Every year, we rush into December with lists, plans, oven timers, decorations, and an unspoken pressure to make everything just right. In the flurry, we can forget why we’re celebrating and Who this celebration is truly for. For many of us, the season turns into a cycle of overeating, overspending, overdoing, and then oversleeping in a sugar coma—especially for those of us who know better but can’t resist the candy dish. Next year, half the gifts will be forgotten, the decora

When I look back at the seasons of my life marked by pain and struggle, I can see God’s hand gently at work, making me new. I may not have experienced instant healing, but I’ve experienced transformation.

About halfway through Mom’s time at the care center, her sister fell and broke her hip while taking a walk in her Dallas, Texas, neighborhood. My aunt never had any children, and my uncle was deceased, so I volunteered to be her family support. While I lived with my family in Arizona and my mom was just about twelve miles from me, it was clear that many flights to Dallas were in my future.

There are days when I still feel the weight of my own shortcomings pressing heavily on my heart. It’s in those moments that Psalm 51:10 speaks directly to my soul: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” David’s cry becomes my own prayer. I know I cannot cleanse myself from the stains of sin, nor can I manufacture a right spirit...

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’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.

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.

Focus is motivating. Powerful. It makes transformation possible.