Lindsey’s voice was steady, but her hands still remembered what fear felt like. “I grew up in a religious background,” she began, glancing down at the rim of her mug as if she could still see the old years there. “And for a long time I believed… if I was good enough—if I prayed enough—and…
Tag: love
Made with LOVE
Mr. Martinez isn’t only drawn to Lindsey—he’s quietly captivated by her. Every morning, without fail, he finds a reason to stop by The Gathering for one… maybe two… of Lindsey’s famous cookies. She’s shared the recipe more than once—graciously, even playfully—but somehow, his never tastes like hers. Same ingredients. Same measurements. Same oven. Yet the…
Today
Father in Heaven, As this day begins, we come to You with reverence and gratitude. You are holy, faithful, and worthy of all our Love. We repent for the ways we have loved You halfway—when our hearts were divided, our attention scattered, and our devotion delayed. Forgive us for every idol we’ve held close, every…
Octopus Minds: Seeing the Light
Prayer Lord God,Forgive me for believing the lies spoken over mewhen I did not yet know what Love looked like.Open my eyes again to Your light.In Jesus’ Name, amen. When My Eyes Learned to See the Light Day’s Journey — Micro Devotional Scripture Sidebar “Arise, shine; for your light has come!And the glory of the…
Octopus Minds: When Staying was an Act of Protection
Lord,You see the choices we made when there were no safe options.Forgive the judgments spoken against those who stayed to protect others.Cover us with Your truth and peace.In Jesus’ Name, amen. Day’s Journey — Micro Devotional Scripture Sidebar “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” —John…
Freedom from the Sin of Unforgiving: Understanding ‘Love Your Enemies’ in Grief
Lord, as we open Your Word, be gentle with our hearts.Guard every wounded place, and let nothing we say add harm—only light, comfort, and truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. “But love your enemies, and do good…” – Luke 6 (A Tender Unpacking) When we read, “Love your enemies, and do good…” (Luke 6:27, 35), it…
Today: Evening Prayer, Presence
Evening Prayer — Presence (October 30) Scripture:“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 Reflection:Today, I was reminded of the beauty of simply being present.A student asked me to stand near during the school fire drill — not to speak, not to comfort, but just…
The God Who Sees Me: The Refiner’s Fire
The Refiner’s Fire Scripture: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.” — Malachi 3:3 Reflection:The fire of God is not to destroy — it is to define.It burns…
Equipped For Battle: Love Thy Nieghbor
The Fruit of Love “Abide in Me, and I in you.” — John 15:4 Opening Prayer: LORD, You are the Gardener of my soul. Every seed You’ve planted in me is for Your glory and the good of others. Teach me to remain in Your love, to share freely the fruit of Your Spirit, and…
The God Who Sees Me: The Hidden Path
The Hidden Path Scripture: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, Along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them. And make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” — Isaiah 42:16 (NIV) Reflection:There are…