Daily Devotionals

Everyday joyA couple weeks ago, a friend asked, “What does joy look like in everyday life?”I didn’t have an answer then, but last week I got to see joy in real life.First though ….By “everyday,” I know my friend meant most everything we encounter regularly that isn’t all sunshiny blue skies. You all know it well; it’s real life. — health issues, monotony of daily chores, loss of loved ones, financial woes, relationship breakdowns, boredom, anxiety, over-packed schedules — the...

Last week our daughter expressed a lack of confidence in the area of riding her bike.As my husband and I dug deeper, we soon realized that it wasn’t only a lack of confidence but also a new sense of comparison  I have admired our daughter’s lack of envy from the moment her personality began to shine. She has always been her own person and though other kids inspire her to try new things, she hadn’t really fallen into the comparison trap…...

Life is hard.And it’s even harder when we feel alone, excluded, or isolated.At bible study this past Monday night, I got to see the principle of our RCC motto “Better Together” in action.You see, one of our regular attendee friends in the group had just lost her husband. In fact, she had experienced his funeral just the evening before our study. Much to my surprise and joy, she came to bible study! She drove a great distance, though tired and...

My family recently moved, so I’ve been thinking  about the idea of “home.”Honestly, it’s taking me awhile to adjust to our new place. The house we moved out of was so special. We thought it was going to be the home we grew old in and rocked grand-babies in… so we dreamed and designed and remodeled every inch of that place, investing our time, talent and treasure.These days, HGTV calls it a “forever home.”Turns out, God had other plans for...

Under His WingsLots of thoughts are swirling in the tired old brain today. It’s been one day since the assassination attempt on President Trump, and it’s just over 60 years since President Kennedy was assassinated. As a high school senior, I remember how end-of-the-world I felt back then. My safe little world no longer seemed so safe; life became more precarious and scary.One inch was the difference between life or death for President Trump yesterday. Without that slight movement of...

I’ve been wrestling with the concept of time lately. As some of you know, we said goodbye to our family dog, Gus, of eleven years this past week. And as I’ve been managing all of the emotions that come with that hardship, the concept of time keeps coming up again and again.You see, God provided our family with eleven years of unconditional love and companionship from our sweet Gus, and although eleven years sounds like a long time, once he...

Good morning, everyone!I want to take a moment to thank each of you for being here! Your presence truly makes this community special, and I'm deeply grateful for all of you I'd like to share a picture I snapped the other day. As we drove to a barrel race, our nerves were high, and I found myself wrestling with some tough decisions. To be honest, worry and fear consumed me.But our Gracious Father, who knows our thoughts before we do, gently...

Good morning! As you wake and tackle your day ahead, pray this well known prayer over your day with me!It’s called the Serenity Prayer, and we are going to take a closer look at its meaning.“God, grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I can not change,COURAGE to change the things I can,And WISDOM to know the difference.”3 things:1)Serenity.2)Courage.3)Wisdom.The first one, SERENITY to accept...We all have hard things in our lives we wish we could change. Small things, like traffic...

Every year about this time, I like to post my favorite Psalm. It’s been my favorite for about 15 years… and it holds a special place in my heart.It serves to remind me to always keep God #1 in my life. To make sure that I desire him above anything else in this world.15 years ago, I was actually not walking in faith. I had gone through some really difficult life circumstances and was mad at God for not fixing...

Who are you?“Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It’s the Lord!’” John 21:7Okay, fess up. At least once or twice, who among us hasn’t wondered what was up with John always referring to himself as the disciple Jesus loved. Just a bit prideful, don’tcha think, dear John? Certainly not Scandinavian or even Minnesotan!Well I don’t think John was bragging; I believe he was simply blown away by the fact that Jesus actually loved HIM. Not less than the...

Our world likes to normalize the busy.Our crazy schedules have us running from one commitment to the next, deceiving us that it’s normal to be a part of every single thing.Just take a look at everything that is around you daily…  How many screens are on at one time? That alone can be overwhelming to both what you’re seeing and also what you are hearing.What about the smells in the air? Different chemicals, candles, oils, and body-scented smells are overpowering...

“Peace Be Still”These are the words of Jesus from the gospel of Mark, and they echo in my mind this morning.No matter how we feel today, can I encourage us to take refuge in the Prince of Peace today?This may mean intentionally shutting off forms of media and not engaging with our world’s “noise” that distracts us from focusing on ultimate truth. I encourage you to feed on God’s Word today.What if we made the bold choice of filling ourselves...

I love this saying: “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”It’s special saying  to me because I spent a lot of years building knowledge- going to school, studying hard, and learning. However, it wasn’t until I was older that I realized how important it is to have wisdom. There is a big difference between book smart and bible smart…True wisdom comes only from God and his word....

Flags, Fireworks and FaithIsn’t what’s coming later this week about the only holiday we identify solely by a number? Got plans for the Fourth? What’s the weather forecast for the Fourth? Bought any fireworks for the Fourth?Do we say the The Fourteenth of February for Valentine’s Day? No. Do we say the Twenty-fifth of December for Christmas? No. Don’t know where I’m going with this. Probably nowhere, but I thought it interesting. Moving on ….A United States federal holiday since...

This past week our church hosted its annual summer program of VBS (Vacation Bible School). For five whole nights, the church was filled with 180 kids who came to “take a jungle cruise” while learning about Jesus and have lots of fun! This was my husband, Ben, and I’s fourth year participating as Game Leaders, and months in advance, we prepared themed games, supplies, volunteers, and game spaces. When it was finally time for the kick-off on Sunday night, we were...

The 23rd Psalm is one of the most well known passages of scripture.  Thanks to my Sunday school teachers and parents, I memorized it as a child. I’ll admit that it was rehearsed without conviction, as learned by rote.  But as I have grown in faith and lived life, it’s become such a comfort to me. Because it’s in my long term memory, I can use it as a tool of truth when I need it most.This version I’m sharing...

For about a year, we’ve had a saying in our house:“Praise the Lord.”We say it when things are going well.We say it when things are falling apart.We say “Praise then Lord” when God works a miracle, and we say it while we wait on him to act.Praise the Lord.Why this particular phrase?Because he is WORTHY! God is worthy to be praised no matter what is happening in our lives.He alone is good.He reigns above all other powers.He has no equal.He...

Fill ‘er Up“Rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35Think of how much Jesus was followed, watched, listened to, hounded, debated with, persecuted, etc. Plus, he was the rabbi/teacher of his rag-tag bunch of disciples and was their leader as they traveled. Busy enough with things to be doing? You could say!And yet. And yet Jesus made it a priority throughout...

I have been clinging to the book of John, as many of you are also reading due to our Monday night Bible Study, and I have never read it with such humility, neediness, and hunger!!! And as Megan Marshman has pointed out, the Lord has in fact met me right where I’ve been… which unfortunately lately, has been knocked down.I wanted to start there because it’s absolutely normal and ok to be knocked down from time to time. And in...

Good morning!!Before you head out to start your day, I’d like to share a song that’s been on repeat in my heart. It’s a powerful reminder of my need for Jesus, especially in the battles I face daily. The song is called "Lord I Need You," (by Matt Maher) and its lyrics have been a source of strength and comfort for me.Lord, I come, I confessBowing here I find my restWithout You I fall apartYou’re the One that guides my...

My daughter captured this photo in a recent flight back home. It reminded me that above the thick clouds, the sky is clear, and the sun is always there.The fact remains that while we are living on earth, we do spend a good portion of our lives under the clouds. “Mama said, there’d be days like this.” Right? Not to disrespect mama, but THE LORD said it first! In John 16:33 Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that...

All.the.rain.Wow! Have we had a lot of rain this summer or what!?!? It seems like it rains almost every day.I have a love/hate relationship with rain:I love what it does for my yard and plants.I hate when it ruins plans and everything (including me!) is soaking wet. I wish I could hand-pick rainy days.Yesterday, the rain ruined our plans and my boys were lamenting the cancellation of their highly-anticipated football camp. As I was talking through it with them, I...

Recording the Days of Our LivesToday’s devotional is going to be a bit different. You see, in coming up with what to write, I was struck by the fact that if only I remembered more of my life, there might be experiences back then to draw from. (That’s “from which to draw” for you grammarians.)Alas. I simply do not remember big chunks of what happened along the twisting trails of my life and career. Trust me, young’uns, this could happen...

Summer is here!!! It’s always such a treat, isn’t it? But honestly, some years have me holding out for the fun-sun season even more deeply than others and this is one of those years! I just NEED the simple joys of summer in my life right now and I’m thankful they’re here!Morning walks, without being bundled from my head to my toes. Slow mornings of homeschool and work with the morning breeze blowing through the windows along with the sound of...

