Daily Devotionals

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...

Every morning my husband and I do Bible reading together and then we pray. We read a Psalm, a Proverb and a chapter in the New Testament. For the last couple weeks, we have been reading in the book of Revelation.One thing that has really struck me about the book, which is a portrait of the final battle between good and evil and of God’s ultimate victory over the evil one, is that in every account of him being seated...

What obstacles have we built that keep us from doing things God wants us to do?I’m not necessarily talking about forsaking everything loved and familiar, packing up and shipping off to deepest, darkest ___________ (fill in the blank with your scariest missionary destination). No, I’m talking about what God might have on the docket for us right here, right now. Today, even.Some possibilities?•       Oh, how about setting aside a quiet time and diving deep into God’s Word?•   ...

Something happened this week that exposed a bad habit of mine. Don’t you love it when that happens? You are just walking along, minding your perfectly perfect business when the Holy Spirit swoops in and knocks you right on your sinful butt!What I was recently convicted of is the habit of overlooking people. Now, in my defense, I’m a very polite person. My husband even makes fun of me for being overly cheery when engaging with cashiers, clerks, or other...

Good morning!A couple of days ago, our girls switched up their horses. Both of the girls' horses have completely different styles and purposes. So, we wanted to encourage our 12-year-old to learn on a new style of horse.Initially, things went well. She had her controlled and was just working on slow work. However, after about 10 minutes, the horse wanted to go faster, and my daughter started feeling a bit anxious. She didn’t want to go beyond a trot because...

Time.Having a couple kids in the peak of their track seasons right now reminds me how much every second matters!We have one running in college and one running through the spring season of her senior year of high school. (A Tom Cat and a Lion)There seems to be a daily chatter around our house and on our family group text about how much “time” matters…“Our relay team beat the school record by 1.2 seconds!”“I missed my PR by less than...

For over a week, I have been in a battle with some robins. It’s a territory war. They want to build a nest above my garage and I say no. But those crazy robins won’t listen.At least 8 times a day, they build a nest and I take it down.Over and over.And over.Those birds can build a full nest in 10 minutes flat. I’ve tried to talk nicely to them but I’m getting fed up! My hubby said we should concede...

Made to FlyWe break a coffee cup, we throw it away because now it’s worthless. But what happens with broken people? Do we – does God – give up on any good coming out of a broken person?Well, of course not. For one thing, brokenness has been a universal human condition ever since Adam and Eve tasted the forbidden Honeycrisp. What are some of the lines from that Danny Gokey song? “We’re all broken people …. We’ve got stuff we...

Our Wednesday night children's ministry at church, BLAST (Building Lives Around Sound Truth) is wrapping up for the school year. This past week, I got a sneak peek of the kids practicing for the closing ceremony performance. My heart swells even now, thinking about it... Remind me to pack A LOT of Kleenex because this mama is going to need them “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”– Matthew 18:20As I walked in...

Good morning!I wanted to share a precious picture I took last Sunday—it's of my 8 year old daughter with her "church buddy," (Cora came up with that title) Beck Beck, whom many of you know. I’m sharing this because it affirmed to me the incredible way God works in our lives!  These two share such a special bond. Cora always runs to hug Beck Beck at church, they always sit side by side, and they exchange phone calls and homemade gifts...

We are going to talk about the shield of faith today.In the New Testament, Paul uses the imagery of something that would have been familiar to the people in Ephesus. The armor of a Roman soldier!The city of Ephesus was part of the Roman Empire. When encouraging the believers in this area, Paul illustrated the importance of putting on “divine armor” to take a stand in this world.I’m here this morning to reacquaint you with one particular item mentioned in...

I am officially exhausted.It feels like I have been running a marathon, when in reality it’s just been life:Working on the remodel.Taking care of the kids.Doing ministry.Cooking, cleaning and laundry.Making meals.Paying bills.It has been so much. Last Sunday, I hit the wall. Have you ever done that? I don’t mean literally! I’m talking about when you get so tired that the thought of trying to get another thing done makes you want to cry.That was me. Crying. A lot.So when...

How do we live?“Oh, she’s so heavenly minded that she’s no earthly good!”Variations of that old criticism have been rattling around in my old brain lately. I mean, what’s so wrong with being heavenly minded? Is there a right way to be heavenly minded and still do some earthly good?Let’s start with our pop quiz question for today:Who, in all of human history, was the most heavenly minded person who did the most earthly good?Times up! Put your pencils down.The...

A friend and I were recently chatting about decisions. They can feel so daunting, can’t they? “Should I do this or that? What if I do that and this happens? What if I don’t do this, and that happens?” Round and round our minds go, only spiraling us further and further from landing on a confident answer. As I prayerfully considered this topic on my evening walk, I came to a fork in the road with nothing but this road sign...

Good Morning, Everyone!!On my way home last night, I heard Katy Nichole's song "Hold On" in a completely new light.This Christian artist was navigating a very challenging season and felt the Lord whisper, "Hold on."Those lyrics really hit me last night for some reason.So, if you're facing a tough season, I'm here this morning to echo those words to you: Hold on!“Smoke cloudsAll aroundCouldn't see Your faceDarkness consumed meStuck in the bitternessBut I know there's a lightThat's waiting up aheadSo...

My husband and I completed our annual tree planting this past weekend.We were able to get another 200 trees in the ground…and we weren’t too sad about the long gentle rain that fell yesterday and last night!We have grown to love this project each spring. I’m always astonished by the baby bare root trees- they have a remarkable root system- and we are so careful about getting them into the ground and protecting those precious roots.We all know that there are...

Sometimes, living out what the Bible tells us to do isn’t easy.My son, Zeke, is learning this lesson at school! The picture today is of him, my favorite 9-year-old. There are a couple kids in his class that have been making recess not very fun for him. They make fun of him, leave him out, and try to make him feel bad.It’s a bummer.When I pick him up after school, he shares what happened and we often hug it out and...

From weeping to rejoicingHad a good cry lately?Hurts, frustration, grief, illness, pain, and all the way down the list to burnt cookies, piles of laundry, crying kids and bad hair days can trigger floods. Are you with me here? Face it, Sisters, we can be emotional messes. But when it comes to crying, we are certainly not alone.Consider that when Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept. (John 11:35) Consider all the pain and sorrow Jesus felt on the cross...

For those of you involved in our Monday night Bible Study, I hope you have been enjoying this week's homework as much as I have! We are currently going through “Good Boundaries and Goodbyes” by Lisa Terkeurst and per Lisa’s teaching, I have been digging into Genesis about the fall of man. Revisiting this account in history, Lisa ties together that Adam and Eve eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, really was the first broken...