Weekly Devotional

Love…For Real

Valentine's Day is Friday. All the cards, flowers, and special surprises that people remember this day are just a tiny part of its deeper meaning. If you or I were to try to sum it all up in one word, LOVE would surely be at the top of the list. Over the years,...

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We are already racing into 2025, and yes, we have been trying to catch our breath amidst moving, spending Christmas in the Smoky Mountains, traveling to a Bates' party, and returning to Florida to unpack. It's been insane. But for all the craziness around us, we...

Christmas List

If someone were to hand me a piece of paper and ask me to write down everything I wanted God to do or every question I desired an answer for, that paper would be filled in no time, and I would most likely need another paper! These desires and petitions would be...

Follow Me

It is almost midnight here; everyone is sound asleep. The hum of the swing and piano hymns softly play in the background. My Bible is open as I lay here and honestly talk with God… the raw, deep, and vulnerable prayers. Here are my thoughts…“Then said Jesus unto...

Crazy Moments + Joy

It is raining outside, and as I sit here rocking William and listening to the happy and noisy chatter of five others playing around me, it almost feels like a page out of a storybook. I know I am living my dream. But it’s not always this peaceful. In fact, less...

To Live is Christ

My grandfather recently passed away. As I stood at his funeral singing one of his favorite hymns, I was overwhelmed by God's love and the legacy of a man who loved Jesus. Grandpa Paine finished well. He was a brilliant man, full of integrity. He loved people and...

Intentional Living

As I sat on the pew, Bible open, listening intently as the preacher read the passage for his text. I thumbed open to Revelation four, verse eleven, as he read, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and...

Are You in Trouble?

It’s late Sunday night, and little William and I are spending time together as I reflect on the joys and difficulties of this week. I think about the highlights - the kids playing tag with Chad in the evenings, family dinner around the table, and time with friends....

No Small Choices

Yesterday was Father's Day, and I was overwhelmed by all the love and kindness from my kids and sweet Erin. But as night set in, I began to think of all the things I wanted to change and improve as a dad, husband, and Christian. I got up this morning still thinking...

My Dad’s Testimony

If you’ve ever met my dad, you can attest that he genuinely loves people and the Lord. I’ve been inspired by his faithfulness to God and his desire to tell everyone he meets about what God has done for him. If he is pumping gas, grocery shopping, or going through a...