Long before Christ was born, David described His death. And His victory. Psalm 22 shifts from a desperate cry of abandonment to a triumphant declaration of praise. The abandonment David writes of is hard to read because the suffering he describes points to Christ and the cross He bore. I cannot read David's words without... Continue Reading →
Isaiah 38:17 is the written testimony of King Hezekiah, but I found myself in the words. In Isaiah 38:17, King Hezekiah of Judah describes being “brought down to the edge of death and then raised up again by the word of the LORD.” To understand the magnitude of this verse and the hope it points... Continue Reading →
God is our everlasting light. In Him, all sorrow and mourning cease forever. When I look back on my life, I see all the times God carried me. All the times His light broke through the darkness. God replaces the physical sun and moon as the source of all illumination — an everlasting light that... Continue Reading →
A note that inspired a poem and the Amazing Grace that followed. The note from Brandon Robinson met me on a mild September morning. The words stopped me from scrolling further. I knew them. Was living them. I’d heard that sound. It’s the sound of liquor being poured down the drain, It’s the sound of... Continue Reading →
Our true and lasting security and peace come from being close to God. God is continually with us, our strength and portion forever. He holds our right hand, guides us with wisdom, and promises us a future in glory. God shifts our focus from earthly envy, declaring that nothing in heaven or on earth compares... Continue Reading →
In Galatians 6:9, Paul challenges us not to grow weary, but to keep planting, keep watering, and keep doing what God has called us to do. Everyone grows weary. Life can be difficult. There are times we need to take a minute to rest and to regroup. Even Jesus rested (John 4:6; Matthew 8:24). What... Continue Reading →
In one sentence, Hosea 10:12 explains Israel's entire burden: They've been living off the harvest of their own sin. Yet, the LORD calls them to repent so that judgment might be turned to mercy. To remain steadfast in righteousness, we must first sow righteousness. The words "sow" and "reap" are used throughout Scripture to convey... Continue Reading →
If you were going to run a marathon, you wouldn't just lace up your shoes one morning and hope for the best. You’d spend weeks or months preparing so that when race day came, you were ready. I've trained for marathons. I completed an ultramarathon. The preparation was intense. My body and mind had to... Continue Reading →
In Christ, we're called to forgive as we're forgiven. In other words, God doesn't treat us as our sins deserve. Instead, He's slow to anger. Moreover, He holds back the judgment and punishment our sins warrant. Since God's love for us is as vast as the universe He created, He casts our sins as far... Continue Reading →
When you know and trust that everything you have is from the LORD, it's easier to freely give. There will always be people in need of our help. Take time to decide in your own heart how you can help them. Every time we choose to give, we choose obedience. Obedience that glorifies the LORD.... Continue Reading →
When we work hard at something, we want it to matter. We want our effort to have meaning. To reach those who need it. We work hard, but ultimately it’s God who gives lasting significance to the work we do. It's God who establishes and confirms the work of our hands. A poem inspired by... Continue Reading →
In Romans 13:8-10, Paul shares a powerful message, stating that all of the law is wrapped up in loving our neighbors as ourselves; love is the fulfillment of the law. Love for each other is the true fulfillment of God's Law. Genuine, biblical love goes deeper than our feelings. It's an active choice to refuse... Continue Reading →
Only God can see what's ahead of us. Without God's guidance, we're prone to wander, lost and confused. Yielding to God is the only way to ensure we're going in the right direction. A poem inspired by Psalm 25:5. Even when I cannot see, I know that You are leading me. When I fail to... Continue Reading →
September 11 changed us. So much was lost that day. Lives, landmarks, and our sense of security were shattered. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of September 11. Twenty-five years have passed since that horrible day. For the generation that lived through those hours between 8:46 and 10:28 am, we can still tell you exactly... Continue Reading →
Knowing the Law and knowing Jesus are two different things. I’ve always known what sin is. I’ve sinned anyway. Until I knew Jesus, sin won. Knowing Christ means sin no longer wins. A Poem inspired by John 1:17 The Law was given through Moses. Grace and Truth are revealed through Christ. God wrote the Law... Continue Reading →
I spent so many years trying to build contentment and peace on shifting sands. My foundation crumbled again and again. Sand could never bear the weight of my sin. Only the Rock. Matthew 7:24 So much of my life built on shifting sand, dragged by the tides, and buffeting wind. Tossed on the rocks, of... Continue Reading →
Christ destroyed the middle wall of separation on the cross. Why then do we keep trying to rebuild it? Ephesians 2:13-14 The middle wall of separation was broken down by Christ. And still we toil to build our own, With bricks so deep and high. One brick filled with hatred. One filled with contempt. Another... Continue Reading →
You don't have to be perfect to approach the cross. You only have to accept Christ as your Savior, believe that He died for you, and repent. Christ has already done the rest. Isaiah 53:5 Approach, approach, the Cross of Grace. Look upon His holy face. His blood-stained cheeks, a crown of thorns. Look upon... Continue Reading →
Darkness didn’t get the last word in my story; God did, and He wrote a new story from the ashes. She coveted her story. Carried all its weight. Built her walls so tall and wide, Nothing could penetrate. She disguised her weakness, behind a mask of strength. Until her frail foundation, could no longer bear... Continue Reading →
In the middle of her battle with cancer, our daughter wrote a song reminding us to breathe. Life is unpredictable; God is faithful. Sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is stand down and just breathe. Emma’s story isn't unique in that, sadly, in 2025 alone, the number of new cancer cases in the... Continue Reading →
Written almost 140 years apart, two short stories capture mankind's elusive search for physical perfection in an imperfect world. Physical perfection is something society places great value on. There are multi-billion-dollar industries devoted to health, fitness, weight loss, anti-aging, cosmetic surgery, skin, makeup, hair; the list goes on and on. We continually seek perfection in... Continue Reading →
If I could go back and talk to the girl I was, I would tell her these things. If I could go back and talk to the girl I was, I'd tell her not to wait — to come to the table exactly as she is. These are the lessons I learned the hard way.... Continue Reading →
How life taught me the value of seeking God daily, not just in the storm. They’re called “prayers from the foxhole" for a reason. The term originated during World War I. Foxholes were hastily dug burrows or trenches, used to protect soldiers from enemy fire. Housing only one or two soldiers, they allowed troops to... Continue Reading →
When Moses stood before the burning bush, He stood before Refining Fire. God does nothing by accident. Moses felt unqualified to lead God's people out of Egypt. God chose Him anyway. God's choice was not an accident. Once a prince of Egypt, Moses became the vessel God used to bring His people out of bondage.... Continue Reading →
Death didn’t get the final say because God had already written Daniel’s story. The story of Daniel in the lion's den is one of the most well-known in the Bible. It speaks of unwavering faith and trust in God in hostile, unwinnable situations where survival seems unlikely. Yet, how many of us could’ve entered that... Continue Reading →
John the Baptist dedicated his life to preparing the way for the One who'd bring the world salvation. Luke Chapter 1 tells the story of John the Baptist’s miraculous birth to Elizabeth and Zachariah and his calling to prepare the way for the Lord. Elizabeth gave birth to a son whom she named John in obedience... Continue Reading →
When marital trauma packs the soil of our hearts with bitterness, the Holy Spirit enters the dark to do the gentle, devastating work of kindness. Welcome to a special collaborative edition! Today, Laura Lynch, the insightful voice behind Beneath the Surface—a publication dedicated to sharing how the 'Son' breaks through our hidden places to restore what... Continue Reading →
Romans 8 assures us that nothing can separate us from the eternal, steadfast love of God through Jesus Christ. Romans 8 is one of the most uplifting passages in the Bible. It assures us that nothing in existence — including death, present and future events, or any created thing—can separate us from the steadfast, eternal... Continue Reading →
The forces of evil that prey on this world are manipulative, self-serving, and hell-bent on destroying our souls. Why? Because they will never experience the beauty of eternal life. The eternally lost walk in darkness, separated from God forever. In their jealousy and hatred, they prey on us, seeking to separate us from Him too,... Continue Reading →
For a very long time, salvation was something I believed I didn’t deserve. Shame is a destructive liar. Shame told me to hide. Jesus said, “Come follow me.” Salvation is a gift of love. A gift we’re given the moment we believe, the moment we accept Christ into our hearts and into our lives. We’re... Continue Reading →
God sent His Spirit of Truth to guide and protect us as we fulfill His divine purpose in the world. The same God who created the heavens and the earth sent His Holy Spirit to guide and protect us as we fulfill His divine purpose in the word. Pentecost Sunday celebrates the gift of the... Continue Reading →
John 17:14 is a verse of identity filled with hope. We don't belong to the world. We belong to God. God’s love for us transcends the world. How do we know this? We know it because Jesus lived. We know it because Christ became flesh, dwelt among us, lived as one of us, and died... Continue Reading →
We’re called to witness, but what does that mean? Especially in a world that ridicules faith and diminishes God's Word? My recovery journey began almost a decade ago. In the beginning, I coveted my healing. I was newly reborn, learning to navigate this new life. I was hesitant to talk about it, even with those... Continue Reading →
Since beginning my recovery journey, what I read has changed. I read now to feed my soul. I fell in love with books as a child. It’s a love that has only grown deeper through the years. Since I began my recovery journey, however, what I read has changed immensely. I read now to feed my soul. Don’t get... Continue Reading →
I broke a thousand times before I fell because that’s what it took for me to reach for His grace. A thousand wrong turns, a thousand broken promises, a thousand tears led me to one moment of grace. Every time I broke, I swore it would be the last time. Lying in the rubble of... Continue Reading →
God doesn't leave us to wander lost in the wilderness. He relentlessly pursues us. I was lost in the wilderness for a long time, battling demons, caged by my past, and suffocating under the weight of my own guilt and shame. This story isn’t pretty, but then, neither was I. At the age of six,... Continue Reading →
Salvation is a gift from God. It’s offered to everyone, regardless of our background and past deeds. The gift of salvation is also a call to serve. Jesus’s entire life was a reflection of God’s love for us. He came not only to serve, but to become the sacrifice that set us free. Salvation came at a price.... Continue Reading →
I thought I knew faith. Thought I believed in miracles. Until I was standing in the storm. God doesn’t always reveal His presence in the expected; sometimes, we find Him in the unexpected, like in the lyrics of a song. Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns was that song. It came at a... Continue Reading →
As Christian writers, we share our faith because we know how precious faith is. I’ve been writing poetry for many years. From the time I was about fourteen, when I wrote my first poem for my English class. My teacher encouraged me to keep at it. So I did. Dozens of years and dozens of... Continue Reading →
Hope is a fragile thing, especially when life throws us curveballs. Psalm 42 reminds us to put our hope in God. Psalm 42 is a cry for help. A cry for comfort and strength when we’re facing trials. It’s a deep longing for rescue and a message of hope in the storm, reminding us to... Continue Reading →
We're chosen to be holy and blameless before God. Because we're chosen, we have to choose to live Godly lives. That word makes me think of PE class when I was a kid. The teacher picked two team captains; the rest of us waited to be chosen, hoping we wouldn’t be the last one picked. I usually... Continue Reading →
When we feel unworthy of God’s grace, it’s not because His grace is insufficient. It’s because we’re still holding on to things already forgiven. I’ve struggled with that. With feeling unworthy, because the weight of sin is heavy. As heavy as the cross Jesus carried. But He carried it for a reason. He carried it because... Continue Reading →
For over thirty years, I suffered in the darkness of my own making until my reality became a prison. One I’d locked with my own hands. My voice came as a whisper rather than a shout, but God heard my cry and answered me. My fall from grace was gradual. Small choices that led to... Continue Reading →
Psalm 91 is a Psalm of comfort for the weary and a promise of complete safety in our Father’s arms. Psalm 91 speaks of God’s sheltering protection and fierce love for us. It's a Psalm of comfort for the weary and a promise of complete safety in our Father’s arms. 1Whoever dwells in the shelter... Continue Reading →
The traditional Way of the Cross ends with the fourteenth station: “Jesus is laid in the tomb.” Holy Saturday, or the Saturday of Light, is the final day of Lent. It’s the day between Jesus’ death on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter Sunday. It’s a day of quiet mourning, prayer, and waiting, commemorating... Continue Reading →
Palm Sunday is more than the beginning of Holy Week; it's the beginning of the road to Calvary. Palm Sunday began with adoration, “Blessings on the One who comes in the Name of the LORD! Praise God in highest Heaven!” MATTHEW 21:9. However, it ultimately reveals the world’s inability to truly accept Christ as Savior.... Continue Reading →
If I could share one truth with you, one absolute that has been reaffirmed in my life, it is this — With God, all things are possible. In the storm, we cry out. In the stillness, we falter. But it’s in the stillness that God meets us. He doesn’t falter. He waits. Those aren't just... Continue Reading →
Matthew 11:28 is an open invitation from Jesus promising peace and rest for the weary. "Come, follow Me," is an invitation. One that promises sanctuary and spiritual rest. More than that, it's an invitation to develop a personal relationship with Christ. A relationship that goes beyond following the rules. Specifically, it's an invitation to know... Continue Reading →
True freedom is found at the Throne of Grace. There's no need God cannot fulfill. No sin is unworthy of forgiveness. No battle God cannot win. It was dark in the hospital room. I was alone and afraid. For decades, I’d sought escape in the bottle and perfection in the eating disorder I’d battled since... Continue Reading →
It's impossible to look at the natural world and not see God. His divine nature is clearly revealed in creation. Creation reveals God's power and divinity; the gospel reveals God's plan for our salvation through Christ. In Romans 1, Paul explains that the evidence for the existence of God is so overwhelming and clear that... Continue Reading →
God has a higher standard than the world’s. The world places a high price on the external, but God sees deep within. Man judges based on appearance, but God sees the heart. When Samuel was looking for a man to succeed Saul as King of Israel, God said to him, "Do not look at his... Continue Reading →
Lent brings me into a season of reflection. I look back and see so clearly where I went wrong. But only because God met me in the storm and rescued me from myself. I was raised Catholic. For the first 9 years of my education, I attended Catholic school. Mass was part of that education,... Continue Reading →
Even when our faith falters, Christ’s mercy is instantaneous. He acts immediately to rescue us from the storm. Peter stepped out onto the water in faith. But somewhere between that first moment and the next, he faltered. His fear began to rise, pulling him beneath the waves. Christ did not falter. He immediately reached out... Continue Reading →
Saying yes to God is a faithful, obedient response to His promises and call. James 5:12 assures us that our yes must be so trustworthy that other vows are unnecessary. Lent is a time for reflection; a time to consider all the wonderful things the LORD has done for us. It's also a time to... Continue Reading →
The revelation that sustains me. The promise that moves me is this: God's strength is sufficient. Scripture is alive with the truth of God's strength. His presence is with us throughout our lives. He remains close, ready to uphold us in times of tribulation, to steady us in times of doubt, and to rejoice with... Continue Reading →
Psalm 149 assures us that God delights in our humility and adorns us with salvation. Humility in the world is often viewed as weakness. However, in God's eyes, humility is necessary if we're to live lives defined by Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Psalm 149 assures us that the Lord delights in our humility. For it's in... Continue Reading →
Spiritual maturity is being able to view trials as opportunities for growth. James 1 reminds us that when struggles come, we're called to let faith arise. Our trials are not punishments but opportunities that increase endurance and our dependence on God. James 1 reminds us that in all things, we're called to let faith arise.... Continue Reading →
Psalm 25 is a heartfelt prayer of David for God's guidance, protection, and mercy. It reminds us to be faithful — even in the waiting. Psalm 25 conveys David’s deep trust in God and his dependence on God for deliverance and salvation. Through his words, David teaches us the importance of waiting on God with faithful... Continue Reading →
Psalm 27 is a powerful declaration of trust that God alone is our strength and hope. God is the source of all light. He’s our strength and hope in times of darkness. God will not give us more than we can bear. That's an incredible promise (1 Corinthians 10:13). Psalm 27 is a song of confidence... Continue Reading →
1 Corinthians 2 explains that our faith rests on God alone, whose wisdom surpasses the world's. In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul contrasts God's wisdom with the world's. He approached the Corinthians in weakness to ensure their faith rested on God rather than on his words. And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When... Continue Reading →
God is sovereign over all of creation. Psalm 86 rejoices in His goodness and declares that He alone is God. Psalm 86, a prayer of David, is a beautiful psalm honoring God’s sovereignty and goodness. In times of distress, God is our refuge. He’s the source of all joy, forgiveness, and comfort. He alone is... Continue Reading →
Understanding God's Word requires patience, diligence, and above all Truth. Psalm 119 celebrates the Holy Word of God. Our approach to God’s Word cannot be casual. The goal of studying scripture is not to raise us to loftiness in the eyes of the world. Rather, it's to please God. For God’s Word is a lamp... Continue Reading →
Our Guardian Angel is a gift of divine protection from our Heavenly Father. They do more than guard us; they instruct, guide, and protect us in every aspect of our lives. Psalm 91, often referred to as the Psalm of Protection, assures us that God's care for us is personal. That He's active in our... Continue Reading →
We're called to holiness (1 Peter 1:15). But what does that mean? The Book of 1 Peter is a call to all Christians to live holy, honorable lives in Christ. Jesus modeled holiness in every aspect of His life. He was exiled by a hostile world, persecuted for our transgressions, and suffered death on a... Continue Reading →
God's mercy transcends generations. His faithfulness endures forever. When I think of the vastness of creation, I'm humbled. God created the universe with purpose and precision. Then, He created us in His image. His faithfulness endures through generations and transforms us from insignificance to being called His children. Compared to God, we are nothing. Yet,... Continue Reading →
When we pray, we draw near to God. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. These words acknowledge the cross and the very nature of God as the Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It seems like a simple statement.... Continue Reading →
God is our fortress, shield, and hiding place. He watches over our coming and going, both now and forever. God is our refuge and shield. He provides for our needs and for our safety. From worldly dangers to spiritual ones, He offers His strength and peace without fail, though we often forget He's there. Psalm... Continue Reading →
Unity has always been hard. Still, Christ calls us to be unified in mind, body, and spirit as we advance His Kingdom on earth. Nowhere in scripture does God promise that the pursuit of unity won’t be hard. Any more than He promises that battling sin won’t be hard, or that our suffering won’t be costly.... Continue Reading →
Grace is a divine gift. We don't earn it. Rather, it's offered freely and, when accepted, transforms us from sinner to saved. Grace is the unmerited favor of God bestowed upon a sinful world. It's freely offered and freely accepted. There are no conditions or requirements attached, other than believing that Jesus Christ died to... Continue Reading →
We all need direction in our lives. There is no direction more necessary than the guidance granted by our Heavenly Father. Our relationship with God is the most important one in our lives. Psalm 25 reminds us that God guides the humble in what is right and that He teaches us His ways. God's guidance... Continue Reading →
Are we a lost generation led by souls wandering in the wilderness of selfish desire instead of God's mercy and love? Scripture directs us to pray for the lost, of whom we are one. As the world draws farther and farther away from God, prayer has the power to draw us back to Him and... Continue Reading →
Three powerful prayers for guidance, gratitude, forgiveness, and fostering a deeper relationship with God. Prayer connects us with the divine. Scripture instructs us, "Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). I write poetry that... Continue Reading →
Into the darkness of a lost world, the light came. Not as a king bearing a crown of gold, but as a servant who'd bear the sins of all mankind. Jesus Christ is the living revelation of God's divine light in the world. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never... Continue Reading →
The stars were shining, the air was cold, but the Night was Holy. On an ordinary winter's night in a little forgotten town, the God of all creation entered His creation. He didn't come as a king; He came as a servant. There was no fanfare to greet Him, no riches upon which to lay... Continue Reading →
The night was cold. The kind of cold that seeps into bone to be expelled in clouded breaths on frigid air. The trip had been slow. A weary donkey carrying a young woman heavy with child. She sat huddled against the cold, her husband walking steadfastly beside her. Where he led, the donkey slowly followed.... Continue Reading →
He came in a whisper on a silent night, but all of creation held its breath. Because this was no ordinary birth. It was the one promised. The one prophets had spoken of. The one set in motion as the heavens were being formed. God had entered His creation. Not as a king, but as a servant.... Continue Reading →
Through a young woman's faithful obedience, God's eternal plan for our salvation unfolded. Mary’s obedience is the obedience beseeched of all. To stand firm in faith. Walk the path God sets before us without fear. We don’t have to know where it leads. We just have to follow. The Handmaiden of the Lord Accepted God’s... Continue Reading →
Our moment of truth comes whether we're ready or not. It doesn't matter when it comes; what matters is what we do with it when it does. My moment of truth didn't come gently. It came as a storm. Waves slamming into the walls I’d so carefully built. Not content with just breaking them, but... Continue Reading →
Addiction's a means to an end. A way to fill the hole. It appears to offer relief, but it doesn't. It's a trap. You’ve heard it all before, but you don’t know it. Listened to the testimonies, but you don’t feel it. You’ve questioned it. Doubted it. Mocked it. But you’ve never reached for it.... Continue Reading →
I’ve learned many lessons during my recovery journey. Powerful, life-changing lessons. But the most powerful is this — Getting out of God’s way is the ONLY way to lasting healing and peace. I’ve written about surrender many times since my journey began. I always return to that one word —surrender. Which is getting out of God's... Continue Reading →
Approaching the threshold is not the same as crossing it. So close is not close enough. He’d been at it a long time. A leader to his people. No longer a young man, but one renowned for his wisdom and virtue. He came so close. He thought he knew the Law. Had adhered to it. Preached... Continue Reading →
Forgiveness begins in the heart; it can't stay there. We're called to forgive as we've been forgiven. That's hard. Especially when we're angry, resentful, and hurting. To understand the true heart of forgiveness, we must look to Christ. Luke 23:34 | Image from Adobe Stock It was after midnight. The call came. I wasn’t asleep.... Continue Reading →
The finish line lay miles ahead. She'd trained hard for this race, but nothing could have prepared her for the endurance she'd need to actually run it. Months of preparation wouldn't be enough to sustain her on their own; she'd have to dig deeper. To finish the race, she'd need to find the strength to... Continue Reading →
God calls us to move. Even when our feet don’t want to, into the fire and the storm. God meets us where we are. But He doesn’t want us to stay there. He wants us to go wherever He leads. Into the unknown, even if that takes us into the fire and the storm. It... Continue Reading →
The Good News in Christ, "If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed," John 8:36. Jesus is the only way to freedom. His death and resurrection freed us from the bondage of sin and death. Belief in Christ and adherence to His teachings lead to true freedom. The Good News is this: Through... Continue Reading →
A lesson from the thief on the cross. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what... Continue Reading →
Addiction doesn’t destroy freedom itself. It destroys your ability to seek it. Freedom is waiting. It’s right there, just outside your grasp. It’s patient. Addiction isn’t. Addiction’s about control. It feeds on doubt, insecurity, and weakness. Addiction convinces you that you’re not strong enough to cope without it. That you need the escape it provides. Its power... Continue Reading →
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him," Colossians 3:17. As Christians, we must live lives that stand out. That means we must consistently evaluate our words and actions to ensure they're aligned with our faith and that... Continue Reading →
When the Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, they embarked on uncharted territory. They moved forward anyway, turning to the Bible for many of the principles they needed to establish a free nation. Author's Note: I began researching and writing this article a few years ago, mostly for my own edification, but... Continue Reading →
Forgiveness isn't easy. Our Savior calls us to forgive anyway. If we're truly living our lives as Jesus taught us, forgiveness is not only necessary, it's required. In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, we've witnessed hate. We've also witnessed divine grace. At Charlie's memorial service on Sunday, we witnessed divine grace in Erika Kirk.... Continue Reading →
Loss is a part of life, and so is grief. When loss is personal, we grieve close to home. When it touches us all, we grieve together. I've thought a lot about loss over the days since Charlie Kirk was brutally assassinated. Like so many, I've watched numerous video clips of his interactions with students... Continue Reading →
Charlie Kirk was more than a Patriot. First and foremost, he was a man of faith. His senseless murder on September 10 robbed a wife of her husband, children of their father, and silenced a voice the world desperately needed. Charlie Kirk unapologetically defended conservative values, using his voice to bring glory to the kingdom... Continue Reading →
Saint Carlo Acutis created a masterpiece out of his short life by dedicating it to God. During an open-air Mass on Sunday, September 7, in St. Peter’s Square before an estimated 80,000 people, Pope Leo XIV canonized 15-year-old Carlo Acutis as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. “The greatest risk in life is to waste... Continue Reading →
The divine love of God is everlasting. It surpasses our understanding, just as His faithfulness and grace do. God's divine love is not forced or coerced; it's freely given, just as His compassion and care for us are freely given. We're called to love one another as God loves us. Can you imagine the world... Continue Reading →
The Book of Psalms is an expression of worship and praise, celebrating God's strength, power, and faithfulness. The Book of Psalms is a collection of poetry and songs focusing on God's relationship with His people. Many are expressions of worship, while others are laments, expressing sorrow, pain, and cries for God's help. Still others are... Continue Reading →
Our spiritual gifts come from God. They're given to increase our faith, guide our steps, and help us fulfill His calling. God's love for us is unfathomable. From the beginning, His plan for our redemption was in place. He knew we'd fall, yet He did not forsake us. He sent His Son to pay the... Continue Reading →
Matthew 33:6 assures us that by seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness, all of our needs will be met. The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most important passages in the Gospels. In it, Jesus tells us to prioritize our relationship with God and trust in His provision for our needs. Specifically, Christ... Continue Reading →
God gave us the Holy Spirit to guide, protect, and to provide us with the gifts we'd need to fulfill His purpose in our lives. The gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit vary from person to person. However, they come from the same source: the Spirit of God that dwells within us. They're not... Continue Reading →
Everyone experiences loss in this life. Not one of us is immune to it. With loss comes grief, and grief changes us. Goodbyes are hard. It doesn’t matter whether we’re prepared for them or if they come unexpectedly; we experience loss. Grief changes us because loss changes us. The reality is that you will grieve forever.... Continue Reading →
First, you have to admit you're in trouble. Until you're ready to do that, you'll never climb out of the hole you're in. Recovery isn't a passive journey. You can't coast through it, manipulate it, or cut corners. You have to actively seek it. That requires honesty, when let's face it, being honest is likely... Continue Reading →
You will NEVER win your battle over darkness without God. You have to be brave enough to let God hold you. To trust in Him when you’ve lost your ability to trust. Give Him your fear, anger, doubt, and shame when you’ve held on so tightly to them for so long. In short, you have... Continue Reading →
Some experiences change us. They alter our thinking, turn us down a different path, or inspire us. My Dad had one of those moments when he was 12. It changed the course of his life. I was thinking about my Dad this morning. I remember a story he shared with me when I was young.... Continue Reading →
How do we grow in faith when facing challenges? We grow in faith by believing God will do what He has promised. When we enter recovery, we're facing a monumental task. We're much like David, facing the daunting task of defeating Goliath. However, like David, we have to trust that God will sustain us and... Continue Reading →
The LORD is our shelter and refuge forever. His grace delivers us from darkness. His faithfulness does not end. Addiction is a battle for your soul. It’s drowning you in darkness and deceit. The lies it tells you are no match for God’s power and truth. He is your only shelter. The peace you’re longing... Continue Reading →
Our fears, pride, and choices lead to suffering we could easily avoid if we cling to FAITH instead. In this world, we'll face trials and experience pain—that's part of life. However, at times, we create our suffering. Whether through fear, pride, or selfishness, we often make matters much worse. It doesn't have to be that... Continue Reading →
Together, those words might seem incongruous. But wisdom is timeless and for all ages. It doesn’t matter when it finds us, just that it does. This year marks 40 years since my high school graduation. If you’re thinking that’s a long time, it is. Funnily enough, it doesn’t seem that long. It feels more like... Continue Reading →
Fear drives addiction, ruling us so completely that we choose it over freedom again and again. Fear drives addiction. We fear the unknown, fear facing our demons, fear that we’re not enough. Our fears rule us so completely that we willingly choose escape over surrender. Indeed, we choose addiction over freedom, and we do it... Continue Reading →
If you're struggling with addiction, there are two things you need to know: Recovery is a miracle, and Addiction is a battle you'll never win without God. Addiction destroys. Nothing is spared. Not relationships, minds, bodies, spirits, or lives. Indeed, they're nothing more than casualties in the war. If you’re reading this and are lost... Continue Reading →
I’ve been asked many times since I began my recovery journey, what made the difference? Why was this time different from all the times I’d tried before and failed? It’s been 7 years, and my answer has not changed. Since the moment God delivered me from the afflictions of alcoholism and an eating disorder, I’ve... Continue Reading →
We're baptized in water for the forgiveness of sin. The gift of the Holy Spirit received in Confirmation empowers and guides us. God proclaimed Jesus as His Beloved Son twice during Christ's earthly life — when He was baptized (Matthew 3:17) and during His Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). These two extraordinary moments reveal Jesus' divinity as... Continue Reading →
The Tomb is not just the place where Jesus' body lay following His crucifixion, it becomes the place of His Victory over Death. Following His death, Jesus was laid to rest in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea, a wealthy man and follower. Joseph wrapped Jesus’ body in linen cloths with spices and laid it in his... Continue Reading →
Jesus’ death accomplished what no one and nothing else could. Given that, it is fitting that His last words from the cross signaled the completion of His earthly mission. Jesus, who was Himself sinless, accepted all the iniquity of mankind (Isaiah 53:5-6), taking on both the judgment and the payment for sin. Thus, He finished His... Continue Reading →
Jesus displayed humble obedience to His Father’s will through His earthly ministry, even when it meant giving His life. In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with the people of Israel through Moses. He sent Jesus, His only Son, to establish a New Covenant through His death and resurrection. Jesus shed His blood on the... Continue Reading →
God consistently keeps His promises. He is dependable, faithful, and true to His nature to a thousand generations. The Lord our God IS God. Just as Moses reminded the Israelites in the desert, we, too, are called to remain faithful and devoted to God alone. Because God is always faithful to us. He is loving,... Continue Reading →
Redemption is a promise that even in the face of our failures, God’s unconditional love and grace are always available to us. The book of Isaiah has been called the “Fifth Gospel” for a reason. It focuses on God’s promise of redemption and the coming Messiah who would fulfill His promise. Isaiah’s words offered God’s... Continue Reading →
So great is God's love for us that even though we are sinners, He sent His only Son to pay the price for our salvation. The price God paid for our redmeption was the highest price ever paid — His Son's precious blood was the price for our salvation. Our redemption is not based on... Continue Reading →
No matter how far we stray from Him, Jesus remains the same. His faithfulness and compassion are unchanging and His love abides in us forever. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever, Hebrews 13:8. I know this. He was there when I reached for Him in the darkness. Most importantly, He was there... Continue Reading →
Lent is a time to focus on our relationship with God, examine our lives, and prepare for Easter. Christ’s death and resurrection are the cornerstone of our Christian faith and the reason for Lent. I remember some years back when The Passion of the Christ came out. My family and I went to the theater... Continue Reading →
If the stars were made to worship, so will I — Psalm 19:1. John 4:24 tells us, "God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." When we worship God reverently, humbly, and with gratitude, we are worshipping Him as Jesus taught us — in spirit and truth. Revelation through... Continue Reading →
Praying for humility is an act of faith. For it’s in our brokenness, when we’re brought low, that we cry out to the LORD, that we become willing to surrender. Humility is hard. Especially when things are going well in our lives. We forget to rely on God when things are going our way. We... Continue Reading →
Life tests us. It challenges our faith and diminishes our strength. But, nothing is impossible with God. When all else fails, His grace never does. He is with us through it all. I always find inspiration in Scripture. Inspiration to write a post or a poem or to simply reflect. Sometimes, the words are comforting... Continue Reading →
Our love for God is demonstrated through our willingness to remain faithful, grateful, and obedient to His commandments and His will.
They're called signs for a reason. They're meant to guide us in a particular direction or prevent us from going the wrong way. God provides us with signs of His faithfulness too. Signs that lead us in the direction we should go. Signs that draw us closer to Him.
Jesus bore our sins. He suffered on the cross, accepting the full weight of judgment in our place. Forsaken for us. Broken for us and made sin for us. Is any love greater than this? In the Gospels of St. Matthew (27:46) and St. Mark (15:34), as Jesus hung on the cross, He cried out... Continue Reading →
From the beginning God’s plan for our salvation existed. God knew our human frailties would cause our hearts to question and our feet to stumble. Still, He did not abandon His creation. He is, was, and will always be faithful. Such is His great love for us. A cornerstone is a principal stone placed at... Continue Reading →
Turning to God in times of need requires humility, obedience, and faith. Faith is believing that God is the answer to every question, every need, and every desire of our hearts. His covenant love is eternal. His word will never fail.
Jesus' birth fulfilled a promise — Unto us a child is born. His death satisfied a covenant — To us a Son is given. His resurrection forever opened the gates of Heaven — So that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. The Son of God became poor so that we... Continue Reading →
There comes a moment when we all stand at the crossroads. The crossroads of who we think we are and who we are. That moment is a defining one. Why? Because, in that moment, the choice we make determines whether we’ll be free or continue to suffer. I stood at the crossroads almost eight years... Continue Reading →
Christ's death on the cross was the payment for the sins of all who believe. His death broke the chains and set us free. God did not create evil, nor did He create sin. Creation is an extension of God's perfect, unconditional love. Ephesians 1:7 | Image from Adobe Stock Photos | Licensed for us... Continue Reading →
"I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life," John | 8:12. Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He came into the world to shed His light, the Light of the Father, into the darkest places. His Light... Continue Reading →
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes, Isaiah 40:11. The Book of Isaiah contains both judgment and promise. The Book of Isaiah is one of my favorite books in the Old Testament. Early... Continue Reading →
They stood before her, an angry mob ready to condemn and punish. But He who was without sin stood for her. He stands for us all. The Gospel of John 8: 3-11 reminds us that Jesus did not come to condemn, but to save us. However, we have a responsibility in our salvation. Following Jesus’... Continue Reading →
What does it mean to be still and know? In a world of uncertainty, it means everything. The world around us moves at its own speed. We're either caught up in it or trying to flee from it. We get wrapped up in the chaos and drown in the noise. We forget. And we suffer.... Continue Reading →
In a matter of weeks, hurricanes Helene and Milton have devastated the Southeast. Many of us know what that's like. We've experienced it and survived it. Those navigating the current destruction will too, though right now the challenge seems insurmountable. As someone whose community has weathered a category 5 storm, I know that the two... Continue Reading →
We set goals, personal, professional, and physical, working toward them, systematically, purposefully, and consistently. We stay the course keeping our eyes on the prize. Our goals change throughout our lives. We attain some. Miss the mark on others. We adjust as we go, learning from our mistakes and gaining wisdom from our experiences. However, our... Continue Reading →
I learned many things during my years as a teacher. Lessons that have helped me on my recovery journey and in my spiritual life. But these three simple lessons are the ones that made the biggest difference. Lesson #1: Meet them where they are. At the beginning of each new school year, I received a... Continue Reading →
As a nation, we're going through deep waters. They are rough and churning, but He is with us in the storm. Evil exists. There's no doubt. It preys upon the weak and the willing. It uses every tool to manipulate, sow fear and doubt, create chaos, and destroy. Its ultimate goal is the eternal separation... Continue Reading →
I write about RECOVERY because it pulled me from the darkness. JN Fenwick (©2018-2024) | othjournal14 | Image from Adobe Stock Images | Licensed for use | Music: Games of Hunger from The Royalty Free Soundtrack Library, Vol 3. I write about LOVE because it’s the greatest gift I receive and the greatest gift I... Continue Reading →
We’ll experience grief in this life. There’s no getting around it. Death and loss are part of it. Moving through grief is a privilege because grief is born of love. And love never dies. It’s not something I could ever prepare for. Even when I knew it was inevitable. Losing people I love and count... Continue Reading →
I did things my way for a long time, believing it was the only way. Afraid to relinquish control, I fought for the wrong things, made bad choices, and suffered the consequences. Then, one day, I realized I had nothing left to lose. So, I took a chance on faith. There's no greater fool than... Continue Reading →
There's a war going on for our souls. Without the weapons God provides, we cannot overcome. We cannot win this war without God. In the darkest decades of my life, Christ revealed Himself to me in ways I did not recognize at the time. Lost in addiction and despair, my soul was filled with unrest.... Continue Reading →
I have been asked many times since I entered recovery, what made the difference? Why was this time different from the times I’d tried before and failed? It’s not a hard question for me to answer. Laying myself bare, at the feet of the cross, and surrendering everything I was, am, and ever will be... Continue Reading →
Just a whisper from the King of Kings is more powerful than any force in Heaven or on Earth—just a whisper. Of all possibilities, the Lord chooses a gentle whisper to Elijah to present Himself. Not a great fire, wind, or earthquake, which He has the absolute power to do. But a gentle whisper. "The... Continue Reading →
Grief is a burden we all carry no matter the circumstances surrounding the loss. But, when we lose someone unexpectedly along with the grief comes the overwhelming why.
God's thirst for us goes beyond anything we could ever imagine. His longing for all His children is this: that we return to dwell with Him for eternity in Heaven. God's plan for our redemption has existed from before creation and the fall of Adam through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Christ is the Alpha... Continue Reading →
In the blink of an eye, thirty-five years have come and gone, but love has grown throughout our lifetime. Circa 1988 Our lives are a series of moments. Interwoven, they tell the story of us. Moments so extraordinary, they’ve become snapshots in time. Polaroids playing across my mind. The first time I saw you. The... Continue Reading →
Our trials are not punishments. They are opportunities to grow in faith and humility. No one escapes this life without wounds. Some are external, leaving scars. An outward sign of survival. Others are internal, carried in our souls. We never see those scars, but we know they’re there. Trials are part of life. Even scripture... Continue Reading →
When I think of the ocean, it is fathomless and deep. God’s mercy is an ocean and we are invited into its depths. This past weekend, my husband and I along with two of our siblings and their spouses, visited the Casa Maria Retreat House in Irondale, Alabama. My sister, Laura, and her husband, Jim,... Continue Reading →
Dying to self is about putting aside our own desires and prioritizing love for God and others. It involves surrendering doubts, fears, and selfishness to embrace a new life in Christ. This journey requires faith, daily commitment, and trusting in God's guidance. Ultimately, it leads to healing, forgiveness, and a true understanding of living.
The daily miracles we often overlook inspire gratitude. Reflecting on our daughter’s recovery from cancer, our enduring marriage, and personal growth, we recognize divine agency. During adversity, such as surviving a category five hurricane or overcoming addiction, we witness God's work. Choosing faith allows us to embrace miracles and find peace in God's love and presence.
Blaming others, situations, and circumstances for our choices is easier. But, in reality, the road we’re on is our own asphalt.
I am humbled and grateful when I consider the sacrifice that Christ made for me. But, is that enough? Is accepting Jesus as my Savior all I'm called to do?
The Last Supper was the first Holy Eucharist. The first communion ever celebrated. That it was offered on the eve of Christ’s suffering and death was part of God’s plan.
For years I told myself I couldn’t live without alcohol and that I’d never be free from its grasp. And I believed it. Until the moment I finally accepted, of all the lies I told myself, that was the biggest lie of all.
In a world filled with black and white, the universal truth that connects us all is love. We’re all created in the spirit of love and given the same opportunity to love and to be loved. No matter our beginning, that spirit of love exists within us. It’s our choices that define us. The difference... Continue Reading →
What does it mean to live a bountiful life and how to achieve it.
We receive many disguised blessings in our lives. Most of the time we don’t immediately recognize them. We’re too close to the situation and feel the emotion much more than we recognize the lesson.
Recovery takes courage. Staying the course requires dying to ourselves and a whole lot of faith. This year on my birthday I did a thing. I’d been thinking about it for some time. But, I waited until it felt right. Until I knew, without doubt or fear, that staying the course meant more to me... Continue Reading →
Stepping onto the path to recovery begins with surrender, but it does not end there. It's a process; a journey we will be on for the rest of our lives.
It’s taken me almost six years walking this path of recovery to feel that I’m ready to talk about it. To share this overwhelming journey of faith and healing I am on.
The content of our character goes far deeper than the color of our skin.
Spiritual grace is more than simple elegance or refinement. Spiritual grace is the basis of faith. As Christians, we are saved by faith through grace. The world’s definition of grace is “simple elegance and refinement in stature and movement.” Ballerinas are graceful, as are swans. Falling snow is graceful, as are flocks of birds soaring... Continue Reading →
There is nothing on this earth, above or below it, that God has not ordained.
The Sermon on the Mount was a revelation through Christ to live wholeheartedly for God through faith.
There’s a lot going on in the world. We’re facing hardships and suffering on a global scale. It’s enough to make us wonder if God has forsaken us.
It is only through FAITH that we become fearless.
God’s faithfulness is everlasting. We have only to put our trust in Him to rise above the pitfalls of this world.
God did not come to me loudly. He came to me in a whisper. His whisper was enough.
It’s easy to believe in things we can see. But what about things we can’t? Does our lack of vision mean they're not there? The Gospel of John tells us the story of doubting Thomas. Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus came to them following His resurrection. It was difficult for Thomas... Continue Reading →
My past defines me and my future holds that elusive happiness I continually seek are the two most insidious lies the ego feeds us.
September 11th was meant to weaken us. September 12th united us.
Trusting the Lord in times of trouble is what faith is all about.
The forces of evil that prey on this world are manipulative, self-serving, and hell-bent on destroying our souls. Why? Because they will never experience the beauty of eternal life. They walk in eternal darkness, separated from God forever. In their jealousy and hatred, they prey on us, seeking to separate us from Him too, and from the mercy and redemption they can never have.
Adversity is not something to fear. Adversity is our greatest teacher. Rather than simply telling us what something IS, adversity forces us to experience what it’s NOT. That’s why the lessons stick. Because the price we pay for learning them is a high one.
I thought I knew hope. Thought I knew faith. Was certain I believed in miracles. But, as it turns out, I never truly knew them at all. Not until I was tested.
Truth ends suffering, but only when we awaken to and accept its existence despite the world's attempt to bend and alter it.
We are all granted free will by our Creator. However, God also gave us laws by which we are to live. Laws that govern how we are to conduct ourselves and how we are to treat others. God’s word is very clear on this. Even clearer are His mandates to us when it comes to the most vulnerable and innocent among us, our children.
God’s love is enduring. His faithfulness never ends. It is this truth that sustains us through the trials and losses of this life.
In the world today, truth as an absolute is considered to be non-existent. The world's definition of truth is flexible and therefore fallible. More importantly, the world's view of truth doesn't require FAITH.
It's flown proudly in front of homes across America. It soars above federal, state, and public buildings. It's displayed in classrooms, at cemetaries, at sporting events, and parades. It symbolizes American freedom and liberty. And while, the history of the Stars and Stripes is a colorful one, it is generally acknowledged that June 14, 1777 is the birthdate of the United States Flag.
The act of surrender is a shedding, a revealing of what exits. And what exists, what is, cannot be changed, weakened, or destroyed by anything in this world.
Love is filled with emotion, but it’s our choice to love that reveals the ocean within our souls where love never ends.
On this Memorial Day, remember those who gave their last full measure of devotion for our freedom.
Surrender is the beginning. It opens the door to salvation, but we have to walk through it. The moment came. I was standing on the precipice, paralyzed, weak, and ashamed. The darkness was overwhelming. All I wanted was escape. To just close my eyes and sink into oblivion. To reach that place where I didn’t... Continue Reading →
Jesus’ death and resurrection give us hope beyond this world. They remind us that this life is temporary and so are the trials and suffering that come with it.
God doesn’t see us as the world does. He sees into our hearts. He knows exactly who we are. Returning to Him is all He’s ever wanted for us. That’s why He leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one. I was that one.
God’s righteousness is promised. His faithfulness is steadfast. The works of His hands are holy. God is the promise maker and the promise keeper. He is worthy of our trust in all things and His word endures forever.
There's too much division in the world today. Too much focus is placed on our differences. When, in reality, we are all part of the same race --- the human race. More than that, we're created in His image and loved unconditionally just as we are.
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
We are called to love one another as Christ has loved us and to forgive those who persecute us. But that's the thing about forgiveness. There’s so much beauty in its meaning but so much resistance in putting it into practice.
Facing addiction, alcoholism, grief, and despair, are journeys of the soul that must be faced alone. These journeys feel more like battles, but they open us to healing and to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our Creator than we'd ever know until we face them.
The goodbyes that hurt most, are the ones we never got to say. Those linger, dying on trembling lips, over and over again.
The loss of a loved one brings into sharp focus just how thin the veil between life and death truly is.
We were never promised a life without pain, but we were promised that we would never be alone in the storm.
Jesus' birth fulfilled a promise. His death completed a covenant. His resurrection paved the way for our salvation.
God's will is good and perfect because it is born of pure, abiding, unconditional love. When we exist in His perfect will, we rise above the world and all its temptations and pitfalls.
The 66 books of the Bible, written over 1,500 years, tell the story of God's unconditional and abiding love for humanity.
We are not promised a life without pain. What we are promised is that we are not alone in the storm.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my recovery journey, it’s that there are no guarantees in this life.
Absence is a heavy load, but it also teaches us just how strong we truly are.
Goodbyes come unbidden, but it is we who choose whether they become a burden or the blessing they were always meant to be.
Every time we’re faced with hardship and loss, we initially respond in one of three ways, fight, escape, or accept. Consciously or unconsciously, we each have our “go-to method”.
As Hurricane Ian devastates the state of Florida and beyond, my mind goes back to four years ago when it was us in the path of a deadly storm. And my heart goes out to those who are facing such a daunting and relentless path.
We face many storms in life, both literally and metaphorically, but one thing is certain, God is beside us through them all.
The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still, Exodus 14:14.
Faith is knowing without needing to question, believing without needing to see, and trusting without needing to worry.
In these troubling times, it is easy to lose hope. It's easy to forget God's promise and His plan. The world struggles to maintain its foothold. Evil persists whether we acknowledge it or not. It always will.
There is no magic formula, no perfect words for this. It really does take a leap of faith. You have to want recovery MORE. You have to want something else MORE.
When we know something we can’t un-know it. We can ignore it. We can trivialize it. We can try to manipulate it. But we cannot un-know it.
I've learned many things as I've walked this path of recovery, but the lessons that stand out most are those I learned during moments that tested my faith and demanded much from my soul.
It's one thing to own your mistakes. It's quite another to allow them to define you. To continue to carry them long after the lessons have been learned.
What does unity mean? More importantly, what does unity with Christ mean?
In the darkness of addiction and anorexia, I suffered endlessly, forgetting that all along, God was just waiting for me to call His name.
I've grieved many times in my life. It's something we all have in common. Something we will do or have done that reminds us of our humanness and ultimately our connection to the universe and our Creator.
As we celebrate this Fourth of July, I am reminded of the years I taught American History and how important and consequential that calling was. If our history as a Nation is not celebrated, learned from, and protected, then who are we as Americans? And more importantly, who will we become? The ideals aspired to... Continue Reading →
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 Our souls are a reservoir for grace, in a world of chaos. When we seek that place, we commune... Continue Reading →
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in times of struggle and conflict, it is this, with enough faith and hope we can overcome anything. Regardless of the world outside, we are not forgotten. For God sees our struggles and feels our pain. Through Him, we are granted the strength and the courage we need to... Continue Reading →
In those first few days following Hurricane Michael in the fall of 2018, the task before us seemed insurmountable. The devastation complete. In the chaos all around us, all we could do was face it one moment at a time. I’m reminded of that now, in the turmoil and chaos we are facing as a... Continue Reading →
That's the nature of recovery. It isn't linear. It's bumpy and rough and a fight every step of the way.
Wishing on stars isn’t something we leave to childhood. It’s a magic we carry with us that reminds us that innocence isn’t lost as we grow. Image from Shutterstock | Licensed for use Isn’t it amazing, how small we sometimes feel when standing beneath the vast canvas of night sky dotted with the silver light... Continue Reading →
Happy Father’s Day in Heaven Dad, and to my husband, the two great heroes of my life. Image from Adobe Stock Images | Licensed for use The first great hero, my young heart ever knew, was the man who taught me as I grew. Who shared in all my joys, and dried so many tears.... Continue Reading →
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8: 31-32 Image from Adobe Stock Images | Licensed for use This world is not our master. It is but the in-between. The space between, Light and darkness. Truth and deception. Love... Continue Reading →
"This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver... Continue Reading →
Prayer is our pathway into the fullness of God’s light and His mercy. In times of hardship and struggle, He beckons us to seek Him. In times of abundance and joy, He longs for us to commune with Him. The key to all prayers, I believe, is found in the sincerity and humility with which... Continue Reading →
God’s love for us is overwhelming, relentless, abiding, and perfect. Beautiful image from Shutterstock | Licensed for use His love is unconditional, like the absolute of time. There is no ocean wide enough, no mountain He won’t climb. To gather up His people, to keep them safe from harm. To wrap them in the safety,... Continue Reading →
And there amid the darkness, I saw a brilliant light, burning through the shadows, with strength to win this fight. I heard a gentle whisper, the sweetest I’d ever known, “I’ve got you now, My beloved child. I’ll bring you safely home.” JN Fenwick (© 2019-22) Why do we only become open in our hour of... Continue Reading →
With a grateful heart to those who gave all, those who continue to give all, and to all those left behind to carry on in their memory. JN Fenwick | Memorial Day, 2022 Beautiful image from Shutterstock | Licensed for use. Sacrifice. Such a simple word. Three syllables that when executed require so much of... Continue Reading →
Grief, like loss, comes unbidden, reminding us that just as life begins, it also ends. I pray your endings are free of regret. Say all the words, grant all the forgiveness, love hard, my child, so that when the endings do come, peace comes also. JN Fenwick (© 2022) Everyone I’ve loved and lost,I love now... Continue Reading →
Letting go is one of the most difficult tasks we face in this life, but it's also one of the most courageous. This past year has been a year of letting go for my siblings and me. We lost our sweet Mom in August of 2021, and yesterday we completed the process of selling our... Continue Reading →
It's fear of the unknown that freezes us in place and prevents us from moving forward. It's faith and hope that lead us out of darkness. We just have to be willing to take that first step. To trust in something so much greater than ourselves. And to surrender everything to the light within us.... Continue Reading →
I write words of faith and affirmation daily. Most of the time, I write the words as though I am speaking to my daughters, passing on the wisdom and grace God has so generously given to me. Sharing the words has become as much a part of my recovery journey as my faith. They are... Continue Reading →
Monday, May 16, 2022 Healing begins with recognition. The understanding that we've both hurt and have been hurt. It then moves into acceptance. Acknowledging that we can't change the past any more than we can change others. What we can do is forgive. And even if that grace is never reciprocated, what matters most is... Continue Reading →
It doesn't take courage to hit bottom. No, that's an entirely different set of circumstances. But it does take courage to climb your way back up. To acknowledge and believe that strength exists within you. That's what courage is after all. It's digging deep. It's pulling yourself up after the fall. It's moving into the light when it would be so much easier to just give up and sink below the darkness.
By Jennifer N. Fenwick I was granted an unexpected gift in 2021 that would come to mean so much more to me than I could have known while I was living it. On Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 12:28 pm, I received an urgent text from my youngest sister, Sarah, “Jen, call me ASAP! It’s... Continue Reading →
Emma’s story isn’t a unique one, in that sadly, in 2020 alone, the number of new cancer cases in the United States was estimated at 1.8 million, with approximately 606,000 of those ending in death, cancer.org. However, her story is unique, in that, when it happens to a family member, a friend, yourself, the statistics... Continue Reading →
As Dorian approaches, media outlets are reporting it as "an unprecedented storm in Florida," and that Dorian "would be the strongest storm to hit Florida since 1992." Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock As I look around the barren landscape and notice the still clinging blue tarps, the vacant lots where homes and businesses used to... Continue Reading →
When Hurricane Micheal slammed into our cities last October, he took more with him than just our trees, our businesses, our homes. He took pieces of us. Memories we’d planted long ago. The world outside has moved on. But we, we are still living in the aftermath. Like the many cities destroyed before us by... Continue Reading →
I love the sound of rain. However, the sound of rain on a tin or metal roof is something else altogether. It brings to mind childhood afternoons with my Nana. My Nana, Mary Murphy Chaknis, was born in 1911 in County Cork, Ireland. Her family was poor, and by the time Nana had reached her... Continue Reading →
Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task. Haim Ginott I left teaching in 2008. As the years pass, I realize that I left a bit of myself there too. In the lives of all the students I taught and in all... Continue Reading →
“Everyone here has a story of loss they struggle to describe and recovery they cannot yet comprehend.” 1. There was no way to adequately prepare. We'd done this before, many of us, more than once; prepared for the possibility of a hurricane visiting us during the Season. We were used to Summer ushering in, not... Continue Reading →
