Month: June 2025

Philippians 2:5-8 :)

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“Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be. For He, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to His prerogatives as God’s equal, but stripped Himself of all privilege by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born as mortal man. And, having become man, He humbled himself by living a life of utter obedience, even to the extent of dying, and the death He died was the death of a common criminal” (Philippians 2:5-8 Phillips)

(I love the Phillips translation! Try reading the Bible in a translation that is new to you – it will give it a fresh take!)

“Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be”

Jesus’ motivation, His very existence, His entire purpose for coming to earth was to redeem and rescue.  He said Himself, “For the Son of Man himself has not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life to set many others free” (Mark 10:45 Phillips).  His constant motivation was love. What if this was the litmus test for our actions as well?

Check your attitude this morning: Let Christ Himself be your example.

  1. Is love your continual motivation?
  2. Are you more interested in serving others than in serving your own purposes?

I have to ask myself these questions daily.  I find myself in situations daily where I have to make a decision separate from the inclination of my flesh.  I find myself daily evaluating what is best for me vs what is best for the people within my sphere of influence.

Sometimes the required action is mutually beneficial – sometimes the required action does not seem beneficial to me, so what do I do?  I trust the Lord to love me as I follow His example in loving others. I trust Him to take care of me as I take care of others. I leave behind the scarcity mentality.

It’s not exactly 100%.  As much as I want everything to be black and white, right and wrong (I find comfort in the boundaries), there’s gray.  You pray and do the best you can. You ask the Lord to test your motives and reveal your heart. You ask Him to search you and know you.  Even Jesus took care of HImself – He went to the garden alone. He took the disciples away for a rest. He slept in the boat before the storm.  He fasted and was separate, always doing what the Father asked Him to do. Take this as an example, not an excuse.

If I choose SELF over OTHERS, then I am not trusting the Lord. If I choose SELF over OTHERS, then I am not loving as Jesus loved. Loving like Jesus loves means that I come in second.

“For He, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to His prerogatives as God’s equal, but stripped himself of all privilege by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born as mortal man”

It’s significant to notice that Jesus never claimed the rights due Him as the Son of God.  Reading His life years later, we might not complain had Jesus moved into His comfortable house and taught at the local church, teaching people how to minister and sending them out, but never leaving His own town. We might think, “Well, that’s what the boss does.  The general himself doesn’t go out into the front lines…” and then in our twisted way of thinking, we would have concluded that leadership was a place to arrive at, and that the “harder work” will come to an end at some point.

I did think when I was younger “well, when I have more money”, “well, when I am finished with school”, “well, when we have a larger church”, “well, when fill-in-the-blank-here”, THEN I will have arrived, THEN I won’t have to work so hard, THEN, life will be easier.

You see the downward spiral there?  Jesus knew, God knew, that one day in our society centered on SELF, we would misinterpret Jesus and think there was a place to arrive at, some place where it would be okay that our own needs came before the needs of others, to a place where it was okay for us to be comfortable and supervise.  That would not do – so Jesus made sure that He took on all the wonders and all the hardships of being human, and didn’t lay claim to any “rights” He may have enjoyed as the Son of God.

It’s important to note the why: why did Jesus lay aside His prerogatives as God’s equal?  I think two things:

He knew Who He was, and He knew the behavior of others would not change His identity.  

I also think that insisting on His rights, driving home the point that He “was God’s equal and therefore” wasn’t the main thing.  The main thing was to reconcile people back to God. The main thing was to demonstrate the love and the heart of the Father, the main thing was to serve and be served, the main thing was to communicate

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me

To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19 NKJV)

In order for people to receive salvation and experience the benefits of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, they were going to have to also understand that He was God’s Son, sent as a substitute for their sins.  But that wasn’t the gateway to Jesus’ message: “God loves you, God wants you free, God wants you healed, God wants you whole – and if I can effectively reconcile you back to God, you’ll know that I am truly sent from Him”.  His motivation was love for these lost people, these sheep without a shepherd.

My first career was teaching music in elementary grades. My point in teaching music was not to make sure that the kiddo’s know that I am their teacher – I never taught a lesson on who I am. However, as I stay on message, they figure it out and they begin to trust me. One day they’ll dance at their wedding or sing a lullaby to their child, and I’ll have a small part in that.  And that’s literally nothing, so insignificant in comparison to Jesus’ purpose, it’s embarrassing to even mention it. For Jesus, the most important thing was communicating His purpose, not promoting His position.

If we are going to love people like Jesus loved people, we’re going to have to figure out what the most important thing is and stay on that – and the most important thing is not us.

Maybe loving like Jesus loves requires laying aside my “rights” or promoting His purpose over my position for the benefit of others.

“And, having become man, He humbled himself by living a life of utter obedience”

Look at this, it’s not going to be popular:

Humble: 1. having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance.

  1. of low social, administrative, or political rank

So being humble is having a modest view of your own importance (Jesus was the very definition! Who is more important than He is? Who had a more modest view of Himself than He did?) OR actually being of low rank.  

I guess it’s the same as the last point – but if you have to move out of the way in order for someone to see God, move out of the way.  If you have to work hard for the greater good and at the end of the day no one noticed or even knew, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that God sees you – and He is the reason you are working anyway.  

And being seen by the Lord?  Wow, what an amazing treasure that will be! ❤ 

little treasures :)

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Among all the other changes and life events, we moved about three years ago.  Not to a new town, just a new house.  With all the “babies” grown and moved out, I guess it was time to downsize. In my dining room, I have these floating shelves above my sideboard, super cute.  I love to decorate them with my favorite things.  After having so much fun decorating them for Christmas, I decided I would do a subtle little “nod” to Valentines – I put out my paternal grandmother’s formal china with its little pink rosebuds, got a few pink things from Hobby Lobby and Target (and even had a Valentines dinner for some friends with pink chargers!).  Fun! (oh how Mama Annie would love it too, seeing her dishes so loved!)

   

Since Christmas and Valentines Day were so much fun, I decided a little “nod” to St Patrick’s Day would be fun too, so off to my favorite shops I went!  Turns out, St Patrick’s day is not subtle…. everything I saw was pretty “loud”, sparkly, not the little “hint” of shamrocks I had hoped for, but then I remembered: my little Irish girl! Can we take a little rabbit trail together? 


My maternal grandmother collected music boxes.  Lots of them, shelves and shelves, boxes and boxes.  I loved playing with them when I was small. Some were very large, some were very expensive, but all of them were out – she didn’t mind when we played them. This little Irish girl plays “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”, but have your earplugs handy when I start her up – she’s so out of tune, it will give you a headache when she plays. Her dress is cracked, someone glued her back together long before I was around. Her paint is worn off in places.   I have very specific memories of this one when I was small – every time I got down the music boxes, I made sure she was one of them. I remember feeling sorry for her, thinking that no one would play with her because she was broken and didn’t play a pretty tune.  I always thought no one would want her, so I made sure to give her some attention when I visited.  Isn’t it funny the things were think when we are young?

When my grandmother passed away, my mother, aunts and uncle asked the grandchildren if there was anything in the house we would like.  I don’t think anyone objected when I requested the little Irish girl, and I was so pleased to bring her to my house. Today, she was the perfect “nod” to St Patrick’s Day for my floating shelf.  I decided to display my maternal grandmother’s china along with her music box – it might not be “St Patrick’s Day official”, but it makes me smile.  It makes me remember.   (oh how Super Nana would have loved this too!)

You know, these little treasures – china and chargers and music boxes – all contain little lessons. Titus 1:15 says, “To the pure, all things are pure”. I think this means that God can speak to me in everything if I focus my attention on Him, let my desire for His truth be the filter through which He speaks to me. So, today the lesson is about a broken, out of tune, faded out, old music box.

She doesn’t sparkle. She doesn’t sing sweetly. She doesn’t work quite right. Her dress is cracked. But she’s still treasured – not because of how well she performs, but because of who she belonged to, and the memories she holds. I don’t love her because she’s perfect—I love her because she belonged to my grandmother and now she belongs to me.

And isn’t that just like the Lord?

We may be cracked. Our song may be off-key. We may feel forgotten, or passed over, or patched together one too many times. Even in our imperfections, God chooses us. Loves us. Delights in us. Simply because we are His.

Psalm 22:30 says, “Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord” (NLT). I want to be the kind of woman who tells. Who shares. Who puts broken music boxes on the shelf and pink chargers on the table and celebrates every season of life, because every one is a gift. I want to be a bridge between generations—passing down beauty and brokenness, faith and joy, love and legacy.

And in this way, even my little broken Irish girl becomes a treasure ❤

Sweat and Sunscreen and Generational Blessings

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“I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.”  Genesis 17:7

My two-year-old grandson and I love SeaWorld. At this stage in his life, we see it more as a zoo than a theme park. We love to stroll the paths, admire the aquariums, and see the animals above and below the water. He especially loves the shows. He loves the orcas, sharks, Elmo’s train…. He has a lot of favorites, and that makes life with him so much fun!

Last week, I invited his dad/my son to join us for the day. As we sat together at the orca show (his favorite!), my grandson crawled up into my lap. I kissed the top of his head, breathing in that familiar mix of sweat and sunscreen, the universal cologne of little boyhood. Suddenly, I was transported back in time to when his dad was two years old and snuggled in that same spot. That weight, that warmth, that love, that memory brought tears of joy to my eyes.

Watching my grown son hold his son’s hand as they walked through the shark tank (oh wait – the sharks are his favorite!), or laughing as he crammed his 6’4” frame into a tiny seat on Elmo’s train (that’s also his favorite, LOL!), I was struck with gratitude—not just for the sweetness of the moment, but for the enduring goodness of God from one generation to the next.

The promises of God are not limited by age or time. Genesis 17:7 speaks of God’s everlasting covenant—not just with Abraham, but with his descendants. This is the beauty of generational faith: God doesn’t just call me to follow Him—He invites my children, my grandchildren, and their children after them.

We’re not saved by bloodline, of course, but there is an incredible grace in seeing the thread of God’s faithfulness continue through the generations. Psalm 145:4 declares, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” There is no greater joy than watching your children carry on the faith you’ve labored to live out.  One day, God willing, I’ll see my grandson begin to walk that same path.

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.” Psalm 78:4

If we embrace this season with joy, we’ll discover its own special anointing. We become the storytellers of the family faith. That’s my call, and yours: to speak life into the next generation—not just through Bible stories, but through our own testimonies. Tell them about the time God provided when I had nothing. Share how He healed, how He carried me through heartbreak, how He surprised me with peace when it made no sense. These aren’t just stories—they’re spiritual inheritance.

Holding my grandson, watching him gaze at his dad with adoration, I felt it deeply: this is what blessing looks like. Not just health or happiness or financial security, but the continuity of love and faith. My grandson is just the cherry on top!

“Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.” Joel 1:3

There’s something profoundly holy about watching your grown child parent their own child with gentleness, laughter, and strength. It’s a glimpse of God’s faithfulness—not only in your own life, but in theirs. (Since this post is so personal anyway, I’ll just continue: I’m in awe watching my son and daughter-in-love parent. They are excellent, and their children are surely blessed).

Faith passed down becomes more than memory. It transforms from something we talk about to something we live out, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand. From the stroller at SeaWorld to the altar at church, from Elmo’s train to the truths of Scripture, every moment is an opportunity to pass along something eternal.

“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21

I’ve been in a season of transition, and know from experience that transitions can be hard. Watching the years unfold brings tears and joy in equal measure. However, these transitions in my family have been a joy and ease: my son becoming a husband, then a dad, me becoming a GiGi. What a joy to hold a child in your arms and know that the God who held you all these years is now holding them, too.

To tell of God’s mighty works, and to declare that His mercy truly endures from generation to generation – that’s my treasure today and I am taking it all in! ❤

“Where Are You?” (Part 2): The Blessing Is in the Place of Obedience

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Last week, I asked a question: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). It wasn’t a question of physical location, but of spiritual alignment. Are you where God has called you to be—not just geographically, but emotionally, spiritually, mentally?

This week, let’s go one step deeper. Let’s not just ask, “Where are you?”—let’s reflect on why it matters. Here’s the truth:

God’s blessing doesn’t come to where you are. God’s blessing comes to where you are supposed to be.

That might sound a little unsettling at first. After all, wouldn’t a loving God meet us right where we are?

The answer is a resounding YES! He absolutely does meet us with mercy, grace, and compassion right where we are. However, when it comes to purpose, provision, and blessing, the Word of God shows us a consistent pattern: His best is released in the place of obedience.

Psalm 37:23 tells us, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” (Sorry, I reverted to the KJV for a sec there, it’s a familiarity thing for me!)  Here’s the NLT: “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

Let that sink in: your steps are ordered. That means every twist, every turn, every detour that didn’t make sense—God has a plan for it. But there’s a catch. If steps are ordered, then there’s a direction we’re expected to walk in. And if we veer off that path—due to fear, disobedience, or comfort—we may find ourselves out of sync with the very blessings we’ve been praying for.

How about Jonah? God gave him clear instructions: Go to Nineveh. Instead, Jonah ran the other way, boarding a ship to Tarshish. Jonah didn’t lose his calling—he lost his footing. With his disobedience came consequences: a violent storm, a frightened crew, and a three-day stay in the belly of a great fish.

Why? Because God’s provision was never in Tarshish. The miracle Jonah was called to be part of was waiting in Nineveh.

Too often, we make decisions based on what feels good or what looks safe. But comfort is not confirmation. Just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s God. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not God.

Being in the right place doesn’t always feel pleasant—but it’s always worth it. The question is: Are you where God told you to go, or are you where it’s comfortable? God’s purpose isn’t passive. It’s positioned. It calls us to move, to shift, to step out—even when it’s scary or inconvenient. Sometimes, the place we want to be is not the place we’re supposed to be. Do not make the mistake of allowing your comfort to compete with your calling.

In 1 Kings 17, we meet the prophet Elijah in a time of severe drought. God speaks to him and says:

“Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” (1 Kings 17:3–4, NIV)

God doesn’t just say, “I’ll take care of you.” He gives Elijah a very specific instruction—go there. Why? Because that’s where the blessing is. That’s where the provision has been appointed. If Elijah had stayed put or gone his own way, he would have missed the miracle. The provision was real. The blessing was ready. But it was tied to the location that Elijah would arrive at through obedience.

Sometimes, we wait for God to bless us in the wrong place. We want breakthrough without obedience. We want favor without surrender. God’s blessing isn’t random—it’s relational. It’s unlocked when we walk with Him in trust and obedience.

Hebrews 11 is full of people who were blessed because they moved:

  • Abraham left everything familiar to go to a land God would show him—and became the father of many nations.
  • Moses walked away from Pharaoh’s palace and into a wilderness of uncertainty—only to become the leader of a great exodus.
  • Ruth left Moab and followed Naomi into Bethlehem—where she stepped into divine legacy and became part of the lineage of Jesus.

They all had one thing in common: they didn’t stay where it was easy. They followed God into the unknown. And because of that, they stepped into destiny.

Let’s circle back to the original question: where are you?

Not just in the physical sense—but in your obedience, in your faith, in your surrender. Are you waiting for God to bless a place He never sent you? Are you asking Him to show up in a situation you weren’t called to?

If so, maybe it’s time to shift. Not out of shame or guilt—but out of love and invitation. God’s not trying to punish you, He’s trying to position you.

The goal is not to be just anywhere. The goal is to be in the center of His will. Perfectly positioned, surrendered, expectant. God is faithful to provide for His purpose. His purpose is always found in the place He calls you to be.

Here are a few reflection questions to take to prayer:

  1. Am I currently in a place of obedience, or just a place of comfort?
  2. What instructions has God given me that I’ve delayed or ignored?
  3. Where have I been asking God to bless my plan instead of following His?
  4. What step do I need to take today to move toward obedience?

You don’t have to have all the answers. Let’s just purpose to take the next right step.

Remember: the blessing of the Lord is not where you are, it’s where you’re supposed to be – and finding yourself in that sweet spot, ready to receive it? That’s a treasure!