on others and not have “judging spectacles” on. Lord help us to see things through Your eyes. We can embrace an atmosphere of worship where we always give spontaneous praise to God. There is much to be said about the atmosphere we usher in around us. Our speech, posts, comments, facial expressions and actions are all things we need to submit to God on a daily basis.

Some things that have occurred in the public eye recently haven’t settled well with me. Some of it is political (both sides) and the Super Bowl half time show was another. There was criticism by some for those who chose to watch the All-American show. Just the comments and smears weren’t appropriate in my view of things. We live in a very divisive world. More and more, wrong is seen as right and right is seen as wrong. More and more when we choose to do the right thing and have a morally upright stance in life, it’s STILL slandered. I try to look to Jesus and see how He handled such things. Jesus prayed for those who opposed Him and we should do the same.

Now don’t label me as a “super religious” person. I have a relationship with my Savior. I don’t view it as religion. I am a sold out child of God. I live to bring honor to my Lord. I am a sinner, washed in the blood of Jesus and forgiven. I am an ambassador of Christ. I’ve had someone tell me, “You always talk about Jesus.” When Jesus is your everything you can’t contain the praise for Him that overflows.

Now back to atmosphere; lets aim to always invite Jesus into every situation and conversation. He sees it and hear it all anyway. Let’s usher in peace and speak it over situations instead of planting seeds of discord. Let us live in the overflow of the Holy Spirit, where Heaven touches earth and hearts are comforted and healed from hurts.

Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary. Pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living, sanctuary for You! (Old worship chorus)

Be blessed and better yet, Be a blessing unto the Lord.

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Pondering 28 years~

January 29, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s January 29, and I’m just blown away at the goodness of God. Today 28 years ago God gave us this amazing gift, when our son Joshua was born. The last 28 years have been a HUGE series of lessons, mountain tops and low valleys. It’s not played out the way I thought it would but I know God’s plans are so much bigger and better than ours. I have so many “mental snapshots” all throughout the last 28 years and my heart is full of joy, respect and pride in the man he has become. He is his own person with remarkable tenacity, strength and resilience that blows me away. He inspires me as he moves forward each day despite the odds he faces.

Last night we celebrated with some of his friends at a Japanese restaurant. He’s always loved their food and we’ve celebrated a few birthdays there. As we sat there last night I said, “We sat at that table for your 13th. birthday and that one over there for your 25th birthday.” Food preferences and football teams have stayed the same over the years. Since he was five he’s been a New England Patriots fan and we got him a new jersey for his birthday. I still have his first Patriots jersey from when he was five. I might find that, as it would probably fit his dog, Moose. Speaking of Moose, Joshua got first pick of the litter last April. This addition to the family has been a big ball of energy and joy.

Here’s Moose wearing Joshua’s jersey he wore when he played Popwarner football.

Joshua continues to work as a LMBT (licensed massage body work therapist). He does an amazing job as he gives me massages when I’m tense. (It’s amazing how the body holds stress and tension) His technique melts away the tension, relieving discomfort. If you are local, reach out and make an appointment.

I don’t know what this next year holds, but I know who does. Everyday I cover Joshua in prayer. God has him in the palm of His hands and that is the very best place to be. This year I have a few scriptures to speak over Joshua. The first is Psalms 61:2, “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (NKJV‬‬) The next verses are Jeremiah 29;11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (NLT‬‬) Happy birthday Joshua. You are loved!!

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Radical Faith

January 26, 20262 Comments

How many of you have radical faith? Does the word “radical” make you raise your eyebrows? Be honest! If you’re not sure what I mean by the term “radical faith”, it means; a deep trust that goes beyond belief, taking bold action in seemingly impossible circumstances. It’s being rooted and defined as total reliance upon God, despite your doubts and fears. That is the kind of faith I aim for on a daily basis. Often it is unseen to the outside world but in the face of uncertain situations, you’ll see it play out for any observer to see. That was me recently. With the recent winter ice storm I felt a little uneasy with the weather forecast of sleet, freezing rains and high winds. We have four tall oak trees in our yard. I told my husband Ron I was going outside to pray over them and our house. So I did just that. I went outside and walked by each tree, touching it and praying that no limbs would fall and that our power would not go out. I did that in the front,back and side yard. As I was coming in, my husband was explaining to our 27 year old son what I was doing. He didn’t quite know what to think. He was like, “Mom, nothing’s going to happen.” I simply replied, “ One day you’re going to make the connection between my prayers and real life.” The storm is past us now and as I looked out at the yard today, not one single limb fell to the ground. We never lost power and I am so thankful.

This is the way I deal with life and situations. I don’t care what people think. I know God is God over everything. If it concerns me, it concerns my Heavenly Father. Living out my faith is a testament of my strong convictions that nothing is impossible with God. Nothing!

God hears every single prayer offered in faith. Sometimes answers come immediately, sometimes they are answered over a period of time. If you feel the Holy Spirit prompt you to pray or do something, then do it! Don’t be afraid or ashamed. It matters not what people think. A few months ago I felt the Lord prompt me to speak of salvation to the people at the homeless ministry we volunteer with. I was so nervous, but I was obedient. Now that is something I mention pretty much weekly when I speak. Only God knows the difference our obedience makes. Just do what you are prompted to do.

For years I have prayed for a group of young people. Sometimes loss and tragedy draws people to God and sometimes it makes them run away due to the numbness the pain causes. Yet, God can reach anyone. Never give up on praying. One of those young people’s life has been so incredibly transformed by the Holy Spirit and it is beautiful. I actually just started singing…. Makes me want to shout, Hallelujah, Thank you Jesus, Lord your worthy or all the glory and all the honor and all the praise….. Sorry, I just had to share that little chorus as I was singing it out loud.

Don’t just be a “Sunday morning” Christian but live out your faith. Welcome God into every moment of every day. That’s relationship! Faith takes action. It’s not passive. I remember years ago when a friend’s daughter had her first baby. There was possibly something wrong with his spine. We had a baby shower for her and as I held her sweet baby boy, I placed my hand on his back as I prayed , for everything to align with God’s will. That little baby boy got a good report and is one healthy strong boy today. If you feel a prompting to pray, then PRAY! If you feel a prompting to give, then GIVE! If you feel a prompting to speak, then SPEAK! Do it all for the glory of God. I love James 1:25 that says, “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (ESV‬‬)

I hope everyone has a good week. Be intentional in living out your faith. We never know the impact our prayers, speaking life and encouragement have on those around us. Let’s choose to be a blessing to all we encounter.

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Make your life a prayer

January 13, 2026January 13, 2026Leave a Comment

Recently I have been reading a few different devotions and loving the insight from different perspectives. As I read I came across the phase “Make your life a prayer” and it really touched my heart. Just think, if we intentionally went about our day with God as the focal point of everything we do, how beautiful life would be. #goals

I love how some pastors and teachers take scripture and really break it down so we gleam from every single word. I’ve been reading the Bible for so long that sometimes being so familiar with a passage, I don’t take the time to REALLY look intently. God can use a passage and tell us something different each time if we slow down and truly seek what He is telling us.

Another thing I have noticed lately is that when I intently fix my thoughts on God, taking my fleshly thoughts captive, I hear God’s voice quietly directing me into truth and victory. He is helping me to examine myself, as He examines my heart, to sift out what attitudes and desires need to be set aside to make room for better things.

That’s one thing about fasting and prayer, your sensitivity to God is more sharp. I’ve done a different kind of fasting this year. I’m not eating after around 7 at night until lunch time the next day. My quiet times with the Lord are in the early morning and He has been blessing me with more insight than usual. It takes a really humbled heart to take close examination of one’s own life. I know so many Christians that pass judgement on others (I’m guilty of that too) when we also are not perfect. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (NKJV)

The thing about prayer and fasting is that it can give us a holy quiet strength that keeps us showing up before the Lord. When we are consistent in God’s presence we can develop the kind of faith that outlasts hardship. That’s the type of faith I need.

I love the Holy Spirit probing my heart to uncover things I need to repent of. My husband Ron is funny. He says I’m an angel but I am NOT! I tell him, he has no idea the things that go through my mind that need to be “taken captive” and made obedient to God. The Holy Spirit helps me see my motives behind doing things, my attitudes and why I have them, my responses to frustrations, my facial expressions and so much more. People that have hearing loss tend to use more facial expression than others. All my deaf friends would likely agree with that. Another point is, being hearing and visually impaired, the frustration is real. I have to “reign it in” and ask God to help me redirect it or look at the frustrating situation from another angle or find humor in it. It can be quite the sight to be upset and laughing at the obsurdity at the same time. Been there, done that, still doing that. Just being honest. Bottom line, God is working on me and for that I am grateful.

I really would love to “make my life a prayer”, to consistently focus on the Lord and be mindful of whether what I’m doing, thinking, saying is pleasing to Him. That is indeed a goal and a challenge for me. I think I will stop here for now. I hope everyone’s week is off to a great start. Be a blessing!!!

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The Dilemma

January 7, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s the first Wednesday of 2026 and I have been praying about stepping down from a “role” that I’ve been given for the last 7 months. In this “role” half of me wants to continue and half of me wants to stop. The reasons behind the desire to stop stem from feelings of inadequacy and wondering if it’s making any difference at all. So I’ve been praying.

This past Sunday I started participating in a 21 day fast to align myself with God’s Will for my life. This “role” has been one of my prayer points and it is amazing that in four days I have already discerned four prompts to continue. The first prompt came as I was reading a devotion. I sensed God saying to me, ””“speak”. Ummm…. Okay Lord! The second prompt came when a friend directed me to a post on Facebook. Right now I am really limiting my time on social media but it was a story on Beethoven who was hearing impaired. The story shared how Beethoven had limited social skills but was brilliant on a piano. One of his friends lost their son and when he went to comfort his friend, he just sat down at the piano and poured out his grief through piano music. This gift touched his friend deeply. What I got from this story was that I too feel socially awkward at times with the way I hear and see but I can bring the “skills” I have and let them bless others.

The third prompt came through a devotion from Free Chapel Church. They have a daily devotion during their 21 days of prayer and fasting. On day 2 the devotion was on Elisha helping the poor widow, with scripture from 2 King 4:1-2; “One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.” “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.” (NLT‬‬). When Elisha asks the widow what she had, it took the focus off her lack and onto what God could use. The miracle happened through her obedience to what was asked of her. The widow obeyed Elisha’s instructions and the limited amount of oil she had flowed until there were no more empty vessels. Wow!! This hit me right where I needed it. When I stand up to do the devotions at the homeless outreach I feel so limited by what I myself bring to that podium. I have no clue if anyone is really “getting” what I’m sharing. I don’t “see” the responses. But, from reading this devotion God prompted me to not focus on what I can’t do but to bring what I have and let Him multiply it until every vessel is filled. (Every person is reached for His glory). It’s a reminder that it’s not me, but Him who does the reaching. It doesn’t matter if I can see their responses or hear what they say. What matters is to obey what God prompts me to do. I’ll tell you this is one of the more challenging things I’ve ever done. I don’t think I will ever be “comfortable” in this “role” but I need to be obedient to what God calls me to do. This third prompt came from the e mailed devotion from Free Chapel 2026 Day 2 Devotion, which was such a nudge from the Holy Spirit. (I’m not sure how to reference the devotion that came through e mail but if you google Free Chapel church I’m sure the website has information about their 2026 fast that is going on now. The daily e mailed devotions are “spot on”!!!)

Tonight I received a fourth prompt. Tonight during the devotion, I talked about how our perspective on things and situations spills over into our outlook on life. I used four scriptures to talk about this point and used the demonstration of a glass of water that was half full. I asked them what they saw: a half full of half empty glass of water. Two key verses I used were Philippians 4:8 and Romans 12:2. After the ministry time was over, my husband Ron and I were leaving. One of the men stopped to talk with us. I look forward to seeing him every week. I remember a few months ago after teaching on the “great’s of faith” in Hebrews, he accepted one of the Bible’s we have available for anyone. Tonight he told us he has been praying for us and reading his Bible. WOW!! Glory to God!!! It seems God is clearly deciding this “dilemma” for me. I am listening and will obey.

Moral of the story: listen because God speaks through many things. It might be a spoken word, a facebook post, an emailed devotion or a man at a homeless shelter. We just need to “be still”, listen and obey. Don’t be afraid to do things you feel led to do even if you yourself don’t have all it takes to do it. When God asks you to do something, He will equip you, just obey and do what He asks.

Be blessed! Better yet, Be a blessing!

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What do you see?👀

January 1, 2026Leave a Comment

A “nugget” of wisdom to start off 2026 on the right path. In the above picture, what do you see? A half FULL glass of water or a half EMPTY glass? Perspective is key! It is always half FULL! Look for the good in situations and people and your attitude will shift for the better. Some people find the negative in everything and will tell everyone about it. Don’t be that way. In 2026 I challenge you to see the good, the lovely and praise worthy things. Let those things take the lead in your thoughts, not the negative or how things don’t measure up to what you want.

Now back to boxing up Christmas decorations. I stopped for a glass of water and my mind took a little detour as it often does. (Deep thinker problems )😊 Nothing like a half FULL perspective for the New Year! Make it a good one!

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Just be Still ~ 2026

December 31, 2025Leave a Comment

Photo credit ~ Marcella Davis Burks

Closing out 2025 tonight and am glad to see this year to an end. 2025 pretty much started with a bust, on ice 1-10-25, resulting in a compression fracture to my lower back. First time in my life to experience that, and God willing it was the last. That was followed by some “sputters” and a whole lot of “stretching me”. In hindsight, it was a year of personal and spiritual growth. Growth is uncomfortable at times but ultimately it’s a good thing. In truth, we should aim to grow throughout our lives, always being open for God to do new things in us and through us.

I would have never thought I’d be doing a weekly Wednesday night short devotion for the homeless and low income ministry we serve with. I told my husband Ron on our way home tonight that I feel so inadequate in this role. He said, “That’s why God has you doing it.” In the six months I have been doing this, it’s not gotten any easier. I’m always depending fully on the Lord for guidance in this role. I can’t on my own, but He can and does. I’m humbled and so thankful. God is steadily guiding us towards peace and purpose even when our circumstances seem overwhelming. He is faithful and we can trust Him. He proves that again and again. Reading in front of people is always uncomfortable for me with my low vision. Perhaps it is endearing to show my weakness to others. It’s definitely not the most comfortable situation but if it helps others to “try despite the odds” then maybe it’s worth it. I will keep on until God closes this door.

I believe for 2026, the Lord wants me to “Be still and know that He is God!” While I know this is my heart, sometimes I need to remind myself of this truth. Life can be very stressful and overwhelming at times dealing with hearing and visual limitations. I push myself to do all I can do. Sometimes, I might push myself too hard. I just “dive in” to things and do it, but that can really “test” my limits and wear me out trying. Just being honest. I pray God will give me discernment in the new year to be sensitive to His voice and obedient to all He calls me to do.

Lord, help us to rest in Your peace in the upcoming year as we keep our minds steadily onYou. Help us to be “Still” as You help us chart the path You have for us in 2026. Gives us strength to see ourselves the way You see us, as Your children that You love and fully equip for Your purpose. May we shine for You like never before, in this dark world that needs Your love and hope. We praise and glorify You in advance for all You are and will accomplish this year!!! I am so excited for the journey!!! Lead the way Lord! In Jesus name I pray Amen!!!

Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing in 2026.

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It’s a WRAP!!

December 26, 2025Leave a Comment

Joshua snowboarding (why he isn’t wearing a jacket, I have no clue ) Photo credit – Coleman.

Another Christmas has come to an end. This year was a bit different, but we enjoyed it. That’s the thing about life, you learn to accommodate and live in the moment. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just enjoy each other. That was this year!

We decided to open gifts this year on Christmas eve eve day.(If that makes any sense) Since Ron and I were helping with the Christmas Eve homeless ministry, our son Joshua decided to go snowboarding with a friend that day. We had gotten him some new gear for Christmas so we went ahead and gave it to him so he could put it to good use, enjoying the day of snowboarding. He said the conditions weren’t the best, with fog and a bit icy, but he had fun.

With the homeless outreach that night Ron and I were not sure what we were getting into. Some of the team were out of town and our main leader had been “under the weather” but he made it “with full energy”. (How he does that is a marvel!) I had been praying that it would end up being a special time for the people and God sure did show up!!! A group provided BBQ brisket, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls and gifts. WOW! I honestly misread the text I got. The group also wanted to do the devotion and I read it as decoration. (🤭In true Shannon fashion. When I see a word, I don’t always SEE all the letters. The words have the same beginning and ending letters.). It was all good though. The group was a HUGE blessing. My friends also provided MANY desserts so the people had a nice treat. My Mom joined us as well and she enjoyed it. Afterwards, we went to Waffle House for dinner. There was the coolest truck there covered with Christmas lights and a Santa hat lite up on top. We are so thankful for the Lord’s provision.

Christmas Day, Joshua was invited to one of his best friend’s family farm for lunch. He really enjoyed that and fed the goats and saw the horses. His friend brought him to our family get together at Mom’s for dinner, where we got to see my brother’s family and his grandkids. It was so much fun. I love seeing the little ones enjoy Christmas. Four little angels under the age of four. The excitement and the joy were fun to see. Mom loves when we are all together. It was a nice celebration of Jesus birth. I will say, I got the sweetest gift from our son. He gave me a garnet stone ring in sterling silver. That is his birthstone. I have always wanted one and it is very special.

I did do more studying on the Christmas story this year and am amazed what you can learn when you slow down and really look at the story. It’s so familiar that we can quickly read through it without really letting it sink in our hearts. God loves us so much He wanted to be with us~ Immanuel, God with us! Hearing from God is not about understanding everything, it’s about moving forward in faith. That’s what Mary did. She didn’t understand it all but said, “I am the Lord’s servant, let it be according to your word.” (Luke 1;38) She moved forward in faith. Faith is not having all the answers, but trusting God’s plan. We see this in how Joseph responded when he found out Mary was with child. With instructions from an angel in a dream, Joesph trusted God’s plan.

Christmas proves that God is not distant. He is with us. Jesus came to save us from our sins. 2 Corinthians 9;15 says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (NKJV) “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) What an incredible rescue mission God has provided for us to be reconciled to Himself. Then we see in John 1:12, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (ESV) Thank you Lord for loving us so so well!

Gods voice is steady guiding us towards peace and purpose even when our circumstances are overwhelming. We can trust Him. He has proven Himself faithful. It’s my prayer that you will fully put your trust in Jesus and discover for yourself what an awesome God we serve.

Be blessed!! Www.shannonkhinson.com