The Gift of Family

The yard was alive with laughter, the aroma of delicious food through the air. Cousins ran around playing tag, their voices ringing out with laughter, while adults shared stories - catching up on each other's lives. It was one of those perfect moments that make me realize now just how much my family means to me. Those family reunions that remind us the importance of family and the love that ties us all together. 

These people—my roots, my greatest blessing—were the reason for so many of my happiest memories. But as the years go by, I notice how quickly time slips away. The days seem shorter now, and before I know it, another birthday has come and gone. The laughter around the dinner table, the hugs, the conversations—these moments become like a beautiful picture that holds precious moments.

That realization hits me hard. Life is fragile, and we can’t hold onto these days forever. We celebrate, we love, we laugh, and then suddenly, those moments become memories—cherished, irreplaceable, and gone too soon. It’s a gentle reminder to cherish every second, to love fiercely, and to hold tight to the people who matter most.

Now more than ever, I try to love my family with everything I have. I want to listen to those stories, and cherish those quiet moments of togetherness.  We don’t know how many days we’ll have here on earth, but I believe that love, shared with family, leaves a lasting legacy.

Cherish your loved ones. Love them fiercely, forgive quickly, and hold them close. One day, those days will be gone, and all that will remain are the memories we made and the love we shared. 

The Gift of Sunrises

As I step into my childhood home, one thing always catches my eye - the old Bible that sits quietly on the shelf or the table. It's the Bible he studied from, the one filled with his notes, underlined passages, and quiet reflections of a man who loved God deeply. Seeing that familiar book takes me back to moments I wish I could relive. 

I remember mornings we would see him reading at 3:00 am. That was his special time, his quiet time alone with God. He loved to watch the sunrise, often saying "nothing more beautiful than seeing the world wake up." I can still hear him saying "Nothing prettier than that."

It is truly remarkable to think that God chose to take him at that very hour - 3:00 am. He was blessed to witness one of the most magnificent sunrises that morning. I find comfort in knowing that he was in the midst of his most favorite moment with the Lord when he was called home. 

Dwelling on memories of our loved ones that brings us smiles and comfort is a gift - reminder of love, faith and a legacy left behind. But we are left here now moving forward, we strive to do what God would want us to do - live with purpose, love unconditionally and serve faithfully until the day He calls us home too.

Until then, we continue to walk this journey, carrying memories of those we loved. And whenever I see a sunrise, I am reminded of our dad meeting the Lord at his favorite time of day. I can't help but think as he gazed upon Jesus that morning, he might have said, "Nothing prettier than this."

**A Formosa Tree and Childhood Memories**

Growing up, I often found myself under the shade of a tall, Formosa tree at my grandmother's house. Among the simple yet meaningful activities I cherish to this day are shucking corn and shelling peas with her —tasks that seemed mundane at the time and probably a little boring as a little girl.

I remember sitting under that tree with my grandmother and mom, their hands skillfully peeling back the husks and shells, their voices telling stories and lessons that would grab my attention ever so often. Those moments weren’t just about preparing food; they were about connection, patience, and the passing down of traditions.

As a little girl, I sometimes wished I could be anywhere else—like playing with friends!. But looking back, I realize how precious those times truly were. My grandmother’s gentle guidance and my mom’s loving words taught me lessons I didn’t fully understand then: the importance of patience, gratitude, and taking time to appreciate the simple things.

I often think about those times under the Formosa tree, and wish I had listened more intently. Sometimes I wonder if I truly appreciated their wisdom at the time. Now, those memories are treasures I hold close. They remind me of the importance of family and tradition. 

I miss those days. Though time has passed, the lessons learned and the love shared remain forever in my heart.

I realize the most valuable things in life are often found in the simplest moments—shucking corn, shelling peas, and sharing stories beneath the shade of a Formosa tree. And perhaps, if  I could go back, I’d listen a little more and cherish those treasured moments even more.

Brain Fog and Wedding Bands

 Lately, I’ve been on a bit of a wild ride with my medication. Sounds harmless enough, right? Well, apparently, one of the side effects is what I call “brain fog” — a state where my mind feels like it’s wrapped in cotton candy and my memory takes a vacation.  

I’ve been losing things left and right, misplacing items and finding them has become a game around here. Words? They don’t come as quickly as they used to. Sometimes I stare at the TV remote, trying to remember the word for “remote,” and instead, I just blink at it like it’s some alien artifact. 

But the real showstopper happened a few days ago when I went to put on my wedding band. I have three bands.  I noticed I only had two on my left hand. Word for the day– panic — my heart started racing, my palms got sweaty, and I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears.  

“Oh no, not my wedding band,” I thought. “That’s not just jewelry.”  I started turning the house upside down. I looked in the washer, in the dryer, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, and probably even in the fridge. I even checked outside — maybe it had decided to go on a little adventure of its own.  

My husband, trying to be supportive, was just sitting there in house, probably wondering if I’d finally lost it. I was almost in tears, frantically searching every nook and cranny, praying, “Lord, please help me find my ring.”  

After a thorough investigation that would put Sherlock Holmes to shame, I finally gave up. We had to leave for an errand, and I told myself I’d look for it later. As I reached to close the car door, I looked down… and what do you know - there it was. On my right hand.  

How in the world did it get there? Did some mischievous fairy put it there while I wasn’t looking? I honestly don’t remember slipping it onto my right hand — I’m pretty sure I’d remember if I had. But there it was, shining ever so happily enjoying my right finger.  

That day, I realized something important: sometimes days just aren’t that great. Things go haywire, plans fall apart, and we end up looking for things that are right in front of us. But you know what? It’s okay. We have to laugh at ourselves sometimes, because life is messy, unpredictable, and often downright hilarious.  

So, here’s my little reminder: when life feels like it’s spinning out of control, take a deep breath. Laugh at the craziness. Wear your missing ring on the “wrong” hand for a day — because honestly, that’s life. And no matter what, I’ll get through it, one misplaced item and brain fog moment at a time.  

**Because at the end of the day, it’s all part of the journey. And sometimes, the best stories come from days that aren’t that great.**  

Do You Need A RoadMap For Your Journey?

Don't you wish life came with a detailed roadmap? Having an outline of every twist, turn, and destination along our journey would make things so much easier. We long for clarity, certainty, and control over where we’re headed. But faith teaches us something different: it’s about stepping forward without seeing the full path ahead.

*"For we walk by faith, not by sight."* 2 Corinthians 5:7 captures the meaning to trust God. Instead of having a clear view of the entire journey, we are called to take the next step in obedience, trusting that God’s plan is perfect—even when the road seems uncertain.

A traveler in the dark, holding onto a small lantern. The light may only reveal a few steps ahead, but with each step, the path becomes clearer. Similarly, God’s word and promises are our lanterns—guiding us one step at a time. We may not see the entire road, but we trust the One who knows the way, a perfect way.

If you are like me I wish God would reveal everything all at once, but He invites us to walk in trust and to depend on Him. Faith is defined as *"the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."* in Hebrews 11:1. Our faith is active, stepping into the unseen, believing that God’s promises are sure.

Whatever you are going through, even if the whole journey isn’t clear. Trust that God is leading, guiding, and directing your path. His plan is perfect, even when you cannot see the full picture.

Faith is less about knowing all the details and more about trusting the One who holds the future .

**A Day of 80 Roses**

 

An elderly lady, celebrating her 80th birthday, was surrounded by love in the most touching way.

She was presented with 80 roses, each one a symbol of appreciation and affection. She stood there, children lined up with eager smiles, each one carefully handing her a single rose one by one. The sight was nothing short of heartwarming—80 roses, 80 smiles from children who joyfully gave them, and 80 radiant smiles from the lady herself, glowing with gratitude and warmth

It wasn’t only the elderly lady who was moved that day. Seeing this heartfelt act of kindness unfold before their eyes, everyone in the church couldn’t help but be swept up in the contagious joy that filled the room. The smiles of the children, the glow in the lady’s eyes, and the happiness shared by all created an atmosphere of pure unspoken love.

It’s hard to say who was more moved—perhaps all of us. A simple act of giving and a wave of smiles reminding us all of the beauty in small gestures.

80 roses became more than just flowers; they became an act of celebrating one another. And as I reflect on that moment, I realize that sometimes, it’s these little acts of love that leave the biggest impressions on our hearts.

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**Who Do You See in the Mirror? Truly You or Just an Reflection?**

Every morning, as the sun peeks through the curtains and we reluctantly peel ourselves out of bed, one of the first things we do is face the mirror. It’s almost automatic—brush our hair, wash our face, maybe splash water on our cheeks, and take a quick glance at our reflection. Sometimes, it’s a quick look—just enough to make sure we don’t leave the house with bedhead or smudged makeup. Other times, it’s a longer, more contemplative stare. But have you ever truly paused in that moment and asked yourself: *Who do I really see?* 

Is it the real you, or just an image shaped by society and expectations of others? 

It’s funny how we look at ourselves every day and yet often don’t really *see*. We see the face, the hair, the eyes—what the mirror reflects back. But beneath that surface, how often do we ask: *Who is this person?* What stories does that reflection tell? 

For many of us, the mirror has become a familiar stranger. We recognize the face, but sometimes, that face doesn’t feel entirely like *us*. It’s a face we’ve grown into, a face that society expects us to be. It’s the face of someone who’s tired, stressed, happy, or anxious—sometimes all at once. 

The person looking back may be a carefully curated image—one that’s been shaped by social media, cultural norms, and personal experiences. And in that reflection, we sometimes forget who we are underneath all those layers.

Amidst all this, there’s a profound truth that can transform the way we view ourselves: **Do you see yourself as Christ sees you?**

When Jesus looks at us, He sees beyond the surface—beyond the flaws, insecurities, and masks. He sees the redeemed soul, the child of God, the one made in His image. Despite our imperfections, Christ’s love is unwavering. His eyes don’t focus on our shortcomings but on our potential, our worth, and the grace that covers us.

The Bible reminds us in 1 Samuel 16:7, *“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”* When you stand before the mirror, try to see yourself through His perspective. Remember that you are cherished, valued, and loved unconditionally—just as you are.

The journey to truly seeing ourselves is ongoing. It’s about peeling back layers and asking difficult questions: *Who am I beyond my roles and labels? What do I want my life to reflect?* It’s about embracing our imperfections and celebrating our uniqueness.

Standing in front of the mirror isn’t just about checking if our outfit is tidy; it’s about connecting with the person inside—acknowledging fears, dreams, and truths that often go unspoken.

So, the next time you find yourself in front of that mirror, take a moment. Look beyond the surface. Breathe. Ask yourself: *Who do I see?* Is this person aligned with who truly God wants me to be? 

When you see yourself through Christ’s eyes, you see someone full of purpose, loved beyond measure, and made righteous by grace. You are more than your reflection—you are a beloved child of God.

**Embrace that truth. See yourself as Christ sees you—worthy, loved, and precious.**