after the mess

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.
- Nahum 1:7 (NLT)
 
It always makes me laugh how Thanksgiving has this incredible slow build — planning menus, cleaning the house, thawing the turkey, getting the tables set — all leading up to one giant, delicious meal that disappears in about fourteen minutes. And then, before the dishes are even dry, the world slingshots straight into Black Friday madness.
Crowded stores, long lines, sales flashing everywhere, people running on leftover pumpkin pie and very little sleep… it’s enough to make even the calmest person say, “Lord, help me.”
After the warmth of Thanksgiving, the noise and chaos can feel jarring. The house is a mess, the fridge is stuffed with leftovers, and your feet are still tired from either shopping or hosting — or both. The “day after” can leave you feeling drained instead of joyful.
But this is where Nahum 1:7 speaks right into our tired hearts:
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.”
Even when the “trouble” is just the overwhelming swirl of holiday crowds, noise, exhaustion, and expectations… He is still our refuge. He is still our calm. He is still the One we can run to when our soul needs rest.
I love that the verse ends with, “He knows those who trust in Him.”
He knows you — your limits, your stress, your heart, your desire to make the holidays special, and the weight you carry trying to keep everything running smoothly. He sees the effort, the exhaustion, and the mental overload that can follow a big celebration.
And He invites you to take a breath.
Thankfulness doesn’t end when the leftovers go in the fridge or when the Black Friday crowds take over the stores. Gratitude grows in the quiet moments afterward — when you stop long enough to feel His presence and remember that He is your stronghold, even in the chaos.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

happy Thanksgiving

 So let us never stop offering to God our praise through Jesus. Let us talk openly about our faith in him. Then our words will be like an offering to God.
- Hebrews 13:15 (NIRV)
 
Sometimes praise really is a sacrifice. We don’t always feel thankful. Life doesn’t always make sense. Our emotions don’t always line up with what we know is true.
And then there’s Thanksgiving week — a beautiful time, yes, but also a whirlwind. If you’ve ever been responsible for preparing a huge Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends, you know exactly what I mean. The menu planning, the grocery shopping, the cleaning, the baking, the endless list of “don’t forget this!” running through your mind. By the time the turkey is in the oven and the pies are cooling on the counter, you’re already wondering why your feet hurt and how you managed to dirty every dish in the house.
It’s in moments like these — when life feels busy, overwhelming, and anything but peaceful — that offering praise truly becomes a sacrifice. Not because we don’t love our people, but because the weight of responsibility can crowd out the gratitude we intended to carry.
But this verse gently reminds us that thankfulness isn’t about everything going perfectly. It’s about who God is. He walks with us through the stress, the noise, the rushing back and forth. He meets us in the kitchen chaos as much as He meets us in the quiet morning prayer.
So even while stirring the mashed potatoes or setting the table for the tenth time, we can whisper a simple, sincere “Thank You, Lord.” Not because we feel calm, but because He is still worthy.
Thank Him today — not because everything falls into place, but because He holds everything together.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

restoration

Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.
- Jeremiah 30:19 (NKJV)
 
This verse is tucked inside a chapter of restoration — and isn’t that such a beautiful picture? God tells His people that after everything they’ve been through, thanksgiving will rise again from their lips.
Maybe that speaks to you today. Maybe you’ve had a year where gratitude felt just out of reach. 2025 has been a challenging year for a lot of people. I personally have experienced so much heartache — job loss, death, medical issues — and I know so many who are carrying their own quiet storms. It’s hard to be thankful when life has felt heavy, uncertain, or downright painful.
But God has a way of restoring us from the inside out. He breathes life into places we thought were permanently broken. And when He does, gratitude returns — not forced, not faked, but flowing from a heart He has healed.
Your thanksgiving doesn’t have to be loud. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be honest. And even if it feels small right now, trust that God is rebuilding you — and joy is coming.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

every day

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
- Psalm 68:19 (NIV)
 
