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.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
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.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
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.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
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 

a grateful heart

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
 
Did y'all notice that it's summertime?
This past Sunday was both Father's Day and the Summer Solstice, the official start of summer. Just like that, the season of vacations, family gatherings, motorcycle rides, ballgames, camping trips, church events, and community activities is upon us.
Not that my calendar needed any help filling up.
Who am I kidding? My calendar is always full.
But you know what? That makes me happy.
When I finally fall into bed exhausted at the end of the day, I'm usually tired for a good reason. It means I spent time with people I love. It means I was part of something bigger than myself. It means there were memories made, conversations shared, and moments that mattered.
Now, don't get me wrong. I stress about things. A lot.
Especially when I'm the one responsible for all the details. The planning, organizing, coordinating, setup, execution, and cleanup. Sometimes I think I spend more time making lists than actually doing the thing that's on the list.
But if I'm being honest, I'm kind of good at it.
And even when it feels overwhelming, I wouldn't trade it.
I suppose I could choose a different path. I could be angry about the demands on my time. I could refuse to volunteer. I could avoid commitments. I could seclude myself from the world and spend all my time with my cats.
As appealing as that sounds on some days, where's the fun in that?
God created us for relationships. He created us for community. He created us to share life with family, friends, neighbors, church members, coworkers, and even the occasional stranger who becomes a friend.
The busy schedules, the events, the gatherings, the phone calls, the road trips, the dinners, the celebrations, and even the responsibilities that come with them are reminders that we are blessed with people to love and people who love us.
And that is something worth being thankful for.
At the end of the week, I can look back and be thankful for the God who makes the impossible possible, for the faith that has grown over the years, for the privilege of prayer, and for the people He has placed in my life. Gratitude doesn't mean life is perfect. It means recognizing God's goodness in the middle of real life.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

community

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
- Hebrews 10:24-25
 
I am going to totally age myself here, but do you remember the old Life cereal commercial? The one where the kids are trying to get someone else to taste it because, according to them, "he won't eat it, he hates everything!" Then the little boy takes a bite, then another, and suddenly everyone is shouting, "He likes it! Hey Mikey!"
Of course, every kid in America immediately needed a box of Life cereal. At least that's how it seemed.
Growing up, Saturday mornings were sacred. We'd sit in the living room in our pajamas with a bowl of cereal and watch cartoons for hours. Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, and all the other classics. And let's not forget the commercials. Every toy, game, and gadget was presented as the coolest thing on the planet. Kids everywhere begged their parents for whatever had been advertised between cartoons.
Fast forward to adulthood, and not much has changed. Advertising still influences what we buy, where we eat, what we watch, and even what we believe about products and companies. Good advertising can make a product a household name. Bad advertising can sink a company.
For the record, not all advertising works on me. In fact, some commercials have the exact opposite effect. If your marketing strategy depends on cute pets or children who have nothing to do with the service you're providing, I'm probably tuning out. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd rather hear why your business is great than be convinced by a barking dog or an adorable kid reading a script.
But that got me thinking. What if our faith in God was based on advertising?
In some ways, it already is.
How did you first hear about God? Was it because your family took you to church every Sunday? Was it a friend who invited you to a service or Bible study? Maybe you drove past a church and saw a sign for an event that caught your attention. Maybe someone shared their testimony. Maybe you saw a group of bikers gathered in a parking lot with their heads bowed in prayer and wondered what that was all about.
Most of us didn't come to faith in a vacuum. God used people to point us toward Him.
That's why community matters.
Community is the group of people you call when life falls apart. They're the ones who celebrate your victories, pray through your struggles, and show up when you need a helping hand. Community is who you run to when you need support, and it's who you run to when they need support.
As Christians, we're called to do life together. We're meant to encourage one another, help one another, pray for one another, and sometimes simply sit beside one another when words aren't enough.
The world tells us to be independent and handle everything ourselves. God tells us to carry each other's burdens.
Every day, in every season, and for every purpose, God places people in our lives and calls us to care for one another.
That's the kind of advertising I can get behind.
When people see love, kindness, compassion, generosity, and faith lived out in a community of believers, they're seeing a glimpse of Jesus.
And that's something worth sharing.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

how can i pray for you?

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
- Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
 
Have you ever noticed that when someone shares heartbreaking news or posts about a difficult situation on social media, one of the first responses is often, "I'm praying for you"?
I think that's a beautiful thing. In a world that can sometimes feel divided and disconnected, it's encouraging to know that people still want to lift one another up in prayer.
But here's the million-dollar question: Are we really praying for them, or have those words become a habit we type without much thought?
A friend once told me that whenever she tells someone she's praying for them, she immediately stops what she's doing and prays right then and there. I admire that. It's a wonderful practice. At the same time, life isn't always conducive to dropping everything in the moment.
Years ago, I started keeping a prayer list. I wrote down names, situations, concerns, and requests. Over time, I filled a lot of pages. Every day during my quiet time with God, I would read through those names and needs. I even added praises when prayers were answered so I could remember God's faithfulness.
Was it the perfect way to pray? I don't know.
Was it enough? I don't know that either.
What I do know is this: God hears every prayer.
The prayers whispered through tears.
The prayers spoken from hospital rooms.
The prayers offered during long drives.
The prayers prayed by exhausted parents, worried grandparents, hurting friends, and faithful believers.
Sometimes God's answers are exactly what we hoped for. Sometimes His answers look very different from what we expected. Sometimes the answer takes longer than we would like. But there has never been a prayer that God didn't hear.
Prayer isn't about finding the perfect words. It's about bringing our hearts before a loving Father who cares about every detail of our lives.
So today, instead of simply saying, "I'm praying for you," let's make sure we actually do it.
And while we're at it, maybe we should ask one simple question more often:
How can I pray for you?
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

faith that grows

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
- Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
 
Faith is a funny thing. For some people, it seems like they have known Jesus for as long as they can remember. For others, faith grows over time, one step at a time.
I fall into that second category.
I didn't grow up in the faith. I went to church occasionally and attended Sunday school and Vacation Bible School at different churches. I remember spending time in Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches growing up. Through grade school and part of high school, I was active with the youth group at a Presbyterian church. Looking back, I learned a lot about God, but I can't honestly say I knew Him personally or had a relationship with Jesus.
That began to change in my twenties when a wonderful friend invited me to her church. There, I started learning what it meant to be a child of God. The Pentecostal church laid an important foundation in my faith journey and helped me begin to understand that God wasn't distant—He wanted a relationship with me.
But if I'm being honest, the people who have had the biggest impact on shaping my faith are my in-laws.
Over the years, I've watched them live out their faith every day. Not just Mom and Dad, but their children, siblings, and parents as well. They showed me that following Jesus isn't something you do only on Sunday mornings. It's how you treat people, how you handle hardships, how you serve others, and how you trust God when life doesn't make sense.
And life hasn't always made sense.
I've been through some things that should have broken me. I've survived situations I probably shouldn't have survived. There were times when I couldn't see the road ahead and didn't understand why God allowed certain things to happen. But through it all, my faith continued to grow.
Not because I had all the answers, but because I learned to trust the One who does.
Faith isn't about having a perfect past or knowing everything there is to know about God. It's about taking the next step, trusting Him a little more today than you did yesterday, and allowing Him to work in your life through His Word and through the people He places around you.
And for that, I am incredibly grateful.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

I Know a Guy

Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'
- Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
 
I was at a rally recently and saw a T-shirt that made me smile. It simply said, "I can't, but I know a Guy." Underneath was a cross.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized how true that is.
We all have dreams, goals, and aspirations. Some are attainable, and some may remain dreams. As much as I love music, I know I'm probably never going to be a top-ten recording artist or a famous songwriter. I love cats and would love to find every cat a loving home, but opening my own cat café adoption center is probably not in the cards either.
But then there are the things I never expected.
I once aspired to be a writer. I didn't become a bestselling author, but here I am writing these daily posts, and I am continually humbled when someone tells me that a devotion touched them exactly when they needed it.
I never imagined myself riding a motorcycle. Yet today, some of my favorite memories and closest friendships have come through life on two wheels.
After raising three boys, I thought I had missed out on all the hair bows, painted nails, pretty dresses, and "girl days." Then God blessed me with the sweetest granddaughter—and her amazing momma—and suddenly I get to enjoy all those things after all.
Maybe that's part of what Jesus meant when He said that with God all things are possible. It doesn't always mean we get exactly what we imagined. Sometimes it means God opens doors we never thought to knock on. Sometimes He fulfills a desire in a completely different way than we expected. Sometimes He takes a dream that seemed impossible and turns it into a reality we never saw coming.
When we reach the end of what we can do, we can remember: we know a Guy.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible
 

business trips

If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.”
- Isaiah 30:21 (GNT)
 
On the road again.
Business trips are exciting, stressful, exhausting, educational, and full of opportunities to meet people and build connections that hopefully turn into future business. Starting a business is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Honestly, I have never really considered myself a “people person,” so stepping into this kind of work stretches me outside my comfort zone quite a bit.
I have tried business ventures before — the kinds where companies promise to “set you up for success.” Things seemed to go well… until they didn’t. Eventually I found myself spending more than I was making and wondering what went wrong.
But this feels different.
This time I am more invested. More hopeful. More willing to step out in faith.
Surface 2 Sky Productions started as just an idea, but God often does His best work when we are willing to move from the “surface” level into something bigger than we ever imagined.
Sometimes faith looks like saying yes when things still feel uncertain.
It looks like long drives and longer nights. It looks like learning as you go, meeting new people, and trusting God with the next mile instead of demanding to see the whole map ahead of time.
Over the next week we will be working events, building community connections, and chasing a dream together. And honestly, one of my favorite parts is simply getting to do it beside my handsome and amazing husband.
I do not know exactly where this road will lead, but I know Who is leading us.
And that makes all the difference.
See you on the 22nd, friends.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

detours

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
- Psalm 37:23 (NLT)
 
Recalculating.
That is such a cringey word when you are traveling. Maybe there is a detour, a missed turn, or a road you thought you knew suddenly is not the road you are supposed to take anymore.
Our GPS can get pretty agitated when we do not follow her route exactly. And then there are the new roads the GPS does not even acknowledge, so the screen just shows you wandering off-road through the wilderness.
Sometimes detours are fun. You see things you would have missed on your normal route. Other times, detours are just annoying. They slow us down, change our plans, and make us wonder why we could not just keep going the way we intended.
But there is often a reason for a detour. It may be traffic, construction, danger ahead, or something we cannot see from where we are.
Life works that way too.
Sometimes God reroutes us because He sees farther down the road than we do. What feels like an interruption may actually be protection. What feels like a delay may be direction. What feels like the wrong road may be the very path God uses to lead us somewhere beautiful.
Take a minute and think about an unexpected detour in your life. Where did it lead you?
My favorite detour was the one that led me to my husband.
God is not confused by our missed turns, changed plans, or unexpected roads. He delights in every detail of our lives, and He knows exactly how to guide us home.
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

loved

We love because he first loved us.
- 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
 
Most of my life, I have had pets. Over the years, many little critters have left pawprints on my heart — cats, dogs, hamsters, bunnies, and even fish. (Although honestly, I’m still not fully convinced the fish cared.)
And while some people may disagree with me, I think even my “Backyardigans” — the raccoons, opossums, stray cats, and occasional fox — feel at least a tiny bit of love toward me because I faithfully put food out for them. They show up at the door if the food is missing, so they have to know who takes care of them.
But back to pets.
These animals that we welcome into our homes love us in such a pure and uncomplicated way. When you come home after a long day, they greet you at the door with excited little faces and wagging tails or loud purrs. They do not care what you accomplished that day. They do not care what mood you are in. They do not care about your title, your failures, or what size your jeans are.
They just love you.
There have been many moments in my life when I have sat on the couch with tears streaming down my face, and one of my beloved pets climbed up beside me just to sit quietly near me.
Just to be there.
They show up.
They stay close.
They love us no matter what.
And honestly… who does that sound like?
God.
God is there no matter what. He sits with us in our sadness, celebrates our victories, comforts us in our grief, and walks beside us through every season of life. We do not have to earn His love by being perfect or successful. He simply loves us because we are His.
Maybe one of the reasons animals touch our hearts so deeply is because they give us a glimpse of the kind of unconditional love God has for us every single day.
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

go away, anger

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
- Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)
 
I am a horrible example of not holding a grudge.
I’m honestly ashamed to admit that there are hurts I have carried much longer than I should have. Even recently.
A close friend responded to something in a way that hurt me deeply, and instead of dealing with it well, I let it settle into my heart. Looking back now, it really was not that big of a thing… but I sure made it big.
I became passive in little ways. Conversations changed. Interactions changed. The crack in our friendship slowly widened into a chasm.
The worst part? I’m not even sure my friend knows what they did that hurt me. So now we sit in this strange place where neither one of us knows how to apologize for something the other person may not even fully understand.
Do we just sweep it under the rug and pretend it never happened? Do we sit down and have an uncomfortable conversation and see if it’s even possible to step out of the hurt?
Anger is sneaky like that. It rarely explodes all at once. Most of the time it grows quietly in the background until one day we realize it has taken root deeper than we ever intended.
And the truth is… this isn’t really about me winning. It isn’t about proving who was right or wrong. It’s about Jesus. It’s about whether I am willing to live out the same grace and forgiveness that He continually gives to me.
Forgiveness does not mean pretending pain never existed. Sometimes it simply means choosing that the relationship matters more than the hurt.
I don’t know exactly how this story ends yet. But I do know that bitterness has never healed a single relationship. Grace has.
And I hope it still can.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

rain

He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.
- Psalm 147:8 (NLT)
 
April showers bring — wait, it’s June. Aren’t we supposed to be moving into gloriously sunny days by now?
That was not how my Sunday went.
The forecast seemed pretty confident that I would safely be able to ride my motorcycle to church and lunch before the rain moved in later in the afternoon. Apparently the forecast lied. We were only a couple miles from home when the first few sprinkles started to fall.
At first it wasn’t bad. A little sprinkle while riding can actually feel refreshing. Then came the downpour.
And of course, the car in front of us immediately dropped to 25 in a 40 because around here the mindset often seems to be, “Oh my goodness, the roads are wet, we must panic.” Then while sitting at a stoplight, an RV went flying past and sent a giant splash of water all over me from the road.
By the time we got home I was cold, soaked, and honestly looked like I had lost a fight with a swimming pool.
But you know what? I was smiling.
Somewhere between the lowered visibility, the nervous drivers, and being completely drenched, I realized how blessed I was. I was riding beside the man I love, coming home from church and lunch with my CMA family, laughing in the rain instead of complaining about it.
Life does that sometimes. We pray for sunshine and get storms instead. We expect smooth roads and end up soaked, uncomfortable, and wondering why the forecast changed so quickly. But even rainy days can become good memories when we stop focusing only on the inconvenience and start noticing the blessing in the middle of it.
Psalm 147 reminds us that God sends the rain too. Not just the sunshine. The rain waters the ground, helps things grow, and reminds us we are never really in control of the forecast anyway.
Sometimes the unexpected downpour becomes the part of the story that makes us smile later.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

joy

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
— Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)
 
Summer is here, kids are out of school, and everything slows down for a heartbeat.
Ummmm…nothing could be further from the truth.
Summer somehow becomes its own kind of busy. Family picnics, vacations, church events, motorcycle rides, ballgames, camping trips, activities for the grandkids…sometimes when I look at the calendar trying to plan something, it’s almost disappointing to realize there’s barely an open day left.
There is always something going on.
But you know what? I’m actually thankful for that.
Because when my calendar is full, it means my life is full of blessings too.
When there are games or school events to attend, it means I have grandchildren who still want MeowMeow there cheering them on.
When there’s a church event, it means I have a church family and a place to belong.
When there’s a motorcycle ride or CMA event, it means I get to spend time doing something I love with people who feel like family.
When there’s a trip planned, it means I get to experience life alongside my handsome and amazing husband, the love of my life.
And some of my favorite moments aren’t even the big planned events.
They’re the quiet ones.
Watching a sunrise or sunset while camping.
Sitting around after a long day talking and laughing.
Watching the grandkids learn something new — riding their bikes, mastering a 4-wheeler, or accomplishing something they didn’t think they could do — and seeing their faces light up with pride and excitement.
Those are the moments that remind me life is good.
Not perfect. Not stress-free. Not always easy.
But good.
Sometimes we spend so much time wishing for “more free time” that we forget that being busy often comes from being surrounded by people, purpose, love, and opportunities we would deeply miss if they were gone.
Psalm 118:24 reminds us to rejoice in the day God has given us. Not someday. Not when life finally slows down. Today.
Even in the busy seasons - especially in the busy seasons.
Because one day we may look back and realize these were the moments we’ll treasure most.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

routine

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
 
I have talked before about the old Dunkin’ Donuts commercial back in the 1980s where a sleepy guy would drag himself out of bed at something like 2:00 in the morning saying, “Time to make the donuts.” The commercial would show him doing the same thing day after day — getting up, making donuts, coming home, sleeping, and repeating the cycle over and over until eventually he passed himself coming and going. 
Honestly…sometimes life feels like that.
My husband and I were doing one of those random internet couple quizzes on a long drive the other day, and one question asked what chore we hated the most. His answer was the chores that you have to do and then undo repeatedly — like holiday decorations. You spend hours putting everything up, only to turn around a few weeks later and pack it all back down again.
For me, it’s the “redo” chores: Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, cleaning things that somehow immediately become dirty again.
You wash the clothes so everyone can wear them and put them back into the dirty laundry pile. You wash dishes so people can eat and make more dishes. Sometimes it feels like life is just one endless loop of redoing the same tasks over and over.
Routine can be comforting…but sometimes routine feels heavy.
Especially when you live with chronic pain or exhaustion and still have to keep showing up anyway. Fibromyalgia is no joke, y’all. Some days even simple tasks feel bigger than they should.
And fostering kittens? Oh, the joy is real. Watching tiny kittens play, grow, and learn to trust people is one of the sweetest things ever. But the cleanup? Endless. Food bowls, litter boxes, blankets, messes…repeat forever. 
But here’s the thing: even the repetitive work has purpose.
The laundry means we have clothes to wear.
The dishes mean people gathered to eat together.
The decorations mean memories were made.
The kitten mess means little lives were saved and loved.
The routines we sometimes dread are often evidence of blessings we once prayed for.
Galatians reminds us not to grow weary in doing good. That doesn’t mean we won’t get tired. It simply means the work still matters, even when it feels repetitive or unnoticed.
Sometimes the holiest things we do are not flashy at all. Sometimes faithfulness looks like folding laundry, feeding kittens, showing up to work, or taking care of people while quietly carrying our own struggles.
God sees every unseen act of love.
Even the redo’s.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

it matters

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.
— Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)
 
Wednesday is always the interesting middle child of the week anyway. Not the fresh start of Monday, not the “almost there” feeling of Friday. Just sitting there like, “Well…guess we keep going.” 
Sometimes faith feels like that too. Not always huge mountaintop moments or dramatic life-changing events. Sometimes it’s simply continuing on, one small step at a time.
I’ve been writing these “Daily Bread” messages since 2009. It started very simply — sharing Bible verses that others sent me each day. Then over time I began writing my own thoughts about the verses. Then I started noticing the connections…how God meets us everywhere, even in the little moments when we least expect Him to be there.
What began as sharing scripture with a few friends slowly grew into daily emails, text messages, blog posts, a Facebook group, and other social media platforms. Honestly, there are still days when I feel like I just don’t have it in me to write. Days where I wonder if anybody is even reading anymore and I consider stopping altogether.
And then a message comes through.
“I needed that today.”
“Your post hit the nail on the head.”
“Thank you…that helped more than you know.”
It’s the little things.
Small reminders that we are not alone in this world. Small moments that point people back toward hope. Tiny acts of obedience that God somehow turns into encouragement for someone else.
I think sometimes we underestimate how much little things matter to God.
A kind word, a short prayer, a text message,  a smile, a Bible verse shared at the right moment, a reminder that we do not have to be perfect for God to love us.
Most of us are not called to change the entire world overnight. But we are called to keep showing up faithfully in the small things.
And the beautiful part is that God often works through those ordinary moments in extraordinary ways.
You may never fully know how one small act of kindness, encouragement, or faithfulness impacts another person. But God knows.
So if you’re feeling unnoticed today, remember this: little things matter more than we realize.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

running on empty

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
— Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
 
Good grief…it’s only Tuesday.
How is it possible to feel more tired after a break than before we took one? Even weekends never seem long enough. Personally, I firmly believe in a 4-day work week with a 3-day weekend every week…even though I’ve never actually had that schedule. And while we’re at it, I also think retirement should happen around age 50 so people can actually enjoy life a little. But I digress. 
The truth is, we are a society that never stops moving.
All the conveniences that were supposed to make life easier somehow seem to add even more work. Take cell phones and computers for example. We can now be reached anytime, anywhere. Work follows us home, into waiting rooms, onto vacations, and sometimes even into bed at night when we check “just one more thing.”
And interestingly enough, when computers first became common, people thought offices would become “paperless.” Instead, paper use actually increased for many years because suddenly everyone could print emails, reports, manuals, guides, drafts, spreadsheets, and copies of everything imaginable. Technology made producing information faster, but not necessarily simpler.
No wonder we are mentally and emotionally exhausted sometimes. We never fully unplug.
Even Jesus stepped away from the crowds to rest and pray. If the Son of God needed quiet moments to recharge, maybe we shouldn’t feel guilty for needing them too.
The problem is many of us keep running on empty spiritually, emotionally, and physically because we think slowing down means weakness. But God never designed us to carry nonstop stress without rest.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us where true renewal comes from. Not another energy drink. Not another vacation. Not another perfectly organized calendar.
Real strength comes from the Lord.
That doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes less busy. But it does mean we don’t have to carry it all alone.
So if you’re feeling tired this Tuesday, maybe this is your reminder to pause for a moment. Breathe. Pray. Step away from the noise for a few minutes and let God refill what the world keeps draining.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

back at it

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
— Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
 
There’s nothing like a 4-day weekend to rejuvenate your mind. Getting out of the house, away from the normal routine, can do wonders for the soul. This past week for us meant setting up the RV and spending three days just breathing a little deeper and relaxing a little more.
I mess up my words sometimes, and once I told my husband that my favorite part about camping was taking time to “decompose.” What I meant was decompress…but honestly after some work weeks, maybe both apply.
There’s something peaceful about slowing down long enough to hear yourself think again. No rushing. No alarms. No endless notifications demanding your attention every five minutes. Just quiet mornings, fresh air, and those little “ahhhh” moments that remind you life is more than schedules and stress.
But then comes that last morning.
You wake up knowing it’s time to pack everything up and head home. Suddenly the peaceful weekend gives way to laundry piles, unpacking, unfinished chores, overflowing emails, notifications, and trying to remember passwords you somehow forgot in only four days. Then Monday shows up whether we’re ready or not.
Sometimes I think we wish we could stay in those peaceful moments forever. But real life keeps moving.
The beautiful thing is this: God doesn’t only meet us in the quiet campground moments. He goes with us into the ordinary too. Into the offices, kitchens, traffic jams, laundry rooms, meetings, and routines.
Faith isn’t only found in the big moments away from reality. Sometimes it’s found in simply showing up on Monday with a grateful heart and trusting God to walk with us through another week.
So today, as you ease back into the swing of things, remember you are not doing it alone.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

out of office

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.
- Mark 6:31 (NIV)
 
Have you ever gone into complete panic mode because you lost your phone? Your connection to work, family, weather alerts, news, social media — suddenly gone? Only to realize you were using the flashlight on your phone to look for your missing phone? Or maybe you were talking to someone on your phone while searching for your phone?
I admit it has happened to me more than once.
We live in a world where everyone is expected to always be available. Through many of my work roles over the years, I’ve carried pagers, emergency phones, and had bosses who could call at any time to pull me into a focus room when something went wrong. For years I slept with my phone volume turned all the way up “just in case” something happened at work or with family. We become so connected to the world around us that silence can actually make us uncomfortable.
The first time I went on a vacation where there was no cell service, no Wi-Fi, no connection at all, my panic level was sky high. What if someone needed me? What if work fell apart? What if something happened?
But you know what?
When I returned to civilization four days later, nothing was permanently broken. The world was still turning, and people were still peopling.
Somewhere along the way, we started believing that rest equals laziness, but that isn’t true at all. Even Jesus stepped away sometimes. In the middle of teaching, healing, crowds, and constant demands, He told His disciples to come away to a quiet place and rest. If the Son of God made time to step away from the noise, maybe we need to as well.
God often speaks in quiet places. Not always through notifications, alarms, crowded schedules, or endless scrolling — but in stillness. In deep breaths. In sunsets. In conversations around campfires. In moments where the world grows quiet enough for us to hear Him again.
So for the next couple of days, this little Daily Bread corner will be “out of office.” Take care of yourselves, enjoy the people around you, breathe deeply, rest well… and I’ll meet you back here Monday. 💙
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

taste and see

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.
- Psalm 34:8 (NIV)
 
It’s Taco Tuesday!
I remember when I was a teenager there was a fast-food chain that advertised “Taco Twosday” — two tacos for 99 cents. For a lot of families, it became a tradition that still continues today. (And honestly, I still miss the Potato Olés from that place.)
It’s interesting how food becomes tied to comfort, tradition, and memories. Some foods immediately make us think of certain people or moments in life. My grandmother made the best coconut cream pie. My mother-in-law makes all kinds of amazing foods — some recipes passed down for generations like currant biscuits and lefse, and others that may be uniquely hers, like rhubarb custard pie and her famous bean dish.
Somewhere along the way, my own contributions to family favorites became chicken and rice and chicken parmesan. My future daughter-in-law makes a Mexican chicken dish that is absolutely delicious.
And then there are the foods that seem woven into life itself: Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey, Easter ham, birthday cakes, hot dogs at baseball games, and all the picnic foods that show up during summer gatherings.
Food has a way of bringing people together around a table to laugh, tell stories, and make more memories. God designed us for connection, and some of the sweetest moments in life happen while sharing a meal with people we love.
But while we spend time thinking about what nourishes our bodies, we also need to remember our spiritual nourishment. A good meal satisfies us for a little while, but only God can truly fill the deeper hunger in our hearts.
Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” What an invitation that is. God doesn’t just want us to know about Him from a distance. He invites us to experience His goodness personally — to sit at His table, to receive His grace, and to find comfort and satisfaction in Him.
So whether today includes tacos, leftovers, or a drive-thru meal on the way home from work, take a moment to thank God not only for daily bread, but for the spiritual nourishment only He can provide.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible