home

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
- Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)
 
There is just something about coffee in Iowa. Most people probably won't understand that, but for me, that first cup of coffee at my in-laws' house is pure peace.
From the family room table, I can look out over what we affectionately call "the jungle." My father-in-law faithfully keeps the bird feeders full, so there is always something to watch. Birds flit from branch to branch, squirrels put on their daily acrobatic show, and every now and then another woodland visitor (even cats!) makes an appearance. Inside, the house is filled with the smell of fresh coffee while my mother-in-law is already in the kitchen baking or preparing one of the family recipes we've all come to love.
It's one of my favorite places in the world.
I'm probably never moving back to Iowa, but I treasure every visit.
Over the years, I've been blessed to see every season from that same window. I've watched snow blanket the trees at Christmas, admired the blossoms of spring, enjoyed the lush green days of summer, and smiled as autumn painted the landscape in brilliant shades of gold and crimson. Each season has its own kind of beauty.
Some years, though, we haven't been able to make the trip. COVID kept us home one year. Surgery kept us home another. Those were disappointing seasons, especially when our hearts longed to be with family. But those missed trips also reminded me that joy isn't found in a place or a schedule. It's found in the God who faithfully walks with us wherever we are.
Habakkuk understood that kind of faith. He wrote about empty fields, missing crops, and seasons that looked anything but hopeful. Yet in the middle of it all, he declared, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord."
That's the kind of faith I want. A faith that gives thanks when the trip happens and a faith that still gives thanks when it doesn't.
Because my joy isn't rooted in perfect plans, favorite places, or familiar traditions - it's rooted in a faithful God who never changes.
Whether I'm sipping coffee in Iowa, sitting on my own back porch in Arkansas, or simply remembering the blessings of years gone by, I know this: God has been good in every season.
And He will be good in the seasons still to come.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

journey

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
- Romans 8:28 (NIV)
 
One of my favorite weekends of the year is almost here—the annual quilt auction at Ingham Okoboji Bible Camp.
Over the years, it has become much more than a fundraiser. It's a family tradition. We spend the weekend at camp enjoying a Scandinavian dinner, listening to an incredible lakeside piano concert, cheering on runners in the 5K, bidding on beautiful handmade quilts, and most importantly, laughing with family and friends who have become family over the years. Some of my favorite memories have been made there.
For a long time, we built our vacation around that weekend. We'd spend a few days in Iowa, then head to Sturgis for the motorcycle rally before making our way to my husband's hometown for a week of relaxing before heading back home.
Every year looked a little different. Some years we rode our motorcycles the entire trip. Some years—yes, I'll admit it—we hauled our Harleys on a trailer. (I know... the shame!) A few years we even took the RV and made a whole new adventure out of it. The destination stayed the same, but the journey changed.
The last couple of years, though, we haven't been able to make the Sturgis trip or spend that extra week in Iowa. If I'm honest, that makes me a little sad.
It's easy to focus on what isn't happening anymore instead of appreciating what still is. But as I've thought about it, I've realized something important.
I may only see the part of the journey that's changed. God sees the entire road.
Maybe there are reasons I don't understand yet. Maybe He's protecting us from something we'll never know about. Maybe He's opening the door to a new tradition or a different adventure that we haven't discovered yet.
Romans 8:28 doesn't promise that everything will go according to my plans.
It promises that God is working through all things.
The joyful seasons, the disappointing seasons, the detours, the changes we never would have chosen.
Looking back over my life, I can see so many moments that didn't make sense at the time. If I had judged God's faithfulness by a single season, I would have missed the incredible story He was writing over the years. I'm thankful that God isn't just interested in one destination. He's interested in the whole journey.
And somehow, every mile—whether it's on a motorcycle, in an RV, or simply walking by faith—becomes part of the beautiful story He's creating.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

wait

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
- Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
 
