Daily Devotionals

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...

Not alone!It’s that time of year when Facebook is chock full of precious first-day-of-school photos. So being a slave to conformity, I searched the archives for this gem: Five-year-old me heading to my first day of first grade. (Don’t judge the outfit — there was no Rachel to style me, but I do believe my minty green and gray lunch box was the perfect accessory.)Even after all these years — let’s not dwell on how many — I distinctly remember...

I don’t know about you but the week of Labor Day feels a lot like the week of New Years to me!Our family has started fresh with a whole list of things! A new school year, a season change, schedule shifts, and goals for better physical and dietary choices. The Type A, planner in me loves it! I thrive with structure and it feels good to be a week into new routines! However, I know my sinful flesh well and it’s...

Have you ever felt like you’re out of options in a certain situation in your life?Like perhaps you’ve arrived at the end of the road and there’s no where left to go?You’ve tried and worked and prayed and wondered and thought and hoped and kicked and fought and cried and begged and pleaded. Have you ever felt like you arrived at a DEAD END?Perhaps you feel like you’re there right now.You can’t seem to be able to move forward. The...

My boys start school today! It’s the beginning of a new year at a new school. Both of them have had lots of feelings and much anxiety swirling the last few days as they thought about the first day.We have been talking and praying together, asking God to help guide and protect them, as well as to use them to be a light in the dark.Each year, we set a theme verse for the year… a sort of mantra to...

Muscle up!Well, we’ve reached the end of my fraud case saga. The $19,000 on my Visa card has been erased. Do I hear a hallelujah? I wanted to tell you because I know there have been prayers prayed and for those, Sisters, I am most grateful!God really does answer prayer!But here’s what was rattling around the old cranium even before I got the good news: Isn’t it our tendency to say God answers our prayers only when we get what...

The other evening, I had a complete and total meltdown that I am not at all proud of. I could list my personal reasons why I acted like a complete fool but they aren’t important. Truth be told, they only excuse my behavior which I know was just dead wrong. In fact, I snapped this picture right after as I took a walk to clear my head and repent to the Lord. The cruddy part… my daughter saw the entire thing. The...

Recently, my family and I traveled to southern Utah to do some hiking and canyoneering. My “little cousin” lives out near Zion National Park and just happens to be an expert at this sort of thing. He was eager to share his passion and show us around the playground of Zion as well as the special routes and adventures that tourists don’t normally get to see.After a warm up hike our first day, we were all feeling pretty good about...

Yesterday was a big day at our house… our son, Zeke, got braces.He didn’t love it.His teeth are so sore and his mouth feels uncomfortable. Before the braces went on, he had to get two teeth pulled and then have spacers and an expander placed.It was a lot of correction for one little mouth.He kept saying, “Why do I have to do all this? It’s not fair. It hurts.” To which I would reply, “Because your teeth need it to...

All things through ChristI had just started reading a book by Max Lucado and was stopped by this story. Max is in church and a stranger sits down behind him. Turns out this guy’s a famous opera singer. Now comes time to stand and sing and oh wow, can this guy S I N G!Max writes: “His vibrato made dentures rattle and rafters shake. He tried to contain himself. But how can a tuba hide in a room of piccolos?“For...

A couple of months ago, I found myself waking up in the middle of the night with anxious thoughts  I decided to start listening to sermons before bed. I have done this on and off and wanted to equip my mind for those mid-sleep battles. It’s been working great!One topic that continued to repeat itself was listening to God. I have to be honest, I have never spent much time trying to listen to God. I spend a lot of time...

Good morning, ladies!This may seem like a funny picture to post, but there's a story behind it. A couple of weekends ago, we traveled to Mason City, Iowa, for our first out-of-state overnight barrel race. When I went to register, the stalls were full and we were offered the option of a tie out, meaning we could tie our horses to the trailer overnight.Our trainer and friend assured us that it was fine, so Josh set up a portable hot...

Do you need to pour out your heart to God today?David is an example for us. David, “a man after Gods own heart” - was the one God inspired to pen the liberating words of Psalm 62:8, which says, “Trust in him at all times, O people. POUR OUT your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”If you read the Psalms, you will soon discover that David practiced what he preached!We, like David (and countless others in scripture) can...

Last week, I got the awesome opportunity to be on the radio! My dear friend, Sondra, had me join her on the mid-day show for Praise FM. We took the hour to pray over all of the students who will be going back to school in the next few weeks- from pre-school through college; homeschool to those going overseas.We prayed for the well-being and safety of the students, of course, but we also pressed into these four specific areas. I...

Better togetherHow many times have you heard that, as a bunch of women getting together regularly to learn more about Jesus, we are indeed, better together? If you’re a follower of these RCC devotionals, the answer is MANY times!So I thought I’d share examples from my experience of what we mean when we say it.“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2Just before Christmas last year, I was driving to Rachel’s Closet to get a...

Well, here we are already…  The summer vibes are fleeting as anticipation for fall is setting in 🌾 I love all four of Minnesota’s beautiful seasons but saying goodbye to Summer is tough.  In fact, my daughter and I have been struggling to see eye to eye on this lately.  Ellery has been asking to take out the Fall decor and making plans for costumes, hayrides, and bonfires. “Just slow down!” I think to myself with overwhelm. 🫨 But I,...

Good Morning!Last weekend, my family and I traveled to Manson City, Iowa, for a barrel race. The girls raced for three days in a row, and I have to say, being in the arena watching them is my absolute favorite place to be! They love it so much, and seeing their passion brings me so much joy.The anticipation leading up to their runs was huge—they could hardly wait to get into the arena. Josh, their amazing coach, executed everything perfectly,...

Our favorite little 4 letter word…“H O P E !”Hope is one of those words that we can glance over a little too quickly.We may be familiar with the scripture from Corinthians that refers to “the three lasting virtues that remain” FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE.Love is referred to as the greatest...Faith is its own centerpiece...but what about Hope?Don’t give Hope the back seat!Hope it’s not the flat tire on the third wheel of these virtues!Hope is not fluffy, wispy, or...

As the election draws near, the intensity around anything political seems to be amplified a hundred fold.Ads.Posts.News stories.Yard signs.T-shirts.You name, people are saying it or slinging it.Honestly, I find it exhausting and terrifying all at once. I want to be a good steward of my vote this fall and stay informed, yet I want to shut out all the garbage that comes along with searching for answers.It feels messy and it makes me anxious.Then yesterday, while I was reading my...

When life isn’t fair ….Ever since we were three and older siblings got to stay up late, or when we were six and didn’t get that pony for Christmas, we’ve been stomping our feet in frustration, knowing that life isn’t fair. And that it ought to be!Now that our feet have gotten bigger, so have our issues with unfairness. So we wrestle with relationship conflicts and disappointments. Workplace issues. Financial problems. Health concerns. And oh so many more.But because we’re...