Dear Summer, I think heaven leaves fingerprints all over you. There is something about you that draws people together. Even the sun seems reluctant to leave when you're around. Every good and perfect gift comes from our Father above (James 1:17), and somehow you remind me of His generosity. You smell like sunscreen and fresh-cut grass. You taste like sweet watermelon and homemade ice cream. You give space for adventures. You sound like children laughing in sprinklers, waves c

"Not that I have already obtained all this... but I press on..." — Philippians 3:12 Have you ever wanted to quit? Me too! However, there is something beautiful about the home stretch. A few years ago, I experienced that feeling as I ran the Thunder Road Half Marathon in Charlotte. A half way, I wanted to quit. My legs were tired, my breathing had become labored, and every step required more determination than the one before. The excitement of the starting line had long since

One of Satan's most effective tools to distract and disable you is planting two words in your mind: "If only." Maybe you've heard them before. Maybe you've thought them before. Here are some common examples. If only I hadn't messed up. If only I had more money. If only I had a spouse. If only I had an easier job. What is your "if only”?- I think we all wrestle with our own version of "if only" on some level. If we're not careful, those two little words turn into the soundtrac

The older I get, the more I realize that joy isn't something to postpone until life slows down or every problem disappears. Joy is a gift God invites us to unwrap. Joy is a gift God invites us to unwarp. So smile big, friend. Breathe deeply. Savor the moment God has placed in front of you. Notice the beauty tucked into ordinary places—a sunrise that paints the sky, laughter around the table, the embrace of someone you love, the quiet whisper of God's presence in an ordinary d

Recently my grand-baby girl and I wandered slowly along the holly berry bushes at a local park. Birds sang from hidden branches. A soft breeze whispered through the leaves as she discovered her treasures! With careful fingers, she parted the leaves one by one, searching for berries. Each ripe berry slipped easily into her hand. Sometimes she reached eagerly for one that looked perfect from a distance. But when she touched it, it resisted. It wasn't ready but still green. She

"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9 Life is rarely changed in a single moment. More often, it is shaped in the quiet places. It is formed in the unseen decisions no one applauds. In the whispered prayers before sunrise. In the Bible opened when sleep feels more inviting. In the gentle word spoken instead of the harsh one waiting on our lips. In choosing faith over fear, gratitude over grumb

"Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts." — Psalm 90:12 (CSB) I aim to make each day meaningful. How about you? As I grow older, I often pray that the Lord will make my later years even more fruitful and fulfilling than my earlier ones. Terry and I both desire to finish the race well. We want our lives to count for Christ and for the people He has entrusted to us. Because of that, life is full. Between family, church life, travel, mi

My faith is a powerful source of strength during life’s most challenging moments. The verse “the joy of the Lord is my strength” captures a profound truth that I hold close. It reminds me that true strength comes not from our own abilities but from the deep joy found in a relationship with God. This joy sustains, uplifts, and empowers me to face difficulties with courage and hope. Understanding the Joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord is more than just happiness or temporary p

A while back, my spirited 9-year-old granddaughter asked me a question that made my heart swell with pride. "Mimi, how do I become a writer?" As an avid reader and writer myself, I loved hearing her ask that question. I suggested she look for a writing club or community where she could learn alongside other young writers. I searched for her but did not have any luck. I googled. But couldn't find anything nearby that felt like the right fit. Many people would have stopped ther

There are some years when Mother’s Day looks exactly the way we imagined it would—everyone gathered around the table, hugs filling the room, laughter echoing through the house. And then there are years when life has other plans. This year, my grown children faced challenges that made it difficult for them to come home for Mother’s Day. At first, I could have focused on the disappointment. But instead, I chose to embrace a different perspective. Rather than celebrating just on

Have you ever found yourself praying, rearranging plans, and contemplating new opportunities? I often wonder what life would look like if my dreams unfolded right before my eyes. As I reflect on the journey toward those dreams, I ask God to open doors and guide my steps. Maybe you’ve carried a dream deep within your heart—a hope or passion that refuses to fade. I know I have. Yet I’ve learned that dreams often take longer to unfold than we expect. But what if the waiting is p

I am off on an adventure. -Not one filled with elaborate plans or extravagant destinations, but one far more meaningful — time spent with my daughter. Time to hug. Time to talk. Time to laugh. Time to sit quietly in each other’s presence and feel the comfort that only a daughter can bring. I don't know about you but my life has a way of moving quickly. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months. Work schedules, responsibilities, and the endless demands of everyday life can q

On this Mother’s Day weekend, my heart is especially full as I reflect on the incredible gift of mothers. My mom holds a unique and irreplaceable place in my heart and life. Her worth goes far beyond anything words could ever fully express. She has been my teacher when I needed wisdom, my counselor when life became difficult, and my faithful friend through every season. Through the years, she has given unconditional love, endless prayers, emotional support, guidance, strength

There is an East Maui Volcano named Haleakala, which covers more than 75% of the island. The highest point of Haleakala stands 10,023 feet above sea level. From the summit, one can look down into a depression close to 12 miles across and 3.2 miles wide. It is 2,600 feet deep. Interestingly, the Volcano is barren, with little vegetation, and covered in lava rocks. Every now and then, there is a spiky, shiny plant like the one below. The landscape is rugged but a different kind

Do you want to hear a fun little secret? Terry and I went on a helicopter ride during our visit to Maui!!! The views were amazing, featuring crystal-clear water falls, mountain cliffs, whales and stunning landscapes. Friend, it's easy to say no, to avoid spending too much, or get caught up in all the "what ifs." But it was one of the best things I have ever done! It was thrilling! It was adventurous! It was a good "yes". Faith feels a lot like stepping into a helicopter—lifti

Because of quiet blessings and a few special circumstances, we found ourselves spending nine days on the gorgeous island of Maui celebrating our fortieth anniversary! For two country bumpkins, this trip was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If you're seeking an island with diverse terrains, stunning waterfalls, breathtaking sunsets, and vibrant sandy beaches, this is the place! So what's so special about this little island? Many things! But I will start here and

What's a gal to do? How can we be brave when life gets brutal? How can we charge forward when the world feels dark and a bit daunting? Here are a few things helping me decide to be brave when my world is hard. God knew before the beginning of time, what would take place in my world today. He even penned a love-letter with guidance for hard days. In His writings, He repeatedly says to the believer, “Fear not.” Fear not because “The LORD himself goes before you and will be wit

(I am slowing down to reflect and celebrate on this Good Friday. Therefore, it has become a tradition for me to re-post at Easter. This is a true life story with my oldest grand!!) Good Friday, friends. ENJOY! “Mimi, Friday is the sad day,” my (then) three-year-old grand-baby girl softly expressed. Her little mind was attempting to process the ugly and cruel death of our Lord. “Yes, Baby Girl, Friday is the saddest of all days.” John 19:16-18 records, “Finally Pilate handed

Transform Your Bible Reading Experience! This will Change the Way You Read the Bible, Forever! For decades, millions of Christians around the world have experienced the life-changing impact of Walk Thru the Bible Live Events. Exciting News for Stanly County! It’s coming to Stanly County! Not once but twice in the same month! What to Expect This fun, engaging, and interactive experience helps you see the big picture of the Bible in a way that is clear, memorable, and inspiring

The event was accomplished. The house was settled. But I was "dog-tired'. Feeling tired is a common experience, especially when life demands so much from us. Whether it's work, family, or personal responsibilities, fatigue can weigh heavily on our minds and bodies. From a Biblical perspective, rest is not just a physical need but a spiritual gift. It is a practice that our Lord tells us to embrace. Understanding Fatigue Through Scripture The Bible acknowledges human weariness