My first job in corporate America was with Gateway Computers. Remember the cow-spotted boxes? Yep... I was one of the people on the other end of the phone.
Gateway was founded by Ted Waitt, and customer service was a huge focus of the company. Like many call centers, we were trained to answer calls quickly, gather information, and, when necessary, politely ask customers to hold while we found the right person to help them.
One story from our training has stuck with me for decades.
A representative answered a call and asked the customer if he would mind holding for just a moment.
The customer snapped back, "Wait, wait, wait! That's all I ever do! I want to speak to the president of the company. What's his name?"
The representative replied, "His name is Ted Waitt, sir."
After a long pause, the customer answered, "Well... that's appropriate!"
I still laugh every time I think about it.
The truth is, none of us likes to wait.
We wait for doctor's appointments, test results, job opportunities, repairs to be finished, and traffic to move. We stand in grocery store lines, wait for customer service to answer the phone, and count down the days until vacations, holidays, or family visits. Technology has certainly helped. We have telehealth appointments, self-checkout lanes, online ordering, and instant messaging, all designed to make us wait a little less.
Yet somehow... we're still waiting.
The hardest waiting, though, isn't standing in line. It's waiting on God.
Waiting for an answer, for healing, for direction, waiting for the next chapter to begin.
Psalm 27 doesn't simply tell us to wait—it tells us to "be strong and take heart." That's because waiting isn't passive. It's an active choice to trust that God is working, even when we can't yet see what He's doing.
Sometimes, God's greatest work happens in the waiting.
Waiting for a new job may help us appreciate the one we have today.
Waiting in traffic might delay us just long enough to avoid an accident we'll never know about.
Waiting through a difficult season can strengthen our faith in ways comfort never could.
Looking back over my own life, I can see so many times when I wanted God to hurry. At the time, I couldn't understand why the answer wasn't coming faster. But later, I realized His timing was protecting me, preparing me, or simply teaching me to trust Him a little more.
Maybe you're in a season of waiting today.
If you are, remember that while you may feel like nothing is happening, God is never standing still. He is working behind the scenes in ways we can't yet imagine.
His timing has always been better than mine... even when I had to wait for it.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

forgive

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
- Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
 
Sunday, we visited a new church. It was a small congregation, but the message was anything but small. The pastor spoke about forgiveness through the parable of the unmerciful servant, and I've been thinking about it ever since.
He shared an illustration that really stuck with me.
Imagine a friend says, "I have a 40-foot pontoon boat, and I want to give it to you. No strings attached."
At first, that sounds like an incredible gift. But then reality sets in. You have to insure it, store it, maintain it, fuel it, clean it, and repair it. Suddenly that "free" boat isn't quite as free as it first appeared.
Then the pastor compared that free boat to salvation.
Before we met Jesus, we owed a debt we could never repay. In the parable, the servant owed his master an amount so enormous that he could have worked his entire life and still never paid it back. When he begged for mercy, the master forgave the entire debt.
What should have happened next?
Gratitude. Humility. Mercy.
Instead, the servant immediately demanded payment from someone who owed him a tiny fraction of what he himself had just been forgiven.
How often do we do the same thing?
We hold on to harsh words, broken promises, betrayals, and old wounds, all while forgetting the immeasurable debt Christ has already forgiven in us.
Salvation truly is a free gift. We could never earn it, and we could never repay it. But receiving that gift changes us. When we begin to understand the depth of God's mercy toward us, we can't keep extending bitterness to others. We are called to extend the same grace we have been given.
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we'll ever do. It doesn't excuse what happened, erase the hurt, or mean there are never consequences. Sometimes forgiveness is a process that takes time. But God never asks us to give what He hasn't already given us first.
Today, if there's someone you've struggled to forgive, remember the grace you've received. The cross reminds us that while forgiveness is costly, Jesus already paid the price.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

even if

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
- Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV)
 
Have you ever noticed how much of life is spent saying, "I thought this would be finished by now?"
I thought the repair would be done, or this season would be over.
I thought the prayer would be answered and life would be a little easier by now.
Friday after work I picked up my vehicle, thankful to finally have it back. I didn't even make it out of the parking lot before I heard that familiar grinding noise coming from the front. Needless to say, it goes back to the shop today. It's disappointing, but if I'm honest, that's life. Things don't always happen on our schedule.
Friday night, my wonderful and amazing husband surprised me with a backyard date night. We watched I Can Only Imagine 2. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. The movie hit a little close to home as Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe, walks through his son's diabetes diagnosis while also facing a close friend's battle with cancer.
By the end of the movie, the song "Even If" takes on an even deeper meaning.
Faith isn't just believing that God can do something. Sometimes faith is trusting Him... even if He doesn't do it the way—or when—we hoped.
That reminded me of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Rack, Shack and Benny for us Veggie Tales fans!) in Daniel 3. Standing before King Nebuchadnezzar, they boldly declared that God was able to rescue them from the fiery furnace. But then they said something even more remarkable:
"But even if He does not..."
Their faith wasn't dependent on the outcome. They trusted God's character more than they trusted their circumstances.
That's a challenging kind of faith.
It's easy to trust God when the repairs are finished, the test results come back clear, the prayers are answered the way we hoped, and life falls neatly into place. But faith grows deepest when we can still say, "Lord, I know You are able... but even if things don't go the way I planned, I will still trust You."
Today, whatever your "even if" may be, remember that God's goodness isn't measured by whether everything works out according to our timeline. His presence, His love, and His promises remain faithful through every unexpected detour.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

holding both

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
- Romans 12:15 (NIV)
 
Well... we made it to Friday. The last two weeks have held a plethora of emotions. One day you're in a pool with your grandkids, laughing until your sides hurt. The next, you're praying over a friend with a difficult diagnosis. In between, you're dealing with everyday frustrations like car repairs and watching the weather radar.
Life rarely gives us a week that's all joy or all hardship. More often, it serves both at the same table.
The beautiful thing is that God is present for every conversation around that table. He celebrates with us when we laugh, and He sits beside us when we cry.
I think there are a couple of ways we can choose to live.
We can pretend everything is wonderful, putting on a smile while hiding the hard parts. Or we can become so consumed by life's struggles that we begin to believe everything is terrible.
Neither one tells the whole story. The better way is to hold both: gratitude and grief, hope and uncertainty, blessings and burdens.
Real faith doesn't require us to ignore pain, and it doesn't ask us to overlook the blessings either. It gives us permission to celebrate the good gifts God gives us while honestly bringing Him the things that break our hearts.
Wherever we find ourselves, it's important to keep the Lord at the center of our lives through every emotion. He doesn't ask us to have all the answers or to always understand His plan. He simply asks us to trust Him enough to walk with Him through it all.
As I look back on this week, I realize it wasn't perfect—and maybe that's the point.
There were cannonballs into the pool and conversations that broke my heart.
There were friends gathered around the table and storms rolling across the sky.
There were unexpected expenses and unexpected blessings.
Through every high and every low, God never changed. He was just as present in the laughter as He was in the tears, and that's the kind of faithfulness I want to remember.
As we head into a new week, my prayer is that we won't miss God because we're only looking for Him in one kind of moment. He is with us in the celebrations, in the waiting rooms, in the repair shops, in the storm shelters, around the dinner table, and in every ordinary day in between.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible
 

peace in the storm

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
- Mark 4:39 (NIV)
 
