As we move closer to the end of 2022 and find ourselves in the middle of the advent season, I am reposting a series I posted last year because they are some of my favorite messages that capture the feelings of the season for many of us. I will start with more original posts in the New Year! Enjoy this season. Happy Reading. Merry Christmas!

“I looked at the earth, and it was formless and empty, and at the heavens, and their light was gone.”                                                                                                                 Jeremiah 4:23 (NIV)

I reclined in the chair admiring my work. The color-coordinated decorations were just right. Everything perfectly scattered among the branches. I thought to myself, “This is a beautiful tree.  Good job!”

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw it … a bare spot. A space totally void of decoration. No glass ornament. No festive bow. Not even a twinkling light. How could this be? A flaw in my perfectly beautiful tree.

I contemplated moving an ornament but that would create a different bare spot. I checked the box of decorations and all of the ornaments for the tree had been used. Unable to find a solution at the moment, I decided the bare spot wasn’t so bad. Right? It would take too much rearranging to try to fix it so I decided to leave it. It was near the back of the tree so no one else would notice.

The Christmas tree is beautiful and I love to sit and admire it in the quiet, dark morning. Yet, each day when I sit down to gaze upon it, I get this feeling that something just isn’t quite right. 

It’s that bare spot. 

I just can’t ignore it. My eyes drift directly toward it each time I pause and take in the sights of this beautiful season. Yet, it is hardly even noticeable.

If you were to visit my home today I bet you wouldn’t be able to spot it. But, I know it is there. 

A bare spot. An empty space.

Our lives during the Christmas season can be similar to this tree. We try to put it all together with everything just right. Yet, there is still a bare spot, something that is missing. An empty space in our tree of life. 

Some bare spots are new. It wasn’t there last year. Then, as hard as we try to fill the void there just isn’t enough stuff or fluff to fill in that space without leaving a gap somewhere else. 

Other bare spots appear each year. They may shrink over time as we collect new things to replace what is broken, lost, or missing, but the original tree will never be the same. 

Sometimes our bare spots are clearly visible to everyone and others we cleverly hide by turning things just to hide the void.

How can this tree be so full yet still empty in that one spot? 

How can I be so full of life yet still feel incomplete?

As hard as I try each year (really each day), everything can’t be just so or always put together just right. No tree is perfect. No life is perfect. We all have a bare spot. But each tree is still beautiful. Our lives are still meaningful. 

Don’t let those bare spots keep you from celebrating the season. Let God help decorate your life and fill in some of those bare spots and embrace the others – you know, the ones that are just part of your tree. 

If you doubt God can fill your void, read Genesis 1:2, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering over the water.”  

Just look at the heavens and the earth. God did a pretty awesome job starting with nothing. When we feel formless or empty, He can certainly work wonders with us. 

He is hovering over you now. Let Him fill your bare spot!

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”     Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

Looking across the table, my view was clouded as I peered through tear-filled eyes. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly laugh anymore, one of my dear friends brings me to tears with yet another spontaneous, humorous comment. Yes, tears … Tears of joy. The best kind. 

To borrow a phrase from a male friend of mine who said it best, “Girls just wanna do lunch.” Nothing makes us happier than a long lunch with girlfriends (usually at some unique place) to catch up, decompress, and share our inner most thoughts, feelings, victories, and defeats. Just to treat ourselves and laugh until we cry. To be validated and reaffirmed by those people whose opinions we value … those who can relate to us … those who love us. No matter what … at ALL times. 

From watching my husband, I think the guy version of this comes in the form of fishing, hunting, sporting events, and working on cars – manly stuff like that. For us girls, it’s just lunch. Throw in shopping, going to a play, or something like that and it is just the cherry on top. 

After time with friends, I always feel renewed, rejuvenated, refreshed – don’t you? I also generally go home wondering-  how did I get to be so lucky? To be surrounded by such witty, beautiful, intelligent women. Why do they put up with me? With my whining, complaining, and insecurity. What in the world do they see in me? I am one high maintenance friend. Down-right needy. And I know it.

After returning from a recent girls’ day outing, I began to wonder how is it that friendship is such a powerful force? How does spending just that small bit of time with friends have such a positive, powerful influence on our lives? To get an answer, I decided to see what the scriptures say about friendship. 

Through reading, I realized that God made us this way on purpose. He made us for friendship. 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”   

    Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 

He never meant for us to do this alone. God puts people in our lives to lift us up along the way. That support can be physical, emotional, and spiritual. In turn, we are to be that kind of friend to others.

God showed us how to be a best friend. He showed us how to listen, to love unconditionally, and to serve. He tells us:

“Greater Love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”               John 15:13

He showed us that too when He gave up His own life for our sins. 

To lay down your life for a friend can be done in different ways not just through the ultimate sacrifice. You “lay down your life” when you drop everything to go be with a friend when there’s an emergency, when you set aside time to be together, when you take time to pray for them, through random acts of kindness, when you listen without interruption – you get the picture.

I can think of numerous ways my dear friends have done this for me over the years. Each time adding support, love, joy, and worth to my life. I am truly appreciative and thankful for that. I just don’t say it enough. 

Today – take time to thank a friend. Remember God reveals Himself and His love for us through those angels in our lives. We are stronger together.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”   — Proverbs 27:17

On Monday, we said goodbye to one of our fur children, Goliath – a chiweenie who joined our family almost 17 years ago. As you can imagine, we are devastated and his passing leaves a huge void in our hearts. I am thankful for the many wonderful years we had with him and appreciate all that he added to our lives. He was a small dog with a huge heart. I am reposting this devotional in memory of our sweet Goliath.

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NASB)

For some reason, when I read this scripture this phrase comes to mind: 

I am dog tired. 

Are you familiar with this saying? I have heard it used for years by family and friends and I have used it myself on occasion. I imagine being “dog tired” is a lot like growing weary from doing good.

Just think of all the faithful, four legged friends out there who eagerly greet their owner each and every day – day in and day out without fail. Dogs are always happy to see you, eager to please, and overcome with joy to come when you call (I wish it were the same with cats and children!). 

Dogs generally spend their days in hard play and service to their masters. They provide unending love, companionship, and enjoyment for millions of people. No wonder they are dog tired! 

Yet, I tend to look at my precious pooch and think, “Boy, you’ve got it made!” On some really difficult days I have wondered what it would be like to live like my dog. No pressures. Great accommodations. Now I realize I couldn’t have been more wrong. I never really considered how hard it would be to be pleasant and excited every time I saw my owner – all of that tail wagging – and drop what I was doing to tend to his needs. Wow! What selflessness. I think we can all draw wisdom from our four legged friends. 

With this in mind, I read this passage and compare my own weariness with that of the fur people around me. Then, I don’t think I should be weary at all. I wonder – Am I really doing all of the good that I can? Do I serve my Master faithfully the way that I should? Am I the companion I should be? Probably not. If I were a dog, my owner would have probably taken me to a shelter by now or at least considered it. I imagine he would tell the folks at the shelter, “She’s too lazy, stubborn, and set in her ways.”

On the other hand, I also notice this scripture does not put limitations on doing good. It doesn’t say doing good to others. It merely says doing good. So don’t leave yourself out! We have to take care of ourselves. Run. Play. Rest. Within their lives of service to their masters, dogs take time to enjoy the basics: running through the grass and leaves, playing with their favorite toys, and catching a nap when they can. Shouldn’t we do the same? I believe this would help us not grow weary as quickly. So, what’s your favorite toy? A hobby? A way to relax? If you don’t have one, you should acquire one. It might mean you are working too much – take it from someone who knows. 

First things, first. We must always remember what, or I should say who, comes first – our Master. My dog drops whatever he is doing when I call and comes running. We should do the same when God is calling. Make sure you take care of your relationship with Him first. 

Serve the Lord with the same energy and enthusiasm a dog – a good dog, the world’s best dog – serves his owner. And the next time you are dog tired, go to the Master and curl up with Him. He will care for you and you will be renewed.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

This is a repost from last year at this time. I started to write something new but I think this still says it all.

“Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”       Psalm 23:5 (RSV)

Full. That is where I seem to find myself during the holidays. Just Full. You might be feeling that way yourself right about now.

Full from overeating. A full table. Everywhere you look there is more food. Later, it won’t be just the leftovers either because the holiday baking has just begun. Go ahead, break out the stretchy pants.

Full of family and guests. A full house. People everywhere you turn. Each one of them needy in their own way. Leaving no room for you to take care of your own needs.

Full of events and activities. A full calendar. A celebration here and there. Time with friends and family. Plus, your normal obligations … the decorating to do. And don’t forget to squeeze in that shopping. 

Yep – it’s that time of year. We are all full in one way or another.

Lately though, I have found myself full in yet a different way. In the midst of my daily frustrations, the holiday happenings, and all the things that drive me bonkers on top of all that, my heart is full.

I don’t mean full as in heavy. Although, I often feel that way it seems. This is very different.

Full. Yes, my heart is full. Full as in overflowing. 

In the middle of this holiday chaos, I look around and realize how deeply I am blessed. I am blessed with great kids who come home to spend time with me or call when they are too far away. I have parents who are proud of me and support us all with their unconditional love. I have extended family who add extra seasoning to my life. I have great friends with whom I laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time). And I have a husband who has stuck by my side through the highs and lows of life loving me all along the way. Not to mention the material comforts of a home filled with laughter, love, and tears.

When this first wave of the holiday season has come and gone, the leftovers are no more, and the house is empty again, I know I will still be full. Full of gratitude.

So it is with truly a thankful heart that I pass along to you this simple thought: Allow yourself to be full. Let your cup runneth over with the blessings given to you each day as you walk with the Lord. 

I know some days you feel like your cup may not even be half full – maybe you think your cup is too big to ever be overflowing. Be realistic in your expectations. Your cup will run over before you know it. 

Take time to read Psalm 23 in its entirety. It only takes a couple of minutes. Then, don’t let yourself become full and overwhelmed – but full of the good stuff you are given. That stuff that surrounds us each day that we fail to truly appreciate. Remember the simple things. 

Let your heart be full this season – especially on those days when you feel like you are running on empty.

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other.”           I Thessalonians 3:12

“And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”                                                                                                                                            Colossians 3:14 (NASB)

Dressing for success. Some days I wish warm up pants were suitable for all occasions. Because no matter what we look like in them the comfort factor is high and we feel better. If you ask my kids, warm up pants are suitable everywhere (unless you are their mother and you are going out in public). However, those of us in the adult world understand that clothes matter and should fit the occasion. Let’s face it -when you look good, you feel good. 

Have you encountered anyone that looked like a million bucks and then treated you like a lost penny – insignificant? Then, how did that person look to you? Sometimes we put on our physical clothes to dress for success but we fail to take the qualities along with us that really matter. I have learned over the years that people may be polished and wearing the most expensive clothes but their demeanor can ruin it in a second. The ugly on the inside eventually shows on the outside. 

It is the same way with pretty too, though. When we are clothed with the right qualities that God has taught us we are pretty from the inside out. I have friends that I am convinced look better than me no matter what they are wearing – even their warm up pants – and that is because they are beautiful people on the inside. 

What’s love got to do with it? The scripture tells us that love is the bond (perfect bond) of all unity. So, above all things put on love! Each and every day. With love, barriers are broken, partnerships as well as friendships are forged, and people make positive changes in the lives of others (and themselves). 

If you go back to Colossians and read all of chapter 3, you will find this in verse 12:

“And so, those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Look, it’s a whole wardrobe given to us by God. One stop shopping – you’ve got to love that, especially if you’re a guy. Walk in, get what you need, and off you go. 

As you dress each day whether it is for work or for play, clothe yourself with these things. Your true beauty will be revealed and I bet you get a compliment or two on how great you look. 

What’s different about you? It must be love. 

“Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider the great things He has done for you.”                                                                                           I Samuel 12:24 (NASB)

Traveling to work one day at my usual rate of speed, there was a police car positioned so that it was unnoticeable to me until I was passing by the side street where it was parked on a hill to my right. Two seconds later, I heard the blast of the siren and I saw the bright blue lights flashing in my rearview mirror. Immediately, my pulse quickened.  My heart sank. My stomach became queasy. I can’t adequately describe the hollow, sick feeling. The feeling of guilt that took over my mind and body at that moment. 

Scrambling to gather my thoughts, my mind was on high alert. Trying to decide where it was appropriate to pull over on the divided highway, with clammy palms, I was close to panic for an answer when I checked the rearview mirror again and realized that the police officer was trailing a different vehicle. Whew! What a relief. It wasn’t me that the officer was stopping. It was another unfortunate, speeding soul.

As I drove on, the siren quieted and lights faded from view. My pulse slowed closer to normal and I relaxed the death grip I had on the steering wheel. Then, my mind drifted to more comforting thoughts. I knew I wasn’t speeding. I didn’t do anything wrong. I remembered looking at the speedometer and only being 8 miles an hour over the speed limit. Yet, my stomach still felt a little queasy and I was edgy, uneasy. 

The familiar feeling of guilt. I still felt guilty – or embarrassed – the feelings are very similar and closely related. 

This wasn’t the first time I had felt this way and I am sure it won’t be the last. 

Truth: Sometimes I drive over the speed limit. I am convinced that as long as I don’t go more than 10 miles an hour over the speed limit it’s acceptable. That’s just a little over the limit and no one can stick to the exact speed limit all the time, right?!

Why do blue lights and sirens have that effect on me? Or sometimes just the sight of a police car? Probably because I know I am not perfect. I am guilty of traffic violations. I am embarrassed to think that could be or should be exposed. 

That’s it. Guilt brings embarrassment. 

I am embarrassed because I know the laws/rules; however, I break them anyway.

I bet you have similar feelings when this happens to you. Be honest. If you don’t have some anxiety in a situation like this does it mean you have become too comfortable breaking the law? 

Do you have similar feelings when you come before God? 

Do you steer your life differently when you are at church or with other Christians than you do when you are at home or with your buddies? Do you have feelings of guilt or embarrassment? Or have you become comfortable breaking God’s rules?

When we commit those “small sins” (like gossiping, using profanity, or judging others) is it just like going 10 miles over the speed limit – nothing to get caught for?

Remember with God there are no “small sins,” and with Him the speed limit is the speed limit. 

When we go over God’s speed limit in our daily lives, do we feel just as guilty as when we see those blue lights and hear that siren? We should.

If not, maybe we have become too comfortable and complacent pushing the limit with God.

From today forward, try something new. Try going the speed limit (or under) on the road and in the way you live your life. 

You will experience more satisfaction … and a lot less guilt and embarrassment.

“You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb; I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”                                 Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

There was a popular game show in the 1970s called The $10,000 Pyramid. It was a timed game where one person would see the name of a category and then he or she would use words and phrases to describe it until the other person guessed it correctly.

Would you like to play? 

See if you can guess the category from these clues:

. Classic style

. Tasteful hair and makeup

. Basic

. Less is more

. Elegant

. Feminine

. Natural

. Grace Kelly or Jackie Kennedy

Have you guessed it yet? Do you give up?

The category is … Examples of Timeless Beauty.

Timeless beauty. This is something many women, like me, seek. We spend a significant amount of time staring in the mirror examining our flaws and then we spend a considerable amount of money trying to correct them. All of this in pursuit of timeless beauty.

But what are we really looking for? Timeless beauty or ageless perfection? They are not the same thing.

If you are looking for ageless perfection then you will most likely always be disappointed. By our very nature, we are perfectly imperfect people. A surgical facelift may fix the problem temporarily but even those remarkable effects don’t last forever. 

When I described timeless beauty, you may notice I did not use the word perfect and I did not use the cover of the Sports Illustrated (swimsuit edition) as an example. 

The tangible beauty of youth is fleeting but true beauty is timeless. 

So how can we each capture timeless beauty?

To harness the power of timeless beauty you first must embrace the reflection in the mirror. Accept the person you have become. No regrets. Every wrinkle represents part of your story – your historical timeline – your journey. Every scar symbolizes a healing or a victory – victory over a difficult situation – victory in living. 

Look more closely and discover what features you possess that reflect a member of your family. Do you have your dad’s eyes? Your grandmother’s hands? And how much did you love and admire them? Their influence can be seen on your face and through your actions. 

Look a little deeper. Become the woman or man of God you know you can be. You are so precious in His sight. Let His word and teachings transform you from the inside out resulting in the ultimate facelift, reflecting confidence and courage.

Beauty radiates from within. God created each of us fearfully and wonderfully. Let others see that through you!

Don’t get me wrong I still want to be the most perfectly imperfect I can be on the outside too.  I must admit I am constantly in search of that magic firming cream that will defy gravity and reverse its effects on my human shell but I won’t let that define me or diminish my confidence in who I am. 

We can all possess timeless beauty that comes from being an obedient child of God. 

Does that thought turn your frown upside down?! Now, that’s a facelift!

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”  2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”                                                                 Hebrews 12:2

Pinecone battles. Kickball. Bike riding. Thumb wars. These are all part of my childhood memories. A time when most debates were settled by declaring, “Whoever blinks first loses. One. Two. Three. Go.” These words started intense staring contests between me and my brother. 

As kids, these moments were serious and being declared the winner was a badge of honor. All these years later, I can still remember that feeling when locked in a gaze with a friend or sibling bound and determined to win the staring standoff. I also remember how it felt to stare at that other set of eyes so intently that everything else fell out of focus. The background and all of the distractions became blurry and insignificant. 

As many children, I experimented with different interests to see where I fit in – where I could use my talents. In doing this, I tried to tap into the ballerina in me by taking dance classes. That lasted one year – those shoes hurt my feet! I have always admired those real ballerinas who stuck with it and learned to turn on their toes for long periods of time without getting dizzy or falling – a result of their dedication, focus, and balance.

As an adult, literal balance and focus becomes more and more important. This is why people are practicing yoga – to balance mind and body. In ballet and yoga, to keep your physical balance you need a focal point. Focusing on one stationery object or thought helps you stay steady. Clearly, there is a connection between focus and balance. 

Focusing on what really matters and balancing the personal and professional aspects of life grows in value as we grow older. In more than one way, success in our day to day activities is all about finding focus to remain balanced, steady. Obviously, as a young girl I lacked the focus it took to become dedicated to dance. I had not quite learned the philosophy of no pain, no gain. When I think of some of the most successful people I know and the hardest workers I have seen, they all have an intense focus and dedication to their craft, work, sport, or area of expertise. When there is a laser-like focus the distractions become blurred and insignificant allowing you to move closer to your goal.

There are days when I lose my focus and the world around me seems to spin. I find it difficult to find my balance and regain control. I have lost my focal point, and everything begins to swirl. That’s when I need to harness the kid in me and remember not to blink.  

Hebrews 12:2 says, “Fix your eyes on Jesus …”         (The one who blinks first loses…)

He should be our focal point.            (One. Two. Three. Go.)

He can stop the world from spinning. 

Just like that prima ballerina or a yoga instructor or the winner of a staring contest, it takes time and practice. In this world with all of its distractions it takes true dedication and commitment to maintain focus and balance.

As a Christian, fix your eyes on the One who matters – Jesus. When you do, you can’t lose.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for being an immovable focal point for me. You are the one true constant, unchanging support in a world of uncertainty. When I find myself losing focus and my world starts spinning, I will fix my eyes on You to blur the distractions and get back on track.

Amen.

“These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king – Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something also for the seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn – Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.”                           Proverbs 1:1-6, The Message

Because we all seem to have enough stuff in our lives, I find myself challenged to find gifts to send friends and family who live out of town. I never want to send something that isn’t needed or will just sit around. I like to give (and receive) something to be enjoyed – preferably something that is consumable. 

With this in mind, I stumbled upon the idea of sending food items. My son was thrilled the first time I sent him, in his words, “the gift of meat” – specifically steaks. (Sorry if you’re vegetarian or vegan.)

To select his gift, I painstakingly (no pun intended) perused gift box selections to choose just the right cut of meat. I learned rather quickly that those described as “seasoned” filets, rib eyes, New York strips, etc. were much better than the regular ones but not as good as the cuts identified as “aged to perfection.” I ultimately chose the seasoned filets for the cost and the quality – a cut above the rest so to speak.

Not long ago, I was referred to as “seasoned.” I am relatively sure it was a compliment and not just a way to say I’m old. In context, the reference was to my years of tenure in my profession. My time and experience have made me seasoned – not new, veteran, tested. I have had time to improve, get better at what I do like a seasoned athlete, a seasoned professor, or a seasoned pastor.

Time-tested and experienced is generally preferred over a rookie; however, just because you are seasoned it doesn’t mean you are aged to perfection. You can continue to improve, much like those steaks I considered. 

The introduction to the book of Proverbs states there are still things seasoned men and women can learn. The purpose of Proverbs is “To give prudence to the naïve, to the youth knowledge and discretion, A wise person will hear and increase in learning, and a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel…” (Proverbs 1:4 – 5 NASB).

If you are seasoned like me and think you’ve seen, heard, and lived it all, think again.

There is still much to learn and experience especially as a seasoned Christian. The book of Proverbs is a great place to start. If you’ve read it before – read it again. I am confident you will gain new insight. 

Remember, you may be seasoned but you are not yet aged to perfection.

Dear Lord, 

I am often tempted to think I know it all or that I am the one who can teach others a thing or two. Thank you for the wisdom passed on through Solomon and the book of Proverbs that provides “fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate” the minds of those who are seasoned like me.

Amen.

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; You have taken hold of my right hand.”  Psalm 73:23

Think of times over the years when you held someone’s hand. What comes to mind?

Is it the hand of a parent so you wouldn’t wander too far? Is it the hand of a sibling while you crossed the street? Is it the hand of a friend playing a game? (Red Rover, Red Rover …) Is it hand holding in the dark of a movie theater? Or is it holding someone’s hand during a difficult time?

I have many memories like these too. Think of a recent or special time you held someone’s hand and why.

For me two things come to mind. I held the hand of my fragile mother when she couldn’t find words to say and I didn’t know what to say. Also, I held my husband’s hand just because. Yes, after over 30 years of marriage we hold hands and sit on the same side of the table at restaurants. After all this time, we like to be close and hold hands, just because.

Now, imagine holding the hand of Jesus. Upon your profession of faith as a Christian that is exactly what you have done. You have taken hold of His right hand.

Can you think of a time when it was clear that Jesus held your hand?

I can remember several times. The time He held my hand and pulled me close so I would not run off in the wrong direction, saving me from making a poor life choice. The times He held my hand to form a stronghold when someone or something was coming right at me – just like that game of Red Rover I held tightly to Him to stand strong. He also held my hand while I silently grieved and I have felt His touch in the quiet of the morning, just because. 

He is continually with me and with you. He is always near to hold our hand even when no one else physically can or will. 

As a new Christian starting to walk with Jesus, the feeling is so tangible, His presence so evident. The excitement of entering this new life is vibrant. We take His right hand and walk so closely, like little children crossing the street, good friends, and young couples.

As the years pass, do you stay close to Him – just because?

Do you feel that celestial squeeze of your hand during tough times? Maybe through the words of a friend, the lyrics in a song, or a verse of scripture?

Do you feel the energy and gain resolve to do the hard things because you feel His grip on you?

Do you sit silently because you can’t find the words and just feel His presence?

That’s what holding hands with Jesus feels like. 

30 years, 40 years, 50 years and beyond – He is continually with you, sitting right beside you – just because. Take His hand and never walk alone.

Dear Lord, 

I pray that I never let go of your right hand or stray so far that I feel I can’t reach you. What a blessing, a comfort, and a joy to have You continually with me. 

Amen.