Daily Devotionals

My family got to spend last weekend in San Fransisco visiting our oldest daughter, Alivia. She is currently living and training there to become a professional ballerina. While we were traveling we got to see her perform, eat delicious food, and hike through Muir Woods.If you have never seen it, Muir Woods is an incredible sight. The famous Redwood trees stand several hundred feet tall and they grow on the side of a mountain. They are majestic! The whole forest...

Let’s talk turkeyWay back in my growing-up-in-Braham days, Dad raised turkeys, which makes me his last turkey still standing. So I am credentialed; I have lived among the flock; I earned my feathers. I am qualified to judge other turkeys.Admittedly, this devotional likely results from a NyQuil OD, but still, let me tell you about one amazing turkey I met after moving back to this area. His name was Thanks, and he lived out his last years with friends of...

Earlier this week, I was listening to a Christian conversation about marriage.Radio host Jim Daly from Focus on the Family interviewed a husband and wife who were sharing their raw and vulnerable story.They spoke about going through different challenging times in their marriage and how their viewpoints varied. It was very relatable as many marital trails are.Then they got to the good part – The part where God really stepped in!Both the husband, Dave, and the wife, Anne, got to...

Good morning, Ladies!I’m currently reading Waking Up to the Goodness of God by a dear friend, Susie Larson. There’s a question she was once asked, and it hasn’t left my mind since. So I want to ask you this morning: “If tomorrow you possessed only what you thanked God for today, what would you have?” As Susie said, “It’s a piercing question. An important one.” And I wholeheartedly agree!The truth is, if the enemy can’t tempt us, he often tries...

Good morning friends!I found myself in the book of Micah this morning. In my reading, I came across a more familiar passage that stopped me in my tracks (again)! It’s so simply stated, and yet, profound.  And it’s worth putting on repeat. Some call it the “Micah Mandate”... We don’t need to wonder about how God wants us to live!“He has shown you what is good. And what does the LORD require from you?  To act justly, to love mercy,...

This weekend, I was power cleaning the house and found my 7-year-old son’s special notebook amidst a giant pile of his toys.In my rush to get everything put back in its place, I almost missed the sweet messages of his bright pink post-it notes.However, as I was stuffing it in a drawer, I paused to read his musings and I am SO GLAD I did.As you can see in the picture I posted, his little heart has been contemplating some...

Good morning!Normally, Mary Ann kicks off the week by writing to our group on Mondays, but she is feeling under the weather. Let’s all pray she is feeling better soon!Mondays are a great day to launch a fresh mindset to anchor our week. I thought we could spend a little time on mindset today.We will all fight internal thought battles of some kind this week. Perhaps you are fighting one right at this moment.It’s important to identify and name the thought...

Something about the month of November is hitting me differently this year.In the past, it’s as if I sprinted out of October and landed right into December. Sure, November has Thanksgiving but as a Black Friday traditionalist, that holiday has always put more emphasis on Christmas than Thanksgiving in my extended family.There’s also that little thing called, daylight savings time, which has never been my favorite. The decrease of sunlight and day time hours has even left me feeling kind of depressed...

GOOD MORNING Yesterday, I had the gift of a few hours alone with my youngest daughter, Cora. As we drove to pick up my oldest, she said, “Mommy, today was the best day ever! I loved spending the day with you!”  Her sweet words touched me deeply, especially because we didn’t do anything extravagant. We were simply together—cuddling, talking, and just enjoying each other’s company without distractions.As I thought about her sweet comment, it made me reflect on my relationship with Jesus....

We learned in the middle of the night that the majority of Americans are celebrating a victory this morning! And as always, there remain those who are disappointed by the election results.It’s a great time to remind ourselves as Christians that the political narrative isn’t driving our behavior…the BIBLICAL NARRATIVE is. According to Paul, as he spoke to the church at Colossae in Colossians, 3:13- and the church of Ephesus in Ephesians 4:2- We are to “bear with one another in...

Today is Election Day.Oh buddy!No matter what happens today, or who takes the vote, here’s your reminder that God is still on the throne.He reigns Supreme over all of creation.He is Sovereign.He is GOOD and he is in control.Psalm 89:6-14 proclaims:“For who in all of heaven can compare with the LORD? What mightiest angel is anything like the LORD?The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne.O LORD God...

Voting .… Then what?Phew! It’s almost over.Or is it just beginning?And by “it” I mean all the anger, lying, bitterness, blame gaming, cheating, accusations, violence, distrust … and if I had a thesaurus handy I’d list more of what we’ve been immersed in for years.Are you as tired of politics as I am? Oh yes, I do have some very strong beliefs and I’m a bit of a political animal. Even so, I’m weary of it all and frankly unsure...

Tis the season As Minnesotians, we know the snow is coming, yet it still seems to invoke some strong reactions, doesn’t it?We have people cranking Christmas tunes while others are googling rental properties in Florida – vsWhich are you??Yesterday, our puppy Leroy had his first ever run in with winter weather!At first, he was very timid. He stood nervously at the open door, taking it all in slowly.But once he took his first leap, he was sold! There was no hiding his...

Good morning!! You’re probably wondering why I’m sharing a picture of some china. Well last weekend, my family and I stopped by an estate sale. The yard and garage were filled with tools and equipment. But I wanted to see what was inside:) So the estate sale lady graciously allowed us a sneak peek inside before it opened to the public.As we walked in, we were a little taken back. The couple who lived here, well into their 80s, had just...

Good morning!!I recently read a story by author Bill Frye that really got me thinking. He reflected on a time when he was an 11 year old boy.  He was given the task to remove a stump from the family’s front yard. He dug, and hacked, and pried and sweated and struggled to remove the stubborn stump. Hour after hour he labored and toiled on it. He used shovels, axes, saws, pry bars and all of his might, but the...

I sent this to a warrior friend who has been battling for a long time. May it encourage this amazing group of ladies too:This weekend I was weary- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I had a huge week and it took everything I had, so by the weekend I was an empty vessel.In my quiet time, I spent many hours researching the story of Elijah the prophet…mostly because I had seen a meme that said: “Remember that time Elijah wanted to...

Boo!Every year, October 31 presents a great debate for me. Is Halloween an innocent, fun holiday for kids (and those of us who still love to play dress-up)? Or is it satan’s holiday that has grown darker year by year as a celebration of evil and an enticement for the vulnerable? I don’t know where you stand, but this is the current state of my quandary.Doesn’t it seem like whenever we give satan an inch, he takes 666 miles?On the...

Good Morning, Ladies and Happy Friday!This week, our family has been preparing for an annual Fall gathering we host at our house. Family and friends come for food, yard games, and a hayride and as any party, there is always prep work that needs to be done Yesterday I had planned to have a full, productive day of checking off all the things. But as it happens, I woke up feeling under the weather This little cutie (pictured ) not only took care...

Good morning!I wanted to share something that has made a huge difference for me this week, it’s called breath prayers. It might sound too simple, and at first I wasn’t sure how much it would help, but it’s been so helpful in easing my anxiety. You combine a short prayer with your breathing, which helps calm your thoughts and refocus on God’s promises.Here’s the breath prayer that’s been helping me:Inhale: ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’Exhale: ‘I have all that I...

Whatcha worried about?I’ve known many great troubles in my life, most of which never happened. (Mark Twain)I could have said that. Over the last many decades (Let’s not dwell on numbers; I’ve already outlived old Mark!), I’ve done more than my share of worrying about most everything. I even worried about what to write this week! Then I worried about finding a photo. Then I worried about getting it all done on time. And then I worried that I worry...

Our Monday night group has been studying the book of Ephesians for the last several weeks.  We’ve been hearing Paul’s teaching of the gift of the gospel as well as his encouragement “to live a life worthy of the call that you have received.” (Eph 4:1)I am reminded of a funny story I read online:A guy was being tailgated by a stressed-out, angry woman on a busy street.Suddenly, the light turned yellow just in front of him. He did the...

We have been busy supporting some of our extended family for the last couple of weeks. When we first began, our to-do list consisted of only a few things. Nothing major… just a couple of tasks we thought might help ease the load of life!As we went on, days went by, sleeves rolled up, hands got dirty and do you know what? It wasn’t long before the work turned into a lot of fun!Alongside a few other family members, we...

Good morning, Girls❤️❄️ Today’s post is a short one, inspired by a dear friend who sent me this picture of this yesterday’s frost. She said, “It was so beautiful, in a freezing cold way. 🤪 Thought you could use it for a Rachel’s Care post.”This beautiful frost got me thinking about how even in the toughest seasons of life, there can be unexpected beauty. My family is currently facing some hard and uncomfortable challenges, and it’s comforting to remember that...

Comparison.Ever struggle with it?If only I was…I’m just not…He or She is so much better at…If I had…OrAt least I’m not…At least I don’t…See the game? It’s toxic.We have all struggled with comparison from time to time. We compare talents, looks, careers, homes, education, bodies, vehicles, health, challenges, spouses, children, finances and even spiritual gifts… it’s endless.I once heard a quote that has stuck with me forever, “Comparison ultimately leads us to two ends, pride or despair.”The sign on the...

“I do myself.”That’s what our third child would say when he was two years old and fiercely independent.“I do myself.”Our determined son was insistent that he could do anything and everything without our help.Inevitably, there would be a package he couldn’t open, or a door handle he couldn’t reach. We’d offer to help as he tried incessantly to open it, unsuccessfully. It was useless. Talk about stubborn!Every time, a storm of tears would come.“I do myself.”As a parent, this was...

‘Carbing up’ for BelieversTeenage boys and their endless appetites are the stuff of legend. We know, because some of us at RCC Bible Study have been lucky enough this year to help feed the Cambridge-Isanti High School football team Thursday nights before their Friday night games.It’s a regular pasta-thon. A supersketti extravaganza. A noodilicious nosh. Technically speaking, it’s a carbo-rama-dama-do.Why? Well, the coach knows his team will have to focus and play hard through all four quarters of the game....

On Tuesday, my husband and I celebrated our thirteenth wedding anniversary. And in honor, I’ve decided to share a funny story about that time…Ben and I met in 9th grade when the Cambridge and Isanti Schools combined. We instantly hit it off, and by the time 10th grade rolled around, we had started dating. Fast-forward, after college, we found ourselves in our early twenties, living together at my mom’s, talking about marriage and planning for our future.This is when God...

Good Morning, EveryoneI want to share something from Bible study that really hit me. We were asked this question: When you think about your prayer life, what do you thank God for or ask Him for in your life? Earthly things or spiritual blessings? Not going to lie, my answer was earthly.This question stuck with me all week. Then the weekend came, and our girls were at a barrel race. One of the girls did well and actually won a...

Most days I share a story or a lesson I’m learning. This morning, I’d like to share a prayer with all of you based on Romans 12:2.“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”“Dear Lord, I confess that so many days I’m too focused on my own comfort when it would be much...

Our God is a refuge.A hiding place.He is a place of safety where we can go no matter what is happening in our lives or in the world around us.We can run to him always! I don’t know about you, but I find myself in need of comfort with all that is happening in the world. My heart hurts when I consider all the tragedy surrounding us.That’s when I run to Psalm 34 and claim all of the promises:Psalm 34:1-10,17-22“I...

Even if …I’m sure we’ve all been gripped by the devastation and human tragedy caused by Hurricane Helene. And so for this Monday’s devotional I wanted to share just one of the first-hand reports on Facebook from the relief efforts. In particular, I was struck by the references to Job in this post, and our charge as fellow believers to be thankful for what we have and to pray for the grief, challenges and needs of thousands. I am overwhelmed...

I have noticed a common issue in many of my conversations lately and I feel led to address it today.Are you ready for it?  …. Busyness!In my current circles, most families I speak with are finding their rhythms with school, sports, and church activities starting up again. They’ve shared about their full summer of camping trips, activities, and events and have jumped right into Fall with a calendar just as full with no sign of slowing down.The world would like us...

What commonly trips us up on our walk of faith?Temptation?Our own egos?Doubts?Fears?A huge disappointment? Past memories?Lack of progress?Sick and tired?Prayers that seem to go unanswered for longer than we feel we can tolerate?A big mistake?Or an embarrassing setback?Most often what trips us up on our walk of faith boils down to some sort of trigger that leaves us feeling hopeless.So, how do we renew our spiritual strength in the midst of this? We know our strength comes from God, but...

There is GOOD WORK for you to do today.Ephesians 2:10 explains:“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”So let me ask, What good work has God called you to do?Has he asked you to:Love your familyLove your neighborGrind in the workplaceServe on a ministry teamGive to those in needInvest in the next generationTake care of a loved oneWhatever the good work God...

All aboard the Discipleship!“…Therefore go and and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 19-20Known as the Great Commission, this was Jesus’ charge to his disciples after his resurrection and before he returned to his Father. But he meant it...

Today I woke up a 38 year old  Wow, it’s weird to say it, let alone type it!Now, I’m not an over-the-top birthday person in one way or another. I don’t feel the need to make a big fuss about celebrating them nor do I sit and fret about the increasing number. But there is something about my birthday that really does get me thinking Thirty-eight may not sound that old to some of you but just take my hands for example…...

Good morning, ladies! The other day, I was driving home, feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, when a song came on that stopped me in my tracks. As I listened to the lyrics, I felt a wave of peace wash over me in a way I can’t fully explain. I knew I had to share it with you today in case anyone else is feeling like I did that day.Sometimes, life feels like too much, and fear or worry can take over. But...

We moved this summer, and I recently found an old journal in a box from years ago. (Yes, I’m still unpacking!) I turned open the pages and began reading.It was during my stay-at-home mom era where I was in the thick of parenting our 3 littles.  I knew my job was super important but I could tell by what I was writing that I was struggling with feeling small, hidden, and insignificant. 92% of what I did all day went...

od doesn’t fail.Ever.Everything that he sets out to do, he does.Every promise he makes.Every good work he does.Every battle he fights.Every person he loves.He never fails and his love never fails.I’ve been reminding myself of this truth and I wanted to share it with you, just in case you find yourself struggling with being overwhelmed or anxious or afraid about the path in front of you.You, my friend, serve a God who cannot fail.One of my favorite verses in the...

God’s playlistThanks to the book table at a conference weekend before last, I have a new daily devotional containing the writings of Charles Haddon Spurgeon who, more than 100 years after his death, is still one of the best-known preachers of all time.Needless to say, the writings of this 19th century Brit can be hard for a lightweight mind like mine to grasp at times, but last Friday morning’s devo cut through my brain fog. Plus it echos some of...

Grateful - Thankful - BlessedAs we lead up to Thanksgiving, we spot these words everywhere. In fact, I spy two of them just sitting here in my home thanks to my cozy fall decor Ah, yes … We paint them on signs and wear them on our clothes to portray to the world that we are ever so grateful, thankful, and blessed for the lives we’ve been given.But are we, really?•What are the first thoughts that fill our heads in the...

Good Morning, GirlsI was struggling a bit to figure out what to post, so I asked a dear friend. She sent me this photo and felt a nudge to share it along with this encouragement. I pray her nudge is exactly what someone needed today.Life can often feel like we’re stacking rock upon rock, carefully trying to balance each responsibility without letting anything fall. Between work, family, relationships, and our spiritual lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight...

Did you see the moon last night? Holy Moonlight!! It lit up the dark sky!It’s hard to believe that the moon doesn’t even generate any light on its own.  It simply reflects it. Moonlight is simply reflected sunlight.The sun is the real star of the show!Christ declared “I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12The temptation is to wake up and stand up...

Let me quote the famous Shakespeare and ask you a question today:What is in a name?Here’s why I ask: last week I took a day to fast and pray and read my Bible, pressing in for the Lord to speak to us and help our family. He brought me to a well-known story and gently revealed something to me that I would like to share with you today because it has given me a practical way to fight a big...

This summer has marked a lot of change for our family … and have I mentioned I struggle with change?? We are an only child family but my husband’s brother lives right next door and he has five of them!Well, this summer my nieces, nephews, and daughter have all seemed to reach an age that has ended an era.In what seems like the blink of an eye, we’ve swapped out things like splashparks, naps, and training wheels for a lot more...

Good Morning, Ladies ️ I listened to a powerful sermon last weekend, and one thing they said has stayed with me all week: the one thing we leave behind when we die is our words. That really struck me.I often find myself wishing I could hear my late mother-in-law’s voice today. What would she say to our girls? What words would she offer during the hard times? Her wisdom, love, and encouragement are what I miss the most. I’m sure there’s someone...

I don’t often write about  marriage because I know that not everyone in this community of readership is married- and we do strive to be relevant and relatable to our readers. But to be honest, marriage does provide a lot of material! Ted and I have been married for a little over 27 years. That adds up to a whole lot of happy life moments. And it also provides a whole lot of opportunities for “misunderstandings”.Well, I’m coming out with it!Last...

My kids were playing up at the school this week and discovered a large, painted rock. Being boys, they immediately jumped on it and played on it.As I watched, I thought about how scripture refers to God as our rock.Immovable and strong.I asked my boys to try their hardest to move the rock, or to break it. They pushed and jumped and hit- but to no avail.That rock wasn’t moving. No matter what they did!On the drive home, we talked...