God and doughnuts

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

- Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

 

What do doughnuts and God have in common?

Last Saturday, they both brought people together.

Krispy Kreme doughnuts were founded on July 13, 1937, in North Carolina.

Interestingly, that's also my birthday (though not my birth year!).

Wyatt’s Lemonade, an organization started by a little boy in South Dakota, raises money for St. Jude’s and other children’s causes.

The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) has over 125,000 members and 1,200 chapters across all 50 states and 31 other countries.

The Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter provides a safe haven for children who are victims of abandonment, abuse, neglect, and trafficking.

Most people wouldn't connect these groups and a bunch of doughnuts in the same day, let alone in the same moment.

But God has a way of orchestrating events perfectly.

I found myself at a lemonade stand during a motorcycle rally, which led to a friendship and support for my CMA chapter’s fundraiser.

On Saturday, we took doughnuts sponsored by Wyatt’s Lemonade to the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter.

Sharing the love of Jesus with the staff at the local Krispy Kreme, we saw how much it meant to them to feel appreciated.

The camaraderie among us riders was fueled by a higher purpose beyond just reaching our destination.

The joy on the children’s faces as they enjoyed their doughnuts and admired the motorcycles was priceless.

God brought people together over doughnuts.

It might seem random, but He has a purpose.

What a glorious day it was.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

light

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

- 1 John 1:6-7

 

Have you noticed that it is human nature to hide?

We conceal our addictions, our identities, and our opposition.

We hide our feelings, opinions, and insecurities.

We bury past experiences, secrets, and our shame.
There is a new song playing on the radio (for those of us that still listen to the radio) by the artist Tayá, called Come Into The Light.
Are you wounded from all the pain

Of hidden sin and secret shame?

Are you burdened and so afraid?

Come into the light

Are you weak and scared to speak

Of what you can't admit you need?

Are you tired of lacking peace?

Come into the light

Come into the light

And you will find a savior

Gentle and lowly waiting on the other side

He will meet you gladly

Over and over with loving kindness in His eyes

Oh, come into the light

Do you question how you could trust

That His grace is more than enough?

There's just One who measures up

Come into the light

Have you been here a thousand times?

Have you started to believe the lie

That it's safer for you to hide?

Come into the light

Oh, come into the light

And you will find a savior

Gentle and lowly waiting on the other side

He will meet you gladly

Over and over with loving kindness in His eyes

Oh, come into the light

Come into the light

If you're ready for your freedom

Come into the light

If you're ready for your healing

Come into the light

If you're ready for redemption

Come into the light

He is ready for your freedom

Come into the light

He is ready for your healing

Come into the light

He's the God of resurrection

Bringing dead things back to life

Oh, come into the light

Ouch.
That might hit a little close to home for some of us. 
Tayá shared the story behind the song, in a video on her Instagram feed that included this: “We just realized there was this invitation to bring every part of our life before God. And what's crazy is when you don't and you keep things in the dark and you keep it hidden, that's where the enemy (has) his playground and he loves to work. But when you bring things into the light, the broken pieces, the, the things that you think that nobody else knows about, but you maybe carry very dear or perhaps weigh heavily on you, when you bring that to God, you allow him to work and you allow him to be who he says that he is. He actually wants us to walk in freedom and us to walk in healing and wholeness more than we desire to. I just love that this is an invitation for all of us." 

Come to the light and you will find a Savior.
We don’t have to be ashamed or scared. 
Jesus can set you free. 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

unafraid

I trust in God. I praise his word. I trust in God. I am not afraid. What can mere people do to me?

- Psalm 56:4 (NIRV)

 

People who don’t know me in person have come to know me through my writing.

I am open and honest in my writing, sometimes too open.

I have shared a lot of joy, sadness, and fear here. 

Some of these emotions may seem silly, and I’ll be the first to admit that, but some are significant.

I am terrified of things being out of my control and have several fears that can paralyze me in a moment.

I deeply feel the emotions of others, sharing in both the happiness and sorrows of my friends.

However, the bottom line is that we need to turn to the Father when we are overcome by our fears and emotions, no matter how big or small they seem to us.

God has promised to love us, and we can count on that promise 100%.

Romans 8:31 says if God is for us who can be against us, which just reiterates this verse; when we trust in God, what can man do to us?

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

maybe we should pray

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

- Romans 8:26-27 (NKJV)

 

Quite often, I see requests for "unspoken prayer, God knows the need" posted on social media and various websites.

