The Chief Firefighter

HelenEncouragement, Reflection

I love it when people inspire me. It can be like kindling to a fire and getting me off my sofa and back into the gym, or their words and actions can ignite my thought pattern, resulting in a much-needed change. What I don’t like, however, is when my life is on fire and the flames are destroying everything. Cancer …

Processing the year that has passed …

HelenEncouragement, Purpose, Reflection

The old has gone, and the new is here. And, quite frankly, I’m glad. 2023 was a doozy. Death, cancer, ill health, ER visits, a bomb threat at school, allergic reactions, unexpected financial expenses––the foundations of our house slipped, and we had to restabilize the whole house. Consequently, the dollars flew from our bank account, leaving us tightening the budget …

I Quit

HelenAnxiety, Encouragement, peace, Reflection

The past month has been rough. This wasn’t the post I was planning. But, as I started to write, I found myself journaling to God, “I quit.” If you find yourself in a place where life is tough, I pray that these words will encourage you. Dear God, I quit. I quit from this path that you’ve given me. This …

You are Appointed

HelenEncouragement, Purpose, Reflection

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you John 15:16 NIV   Half Moon Bay, California, is the pumpkin patch capital of the United States. Each year, it hosts the annual World …

You Are Beautiful

HelenEncouragement, Identity, Reflection

“I am beautiful.”  When was the last time you said that to yourself without equivocation? Could you look into a mirror today and believe that every part of you, inside and out, is truly beautiful? Sometimes, to be beautiful is considered pretty to look at, have a happy disposition, and having a wonderful personality. But this is not true. This …

Crawling to the Finish Line

HelenCourage, Parenting, Reflection, Rest, Uncategorized

I am over this school year. I am also officially over making lunches, washing school uniforms, driving to and from softball games, helping with homework, and basically anything else schedule related. Oh, and I’m definitely over the alarm clock and reminding my ten-year-old that she does, in fact, need a shower and, no, she can’t lie in bed for ten …

What next?

HelenEncouragement, Reflection, Trust

We’ve just celebrated Easter, and my body is still processing too many bags of Cadbury’s Chocolate Mini Eggs that found their way into my shopping cart at Target, CVS, and all other good stores I’ve visited in the past few weeks. While they tasted delicious, they’re not exactly the healthiest, and I seem to lack the willpower to consume only …

Will you Wash Feet?

HelenEncouragement, peace, Reflection, Trust

hTe time had finally come for Jesus to leave this world. He knew it. And what did he do? He didn’t give a last-minute lecture. Instead, during dinner, he grabbed a bowl and started washing the disciples’ feet. After he returned to the table, he asked the disciples, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” Silence. The disciples …

Using Our Skills Wisely

HelenEncouragement, Friendship, Purpose, Reflection

These two passages reflect that God gives us all skills, and we can use them for the work of the kingdom. The Lord chose Bezalel and filled him with wisdom and understanding. He was gifted with knowledge and all kinds of skills to complete the work. Then we read of Jesus relating a story about a businessman who was going …