Monday Morning Memo: Found in Him

It’s hard to believe that we are now in 2026.  It is during these beginning days of January when many will vow to turn over a new leaf; to begin doing something different than they did in 2025.  Whether it is a resolution to eat healthier, exercise more, spend more intentional family time, make it a priority to read their Bible every day etc., many will begin this year ready to do whatever it takes to see their plan accomplished.

 

I hate to be a “downer” on this fifth day of January, but we all know that by February, many will have given up on their resolution.  Many will decide that eating healthier food is just too expensive or takes too much time to prepare.  Quite a few will come to the realization that exercising on a regular basis doesn’t seem nearly as much fun as it did today.  Some will discover that spending more time with their family causes more stress than they thought it would and that going out with their friends is much more relaxing.  And unfortunately, there will be those who decide that hitting the snooze button two more times sounds much more enjoyable than beginning their day with their Savior.

 

I was thinking about this the other day and I’ll be honest, I felt myself getting depressed.  The reason was that I was thinking about some of the things that I need to change in 2026, but if I’m honest, I know I can easily be just like all the others who will give up within a few weeks.  Oh, my intentions are good, but my self-discipline is lacking and when the going gets tough…it’s easy for me to just quit going.  So, if I know that I will likely give up on my resolution(s), maybe I just shouldn’t make any at all.

Then I came across the words found in Philippians 4:9. The apostle Paul wrote these words in his letter to the leaders of the church in Philippi: “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing.  Then the God of peace will be with you.”  WOW.  I had to ask myself if I could write those same words in a letter to those I wanted to encourage and help in their walk with Christ.  Would I be confident enough in my behavior…in my walk with Christ…to ask others to emulate me?  I’m afraid my answer would have to be NO.  

 

Paul not only told them to put into practice what they heard him say…but also what they saw him doing.  How often do I say what I know God wants me to say…but then not walk the talk?  It’s one thing to speak words, but living out those words is often so much more difficult.  

 

Notice then what he ends with, “Then the God of peace will be with you.”   Again, WOW.  If those who are reading this letter follow the instructions Paul has given them, along with watching how he has lived his life…they will then have peace.  Because Paul lived the life of a fully, devoted follower of Christ…others were able to learn from him and as a result, had peace in their lives.

 

This got me thinking.  Maybe God doesn’t want me to make a list of resolutions for 2026, maybe He just wants me to ask myself if I’m speaking and living in a way that encourages others to follow Him.  Maybe He wants me to be more intentional with the words I speak and the actions I display on a daily basis.  Maybe He wants me to ask myself before I speak or act, if what I’m about to say or do will draw others closer to Him or drive them farther away. 

 

We are living in a world where many people do not have peace.  They live every day with their stomach in knots…their mind racing…with an overall feeling of despair.  How amazing it would be if in 2026, they could find the God of peace by listening to what I say and watching how I live my life.  I know that will only happen if I am intentional on being a fully devoted follower of Christ.

 

Elisabeth Elliot said, “This year, let us ask God to dissolve all our hopes into a single hope to know Christ and be found in Him.  May this be a year to desire a radically transformed, deeper, truer, knowing of Christ as our all-sufficient One”.  I realize that if I really take this seriously…if I make this my focus in 2026…I believe that everything else will fall in place.   If my only hope for the coming months is to know my Jesus more so that my words and actions can be radically transformed to look more like Him, my year is bound to be more than I could ever imagine.

 

I really don’t want 2026 to be just another year.  I want it to be a year in which how I live has a positive impact on eternity.  But I know I will have to be intentional in making sure my hope is to know my Jesus and be found in Him.

 

How about you?  What is your Savior asking of you for this coming year?  If you aren’t sure, maybe you would like to join me and together we can ask God to dissolve all our hopes into a single hope.  A hope to know Him so deeply, that our speech and actions will influence others to find peace in Christ.  I’m guessing that if this is our prayer, we will discover that He is definitely our “all-sufficient One”. 

 

 “I pray that God, the source of hope, 

will fill you completely with joy and peace 

because you trust in him. 

Then you will overflow with confident hope 

through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

Monday Morning Memo: I. Just. Can't

Well, we have survived another Christmas.  The bottom of the tree might now look bare…or your tree may already be put away for another year.  You may still have remnants of ripped off wrapping paper on your carpet and your belt might need to be loosened from all your overeating.

 

With Christmas now over, our thoughts turn to welcoming in a new year.  What will it bring?  Some are excited about tackling new opportunities and/or adventures in 2026, but for some, looking ahead brings great tension, stress and fear.    I think sometimes, the way we look at the new year, is dependent on what we faced in this past year.

 

I know in my life, the word “can’t” easily became a word which infiltrated my vocabulary in 2025.  Do to my health situation, I could be heard saying,   I can’t face the unknown…I can’t understand why God isn’t giving us the answers we need…I can’t do everything I want to do because I’m just not strong enough…I can’t stand the thought of seeing yet another new doctor, only to be told he doesn’t have answers…and some days all I could say was, I. just. can’t.

 

I’ve been thinking about this the past few days, and I think it is important for us to remember that whenever we think we can’t do something…we need to ask God if HE can.  You see, if it is something that He wants us to do…He CAN give us whatever it takes to get through.  I believe He wants us to stop dwelling on what we can’t do and start focusing on what He can do through us.  We need to allow Him to use the difficulties that we face for His glory and not use them as our excuse.  We must be willing to live “beyond the limits” of our comfort zone so that God can accomplish great things through us for His glory.  And yes, sometimes we need to be willing to just be still…trusting God to be with us during those times when we just can’t do what we want to do.

There is a huge problem though…Satan doesn’t like this at all.  He doesn’t want us to accomplish anything for God, especially if it draws others to accept Him as their Lord and Savior.  He doesn’t want us to have peace…even in the valleys of life.  He wants us to remain stagnant…living inside our protective bubble…settling for the status quo with a stomach full of knots.  Unfortunately, it’s really easy for us to want to remain there too.

I have written before that I have a lot of respect for Corrie Ten Boom and the amazing testimony she had throughout her life…even when she was in the worst of circumstances.  When she spoke, her words were so powerful and they are still having a huge impact long after she received her eternal reward.  Corrie was a child of God who wasn’t afraid of pushing herself way beyond her human capabilities, knowing that wherever God led her, He would give her exactly what she needed every step of the way.

I read a quote of hers that was exactly what I needed.  Her timely words were, “When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus.”  In other words, when Satan is whispering over and over in my ear that I can’t do something, that I am too weak to accomplish a task, I can smile right back at him and yell, “You are right Satan…I can’t…but HE CAN!”

What a difference it makes when we realize Whose abilities and power we can tap into!  There isn’t anything we will face that is beyond God’s capabilities.  There isn’t any detour on our journey in which He doesn’t know where we will end up.  Nothing surprises Him…nothing makes Him fret…nothing overwhelms Him.  We can be assured that no matter what, His answer to us is, “Don’t worry…I’ve got this!”

Are you living in fear of what you might face tomorrow?  Are you afraid that if you commit to living completely sold out to God in 2026, He will ask you to do things which are way beyond your strength and abilities?  You are right…He probably will…but He already knows when He asks that you can’t do it by yourself, but He knows that He can!  All He needs is your willingness to let Him lead and He will take care of the rest.

Here we go… into another year and I’m guessing there will be times when you and I feel powerless.  Let’s not forget that we have the privilege of “stepping inside the ability of Jesus”.  Just the thought of that gives me chills.  Let’s do this!

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”  Ephesians 3:20-21 The Message

Monday Morning Memo: Need Rest?

Well, ready or not…Christmas is almost here.  I’m sure some of you are ready for the big day and some of you need to accomplish 3 weeks of work…in the next 3 days.  That’s just how life is, isn’t it?  Regardless of whether or not we have our “ducks in a row”…Christmas is on the horizon.

If I had to make a guess, I’m thinking many of you are just plain tired.  Life often gets so crazy this time of year and by this point, many are physically exhausted.  Your to-do list might be overwhelming you because you seem to add more things that need to be done…than crossing off the things you have accomplished.

And let’s just say it like it is…some aren’t worn out physically…but mentally because they are already looking ahead to that Christmas family gathering which they dread every year.  You know what I’m talking about…the one where that certain relative corners you to talk about every ache and pain they’ve had for the last year…oh it’s a fun time 

Then, there is spiritual fatigue.  Maybe it has been an extremely difficult 2025 and you are questioning where God has been in all of it.  Maybe you feel you have tried to follow His plan for you…but you’ve hit a detour at every turn and it has given you more questions than answers…and that my friend, is tiring.

In Exodus 33:13-14, we read this conversation between Moses and the Lord: “If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”

The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” 

Moses wanted to understand the Lord and His ways more fully and the Lord promised him that He would be with him every step of the way and everything would be fine. He also told Moses He would give him rest.  I don’t think the Lord was just talking about the fact that Moses and his people could rest once they reached the Promised Land.  I think He was telling him that HIS presence would give him rest – physically, mentally and spiritually - no matter what life would throw at him…even when the events weren’t on his to-do list.

And the same is true for us.  The Lord’s presence within us can give us Rest…when an unexpected detour comes our way.  Rest…when our spirit feels unsettled and unsatisfied.  Rest…when the world around us is in disarray.  Rest…when we are apprehensive regarding our future.  Rest…when our mind wants to dwell on our past.  Rest…when His plans don’t concur with our plans.  Rest…even when those “critical” things on our to-do list have to be left unmarked because we are just too tired.  And yes…Rest even during the days leading up to Christmas.

Are you in need of rest today…physically, mentally or spiritually?  The Lord promises that His presence can give you the kind of rest you need for today, tomorrow and the weeks and months to come.  He knows absolutely everything about you and nothing you are going through is a surprise to Him.  Today may not be the day you had planned on your calendar…but if you seek Him…He promises to walk with you every step of the way and give you rest.  I can’t think of anyone better to have as your walking partner than Him.

My prayer for you this Christmas season is that you will have time to sit at the manger…filled with wonder of the babe who came to this earth for you.  YOU were…and are…loved that much. Maybe, just maybe…if that is where your focus is…that dreaded family gathering won’t be near as bad as you’ve feared   

Merry Christmas!

Monday Morning Memo: Hearing Their Story

Christmas. This word conjures up many different emotions in those we meet. Some approach the day feeling almost giddy...anxious to see what wonderful treasures they will be given. Others enter this season feeling the same way, but their excitement is from what they will be giving...not what they will be receiving. Still others are so sick of seeing signs of Christmas in the stores and through the media since August, they just want Christmas to be over. 

Then there are those whose pain keeps them from barely noticing the lights, tinsel and presents. I’m afraid there are many who feel that way this year.  We live in a dark world where there is pain from physical illness…pain from losing loved ones…pain from lost jobs leading to financial insecurity…and pain from strained or fractured relationships with those whom we love.   

Unfortunately, those who are hurting this year may never be the same again. They may never embark on this time of year without remembering these difficult days they are walking through. I am confident that their joy will return because their focus will be on their Savior, but there will always be a part of them that will forever be changed. There is no way they can forget times such as this which have had such a dramatic impact on their life. 

At this point, you may be thinking that I am trying to squelch any Christmas enthusiasm you may have, but I can assure you that is not my intent. I just want you and me to remember that everyone we will meet between now and Christmas has a different “story”. Each person will be viewing this Christmas through their own personal lens and even though it may not be obvious what they are going through, they may be crying out for someone to care. They may need you and me to be understanding, patient and loving, not trying to make them see Christmas through our eyes but see this special day through God’s eyes. 

God didn’t send His Son to this earth as a baby just so we can have a perfect life. Believe it or not, He didn’t send Him so we can give and receive gifts. He sent His Son so we can have the opportunity to spend eternity with Him. The familiar verse in John 3:16 tells us, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”  If we truly believe this, it should totally change the way we approach Christmas. No longer will our focus be on giving or receiving, but on making sure that everyone, no matter what their “story” is, has the opportunity to believe in Him. Our responsibility is to share...but remember that we will never be heard if we don’t first care. 

It never ceases to amaze me that many, including me, know the reason for the season, but neglect to tell anyone else. We are so caught up in our own agenda that caring about another person’s “story” is just out of the question. Unfortunately, we leave that up to our Pastor because he gets paid to make sure others know the reason why the babe was born in the stable. 

If we knew the cure for cancer, would we tell others? If we knew that a tragedy was going to happen to someone we love, would we warn him or her? Of course we would. Why? Because we would want to make sure they were safe. We would want to make sure they knew of the impending events so they would be ready and could avoid pain and suffering. 

None of us know whom God will put in our path in the coming weeks; but we do know the reason for the season. Will you join me in making sure our lives impact those on our journey in a powerful, positive way? Let’s care about others enough to learn their story, walk alongside them, and share the reason with them. Our words and actions just may give them the hope they’ve been searching for and will make this Christmas one which will have an eternal impact on their life.  Trust me…it will give them a year they will never forget… not because of pain…but because of great joy in becoming a follower of Christ. Believe me, there is NO greater gift you can give than this! 

Monday Morning Memo: Destination: Heaven!

I could not get peace this past week on what I was supposed to share with you today.  I had ideas…but when I went to write them down…my mind would go blank.  Usually when that happens, it means I’m not listening to what the Lord is trying to tell me…so I waited.  Then, suddenly, I felt His direction.  

 

For some reason, I felt the Lord telling me to share with you the final chapter which I wrote for my first devotional book, Image Seeker.  I know some of you own the book, so this will be a “repeat” for you.  But if you are like me, you could have easily forgotten it since it has been many years since it was published.

Day 31

 

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.  And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert” (Mark 13:32-33).

 

He IS Coming Back!

 

Have you ever wondered what it will be like when Christ returns?  I have.  I know that many people have various beliefs and ideas on exactly when and how it will take place.  Scripture tells us. “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). 

 

I have decided to end this book by sharing with you a dream that I had one night, and I want you to know up front that the details are not supported scripturally.  As most dreams are, this one was rather bizarre and strange, but it had a life-changing effect on me.

You see, I dreamed one night that we did know exactly when Christ would return.  We knew the date, the hour, and even the place we needed to go to for His arrival.   Each area of the country had central locations that were designated to “house” all Christians who were ready to meet their King at the appointed time.

The location for our area was the third floor of the church that we were attending.  The day arrived and people started pouring in, excitedly talking and sharing in the anticipation of Christ’s return.  For some reason, at some point in the dream, Christ allowed me to “float” above the room to watch everyone’s arrival.  I can remember experiencing such an exhilarating feeling as I saw many people whom I dearly loved enter the room.

But all of a sudden, the doors closed and the locks were turned.  Those still standing outside the doors began pounding with their fists and shouting to be let into the room.  I remember beginning to cry, and I told Christ that He needed to re-open the doors because not everyone was inside yet.  I could see familiar faces of people that I thought for sure had accepted Christ and I was desperate to make sure they were included.

But as I pleaded, I heard the anguishing words, “Those who are pounding on the doors never accepted me as their Lord and Savior.  It is too late for them.”

I cannot explain the pain that I remember feeling at that point in the dream.  It was a feeling of utter despair and agony, and at that point, I woke up in a sweat and was shaking all over.

I do not profess to be able to interpret dreams, but I believe that Christ allowed me to experience this to impress on me that everyone will experience eternity.  The day will come for each of us when Christ will either welcome us into His gates to live with Him forever, or will tell us that because we did not accept Him while we were on earth, it is too late for us, and our eternity will be in hell.

This dream not only spoke to me to make sure I was ready to stand before Christ someday, but it also gave me an urgency to make sure those I come in contact with are ready to meet Him too.  And so I want to end this book by asking if you are ready.  If your life ends today, will you be ushered into the “room” that Christ is preparing for you, or will it be too late and the doors will be locked forever?  The choice is yours.  I’m praying that you do not delay in your decision and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior today.   You see, I can hardly wait to spend eternity in heaven, and I want to make sure that you are there with me too.  And don’t worry; I’ll know who you are because you will look just like our Father!

 

Image Seeker Prayer – “Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that You sent your Son to die for me so that I can have eternal life with you.  Forgive me, Father, for my sins; cleanse me and make me new.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me the wisdom, power and love to live victoriously for You until You call me home!”

 

Maybe I was supposed to share this chapter with you today…because you haven’t made the life-changing decision to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior.  If not, I urge you to do so today.  Time is of the essence, and I promise you it will be the best decision you will ever make.  All you have to do is say this prayer:

 

“Dear Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins, were resurrected and that you are alive and well today.  I believe you are the Son of God and that you deeply love me.  I confess that I am a sinner and I need you to forgive me and cleanse me from my sins.  I accept you as my Savior and want you to create a new and clean heart in me.  I now want to live every day for you, and I know I will have eternal life with you because of what you did on Calvary’s cross for me.  Thank you, Jesus.  Amen.”

 

Maybe you have accepted Christ into your life, but you know of someone who hasn’t that needs to read this blog post today.  Please share it with them.

 

What a wonderful time of year for us to tell others about our Jesus because every person will face eternity someday.  Let’s make sure their destination address is “HEAVEN”!

Monday Morning Memo: Letting Go

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving last week.  We were blessed with a great day with our family.  The only thing that would have made it absolutely perfect, would have been to have our oldest daughter and her husband with us.  But they were with his side of the family for this holiday…and then we will be thrilled to have them here for Christmas.

 

We gathered together for lunch at our son’s home.  My daughter-in-law had contacted me several weeks prior and offered to host all of us for Thanksgiving.  I have to be honest…my first thought was that I should be the one hosting.  Isn’t that how it works?  Shouldn’t Dan and I host since we are the parents?  I guess that is what I have always expected from myself.  I wanted my grandkids to be able to say, “Remember how we always went to grandma and grandpa’s house for Thanksgiving?”  We have always loved to host family and friends here…in fact for quite a few years we hosted my side of the family at Thanksgiving…welcoming 30-40 people into our home.  It was wonderful and we enjoyed those times.

 

But, the reality is that it’s a different time in my life when my health makes it difficult to be the one hosting and so I thanked my daughter-in-law for offering and told her we would love to go to their home.  And do you know what?  It was wonderful!  My daughter and I made food to help with the meal and then she arrived before us and jumped right in and helped with all the final details.  I could just thoroughly enjoy the day without all the responsibility and I loved it.

 

We bowed our heads as our son offered thanks for our meal, and I felt tears forming in my eyes.  I listened to him thank God for our many blessings, that we could be together to share on this day, and for sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins.  I felt overwhelmed with thankfulness as I shared this moment with our children who love the Lord and are raising their children to love Him too.  I felt blessed to have these children who are willing to step up and open their home for us to gather in.  

 

Before Thanksgiving, my daughter offered to host our family Christmas this year.  At that moment, the same thoughts went through my mind about the expectations I have put on myself…so I didn’t give her an immediate answer.  But the day after Thanksgiving, I told her that if she was still willing, we would love to take her up on her offer and I am so looking forward to it.  

 

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of our own expectations, isn’t it?  We put pressure on ourselves that is entirely unnecessary and as a result, we suffer consequences both physically and emotionally.  Life has its seasons, and sometimes it requires us to loosen our grip on those plans which just aren’t possible…to enjoy the new plans which God blesses us with. 

 

As we go through this wonderful Christmas season, let’s do our best to relax and not over-pressure ourselves to have perfection.  Let’s loosen our grip on those traditions that maybe have to be re-designed to better fit our current capabilities.  And then let’s always keep in mind that this season isn’t all about us and what feeds our psyche…it’s about a baby born in a manger for you and for me 

Monday Morning Memo: You Just Can't Do It!

I have the privilege of being a year-round volunteer for Operation Christmas Child, which is a division of Samaritan’s Purse.  I love their mission statement, which is: “The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations.”

  

Every year since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has collected shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children around the world. Since this vital ministry began, more than 232 million children in more than 170 countries and territories have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox.  The project delivers not only the joy of what, for many kids, is their first gift ever, but also gives them a tangible expression of God’s love.

 

This past week has been Collection Week for these shoeboxes.  Our Mid-North Indiana Area Team had seven drop-off locations, ready and willing to accept these boxes.  Since I oversee the Prayer Team for our area, our Team spent some time last week visiting all seven locations.  We wanted the opportunity to pray over the wonderful volunteers, asking the Lord to strengthen them and bless them.  We also wanted to pray over the boxes, asking the Lord to bless each recipient…that through this gift…they would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

 

If I may brag a little…I happen to have the most amazing Prayer Team ever!  Three women, Vicki, Susan and Kat, are absolutely wonderful.  Once each of them joined this team, they soon realized that Satan was not happy with their decision and the attacks began.  But through it all, they have remained steadfast and secure in Who they are serving and what His desire is for their lives.  One of our team members was too ill to be with us last week, but that didn’t stop her from praying for us and the drop-off locations while we were visiting.  These ladies are such an inspiration to me!

 

We set up a plan to visit four of the drop-off locations last Monday.  We managed to see three of them in the morning and then had time for lunch before the fourth location would be open.  So, we stopped at a restaurant in the town we were in, and had a wonderful time of fellowship while we ate.  I’m sure the three of us were not what I would call “quiet”…we never had a lag in our conversation, and laughter could be heard.  We also seemed to entertain a gentleman who was sitting by himself in the booth behind us.  He even said “Amen” when I finished praying for our food 

 

As we finished our meal, the waitress came to our table and gave us the surprising news that we didn’t owe anything for our meals; someone else had paid our bill.  We were shocked.  I then asked if by chance, the man who had sat behind us was our “bless-er”…she smiled and said yes, it was him.  Of course he had already left, so we couldn’t thank him in person, but the waitress assured us that he was a regular there and she would pass on to him our thankfulness and appreciation.

 

All I have been able to think of since that day, is the fact that we just can’t outgive God.  No matter what we do to serve Him…He blesses us more.  He does things like this to show us that He sees us…He knows us…He’s always with us.  And I believe He spoke to that man sitting in the booth…urging him to bless those crazy, laughing ladies sitting by him, by paying for their meal.  

 

All of this leads me to this question:  Who can you and I bless this week?  With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it is a wonderful time to reflect on how much we have been blessed, which in turn, should urge us to want to bless others.  I’m guessing if we ask the Lord to put someone in our path to bless…He will do just that.  We never know who might be dodging Satan’s arrows and need to be reminded that they are seen.  Or maybe there is someone who feels they are all alone and no one cares…and they need us to show them that we do care.  Or maybe there is someone who is seeking a different life…a life filled with the presence of the Lord…and they just need us to share our Jesus with them.  Regardless of the situation…I’m confident there will be opportunities to bless those with whom we come in contact…if we are willing to reach out.  

 

Believe me when I say…you just can’t outgive God.  So, when you make a point to bless someone…you will be blessed more than you can imagine.  Because we serve a God who specializes in blessings!