Over the weekend I was given the opportunity to experience a crucial element needed in the “You Matter” project; action behind the words. I received a card that had very beautiful pictures on it along with flowery words that really were quite praising and well arranged. The handwritten note on the bottom said, “The card says it all,” and was signed by the individual. It really was a nice gesture, but deep inside I knew that the person really didn’t feel that way because their actions spoke completely different. It was hard to accept the card with joy or sincerity and I found myself feeling that I really didn’t matter…

Have you ever had those moments when you knew God had placed you in the right place, at exactly the right time, for that specific moment? Well that happened today at church. About a month ago my husband decided to join me at church. This was very exciting because he hasn’t attended church for several years. We went together for a few weeks and he asked if I would check out a different church with him. He wanted a smaller church and mentioned one in particular that was similar to the church we first attended when we became believers. I researched the details and we attended the following week. It…

Sometimes there are events and stories in the bible that make you ask the question, “Why did God allow that to happen?” That question comes from a base understanding that God is in complete control and nothing happens without His knowledge or permission. Knowing the fundamental truth then brings you to the next question of why? It’s okay to ask God why. In fact we can ask Him anything. It’s then His decision whether or not to answer. I was reading a devotional, Come With Me by Suzanne Eller, that talked about Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles. It said; “Judas has laughed with Jesus. He’s sat with him…

One of the many things I like about my job is always learning about new places and travel experiences. The other day a client asked if I would research a vacation for him and his friend. They wanted to see the Naqchu Horse Racing Festival in Tibet. I had never heard of this and thought that was long way to travel to see a horse race. But he explained that the race was very unique because after running the majority of the desert race distance, the rider would need to know the exact time to dismount the horse and walk it to the finish line. Once at the finish line…

As I was walking today I was listening to a song by Casting Crowns called This is Now. The lyrics give a beautiful visual of a blind man that looked up and saw his Savior with his eyes for the first time. Can you imagine what that would be like to have the first face you see be the face of Jesus? I imagine that Jesus had an amazing smile on his face as he looked fully into the man’s face, seeing more than just the outward appearance, but deep in the man’s soul. That would be a visual you would never forget. Before receiving his sight this man only…

Today I was reminded of a Valentine’s Day 30 years ago. I received a gift that I still have today safely tucked away in my cedar chest. It was a note written on the heart shaped liner from a box of chocolates. The note was written in the sweetest little kid hand writing and said, “Launa, I love you and your baby the mostest, love Josh.” It was from one of my younger brothers who was about six years old at the time. The reason that this note is such a treasure to me was because it was given to me at in my life when I had made big…

A few months back I received a text message that my aunt from Arizona would be driving through and wanted to meet for lunch. I was excited to see her and also invited my mom and sister to the lunch date. It would take place in a nearby town and so I scheduled time off from work. Later that day I saw a Facebook post that a new store in town called Fashion 15 would be having their grand opening the same day. The store offers clothing and jewelry all for $15 or less. The first 100 people through the doors would receive a punch card good for one free…

There is something about a declaration that makes what you are declaring feel real and powerful. The definition of declaration is a positive, explicit, or formal statement; proclamation. One of the most important declarations that we can ever make is found in Romans 10:9-11. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.  As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Speaking God’s word out loud not only…

I’m approaching the finish line of my Fit at 50 goals. There are only three weeks left until my yearly physical when I will receive the final results of my lifestyle changes. Physically I feel healthier and stronger and I’m starting to see some results in my appearance which is exciting. Besides the outward changes I have also noticed changes on the inside. I won’t know the cholesterol count and other internal medical updates until the tests are back, but the more important changes are taking place in my heart and mind and in my attitude and thoughts. I’m smiling as I see God’s creativity in the timing of all…