I love that little word — daily. God doesn’t wait for us to “have it all together” before He pours out blessings. He doesn’t check to see how spiritual our week has been. He just keeps loading us up with gifts, one after another, every single day.
And yet… sometimes I get so frustrated with life that I just have to vent. Call it venting, call it ranting, call it having a come apart — whatever you call it, it’s all the same. Life gets heavy, and my heart starts to feel like it’s carrying a backpack stuffed with worries, expectations, and the things I’m trying way too hard to handle alone.
But here’s the truth I have to remind myself of in the words of one of my favorite artists, “You were never meant to carry this beyond the cross.”
How fortunate are we that our God cares enough to take every burden we drag around and let us leave it right at the foot of the cross? Every frustration, every worry, every late-night overthinking session — nothing surprises Him, and nothing is too heavy for Him.
My heart is filled with awe and wonder that my God is so powerful, so faithful, and so close that there is nothing He can’t handle. And in that truth… I am blessed.
And so are you.
When we pause long enough to notice what He does for us — the help He gives, the strength He provides, the peace He brings — gratitude rises. Those “daily benefits” aren’t just nice ideas; they are lifelines that prove His love over and over again.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

for our sakes

For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
- 2 Corinthians 4:15 (NKJV)
 
Isn’t it amazing how God can take all things — even the parts of life that make zero sense — and somehow use them for our sake?
I was thinking about how grace doesn’t just touch one life; it spreads. It catches on like a spark in dry grass. Someone forgives you, and suddenly you find yourself quicker to forgive someone else. Someone shows kindness, and your heart softens enough to pass that kindness along. Before you know it, grace is multiplying, and thanksgiving follows right behind it.
This week, look at your life through the lens of grace. Even the hard moments have left something behind — wisdom, resilience, compassion. And when we recognize how God has woven grace through our story, thanksgiving naturally sounds louder in our hearts.
Thankfulness abounds when we realize He wastes nothing — not even the parts of our story we’d rather skip.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

mountains

For behold, He who forms mountains, And creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, And makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth— The Lord God of hosts is His name.
— Amos 4:13 (NKJV)
 
As we head into Thanksgiving week, most people turn to verses about giving thanks, singing praise, or entering His courts with gratitude. Those are beautiful, of course — but this year I found myself drawn to something different.
Amos 4:13 isn’t your typical Thanksgiving scripture. It doesn’t mention gratitude. It doesn’t say “be thankful.” It doesn’t even talk about blessings.
Instead, it talks about a God who forms mountains, creates the wind, walks the high places of the earth, and — this is the part that stopped me in my tracks — declares to man what his thought is.
In other words,
He knows us. Completely.
Every thought. Every fear. Every wandering place of the heart.
And He loves us anyway.
The God who carved out the mountain ranges with His hands and stirs up the wind with a whisper is the same God who leans in close enough to understand our thoughts before they ever reach our lips.
And that… that is something to be thankful for.
Thankfulness isn’t just about listing the good things in our lives. True gratitude comes from knowing the One who holds our lives, understands our hearts, and remains faithful even when we’re complicated, messy, emotional, distracted, or inconsistent.
He doesn’t just notice us — He knows us.
He doesn’t just see our actions — He sees our motivations.
He doesn’t just hear our words — He hears the things we’re too afraid to say out loud.
This week, while we celebrate with turkey, pie, and all the traditional things, I want to take a moment to thank God for something deeper:
I am thankful that the Creator of the universe knows my thoughts and still chooses to stay close.
He knows when my mind spirals into worry.
He knows when I’m distracted by things that don’t matter.
He knows when my thoughts turn negative, fearful, or tired.
He knows every corner of my heart — the good, the bad, the broken, and the healing.
And still, He walks with me.
Maybe you’ve had a year full of ups and downs. Maybe your mind hasn’t always been the calmest or the kindest place. Maybe your thoughts have wandered in ways you aren’t proud of. Mine sure have at times.
But Amos reminds us:
The God who shaped mountains can reshape our thoughts.
The God who creates the wind can breathe peace into anxious minds.
The God who treads the high places walks beside us in our lowest ones.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for many things… but today, I’m especially thankful for a God who knows my thoughts and still calls me His own.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

fall leaves

Then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil.
- Psalm 91:4 (NKJV)
 