“I’m so overwhelmed, I don’t even know how to pray…”Ever been there?I have! Specific times come to mind…I think of when my kids were little, when the whole house was sick and sleep deprived and fussy and life didn’t slow down…Or when parents were battling their final weeks with cancer, and we were realizing the end was so near…I think of some tougher days of marriage, when the struggles seemed insurmountable and the solutions were slow to come…Or when my...

The next step of faith.That’s what both of my boys did on Sunday evening at our home.They took the next step in their faith journey by getting baptized!It was awesome to be part of the experience and to watch them testify to their family and friends about their love for Jesus.My mom heart was so proud.It got me thinking about the faith journey… and how we have an opportunity every day to take the next right step of faith.Every day....

New GrowthSure, every season has its own beauty. Ah, but then spring comes along right when you think you’re stuck in an endless winter! I say there’s no contest when it comes to which season wins for being packed with hope and joy. Buds, blooms and new growth are everywhere you look in spring. It’s a season of renewal and packed with miracles!All that new growth is necessary. Because stunted growth in the spring is a sign of one or...

This weekend, our family is kicking off Summer with our annual mini vacation up north Every year we look forward to our time spent on the lake but truth be told, one of our favorite parts is the TRIP up to the cabin!It takes us about five hours when it’s all said and done to make the three-hour haul. We take our sweet time to stop for all the treats, leg stretches, and views. The entire experience wouldn’t be as special...

Good Morning! A couple of days ago, the girls and I decided to do a little summer shopping and had a blast. This marked the beginning of our summer adventures.On our way home, we stopped at the Starbucks drive-through for a little caffeine boost. As we waited in line, the weather took a sudden turn for the worse. My daughter doesn’t do well in storms and said, "Call Daddy quickly!"Josh reassured us that we were okay and should head home. But...

Encouragement: the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.There are so many things that happen during the week in each of our lives at home, at work, in school, sports, church- in any places that we interact with people routinely. These things we experience may seem so discouraging, so insurmountable and unmanageable and yet, they could actually be remedied by something very simple… like a touch on a shoulder, a hug, or a word of appreciation or encouragement from...

I love gardening!Anyone else?For the last several years, I have enjoyed planting shrubs and flowers; working in my yard to bring it back to life. When we bought the house, almost all of the landscaping had died. I carefully chose and planted new greens and flowers all last summer.This year, the amount of rain has caused everything to grow like CRAZY. Most of my plants have more than doubled in size, taking up way more space than when I planted...

A couple weeks ago, I drove a friend down to the City of Mayo in Rochester, Minn. (The size of this medical complex makes it seem like a city in itself.)I had plenty of time to people-watch (one of my favorite things) while waiting for her to finish her appointments. Turns out I was in a perfect spot — the lower level atrium of the Gonda Building. So there I sat — for hours! — watching seemingly endless streams of...

Have you ever been in a place in your life where you just feel stuck? Nothing is moving forward and you sure as heck can’t go backwards. As my niece would say, you feel as though, “you’re stuck like a duck with no luck!”  I have no idea where she ever heard that saying but it will stick with me forever Open-heartedly, I’m sitting in that space right now. My husband and I have been in a place of waiting for many...

GOOD MORNING Today, I want to share something that has deeply inspired me all week. Our girls had the incredible opportunity to meet Amberley Snyder, a professional barrel racer who is the only one in the world to race while being paralyzed. This has been their dream to meet herWatching my girls listen to Amberley’s  testimony, I was tearful the whole time. She has overcome some huge challenges—saddling and loading her horse, and driving a truck and trailer—all while being paralyzed....

Occasionally on my hikes at the cabin, I’m lucky enough to see a newborn fawn this time of year.This little honey was hidden in broad daylight. Born without a scent. Momma deer leaves her baby to help protect it while it is too tiny and clumsy to run along side her. Trouble’s nose can’t find it.It stays hidden and waiting.We may not have white spots that help us stay camouflaged from trouble, but as Christians we do have “the Secret...

Life is fragile.I was reminded of this truth last Tuesday morning. My world came to a screeching halt when my oldest son called from work to share about a tragedy that had just happened.My son was ok physically, but the rest of the week was spent at the hospital, praying and praying for a miracle for one of his friends. On Saturday, that friend went to be with Jesus. Our hearts are so broken for the family and my son...

Freedom isn’t free; it has come at a very high price.More than 1.1 million American soldiers have given their lives in fighting our country’s wars!So today, Memorial Day, 2024, we remember them and how much we owe them. Or at least we should. Now many can debate — and often do — the wisdom of some of those wars, but we can never ever debate the bravery and sacrifice of so many. For us.As Americans, we historically credit God for...

Today is the kick-off of the beginning of a long holiday weekend – Happy Memorial Day!!!Many of you are packing up or have already arrived to spend some time away from home. Maybe you’re vacationing at a family cabin, or you’ve rented a campsite for the weekend. Either way, most of you probably have some sort of traditional plans… honoring loved ones, taking that annual flower shopping trip, or just simply barbecuing with friends and family. I am truly wishing...

Good Morning!!Josh and I have been reading a book together called "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work”, by John Gottman. If you're married, I highly recommend this book; it's really good!Principle 2 is to nurture your fondness and admiration. It includes an exercise where you practice cherishing your spouse by writing ten qualities you love about them and when they demonstrated those qualities.As I started making this list, something dawned on me: I need to do this exercise with...

Yesterday, I got to spend some quality time with my two nieces.Despite the weather forecast of immenient rain, we decided to keep our plan to go for a run in the park!We’ve all heard the somewhat cheesy saying “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain,” right?I’ve said it… perhaps you have too. But yesterday, we didn’t just SAY it, we actually DID it.Our arms outstretched, our faces turned to the sky,...

Last week, my breakfast club had its final meeting of the year. We fed over 170 students and even got to do a send-off tribute for over 50 seniors who were graduating. Praise God for all he is doing in the next generation!As I thought about the last message I wanted to share to the students being sent into the world, I decided to share with them the advice my dad gave me in high school. It has served me...

And so it begins. My annual trips to area garden centers in search of victims.Every year it’s the same: No vision. No master plan for color coordination. No thought to what might work well with existing perennials and shrubs.So I roam the aisles with a cart full of good intentions. (Is it my imagination or do plants see me coming and try to wilt so I won’t pick them up? Cowards!) Regardless, I am easily distracted. Lime greens! Purples! Reds!...

Good morning!I hope this post fills you with a sense of possibility and hope. I want to share a story about our daughter, Cora, who recently had a breakthrough with her new horse.Cora has been riding for four years, starting with a little pony. For the longest time, she was afraid to try jump. We always encouraged her, saying she could just walk over the jump until she felt ready.Fast forward to this year, Cora is riding a 15-hand horse...

Recently, my hubby and I attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) night of Champions at our son’s college.This is an outreach ministry that includes equipping student athletes to become disciples of Jesus and lead others this way as well.One of the highlights of the night was when they passed out bracelets at the banquet tables and had the student athletes at each table explain how this tool is used to simply share their faith on and off campus. Wear...

Did you see the beautiful northern lights last weekend?I did! I was so excited because I had never seen them before.It was breathtaking!I couldn’t help but think of this passage:Psalm 19:1-4 declares:“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the...

Last Monday we wrapped up our Spring Bible Study, “Good Boundaries and Goodbyes” by Lysa Terkeurst. I deeply enjoyed this study and can’t wait to start our Summer one – stay tuned for that announcement very soon! Throughout Lysa’s study, she mentioned a particular concept that really struck me. Lysa says that we endure many deaths in life that never receive a proper funeral. Deaths like divorce, loved ones moving away, or relationships that shift and change making them no longer...

Lately I’ve been wrestling with questions about what I believe is a gift from God. I’m asking how did this come about? And why? Little words – how and why – but they open up big questions about God and how he works. Still really, how much can we know of the how and why of Almighty God?How ….How does God work in our lives? In mysterious ways, we’re told, his wonders to perform. God wants the best for us...

This picture makes my heart sing! I snapped it yesterday afternoon and it sums up summer life at our house perfectly Many of you are aware that my husband and I have struggled with infertility. In fact, we struggled for four years before our daughter was born and have continued to ever since. My husband's brother, on the other hand, has five kids who happen to live right next door. I’m not going to lie, my heart was pretty heavy as...

Good morning, Ladies!This week, the word that’s been on my mind is “trust.” I’ve been tested, particularly in a family situation where fear, worry, and negativity took over.Despite my struggles, my patient husband stood by me, encouraging me to lean on him and trust him to carry the burden.He asked me a question that really hit me-Why do I trust him in so many areas of life but fail when things get really tough? It’s a bit embarrassing to share...

Well, this is it! We’ve finally made it to the week of our half marathon. I have a couple more short runs to fit in this week and then Saturday is the big day!I’ll be joining my husband, my son, and his girlfriend on this multi-mile adventure. What the smoke ever possessed me to sign up for this?? I seem to have forgotten!In all seriousness though, I have been reflecting on the hours and miles of training over the past months. It...