Jan 20, 2026 – Illuminate
[This is a page, from an old issue of Oprah Winfrey’s “O magazine” (not sure of the month or year), that I framed and have had hanging in my bathroom for many years.] Motivation,...
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My life verse is Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Books referenced in this blog (and the abbreviations I use for them): Jesus Calling (JC) and Jesus Always (JA) by Sarah Young, My Utmost for His Highest (Utmost) by Oswald Chambers, Power Thoughts (Power) by Joyce Meyer, Streams in the Desert (Streams) by L.B. Cowman, Prevail (Prevail) by Susie Larson, You Can Count on God (Max) by Max Lucado, New Every Morning (New) by Leah Slawson, and Days of Heaven Upon Earth (Simpson) by A. B. Simpson.
I'm somewhat baffled when someone tells me they don't like to write, but I bet a runner is somewhat baffled when I say I don't like to run - at all really. I have trouble getting myself outside even for a walk. But sit me down with a notebook or a Word doc and I'm content for a while.
That's pretty much how this blog started. I've kept a journal off and on since I was a child, but in the last few years or more, it has become more than just a place to record my thoughts and experiences. I've always shared my faith and have had conversations with God through my writing; but, at some point, I began pairing my writing with reading my ever-growing stack of devotional books. He began speaking to me through this small group of devotion book friends.
I presented questions, concerns, problems, ideas, etc to Him in my journal; and, He seemed to address any and every thing in the readings. This became even more important during covid when my regular small group couldn't meet in person and our Zoom meetings even dwindled a bit and we only kept in touch via texting for a season. Thankfully my devotion book friends continued to pour into my life as God spoke to me through them. I could go on with how meaningful these conversational readings have been, but I'll just invite you to join my devotion book small group and encourage you to let God speak into your life as well.
[Note: I try not to mention people by name (except family) in my blog unless I've gotten their permission; and, I don't typically explain who they are again if I've spoken of them earlier. So, as a reference: Don is my husband, Carrie is my daughter, Alex and Davis are my sons (twins!), and Barbara is my mother-in-law.]