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:
- Believe in God.
- 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:
- Love God with all your heart, soul, strength and all your mind.
- 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:
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Living Like Jesus
The sayings of Jesus are opposite of what culture would tell us to do and in today’s society, we should be the examples that we can respond differently.
Additionally, did you know the golden rule actually came from the Bible? Matthew 6:31 ESV, “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” 🤯
Like how would the world look differently if we lived by this one biblical principle?
To live like Jesus lived takes intentionality and you have to learn to respond differently. Rise above the noise in culture and set your mind on Jesus. I won’t say it will be easy all the time, but it will be so worth it. There’s so much going on in the world, so why not focus on what we can control - our response to others. Are y’all ready to go deeper into the truth of God?
Jesus says to you who are ready for the truth, I say this:
- Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.
- When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person.
- If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it.
- If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.
- If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously.
Luke 6:27-30 MSG
I’m reading this and I’m shook. Before I share a blog, just know it hits me first. I also have work to do to live like Jesus lived. Are you willing to do it?
Reflecting on the Beatitudes
Hey y’all! There’s so much going on in the world, and despite the challenges, I want this space to remain a beacon of hope. The Word of God reminds us:
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." – Matthew 5:16 ESV
Before we dive into today’s topic, let’s take a moment to breathe. Inhale for three seconds… and exhale for three seconds. Repeat as needed. Sigh… doesn’t that feel better?
In this season, I think the most important things we can hold onto are God and community. Thank you so much for being a part of the Wrenhowsway Community. ❤️
Now, let’s jump into today’s topic: the Beatitudes. This week, I spent time reflecting on the first and last Beatitudes. As I read through these scriptures, I couldn’t help but ask myself questions—why did Jesus present them in this particular order? He’s an intentional God, so I know there’s a purpose behind it.
Let’s look at the first Beatitude:"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." – Matthew 5:3 ESVAnd the last:"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." – Matthew 5:11-12 ESV
How we begin and end things is essential, and this holds true even in scripture. Jesus intentionally starts with “poor in spirit” and ends with “persecuted.”
The first Beatitude calls us to be poor in spirit, meaning to be aware of our constant dependence on God. Without this reliance, we risk becoming prideful, trying to navigate life independently of God’s rule. To remain “poor in spirit” is to stay connected to God, acknowledging His sovereignty in every aspect of life. Honestly, this reliance on Jesus is the only thing carrying me through this season. How about you—are you leaning on Him right now?
The last Beatitude reminds us that when we’re persecuted or lied about because of Jesus, we’re blessed. It’s a hard truth, but one that brings hope—Jesus sees us, values us, and promises a great reward in heaven for enduring such trials.
As we reflect on these verses, let’s remember that Jesus cares deeply for us. His words remind us of His love and intentionality.
Let’s continue to rely on Him, stay connected to our community, and let our light shine.
Try Again
As the year unfolds, I recently found myself in a meaningful conversation with a friend. I was sharing the incredible opportunity I had to read my book at Children’s Medical Center. What made this moment even more special was that it came from one simple act: trying again. My friend paused, smiled, and said, “That should be your motto for 2025—Try Again.” Here we are, nearly 21 days into the New Year. Many of us started with goals, ambitions, or dreams—whether it’s starting a new relationship, losing weight, committing to therapy, reconciling relationships, saving money, or anything else close to your heart. But let’s be honest: staying on track can be hard. Life gets messy, motivation wanes, and we sometimes stumble. Here’s the truth: we can do hard things. Even if you’ve already veered off course—whether it’s missing workouts, spending too much, skipping that book on your reading list, or faltering in your commitments—don’t be discouraged. Give yourself grace. Messing up doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it’s just a chance to try again. So, what if you start over today? 💪 Try again: at your workout plan. 💸 Try again: at sticking to your saving goals. 📚 Try again: at your reading challenge. 💬 Try again: at reconciling relationships or prioritizing self-care. The beauty of trying again is that it reflects resilience, not perfection. Every day is a fresh start—a new opportunity to show up for yourself and what matters to you. It’s not too late to rewrite your story, one small step at a time.So, what will you try again today? Let’s make 2025 a year of persistence, grace, and growth together.
We Don't Quit
I learned during a church sermon there’s a new holiday in January. The second Friday in January is National Quitters Day. Apparently, by January 10th most people give up on their New Year’s resolution. However, we aren’t quitters, so we are still working on our goals and any resolutions we made for the New Year because we have a strong why, and we are committed to bettering ourselves. The goal is to become 1% better each day and to focus on what we can do to reach our goal based on the current day in front of us. It’s easy to say in 3 months, I’ll do this or that, but what are we doing today?
There are a couple of reminders in scripture to remind us to focus on the day in front of us.
In Matthew 6, the Model prayer, also known as The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus reminds us to ask for our daily bread - not bread for next week. “Give us this day our daily bread,” Matthew 6:11 ESV
In Lamentations 3, we are reminded we are given brand-new mercies every morning. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
In Matthew 6:34, we are told “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
So the moral of this blog is to remind us to focus on our goal for today. It’s okay to have a bigger goal or even a deadline - but what can we do today to reach our goal?
2025 Goals
I know it’s tempting to dive headfirst into the new year with a list of resolutions, goals, and plans that stretch as far as your imagination can go. But whoooaaa, let’s pump the brakes for a second. Before we start stacking up expectations, let’s take a moment to slow down, plan this thing out, and talk it through.
This year, I’m doing something *different* with my goals.
Now, usually, I have this loooong list of things I want to accomplish, and I try to tackle them all at once. While I might check a few off the list, I’m rarely successful with all of them. You know why? Because I’m out here trying to juggle everything, and inevitably, something (or a lot of things) ends up slipping through the cracks. 😩
Let’s be real: many of us think we’re great multitaskers, but let me free you up real quick—we’re not. What we call multitasking is really just shifting quickly between multiple tasks, and it’s not as productive as we’d like to think.
So, what’s the plan this year?
Enter the 4 by 4 Method—a game-changer my mentor introduced to me. It’s a simple, structured way to focus on your goals without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s how it works:
- You focus on 4 goals for 90 days at a time.
- That’s 16 goals total for the year—4 goals each quarter.
- Each goal falls into one of these categories:
1. Emotionally/Spiritually
2. Financially
3. Relationally
4. Physically
But here’s the key: only one goal per category at a time.
Each goal includes actionable tasks, reminders, and regular progress check-ins (weekly or monthly). And if you don’t complete a goal during one quarter, you simply roll it over to the next quarter, replacing the completed goals with new ones. No stress, no guilt—just steady progress.
What makes this year different*?
We all know how easy it is to start strong and then fall off, right? 🙃 That’s where another critical piece comes in: a strong WHY.
My mentor always says, “If your why doesn’t make you cry, the price of commitment will always be too high.” That hit me like a ton of bricks because, honestly, motivation isn’t always there. But a solid why? That’ll keep you anchored.
For me, the difference between success and failure isn’t whether I get tired or lose focus—it’s how quickly I recover and how deeply I connect with my why.
So, what about you? What are you working on this year? Do you have a strong enough why to keep you going when the excitement fades? And hey, would you consider trying the 4 by 4 goal method? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear from you! Let’s make this year intentional, impactful, and full of wins. 💪✨ Blog from Last Week: Start Today
Start Today
I’m a firm believer in starting your goals today! Too often, people wait for the new year to roll around before setting new goals, chasing aspirations, or making resolutions. But why wait? What are you waiting for? Instead of holding off, why not give yourself a head start on the new year?
There’s a book titled I’ll Start Again Monday that explores how we tend to procrastinate when it comes to tackling tasks or making changes. But if you can tell yourself, “I’ll start Monday,” then why not take it a step further and say, “I’ll start today”?
Imagine heading into 2025 already working toward your fitness goals, launching that new business idea, building up your savings, diving into books you’ve always wanted to read, prioritizing healthier rest, or practicing mindfulness. Don’t let the calendar dictate your progress—yorow, not next week—today is the perfect time to begin!
It's Christmas Time
The holiday season is in full swing, and I’m sure many of you are feeling a mix of emotions. Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? I’m almost there—I just need to pick up an ornament for a Christmas Party.
Whether you’ve already checked off your shopping list or don’t plan to shop at all, it’s important to keep the main thing the main thing this season. This time of year is about celebrating the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, giving to others, enjoying moments with family and friends, or simply taking a much-needed break.
So before you break the bank, get upset with an Amazon driver over delayed deliveries, or feel down because you don’t have extra to give, take a moment to pause, breathe, and refocus. Let the main thing remain the main thing this holiday season - that Jesus Chris was born and is Lord.
Wishing you Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas from Wrenhowsway!Last Week's Post: The Little Foxes
It’s the Little Foxes
You ever get to a point in life where things feel…chill? You’re not out partying, your prayer life is consistent, and maybe you’ve got a weekly routine of going to church or catching a good sermon online. You’re genuinely asking God to work on you, and yet—despite all that—you realize you’re still a work in progress. Yeah, me too.
It’s those “little foxes” that God starts to reveal—those seemingly small things that can trip us up and mess with our walk with Him.
This idea made me think of this scripture:
“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV
I love this verse because it hits home for me as someone with a garden. In my garden, a lot of the veggies grow on vines, and I have to stay on top of things—checking for bugs or anything else that could harm the plants. Even something tiny, like an aphid on one vine, can quickly spread and become a full-blown problem.
It’s the same with life. Sometimes it’s those “small” things—little habits, attitudes, or behaviors—that God’s trying to clean out of us because they can be just as damaging as the “big” stuff. Laziness, gossip, little white lies, a lack of self-discipline… these might seem minor, but they can spoil the progress we’re making, harm our relationships, or even hinder our walk with God.
So, here’s the challenge: let’s stay aware of the little foxes in our lives. When God reveals them, don’t ignore it. Let Him work on you so that nothing gets in the way of your growth, your relationships, or your journey with Him. The vines are in bloom—don’t let anything spoil them!
The Microphone is Always On
Let me tell you something—God is working on me, and let’s just say, He’s got me in a season where I’m watching my mouth. If I ever send you a random message that starts with, “I apologize for…” just know I’m over here being obedient and keeping my blessings flowing! Sometimes, though, I try to have my own little side conversations with God about it - before I send the message, but in the end, I apologize for my words.
Have you ever caught yourself saying something and immediately regretting it? Whew, let me share a story that still makes me cringe.
Storytime: 10 plus years ago, I was on a movie date (we’ll call it...an experience), and I decided to text my friends about something. Here’s the plot twist—I sent that message straight to the guy I was on the date with. Yep, the same guy sitting right next to me. 🙃
He checked his phone in the middle of the movie, and there I was, popcorn in hand, oblivious to the mess I had just created. The realization hit me a few minutes later, and let’s just say...that was the longest 90 minutes of my life. #Wannagetaway
Fast forward—there was a lot of explaining to do, and spoiler alert, things didn’t work out. LOL. But here’s what I learned from that situation (and a hundred others like it): words matter.
Scripture says it best:
“A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!”- James 3:3-5 MSG
The words we speak or even write have power. They can build someone up or completely tear them down. And let’s be real—it’s a lot easier to say something in the heat of the moment than it is to repair the damage afterward.
So, here’s your reminder (and mine): the microphone is always on—watch your words! You never know who’s listening, but God always is. Let’s make sure what we’re saying reflects His goodness. ❤️
Oh, Give Thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
It’s Thanksgiving week, y’all, and let me tell you—this is my absolute favorite holiday. Back in the day, it was my favorite because we automatically got two days off work and the Christmas season went into full swing. But now? It’s deeper than that. It’s my favorite because it’s all about giving thanks.
When I take a step back and look at my life, there’s not a single part of it where I can’t see God’s goodness and grace. Every moment, every blessing, every lesson—He’s been there. And for that, I give Him thanks.
So, here’s a little challenge for you this week: as you take time off, whether you’re spending it with family, friends, or enjoying some quiet time solo, write down ten things you’re thankful for.
I’ll go first:
1. I’m thankful for my relationship with God—it’s grown so much this year.
2. I’m thankful for my health and the ability to move and do things.
3. I’m thankful for God’s protection, from dangers I’ve seen and the ones I haven’t.
4. I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and my church community.
5. I’m thankful for my job, which lets me provide for myself and others.
6. I’m thankful for clean water to drink and bathe.
7. I’m thankful for my car, L Beeszy, so I don’t have to walk everywhere!
8. I’m thankful for a cozy apartment to call home.
9. I’m thankful for my little garden—it’s been such a peaceful place for me this year.
10. And I’m thankful for YOU—for showing up, for being part of this community, and for sharing this journey with me.
Honestly, I could keep going, but I’ll stop here so you can jump in! What are you thankful for? Hit me up in the comments or reply to this post—I’d love to hear all the things that fill your heart with gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Let’s pop off on being thankful together.
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: For his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of Lords: For his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 136:1-3 KJV
I Trust in God
Can we all raise our hands and acknowledge the world feels tense right now? I’ll raise both hands. 🙌🏽
For me, when I’m anxious or stressed I feel the tension in my shoulders and neck. If I’m really nervous I can feel the discomfort in my mouth because my jaw line is tighten and I grind my teeth. It’s interesting to me that your whole body responds to your internal and external environment.
Because I’m aware of this, when there’s things I can’t control I must release them and place my trust in God. For me trusting in God is not denying the reality or even thinking my situation is going to change it immediately (although it can because he is big G - God) - it’s actually the opposite. I acknowledge the reality of the situation, talk to God about and then release the burden of carrying it to him because it’s too large for me to carry.
I ask myself can I do anything to change this situation?
Usually, the answer is while I can’t change the immediate situation, I can change my response and my attitude. Therefore, I change my heart posture to trust in God.
I mentioned earlier that I release the burden to him. Yall, I know this may sound silly, but every time I release something to God I stretch my hands in front of me, palms up and open my fingers as a sign of release and close my fingers and then open them as if I’m handing something to Him. I’ll repeat this as many times as I can until I feel the release in my body too. Therefore, I’m trusting the unknown future to a known God.
My two questions to you are:
What are you carrying this week?
How can you release it and trust in God?
If you can’t change the situation, change your heart posture! I trust in God.
Scriptures:
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 NLT
In case you are still here, bonus content! I’ve listened to both of these songs in my devotional time are throughout the day and they helped me!
Last Week’s Blog: Vantage Point
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