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

even on Monday

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
 
I've always loved Garfield comics. Maybe it's because he's a cat (okay... it's definitely because he's a cat!), but Garfield and I have always agreed on one thing—Mondays can be rough.
Some Mondays I'd much rather stay face down in my bed, wrapped up in my blanket, hugging my teddy bear, pretending the alarm clock never went off. No emails. No meetings. No responsibilities. Just five... okay, maybe fifty... more minutes.
Life isn't always made up of mountaintop moments. Most of it is made up of ordinary Mondays.
We wake up. Brush our teeth. Feed the pets. Drive to work. Answer emails. Fold laundry. Wash dishes. Make dinner. Go to bed and do it all again tomorrow.
It's not glamorous. It's just life.
The beautiful thing is that God doesn't only meet us on the mountaintops or during life's biggest victories. He walks with us through the routines too. He's there in the quiet drive to work, the conversations with coworkers, the errands, the never-ending laundry, and even those Mondays we'd rather skip altogether.
Sometimes we think we need to feel inspired, have everything figured out, or drink twelve cups of coffee before we can face the day. But maybe all God is asking is that we invite Him into whatever is already on today's calendar.
Every ordinary task becomes an opportunity to honor Him when we remember He's right there beside us.
Today may not be exciting. It may not be life-changing. It may simply be... Monday.
And that's enough.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible