Tag: devotional

Lending A Helping Hand Is Never Time Wasted

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Sometimes, when we’re helping with something, whatever it may be, it can feel tedious, even thankless.

We wonder if our efforts are making any difference. In our hearts, we know we’re trying to do what’s right, but without seeing the impact of our good works, we start to question if these small acts are even worth it.

But here’s the truth: helping in any way is never time wasted. Every small gesture leaves a ripple.

Think of the people who have helped you.

You may never fully see its reach, but each act of kindness, no matter how small, is a thread in the larger fabric of goodness and compassion.

“

A single thread in a tapestry
Though its color brightly shines
Can never see its purpose
In the pattern of the grand design
And the stone that sits on the very top

Of the mountains mighty face
Does it think it’s more important
Than the stones that form the base?

So how can you see what your life is worth
Or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man
You must look at your life
Look at your life through heaven’s eyes

“

Song lyrics from “Through Heavens Eyes”

Don’t Lock Up Your Inner Child

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Sometimes “becoming a grown-up” makes us a little too serious. We tend to overthink things, replay unnecessary scenarios, and censor ourselves. I look at my children—they say what’s on their minds, do what they feel, wear what they want, and laugh every day with little concern for what the rest of the world thinks. There’s a freedom in their joy that reminds me of what it feels like to be fully present and unburdened.

When we get too caught up in the grown-up lifestyle, that inner child can get lost, often without us even realizing we’ve locked that part of ourselves away. But it’s important to keep that side alive, to let it out and have fun. So ask yourself: what did you enjoy as a child? Let those answers guide you in reconnecting with that playful, authentic part of you.

Today, give yourself permission to embrace a little bit of that freedom. Laugh at something silly, try something new, or revisit a simple joy from when you were young. Releasing your inner child can bring a lightness that balances the weight of adulthood, reminding you that fun and spontaneity are just as important as responsibility.

One Man’s Curse Is Another Man’s Blessing

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When things are rough, when life doesn’t make sense, and when pain or confusion takes hold, it’s easy to feel consumed by negative emotions. In those moments, remember that what may feel like a burden to you could be a blessing to someone else. Others might be willing, even eager, to carry your weight if given the choice. Recognizing that others face their own struggles can help us reframe our “curses” as blessings. It can bring a sense of inner peace, helping us see that, no matter what, we are blessed in ways we might often overlook.

It’s about shifting your perspective. Sometimes, the hardest parts of life are simply waiting for us to see them differently. By viewing our burdens through a new lens, we can begin to uncover hidden blessings. Even if life feels heavy, this shift can help us find a sense of gratitude, reminding us that growth often comes from what we least expect.

I know it’s not always easy to see the blessings when life feels heavy, but that’s why the saying, “count your blessings,” is so powerful. Today, take a moment to reflect on and appreciate all that you have. I’m praying that the weight you carry becomes lighter with each day.

Love Is A Choice – Choose To Love

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Try this: whatever in your life brings up fear or anxiety, choose to love it. Anything that stirs anger? Choose love. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action, and it’s a choice we have the power to make every day. The ability to love more deeply is a seed within us, and it’s one that needs nurturing.

When something frustrates or upsets you, pause, take a breath, and say, “I love you.” Don’t let stress or anger have power over you. Every person and every experience around us could use a little more love.

Instead of pushing away “it”, whatever it may be (we all have things, situations, or even people that we find challenging to love) because of the negative emotions it brings, challenge yourself to love it.

For example, imagine you just stubbed your toe on the door. (We all know how much that hurts!) Instead of cursing the door, acknowledge it with a twist: “That hurt, but I still love you, door, because you keep my family safe and give us privacy.” It may seem small, but this practice strengthens the habit of choosing love in frustrating moments. If you can learn to love something as simple as a door that caused you pain, think of how far that love can extend to the bigger challenges in life.

Some days, you’ll succeed; other days, you’ll struggle. But don’t give up, love really is the answer. I know, because I have my own struggles with this practice.

There have been moments when my children have sparked this kind of anger I didn’t even know I had, and I have to literally step back to figure out where it’s coming from.

I had to choose love.

Over time, we evolve and improve, and for that, we can be grateful for.

Love is more than a feeling, it’s a choice. Imagine a world of choose to love.

I Am You, And You Are Me

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Think of the ocean, and all the waves within its vast, beautiful blue. Now think of us, as people, each like a wave in that ocean. Each wave is unique and separate in its own way, yet it’s still water, still part of something larger. Just as waves belong to the ocean, we are all connected. It can feel, at times, like we’re on our own or completely different from others, but beneath the surface, we share many similarities and are part of something so vast and profound that it stretches beyond what our minds can fully comprehend.

When we’re reminded to “love thy neighbor,” to treat others how we wish to be treated, or to follow the Golden Rule—it’s because, in essence, you are them, and they are you.

Notice The Good Signs

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Many of us are always watching for bad signs, or at least those are what we focus on. They’re the ones that seem to stick in our minds, weighing us down and becoming tough to shake.

Constantly looking for the bad can leave the good in the shadows. When we do this, it’s like planting more bad seeds than good ones in our minds.

But there are so many good things—moments of light, glimmers—that deserve way more of our attention.

Glimmers are those tiny, positive signs that often slip by, little reminders that good things are happening, too.

Though our brains are wired to spot danger, trained for survival, we can work to build faith that’s stronger than this tendency.

This shift isn’t easy. It’s a muscle we must work on every day.

Over time, with intention and patience, noticing the good can become as natural as looking for the bad once was.

Do Your Best With What You Have

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It’s easy to find yourself desiring someone else’s life or possessions—especially on social media. Social platforms are full of rabbit holes that lead down the paths of envy and jealousy. If we spend too much time longing for what others have, it often breeds unhappiness and resentment.

There will always be someone with more, and someone with less. Contentment comes from focusing on what we already have. And often, when we look closely, we realize we have more than we thought. Count those blessings, daily.

Reminder that it’s not about having everything. True joy comes not from accumulating but from seeing our lives through a lens of gratitude, finding beauty in the ordinary, and remembering that every small gift is one to cherish.

m.g.

We Don’t Really Own Anything

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Not too long ago, I had a realization: we don’t truly own anything. Everything we currently have is here for our enjoyment, to serve us, to bring us joy, or to help others. But we don’t actually own these things. We’re essentially borrowing them for however long we’re here, because when we pass, none of “our things” will go with us. Recognizing this has made me appreciate all that I “have” even more. These are gifts from God; yet, because they’re not really ours, we shouldn’t hold on too tightly. Let me explain.

A while back, I was on Facebook and saw a story that beautifully illustrated this. A man shared that he was at a gas station when he saw someone who was homeless and didn’t have shoes. His wife told him, “Take off your shoes and give them to that man.” And he did, without hesitation. Now, he could’ve easily thought, No, these are my favorite shoes—I paid a lot for them. But he didn’t, because he wasn’t attached.

It’s human nature to grow attached to our things, and it can be challenging to let go. But when the opportunity arises to share something that “belongs” to us, it’s a chance to pass on joy and appreciation to someone else. We can thank these things for the role they played in our lives and let them go. This doesn’t have to be a gift to a stranger—it could be to family or friends as well.

Personally, I’m learning that the more I give and let go of things, the more space I create—both in my home and in my mind. We don’t need nearly as much as we think we do. Why hold on when there are others who might need or benefit from what we no longer use? I have a few selected items that I hope can stay within my family, shared and appreciated across generations. But for everything else, I’m letting go of the idea that they belong to me.

“The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.” Be grateful for everything God is lending you right now—everything.

What You Are Looking For Is Not Out There, It’s Within You

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Have you ever spent time looking all over your home for your glasses, only to discover they’ve been on your head the whole time? Or maybe you searched everywhere for your phone, only to realize it’s been tucked in your back pocket? Sometimes, life is like that. What we’re searching for to fill a certain void isn’t out there, it’s already within us.

You might think a specific achievement, possession, or relationship will finally make you feel complete. But when you get it, that familiar emptiness still lingers, leaving you confused and wondering, Why do I still feel this way?

The truth is, the answer you’re looking for is right where you are. To find it, spend time getting to know yourself, just like you would with someone new. What makes you tick? Why do you react a certain way? What brings you peace? What made you feel alive as a child?

Keep asking yourself why, and dig deeper. “That’s just who I am” is rarely the whole truth. You are layered, complex, and beautifully unique. Discover the colors, textures, and tools that shaped you into who you are. Not every discovery will be easy—some may be painful—but that’s part of the journey. Vulnerability strengthens our connections with others, and being vulnerable with yourself does the same.

No one in this world knows you the way you do. You alone hold the knowledge of your experiences, your dreams, your fears. And you are worth knowing. You are worth your own love. Take the time to see yourself for the miracle you truly are.

m.g.

Do More Unexpected Things

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Surprise yourself. Surprise others! Taking risks and embracing the unexpected can open doors you didn’t even know were there. Some people shy away from change, but change can be magical. Sometimes, the best moments in life are the ones you never saw coming. Step outside the familiar, take a leap, and let life surprise you.

It’s in the unexpected moments that we often find parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed—strengths, passions, or even dreams that have been waiting beneath the surface. When we step into the unknown, we grow in ways we can’t plan for or predict. So let yourself be bold, follow those sparks of curiosity, and trust that each unexpected step will bring you closer to who you’re meant to be.