The distractions of the world are very tempting. But the world belongs to the evil one. He is the deceiver. The endless lure of desires, money, power, fame, and physical pleasures pulls us away. However, when we accept Christ, believing that He led a perfect life, died on the cross as payment for our sins, and then rose again three days later, we’re transformed. Christ changes our lives and our attitude. Our mind and our heart are then changed.

God used this experience to encourage me to continue learning more about my chosen profession. This prompted me to return to school to learn more. My program of study turned out to be an exhilarating, exhausting two years, but worth every moment.

God’s word comforts our souls and offers peace that quiets the chatter that distracts from what is true. We are commanded not to yield to the world but to instead submit to the word. Romans 12:2 infers that this must be a continual process if we are to overcome our trials and discern God’s perfect will.

As cocky as I was, on the exact day I turned 18 ½, I underwent a kidney transplant that would not only save my life, but in many ways, dictate how I lived it. I was a scared, confused kid who had, nine months earlier, been forced to grow up instantly and way too fast. October 6th is the 42nd anniversary of the second-greatest event in my life: that surgery. The first was when the Lord saved my soul on October 2nd, 1973.

In today’s world, many of us are constantly seeking shortcuts in various aspects of our lives. Whether it’s in our diets, our work, or our spiritual journeys, the appeal of the easy way out can be tempting. But when it comes to living a fulfilling and purposeful life, there are no substitutes for the real thing. Just like we wouldn’t want to use skim milk in a savory, flavorful recipe, we shouldn’t skimp on the godly ingredients that truly nourish our souls.

Just like Dorothy, we sometimes want to (metaphorically) go home. Perhaps we want to turn back the clock, have one more visit with a loved one who has passed, or simply have a do-over of yesterday. However, the answer is found in the word surrender. 

In the midst of this bittersweet season, we are tackling home projects with newfound purpose. Walls are getting fresh coats of paint. Old posters are coming down. Spaces once dedicated to childhood pursuits are being repurposed, reimagined, and given tender attention.

For me, depression often feels like being trapped in a dark tunnel, with no clear way out. I’ve struggled with the idea that this dark season will never end, that it will always be a part of who I am. But this verse speaks to the hope that God is working during the struggle, even when it feels impossible to see. He’s making a way where there seems to be no way. He’s doing a new thing, whether I see it or not.

There have been countless times when I thought the grief might swallow me whole. But God has shown me that His restoration is not about erasing the pain—it’s about redeeming it. He has grown me in ways I never could have imagined. He’s taught me to lean on Him more than on my own understanding.

How often do we forget God’s miracles in our lives? Surviving accidents, healing our loved ones, or experiencing sudden breakthroughs—these are undeniable acts of God. Let us not allow our hearts to become hardened by forgetfulness. Instead, cherish and remember God’s wondrous deeds, for they deepen our faith and keep us rooted in gratitude. Stay vigilant and never underestimate the power of our miraculous God.

There was a time in my life when I didn’t recognize who I was becoming. Disappointments, betrayals, and grief piled up silently, like layers of sediment hardening over my soul. Without realizing it, I began living a guarded life. My prayers became robotic

We live in a fast-paced world that is increasingly active and noisy. Messages fly over the internet. We speak without contemplating our words or considering the viewpoint of others. It is effortless to respond without giving it a thought. We write words we’d never say face-to-face. Our careless words create misunderstandings. We release words, both spoken and written, that we can’t take back.

The example my father set for me was essential in shaping my healthy self-esteem. Watching him treat others with kindness, respect, and confidence taught me to value myself and believe in my worth. His actions demonstrated what it means to be strong yet compassionate, which has helped me face challenges with resilience and self-assurance.

uring my time in the Navy, I learned that it has rules and standards that must be followed. These are designed to ensure that departments and divisions operate smoothly. Maintaining loyalty and camaraderie within the division was essential. The military fosters a strong, unified group through a clear chain of command and by adhering to the orders given. The military demands obedience and commitment.

God does BIG things! He parts seas, calms storms, heals the blind, and gives us freedom. However, I’m relatively sure He wouldn’t peddle His sacred promises in this manner. After all, this offer is for something more than a penthouse suite, a first-class ticket, or more legroom.

As we journey through life and find ourselves in undesirable circumstances, we should look beyond our distress and ask the Lord to turn us back that we may be restored.

Actively seeking God’s guidance in your decisions is an essential aspect of living under His authority. In every situation, whether it’s a major66 life choice or a simple daily decision, pause and ask yourself, “How does this honor God?” This introspection encourages you to evaluate your motivations and align them with God’s purposes.

We often take our freedom for granted without realizing the cost we have paid for it. Someone paid the price for the liberty we enjoy. In 1944, the Allied forces, including the U.S., invaded northern France. Their mission was to liberate France from Nazi occupation. The official name was “Operation Overlord,” but it became known by its code name, D-Day.

Peace is a practice. A holy habit. A daily decision to realign my heart with the Prince of Peace when everything else screams for my attention.

We try to clean ourselves up first, like children trying to wash themselves at the sink, and all they do is smear around the dirt.