The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and reflection, but as life evolves, so do our experiences of the season. Loved ones pass on, children grow up, and the familiar traditions that once brought us comfort may shift or fade away. Even as believers who know that Jesus is the reason for the season, the human side of us can still feel the sting of change and loss. While gratitude remains in our hearts, it doesn’t always erase the pain we feel. The good news is that God understands. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” It’s okay to grieve what has changed, but it’s also important to lean into His presence and the new things He is doing, even when they feel uncertain or unfamiliar. Three Solutions for Finding Peace in Changing Seasons 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings in God’s Presence Instead of pushing your emotions aside, bring them to God in prayer. He cares deeply about your sadness, your longing, and your uncer...

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. —Ephesians 4:29 “Sometimes it’s not what you say but how you say it.” Be mindful of how you speak to others. The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” couldn’t be further from the truth. Words can pierce, cut, and break just as badly as any physical blow and sometimes, they take even longer to heal. If you’ve been on the receiving end of harsh words, it’s easy to hold onto the pain they caused. However, don’t let those words take root in bitterness. Instead, take a step of faith and express your feelings honestly and calmly to the other person. For those who find themselves speaking harshly, it’s vital to reflect. If you don’t recognize the pain your words cause, it’s time to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the impact of your speech. A lack of remorse for hurtful words indicates a dee...

Emotions are running high after the 2024 Presidential Election—some are celebrating, while others feel disappointed. Social media is filled with opinions and Bible verses, and it’s clear people are turning to faith in this uncertain time. The uncertainty of our democracy and how people are clearly turning to biblereminds me of the scripture,  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  — 2 Chronicles 7:14.  Maybe this is God nudging us back to Him, reminding us to rely on His power and grace. Healing begins with humility, prayer, and trusting that God is in control. Remember, our leaders and elected officials work for us, so let’s hold them accountable with respect, prayer, and a spirit of peace. It is perfectly okay to feel upset or concerned, but let’s not allow these emotions to lead us astray. We don’t have to c...

Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10 Life is full of noise. Distractions, self-doubt, procrastination—all these things can creep in, taking us off course. Sometimes, the loudest noise comes from within, when we start questioning ourselves, doubting our abilities, and wondering if we truly belong. Imposter syndrome has a sneaky way of showing up, making us feel like we’re not worthy of our calling. But God has placed each of us here for a reason, and He doesn’t make mistakes! If you’ve ever felt the pressure of self-doubt, you’re not alone. The world can make us feel like we’re constantly falling short, that we’re not enough or don’t belong. But that’s just the noise talking. God says we’re fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and He wants us to know our worth. When we start listening to Him and silencing the distractions, we find the strength to push through and keep going. When procrastination and distractions come, they aren’t just annoyances; they’r...

Have you ever noticed how when we really want something, we put in every effort to make it happen? Whether it's getting VIP tickets at an event, a job we’re chasing, a car or home we’re hoping to buy, or even just getting a table at a fully booked restaurant, we go out of our way to ask and make it happen. Why, then, do we sometimes hesitate when it comes to asking God for what we need? The Bible makes it clear: God wants us to go to Him boldly, to ask, to seek, and to knock. Boldly Approaching the Throne Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Imagine walking into a room where you know you’re welcome. You don’t just tiptoe or linger in the doorway; you walk right in. In the same way, God invites us to approach Him without fear or hesitation. He’s not looking for perfectly polished prayers or big elaborate words—He wants our hearts open, our spirits ...

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) One of the most powerful gifts we have as believers is the ability to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus. We are often weighed down by the stresses, worries, and anxieties of life. The responsibilities we carry can feel overwhelming, and it may seem as though there is no end in sight. But God’s Word offers us a comforting truth: we do not have to carry these burdens alone. When we take our worries and anxieties to the Lord, He invites us to leave them there. It means believing that He is both willing and able to take care of the things that we cannot handle. Yet, how often do we find ourselves taking those very same burdens back, allowing them to dominate our thoughts and hearts over and over again? When we pray and lay our concerns before Him, we are acknowledging His sovereignty and love. But true peace comes when we don’t pick those concerns back up but instead trust God’s timing and provision. Just lik...

