**"The Journey to Inner Peace: Knowing Your True Worth in God's Eyes"**

 **The Power of Inner Peace: Why a Healed Person Doesn’t Take Everything to Heart**

In life, it’s easy to get upset when others say or do things that hurt us. But as we heal emotionally, we learn that what others say or do is often more about them than about us. A healed person understands that their words come from their own struggles.

Healing takes time and effort. It helps us build confidence and realize we don’t need to take everything personally. When we understand that others’ reactions reflect their own pain, we can stay calm and centered. This gives us peace, making us less affected by negativity and more focused on our own growth.

True peace comes from within. It’s about accepting ourselves and recognizing that we control how much others’ words impact us. When we stop taking everything to heart, we find a deep sense of calm and strength that stays with us through life’s ups and downs.

 **"Words can be empty and misleading, depending on the heart of the one who speaks them."**  The most important truth is knowing your value in God's eyes. His love and acceptance are what give us real worth, far beyond what anyone else might say or think.

Counting my Blessings Throughout The Journey

One song that I really love is *"Counting My Blessings"* by Matt Maher and Seph Schlueter. The lyrics  always remind me to be thankful for everything God has done in my life. Have your heard it before?  Here are a few of the lyrics: *"God, I'm still counting my blessings - For all that You've done in my life. The more that I look in the details - The more of Your goodness I find."* 

There are so many good things God gives us every day, even the small ones we sometimes overlook. No matter how busy or stressed I get, taking a moment to think at my blessings fills my heart with gratitude. It’s a reminder that God's love and kindness - IT IS EVERYWHERE, if we just pay attention. 

The song also talks about how our time here on earth is limited, but God's goodness is endless. It encourages me to keep counting those blessings, knowing I can never truly count them all because God's blessings are bigger than we can imagine. 

So, If you see me riding down the highway windows down, sunroof open, shades on, and music blaring—I just might be me praising God along with Matt and Seph, thanking Him for all His blessings. 😊  

God's goodness is always present. No matter what life throws our way, there’s always something to be thankful for. Let's COUNT OUR BLESSINGS and GIVE THANKS FOR GOD'S ENDLESS LOVE.  

The Journey to Embracing Your Light in A Dark World

 

**God Did Not Call Us to Be Liked — He Called Us to Be Light**

God doesn’t want us just to be popular or liked by everyone. He wants us to **shine** for Him — to be **light** in a dark world. When we choose to do what’s right, speak the truth, and love others, we make darkness very uncomfortable.

The truth is, when you shine your light, it shows what’s hiding in the dark — like sin or wrong choices. Some people don’t want that. They want to stay hidden. So, they try to blow out the light or hide it so their sin won’t be exposed. They don’t want the truth to come out because it makes them feel guilty or uncomfortable.

But God’s calling us to be brave and to shine, even if it makes others uncomfortable. Remember, Jesus Himself was rejected many times because His truth made some people uncomfortable. But His light helped set others free.

So, don’t worry about everyone liking you. Your job is to shine and tell the truth with love. When you do, you help others see what’s real — and that can lead them to change. Shine bright, because that’s what God called you to do!

A Heartwarming Journey with My Granddaughter and the Words "Come to Me"

 

**A Heartwarming Moment with My Granddaughter: "Come to Me"**

Today, I had a special FaceTime call with my adorable granddaughter. As we chatted, she kept repeating three simple words: "Come to me." Hearing her say that with so much innocence and love touched my heart deeply.

It made me think of how these words resonate perfectly with the loving invitation of Christ. Just as my granddaughter yearns for closeness and comfort, Jesus invites us with open arms: **"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."** (Matthew 11:28)

Her innocent words reminded me that no matter how busy life gets or how heavy our hearts feel, Jesus is always ready to welcome us. Just like my granddaughter wants PaPa and Grammy close, He desires us to come to Him and find peace.

This moment was a gentle reminder that God's love is always near, waiting for us to reach out. Sometimes, the simplest words carry the deepest meaning—"Come to me" is a beautiful call from both a child’s heart and the heart of our Savior.

The Beautiful Journey of Faith, Family, and Love for God and a Blue Dress

Growing up, Sundays were always a special day for my family. Every week, my sister and I knew exactly what to do—by 9:00 a.m., we had to be ready. We’d hear my dad outside in the car, blowing the horn to let us know it was time to go. No excuses—church was important, and missing it was never an option.

I remember mom dressing my sister and I in matching blue dresses, white shoes, and white lace socks. She would pull our hair back with a white bow - maybe to hide the haircut she gave us (ha,ha). She always took extra care, making sure we looked nice for church. 

One of my favorite memories from those days was singing a song my dad would make us perform—"I'm the Reason" by the Inspirations.  I didn’t fully understand all the words back then, but I remember my dad every time would cry like a big old baby.  I always wandered why was he so emotional- now that I am older, I understand. It was because church meant so much to him; it was a place of faith, love, and a connection to God. 

Today, I looked up the lyrics to that old song because I couldn’t remember how it went, and I even watched a YouTube video to listen to it again. Hearing it brought back so many memories of those innocent days filled with faith and family.

Sometimes I wish I could go back and relive those moments just for a day. It’s funny how childhood memories stay with you—though I hated that blue dress back then, I realize now how precious those times were. Don’t you wish you could go back and experience it all again?

Now, my dad has passed away and is in Heaven, and my children are grown. It feels like those days in the blue dress and singing with my sister were just yesterday. I’m so grateful that my parents took me to church and taught me how important it is to have a relationship with Christ. Those lessons have meant everything to me and helped shape my faith.

Looking back, I see how those simple Sunday mornings helped me grow and learn about love, faith, and family. Even though I didn’t appreciate that blue dress at the time, I love it now because it reminds me of those precious moments. I know I’ll see my dad again someday in Heaven, and I hold onto those memories with gratitude.

Cherish your memories, hold onto your faith, and always remember the importance of family. Those simple Sundays may seem small, but they leave a lasting impact on our hearts.

**It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: The Power of Silence and Listening**

 **It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: The Power of Silence and Listening**

Sometimes, life gets overwhelming, and it’s okay to admit that you’re not okay. We often feel the need to put on a brave face or hide our struggles, but true strength comes from allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. It’s okay to sit in silence, to feel hurt, and to take time to listen to what our hearts truly need.

My dad was a man of few words, but he listened a lot. He didn’t always have many things to say, but when he was silent, I knew he was truly present. His quiet strength and ability to listen taught me something important: sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply listen. Listening doesn’t mean we have to fix everything or give advice; it’s about showing compassion and understanding.

Maybe that’s why God gave us two ears and one mouth—to remind us to listen more than we speak. And more importantly, to listen to His voice. During difficult moments, it’s in that quiet space that we can hear God’s guidance, comfort, and love. Listening to God's voice helps us find clarity, peace, and strength when everything else feels uncertain.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or silent today, remember that it’s okay. It’s okay to not have all the answers and to need time to process. Embrace the silence, listen to your heart, and most importantly, listen to God's voice. He’s always speaking to us, quietly guiding us through every storm.

My dad’s quiet strength continues to teach me that sometimes, words aren’t necessary. Just being present, listening, and tuning into God's voice can make all the difference.

 **The Most Rewarding and Painful Walk: Being a Pastor’s Wife**

Being a pastor’s wife is one of the most unique experiences a woman can have. It’s a walk filled with moments of deep joy, heartfelt pain, and countless lessons. Looking back, I can honestly say that this journey has been both the most rewarding and the most painful thing I’ve ever done. And yet, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

There’s nothing quite like seeing your church family grow in faith, witnessing lives change, and being part of their spiritual journeys. Sometimes, it’s a simple hug or a kind word that reminds me why I do what I do. Supporting my husband in his calling means being there for people during their happiest moments—like weddings and baptisms—and their hardest times—like loss and grief. Those moments of connection and love make my heart swell with gratitude. They remind me that serving in this role isn’t just a job; it’s a calling that touches lives and builds community.

But it’s not always easy. There are times when the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming. Criticism, misunderstandings, or feeling like I don’t quite measure up can be painful. Sometimes, I have to sacrifice personal time or put my feelings aside to support others. The emotional rollercoaster can be exhausting, and I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel tired or discouraged. This journey has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of leaning on my faith during tough times.

Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t give up this walk for anything. The rewards—the genuine relationships, the spiritual growth, the chance to serve others—far outweigh the difficulties. This role has helped me become a stronger, more compassionate person. It has taught me humility and the importance of unconditional love. Most importantly, it’s deepened my faith and trust in God’s plan for my life.