The travel industry, like everyone else, has experienced continued changes and new regulations with many twists and turns. One day everything is a go and the next there are major disruptions for one reason or another. It’s enough to make even the kindest person short tempered. I was speaking with a cruise representative the other day who was very upbeat and joyful. It was a nice change from the frustrated responses and discouragement that usually accompany vendor phone calls. She told me that with all the negativity and world issues, she has made it her daily goal to make someone smile with each phone call. Her enthusiasm was contagious and…

I am a sun lover and prefer warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine so finding joy in cold wintry days has always been a challenge for me. When I saw the forecast for a week filled with new snow I decided to buy a snow day kit to play with my granddaughters and try to make the best of winter. The kit had plier like tools that would help the girls make snowballs, snowmen, along with bricks and penguins. On Christmas day my youngest granddaughter and I spent hours outside making a snow palace. Often I would look at her cute little face as she worked tirelessly on her creation.…

I was listening to a sermon last week and the pastor shared about how he was planning things for the new year. His calendar was laid out on his desk and he was filling in the dates with birthdays, vacations and planned events that would take place. I could easily relate to the planning mindset and as I began to think about what the New Year might hold and the things that I’m hoping and anticipating for, the thought came to me, “What am I planning on giving to God this year?” That thought was answered for me when I opened this website and read the home page. “What I…

When Jesus was on the cross He was surrounded by scoffers, soldiers and a few followers. The first mentioned was Mary, His mother. Even while He suffered excruciating pain He was taking care of her. As the oldest son it was His responsibility to look after her and that’s exactly what He did. Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.”  And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.…

As the holidays approach my job has become more and more busy. People are excited to be seeing family that they missed with the lock down a year ago and they are planning their winter get-a-ways more with each passing snow storm. One day last week it felt as though I was struggling to keep my head above water when I moved some files from my desk and a note card fell out on the floor. The note read, “Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember whose daughter you are and straighten your crown! Thank you Lord!! That perfectly timed message put a huge smile on my face and reminded me that…

I attended a meeting a few weeks ago and was completely in awe of a young woman’s heart and devotion to God. She shared about the struggles she endures with bi-polar disorder. For many years she prayed that she would be healed, but the healing never came. She resolved in her heart that God was bigger than the disorder and that where she is weak, He is strong. His presence and provision in her life are more than sufficient to deal with the trial she endures. She has even come to the point of thanking Him for it because it increases her dependence on Him. What a beautiful testimony! It…

Whenever I take my car through the automatic car wash I try to remember to give out a “You Matter” card and a nice tip to the people who prep the car. Their work is making my life easier and I appreciate their efforts. The other day I gave the attendant on the driver’s side a card and a tip. He was surprised and said thank you. A few moments later I felt I was to also give the attendant on the passenger’s side the same thing. I motioned at the window to get his attention and when I gave him the card and the tip he said, “Me too?…

On Thanksgiving morning I participated in a 5K Turkey Trot. The start of the race was delayed because of the incredible turn out of runners on that very cold (20 degrees) morning. As I waited I found out a little more about the young man who organized the event. The run was his senior project and the proceeds from the event would go to families who have kids at Primary Children’s hospital. That is what first caught my attention when I saw the post on Facebook advertising the event. While talking to a friend at the race I found out that the young man was well acquainted with the financial…

Last week I went shopping for a turkey for Thanksgiving. While I was gathering all the items to make the traditional dinner I kept getting the prompting that I was to buy two of everything so I did. As the days passed I wondered who was to receive the extra meal. Then last night I was unable to sleep and spent some time in my prayer room. I was then lead to contact a friend of ours who is a leader in a local motorcycle club. They often have charity rides to help out others and it was an avenue that I hadn’t thought of previously. This morning I sent…

Yesterday I was thinking through the events of my week so I could choose a Divine Encounter to write about. There were a few that stood out in my mind, but for whatever reason I didn’t feel lead to share them. Then this morning I knew why and what to share. Last night I was having one of those moments where I felt angry about some comments that my husband had made. Rather than thinking through the situation and letting go of words that in the long run didn’t really matter, I chose to marinate them over and over in my mind. I say marinate because I was soaking in…