Isn’t it wonderful to have the peace of mind that God knows our heart, body, and mind?

We can sit in complete silence, and God hears our broken hearts, understands our deepest needs, and answers our prayers.

We don’t have to make our requests out loud or in public; we don’t even have to share our needs with others.

God knows what we want and what He has planned for us.

Even when we can’t see it, He is still answering our prayers, leading us where we need to be, and listening to our cries.

Unspoken prayer is still heard by our mighty God.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

healed

Come. Let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces. But he will heal us. He has wounded us. But he’ll bandage our wounds.

- Hosea 6:1 (NIRV)

 

I was hesitant to post this verse because a part of me didn’t like it.

I love that God will heal me and bind my wounds, but I struggle with the words that say He has torn us to pieces or injured us, as I don’t believe that is true.

To gain a better understanding, I read the chapters before this verse.

Israel had repeatedly gone against God.

They rebelled against Him and worshipped other gods.

Despite His warnings, they would not listen.

The people were unfaithful, and God withdrew from them.

Hosea, a prophet, encouraged the people to return to God, but they continued to ignore him.

God was saddened by their disrespect.

Think about a time when your children defied you; you were probably angry, but you never stopped loving them.

If you don’t have children, you can likely recall a time when you disappointed a parent, grandparent, teacher, or friend.

They may have expressed their disappointment, but they never stopped loving you.

God never stopped loving Israel, and He will never stop loving us.

No matter how badly we behave, God never stops loving us.

He wants us to run back to Him so He can heal us.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

broken

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

- Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

 

I am broken.

Last week, the weather was a bit crazy with super high winds.

When I arrived at work and got out of the car, the wind caught the door, slamming my thumb inside.

Long story short, my thumb is broken, and I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hands next week.

You would be amazed at how much you use your thumbs for everything, and unfortunately, it’s my dominant hand.

I've had to learn to do things differently.

I've learned to slow down in my daily life to manage tasks.

I've also had to ask for help with things I can’t do on my own, which has been incredibly challenging for me.

I feel broken inside too.

This injury is a setback for some personal goals that I wasn't prepared to face.

However, I am getting through it.

I’m praying a lot to help me cope with the pain and trouble.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

maybe it’s ok

I am sure that our suffering now cannot be compared to the shining-greatness that He is going to give us.

- Romans 8:18 (NLV)

 

We have all been through a lot during our time on earth.

Some have faced more struggles, and some have had a harder time dealing with them.

If anyone claims they have never struggled, they are likely not telling the whole truth.

Each of us carries a sense of brokenness and has experienced some form of rejection.

In 2019 the band We Are Messengers released a song called Maybe It’s OK, the lyrics hit home:
If I didn't know what it hurt like to be broken

Then how would I know what it feels like to be whole

If I didn't know what it cuts like to be rejected

Then I wouldn't know the joy of coming home

Maybe it's okay if I'm not okay

'Cause the One who holds the world is holding onto me

Maybe it's all right if I'm not all right

'Cause the One who holds the stars is holding my whole life

If I didn't know what it looked like to be dirty

Then I wouldn't know what it feels like to be clean

And if all of my shame hadn't drove me to hide in the shadows

Then I wouldn't know the beauty of being free

Maybe it's okay if I'm not okay

'Cause the One who holds the world is holding onto me

Maybe it's all right if I'm not all right

'Cause the One who holds the stars is holding my whole life

Father, let Your kingdom come

Let Your will be done

Here in my heart as in Heaven

Father, let Your kingdom come

Let Your will be done

Here in my heart as in Heaven, oh

Maybe it's okay if I'm not okay

'Cause the One who holds the world is holding onto me

Maybe it's all right if I'm not all right

'Cause the One who holds the stars is holding my whole life

Now I'm alive in You

We're bursting at the seams

Now I'm alive and I can see You in everything

Maybe it's okay if I'm not okay

You see, that is the glory of our Father, He loves us, through our brokenness, our rejection, when we are dirty and hiding,

He loves us and will bring us through, holding us up through the pain.

It’s ok, we don’t carry our burdens alone when we are with Him. 

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

lucky day

A man never knows when he is going to run into bad luck. He is like a fish caught in a net, or a bird caught in a snare.

- Ecclesiastes 9:12 (TLB)

 

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! 
Are you feeling lucky today? 
According to the Bible, we do not know when we will experience good or bad fortune.

The events of our everyday lives are not random or by chance, but part of His plan.

God's grace—the unearned, undeserved favor He lavishes on us—is not "luck of the draw."

God is in control of all things.

Trust in God rather than fortune or luck; when we follow Him, there is no room for chance.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

He’s kind

 The Lord is kind and merciful, patient and full of love.

- Psalm 145:8 (ERV)

 

Music is everywhere.
Personally, I love music, I listen in the car, between meetings at work, music speaks to me.

Think about the movies and TV that you watch, how many soundtracks are born from great movies?
OK, that may have been a bigger thing years ago when we still bought albums, cassettes, and CDs.
For real though, sometimes we hear a song that just clicks, or resonates with us.
In 2023 Cory Asbury released a song called “Kind”, look at the lyrics: 
Sometimes marriages don't work, and sometimes babies die

Sometimes rehab turns to relapse and you're left just askin' why

And for all the prayers I've prayed, I still wonder if He's real

And if He is, how is He choosin' who He does and doesn't heal?

I've tried to run from Jesus, I've started holy wars

I've tried the patient waitin' and the kickin' down the doors

I've cursed His name in anger with my fist raised to the sky

And in return, all He's ever been is kind

And I've burned my fair share of bridges

I learned to tuck my tail and run

Watch the wreckage in the rear view

From all the crooked things I've done

And I know that He forgives me

But it's hard to forgive myself

I can't help but think that amazing grace is for everybody else

I've tried to run from Jesus, I've started holy wars

I've tried the patient waitin' and the kickin' down the doors

I've cursed His name in anger with my fist raised to the sky

And in return, all He's ever been is kind

All He's ever been is kind

And I know I wasn't there

But when I look up at the cross

I see the darkest day in history

I guess that's what kindness cost

I've tried to run from Jesus, I've started holy wars

I've tried the patient waitin' and the kickin' down the doors

He knows I don't deserve it

But He's never changed His mind

All He's ever been is kind
Holy catfish and boy howdy – how many nails does that hit on the head? 

We all have pain, and sometimes it is overwhelming.
But God. 
God is kind, and He loves us through it all. 
God shows up for those who are going through heartbreak. 
We are not alone. 
God will heal us. 
God is all we need. 

Every human out there has had pain, suffering, doubt, and confusion.
Many of us have prayed prayers that we feel go unheard and unanswered.
We get angry with God for the circumstances we are facing, often circumstances we’ve created ourselves.
But God. 
God is good and kind. 
And He loves you.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

no hiding

You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely.

- Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)

 

Remember playing hide and seek as a child?

I always believed I had the perfect hiding spots where no one could find me.

Yet, I often ended up being the first one discovered.

I've since realized that we can't hide from God.

He knows us intimately—our hearts, our minds, our thoughts.

This can be intimidating at times, as we are imperfect humans and sinners, and our thoughts aren't always pure.

Thankfully, our God is abundant in mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love.

I have been thinking a lot of my friend and mentor Leon lately, so I wasn’t surprised to come across a conversation that we had in 2019.
He told me that I could share his words then, I don’t think he’d mind if I share them again.
 “God has no limit in His understanding. God has determined, understood, and known all things that would or will occur. God knows now and has always known all things—and He is certainly not bound by the actions or concepts of man in regards to good and bad, in order to know what will take place next.

God is an all-powerful and all-knowing being, in control of both evil and good - regardless however, His will stands. This is an important component of the authority of God: God is in control of everything, both evil and good. God has decreed evil in that He knew that Man would choose evil according to his free will. God could have prevented man from sinning by not creating man with free will, by not placing the forbidden tree in the garden, by not allowing Satan to tempt Eve, or God could have simply elected not to create man at all. However, God did create the world as good, but decreed to create a world in which He would allow sin to enter, according to the free will and responsibility of man, knowing that He would work it together for His good in accordance with His perfect purposes (see Romans 8:28).  Notice here that it says His good, not the good (or lack thereof) of man.  Scripture reveals the sovereign hand of God in both good and evil as He decrees those things which come to pass:

Lamentations 3:37-38(NIV) — "Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?"

Isaiah 45:7(NKJV) — "I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things."

Because we can run, but we can’t hide.

Once again, I am so blessed for having known Leon, for his mentorship all these years.
There is a reason why his words came to mind while preparing to write today’s verse.
I don’t know the reason now, perhaps I never will, but I still thank God for my friend, for his wise words, and for allowing me to share.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

nothing

I am sure of this. Nothing can stop God from loving us. Death cannot do that. Life cannot do that. Angels cannot do that, nor can demons do that. Nothing that happens to us now, or that will happen in a future time can do that. No powerful spirits can do that. Nothing that is high above the world can do that, nor anything that is deep down below the ground. Nothing else in the whole universe can stop God from loving us. Because of our Lord Christ Jesus, we know how much God loves us.

- Romans 8:38-39 (EASY)

 

First, did you know there is a translation of the Bible called the Easy English Bible? 
I did not, but I like what it says about these two verses. 
In today's world, there is a significant focus on mental health. 

Many of us have faced tough times that make us feel unworthy of love, especially the love of an almighty Father.

But remember, you are enough.

A few years ago, I attended a Bible study where the leader asked us to find verses that demonstrate God's love for us.

If this verse doesn't convey that we are loved, I'm not sure what will.

Nothing could prevent Jesus from coming to save me.

No distance between heaven and earth, no tyrannical king trying to end His life, no jeering mobs shouting "crucify him," no disciples abandoning Him, no soldiers mocking Him, no whip tearing His flesh, and no cross taking His physical life. 

Not one thing stopped Jesus from saving us.

Not one thing.

You are enough.

While we may never be in control of our life circumstances, fully trusting in Him brings relaxation and peace.

Interestingly, this verse doesn't mention trust.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Trust that He will keep you safe. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can be assured that we will never be separated from God's love. You ARE enough.

Read the NIV translation of this verse:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

Trust that He will keep you safe.

Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can be assured that we will never be separated from God's love.

You ARE enough.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

go on

May the Lord fill your hearts with God’s love. May Christ give you the strength to go on.

- 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIRV)

 

Keep going, even when life gets tough.

Sometimes, life can be challenging.

We may feel lost and tempted to give up, but we must keep moving forward.

Today, we have various tools to help us navigate our paths.

With maps providing verbal directions right in our hands and vehicles equipped with navigation systems, we can easily travel from point A to point B using the best possible routes.

However, if we stray from the path, our handy assistants immediately recalibrate to guide us back on track.

It's unfortunate that we don't have a GPS for our hearts or a spiritual Siri to prompt us to make a U-turn when necessary.

Thankfully, we do have guidance.

Through prayer, Bible studies, spiritual leaders, pastors, and our Bibles, we can seek the Lord's direction.

By giving our hearts to God, we receive His love in return.

Keep going, even when life gets tough.

Stay strong, my friends, and let the Lord be your GPS!

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

be kind

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

- Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)

 

Love your neighbor as yourself.
When most of us hear this verse, we think about things that are going on around us,  there is a lot of anger and hate being spread in the world today.

But what if we look a little deeper than normal, and think about how we love ourselves?
Tenth Avenue North released their song Kind To Myself recently, and they posted these words on Instagram:
“If God leads us to change through kindness, why do we try to shame ourselves into it? Let's start speaking to ourselves the way He does—with grace, love, and curiosity. Our new single ‘Kind To Myself’ talks about this”.

Here are the lyrics:
I've tried to hate myself

Thinking that’s how things will change

But it never helps

Piling up the blame

Fighting fire with fire

Hurt with more hurt

Breaking my own heart

Makes everything worse

I gotta be kind, kind to myself

Cause I can’t change, change any way else

If the kindness of my Savior

Is how He changes me

Then I can be kind, kind to myself

I know it sounds insane

But the old way wasn't working

I try to medicate

When the pain's under the surfacе

I've never hеaled by powering through

I had to learn how to see me

The way that You do

I gotta be kind, kind to myself

Cause I can’t change, change any way else

If the kindness of my Savior

Is how He changes me

Then I can be kind, kind to myself

Yeah (Kind)

Don’t misunderstand (Kind)

It’s not permission (Kind)

It’s conviction over condemnation (Kind)

Oh the curious love of God (Kind)

It's such a better and sweeter song (Kind)

Has a way of showing me

What’s really going on, going on, yeah

What does the voice in your head sound like when you fail for the thousandth time?

Is it cruel or is it kind?

Oh, I gotta be kind, kind to myself

Cause I can’t change, change any way else

If the kindness of my Savior

Is how He changes me

I can be kind, kind to myself

I have hated myself.

A lot.

Often.

Why? 

Maybe if we were not so hard on ourselves, we’d find it easier to love our neighbors.

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible