When You Find Your Book on the Shelf!

Recently, my granddaughter and I had the opportunity to visit Hope Publishing in Matthews, North Carolina. I have to admit—it made my heart smile when she quickly spotted and picked out the book that includes my devos!

I only have two devotionals published in A Year of Hope, but seeing them in print has been such a sweet gift and a reminder of God's faithfulness.

Today, I'd love to share one of those devotionals with you. Thank you for following along on this journey. I pray it encourages your heart. Today's reading is the devotional from A Year of Hope for August 5. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me to write it. ❤️

Enjoy!

Devotional Title: When Ordinary Explodes with Extraordinary

Scripture Reference Genesis 5:22-24; Hebrews 11:5-6

Hitting the snooze button repeatedly, I simultaneously pulled the covers over my head. The dull list of dirty laundry and unfinished documents made my heart long for a day of adventure. My life felt weary and ordinary, and I could barely muster the energy to face it. Do you ever wish for grand when your day feels bland? Do you dream of more?

My thoughts shift to Enoch, whose most notable achievement is captured in five words. Genesis 5:24 (NIV) reads, “Enoch walked faithfully with God.” At first glance, his story might seem uneventful, with no record of battles won, fame, or riches. But don’t be deceived! His walk was a remarkable journey.

It began with knowing the one true God. It was a path of surrender to His way and His will, a life of deliberate communion. It involved pursuing God rather than this world. Enoch’s steadfast commitment lasted for 300 years—more than 109,000 days! The story climaxed as God escorted Enoch to heaven before his death. Imagine a long, leisurely walk ending closer to heaven than Enoch’s residence. I picture God gently wrapping his arm around Enoch’s shoulder as they strolled through the pearly gates together.

Friend, I am learning that fulfillment comes not from what I do, but from who I know. The relationship gives meaning. You will be happy to hear that I eventually got out of bed that morning. My list hadn't changed, but my mindset had. As I worshiped Christ, my tasks became an opportunity for me to walk faithfully, even in my ordinary responsibilities.

Today, I invite you to embrace a relationship with Jesus as Savior, Lord, and friend. Walk faithfully in every stage of life, knowing that ordinary moments can become extraordinary when connected to the Father.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank you for the priceless gift of everyday moments, from quality time with family to unhurried conversations with You. Teach me to know You deeply and to walk faithfully in Your ways. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.

"After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God, then he was no more, because God took him away. (Genesis 5:22-24. NIV)

"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: 'He could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:5-6)