Ready or not here it comes!  Not 2025 – but every next year, month, day, hour, minute, second.

How will you spend each moment?  Growing closer to Jesus or growing away from Him?

Positive growth IS possible – even the Grinch’s heart grew 3 sizes!

“growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father”. Colossians 1:10-12

What were Joseph and Mary doing one week before Jesus was born? They were doing what God created them to do.  And they were expecting and seeking the Messiah.

What are you doing one week before Christmas? What has God created you to do? Are you seeking and expecting the Messiah?

Let’s get the right things on our long to-do lists!

“Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.”  I Chronicles 16:11

We all know people who are going through challenges.  What can one little person do to make things better for them?  How can we erase the pain and answer all the questions?  We can’t!  And even though we know the One Who CAN supply all their needs (Philippians 4:19), there is still something WE CAN do.  We can Stand.  With them.  For them.  By them.

Serving and giving can be inconvenient.  Well….cancer and divorce and trauma are very inconvenient as well!  If we want to Stand with friends, we will do the inconvenient.  We will love large!  We will walk with family and friends in a way that blesses not us – but them!

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

It’s that time of year!  LOTS of lists going on everywhere!

Make your list, but check it twice….how many items on your list are external vs internal?  How many are temporary vs eternal?  How much of your list is for you vs for someone else?

Let’s make the REAL reason for this season be at the top of your every list!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,”  John 3:16

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Join me as I celebrate – and highly recommend – my brother’s book, STAND!

YIKES!  Avoid at all costs!

But wait!  

Do you know what is more toxic than red dye?

Fear.

Gossip.

Bitterness.

Pride.

Deceit.

Is it time for a check up with the Lord?

Boost your spiritual immune system with His Word!

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”  Micah 6:8

Thanksgiving is 16 days away.  You know it’s going to happen….the delicious meal will be served and then it is time…time to share what you are thankful for this year!

Do not fear!  And don’t panic!  Let’s plan ahead!

Start counting your blessings today!  And tomorrow!  And every day!

“Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”  Ephesians 5:20

Today marks the 10th anniversary of my little nephew, Trey, “graduating” to heaven.  Trey won! He gets to do the victory dance with Jesus for the rest of eternity!

And Trey’s dad, my brother Jay Mitlo, wants the world to know the goodness of God despite this horrific journey and how we can share the hope and love of God with others!

I have goosebumps and tears and a bursting heart as I type tonight!  My little brother is an accomplished author!  Today in the mail I received a copy of his book:  Stand:  Emotionally and Practically Surviving When a Child Gets a Life-Threatening Diagnosis.  Jay and his family have had to learn how to stand on the Lord.  Stand on family.  Stand on friends.  Supported.

Stand:  to have or maintain an upright position, supported

Thank you to all those who have “Prayed and More” for Trey and his family!  May the Lord use OUR story for His glory!

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”  I Corinthians 16:13

I went hunting the other day….no not for an animal….but for a leaf!  I was looking for beautiful leaves to preserve for a Thanksgiving decoration.  (Yes, I am bypassing Halloween!)

Beautiful leaves…..perfect in color and shape and size and configuration.  Looking out at my front yard I knew the task would take me but a minute.  The trees are still sooooo colorful!  The yellows and reds and oranges are so vibrant!  But as I approached the tree, the leaves didn’t look perfect.  Up close they were torn, faded, brown spotted and not what I expected.  Alone they were imperfect.  Together their weaknesses didn’t matter – the whole group supported them.

Ever feel that way?  Alone you were weak, but with others you shined brightly?

That is God’s perfect plan for us….Imperfectly Perfect…Together!  🙂

“In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.”  Ephesians 2:21, 22

Politics?
Gender?
Economy?

Do these topics inspire you? Or do you run and hide when you hear a conversation brewing? How do you survive in discussions like these?

You can do a lot of research….you can watch a lot of news and podcasts….you can even post your persuasive thoughts on social media….(please don’t!) 🙂 Instead of going virtual with your thoughts, what if you spend that time seeking God’s Truth: Take it to the Lord. Seek His Word. Talk to Godly influences. Pray.

It’s not easy. But it’s right. And good.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27