Blessings
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Looking Back, Leaning Forward
This week we stand at the crossroads of the old year and the new. We look back at what is behind and wonder what lies ahead. Are you excited or fearful? Do you wish time would pause, or are you ready to rush forward into 2026? If I’m honest, my answer is “yes” to all of it at different moments. We live looking back at the first advent of Jesus while waiting for His second coming. Israel waited through 400 years of silence, wondering when the promised Messiah would come. Now we wait—without knowing when—for Jesus to return and usher in a new heaven and a new earth. My emotions…
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He Throws My Sin Behind
I recently wrote devotionals for encouraging.com. This week I am reposting, He Throws My Sin Behind In a world constantly shifting beneath our feet, where even the most steadfast people, institutions, and laws can prove fallible, what can we truly depend on? While few things are 100% reliable, the Word of God offers an unwavering anchor. Consider salvation. We often question if we’ve “done enough” to secure it. My own certainty was tested during Hurricane Sally. Amidst a night of terror, a powerful truth emerged: if we died, we’d instantly be with Jesus. That undeniable realization solidified an assurance no earthly storm could shake. There are promises you can cling to when…
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He Forgets My Sin
I recently wrote devotionals for encouraging.com. This week I am reposting, He Forgets My Sin. My best friend betrayed me and later apologized, but I could not forget what she did. Even though it’s been years, I still remember the hurt of that betrayal. It threatened to destroy our relationship. It’s understandable to carry the weight of past hurts, especially when they involve someone close. How difficult it is for us to truly forget, even when we forgive. Does God forget our sins? The answer, beautifully articulated in Jeremiah 31:34, offers incredible comfort. This prophecy speaks of a new covenant where God declares, For I will forgive their wickedness and…
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Celebrating What God Has Done
Having just celebrated 30 years of LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum, I’ve found myself deeply nostalgic these past few months. It’s been such a sweet season of remembering all the Lord has done—and continues to do—in and through the lives of women. Many may not realize that women’s ministry in the church hasn’t always looked like it does today. In many congregations, it began with a strong missions and service focus. Those early ministries were powerful, teaching us to care for missionaries, pray faithfully, give generously, and participate in missions work ourselves. But around 50 years ago, God began stirring hearts with a longing for a deeper walk with Him. Many…
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The Holiness in the Bending
Are you wrestling with something that seems to have no answer? Something that doesn’t sit right in your spirit? It may be that you’re trying to mold it into your own plan instead of allowing God to shape it into His. This post is by guest blogger Alycia Neighbours, my youngest daughter (by only 13 minutes behind her twin “older sister”). She’s a gifted artist and writer who shares from the heart. Blessings as you read: Have you ever started creating something; an idea, a plan, a prayer and halfway through realized God was quietly redrawing it? That what you thought you were building was only the outline, and His…
- Beach Lessons, Blessings, Knowing God's Will, Spiritual Growth, Struggle and Loss, Test, Trial, Waiting
God of the Small Things: A Beach Lesson
Do you often pray for big things in your life? Those long-term struggles or big changes you’ve been hoping for? I’ve seen some incredible answers to these prayers, often after years of waiting. I’m also still praying for things that haven’t changed yet, and while I keep trusting God, the waiting can be tough. But sometimes, a small, simple prayer is answered almost instantly. This happened on the fourth morning of our beach trip. as I was watching the Gulf waters. I hadn’t seen any dolphins and simply said, Lord, send the dolphins. It wasn’t a major request—just something I would enjoy. I was stunned when, within seconds, I saw…
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As I Wake
At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice; at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly. Psalm 5:3 Last week I shared a link to a post I wrote for Encouraging.com. One was titled In the In the First Waking Moments. Check it out and then read another favorite quote that fits well with this thought. This is the quote that adds support my original post: The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If…
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He Throws My Sin Behind
In a world constantly shifting beneath our feet, where even the most steadfast people, institutions, and laws can prove fallible, what can we truly depend on? While few things are 100% reliable, the Word of God offers an unwavering anchor. Consider salvation. We often question if we’ve “done enough” to secure it. My own certainty was tested during Hurricane Sally. Amidst a night of terror, a powerful truth emerged: if we died, we’d instantly be with Jesus. That undeniable realization solidified an assurance no earthly storm could shake. There are promises you can cling to when the enemy inevitably tries to sow seeds of doubt about your eternal destination. Look…
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How Easily We Forget God’s Faithfulness
It’s easy to praise God when life is going well—when the sun shines, relationships thrive, finances are stable, and health is strong. We readily acknowledge His goodness in these seasons of abundance. However, when freezing rain descends, betrayals sting, bills pile up, and frightening diagnoses emerge, how quickly does our praise dissipate? It’s a humbling admission, but in these challenging times, our recognition of His unwavering faithfulness often falters. Consider the prophet Elijah. After a spectacular victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, a threat from Jezebel sent him fleeing in fear to the wilderness. Even after witnessing God’s undeniable power, Elijah temporarily lost sight of God’s consistent…
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Because He Rose: The Unending Power of the Resurrection
Easter Sunday has passed, but the profound and transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection remains a vibrant reality in our lives today. Because He conquered death, our existence as followers of Christ is fundamentally different. These incredible gifts are freely offered to all, yet they are truly only fully experienced by those who embrace God’s saving grace through His Son. Last week, as Resurrection Sunday drew near, I reflected on the tangible differences Christ’s resurrection brings to our daily walk. Here are some of the blessings that filled my heart with gratitude: This list, though deeply meaningful, feels like just the beginning! It barely touches the immensity of the blessings we…
