I was experiencing issues with my website this week and after three days of call, fix, repeat I was connected to a representative named Maui. At first I wanted to wait until later in the day to tackle the technical things because they are not my strong point, but I kept feeling that I should call first thing so I did. Maui quickly and very efficiently identified the problem and then patiently explained it to me while he fixed it. When I thanked him he said he was the one who should be thanking me. He read a bit of the content of the website while working on it and…

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. – Hebrews 13:2 God has blessed me with some very unique neighbors named Don and Steve. Both men are from completely different walks of life and both men have been beautiful reminders about the many ways God provides opportunities to love others. Don moved into the small park across the street about three weeks ago. He is homeless and carries all his worldly possessions in his car. He is accompanied by two dogs who are his best friends. Everyday he smiles and waves as I set out on my…

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. – Psalm 84:10 Earlier this week I wrote about taking a day off to spend with God and I have to say that today’s verse perfectly describes what that day was like. I plan vacations for a living and part of my job is to find the funnest and most memorable experiences for my clients. I get so excited when I describe the final itineraries and hear the anticipation in their voices as they prepare for their long awaited get-a-way. While vacations are generallly fun, there is always a bit of stress, sometimes delays and once in awhile plans fall apart and the…

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram.    I am your shield,    your very great reward.” – Genesis 15:1 Many times in this life we will witness people being rewarded and celebrated for their achievements. Sometimes those moments overlook our own efforts and it can be difficult to stay positive. When the promotion isn’t awarded, when the hard work is not appreciated, when no one notices the sacrifices – are all times when we need to remember that the greatest reward has nothing to do with this world. The Lord Himself is our exceedingly great reward and nothing compares to the blessing of personally knowing the…

But let all who look for You have joy and be glad in You. Let those who love Your saving power always say, “The Lord be honored!”  Because I suffer and am in need, let the Lord think of me. You are my help and the One Who sets me free. O my God, do not wait. – Psalm 40:16-17 I received a call from a gentleman that I met several months ago through the Grief Share program. He asked me a few general questions about the program, which he had participated in, and then said, “How do you do this without God?” He said he wanted a program that would…

A few days ago I was picking up lunch for my husband and myself at Wendys. While in the drive through lane I was looking at the car behind me in my rear view mirror. A man jumped out of his SUV for just a moment and then back inside. He looked almost angry and very serious. His appearance was a bit intimidating and for a moment I wondered what his story was. For a few moments I thought of skipping the routine of paying for the car behind me and leaving a You Matter Card for the cashier and the driver, wondering if they even make a difference. But…

I read a post on Facebook the other day that broke my heart. A friend had passed away after a long battle with cancer. I knew that she was finally free and that she was experiencing a joyful reunion with our Savior and her loved ones that had gone on before her. She knew Brock and I imagine that she also saw him and gave him a huge hug. The heartbreaking part was the words of her daughter. They had parted ways several years ago because of disagreements and hadn’t spoken in almost 10 years. Her daughter posted the following: “I regret being stubborn and holding grudges over stuff that…

My youngest granddaughter is usually very reserved. She is very observant and takes in the tiniest details, but she speaks only when she wants to and rarely shows much emotion. But she has always had the cutest little way of expressing joy. She quietly claps her hands near her chin as she squeezes her shoulders in and then smiles the sweetest smile and giggles softly. In those moments you know she is truly happy and excited. Those moments are precious to me because I know that they truly express what she feels in her heart. They make me smile especially if I had any part in making those moments happen.…

A client of mine was traveling solo for the first time in her life this week. She shared her anxiety with me as she contemplated canceling her trip. As we talked I told her to look for the firsts, the many things, sights and wonders that she would experience if she chose to look for them. It would take her mind off the worry and would place it on the possibilities. After her first flight she called me and was very grateful she had found the gate for her connecting flight. She had done it….flown her first flight. Later after a bumpy second flight she sent a text stating that…

I have several family members who work with or use essential oils. If you know much about them, there are many different types and they are used for many different situtations. It seems that there is one for just about anything that ails you. Awhile ago I saw a T-shirt that had the saying, “I have an oil for that!” as it showed a gun shot wound. But while these oils may help with certain things they cannot fix everything. Thankfully we have access to something that can. God’s Word. No, rubbing it on a wound will not instantly heal it, but applying it to every situation we face will…