There is something so comforting about fall.
The crunch of leaves underfoot.
The cool, crisp air after a long, hot summer.
Pumpkins on porches.
Fields turning golden and ready for harvest.
Everything seems to whisper, “A change is coming—slow down and notice it.”
Growing up in Iowa, fall always meant harvest time. The fields were buzzing with tractors, combines, and trucks lining up to haul away the grain. The sky had that unmistakable golden tint that only happens in October, and the air smelled like corn, soil, and wood smoke.
But mid-November could also mean snow—sometimes a dusting, sometimes a full-on blizzard—so there was always this urgency to finish gathering the crops before winter decided to surprise us. Even as a kid, I remember thinking how unpredictable fall could be… and yet how faithfully the harvest always came.
That’s exactly what this verse in Deuteronomy reminds me of.
God promises to send rain in its season, so His people can gather what they’ve planted. Not too early. Not too late. Not too much. Not too little. Just enough… exactly when it’s needed.
Isn’t that the definition of His faithfulness?
Just like the turning seasons in Iowa—where one day you’re raking leaves and the next day you’re scraping ice—God knows exactly when to bring refreshing rain and when to let things rest. He knows when it’s time for us to gather the harvest He’s grown in us—spiritually and emotionally, not just physically.
As the leaves begin to change and fall, I can’t help but think of all the changes God walks me through as well. Some seasons are full and bright. Some are quiet and slow. Some are messy and painful—shedding old things I’ve hung onto for far too long. But every season has its purpose… and every season holds a reason to be thankful.
Fall encourages reflection.
It reminds me to look back over the last year—not with regret, but with gratitude:
For the prayers God answered.
For the storms He calmed.
For the blessings I didn’t expect.
For the things He asked me to release.
And for the faith He strengthened along the way.
Just like those Iowa fields, God brings each of us to moments where we can gather the good He’s grown in us—lessons learned, joy restored, peace renewed, and hope rekindled.
He gives the rain in its season.
He gives growth in its season.
He brings change in its season.
And He gives us reason to be thankful in every season.
As I breathe in the crisp fall air today, I’m choosing gratitude.
How about you?
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

on track

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
- Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV)
 
Happy birthday to my amazing husband, Randy!
To celebrate his birthday, we took a train ride on the Arkansas–Missouri Railroad Saturday, and it was absolutely wonderful. There’s something about riding a train that settles you in a different way—maybe it’s the slow rocking, maybe it’s the steady rhythm of the wheels, or maybe it’s just the chance to step back and breathe for a minute.
One of my favorite parts was stepping out onto the back platform of the train car. I stood there watching the tracks disappear behind us, the wind brushing across my face, and I found myself thinking about how grateful I was that those tracks stayed right where they were supposed to be… especially as we crossed a few very tall trestles!
But of course, as my mind tends to do, it wandered to my spiritual life.
Isn’t it funny how a train can stay perfectly on track through hills, curves, and bridges—while I can slip off track over the tiniest little thing?
Have you noticed how easy it is to drift off course?
It doesn’t take a dramatic derailment—just one little distraction. One unexpected setback. One irritating comment. One worry I let simmer too long. And suddenly I’m spiritually wobbling all over the place.
I can start my day with the best intentions—Bible open, heart steady, coffee in hand—and somehow end up chasing everything but what God asked me to focus on. Meanwhile, that train stays locked onto its tracks no matter what comes around the bend.
This scripture reminds me that staying on God’s path takes intention.
God doesn’t say, “Glance ahead when you remember.”
He says, Fix your gaze.
Look straight ahead.
Stay steady.
Don’t drift.
Life will always tug at us—people’s opinions, stress, old habits, our own emotions that flare up out of nowhere. But when our eyes stay on Him, He keeps our steps firm, even when the path is narrow or the trestle is high and a little scary.
And just like a train engineer follows the rails laid out before him, we follow the path God places before us—trusting that He knows every turn and every crossing long before we get there.
Today, I want to be more intentional about where my eyes are.
Not on the distractions.
Not on the things that knock me sideways.
But straight ahead—toward God’s purpose, God’s voice, and God’s heart.
Because the more I focus on Him, the less likely I am to derail over something small.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

covered in feathers

He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
- Psalm 91:4 (NKJV)
 
Protection is a big deal in this day and age.
We’ve got home security systems that alert us if someone opens a window, if there’s motion in the driveway, or if the carbon monoxide levels shift even a little. We have keychains and phone apps to help keep our kids safe when they’re walking alone at night. We have devices for the elderly so they can call for help if they fall or feel chest pain. Everywhere you look, someone is selling a new form of security.
And don’t get me wrong—those things are wonderful blessings.
But none of them compare to the protection that God offers His children.
Psalm 91:4 paints such a tender picture—God covering us with His feathers, sheltering us under His wings. It’s not just safety; it’s closeness. It’s belonging. It’s the kind of protection that says, “You are mine. I’ll keep you safe.”
I don’t know about you, but there are days when I feel like I need that kind of shelter more than anything. Life can swing from calm to chaotic in the blink of an eye. One phone call, one message, one situation, and suddenly I’m searching for a place to hide—emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
But God offers a refuge that isn’t based on alarms, locks, buttons, or batteries.
His protection is steady. Personal. Ever-present.
He doesn’t merely guard us; He gathers us close.
Having God as your shield means you belong to Him.
It means He wraps you in His truth when the lies of the world try to overwhelm you.
It means He stands between you and the battles you don’t even know are happening.
It means you never face a storm alone.
I will gladly take shelter under His wings—every time.
How about you?
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

doorway

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.
- Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
 
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I catch myself rushing into prayer like I’m clocking in for a shift.
“Lord, here I am… okay, here’s what went wrong today, here’s what I need, here’s who needs help…”
And before I know it, my whole conversation with God is a list. A sincere list, yes — but still a list.
But Psalm 100:4 reminds me that I’m invited to enter His presence with thanksgiving first, not with panic, frustration, or a mental to-do list. Thanksgiving opens the door.
There’s something powerful about gratitude. Not the forced kind — not the “I guess I’ll be thankful because it’s November” kind — but the real, quiet acknowledgment that God has been faithful in a thousand little ways we forgot to notice.
Sometimes that “gate” is as simple as:
“Thank You for waking me up.”
“Thank You for getting me through another week.”
“Thank You for the people You’ve put in my life.”
“Thank You for Your patience with me — especially on the days when I’m not patient with myself.”
When we choose to enter His presence with thanks, our whole attitude shifts.
Suddenly what felt heavy becomes a little lighter.
What felt chaotic becomes calmer.
And the things that were stealing our joy don’t seem quite as loud anymore.
This week, I want to challenge myself — and you, if you want to join me — to start every prayer with one thing I’m thankful for. Big or small, meaningful or simple. Because gratitude isn’t just a feeling… it’s a doorway.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

content

 I am not saying I need anything. I have learned to be happy with whatever I have.
- Philippians 4:11 (NLV)
 
Have you noticed that it’s easy to be happy when everything is going well? When the bills are paid, the car is running, the kids are behaving, and life feels smooth—it’s simple to feel grateful.
But what about the moments when things fall apart? When the check bounces, the car breaks down, or a friend disappoints us? Paul’s words remind us that contentment isn’t tied to our circumstances. It’s something we learn—often the hard way.
I’ve known people who are never satisfied—always chasing the next best thing, no matter the cost. I’ve also known the quiet souls who can find peace with very little, and somehow their joy feels deeper. I think that’s the kind of contentment Paul was talking about—the kind that doesn’t depend on what’s in our hands, but on Who holds us.
I learned early in life that I let things bring me down too easily. It took time and a few hard lessons to realize that even in the worst moments, God can use those very things for good. We may not see it right away, but He is always working.
When we begin to see God’s hand in every circumstance—the good and the bad—thankfulness starts to take root. Gratitude grows where contentment is planted.
He is our comforter and our strength, and because of that, I can truly say: I am content. Can you?
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible
 

responding with grace

 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- Romans 12:21 (NKJV)
 
Difficult people are everywhere. At your work, at the store, driving on the roads, in your family and even in your church! I once read that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or circumstances is this: Don’t become what you hate.
That phrase hit me hard. It doesn’t mean we hate the person—it means we must guard our hearts so we don’t let bitterness, pettiness, or anger change who we are in Christ. When someone mistreats us, it’s so easy to snap back, to match their energy, or to “give them a taste of their own medicine.” But God calls us to something higher.
We don’t overcome the devil by using his tactics. We don’t fight darkness by adding more darkness. We drive it back by shining brighter—by doing what is right, by responding with grace, and by filling our hearts with goodness.
There is no greater example of overcoming evil with good than Jesus. Even when betrayed, beaten, and mocked, He still responded with love, forgiveness, and truth. That’s the model we’re called to follow—not because it’s easy, but because it’s holy.
When you choose kindness instead of cruelty, forgiveness instead of revenge, gentleness instead of gossip—you are being a light in a dark world. And the thing about light is, it doesn’t have to fight the darkness to win. It just has to shine.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

guarding your thoughts

 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
- Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
 
It is so easy to get lost in the swirling abyss of negativity, especially right now with all the craziness going on in this world.
It seems like every news headline or social media post is filled with outrage, fear, or heartbreak. The “feel good” stories rarely make the front page, and when they do, we tend to scroll right past them while lingering on the bad.
But Paul reminds us to do something different. He challenges us to guard our minds — to choose where our thoughts will dwell.
When we fix our focus on what is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, it doesn’t mean we ignore what’s wrong in the world; it means we refuse to let it rule our hearts.
Perhaps it’s time to examine what’s taking up space in our minds. Are we dwelling on the darkness, or are we letting in the light?
When we allow God to help us filter our thoughts — to clear out the bitterness, envy, and fear — we begin to see more clearly the beauty He’s still painting all around us.
You might be surprised how much your outlook changes when you focus on the positive, the good, the noble, and the admirable.
Because what we think about shapes who we become — and God calls us to be people of peace, not panic; of hope, not despair.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

Veteran's day

 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
- 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV)
 
Today is Veterans Day, so first and foremost — thank you to every single one of you reading this who has served in the U.S. military.
Thank you to those who are still serving.
Thank you to the families who spent birthdays, holidays, and milestones apart so their loved ones could protect our freedom.
And thank you to the soldiers who gave their lives so that we might live free.
To the men and women in uniform — we honor your courage, your sacrifice, and your service.
I am the granddaughter of a U.S. soldier.
I am the daughter of a U.S. soldier.
I am the sister of a U.S. soldier.
I am the mother of a U.S. soldier.
And I am the friend of many U.S. soldiers.
My pride for our soldiers runs deep.
My grandfather, father, and brother have all left this earth, and I honor them — and hundreds of thousands of others — by asking that we respect, honor, and give thanks for their sacrifice.
The freedom you have today, even to read these very words, was bought at a great price by a soldier who deserves nothing less than honor and respect.
Every year on Veterans Day, I’m reminded of a poem I first read in sixth grade:
The Soldier and God we both adore,
In times of need and not before,
But when the war is won
And the wrong is righted,
God is forgotten
And the Soldier is slighted.
Does that hit home for you? It should.
Let this day remind us that when we love and honor God, we must also love and honor those who selflessly fight for the freedom to praise Him.
Paul tells Timothy to endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ — one who stays focused on pleasing his Commander. Our veterans and active-duty soldiers model that kind of dedication. They serve with courage, loyalty, and discipline. And just as they defend our nation, we are called to stand firm in our faith, to live with that same endurance and purpose — serving our Great Commander above all.
So today, as we thank our veterans and remember those who did not come home, let’s also recommit ourselves to live honorably, faithfully, and with gratitude for the freedom both they — and Christ — have secured for us.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

I want a do over

 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."
- Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)
 
