Torey's Birthday

 “Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the Jesus’ example." ~ Philippians 3:17

Birthdays hold a special place in children’s hearts. They’re not just about getting older – they’re about celebrating with friends, enjoying games, and making lasting memories.

As this would be Torey’s first party with friends, his Mom wanted this one to be special - one where he could feel like the center of the universe. So, she invited his entire fourth-grade class, hoping to fill their home with laughter, fun, and of course, cake and ice cream.

When the day finally came, Torey was ecstatic. Asking him to wait tolerantly was like trying to tell a raging forest fire not to burn. His brain was cluttered with no other thoughts.

Torey had been attending the same school for three years and he even played on the basketball team. This was an opportunity to overcome his shyness and make some more friends.

But on the day when this boy could declare himself a big kid, moving triumphantly into his first double-digit age, not a single friend showed up. Not one!

Sadness drained from him like an electric vehicle on a sub-zero day. Torey wanted to cry but couldn’t. He coached himself instead: be brave, be friendly, try and remember that every letdown can, itself, be a blessing. Tears finally came as if the soul could bleed an ocean through the eyes.

Witnessing her son’s disappointment, Torey’s Mom, too, felt helpless and heartbroken. She vented on Facebook, reminding parents of the importance of celebrating these small yet significant moments. “Please, if your kids get invited to birthdays - take them."

And friends would come, friends he never knew he had, even if it was three days later.

Her plea caught the attention of four Arkansas State Troopers. Torey was at home after school when the doorbell rang. He was shocked to find four state troopers at his door. Panic was quickly replaced with excitement when he realized the officers were there to celebrate his birthday.

The officers didn’t come empty-handed. They brought presents, a birthday cake, and a police dog named Rhino. Torey became an Honorary Trooper, rode in the state patrol car with sirens blaring, and got to play with Rhino.

His tenth birthday wasn’t so bad after all. It would go down in his journal as the Best birthday ever; memories he’d cherish for all the right reasons.

Their kindness wasn’t just about gifts or cake. It showed the power of community support and the impact it can have on a child’s life.

Young learners look up to a variety of role models and it shapes how they behave, contribute to relationships, and make decisions. Positive role models inspire children to stay motivated, instill good behavior, influence life decisions, and strive to achieve goals.

Jesus, we fall short far short of the example you left for us. Help us to act more like You in loving serving others – seeking to serve rather than to be served, to love rather than requiring love from others, to even go the extra mile. Amen

Scars of Pride

 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His love endures forever!" ~ P107:1-3

When cancer struck Ellie in 1976 at age 7, her ghostlike pallor masked the pain raging inside her. She’d been diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a type of childhood bone cancer that cruelly attacks the long, large bones of the body.

Most days her Mom would read her a “Junie B. Jones story” - something light and humorous to help escape the painful side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Her screams left no doubt about the agony she suffered.

On the worst days, Dr. Dempsey carefully increased her pain meds, sliding her into a dreamlike state. Her body remained so motionless that visitors wondered if she’d passed on.

Even at her early age, Ellie knew that death remained a constant threat. Dempsey frankly laid out the risks. Survival rates even following amputation were less than 20 percent. Possibly terminal, hospice, comfort care only.

The best alternative was a bone transplant that would require endless reoccurring and debilitating surgeries as she grew.

To Ellie’s young mind, survival meant soccer, prom, and eventually walking down the aisle. She’d risk anything to save her leg!

Though terrified, Ellie trusted Dr. Dempsey, with his colorful bow ties and engaging smile. “He looked like such a Southern gentleman, so warm and gentle. I wanted to get better for him.”

At 12, Ellie, Dr. Dempsey performed a bone transplant at Mass General. She survived. The cancer cells died. But for the next thirty, she felt the damage cancer had done to her leg and hip bones.

Neither doctor or patient could remember how many additional operations were needed to redo or fix something. She never wanted anyone other than Dempsey. Even after he moved to another state, she traveled so that he could keep treating her.

He saved her life. Ellie trusted no one else.

In her 50s now, Ellie walks with a cane, and at the beach, her legs bear the scars of her journey. “But I’m proud of myself; I’m a warrior,” she confided. “I owe every scar to him.”

“As a child,” she said recently, “I often worried that I’d never get married. I wondered how difficult it would be for someone to sign up for my life. They’d have to understand that I might still lose my leg one day and there would be rough hospitalizations.”

But the fairy tale actually happened a year ago. She got married in June, some 40 years after her first surgery. And at her wedding, Ellie chose Dr. Dempsey for her first dance. “That was just a way of celebrating the fact that a lot of what I'm able to do today is because of his loving care," she said gratefully. No one, it seems, was better suited for that honor.

Almighty Father, in today's hustle and bustle, it’s too easy to move through the day disconnected from our capacity as humans to be kind and caring. Teach me to become fluent in kindness; compassionate to others, to the earth and to me. Amen

Ice Cream Bliss

 “Live in harmony with each other. Enjoy the company of all people." ~ Romans 12:16

Shandra sat on a balcony straining to see the street below. At 93, her curious eyes were failing. In her much younger years, few pleasant sounds could be heard on this street.

Police and ambulance sirens. Occasional gunfire. Their television played loud enough to mask the vicious yelling from the apartment next door. She (10) and her brother (8) were often home alone.

Mom showed them places to hide when they felt scared - in the bathtub with the shower curtain drawn, beneath a pile of clothes in the closet, under the kitchen sink with some pots and pans. They weren’t allowed to go outside while she was at work.

They couldn’t ride their bikes outside or walk in the nearby park. The sound of children’s laughter, cheers from athletic competition, and greetings of friends were absent from this neighborhood. Shandra had never moved from this place, but the streets below were now much safer and quieter. Less like a war zone – more like a community.

Her reminiscing was interrupted by the melodic chimes of an ice cream van rounding the corner four floors below. A symphony of joy drew opposites closer together.

With wide smiles and shrill pleas for cones, popsicles, and other frozen treats, kids rushed the truck from every direction to claim the melting creations. Such a welcome surprise on any day. Always random. Forever bringing a sweet rush of pure happiness.

Shandra watched little Zella wave goodbye to the school bus driver and sprint down the sidewalk toward the ice cream van’s cheerful jingle.

Vincent straightened his shirt collar as he exited the hardware store. Without appearing too eager, he searched his pocket for cash and nonchalantly sauntered toward the music box on wheels.

Saul and Anna stopped by the synagogue after an exhausting day. They heard the happy tune and, grinning at each other, stepped back outside and headed toward the treat mobile.

Chen knew leftovers could wait for dinner. Meandering through the neighborhood, he heard the excitement and picked and rushed toward the crowd. Desert should come first he reasoned.

Officer Haily sat in her parked patrol car writing up another report. She rolled down the window to listen, set her paperwork aside, and joined the chorus of frosty aficionados.

Bryce had lost his job... and his girlfriend. His eyes were closed. Hearing the distant chimes, he jumped up. No more self-pity! Time to change his life’s trajectory and treat himself to a little bliss.

Shandra made her way to the van just in time.

The ice cream truck entering When you hear an ice-cream truck on your street, it signals that the sweetness of summer fun is just around the corner and maybe even a chance to reconnect with your neighbors after a long, cold winter.

Father God, we ask for a thriving community, where neighbors learn to love each other and come to know You. Help us learn from our community, and it may be a place where all are welcome. Amen

Heaven's Scent

 “My Father’s house has many rooms; I will prepare a place for you?" ~ John 14:2

Cherise gazed out over grassy emerald hills toward ivory covered mountains that stood sentry to the bluest of lake waters. Crashing waves turned golden as they churned the sandy shore. The girl had never seen so much natural beauty at one time.

Her grandmother approached in a voice that tickled her insides. Her smile went viral. Engaging and beautiful, Gramma greeted her with a warm embrace; love given so freely yet priceless.

Across the gentle airwaves came a sweet chirping sound. She watched Gramma’s face recall the exact species of bird that called them. Birdwatching had always been her favorite pastime.

“What kind is it,” Cherise asked as the little bird, in a bold expression of golden feathers, settled on a blossomed twig. Its tweets were as clear as sunlit dew.

“It’s one of the 42 species within the bird-of-paradise group. This one is from Bali; isn’t she lovely?” Gramma replied guiding her granddaughter closer. They stopped short of the tree, taking in the moment, embracing nature’s gift, and sharing intimacy they hadn’t felt for too long.

Cherise closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and suddenly realized how much she had missed her Gramma. She’d always been her safe, sunny harbor.

“So, this is where you’ve been,” she stated, reaching for Gramma’s hand.

“Yes,” she said simply as if it should be obvious. “I’ve been getting it ready. When the time’s right, you’ll join me here. So will Grandpa, and your parents, your sibling and cousins. Someday, we’ll all be together again, in this place.”

Suddenly the girl understood. This was their own piece of heaven. “But I miss you,” she admitted knowing that someday wasn’t anytime soon. She still had a long life ahead of her without Gramma. She wouldn’t be at her birthdays, her wedding, wouldn’t get to see her become a mom, and watch her babies grow.

“I miss you, too,” Gramma stated calmly, “But I’m always with you. Watching. Preparing. Waiting.”

A moment of silence followed as Cherise acknowledged the truth. What a blessing to see her, hear her, and feel her presence. Gramma was at peace with death as a transformation, a pathway into Heaven’s glorious realities.

Cherise felt tears welling up in her eyes, knowing this was the start of goodbye. She couldn’t have Gramma back in her life each day. But mourning is the proof of love, of the bonds that exist beyond our reality, and opens a new way of connecting.

She shuttered and felt the softness of her pillow. Cherise hesitated to open her eyes and breathed deeply hoping Gramma’s perfume would still fill the air. As happy tears moistened her cheeks, she felt eternally grateful for that brief touch of heaven and knowing that she was loved.

Father God, I’m a creature of this world and crave worldly things. Help grow a desire in me for Heaven. Help me not be satisfied with the things of this world, but long for closeness with You and eternity in Your presence. Amen

“God is Nigh”

 “Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down their life for their friends." ~ John 15:13

Today will end too soon, a welcome pause to another holiday. As evening casts her dusky shadow, when the wind becomes quiet and peaceful, the time for joyful reflection will arrive. Every day, rain or shine, blizzard or heat, active-duty volunteers stand at attention near the flagpole at the WWII Memorial not far from the White House.

Sharply clad in a WWI Army uniform, he wore the unique headgear of the Army’s 93^rd Infantry Division who were assigned to the blue-helmeted French army in the European theatre. With a polished bugle tucked under his arm, he reverently faced the memorial and silently waited.

Promptly at 5 p.m., he snapped the bugle to his lips and played the mournful, bugle tune “Taps.” Everything in our Nation’s Capital seemed to go quiet for a minute.

Before walking away, he respectfully saluted “Old Glory.

Recognized throughout America, the minute of “Taps” crosses all racial, religious, societal, and gender boundaries. It simply represents the character of an American GI: profound in their selflessness, strength and dedication to the ideals of freedom.

There are no "official" words to “Taps,” but the most popular lyrics are as follows:

“Day is done, gone the sun,

From the hills, from the lake, from the skies.

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh (near).”

Both eloquent and haunting, “Taps” originally began during the Civil War that called soldiers to rest from their efforts and extinguish all lights. The music of its 24 notes became the Army’s official bugle call after the war but was not given the name “Taps” until 1874.

It was played for the first time at the military funeral for a Union cannoneer killed in action. The commanding officer decided the bugle call would be safer than the usual firing of three rifle volleys over the soldier’s grave, a move which could confuse the nearby enemy as an attack. Since then, “Taps” has become part of U.S. military funerals to honor for those who wore our nation’s uniform.

“Taps” is played to honor both the living and dead military community. Veterans Day salutes all who have served; Memorial Day honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

But we should remember them in our prayers and gratitude EVERY day. Every new day presents an opportunity to give thanks for those Americans who’ve given part of themselves to serve our nation. Every day offers another chance to remember the great responsibility of defending our homeland that they accepted. Every day reminds us that service to our country is not just a sacrifice made by the soldier, marine, sailor, pilot, or guard - but of his or her entire family.

God bless you all.

Gracious Lord, today we pray for those who serve and have served our military for the cause of freedom. May their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, Jesus. Bless the families of our troops and fill them with Your strength and peace. 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

The Gift of Birth

“May the Lord bless you, protect you, and bring you peace.” ~ Number 6:24-26

Matt slipped quietly inside the hospital chapel, something he wouldn’t have done 8 years ago when their first child was born. “Thanks God, for Bradley,” spilled from his mouth. Their third child, Bradley, entered the world less than an hour ago.

He sat before the ecumenical alter remembering with some lingering shame, how much he’d changed in the decade since their first baby was born. Hell, he didn’t even know the hospital had a chapel back then.

Faith for Matt was an afterthought – he was more focused on career, travel, and worldly things.

Matt was lost, he just didn’t realize it back then. His first clue came from an unusual source. When he gazed down at Taylor, his firstborn, he saw a gift from God. The evidence grew exponentially with the arrival of their middle child that they brought sacred responsibilities to love and nurture.

But it’d been an uneven journey. Sometimes God seemed close, other times almost nonexistent. Eventually, Matt discovered it wasn’t God who moved but him. Still, that didn’t always help.

Bradley, baby number three, proved there was no doubt. Heaven made him. From the curve of his small eyebrows to the crazy mass of brown curls and all the way to his plump, tiny toes. Those perfectly formed lips, soft cheeks, and curious eyes came directly from Above and Heaven came with him.

He felt newborn energy when Bradley grasped his finger. Every breath, smell, and piece of him was by Grand design; perfect engineering from God to learn, work, create, and love.

“Thank you, Bradley,” he prayed, “for showing me a little bit of Heaven. And thank You, Heavenly Father, for bringing this angel into our lives. He stirs faith in my soul once more and warms me with Your love for us. I know he, too, will be a blessing to this world.”

Then Matt wiped away grateful tears as he left the hospital chapel.

It’s paradoxical. Without words, the tiniest infant can speak the most powerful testimony. There is a God. He loves us. He made you. And each baby brings a little bit of heaven with them.

God showers us with infinite blessings every day. The least we could do is return the favor and bring blessings ourselves.

Bless those you see with your smile. Bless your work with your energy and talent. Bless your friends with kindness and understanding. Bless your family with your joy, laughter, and love. Bless your enemies with forgiveness. Bless your animals with affection, love, and protection. Bless those in need with compassion and help. Bless the children with tenderness, a gentle reminder of God’s power, love, and sanctuary.

“Bradley, our beautiful little one, thank you for changing our lives. Thank you for giving us greater joy. Thank you for ensuring we live life to the fullest every day. Thank you all for helping us dream bigger. You’ll forever be the greatest, most treasured gift we’ll ever receive on earth.” ~ Matt

Worthy Purpose

 “We are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus, to help Him do His work." ~ Eph 2:10

Michael walked down the street in the middle of San Antonio when he came across a busy construction site. He stopped briefly as heavy equipment operators moved tons of dirt and materials. Masons poured concrete, iron workers built structures, and bosses gave instructions. Everyone played an important instrument in this symphony set in motion.

He became fascinated by workers in a ditch by the sidewalk and decided to ask one of them what they were doing?” A tired, mud-splattered plumber looked up and paused. Excitement filled his eyes like sparkplugs roaring an engine with the growl of anticipation.

"We're building the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park for kids with disabilities,“ his boasted proudly. “It’ll open next year (2010) as “Morgan’s Wonderland.” It will include rides, playgrounds, gardens, a special-event center, and 575-seat amphitheater."

Before returning to his work, the man suggested that Michael check out the website and learn more about the project’s back story. And so, he did.

Six years earlier, Gordon Hartman sold his homebuilding business to establish The Hartman Family Foundation so he and his wife, Maggie, could help children and adults with special needs.

During a family vacation, their daughter Morgan, who was born with physical and cognitive disabilities, wanted to play with kids tossing a ball in a hotel swimming pool. But when she asked them, they quickly took their ball and vanished.

Never forgetting the anguished look on Morgan’s face, the heartbroken father decided there had to be a way to bridge the gap of misunderstanding about people with special needs. As a retired home builder, Hartman answered the looming question himself by erecting a theme park called “Morgan’s Wonderland” that opened in 2010.

The phrase “ultra-accessible” drove the park’s design, from waterproof, compressed-air fueled wheelchairs to water areas set at different temperatures for those who can’t manage the cold. The park has no bright flashing lights or anything that might trigger seizures.

Seven years later they added a water park, “Morgan's Inspiration Island,” featuring accessible splash pads and water play areas. At the Wharf, guests can even participate in catch-and-release fishing.

All the rides and attractions are fully accessible to those using any type of wheelchair. It's a special park where one can relax regardless of your abilities, and enjoy a barrier-free, wonderful time.

There are a great many purposes to which you can dedicate your life. Wealth does not necessarily correlate with spiritual advancement. Both men shared a similar vision. The entrepreneur used his wealth to provide amusement activities for a disadvantaged group. The man in the ditch committed himself to building a worthy structure because he shared the same vision enthusiastically.

Creator God, God, bring into my vision people and opportunities that’ll help reveal the passions and dreams that You have planted within my heart. Direct me in ways to explore how I’m naturally equipped to serve others and bring You glory. Amen

Golden Mom

 “Every child is born from their mother’s inner strength." ~ Ezekiel 19:2

The situation seemed hopeless; desperation eclipsed the wonderful news the zoo’s staff had announced just weeks before. Canine parents Bleu and Maurice were expecting a litter of African-painted dogs, the first U.S. births in protective captivity in over 3 years.

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 6,600 African-painted dogs remain on earth. Endangered and declining rapidly, they are often targeted by hunters for threatening livestock.

Their mottled coats sport the hippest fur in the bush with splashes of brown, white, and yellow. In the wild, African-painted wolves live in large packs. Thus, zoo staff typically remains hands-off so packs can raise pups as they would in the wild and acquire the social structure of their species.

Eight pups arrived in September. But Bleu, an inexperienced mother, wasn’t adequately caring for her pups, and Maurice followed her lead. Quickly, it became clear the newborns - vital to the growth of the species’ population - would perish without intervention.

Instead of bottle-feeding the pups, the staff furiously sought a surrogate dog to help nurse and raise them. In their desperation, a novel pathway opened up.

Within hours, the local Animal Welfare agency contacted the zoo with a female golden retriever with a new litter and milk to share. Kassy, her own 4 puppies in tow, came to the zoo and instantly nursed the painted dog pups as her own.

Over the next month, raising the painted dog pups came with difficulties and disappointments. As is common with baby animals, some of the painted dog pups didn’t survive despite the valiant efforts of Kassy and the Animal Care team.

But three did.

Today the blended family of pups are extremely playful, inquisitive, and on the path to a healthy life.

Once the African-painted dog pups are older, they will move to another accredited facility with hopes of joining a pack of their own to help expand the animals’ population.

All because one mother stepped in.

A mother’s love is a magnificent force that transcends earthly boundaries. It is the beacon of unconditional love and sacrifice, shedding light on our lives even before we take our first breath.

As children, we find solace in our mother’s presence. Her tireless endeavors to nurture, guide, and elevate us punctuate every stage of our lives. Her strength is our shield in the storm; no matter how far we drift, her beacon of love invariably guides us back home.

Let us pay tribute to all the guardian angels - Moms, by birth or by choice - who unwaveringly watch over their children. Your sacrifices change lives. Your love molds the future. And your warmth makes this world a more compassionate and kinder place.

Lord, on this special day, may we honor and cherish the special women who have born us, nurtured us, and prayed for our well-being. Let our hearts overflow with gratitude to You, who formed and knitted each of us in a mother’s womb. Amen

Together for a Reason

 “We are God’s handiwork, created to do good works." ~ Ephesians 2:10

Harold’s grandson grabbed a booth while he went to order some breakfast. Workers toiled through the numbness of the job, cranking out orders like an assembly line.

McDonald's had recently installed self-service kiosks. Harold questioned the idea of touching a filthy screen just to get in line to pay for what he just ordered.

Working the cash register, however, was an older lady, well beyond 70 years. Platinum hair and wire-framed glasses; she looked like everybody’s grandma. Greeting each customer with a friendly smile and a few kind words, her warmth brightened the entire restaurant. He sidestepped the kiosk.

When it was his turn, Harold returned the smile. “Your cheery attitude is a ray of sunshine on this otherwise gloomy day,” he added. “Mind if I order here at the counter instead?”

She laughed, patted his hand, and said, “No extra charge, Hon!”

They finished their breakfast and Harold waited for the cashier to take her morning break.  As she walked by their booth, he motioned for her to join them and she welcomed the invitation.

He learned from Loraine that this was a special day at the Golden Arches. Today marked her 44^th year of working for the chain. Franchise owners were hosting a celebration in her honor complete with free coffee and cake. A kind gesture though she’s not retiring.

“Miss Loraine,” started serving friendship at McDonald's in 1979 after her late husband retired due to a disability. He died the following year.

She rises at 3 a.m. for her early weekend shifts. Customers say that she’s the only one who makes oatmeal correctly. “They’re my life,” she offered. “I’ve traveled with them, gone to ball games with them. They’re friends, not just customers. They were my life savers when I lost my husband.”

I'll bet you could teach these kids a thing or two,” Harold suggested.

“We learn from each other,” Loraine quickly countered. “I tend to think longer term and know what it means to commit through thick and thin. I “know the ropes” and am happy to pass along what I know about interpersonal skills like common courtesy and team play.”

“In turn, they help me with computers and my iPhone. Their perspectives are more diverse which helps open my eyes to the ever-changing world. They’re great at thinking out of the box too.”

“We’re together for a reason,” she added.

Harold left the restaurant richer for the experience. It’s funny, he thought, how we work hard for money to buy things. But the things that matter most can’t be bought. They’re given easily and joyfully received. Love, smiles, hugs, laughter, intimacy, happiness, joy, and connection are all free of charge; God-given talents we give each other.

Father God, You’ve called me to thrive and succeed in community, not isolation. May I see the true value of those You’ve placed in my life. Show me what it means to be a real friend who helps others succeed. Amen