My sister gave me two different pairs of sunglasses. Pair A is stylish with lightly tinted lenses and gold frames, aka Aviator glasses, because the outward-facing lens has a mirror-reflective coating. Pair B is promotional sunglasses with dark UV-coated lenses and frog-green frames. When I use Pair A, the world is golden- colored. I see the beauty of the landscape.

Many of us get excited when we see a rainbow—its vibrant colors and rarity make it a special sight. However, that rainbow belongs to Noah, as it symbolizes God’s promise never again to flood the earth. What about the storms in life? Have you ever counted your rainbows afterward? I mean those moments that remind you of times God has been merciful, spared you, or delivered you in impossible situations, as only he can.

My version of joy looks like a quiet day with no pressure. Just me, my comfy chair, and a book I can disappear into. I love those moments when my phone is silent, no one needs anything from me, and I can simply be.

Wars are won through battles fought one at a time. In the same way, our responsibility is not to become obsessed with reaching “the masses” while overlooking the person standing in front of us. We serve one person, encourage one hurting heart, speak truth to one searching soul, and remain faithful one day at a time.

Haven’t we all succumbed to this lie at one time or another? Here’s a phrase that should put you on high alert: “If only.” It sounds something like this: “If only I had a new car, if only I could get the promotion, if only I had the latest cell phone, or if only I got a popular toy... then life would be perfect.”

Halfway through a four-hour return flight, Sara experienced a medical emergency. We gratefully accepted the caring help to get her through that in-flight ordeal. Sara then spent five days in the hospital.

I grew up in a rural section of eastern North Carolina where miles of crops lined the curvy country roads. Although both my grandparents owned farms, our family lived in town, one block from East Carolina College, with its large, lush lawn and towering trees.

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10–11 (NIV) There was a season in my life when I felt like I was walking through a spiritual drought. I still believed

God often gives us opportunities—quiet, ordinary moments that become “one of those days” where our words or actions make a real difference in someone else’s life, even when we may never fully see the impact. This isn’t meant to be a sentimental or overly warm reflection but something grounded and honest that we can all relate to. When we look to God’s Word, we’re reminded that meaningful impact is often found in simple obedience and everyday faithfulness.

While we learn to walk through stressful seasons, we sometimes stumble for various reasons: perhaps weakness, selfishness, or a lack of faith in God. We lean on our own understanding rather than depending on God’s goodness and wisdom. But God knows our every need.