Lead Yourself Well: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup

Ever been on a plane? Before takeoff, they tell you—put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. That’s not just travel advice—it’s life advice.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re constantly giving and never resting, burnout is around the corner. Trust me, I’ve been there. Somewhere between “I just turned 20” and “how am I 30 already?”—I realized: time flies, people will drain you, and if you don’t pause, you’ll run on empty.

Outside of my relationship with God, I’ve learned I have to be the priority. Not to be selfish—but to serve from a healthy place.

So take the day off. Sleep in. Journal. Laugh. Breathe. You deserve that and more.

And if this speaks to you, join us at The Business Brunch Conference – Lead Well.
A space to refuel, be inspired, and connect with women who are choosing to lead themselves well—mind, body, and soul.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” – 3 John 1:2 KJV

#LeadWell #TheBusinessBrunch #SelfCareIsLeadership #ProsperAndBeInHealth

Who's Spotting You? The Power of a Strong Community

I used to be a cheerleader back in elementary school. I didn’t cheer for long, but just roll with me for the sake of this story. 😂

One memory that’s stuck with me is when we had to build a pyramid. There was always someone chosen to go up top, and it looked so cool—but what made it possible wasn’t just the one flying in the air. There were always at least two people holding her up and another behind her, ready to spot her—just in case she slipped.

That idea still sticks with me today. Do you have spotters in your life?

We all need those people—friends who can catch us, lift us, support us, and hold us up when we can’t do it on our own. Spotters who aren’t afraid to correct us when needed and will speak life when we’re feeling low.

It reminds me of the story in Mark 2:1-12 about the paraplegic whose friends literally carried him to Jesus. When they couldn’t get through the crowd, they climbed on the roof, tore a hole in it, and lowered their friend down so he could be healed. Y’all—those were some real spotters! 🙌🏽

Do you have that kind of community around you? Friends who pray for you, encourage you, carry you when life gets heavy, and keep you spiritually and emotionally lifted?

Proverbs 18:24 (MSG) says, “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” Your circle matters.

If you’re looking for that kind of community—uplifting, faith-filled, purpose-driven women—you need to be at the Business Brunch Conference. It’s not just another event. It’s a space where women come together to grow, lead, and pour into one another.

Come find your spotters. Come be one, too.
💻 Register today: Interest Form

Choose Community Wisely — It Matters More Than You Think

Just last week, I was rinsing off a bunch of grapes when I noticed one had gone bad. As I inspected the others, I realized that the grapes closest to the rotten one had also started to spoil. Even though I had only intended to toss one, I ended up throwing away several.

That moment reminded me how much proximity matters—and not just with fruit.

The same is true with our relationships. While we don’t choose the family we're born into, we do have the power to choose the people we surround ourselves with. The company you keep can either nourish your growth or slowly diminish it.

Scripture tells us, “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17), and that's a reminder to stay in community with those who encourage you, challenge you, and hold you accountable to your highest self. On the flip side, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Choosing wisely isn’t just a good idea—it’s biblical wisdom.

If you're looking to connect with a powerful, uplifting, like-minded community of women who are building businesses, walking in purpose, and encouraging one another—you don’t want to miss the upcoming Business Brunch Conference. It's more than an event; it’s a place where iron truly sharpens iron.

Join us! Come find your tribe, grow in wisdom, and build lasting connections.

👉 Interested in attending The Business Brunch, click here!

Tax Collectors & Sinners

I think oftentimes we say we want to love like Jesus—but have you ever paused to consider what the Scriptures say the Pharisees said about Him?

Sidenote: The Pharisees were a group of Jewish religious leaders known for strictly following the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) and other written laws. They were legalistic and frequently criticized Jesus.

Here’s what they said:

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’” — Luke 7:34 (NIV)

“The Son of Man came, and he ate and drank, and you said, ‘Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!’” — Luke 7:34 (GNT)

They called Him a friend of tax collectors and sinners. When we think of friendship, we often think of those we do life with—people in our inner circle. But for Jesus, the way He treated and loved others made everyone feel like a friend. He would sit down for a meal with a tax collector, a nonbeliever, or even wait for a woman at a well—because at His core was love and a mission to share the heart of God.

So I ask you:
Is your friend group diverse?
Can you be in a room full of people who don’t believe in Jesus, and still have your image and character reflect Him?
Is the way you love others echoing into every room you enter?

I encourage us to reflect on how we love and lead—like Jesus.

10 Years! A Decade with One Company 🎉

Today marks my 10-year anniversary with my company! I started here in my twenties, fresh out of school and so green. 🤣 Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible people and learning valuable lessons that have shaped both my career and personal growth.

Here are some of the top lessons I’ve learned—and am still learning—along the way:

1. Build Bridges
Seek out commonalities rather than differences. Building genuine connections helps foster collaboration and understanding.

2. Embrace a Growth Mindset
Change is inevitable. Stay open and ask, “What’s the best that can happen?” instead of fearing the worst.

3. Set Boundaries
Know your values and limitations, and don’t compromise them for anyone. You are your walking brand—protect it.

4. Use Your Benefits
Take advantage of the programs your company offers. I started therapy five years ago through our benefits program—it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

5. Ask Curious Questions
If you don’t understand something, ask! Curiosity leads to learning and stronger collaboration.

6. Be Authentically You
Everyone else is taken—so show up as your full, authentic self.

7. Assume Positive Intent
Emails and messages can be misunderstood. When in doubt, pick up the phone or have a face-to-face conversation.

8. Own Your Career
Always be learning. Don’t be afraid to try a new role—you might discover something you love.

9. Speak Up
If you have a seat at the table, use your voice—for yourself and for others who may not have one.

10. Take the Vacation
Rest is productive. The work will be there when you return—and you'll show up better because of the break.

Bonus Tip:
I start every morning with journaling and prayer. It centers me and sets the tone for the day.

Dating in retrospect

A friend recently asked me what I’m learning about myself and what data points I’m gathering in the dating process.

I think it’s important to always define my version of dating.

**Dating, for me, is collecting data. Based on the data collected, a decision is made about whether we should progress.

One of my friends says, “You’re single until you’re married.”* I agree. Most applications—though not all—give you the option to select single, married, divorced, or widowed. There’s no option for “dating.” Think about it. 🤔😂

Okay, back to the post—here’s what I’ve learned about myself:

My Self-Discovery:

1. I'm continuously learning and unlearning. It’s a journey. Whew! I’ve made some mistakes along the way, and I’m sure I’ll make a few more.

2. I have boundaries, but I’m learning to be flexible in how I present them.

3. I’m content if something doesn’t work out with someone. It’s not a failure; it’s a lesson.

4. I continue to show up as authentically as possible.

---

What are some data points for you when it comes to:

1. Identifying flags—are they red, yellow, or green?

2. Recognizing whether it was truly a flag or simply a language or cultural communication difference?

3. Asking curious questions—lots of them.

4. Knowing what you need in a relationship and what’s non-negotiable.

Help a sister out!

What are some things you’ve discovered about yourself?

Do you have any data points for evaluation?

LET THEM TALK, YOU WALK

There are times when God places powerful ideas and meaningful assignments on our hearts. But instead of moving forward, we hesitate—paralyzed by the fear of what others might say or think. Here’s the truth: *Let them talk, and you walk.*

Scripture reminds us plainly:

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

— James 2:17-18 (NIV)

I’ve made up my mind—I'd rather be obedient to God than be held hostage by the opinions of people. The crowd may always have something to say, but their commentary isn’t your compass. You don’t need unanimous applause to follow divine direction. Keep walking in the way God has shown you.

Just imagine what the world could look like if we all chose obedience over approval. What if we trusted God enough to follow His lead—even when the path feels uncertain?

Yes, there’s blessing in obedience. But for me, it’s deeper than that. I’m not doing it for the blessing—I’m doing it because God is our Heavenly Father, and He truly knows what’s best. Even when I can’t see it clearly, I trust that He does.

So here’s my encouragement to you: Let them talk—and you walk.

What does that look like practically?

Take one intentional step today. Just one. Think about what God has called you to do—and move in that direction. That step is your walk.

You don’t need the crowd’s approval when you’ve already received Heaven’s assignment. Walk it out—boldly, faithfully, and with your eyes on Him.

Cake Swap Connection

This weekend, I stepped out of my comfort zone and went to a cake swap. The flyer promised food, games, fun—and of course, cake. Still, I hesitated. I wasn’t sure if I’d know anyone, and honestly, staying home on the couch with the TV sounded a lot easier.

But I reminded myself: *What’s the best thing that could happen?* Maybe I’d meet someone new. Maybe I’d make a friend.

I’m so glad I went.

The event was amazing! Josslyn and her team were incredible hosts. We played games, shared laughs, enjoyed delicious food, and connected with each other in the sweetest way (pun intended). I would’ve missed all of that if I had stayed home.

Sometimes the best moments are on the other side of discomfort. Don’t be afraid to show up—you never know what’s waiting for you when you do.

Hearing vs. Listening

“Did you hear me?”
This was a phrase my mom often asked when I was younger, usually after she corrected a behavior that didn’t align with the principles she worked hard to instill in me. I would respond with a respectful, “Yes ma’am,” — because anything other than that would have led to consequences I had no interest in exploring.

But looking back, I have to ask myself:
Did I actually hear her… or was I listening?

It’s easy to assume that hearing and listening are the same thing, but they’re not.
Hearing is passive — it’s one of our five senses and simply allows us to perceive sound.
Listening, though? It’s intentional.
Listening requires a decision. It demands focus. It asks you to be present with the sound you’re receiving, not just notice that a sound was made.

That’s deep.
And it makes me wonder:
Are you truly listening to others?
Are you listening to God?

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27 (NIV)

God’s voice isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a whisper you can only hear once you quiet the noise around you.
Following Him means we have to listen for His direction, not just acknowledge that He’s speaking.

I remember telling my therapist a few years ago, there were times when I made a conscious decision not to listen during conversations that didn’t interest me. I could hear the words — but I wasn’t really present. I wasn’t engaged. I wasn’t listening.

The same can happen in our spiritual lives. We can hear the sermons, the songs, the scriptures… but are we listening?
Are we tuned in enough to recognize when God is giving us a gentle nudge or a necessary correction?

Today, I challenge you — and myself — to go beyond hearing.
Let’s listen.
Let’s be intentional.
Let’s pay attention.

Because following starts with listening. And real listening changes everything.

THE LONG WAY HOME

Have you ever seen a tall building in the distance that looks so close, you feel like you could reach out and touch it—but the closer you get, the farther away it seems?

That’s exactly how it feels when I let the Holy Spirit lead. There are things in my future that feel so close, like I could almost step into them. But allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me means surrendering the route we take to get there.

If it were up to me, we’d hop in a car and take the quickest route. But sometimes, He chooses the scenic route—the one Google Maps marks as “walking,” with hills, no tolls, and plenty of stretching moments. When I try to guide Him, it only slows us down. But when I let go of control, the journey becomes paced, purposeful, and full of His presence.

Releasing control is hard, especially when I think I know the way—but the truth is, I don’t. Still, I’m learning to trust that even when the path feels uncertain, He’s already prepared me for the terrain ahead.

Like me, will you release your grip and trust Him too?

Look

If you are new here, welcome! I’m currently reading through the gospels before Resurrection or Easter Sunday (whichever one you call it). Recently I read about when Peter denied Jesus three times.

Before I dive into this story, here’s a fun fact, Luke is my favorite gospel writer about the life of Jesus because he’s so detailed.

Okay, let’s jump in. I’ve read or heard of this story of Peter denying Jesus three times before the rooster crows, but I never saw this detail:

The scripture says:

“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times. “And he went out and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:61-62 ESV

Please read Luke 22:54-62 for a full context. To give a quick summary, Jesus was with some of his disciples up until he was betrayed by Judas and taken away by Roman soldiers. Jesus even foretold Peter of his betrayal earlier that day.

The scripture says:

““Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”” Luke 22:31-34 ESV

In verse Luke 22:61, it says the Lord turned and looked at Peter. While God wasn’t actually physically there in human form, we can glean from wherever Peter was standing, Jesus looked at Him after he denied Him three times. And if you see Jesus, you see the Lord – you can’t encounter Jesus without encountering his Father, the Lord.

Can you imagine the weight of what Peter felt in that moment when the Lord turned to look at him? Peter grieved and wept. But to have a loving Jesus look at you with love and compassion, I would be just like Peter weeping. It was encouraging to know when Peter was at his lowest after three denials, the Lord saw him.

On my worst day, the Lord sees me – not with judgment with love and compassion.

If the Lord turned to look at you, what is your response?   

Lukewarm

I love tea—preferably a hot cup of elderberry tea with honey or a refreshing glass of cold lemon iced tea. What I don’t enjoy is lukewarm tea. I want it either hot or cold, not somewhere in between. I’m sure coffee lovers can relate. There’s something about the in-between that just doesn’t sit right.

That’s why this verse always hits me:

“But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

—Revelation 3:16 (NLT)

Honestly, I like to go with the flow. I avoid arguments and don’t enjoy going back and forth with people. If a conversation starts to feel tense, I’d rather just walk away. Peace is my default setting. But I’ve come to realize that serving God doesn’t always allow me to stay in that comfort zone. Sometimes, peace means speaking up. Sometimes love requires boldness.

“Let all that you do be done in love.”

—1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

It’s easy to write that. Living it out? That’s another story. A life that truly reflects Jesus won’t always be agreeable to everyone. And that’s okay. Following Him means I won’t always get to blend in or keep quiet. There are moments when silence can actually reflect a lukewarm heart—especially when truth is on the line.

Being agreeable for the sake of comfort can look a lot like being lukewarm. And that’s not who I want to be. There will be times when we’re called to speak up—to lovingly correct what isn’t aligned with God’s word. That doesn’t mean being harsh or judgmental, but it does mean being clear and courageous.

My prayer for you—and for myself—is this:

That God would make us bold in love.

That He would give us the words to speak His truth with grace.

That we would be light in dark places, never lukewarm, but fully alive in Him.

Outside of the Box

I like for things to be neat and organized. The more organized things are the better. Woosah But lately my prayers have felt a little jumpy from one topic to the next and I’m learning how to be okay with that.

Remember when you were in school coloring a picture and the teacher would tell you stay within the lines. I tried my best to outline the picture and not get outside of the lines.

But, I am learning with God things can get messy. He doesn’t work within the confines of the defined lines. If you ask for a miracle it may not come in the pretty package - there could be spillage.

I think about the three stories of three blind man who Jesus healed. Read the parables for yourself in Mark 8:22-26, Mark 10:46-52 and John 9:1-41. 

One of the Blind Man called out to Jesus and said, “And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭47‬-‭48‬ ‭ESV‬‬ 

What if the man became embarrassed and stopped shouting when the crowd told him to be quiet- would he still be healed?

Or the other two blind man, Jesus spit on one of the man eyes and the other man he spit on the ground and made mud and anointed the guys eyes with the mud. 

Spit and mud - messy. 

What if the guys would have opted out and said no thanks to the mud and or spit. Would they still be healed?

What if our want for control of a situation can cause us to miss out on a miracle? Miracles can be messy. Learn to be okay with the mess knowing Jesus does some of his best work outside of the box. 

The Little Fox of Envy

Y’all, I’ve talked about this before—how it’s the little foxes in life that I constantly have to ask God for help with. And today, the little fox I’m calling out is envy.

I always have to double-check the definition of envy because, in English, it often gets mixed up with jealousy. But they aren’t the same thing. Envy is wanting something you don’t have. Jealousy is being afraid of losing something you already do.

Now, let me be real with you—I want to be the kind of person who always rejoices with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). But sometimes? I’m just not feeling it. And in those moments, I have to check my heart and reach out to God for help. Because the root of envy? Comparison.

And comparison is sneaky. It makes you believe that someone else’s success somehow lessens your own. But Proverbs 14:30 puts it plainly:

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

Whew. Rots the bones?! That’s deep. And it reminds me that any time envy creeps in, it’s stealing my joy and my ability to see the blessings already in my life.

So when I catch myself comparing, I shift my focus to gratitude. Gratitude resets my heart posture, reminding me of the overflow of blessings God has already given me. And when I truly lean into that, envy loses its power.

Have you ever found yourself letting envy rob you of happiness? How do you shift your focus when comparison sneaks in?

But Who Do You Say I Am?

As I continue reading through the Gospels in preparation for Easter, one question has lingered in my heart: “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15, ESV).This wasn’t a question Jesus asked just for the sake of conversation. He directed it toward His disciples—those who had walked closely with Him, witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and shared daily life with Him. Yet, He still asked them, “But who do you say that I am?”Why? Because this question wasn’t just about knowledge; it was about revelation. It was about personal conviction, not just secondhand information. It required an answer rooted in experience rather than assumption.

A Question for Every Generation

This question is just as relevant today as it was when Jesus first asked it. In a world where countless voices claim to define who Jesus is—it is critical that we answer this question for ourselves.Knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Him. Many have heard His name, but to truly know Him is to understand His nature, His love, His holiness, and His power. It’s easy to adopt secondhand faith, relying on what we’ve been taught by pastors, parents, or culture. But Jesus is asking for something deeper: “Who do you say that I am?” Not based on what others have said, but based on your own relationship with Him.

Your Answer Matters

If Jesus asked you this question today, what would your response be? Could you confidently declare, “Jesus, You are…”? Or would you hesitate, uncertain of how to answer?This isn’t a question meant to induce guilt—it’s an invitation. An invitation to seek Him, to draw near, and to discover who He truly is beyond the noise of the world. Scripture tells us in Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”So, I encourage you: take time this week to reflect on this question. Ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Read His Word, spend time in prayer, and invite Him to show you who He truly is.

Who Jesus Is to Me

Throughout different seasons of my life, Jesus has revealed Himself to me in different ways. He has been my Comforter in times of grief, my Healer in times of pain, my Peace in moments of anxiety, and my Strength when I’ve felt weak. If I had to sum up who He is to me in this season, I’d say He is: Savior, Faithful, Friend, and Provider.But what about you? Who is Jesus to you?Take a moment to sit with this question. Let it stir something in your heart. Let it lead you into deeper intimacy with Him. And if you’re unsure, don’t be discouraged—simply ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Because He will.So I ask again: Who do you say that He is?

Lessons from the Ant: Small but Mighty

Y’all, I recently heard a story about ants, and for some reason, I felt compelled to do a little research on them. Who knew these tiny creatures could be so fascinating? I mean, I always loved the DreamWorks movie Antz as a kid (yes, I watched it on repeat!), but I never realized just how much we could learn from them.

And get this—there are even scriptures in the Bible that reference ants! How sway?!  If God made sure to include them in His Word, they must be pretty important, right?

As I dug deeper, I found a few key lessons that really stood out.

1. Ants Stay in CommunityAnts don’t do life alone. They move, work, and thrive together. They understand the power of unity. No ant is off trying to do everything by itself—they rely on each other. This is such a reminder that we, too, are better together. Life was never meant to be navigated alone.

2. Ants Communicate ConstantlyThese little creatures have their own language through chemical touches and vibrations. It’s their way of working together and staying on the same page. If ants can prioritize communication, how much more should we? Clear, intentional communication can strengthen our relationships and keep us from unnecessary misunderstandings.

3. Ants Are Stronger Than They LookDid you know an ant can lift 10 times its body weight? Talk about strength! Sometimes, we feel like life is too much to carry, but we have so much more strength in us than we realize—especially when God is our source.

4. Ant Parents Help Shape Their FutureAnts don’t just leave their young to figure life out. The colony plays a role in raising them and preparing them for what’s ahead. This is a beautiful reminder of the power of mentorship and legacy. Whether you’re a parent, mentor, or friend, you have the ability to influence and pour into others in a meaningful way.

5. Ants Protect What’s PreciousSome ants have a special job of guarding plants from insects that try to steal their nectar. They instinctively protect what’s valuable. This made me think—are we being intentional about guarding our peace, joy, and purpose? Are we protecting our time with God, our mental health, and our dreams from distractions?

The Takeaway?If God thought ants were worth mentioning in His Word, maybe there’s more to them than we realize. These tiny creatures may be small, but they’re mighty—and so are you. Stay in community, communicate well, recognize your strength, pour into others, and protect what’s valuable in your life.

Even the smallest things can teach the biggest lessons. 💛

Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; Proverbs 30:24-25 ESV

Discerning the Counterfeit

I once heard that when federal agents train at the Mint to detect counterfeit money, they don’t spend their time studying fakes. Instead, they immerse themselves in the real thing. They touch, tilt, and examine genuine bills for weeks, memorizing every detail—the texture, the patterns, the watermarks—until they know it so well that spotting a counterfeit becomes second nature. They don’t have to guess; they just know when something is off.

The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. When we spend intentional time with God—reading His Word, praying, and dwelling in His presence—we begin to deeply understand His nature and character. The more we align with Him, the clearer our discernment becomes. We won’t have to second-guess when something doesn’t sit right in our spirit because we’ll know His truth so well that anything counterfeit will be obvious.

False teachings, misleading doctrines, and even people who distort God’s Word will become easier to recognize. It won’t be because we studied deception—it’ll be because we’re anchored in truth.

So, if you want to sharpen your discernment, don’t fixate on the counterfeits. Get so familiar with God that anything not of Him stands out immediately.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.” 1 John 4:1-3 ESV

A Troubled Heart

Hey y’all! We are jumping right into scripture today because I believe these verses are so vital to our current climate we are in today. 

Here’s the verses: 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” John 14:1-2 ESV

As always, I encourage you to never take my word alone, but to read the scriptures for yourself in John chapter 13 and chapter 14.

In the meantime, let me paint a scene for you. In chapter 13, we see, Jesus knew his time of crucifixion was near and shared with the disciples that he would leave them soon and go to heaven. Jesus also washed his disciples feet, foretells of the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. 

After learning all of this if you can imagine, this moment felt heavy for the disciples.

In chapter 14, the verse starts off, “let not your heart be troubled. The word troubled in the Greek means: to agitate, to strike one spirit with fear, to make restless

 I’m sure many of us can relate to agitated hearts today with everything that is currently going on in society. I know for myself I try to limit my social media and news intake because every day there’s a new “troubled” headline. 

But what Jesus said then to his disciples, is still true to us today, no matter what is going on we must: 

1. Believe in God. 
2. Believe also in Jesus. 

Jesus then reminds them he goes to prepare a place for them. Heaven should be all of our home, so even when life gets heavy always remember to believe in God and also in Jesus and that Jesus prepared a future home from us in heaven. Be encouraged on today and don’t lose hope! 

Love in Action

Happy belated Valentine’s Day! Since this holiday recently passed, let’s spend some time talking about love. I truly believe if there was one word that could change our world, it is love in action. 

I’ve shared I’m reading through the 4 Gospels of the Bible (The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) before Easter. I was currently reading the story about the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. 

First, lets highlight this verse about love: 

“And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

To know anything about Jesus it is to know, he loves speaking in parables. I’m going to quickly summarize the parable and as always I encourage you to read it yourself. 

The Good Samaritan: 

A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers - who took his clothes, beat him and left him for dead. There were 3 people who passed by and saw the man. A priest saw him and crossed to the other side of the road. Next a Levite passed him and crossed to the other side of the road as well. As last a Samaritan saw the man and had compassion for him. He stopped, bandaged his wounds and sat him on his own donkey and took him to an inn for safety and paid for them to care for him. He even told them if he had additional expenses let him know and he would pay them off when he passed back through. 

The moral of the story was out of all 3 encounters, only the Samaritan proved to be a neighbor to the man and Jesus said for us to do likewise. Take a moment to think about how the world would look differently if we loved our neighbor as ourselves. 

Here’s practical steps to put love in action from the scriptures:

1. Love God with all your heart, soul, strength and all your mind. 
2. Love your neighbor as yourself. 

Are you putting love in action? 

Do you want a Reward?

Im currently reading the New Testament of the Bible and Jesus shares profound wisdom about several topics. When I'm reading the Bible, I automatically notice patterns and connections within scriptures - it's how God wired me and I love it. 

I'm a millennial and statistics say we enjoy receiving rewards, recognition, bonuses and praises when we are working. While reading the Bible, I notice there were a couple things if we do them in secret, our Heavenly Father God will reward us. I don't know about you, but I want to be rewarded by God - sounds like a bonus!

So here’s the three things: 

1. When you give to the needy, do it privately. 

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4 ESV

2. Pray to your Father in private. 

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6 ESV

3. When you fast anoint your head and wash your face. 

“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:17-18 ESV

I believe the theme of these scriptures is saying don't be boastful about giving to the needy, your prayers or even about fasting. The purpose of giving to the needy, prayer and fasting is to be closer to God and not to complete kingdom activities to be acknowledged by others. 

Have you checked your motives to ensure when you do the following things it isn't for the praise of people. Let us each examine our own hearts.