Daily Devotionals

Good morning, Ladies!My daughter and I have been reading a book called "Sleep Psalms" at night. I highly recommend it; it’s so comforting!A couple of nights ago, we read something that really stuck with both of us:“As you wind down the day, imagine God between you and your opposition, your struggle, or your difficult circumstances. See him as your shield!" I have reread this a thousand times!Isn’t that so comforting?!! We literally drew a picture of our struggle, with God in the...

Headlines. We see them everywhere! Headlines are important. The GOSPEL is the bible’s attention getting headliner. It means “Good News.“But as we know from headline news, context is everything! If we ignore the context and the backstory, we will certainly not be riveted by the headline!What makes the gospel the “Good News” is actually knowing the bad news. All of us- every single one- have sinned and fallen short! We don’t deserve (or earn our way to) heaven. WE are the...

For the last couple of weeks, I have found myself whispering this psalm during the day.I recite it when I feel overwhelmed by all of the changes and big things happening in my family.It always helps me to feel better, and for that I am grateful.Psalm 61:1-4:“O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for...

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2042014969515685?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&mibextid=0NULKw Come what may …. Good morning, Tribe! This is a bit of a departure, but a friend of mine recently shared this amazing TikTok video on Facebook, and I just had to pass it on to you. Dementia is a cruel reality for many people and their loved ones. For many of us, watching this woman in late-stage dementia is painful. Described as “the long good-bye,” dementia empties a person of memories and cognition bit by bit until families...

My walk at 6:30 am versus my walk at 6:30 pm… my oh my, how much had changed in just twelve hours.Most days, my mornings look pretty much the same. I  stumble out of bed to make my way to use the bathroom and brush my teeth. By the time I arrive back into my room, I’m awake enough to make my bed and throw on some warmer clothes. I grab my water bottle that is perfectly chilled in the...

Good morning, Ladies!  ️This morning, I'd like to reflect on the importance of trust, a word that was tested during our time in Texas.During a barrel race, an unexpected storm threatened our plans. Initially, the decision to cancel due to the storm seemed crazy to us, given our experience riding in rain back in Minnesota.However, as they say, everything is bigger in Texas, this includes storms!As we began to pack up, the storm really hit. Tornado warnings blared on the radio,...

Does your garage need a good spring cleaning?Mine does!Why do we bother with purging and mucking out our garage every year?Clutter has a way of piling up on us. So much so that there’s no room to receive what we REALLY need to store. That box of left over paint cans and brushes from a mid-winter project-Cushions for the patio furniture-The snowblower and sleds and shovels-Fly fishing gear and XC skiis-Pooper scoopers and rakes and extra supplies for the pool-Hoses and...

I don’t know about you, but lately whenever I see an article or story involving politics, it  gives me instant anxiety.The candidates.The scandals.The lack of moral compass.The mud slinging.My mind spins with questions:Who should I vote for?Is anyone running who has integrity and character?What is going to happen to the USA?It’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of anxious thoughts. Can you relate?Yesterday, I read this Psalm and it was like soothing balm to my very anxious heart:Psalm...

All things newEarly on that Sunday morning the women went to the tomb with the spices they had prepared. But the stone had been rolled away from the entrance! And the tomb was empty! And then two men – oh my goodness – angels! – suddenly appeared out of nowhere. They asked:“Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!”I have to tell you a back story. I’m...

Three – Two – One – GO! The hunt was on and our seven-year-old was looking for every egg she could find! She searched in every area of the church, high and low, long and hard. By the end, our sweet girl had a basket full of eggs to show for her efforts in the great 2024 Easter egg hunt A couple of days later, our morning devotional, Roar Like A Lion by Levi Lusko presented a beautiful opportunity to connect...

Good morning!I I hope everyone is recovering from this unexpected spring snowstorm. I know I need some time to adjust; I'm definitely not a fan of winter weather.I received a message from someone very important and special to me that I'd like to share with you this morning.It came last week during a particularly challenging time when I felt weak, incapable and hopeless.However, this wisdom has stayed with me all week and brought me much needed encouragement!Here’s what she said:“A thought...

One of my group exercise instructors at the Y is always reminding us about how important a strong core is.“Engage your core,” she says on repeat throughout each class.She’s talking about being mindful of the muscles that support the center from which all movements originate.A healthy core helps us with balance, stabilization, and strength to enable movement, posture, injury prevention. It is especially important to “tuck your tail and zip up your abs” when we are weak or in pain.Everything...

Have you heard the saying, “Be kind. Everyone is facing a hard battle?”The older I get, the more I realize how true it is.Everyone has a battle. And our kindness towards them matters. No one should have to battle alone.So, let me ask you, Sweet friend: “what trial are you facing today?”Are you weary?Are you discouraged?Are you waiting on a miracle?Are you overwhelmed?Are you anxious?Is work too stressful?Is money too tight?Is that relationship too broken?Is your child too far away?Whatever...

Why a donkey?“As he (Jesus) came to the towns of Bethpage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. ‘Go into that village over there,’ he told them. ‘As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”The crowds lining the way into Jerusalem were calling, “Blessings...

I know, I know… these morning temps might have you questioning it but Spring really is here!Tuesday was officially the Spring equinox which means there were equal parts of day to night.  From the time of the Spring equinox until the time of the Fall equinox, we have the most daylight, which I think we can all agree is a fantastic mood booster! So don’t worry about this weather, it won’t last much longer.On Tuesday, while we were celebrating Spring’s arrival,...

Good Morning, Everyone!I recently set this photo our trainer captured, as my screensaver. It’s my favoriteLast week, my family and I had the incredible opportunity to spend nine days barrel racing in Texas. It was an entirely new experience for us and turned out to be one of the best experiences we've ever had! On the day we left to come home, emotions ran high, and tears were shed by all of us. The girls, especially as it was their...

My daughter snapped this pic of my hubby and I while we were goofing around on the beach. Ever since our high school sweetheart era, and the years beyond throughout our marriage, the piggyback ride has been a preferred mode of transportation for me. As a kid, I remember my dad hiking me up on his back- and sometimes up onto his shoulders. I felt so protected, so safe, so close, and so loved.I can recall and be extraordinarily grateful for...

To have a grandma is to have a great treasure.It’s a treasure I would not trade for anything.This past week, my sweet Grandma went to be with Jesus.While my heart cannot even imagine a world without her in it, I am so thankful she is in glory.As I reflect on all of the years I got to love and be loved by her, this is what she modeled for me:1. Family first2. Live simply but generously.3. Traditions matter.4. Gentleness and...

He Holds Our TomorrowsAnother week, another passing of a friend from high school. With age, this comes as no real shock, usually a somber nod of the head and some reminiscing. But last week it also led to a discussion with friends about what happens after a Believer has died.There, I said it. Died. We’ve come up with lots of ways to say it differently – passed away, departed, deceased, at rest, no longer with us, etc. – maybe to...

Later today, I am sitting down with someone I love to have a very hard and heavy conversation. All week long, my stomach has been in knots, my heart racing with anxiety, and my list of what to say and how to sayit continues to be revised. In my hands, this situation is the pits. All I want to do is cancel the meeting and run to hide someplace far, far, away.But in God's hands, the situation is lifted high!Because...

Recently, my daughter and I shared a special sunrise together as we talked about her future.She is a senior in highschool this year and is having some anxiety about her plans for next fall.I was able to share my life verse with Paige and I’d like to share it with you this morning too. It’s been one I’ve clung to for years.“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,Lean not on your own understanding,But in all your ways acknowledge Himand...

I like to plan.Like, a lot.I have a planner that holds my schedule and the schedule of my entire family. Every January, I pick out the prettiest one I can find and use it every single day.When I wake up in the morning, I like to plan the day with my husband.When we go on vacation, I like to plan the activities. This spring break, we are staying home, so I am marking out each day carefully to balance fun...

March MadnessAh, the never-famous Braham High School marching band, circa 19never-you-mind. I remember the hours of hoofing it around town (yes, on BOTH streets), and the hours it took to get us to march in straight lines and in lockstep. Then there was that football halftime show when the rest of the band pivoted left and I, for no apparent reason, went right. Good times.Some things are challenging.Like how to live godly lives in this fractured world that seems determined...

Stuck in the Mud?The other night when my brother-in-law left our house, he thought it would be a good idea to use the turnaround in our yard… it was not a good idea. Our yard is WET and it didn’t take him long to realize that he was stuck in the mud with his big truck, leaving quite the mess. Being the good guy that he is, he insisted on coming back in the daylight to even out the ruts...