Growing up in Iowa, tornadoes weren't uncommon. They were always scary, but somehow they always seemed to happen somewhere else. Even though we lived on the edge of what was known as "Tornado Alley," my family was never personally affected by one of those devastating storms.
Then we moved to Northwest Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service, the path of the most frequent and destructive tornadoes has been shifting eastward. States like Arkansas are now seeing more severe weather than they once did, and unfortunately, we've experienced that firsthand. Over the years, we've had storms that caused considerable damage to our own property.
Last week, another tornado tore through San Antonio, Texas. As I watched the news and saw the images of the destruction, my heart immediately went to several dear friends who live there. Before I knew anything else, I found myself praying. Thankfully, they are all safe.
As relieved as I was, it reminded me of something important. No matter how advanced our weather radar becomes, no matter how many alerts come across our phones, no matter how prepared we are, we cannot control the forecast.
The same is true in life. We can't control a diagnosis, we can't prevent every hardship, we can't stop every storm that comes our way.
We can prepare. We can be wise. We can have a plan. But some storms will still arrive without our permission.
When Jesus and His disciples were caught in a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples were terrified. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep in the boat. After they woke Him, He simply spoke four words: "Quiet! Be still!" The wind stopped, the waves settled, and peace replaced panic.
I've often wished Jesus would calm every storm in my life that quickly. Sometimes He does, sometimes He calms the storm around us - other times, He calms the fear within us while the storm continues to rage. Either way, His presence is what makes the difference.
Whether we're watching the weather radar, waiting for a phone call from the doctor, or facing some other uncertainty we never saw coming, we can trust that the One who commands the wind and the waves is still in the boat with us.
And somehow... that gives me peace.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

let someone carry you

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
- Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
 
There are certain sounds you never want to hear while you're driving your vehicle: a squeal, a clunk; a grinding noise.
The worst part? Trying to explain that sound to a mechanic. Let's be honest, it's not always easy for a woman to describe a mysterious noise without feeling like she's being looked at as if she has two heads! I usually resort to making the sound myself... and somehow that never seems to help.
So, my primary method of transportation has been sitting at the mechanic's shop since last Wednesday.
Ugh.
One day I'm running my own errands, driving myself to work, and coming and going whenever I please. The next day I'm asking for rides, borrowing a vehicle, rearranging appointments, and depending on someone else. I don't like it.
I've worked hard these last several years to regain my self-sufficiency. After breaking my leg in 2019, enduring surgery, battling an infection, and nearly losing my life to pulmonary embolisms, simply getting back to where I could do things on my own again felt like a tremendous victory. My freedom wasn't something I took for granted anymore.
So having to rely on someone else—even for something as simple as getting to work—has been harder than I expected. Now, don't get me wrong. I truly enjoy the extra time I get to spend with my handsome husband as he chauffeurs me to and from work. Those extra conversations are a blessing I wouldn't have had otherwise.
But I still catch myself thinking, I hate feeling like I'm a burden. The truth is, I'm probably the only one thinking that. He's never complained. He's never made me feel guilty. He's simply adjusted his schedule because that's what people who love each other do.
Galatians 6:2 tells us to "Carry each other's burdens." We often picture that verse applying to life's biggest hardships—a serious illness, the loss of a loved one, or a financial crisis. But maybe it also applies to the everyday inconveniences. Maybe carrying someone's burden looks like driving them to work, picking up groceries, watching their kids for an afternoon, or simply being available when they're needed.
Here's the part God has been working on in me this week: sometimes being willing to accept help is just as important as being willing to give it.
Most of us don't mind helping others. In fact, we enjoy it. But when the tables are turned, we suddenly feel like we're inconveniencing everyone around us.
Maybe that's because we forget that allowing someone to help us gives them the opportunity to live out the very verse we're reading today.
One day my vehicle will be fixed, and I'll be back to driving myself wherever I need to go. Until then, maybe my lesson isn't about transportation at all.
Maybe it's about learning that sometimes God carries our burdens through the hands of the people who love us.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

a very present help

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
- Psalm 46:1(NIV)
 
Not every day is filled with joy. As much as we wish life could be one celebration after another, there are days when our phones ring with news we never wanted to hear.
Several years ago, a very dear friend was diagnosed with a horrible disease. By God's grace, through medications and treatment, my friend overcame it. We celebrated every victory, every good report, and every milestone that pointed toward healing.
Then came the news no one wanted to hear: the disease has returned.
I have to admit, I am overwhelmed with emotions. While I have every confidence that my friend will fight this battle with every treatment and every option available, there is a part of me that simply wishes I could make it all go away.
But I can't. I can't heal. I can't carry this burden for my friend. I can't change the diagnosis.
What I can do is pray. I can love. I can listen.  I can be there for whatever my friend needs.
Sometimes we feel like those things are too small, especially when we're facing something so overwhelming. We wish we had the right words, the right medicine, or the ability to fix what is broken. But maybe God never asked us to be the healer. Maybe He simply asks us to be faithful friends while He does what only He can do.
Psalm 46:1 reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Notice it doesn't say God is present only after the storm has passed. He is present in the trouble. He walks beside us through every appointment, every difficult conversation, every anxious night, and every uncertain tomorrow.
Today, my prayer is simple. I pray for complete healing for my friend. I pray for wisdom for the doctors, peace for the family, strength for the journey ahead, and countless reminders that God has not left their side for even a moment.
And if you are carrying someone on your heart today, know this: your prayers matter. Your presence matters. Your love matters. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is simply refusing to let someone walk through the valley alone.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

every good gift

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
- James 1:17 (NIV)
 
It's Monday, so let's grab our coffee and get ready to face the week. But first, let's take a little time to reflect on last week.
I am so thankful to have celebrated another birthday here on Earth. The weather was mostly good, we got to hop in the pool after work on one of those hot summer days, we had some wonderful friends stop by for a visit, and the laughter never seemed to end.
We wrapped up the week with family dinner, surrounded by our adult children and grandchildren. We played with the grandkids a few "new" versions of some old favorites. Connect Four has become Connect Four Spin. Perfection is now a fast-paced two-player game called Scramble. And then there was the old standby... 52 Card Pick Up. Some traditions never change! The only difference now is hearing the grandkids laugh as they race around the room, gathering up the cards and proudly counting their "points."
A few people asked me what I got for my birthday this year. Honestly? This was the best birthday I've ever had.
Not because of presents.
Not because of cake (which i did not have!).
But because I was surrounded by the people I love.
As I've gotten older, I've realized the greatest gifts in life can't be wrapped with a bow. They're found around the dinner table, floating in a swimming pool on a summer evening, sharing stories with friends, and listening to the laughter of children echo through the house. Those moments don't last forever, which makes them even more precious.
James reminds us that "every good and perfect gift is from above." Sometimes we think of God's gifts as the big milestones or answered prayers, but I think He delights in giving us ordinary blessings too. A conversation with a friend. A family meal. A house filled with laughter. Another birthday to celebrate. These are gifts from our Heavenly Father, and they deserve our gratitude just as much as the extraordinary ones.
As we begin another week, I hope we'll all take a moment to recognize the simple blessings that are easy to overlook. They may not come in fancy packages, but they are some of God's most beautiful gifts.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible
 

unfinished

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
- Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
 
My "birthday week" is coming to a close, and I have to admit, I've enjoyed sharing some personal stories with you about birthdays over the years. Thank you for taking this journey with me. Whether you're new to “Daily Bread by Kitty” or you've been reading my musings for several years, thank you for allowing me to share a little piece of my life with you each week.
Looking back, it's amazing how much has happened in just the last few years. The story God is writing has been nothing short of remarkable.
The last decade has brought deeper Daily Bread writings, a couple of college graduations, and another family member getting closer to earning a degree. We welcomed two incredible grandchildren into our lives, who affectionately named us "MeowMeow" and "GrandpaSaurus." Randy and I stepped out in faith and started our own business. I made the decision to change my life by getting healthy, and along the way I've discovered interests and abilities I never knew I had.
Technology has changed so much in such a short time. Artificial intelligence, building dashboards, video production, drone photography...if someone had handed twenty-year-old Kitty a list of everything she'd be doing today, I probably would have laughed and said, "You have the wrong person."
Yet...here we are.
That's what I love about God.
He doesn't stop giving us purpose just because we've collected a few birthdays. Sometimes He gives us our biggest adventures after we think we've settled into life. He continues to open doors we never expected, teaches us skills we never imagined learning, and places people in our lives who become part of His incredible story.
Maybe today you're thinking you're too old to start something new. Too tired to volunteer. Too inexperienced to try. Or maybe you're simply discouraged because life hasn't gone the way you planned.
What if God is whispering, "I'm not finished yet."
We spend so much time looking in the rearview mirror that we forget to look through the windshield. It's good to remember where we've been. It's important to thank God for every chapter that brought us to this moment. But we weren't created to live in yesterday. God is still writing our stories, and I have a feeling the next chapter may be even better than the last.
Besides...I still have motorcycles to ride, grandchildren to spoil, cats to cuddle, stories to write, and a whole lot of Jesus to share.
I'd say God's not finished with me yet.
And I promise...He isn't finished with you either.
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

old pictures

Remember the days of long ago; think about the generations past.
- Deuteronomy 32:7a (NLT)
 
A fun fact about me...I'm the sixth cousin of country music singer KT Oslin. If you were a country music fan in the late '80s and early '90s, you might remember one of her songs called "Old Pictures." Every time I hear that title, it reminds me of how powerful old photographs can be.
Since Monday was my birthday, I found myself drifting back through some old pictures. I don't have many from my childhood because most of them were destroyed over the years, but I've been fortunate enough to find a few tucked away in my grandmother's and mother's old photo albums.
Some of those pictures are all I have left of certain moments, but the faces in them bring back memories that no photograph could ever fully capture. They remind me of the people who shaped my life, encouraged me, challenged me, and loved me.
As I look back now, I can also see something I couldn't always recognize at the time. I can see God's fingerprints.
Every chapter of my life—even the painful ones—helped make me who I am today.
When I was fifteen years old, I lost my dad. At that age, how do you possibly understand a loss like that? Less than ten years later, I lost two brothers within two years of each other. Those seasons didn't make sense while I was living them, and I certainly wasn't looking around thinking, "God is teaching me something through this."
But time has a way of giving us perspective.
Looking back, I can see how those difficult seasons taught me compassion for people who are grieving. My dad's example instilled a work ethic that has stayed with me throughout my life. The hardships didn't define me, but they helped shape me into someone who understands that life isn't always easy—and that sometimes the greatest ministry is simply sitting beside someone who is hurting.
Deuteronomy tells us to remember the days of long ago. I don't think that's because God wants us to live in the past. I think it's because when we look back, we often discover His faithfulness in places we couldn't see while we were walking through them.
The farther down the road we travel, the clearer God's fingerprints become.
So today, maybe pull out an old photo album, scroll through those pictures on your phone, or remember someone who helped shape your life. Thank God for the joyful memories, for the lessons learned through the difficult ones, and for His faithful presence through every chapter of your story.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

fruit

 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.
- Psalm 92:14 (NIV)
 
Birthdays have changed a lot over the years.
I can't remember if it was my fifth or sixth birthday, but I remember having a party one afternoon with six or eight neighborhood kids. One of the guests suggested we make a "birthday bridge." Everyone paired up, raised their hands like the old London Bridge game, and I was supposed to run underneath while each person gave me a birthday spanking as I passed.
It sounded like a fun idea...until one enthusiastic guest missed my bottom entirely and landed a hard smack across my back! Needless to say, that was the end of birthday parties for quite a few years, and I've never really embraced the tradition of birthday spankings since.
When we're children, birthdays are all about the presents. I still have to be gently reminded by my husband not to go overboard buying gifts for our grandbabies. He's probably right when he says they won't remember exactly what they received a year from now—but I sure enjoy trying to make their birthdays special.
As we grow older, birthdays become milestones. Double digits at ten. A teenager at thirteen. A driver's license at sixteen. The right to vote at eighteen. Full-fledged adulthood at twenty-one. Every birthday seems to mark another step toward growing up.
Then, somewhere along the way, birthdays quietly change again.
They become less about what we're given and more about what we've been blessed with. Family gathered around the table. Friends who have walked beside us through every season. A home filled with love. Meaningful work. Memories that no gift could ever replace. And yes...even that little crystal cat your friend from Accounting gave you years ago somehow becomes part of the story.
I remember thinking turning thirty was the end of the world. Looking back now, I can't help but smile. Forty wasn't nearly as bad, fifty came and went, and with each passing year I've discovered something surprising: I've learned more in these recent years than I ever imagined I would.
Psalm 92 reminds us that God's people "will still bear fruit in old age." What a beautiful promise. God doesn't retire us from His purpose. He continues to grow us, teach us, and use us to encourage others. Our age doesn't determine our usefulness—our willingness does.
God isn't finished writing my story, and He isn't finished writing yours either. Every new day is another opportunity to encourage someone, offer a kind word, share a smile, or remind another person that they are loved. Our greatest impact may not be behind us at all.
Now, don't get me wrong...there are definitely mornings when I feel my age. My back has its own opinion about getting out of bed, and sometimes it voices that opinion rather loudly. But as my husband likes to remind me, "You may get older, but you refuse to grow up."
He's absolutely right.
Now...where are all the cats?
 
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible

building

For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.
- Hebrews 3:4 (NIV)
 
Have you ever stopped to think about all the things you're building?
Most of us aren't building houses, but every day we're building something. We're building relationships with our families. We're building friendships that last through the years. Some of us are building careers or businesses. Others are building ministries, serving our churches, or investing in our communities.
The truth is, every choice we make lays another brick.
Sometimes it can feel discouraging because progress seems so slow. We put in the effort day after day and wonder if we're making any difference at all.
That's where today's verse brings such comfort. Yes, we work. We plan. We serve. We love. But ultimately, God is the Master Builder. He takes our small, ordinary acts of faithfulness and builds something far greater than we could ever accomplish on our own.
I've been thinking about that a lot lately. Whether I'm spending time with my family, serving with CMA, writing these Daily Bread devotionals, or helping build Surface 2 Sky Productions with Randy, I'm reminded that I don't have to carry the entire weight of the project. God isn't asking me to build everything by myself. He's simply asking me to be faithful with the part He's given me.
It's easy to become overwhelmed when we focus on the finished structure. But God usually works one brick at a time, one conversation at a time, one prayer at a time, one act of kindness at a time.
Maybe today you feel like your efforts aren't accomplishing much. Don't give up. The Master Builder is still at work. Even when you can't see the finished picture, He can.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

safe in the chaos

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- John 14:27 (NIV)
 
The Fourth of July fireworks were still booming, lighting up the sky and making enough noise to rattle the windows. Yet there sat my four-year-old grandson, fast asleep in his mommy's lap with his little headphones on. He wasn't worried about the noise because he knew he was safe.
Watching him sleep, I couldn't help but think... isn't that the kind of trust God wants us to have?
Life can feel a lot like those fireworks. There are unexpected health concerns, financial pressures, family struggles, work deadlines, heartbreaking news, and a thousand other things demanding our attention. Sometimes the noise becomes so overwhelming that it's hard to find a moment of peace.
Jesus never promised us a quiet life, but He did promise us His peace.
The peace He offers isn't found in perfect circumstances. It's found in knowing that no matter how loud the world becomes, we are safely held in our Father's loving arms. Just as my grandson could rest because he trusted the one holding him, we can rest because we know the One who holds us.
That doesn't mean we ignore life's challenges or pretend everything is fine. It means we face those challenges with the confidence that God is with us every step of the way. His presence is greater than our fears, and His peace is stronger than the noise surrounding us.
Today, if life feels especially loud, take a moment to rest in God's presence. You don't have to carry every burden on your own. The same Savior who calmed the storm is more than able to calm your heart.
 
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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

lasting work

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

learning together

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

no greater joy

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

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

freedom

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

be present

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

friends

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