Do you want to witness the faithfulness of God? You will see it in any trial you go through. He promises that.

It’s the journey to the finish line that allows us to work out our faith and experience God’s loving and faithful presence.

In the face of uncertainty, God enables us to stand firm. Don’t let worry overshadow your faith.

It’s hard, I admit it - to praise God through the storms of life, but I do it anyway.

It’s hard to explain, but there’s an absolute peaceful stillness that surrounds me, if I just give my burdens to God. He hasn’t left me yet, and daily, He puts a determination in me to serve.

All of my trials have become my testimonies of God’s hand on my life.

2 Timothy 1:7 - “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

It’s crazy how so many people want to hold onto their life, thinking that whatever power, smarts or wealth they have is going to make a difference in their future.

Let go, my friends. You can’t do this life on your own. You’re not God, nor ever will be.

Trust Him - just try it! If He knows you as His own, He will fight your battles. After alll, He already has the victory.

We all know that there’s no such thing as Zombies, dead people walking around as if they were alive.

I’ve never cared for this type of entertainment but it has taken on a whole other form of television called, “The Walking Dead.”

As a Christian, we are to let go of our past; die to self. This means, the things we used to do, we no longer want to do. After this, we put on our new self. A big step in this direction is acknowledging God and believing that He can change our behavior, our addictions, our strongholds. You’ll see some Christians walking around, or even going to church, hanging their heads as if this is the most depressing day.

Stop walking around like Zombies, my fellow brothers and sisters. Quit existing as if this is all there is.

Christians should have a smile ready to give to a stranger. They should be the ones that encourage others and tell others how great their God is.

Millions of people are walking around, who are dead, but they just don’t know it yet.

These aren’t Zombies walking around. These people are successful, hard workers, friends and good parents. It can be described like this: anyone who is not a Christian, who hasn’t given their life to Christ is spiritually dead in God’s sight. They are still in their sins because of their unbelief.

Adam’s sin separated us from God, but Christ’s sacrifice gives eternal life to all walking dead people. These people have to admit they are sinners and put their trust in God.

Wake up and live for God!

Proverbs 4:25 - “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.”

This is a thing now. Distracted driving. A thing that could possibly kill people. Distracted driving has been around for awhile. People driving while eating; driving while talking to a passenger or dealing with the kids in the back seat. We have so many distractions in the car now, primarily the cell phone.

This type of distracted driving has killed a lot of people, but could have easily been prevented. How? Put away the cell phone while driving. Do not talk or specifically, do not text while driving a car.

This scenario relates to life also. If you’re a Christian and you take your focus off of God, all of a sudden you’ll find yourself steering off course - into the depths of trouble.

Don’t ignore the warning signs. Distracted driving kills when you’re driving a car and steering your focus off of God takes you out of God’s will. God’s warning signs are used out of love for us, and are designed to keep us on the path that leads to life.

Stay rooted in God’s word. Don’t get distracted by the world’s entertainment and enticements.

Distractions of any kind kills in more ways than one.

There are so many women raising children on their own. It shouldn’t be this way.

Having been a single mom more than a married mom, I know the burdens that they bear. It’s not easy at all.

God meant for a man and woman to marry and raise children together. Kids need both a mom and dad to give them balance in life. A mother to nurture and a father to discipline. Unfortunately some of us women find ourselves raising children on our own.

Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

There are several obstacles to deal with as a single mom. The first being loneliness. Most times, it can feel like you’re trying to conquer the world on your own and that nobody cares. If you know of a single mom in your neighborhood; in your church, or you work with a single mom, get to know her. Become her friend and get to know her kids. Then, when you can, offer to watch her kids or take her out for a coffee.

It’s hard to not get depressed or angry as a single mom. But, it’s possible to overcome these negative thoughts and habits. I found that having girlfriends, being involved in my church and having time alone with God got me through some tough times. Looking back, I did the best I could. Both my kids turned out great; they’re both doctors.

I hope the people that were around me at the time I was a single mom know how much I appreciated them.

Just to name a few of these folks: Janel, Ellan, Mary, Polly, Craig, Pat, Roy, my mom, Margaret and Dave and Becky and Dave. Thank you.

As a Christian I think we should serve single moms as much as we serve the widows.

And, let’s not forget about the single dad’s out there either. Kuddos to you dads for taking on this role too.

God bless all the single parents out there.

To be insecure is to lack confidence or trust, whether it be in ourselves or someone else.

As a Christian, to find yourself insecure is saying to God, “I don’t fully trust you.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8 - “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

One of Satan’s biggest weapons is doubt. Satan loves for us to question who we are or even how we measure up to others.

A big cause of feelings of insecurity is reliance in wealth and possessions, instead of God. But the Bible plainly tells us to not put our hopes in earthly riches, which will rust away, but to trust God, who provides us with everything we need.

A lot of people will worry about having enough money, or when to retire, based on how much money is in their bank account. This tells me that they’re insecure of who they are in Christ.

We can’t have both - insecurity and freedom. Either you trust God to provide for you and your future (freedom) or you worry about how you’re going to make the money work for retirement (insecurity).

As for me, I trust God 100%. Even if I lost all my money and worldly possessions, I know that God will take care of me.

Freedom in Christ! Try it!

You can be traveling on the right road, but if you miss the mile marker you’re looking for, you’ll miss the exit altogether.

I’ve always loved a good road trip. I really like the spontaneous idea of just getting in the car and driving, with no agenda on the schedule.

Early on, before Google Maps and other directional devices, I would contact the local AAA office and ask for a trip ticket, which was a detailed itinerary, including maps, etc. This was a great tool to use, as it showed in detail where to turn, what exits to take, down to the mile markers to look for.

Think of the above scenario as it applies to a Christian’s life. We’re all on the same path (or should be). Our destination is the same (eternity in heaven). But, are some of us getting off on the wrong road at times? I know I have found myself down the wrong road and have wondered how I got so far off the path. I remind myself that unless I stay in the word (the Bible), I will tend to stray. Instead of allowing God to steer my life in the right direction, I make my own turn and get lost.

You don’t want to go somewhere without a map. Just as you don’t want to go through life without the Bible and God.

What has taken you off the road today? What exit did you take by mistake that has left you lost and bewildered?

Get right with God and stay on course. The road to heaven is narrow but God’s got the road map and is in the driver’s seat.

Mile marker - Exit Heaven!

Colossians 1:10 - “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

Acceptance is “the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.”

Acceptance is a part of life, starting at birth. We accept the parents God gives us. We accept nourishment and guidance as we grow to be an adult.

The opposite of acceptance is to decline something offered. We have choices every day. As an adult, you can accept the fact that you have a job; get up and go to the job. If you decline, there are usually consequences. If you continually decline to go to work, well, you will not have a job to go to.

As we age, we have to accept the fact that our parents, grandparents, or even friends may die.

The most important thing in each of our lives, is who do we accept as our God. Who do we accept as ruler over our lives? This is a choice. You’re either serving God or other gods in your life.

One would think there is an obvious choice. Choose God equals choosing life. Choose satan equals to choosing death.

We all crave acceptance by others. As Christians, we should desire to have a good testimony in the world. But don’t crave popularity among men, crave popularity with God. Crave your worth in God alone and you’ll be accepted and loved by our creator.

Accept Christ today if you haven’t done so. I promise you, you’ll never regret it.

1 Peter 3:8 -”Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

A talent is described as “a natural aptitude or skill.” A talent is something you’re borne with that gives you unique skills and abilities.

God gifts us all with talents of some type. Some, more than others. I’ve always wanted to sing beautiful melodies, but anyone that knows me and is honest, knows that I can’t carry a tune in a bucket!

Oh, I could probably take voice lessons and be decent, but I know the talents I have and singing is not one of them.

God gifted me with various artistic talents. I love writing (duh). I love oil painting and crafting (mainly with my granddaughter, Ady).

I also have hobbies, not necessarily talents. Like hiking, cycling and swimming.

More than any talent God has blessed me with, I’m the most proud of the gift of serving. I love serving people. I am so blessed to now to be in a profession that serves people, personally, in their present lives, evaluating and meeting their needs on a daily basis.

Some people will say, “I don’t have any talents, or hobbies.” Unlikely, but this is when you go to God, asking for these gifts. Ask God to give you the desire to serve others.

There are so many elderly people, who go days without seeing another human. I’ve said this before, visit a nursing home; volunteer at an assisted living. These people need you.

I promise, once you start doing this, you will be blessed beyond measure.

Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”