“Do overs!”
I doubt any of us have gone through life without shouting that phrase — or hearing it yelled across a playground, a backyard, or maybe even a board game table. When we were kids and the dice didn’t roll our way, “do overs” was the ultimate rule. You said it, and that was it — instant reset!
But somewhere along the way, as we grew up and entered the world of jobs, responsibilities, and real consequences, “do overs” disappeared. We’ve all had moments we wish we could redo — a word spoken too sharply, a choice made too quickly, or an opportunity left untouched.
The good news? With God, do overs still exist.
Isaiah 1:18 reminds us that God invites us into a conversation with Him — “Come now, and let us reason together.” He doesn’t stand back with arms crossed waiting to condemn us. He says, “Let’s talk this through.” Even when our mistakes stain deep like crimson, His forgiveness makes us white as snow.
We might not get to undo the past, but we can start fresh through repentance and His mercy. When we humble ourselves and ask for His forgiveness, He doesn’t just wipe the slate clean — He gives us the strength to move forward differently.
I may not be perfect (none of us are), but I serve a perfect God who helps me do better.
He wants us to listen, to care for others the way He cares for us. And when we ask Him for help, He will help us — because there is none stronger, and none more willing to see us restored.
So today, what “do over” do you need to bring before God?
He’s ready to listen.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

kingdom hearts

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

- Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
 
What if you made it your mission to find something to be thankful for every single day? Not just the obvious things like family, home, or health—but even the smallest, most ordinary blessings. The ones we often overlook.
There’s something powerful about choosing gratitude in all circumstances. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s present, from what’s broken to what’s being made whole.
Today, I choose to be thankful for hearts.
Not the candy kind or the Valentine kind—certainly not the card game or the video game kind—but the real kind. The kingdom hearts.
Hebrews 12:28 reminds us that we are part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken. When we invite Jesus into our hearts, that’s where the kingdom begins. Right there—inside of us. The unshakable presence of God takes root in something as simple and human as a heart.
I am thankful for the hearts Jesus has changed. For the people in my life whose love and faith have reflected His light back to me. For the hearts that choose kindness in a world that often celebrates cruelty. For those who keep showing up, keep loving, and keep pointing others back to hope.
And I’m thankful for your heart—for your willingness to seek Him, to read, to reflect, to keep growing in your faith. Because every heart turned toward God adds to the unshakable kingdom that will never fall.
When our hearts are anchored in Him, no storm can destroy what He’s building within us. Gratitude then becomes more than a feeling—it becomes worship.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

full of thanks

As you have put your trust in Christ Jesus the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step. Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him.
- Colossians 2:6-7 (NLV)
 
As soon as the calendar flips to November, my mind automatically shifts into “thankful mode.” The pumpkins, the cozy sweaters, the shorter days—it all seems to whisper, “slow down and be grateful.”
But the kind of thankfulness Paul talks about in Colossians isn’t seasonal. He says we should be “full of thanks to Him.” That’s not just a November thing—that’s an everyday, every-moment, rooted-in-Christ kind of gratitude.
When I read that verse, the word “rooted” really jumps out at me. It makes me think of a big old tree—one that’s been around for generations. You don’t see its roots, but they’re what hold it steady when the storms come. Our thankfulness works the same way. When our faith is rooted in Christ, gratitude naturally grows from it.
But let’s be honest—some days, being thankful doesn’t come easily. We get caught up in worries, frustrations, or just plain busyness. I’ve had days when I’ve let my roots get a little dry—days when I’ve focused more on what’s missing than on what’s been given.
It’s in those moments that I have to pause and remind myself to look around. To see the simple blessings that I overlook when life feels heavy: the sound of laughter in my home, the smell of coffee in the morning, a text from a friend who checks in right when I need it. Those small things are often God’s gentle reminders that His goodness is still all around me.
And here’s the beautiful part—when we stay connected to Him, when our hearts are grounded in His truth and love, thankfulness doesn’t just trickle out, it overflows. It spills into how we speak, how we love others, how we show up in the world.
So maybe this November, instead of just counting blessings, we can live like we’re blessed. Let our gratitude overflow from a heart that’s firmly rooted in the One who gives us every good thing.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible 

what if

Anyone who keeps on watching the wind won’t plant seeds. Anyone who keeps looking at the clouds won’t gather crops.
- Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIRV)
 