No matter how close or strong your relationships may seem, there will inevitably come a time when someone you care about disappoints you. It could be unintentional—maybe your best friend, who’s always been there for you, is suddenly going through their own struggles and isn’t emotionally available when you need them the most. Or perhaps your spouse is overwhelmed with work or responsibilities, and even though they love you, they just don’t have the energy or focus to offer the support you need in that moment. These situations can leave you feeling hurt, frustrated, and maybe even a little isolated. It's natural to feel let down when people close to you aren't able to meet your expectations. You might even start to question the strength of your relationships or wonder if you’re going through this alone. But take heart—there is One who never fails. Jesus, our ultimate friend and Savior, is closer than anyone on earth could ever be. He understands every burden you carry, every tea...

A person who fears God is someone whose every decision is shaped by a deep reverence for His wisdom and authority. This kind of fear isn’t about being afraid, but about having a profound respect and trust in God’s power and promises. To fear God means to take Him at His word, believing wholeheartedly that He will fulfill everything He has promised. It’s trusting that His ways are higher than our own, and even when things don’t make sense to us, we choose to follow His guidance because we know His plans are perfect. The Bible gives us powerful promises for those who live with a reverent fear of God: “Blessed is the one who fears the Lord.”  (Psalm 112:1) “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth, honor, and life.”  (Proverbs 22:4) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  (Psalm 111:10) Never forget that God is all-powerful, always present, and knows everything. When we live in awe of Him, honoring His authority, we find true peace and a deeper sense o...

When God’s favor rests on you, it often comes with unexpected challenges. Not everyone will celebrate your success, and some may even resent it. This is because favor highlights the unique blessings and gifts that God has placed on your life, and for some, it becomes a source of jealousy or discomfort. People may question why you are thriving or why things seem to go well for you, without understanding the trials and sacrifices you’ve endured to get to where you are. They see the success but don’t know the struggles behind it. As Maya Angelou wisely stated, “When you make your mark, you will always attract haters.” Your accomplishments will naturally draw attention, both positive and negative. However, it’s important to remember that no matter how many people oppose or misunderstand you, their opinions do not define your worth or purpose. God alone defines your purpose, and His favor on your life cannot be removed by human opinions or actions. As Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, wh...

In every relationship, whether with friends, family, spouse, or coworkers, communication is essential. The ability to speak openly and discuss issues, challenges, and concerns is crucial for maintaining a healthy and strong connection. Far too often, we withhold our true feelings or emotions, fearing that addressing them will lead to confrontation. But in our avoidance, we may allow misunderstandings or frustrations to grow. Sometimes, you must face your battles head-on and address the issues that weigh on your heart. Honest communication requires vulnerability and courage. It’s not easy to speak about our fears, hurts, or frustrations, but God calls us to live in truth and love. Ephesians 4:15 says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." When we speak with grace and honesty, we not only build stronger relationships, but we also grow in Christ-like maturity. Mindful Moment of Refl...

If you've ever been pricked by a thorn from a rosebush, you know how uncomfortable it can be. It might cause redness, bleeding, or swelling, leaving you irritated. Ouch! Just like the rosebush, no matter how beautiful, life comes with thorns that can poke and make things more challenging. These thorns might appear as difficult people, tough situations, or uncomfortable obstacles meant to distract you. As blessings flow, so do distractions. A songwriter once said, "These thorns in my flesh keep hindering me," begging God to remove the things that weigh them down. However, thorns are not just distractions; they are opportunities for growth. Recognize them for what they are, and embrace how God can use them to deepen your trust in Him. So, what thorny challenges are you facing? Is it at home, at work, or in a relationship? Maybe a colleague is testing your patience or making life difficult. Despite the discomfort, God uses these thorny moments to keep us humble and reliant o...

Co-parenting in a blended family can feel like navigating a constant balancing act. You're not just managing schedules or responsibilities, but also working to build trust, understanding, and unity among different people who may have different histories, expectations, and sometimes even conflicting emotions. It can be challenging, and there will undoubtedly be days when it feels overwhelming. But here’s the thing: God is present in the mess. He’s in the moments when you work together to make the best decisions for your children, even when it’s hard. He’s in the grace you extend to each other when things don’t go as planned, and He’s in the patience you learn to have even in the most frustrating times. In this journey, your role isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be willing—willing to love, willing to compromise, and willing to model what grace and forgiveness look like in action. Just as Christ continually forgives us, we’re called to extend that same grace to those in our co-parenting ...

Once trust has been broken, it's easy to develop trust issues in relationships. Whether the hurt comes from a romantic partner or a close friend, everyone has their limits. When someone experiences repeated misuse or abuse, it’s understandable that they may decide to close the door on future connections.  Pray and ask God to help you learn to trust again. The first step is seeking forgiveness and releasing those who have betrayed you. Take a risk—give yourself another chance to build friendships or pursue new relationships. When everything else feels uncertain, trust in God. Mindful Moment of Reflection:   What steps can you take today to begin rebuilding trust in your relationships? Prayer:   Dear Lord,  Help me to release the hurt and forgive those who have let me down. Give me the strength to open my heart to new relationships and the wisdom to recognize those who are worthy of my trust. Guide me on this journey of healing, and remind me that I can always rely on ...

Pardon Me as I heal Navigating the journey of grief and mourning can be challenging. Many people find that certain feelings and emotions, or even the absence of them, can hit unexpectedly. One moment, someone may feel happy and laughing, while the next day they might feel... blah. This cycle often repeats itself. It's important to recognize that each person experiences loss in their own way, shaped by unique circumstances and emotions. Grief is a deeply personal journey, and everyone deserves the space to feel and process their emotions as needed. So, it’s essential to be patient and meet each other where we are on this path. For those looking to help, simply being present can make a significant difference. A simple text, a phone call, or sharing a quiet moment together can provide comfort. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, sharing a memory, or sitting in silence, support during this time is invaluable. Knowing that there are people who care makes a world of difference as indi...

My nephew, a talented rap artist, wrote a song called "Count Ya Money." One of the lines goes, "My mama told me go get it, so I'm gonna go get it." The truth is, if you want something in life, it won't just fall into your lap—you've got to work for it. Whether you're aiming for a new career, launching a new business or obtaining a degree, it requires effort. Stop waiting for a handout or for someone else to make it happen for you. Faith without action is dead; it has to be acted on. Great things happen when you don't just dream but take bold steps toward your goals. Even more extraordinary things can happen when you're willing to put in the work and invest in yourself. Are you holding yourself back with excuses, saying, "I would, but..."? If so, it's time to step out on faith and remove those excuses. God equips those He calls, and you already have everything you need. I challenge you to pray, seek His will, and go after all tha...

We are placed in the world to shine brightly, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. There is so much evil and negativity in the world that if not careful, its easy to be pulled into situations and ways of thinking that could dim your light. Whether it's fear of judgment, the pressures of fitting in, or the weight of discouragement, we can sometimes be tempted to hide our faith or downplay our convictions. A light that's covered loses its purpose. Have you ever been driving at night and forgotten to turn on your headlights? Other drivers may flash theirs to alert you, reminding you that you're putting yourself and others at risk. It's like being in a dark room, searching for something, but refusing to turn on the light. Or worse, having a lamp with a weak 40-watt bulb that’s just dim enough to be frustrating when you need to focus on a project or read. It works, but not well enough to be helpful. Similarly, our own light, no matter how small it may seem, can mak...