GOOD MORNING! ️ I’m so glad you’re here!Life has been quite a journey lately for my family– a mix of chaos, uncertainty, and a recent health scare last night that had me feeling a bit shaken. Josh gently reminded me, "Where's your faith? Let's not dive into fear; God's been our rock before and he will carry us through whatever this looks like!” I’m swallowing the lump in my throat as I type this. He was so right and his words were...

Recently, my friend Tara and I enjoyed a hard-good work out together.She scored herself a fancy new kickboxing bag via FB Marketplace and set up an ‘old school boxing gym in her garage.She invited me over to kick and punch  (Yes. We think this is fun!!)We donned the gloves and took turns with crosses, jabs, hooks, upper cuts… low kicks, high kicks on the bag, while the other was doing abs, push-ups, burpees, curtsy lunges, and jump squats!It wasn’t all...

Today’s post is short and sweet.It’s crazy, but it’s one week later and we are still fighting the flu. I am on day 8 of having a fever and all the junk that comes along with it.Not so fun.I’m clinging to this verse and waiting on the goodness of the Lord:Psalm 65:5-13“You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.You formed the...

Mending FencesBy any demographic measure, I fall into the “Elderly” category. (And in falling, possibly breaking a hip.) To lighten up, I use these two borrowed lines a lot: “People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.” and, “I thought it would take a lot longer to get this old.”Both true, but I digress.Bottom line: I have lived long. And trust me, you young whippersnappers, when you get this old you do tend to reminisce on all...

Good Morning and Happy MarchThis week, we celebrated our daughter's seventh Birthday, and what a joy it was  I’ll be honest with you when I say that I sometimes feel like I’m living in the past when I retell our infertility journey. But the truth is, it is much more than just our story. It’s a true testimony of God’s faithfulness. And sharing God’s faithfulness never gets old!Our story in its entirety is far too long for a devotional post and...

Good Morning, Ladies! ️Today's post is a shorter one, but I hope it leaves a lasting impression on your day!Are you familiar with Ben Fuller's song "Who I Am"? It has become my anthem, especially the chorus: "It's who I am (I'm a child of the most-high God, and the most-high God is for me)."Even as I type this, I get tearful; it's such a powerful declaration! What brings me real peace, especially during some recent tough weeks, is knowing "the most...

This verse from Colossians holds ME together when I am reminded that in Him all things hold together!I presently have a senior in college, a sophomore in college, and a senior in high school. These are big impact years, a lot is at stake, and this season is filled with a lot of unknowns for these young adult children of ours!I’m tempted to drift into the worry ditch if I’m not intentional about rehearsing Truth to myself.The surrender of control...

Well… for the last week the stomach flu has taken a toll on my family.I haven’t slept through the night in many, many nights and I’ve had the “opportunity” to clean up a lots of messes. In fact, just this morning I was cleaning up when I wanted to be posting this blog.Not so fun.But I have clung to this verse and I recite it whenever I feel discouraged:Psalm 33:20-22 NLT“We put our hope in the LORD.He is our help...

The What-If GameA few weeks ago in our RCC Bible study we talked about how self-defeating two little words – what if – can be. Especially when we use them to agonize over our past mistakes/sins and obsess over what could have been.For instance, I might dwell on, “What if … I had taken better care of my health when I was young? I wouldn’t be having all these problems now.”Or, “What if … I had ended that destructive relationship...

There is a little lake by our house that we enjoy fishing on. We’ve been wanting to get out there this winter but it hasn’t happened yet. When we drive by lately, we constantly see people walking out on the ice fishing. So one afternoon this week, we decided to grab some bait and go see what all the fuss was about… safely from shore I might add “It’s not worth falling through the ice for a couple of crappies”, my...

Good Morning, LadiesI just wanted to start off by saying, thank you for being here! You matter to us.Peace has been my word. It’s been my constant prayer and need in this season.In the midst of many uncertainties, I’ve found myself playing the “what if” game. We all know how this game ends….with fear, confusion and anxiety taking up residence!Well that’s where I was last night.Please know I share this, because I know I’m not alone. The enemy prowls around...

There’s just something remarkably inspiring about standing on the shore of the ocean observing the rhythmic and powerful waves crashing in, with a sunrise peaking over the horizon or the sun bowing the the end of the day like a curtain call.I can’t help but be drawn in to the majesty of our Good God! I respect and love our Creator for his sense of instilling wonder and awe into His universe.Standing on the shore of the ocean makes me...

Don’t give up.Thats what the verse I was reading yesterday morning said.Don’t give up.I paused mid-verse as my eyes welled up with tears and spilled down my cheeks.Why?In all honesty, this week I have felt like giving up… on prayer. Maybe the last couple of weeks actually.I feel discouraged. And a little (A LOT) weary of praying the same prayers and not yet receiving answers.It feels like it doesn’t matter that I pray.My circumstances are not changing.Have you been there?I’m...

Ready … Set ….Monday night. Winter. Dark and cold. You drive up to Rachel’s Closet for Bible study.All the lights are on. The door is open. There’s welcoming warmth inside. But so much more.That last-century Gaither song nails it: “There’s a sweet, sweet spirit in this place. And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord. There are sweet expressions on each face, and I know they feel the presence of the Lord.”Yup, I’m waxing a mite poetic today,...

Hang on Tight!After finally getting some snow this winter, yesterday we decided to get outside and enjoy it! My husband tied a sled with a rope to our side-by-side and we pulled the kids around all afternoon. From whipping them around the yard to long rides down the nearby dirt roads, giggles were loud, cheeks were rosy and hearts were full!Every once in a while, I would look back and notice one of the kids getting a little too comfortable,...

Happy Valentines Day, friends!Taking a little time this morning to remind you of some unchanging truth!God message is always consistent! He says, “BE MINE”. God says;Be my daughter.Be my object of affection.Be my child.Be my blessing.Be my beneficiary of faithfulness.Be my love shown to others.Be my recipient of salvation.Be my receiver of unconditional love.And the Lord’s “BE MINE” list goes on!!!He invites us to “Be His” above all other relationships in our life.Amidst our culture of heart shaped chocolates, long stemmed...

Todays post is short and sweet.It’s almost Valentine’s Day so I wanted to remind you that no matter what your life is currently like, you have a valentine.It’s your Heavenly Father.God loves you so much. God sees you.Yes, YOU.He made you.He has a plan for you.He’s got good things in store for you.He thinks you are precious and special.So many days, the world comes at us with messages about how to make ourselves better… to be prettier, to be thinner, to...

Fill ‘er Up!The photo is not of an unfortunate incident at Carol’s (my fave), or at any other restaurant, for that matter. It’s to represent King David praising God in Psalm 23, saying, “My cup overflows with blessings.” Or, for some of us, the more familiar, “My cup runneth over.”Certainly, David was greatly blessed by the God he served. As a shepherd boy, he demonstrated his heroics early-on when he … um … killeth that big, bad giant Goliath. Later,...

What are you afraid of?There are so many fear options to choose from these days, it’s hard to pick a “favorite.” And every day, more and bigger reasons to worry seem to rain down on us.Fact is, we will not run out of fears or anxieties this side of heaven. Jesus told his disciples (and us), “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” Then his promise: “But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33So...

A couple weeks ago I realized I had an addiction… a bread making addiction  I started making a loaf a day to perfect the art of my sourdough skills. But I soon realized I couldn’t stop! I would find myself preparing bread in the morning while still staring at a loaf from the day before. At first, I have to be honest, I coveted the bread. I had spent so much time on each loaf, I didn’t want to cut into...

Good Morning, Ladies!!We started a new Bible study, called “The Hard Good”, showing up when you want to shut down.This title hits close to home for everyone!And if some of you are thinking, ‘I’m there.’Well, listen in closely, because I wasn’t sure what to post today, and this one is for you!”On Monday, we read a powerful verse that spoke volumes to me!!Romans 8:28 in the Amplified Version. The word that echoed in my heart was 'ALL.'Let me share it...

Yesterday, a few of us from the RCCares ministry had the opportunity to visit women at MN Adult + Teen Challenge in Minneapolis. There were about 70 women in the long-term program- all at various stages in their 12 month recovery process.These troopers were intentionally putting on new lives:surrendering their former lives…fighting for freedom from addiction…believing God is still writing their story….hoping for a healthier, healed life…working intentionally on their physical and emotional health…and studying about a Savior who knows...