lasting work

 
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.
- Psalm 90:17 (NIV)
 
As another week comes to a close, I find myself looking back with a grateful heart.
This week wasn't filled with spectacular events or life-changing milestones. Instead, it was made up of ordinary moments that became extraordinary because of the people I shared them with and the God who was present in each one.
A birthday celebration reminded me how quickly children grow. Time in the pool showed me the joy that comes from encouraging one another. Changed plans became opportunities to practice patience and grace. A sleeping grandson reminded me what it looks like to trust completely. Even the simple act of spending time together strengthened the bonds that God has been building for years.
It's easy to think the important work happens in the big moments of life—the promotions, the accomplishments, the major decisions. But more often than not, God is doing His greatest work in the everyday moments we might otherwise overlook.
Every encouraging word, every lesson taught with love, every prayer whispered, every hug shared, every act of kindness is another brick in something that will last far longer than we can imagine.
As we head into a new week, my prayer is that I won't overlook the ordinary opportunities God places in front of me. After all, today's ordinary moments often become tomorrow's treasured memories.
May God establish the work of our hands—not for our glory, but for His. And may we never forget that the greatest things we build are the lives we touch and the love we leave behind.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

learning together

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
- Romans 15:4 (NIV)
 
As wonderful as our weekend was, we had a few of those "let's take a moment here" conversations.
You know the ones. Plans change, something doesn't happen the way everyone expected, and suddenly there's disappointment. Our granddaughter wanted to argue her point, convinced her plan was the better one. Our four-year-old grandson was a little pouty because things didn't go the way he had hoped. As parents and grandparents, we did our best to explain why plans had changed. Sometimes we explained it well...and sometimes we probably could have done better.
The funny thing is, I realized we were all learning together.
Children are learning patience. Adults are learning patience too.
Children are learning that life doesn't always go according to plan. Adults are reminded of that lesson more often than we'd like.
Children are learning that even when they're disappointed, they are still deeply loved. Adults need that reminder from God every now and then as well.
That's one reason I love today's verse. God gave us His Word to teach us, encourage us, and give us hope. The Bible doesn't pretend life will always go according to our plans. Instead, it reminds us that God is faithful when life takes unexpected turns.
By the end of the day, no one remembered the disappointment as much as they remembered the laughter, the hugs, and the time we spent together. That's usually how life works. The little frustrations fade, but love remains.
Maybe today your plans won't unfold exactly the way you hoped. Before frustration gets the best of you, remember that God may be teaching you something through the detour. His lessons aren't always easy, but they're always given with love—and they always point us toward hope.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

no greater joy

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
- 3 John 1:4 (NIV)

What a wonderful weekend! We spent every minute we could with our kids and grandkids, and my heart is so full.
Friday night we celebrated our granddaughter's ninth birthday with all of her favorite foods and, of course, a delicious birthday cake. Saturday was spent almost entirely in the pool. I have to say, I am so proud of how much both of my grandkids have improved their swimming this year. Watching them become more confident and willing to try new things made this MeowMeow smile.
That evening we watched the neighborhood light up the sky with fireworks, and we lit a few of our own. My favorite moment wasn't one of the loud explosions or colorful displays—it was seeing my four-year-old grandson peacefully asleep in his mommy's lap, headphones on, completely content while the celebration continued all around him. Such a sweet little face.
Sunday was made for adventure. We loaded up the four-wheelers, explored trails for hours, laughed, talked, and simply enjoyed being together.
As wonderful as all of those moments were, they reminded me that the greatest blessing isn't the birthday party, the swimming pool, the fireworks, or the trail rides. It's watching the next generation grow—not only in age and confidence, but also in faith and character. There truly is no greater joy than seeing our children and grandchildren learning to love God and walk in His ways.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or someone who pours into the life of a child, never underestimate the impact you can have. The time you spend together, the prayers you pray, the example you set, and the love you show may be shaping a heart for eternity.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
- Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
 
And just like that... it's Friday again. But this isn't just any Friday. Tomorrow our nation begins celebrating America's 250th birthday.
From its earliest days, our country recognized the importance of our Creator and embraced the principle of religious freedom—the freedom to worship God according to our convictions. Because of that freedom, many of us can gather for church, carry our Bibles openly, pray with friends, and share our faith without fear. That is a blessing I never want to take for granted.
I'm proud to be an American. Like every nation, we've had triumphs and failures throughout our history, but I'm thankful for the freedoms we continue to enjoy and for the countless men and women who have sacrificed to protect them. Every time I see our flag, I'm reminded that freedom has never been free.
As grateful as I am for the freedoms we celebrate this weekend, I'm even more thankful for the freedom Christ gives us—the freedom from guilt, from shame, and from trying to earn God's love. No nation can give that, and no circumstance can take it away.
Jesus paid the price for a freedom that is eternal.
This weekend, as we gather with family and friends for barbecues, parades, fireworks, camping trips, and celebrations, I hope we'll also pause to thank God for the many blessings He has poured into our lives.
Our families.
Our friends.
The men and women who have served our country.
The freedom to worship.
And most of all, our Savior.
As this week comes to a close, I'm thankful for ordinary days that remind me God is always present. I'm thankful for changing seasons that keep life interesting, for friends who stop by just because, for summer memories being made with the people I love, and for the incredible gift of freedom—both the freedoms we celebrate as Americans and the eternal freedom we have through Jesus Christ.
May we never take either one for granted.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible
 

be present

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
- Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)
 
Oooooo... it's Friday Eve!
With the temperatures climbing this week, I've found myself thinking about summers growing up in Iowa.
I can almost smell the fresh-cut grass.
I remember catching lightning bugs after the sun went down, swimming until our fingers looked like raisins, staying up late to watch the sunset, camping trips, family picnics, and running around outside until we were completely worn out.
Back then, we didn't have cell phones. We came home when the streetlights came on, and somehow... we survived. We built forts, rode our bikes, climbed trees, read books, made up games, and spent hours outside. We made friendships that lasted for years, and yes, sometimes those friendships were temporarily ended over a heated game of tag or kickball. But by the next day, we were usually friends again.
More importantly... we were there.
We weren't trying to capture every moment. We were living it.
Today, our phones go everywhere with us. They're at home, at school, on the bus, at the dinner table, and even in church. Technology is a wonderful tool—I certainly appreciate being able to stay connected with family and friends—but sometimes the very thing that connects us can also distract us from the people sitting right beside us.
Maybe one of the greatest gifts we can give the people we love is our full attention.
Put the phone down once in a while.
Watch the sunset without taking a picture.
Listen to the laughter around the picnic table.
Catch lightning bugs with your grandkids.
Sit around the campfire and enjoy the conversation.
Be present.
The photos are wonderful keepsakes, but the moments themselves are the real treasure. God has filled our days with beautiful gifts that can't always be captured on a screen—they're meant to be experienced with grateful hearts.
So before this summer slips away, make a few memories that never need a filter.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

friends

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
- Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
 
I love getting text messages from friends who live across the country, especially when those messages say, "I'm coming to visit!"
About five years ago, we met a wonderful woman through the motorcycle community. She was coming to Northwest Arkansas for a Ladies Rally and needed a host home. She was only supposed to stay with us for three days. Three days somehow turned into a little longer... and before she headed home, she had carved out a permanent place in our hearts.
Over the years, we've met up in different places around the country, and every time we're together, our friendship grows a little deeper. Last October, Randy and I had the incredible honor of officiating her wedding to the love of her life. What a privilege it was to stand beside them on such a special day.
So you can imagine how excited I was when my phone buzzed last week with a simple text saying she was riding through our area again.
In today's world, so much communication happens through text messages and social media that we sometimes forget how refreshing it is to simply sit with someone and catch up. To laugh together. To tell stories. To share a meal. To enjoy each other's company without looking at a screen every few minutes.
Friendship is one of God's quiet blessings.
The people God places in our lives encourage us, pray for us, celebrate with us, and sometimes simply remind us that we're never meant to walk this journey alone. Some friendships begin in the most unexpected ways—a shared hobby, a chance meeting, or an open door to a guest room—but God has a wonderful way of turning those ordinary introductions into lifelong relationships.
I'm thankful for the friends God has brought into my life over the years. Some live just down the road. Others are scattered across the country. Distance may separate us most of the time, but true friendship has a way of picking up right where it left off.
Those kinds of friendships are a gift from God.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

rain

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
 
Rain, rain, go away...
I have a feeling there were quite a few people singing that song last week! It seemed like every day brought another round of rain. Some days it was a gentle, steady shower. Other days it was a torrential downpour with flash flood warnings lighting up our phones.
I'll admit, by the end of the week I was ready to see the sunshine again.
But you know who wasn't complaining? My garden.
The tomatoes took off. The peppers multiplied. I've already picked handfuls of green beans, strawberries, a couple of zucchini, and cucumbers. Everything seemed to explode with life after all that rain.
Now this week has flipped the script. The forecast is full of sunshine and summer heat. I'll probably spend plenty of time watering the garden, hoping the plants don't dry out under the Arkansas sun.
It reminds me how much the weather affects what's growing.
Not just in our gardens... but in our hearts.
There are rainy seasons in life when it feels like one storm rolls in right after another. Those seasons aren't usually our favorite, but they often produce the deepest roots. They teach us to depend on God in ways we never would have if life had stayed comfortable.
Then there are sunny seasons—times of joy, celebration, and answered prayers. Those are gifts too. But even then, we have to stay connected to the One who gives us living water, because a season of blessing can leave our faith just as dry as a season of struggle if we stop relying on Him.
God knows exactly what we need in every season. Sometimes He sends the rain. Sometimes He sends the sunshine. And somehow, through both, He's growing something beautiful.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible