Uncompromised

  The best friends we can have are those who pray for you without needing to be asked. They defend you when you’re not around, and with them, gossip comes to a dead stop. I always remind my son that God sends us different types of friends. Some are seasonal—friends who enter your life for a time, sharing laughter, love, and memories. As seasons change, so do our lives, and sometimes these friends are led down a different path. Though life may take us in separate directions, they will always hold a piece of your heart. These friends are special, and we often wish they could stay forever. Then there are lifelong friends. Even if years pass without seeing each other, when you reconnect, it’s as if no time has passed at all! As I grow older, I realize one of the most precious gifts God has given me is my "God-connected" friends—those who sense when you need prayer, even when you haven’t spoken a word. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve prayed for someone, only to receive a me...

Let me share a heartwarming story that took place a couple weeks ago. I found myself in a bit of a predicament because I couldn't read my books properly. Everything appeared blurry, and it caused me genuine concern. Adding to my worries, I started panicking about potential side effects from my RA medication, fearing I might lose my vision, which was definitely not on my bucket list! However, amidst all this, a fascinating twist occurred: my computer work remained perfectly clear! In a moment of lightheartedness, a playful joke my mother used to share came to mind. She used to humorously claim that our arms "get shorter" as we age, impacting our ability to read up close. Half-jokingly, I decided to follow her advice, and to my surprise, it worked like magic! By moving the book a little further away, the words came into focus again! Now, here's the truly delightful part: I am now officially a part of the reading glasses squad, and it feels like a significant milestone i...

Let's not forget who we truly are as beloved children of God. Inside each of us, there's a treasure trove of wisdom waiting to shine. Sometimes, we might think we're lacking, but in reality, we're incredibly rich. We might search for wisdom far and wide, yet we're already connected to the wellspring of wisdom through grace. Feeling like something's missing? Well, here's the secret: we've got everything we need to be our authentic selves and fulfill our purpose. As the Bible says in Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." The gospel provides all we need and transforms our entire lives . Have a blessed day!

  Over the past two months, my life has been a journey of sorting, packing, and letting go. It all began when I was tasked with emptying my mother's house after she passed suddenly, a difficult time of reflection. As I returned to my new home, town, and state, I was reminded of the verse from Isaiah 43:19, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Embracing this new season, I realized it was not just about physical changes, but also about a spiritual transformation. In the process of sorting through belongings, I began to meditate on the need for inner sorting as well. As believers, we are called to release the burdens that weigh us down and keep us from experiencing the fullness of God's grace. Philippians 3:13-14 encouraged me, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining t...

  Today, when a close friend asked me what I miss the most (places not people), it got me thinking and almost choking up. Sometimes, what we long for seems small, but it matters.  At first, I wasn't sure how to answer because it felt kind of silly. But then, I decided to be honest. In the midst of all my thoughts and feelings, the struggle to feel content and believe I'm where God wants me to be felt very real.  That's when I remembered Philippians 4:6-7, which says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This verse reminds me that even in my longing for something as simple as a cozy coffee shop – you know, the kind with a soothing ambiance, a beautiful view, and the aroma of freshly brewed good quality coffee – I can trust that I'm exactly where God intend...

 Rebekah's Lesson: Embracing the Challenges of Ministry       Talking with a dear friend who has been a ministry wife for decades and excels in hospitality, she shared with me some drama unfolding in her church. It's the kind of drama that involves pouting and ultimatums—"my way or the highway" attitudes—that can be deeply hurtful, making her question everything she's done over the years. Ministry life is filled with joy, but it also bears a heavy weight. One mistake in a church member's eyes can overshadow all the good you've accomplished, challenging your character and integrity. People might say to separate church work from home life, but that's practically impossible, as ministry intertwines with your very being.      This situation reminds me of Rebekah, a model of hospitality and service. When Abraham's servant was seeking a wife for Isaac, Rebekah's kindness shone through as she offered water to him and his camels. In Genesis 24:19, ...