I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent a lot of my life stuck in the land of “what if.”
What if I make the wrong choice?
What if I fail?
What if people laugh?
What if it doesn’t work out?
There have been so many times when I’ve had a dream on my heart—something I knew God was nudging me to do—but I froze because I couldn’t see how it would all play out. I’d wait for the perfect moment, the perfect plan, the perfect peace… and end up doing nothing at all.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” In other words, if we spend all our time watching the weather, we’ll never get anything done. If we’re constantly checking to make sure conditions are just right before we step out, we’ll stay stuck in fear and doubt.
I remember one time when I felt a clear nudge to reach out to someone I hadn’t spoken to in years. I came up with every “what if” possible—what if they don’t respond, what if it’s awkward, what if they’ve moved on. You know what finally happened? I stopped overthinking and sent the message anyway. To my surprise, they responded with gratitude and said it was exactly what they needed that day.
That’s when it hit me: “What if” is the enemy of faith.
Faith doesn’t wait for everything to be perfect. Faith says, “Even if.”
Even if I fail, God is still with me.
Even if it doesn’t go the way I planned, He can use it for good.
Even if I can’t see the outcome, I trust that He’s already gone before me.
So maybe instead of asking, “What if it doesn’t work out?” we start asking, “What if it does?”
What if God blesses that small act of obedience?
What if the step you’re scared to take becomes the very thing that changes everything?
The truth is, we’ll never know unless we step out in faith—wind, clouds, and all.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

sink or swim

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
- Matthew 14:28-30 (NIV)
 
I may be a little late to the game, but I recently binge-watched The Chosen. So many parts of that series were “ah ha” moments for me. I’m not ashamed to say I cried a lot while watching — and I’d absolutely watch it again.
A few years ago, I read something that’s stuck with me ever since:
“When you can’t change your circumstances, change your concentration.
Peter walked on water until his concentration broke.
Once he took his eyes off Jesus and saw the wind and waves, he began to sink.
Likewise, if you focus on your circumstances, your soul will sink.
But if you fix your eyes on the Creator — on Jesus and all you have to be grateful for — you can rise above any situation.”
Whoa. Pretty powerful, right?
I’ll be honest — I sometimes get frustrated when I see people constantly posting “woe is me” updates on social media. My first thought is often, If you don’t like something, change it!
But then life happens.
And suddenly, I’m the one sinking.
I may not post my struggles online, but I’ve had my share of moments gasping for air, trying to get my footing again — only to realize I’ve lost focus. My eyes have drifted from Jesus to the chaos swirling around me.
The truth is, we all need a reset sometimes — a chance to realign our perspective and remember where our help comes from. When we can’t change our situation, we can still change our sightline.
Even when life feels out of control, shifting our gaze back to the One who saves us changes everything. The storm may not stop immediately, but His presence steadies us in it.
Keep your eyes on Jesus — the waves can’t drown you when He’s the one holding you up.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

still

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
- Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)
 
Welcome to November! It’s hard to believe we’re down to the last two months of 2025. Honestly, I’m okay with that. It’s been a rough year. Recently, a dear friend passed away, and my cousin lost her son. Countless friends have said goodbye to loved ones, and honestly—it hurts. It’s been a season of grief and uncertainty, and sometimes it just feels like too much.
In the craziness of today’s world, when we are surrounded by loss, noise, and endless demands, we all need a break.
A break from the chaos.
A break from the news.
A break from doing.
We need time to simply be.
Give yourself permission to be still. Let the peace of God fill your heart. Breathe deeply, and become aware of His presence—He is all around you.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not good at slowing down. I’m one of those people who can’t sit still. My husband used to laugh because I couldn’t just watch television—I had to be folding laundry, checking emails, or making lists. I’m wired to do everything until it’s all done… and truthfully, it’s never all done.
But there comes a point when we have to stop.
The laundry can wait.
The grocery list can wait.
That email or report (yes, even the TPS one from Office Space!) can wait.
We tell ourselves we’ll make time for what’s important—but we rarely do.
So take ten minutes. Just ten.
Breathe.
Be still.
Let His peace wash over you.
Listen to the wind.
Listen to the rain.
Listen to His creation speaking quietly around you.
Be still—and know that He is God.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible