She Captures Love

 Here I am Lord, send me. I’m willing to serve You!" ~ Isaiah 6:8

They’d been missionaries in Europe for over a decade and firmly believed that to be their life’s calling. Then something occurred that wasn’t supposed to happen to a Pastor’s family. The oldest of their three teenage daughters became pregnant.

After returning stateside, Angela Forker thought her ministry days were over. But soon after her new grandson arrived, God revealed a new mission for the amateur landscape photographer.

She’d always had a heart for babies. She then mastered a new skill for photographing newborns, which she called the Precious Babies Project. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a successful business, where she creates whimsical scenes around infants through the magic of photography.

When a couple at her church found out that their baby would be born with life-threatening medical issues, they asked Angela to take pictures of their baby. Stepping into a world with no personal experience, Angela began to see the regret, pain, and remorse that special needs parents suffer.

Having professional photos of your baby is one of parenthood’s most prized perks, but largely out of reach if the child is born with a rare or serious disease. So, instead of trying to cover up Madalyn’s disabilities, Angela incorporated them into her work before the baby died 15 days after birth.

That seeded another idea. She could photograph medically fragile babies in ways that showed strength, potential, and love. Special equipment, like feeding tubes, wires, and helmets, could be woven into powerful imagery.  https://mymodernmet.com/angela-forker-precious-baby-project/

Inspired by photographer Adele Enersen, Angela has been staging the special portraits since 2017. The Indiana photographer prays over each child before spending up to 10 hours creating elaborate, individualized scenes, even longer making personally hand-sewn costumes.

She never seems to run out of ideas and has photographed a baby floating in the basket of a heart-shaped air balloon; a baby on safari with friendly giraffes; a baby making friends with a zebra, and a baby in a superhero pose with a feeding tube peeking out of her costume.

Her scene with the “Forget-Me-Not Fairy” is both sad and beautiful. Her parents were told their baby, Ellie Rose, would likely have less than a year on earth.

Angela created a scene that would help them remember Ellie’s shortened life forever. The little fairy sprinkles love that blooms into gorgeous roses and will never be forgotten.

She takes the baby's photos for free. Seeing the joy they bring to the babies and families makes it all worthwhile.

She’d originally wanted to go back to being an overseas missionary. When God told her He had something else in mind, she wrestled with Him in tears for days, before dutifully obeying His call and turning it into stories of hope. 

Loving God, help us not to turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to those who have special needs, but to reach out with love, grace, and care. Help us to be faithful representations of your character and your love. Amen

Faith is Unnatural

 “God’s peace exceeds what the human mind can comprehend." ~ Philippians 4:7

They were nearly home from church. Jana’s preschool son and infant daughter sat securely in the back seat. The sun’s golden rays cast a warm glow on the passing countryside. It was a perfect day to put the world on pause - or so it seemed.

When she felt her iPhone vibrate, Jana instinctively reached for it. In that split-second distraction, she failed to notice the car ahead slowing down. Tires screeched, glass shattered, and airbags exploded when her car struck theirs in a thunderous collision.

Miraculously, the children were frightened but unharmed.

As a cautionary measure, paramedics transported Jana to the ER. They examined her for signs of internal bleeding, fractures, or anything unusual. Numerous scans revealed a kidney stone… and something else.

Weeks later, an Ultrasound, MRI, and subsequent biopsy confirmed Stage 2 breast cancer. The mass was close to her chest wall, masked by bone structures and muscle tissue. It'd gone undetected for years despite annual mammograms. The cell's advanced maturity required an aggressive treatment regimen.

Overwhelming shock, fear, confusion, and anxiety followed, as well as feelings of disbelief and worry about her family’s well-being. But a conclusive diagnosis discovered under such bizarre conditions due to a car wreck seemed… miraculous, which also brought tears of joy and gratitude.

The car accident had been a metaphor for her connection with God. “My faith had always been there, although barely enough to hold onto at times. Literally the size of a mustard seed, it helped me stay focused on that glimmer of hope as I recovered.”

“I'm grateful for the numerous ways God stretched and bolstered my faith in the weeks, months, and years that followed,” she confided. “I learned about trusting God and His sovereignty during that season, and found refuge in the book of Job.”

Call it belief, trust, or faith, none of it comes naturally, but as a gift of grace, made possible through Christ. It transforms our fallen nature, enabling us to trust and depend on God. “His comforting presence never left me. I leaned into Him during the accident, treatment, and recovery.”

Faith is more than intellectual acceptance of God’s existence. It’s far more than committing to a faith community, practicing a set of religious habits, and developing biblical literacy. Faith is something that shatters you, and then radically remakes you.

Faith requires a willingness to confess, without excuse or blame shifting, sins you once denied or hid. Faith is abandoning your own wisdom and fortifying your heart with God’s insight. It means giving up on your delusional control and resting in God’s authority.

While almost all civilizations throughout history believed in and worshiped some kind of God, faith is not a natural instinct. It must be fought for, cultivated, honed, practiced, tested, and honored.

Father God, Jesus’ Disciples were told that even if their faith was only the size of a mustard seed, they could crumble mountains. Help us grow and increase our faith in You alone and make us mountain-movers. Amen

An Obedient Heart

 “Teach me thy way, Lord, and lead me down the right path." ~ Psalm 27:11

When his country called him to battle in 1917, a personal war raged within 30-year-old Alvin York. He was torn between being a good Christian and a good American. That was his nation’s fight; the Germans weren’t his enemy.

He applied for status as a Conscientious Objector, hoping to avoid armed conflict. After numerous appeals failed, and in discussions with his pastor, York reported for basic training determined to pull his own weight, while still holding onto his core Christian values.

As combat training drew to a close, pressure to make his final decision became unavoidable. Alvin’s commander, a Christian himself, issued the conflicted Tennessean a home pass and urged him to study the Scriptures relating to war, self-defense, and obedience.

Back in Appalachia, deep in prayer and contemplation, he would pray, study, and evaluate the dilemma between his faith and patriotism. He consulted with religious leaders who represented both sides of the issue to keep the query balanced. Alvin studied the Bible and biographies of men who faced similar crossroads. The man spent hours meditating in solitude, considering what he’d studied and what others had shared with him.

The Lord answered him on those Smokey Mountains and relieved his burden. He concluded that he would not have to disobey God to honor his country and confidently stepped onto the battlefields of northeastern France.

There in 1918, the dawn’s silence was shattered by sickening death as German machine guns on a distant ridge erupted with devastating accuracy. His best friend was killed in the assault.

Pinned down with 85% of his comrades dead or wounded, Corporal York summoned his expert hunting skills to muzzle the Nazi guns.

Racing, crawling, and sneaking from bush to rock for cover, Alvin crawled up the hill from where the fire originated. He single-handedly silenced 35 machine guns and convinced 132 German soldiers to surrender.

For his courage, Seargent York received the Medal of Honor. But what he valued most was knowing that countless men survived because he’d stopped the killing.

God delivered York from his internal battle so he could lead others to victory. He’d trusted God to carry him beyond his doubts and give him the special talents necessary to further His Kingdom. But this story’s lesson focuses more on making tough decisions.

Rather than asking “God, what should I do?” York made his own decision based on faith, advice, prayer, and study. Only then did he listen for God’s confirmation or rejection.

Ultimately, we must take responsibility for making choices that settle our hearts. Spending time on His Word and praying can help us recognize God's voice and hear what He has for our hearts.

Father God, I look to no one else for wisdom and humbly ask for Your help in making important decisions in my life. Bless me with our guidance and wisdom so I make decisions that bring glory to Your name. Amen

Settling In

 “He puts a little of heaven in our hearts, so we'll never settle for less.” ~ 2 Cor. 5:5

When bored or depressed, Murphy often scanned her favorite motivational YouTube videos for some lighthearted inspiration. Today’s speaker was opining about perseverance; never giving up. “What if George Sperti had given up after his first eight formulas (Preparations A through G) had failed?” she questioned.

The humorous but inaccurate answer was “He might never have invented the popular hemorrhoid treatment called Preparation H! We know how painful that would be.”

Fun Fact: It’s the most stolen item in the drugstore because people are too embarrassed to buy it.

Kidding aside, the Italian American inventor’s dogged determination eventually resulted in 127 pharmaceutical patents. He donated most of the money he received to the Institutum Divi Thomae, which he co-founded in 1935 to research cancer.

Murphy finished the video with twin thoughts on the subject. In this culture of money and materialism, one track reminded her that life often rewards those with strength and determination to keep pushing forward, even when the path seems daunting. Sometimes to the detriment of health, relationships, and satisfaction.

Could the antithesis of moving up or forward be “settling in,” she pondered; perhaps getting married, starting a family, or adopting a more stable routine. When everything seems to be working, if our marriages are comfortable, our jobs aren’t terrible, and our finances are secure, most people are satisfied. But are we giving up too early, settling for too little?

The bigger question: “Is God satisfied? Have we become content long before God’s grace has completed His work?”

Murphy knew that she needed His constant intervention until she was transformed into the perfect likeness of Jesus. She would continue to need the forgiving, enabling, and transforming power of His grace until every thought and desire in her heart pleases God. 

She would need His protection and rescue from the seductive temptations of this fallen world.

Murphy recalled what a colleague had shared years ago: “You have to bloom where you’re planted.” For example, there are many ways to see and know the world. Traveling to Rome won’t make one a Christian alone. Prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and allowing Christ the primary place in all life’s choices can make you more of a Christian than someone who lives there.

In the same way, something like “heaven” is as much inside as out; someone with a troubled mind won’t find peace anywhere, no matter how far they travel. Knowledge and contentment are found within, however much you seek it ‘without.’

So, don’t quit before Grace has completed its work. Cry out for more rescue, transformation, and deliverance. Be grateful that your Savior continues to work even in the moments when you don’t value the work you may desperately need.

Precious Lord, I’m a sinner who needs Your Grace and mercy. Shake me from my current routines and turn my focus from myself and toward You. Work in me, through me, and despite me today and every day. Amen

Our Daily Bread

 “Give us the bread we need today." ~ Matthew 6:11

The 36-year-old Salvadoran left Mexico’s Pacific coast in a small boat accompanied by a much younger crewmate. An experienced sailor and fisherman, he expected 30 hours of deep-sea fishing, hoping to bring back a lucrative haul of sharks, marlins, and sailfish. The 24-foot open fiberglass boat had a single outboard motor, rudimentary electronics, and a large icebox for storing fish.

Shortly after departing, they were blown off course by a ferocious, weeklong storm that damaged the motor and emergency radio beyond repair. They were forced to dump the fish they’d caught to make the vessel more maneuverable. They also lost almost all of their fishing gear, leaving them with only a handful of basic supplies and little food.

Without sails, oars, an anchor, running lights, or any other way to contact shore, the boat drifted westward across the open ocean. Local authorities called off the search after two days, citing heavy fog and extreme weather.

Their maritime diet initially consisted mainly of raw fish, turtle blood, and small birds (fresh meat helps prevent scurvy). To quench their thirst, they drank rainwater and urine.

Spending most of his life at sea, José Alvarenga was used to a seafood diet and the harsh salty air. His 22-year-old companion was not. Four months into their oceanic odyssey, he became ill, stopped eating, and eventually died from starvation.

Floating across the unforgiving ocean for over a year, he battled loneliness, depression, and thoughts of suicide. But surviving the planet’s largest ecosystem, vivid hallucinations, and extreme solitude did little to prepare him for the fact that he would soon become an international celebrity and an object of curiosity.

After 438 days adrift, covering about 6,000 miles, his excursion ended ten years ago tomorrow. By the time he was rescued, José was in surprisingly good health, except for dehydration, anemia, and aquaphobia.

Alvarenga's journey reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith, even in the direst circumstances. When asked if he’d learned anything from his ordeal, he replied: “I’ve learned that if I can have enough food to eat and fresh water to drink, I will be deliriously happy for the rest of my life.”

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, He had them ask only for “daily bread.” He didn’t have them ask for luxuries, property, or lavish meals. He didn’t have them ask for protection or for all of their future needs to be met. He had them ask for the spiritual sustenance that only God could give.

But we can only receive it when we open ourselves to it. Jesus knew that constantly caring about ‘things’ and worrying about our future would only separate us from God and love. Only God knows our genuine needs better than we do.

“Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Help us avoid earthly temptations and protect us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever.” Amen

Just a Normal Gal

 “If your gift is to encourage others, use it." ~ Romans 12:8

Turning 18 and accepting the foray into adulthood is a huge step. With this milestone comes more independence, responsibility… and courage. But for this girl, her birthday was an even more precious occasion. She was still alive.

Against all odds, it was a scenario her doctors never predicted. Beandri Booysen was born with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria (HGPS), a rare, progressive, genetic disorder that causes rapid aging and osteoporosis. Progeria comes from the Greek word ‘geras’ which means "old age."

Kids with HGPS rarely live past 15 years. Most deaths occur from heart attacks. There is no cure.

Children with the disease experience slow growth and poor weight gain. Progeria does not affect intellectual development. Sufferers, however, develop shrunken features, brittle bones, wrinkled skin, and alopecia.

So, when Beandri defied the grim prognosis and reached her milestone 18th birthday, her parents were so ecstatic that they held two parties - one for close family members and a neon-themed celebration party a few days later with friends.

Despite her challenges, the fearless Pretoria, South African teenager’s spirit remained unbroken. There was no time for self-pity and no room for fear. She refused to let her condition, which affects only about 400 kids worldwide, define her.

Weighing just 26 pounds, Beandri attended school and planned big for her future. She dreamed of becoming a teacher, hoping to marry one day, and envisioned raising twins. Known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh, Beandri loved dancing and time with friends. Her determination and optimism inspired everyone around her.

Social media became a powerful platform for her. On TikTok, where she shared glimpses of her daily life and motivational messages, she inspired hundreds of thousands of followers. Her mantra, “Be yourself. Love yourself. Believe in yourself,” resonated globally, offering encouragement and awareness for Progeria and other special conditions.

Her family, whom she credited with shaping her strength, was a vital source of support. “They raised me as a ‘normal’ child. That shaped me into the person I am today – just a normal gal,” Beandri explained, “to help me face the haters and obstacles in my daily life.”

As she prepared for another heart surgery last October, she remained hopeful. “Please don’t feel sorry for me,” Beandri said with characteristic resilience. “Every surgery carries risks, but my Lord is always with me. He placed incredible doctors in my life with real passion for my health.”

She survived the hours-long surgery, but her life took a sudden turn weeks after her 19^th birthday.

Sadly, days before Christmas 2024, her heart – the one that radiated such hope and joy – stopped, marking her journey’s end. She was the last known South African living with HGPS. Like this beautiful woman, if the Holy Spirit helps you be encouraging… be encouraging!

Rest in peace, dear Beandri... God's warrior to the end. To her family and all who loved this inspiring young lady, may the Lord hold you all tightly in His arms for blessings of comfort and peace. We carry you in our hearts, Amen

Night Court

“Don’t just listen to God’s Word. Act on what you hear." ~ James 1:22

The bailiff belted “All rise!” as one of the most colorful mayors in NYC’s history entered the night courtroom. In those days, New York mayors were allowed to act as magistrates, a right Fiorello LaGuardia exercised frequently.

New Yorkers adored LaGuardia, nicknaming him the ‘Little Flower' because the three-term mayor always wore a carnation in his lapel. He rode with firefighters, raided speakeasies with the police, and took entire orphanages to baseball games. When the local newspapers went on strike, he even read the Sunday funnies live on the radio.

One bitterly wintry night in 1935, he chose the city's poorest ward for his jurisprudence. The first case brought a timid, disheveled, woman before him charged with stealing a loaf of bread. She wept while explaining that her son-in-law had abandoned his wife, and along with her daughter’s two young children, they hadn’t eaten in several days.

The grocer, from whom the bread was stolen, refused to drop the charges. "Your Honor," the man explained, she's got to be punished to teach others in the neighborhood a lesson."

Judge LaGuardia stroked his chin while pondering a decision. “Mam, the law allows no exception for theft,” he began empathetically. “Ten dollars or ten days in jail!” But even before hammering his gavel, the mayor reached into his pocket and dropped a $10 bill into the black felt hat he sported for collecting the night’s fines.

“Additionally,” LaGuardia ordered, “I’m charging everyone in this courtroom four bits ($0.50) for living in a city where a person has to steal bread so that her grandchildren can eat.”

The bailiff, literally “passed the hat around” and handed the speechless woman $47.50. With $10, she dutifully paid her fine.

The desperate woman had arrived at the courtroom with a tight chest and gloomy outlook. She left that night with a genuine warmth of spirit, a heart filled with gratitude, and heaven’s light radiating from her appearance - not to mention $37.50 in cash.

Some seventy petty criminals, traffic violators, police officers, visitors, and one livid grocer each paid four bits for the privilege of doing what’s right.

For his part, Mayor LaGuardia received a standing ovation.

Sometimes we all get caught up in doing things right - following rules, policies, and norms. But doing the right things requires positioning with our moral compass. When the two viewpoints align, there’s no issue. But we’re often forced to choose when they clash.

Lucky for us, God’s Word is an instructional manual for having a great life. When we follow His instructions, our lives are blessed with harmony, joy, and satisfaction.

Life presents us with daily opportunities to do the right thing. That’s why it’s healthy to occasionally ask, “Am I applying God’s Word to my life? Am I doing what it says to do?”

Holy Father, remind me that when You call me, You will equip me. Forgive me when I made excuses or questioned You. I want to experience Your power at work through me, Your humble servant. Amen

The Minor Things

 “Remind me each morning of Your constant love, for I put my trust in You." ~ Psalm 143:8

The day began with a subtle, graceful ease. Monique packed up her three children, all under six, and headed for the park. It was a spectacular fall day, with perfect weather and changing leaves she didn’t want them to miss. Who knew what Mother Nature had planned for the coming weeks?

There were the browns that formed a comforting quilt for the earth, yet the rest were the brilliant colors of firework sparks and exuberant revelry. It was as if nature was calling towering blossoms of foliage to dance into the skies before tumbling gently like giant confetti.

She’d been nervously waiting and praying for big news about the results of a recent biopsy. Arguably, the worst part about waiting for lab results was having no control over her life’s future.

From the moment she knew something was off, she’d felt a crippling sense of dread and jumped to the worst-case scenario – schedule an oncology appointment, discuss the grueling treatment plan, and pray for courage and strength. Monique couldn’t concentrate on anything else. She wished you could just hit fast-forward.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed. She received a text message from the doctor’s office. “Monique, your biopsy is negative for breast cancer.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry… so she did both.

Monique gazed at her three smiling little faces and felt God’s presence as clearly as the children she’d gathered around her. While she didn’t know everything God had been doing during those anxious few days, she felt that He’d drawn her closer to Him. The young mother praised Him for His goodness, care, and protection.

“But let me backtrack for a second,” she thought.

What about the fabulous weather and the great time she was having today? Did she remember to thank God for those small things? He was working on those moments, actions, and people too.

God may be a miracle worker, revealer of mysteries, rescuer, deliverer, and mighty God. But he’s also the God of peaceful afternoons, of subtle beauty, of quiet moments, and of warm hugs. He’s working on all things, not just the big, monumental ones.

He has a history of using small things to accomplish big things and change lives. Mustard seeds that can move mountains; five loaves and two fish that fed thousands. God can bring change and transform the lives of those who put their faith and trust in Him, committing themselves to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. No one and nothing is too small for God to use.

But do we recognize the countless minor miracles God surrounds us with every day? He cared about the small details thousands of years ago and still cares about them now.

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of Your perfect love and faithfulness. The next time I face circumstances that don’t feel good, help me remember Your goodness and find comfort in Your plans. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Faithfulness

 “God’s loving compassion renews every morning." ~ Lamentations 3:22-23

Thomas Chisholm was born in a Kentucky log cabin in 1866. Amid the turbulent post-Civil War times, people relied heavily on their spirituality for survival.

He received his education in a one-room schoolhouse, and at age 16 started teaching at the same school. He became a Christian at age 27, and with no college or seminary training, he became a pastor nine years later where he developed a knack for writing poetry.

There in 1903, he married Catherine, the love of his life and they started a family. It seemed his life was going according to God’s plan.

Frail health proved otherwise. After six years of deteriorating fragility that often left him bedridden, he left the ministry and spent the rest of his life selling life insurance in New Jersey. Thomas found great comfort in the Scriptures and the fact that God faithfully carried him in times of illness, weakness, and financial stress.

He said about his meager and difficult life, “God has given me many wonderful displays of His love which fill me with astonishing gratefulness.” Thomas could now spend more time writing poetry and with his family. His routine job allowed them to stay (barely) ahead of the bills.

Despite health and financial struggles, Thomas’s positive outlook never faltered. In 1923, he even wrote his most famous poem:

“Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided - great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me."

He sent the poem to a fellow pastor, William Runyan, a musician and editor of Hope Publishing Company. Runyan loved the poem and prayed that God would reveal a tune worthy of the lyrics.

When he found a suitable tune, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” as a hymn was born in 1923. But it didn’t become popular until a certain preacher heard it and began using it in his evangelistic crusades in 1945. What began as a simple poem from a humble salesperson suddenly reached Billy Graham’s audiences worldwide and has continued to do so ever since.

Until his retirement, Chisholm remained working in his New Jersey office. He continued to express his love for God until his death at age 94, writing nearly 1,200 poems throughout his life, taking most of his ideas directly from God's Word.

Thomas Chisholm was not out to win the world or make a splash. He didn’t go to college, failed to finish his preaching ministry due to illness, and worked an ordinary job as an insurance agent. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” a testament to God’s unchanging and compassionate nature, was written by a man who suffered prolonged trials in life yet chose to see God’s faithfulness through it all. This hymn continues to inspire and bless those who sing it.

God our Father, “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth; Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow; blessings all mine with 10,000 beside.” Great is Your faithfulness. Amen

Dry Spell

 “The Lord will finish the work He began in you." ~ Philippians 1:6

Every morning, Bennett entered his study with a steaming mug of tea and locked the door. Except for answering nature’s call, he’d stay there until he’d written two thousand words. But he’d written his last paragraph nearly a week ago, deleting and retyping it multiple times before erasing the idea altogether.

He stared contemptuously at a blank screen. Try as he might, no words came. Fragmented thoughts bounced inside his brain, but he couldn’t form them into anything coherent.

Bennett had hit a dry spell.

At first, he ignored it. He kept pushing forward, pretending everything was okay. For creative people, burnout is the scourge; both unexpected and stressful.

He’d power-cleaned his office – three times. He waded through previous story ideas. He even tried writing an unrelated short story. Nothing sparked.

Meditation and relaxation techniques were boring - like walking through water instead of air. He could do them, but he’d much rather run and jump.

Bennett decided a mountain might unlock his deeper self.

As he trekked through the golden aspens and jagged cliffs, Jesus’ voice became clear. “Why don’t you live like this, walking with Me and enjoying the suspense of what’s coming next?”

Bennett stopped suddenly. What if he released the yoke and let God fly the plane? If Christ led this adventure, wouldn’t he be able to enjoy the view more? Could the anxiety that’s currently blocking his creativity be unleashed?

Amid the rolling hills and towering peaks, a sense of wonder engulfed him. He prayed. “Lord, teach me to live with anticipation and excitement rather than limit myself to my expectations. Help me see what You’ve planned is greater than anything I could imagine.”

As Bennett finished his six-mile hike, he heard God’s whisper again. “What if you relaxed and let My hand guide your thoughts and words? Together we can write a magnificent story.”

Reenergized, Bennett returned to the keyboard. He began weaving prose as naturally as a bird weaves a nest, rich in emotion, imagery, and metaphor. But this time he let God guide his thinking with a new purpose.

His first novel climbed to the top of the ECPA’s (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) ‘Best Sellers’ List. He’d go on to write several additional books (with his ‘Ghost’ writer’s help), reigniting his passion for artistic writing.

We all go through phases where we feel like we’re wandering through a spiritual desert. But don’t be discouraged. Christ is still working, and He will finish the work He began in you. He might even use an arid season to teach perseverance.

The Lord is always with you. He loves you, and He will bring about fruit and growth as you remain attached to Him through a desperately dry period. At any given moment God could do something amazing in your life.

Father God, free us from the limits of our plans and expectations. Free our minds to use the skills You’ve given us to serve Your people better. Amen

Gratitude - Pass It On

 “Praise the Lord, O my soul. And forget none of His acts of kindness." ~ Psalm 103:2

Procrastination is one of the main barriers to PhD productivity. But the 27-year-old remained totally focused until she began experiencing vision issues and, later, dizziness and numbness on her left side. Because her father had a history of migraines, she thought hers might have a genetic origin.

A routine MRI revealed a type of brain tumor known as a glioma. This tumor often occurs near areas of the brain that control body movement, language, or vision. After a 9-hour brain surgery to remove the tumor, her body began to slowly recover. Her mental health, however, had taken a hit and she felt stuck in despair.

Her treatment plan required both chemotherapy and radiation at the Univ. of Michigan Brain Tumor Clinic. During visits, Christina noticed how much of the talk around facing cancer is about “fighting.”

She found that metaphor exhausting. She “didn’t want to spend over a year at war with her own body.” She knew exactly what she needed – the gratitude tools she studied as part of doctoral psychology studies but hadn’t yet put into practice.

“It’s common for us not to practice these skills until we need to, ” Christina later explained. She decided to put her research to the test to bolster her resilience and healing. 

Christina began a digital gratitude journal. Every morning, she began her day writing three things she was thankful for and why. Specificity is a critical element of the gratitude practice.

Her 500-page journal is packed with words of appreciation for particular people, her doctors, or to her body for being strong during her year-long recovery process. She experienced firsthand that no matter how difficult the struggle, practicing gratefulness can help people resist depression and “rewire our brains to help build resilience.”

Christina Costa, PhD, is now uniquely qualified to speak on the topics of gratitude and brain cancer. As an assistant professor of psychology at Wayne State University, her courses focus on human mental strength and toughness.

Her research along with many scientific studies suggest that gratitude has mental, emotional, and physical benefits that can positively affect those managing a difficult diagnosis. She teaches students the importance of positivity and gives them practical tools to use.

Costa’s powerful story reminds us that practicing gratitude isn’t just something believers do out of duty. Although it’s true that God deserves our gratitude, it’s also good for our own well-being.

When we lift our hearts up to say, “Praise You, Lord” (Psalm 103:2 above), we’re reminded of a God who is not only a promise maker, but also a promise keeper. He promises to work all things together for our good. There is no greater hope than one who has conquered death.

Father, I kneel before You, confessing that my heart is too often filled with complaints instead of gratitude. Please forgive me. Help me see Your hand at work in my life and change my outlook into one of joyful satisfaction with all circumstances. Amen

The Right, Wrong Way

 “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people." ~ Ephesians 6:7

Collin was driving home after spending the week out of town on a disappointing business trip. He pictured grabbing an ice-cold drink from the fridge, kicking his shoes off, and plopping himself on the couch to watch the Olympics. He could almost feel the remote in his hand.

Yet up ahead he spotted taillights… hundreds of them. Fearing he would soon nestle into gridlock, so he brazenly crossed three traffic lanes and proudly left the interstate on an unfamiliar exit ramp.

A quick check of the GPS map showed that he was not only on the wrong road, but he’d have to go forty-seven miles farther out of his way to get home.

Frustrated by the miscalculation and needless waste of time, he pounded the steering wheel. He felt a kind of anger and shame, having done something both dumb and foolish. He only had himself to blame.

He tried calling his wife but there was no cell coverage. He was seething now like a volcano about to erupt.

Up ahead, Collin spotted a damaged Ford Mustang parked by the side of the road with a flat tire. An elderly guy was standing nearby trying to phone someone. Collin stopped and asked if he needed any help.

“Si, señor,” he admitted tentatively, English wasn’t his first language. By the looks of his car, he wasn’t a man of even modest means.

A wizened face peered out from under a dingy cap. He had a spare but lacked the strength to remove the lug nuts.

Collin didn’t hesitate. While working change the tire, Collin learned that the man was a migrant farm worker from a rough neighborhood nearby who’d also had a tough week. In addition to this flat tire, he’d gotten into a car accident a few days ago.

He called Collin, "Un soplo de aire fresco” (a breath of fresh air) and offered him a few dollars for helping him. Collin refused, saying: “I was never supposed to even be on this road, but now I know it was to help you. Thank you for turning my mistake into an opportunity to serve."

Sometimes God may guide us down what seems to be the wrong road - or at least a road we don’t desire or understand. He provided an opening for Collin to show compassion and help an unknown person in distress.

God happens for a reason!

Three cheers for Collin having an open heart and welcoming the chance to serve selflessly. Small gestures of kindness can often make a dramatic difference in the life of another, but also move us towards becoming "one" with them - from "me to we."

Father God, guide me according to Your will, and help me become a servant whose life is a worthy example to others. Give me courage, Father, to claim the spiritual riches that You have promised and show me Your plan for my life, today and forever. Amen

Never Alone

 “So, after you’ve suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you." ~ 1 Peter 5:10

To Naomi, having experienced the pain and trauma of a third emergency C-section, every day seemed like a blessing and every single moment of his life was filled with love and joy. Joseph was a tiny, snuggly infant with a beautiful smile and a lovable disposition. But nothing could prepare her for the day that lay ahead.

Mom and son spent a lovely day together alone. When she placed him in his crib, he looked peaceful as he drifted off into slumberland. Later, when she attempted to wake the child, Joseph showed no signs of life and was limp when the Mom of three picked him up.

Fear raced through her body with a force that took her breath away. Call 911, stay in control, and begin CPR, she prompted herself. The paramedics arrived and immediately transported them with the kind of speed that let everyone know the siren wasn't a polite request to move.

The ER was a cacophony of coughing, hacking, whispering, and wailing sounds. The baby was whisked away and now she waited in the lobby that provided little comfort. Naomi stared down at her hands, twisting and knotting them as if doing so would hold back the turmoil inside her.

When the ER doctor approached her with downcast eyes and a well-practiced voice, she knew that her greatest motherly fear had become a reality. Little Joey was gone – they’d done everything humanly possible.

Naomi sat, frozen, thinking of all the things little Joey would never get the chance to do. Someday she’d no longer fear today’s events. But for now, she’d let herself grieve for as long as it took. Her pain stood witness to the loving bond that will survive his passing.

A woman from the other side of the room approached. “Excuse me,” she said gently. “It appeared that you might’ve just heard some sad news. I saw the cross you wear and wondered if you might be a Christian. If you are… I just wanted to remind you that God never gives us more than we can manage.”

Naomi was taken aback. “Thank you, that’s so kind of you” she began in a polite voice. “Actually, I believe the opposite is true: God does give us more than we can handle. As a result, we stop relying on ourselves and learn to rely on the One who raises the dead. He gives us more than we can handle by ourselves so we will depend more on Him.”

“It’s been a tragic day for my family. Our son will be sorely missed. He is with our Lord now and His grace will be sufficient for us. Would like to pray with me?”

“Father God, thank you the for people you place on our paths to console and encourage us in our times of need. Help us shift our focus from our own abilities, to lean on You with all our hearts and infinite resources. Amen” ~ Naomi