From Self-Centered to God-Centered

March 17, 2026 Gracie

From Self-Centered to God-Centered

From self-centered to God-centered

Lord, we humbly ask You
for a revival of hearts and minds.

If you’ve glanced at the news headlines lately, is it any wonder that we live in a sinful world?

Which begs the question: is it too late for our nation to turn back to God?

First, we must repent of our sins and remember that God brought us life-saving grace through the name which is above every other name, Jesus Christ.

This is the Gospel’s good news that can change lives, even in the darkest of places.

A necessary pre-cursor of any great spiritual awakening is a spirit of deep humiliation growing out of a consciousness of sin, and fresh revelation of the holiness and power and glory of God.

– John Raleigh Mott, American evangelist.¹

Nationwide repentance can transform us from having lives that are self-centered to God-centered.

I don’t know about you, but I am praying for a revival and, if it is in God’s providence, that it will happen soon.

To God be the Glory!

Do you need inspiration for your own spiritual revival prayer request?

The following poem inspired me so I’m eager to share.

We Need A Revival

Lord, we need a revival, 
a head bobbing, banner raising 
hand clapping, foot stomping
Holy Spirit filled revival.

Lord we need an awakening, 
a gospel preaching, heart turning 
sin repenting, life changing
Holy Spirit filled awakening.

Lord we need a quickening, 
a daily living, life-long giving
fruit bearing, love sharing 
Holy Spirit filled quickening.

Lord, we need a renewal, 
a world reaching, grace saving
thirst quenching, mind drenching 
Holy Spirit filled renewal.

Lord, we need a revival, 
a roof raising, earthshaking
God-fearing, soul saving 
Holy Spirit filled revival!

~~~~~~

Acts 2:2

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.“ – King James Version, Public Domain.

~ to GOD be the GLORY

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¹Quotation by Charles John R. Mott, American Evangelist, (1865-1955) courtesy of courtesy of Christian quotes.info.

²Poetry courtesy of Deborah Ann Belka, “We Need A Revival.” [online post], February 19, 2026, Web. Accessed March 10, 2026. Retrieved from We Need A Revival.

Jesus – Humanity’s First Responder

March 9, 2026 Gracie

Jesus – Humanity’s First Responder

Well, this happened.

Never in a million years did I think that I would be standing at the doorstep of a local fire station asking for help.

Oh, the joys of being a Siberian Husky owner.

The other day I was taking one of our two Sibes out on a leash.

Here she is in one of her more angelic moments.

Our youngest Sibe in an angelic moment

The weather was terrible outside.

It was dark, windy, and we heard the sound of thunder as the storm clouds rolled in.

The last place I wanted to be was outside holding a leash with a young dog who just wanted to play.

In true husky fashion, she tried to run, jerking me and the leash along with her.

Ouch!

Instant pain set in on my wedding ring finger.

I should have paid more attention to it, but it was a crazy busy day and I let it go.

The next morning, not only was my finger swollen up like a sausage, my wedding ring was now so tight it wouldn’t come off.

Uh oh.

I tried all of the internet’s suggestions, but they didn’t work. There was no getting the ring off my finger and the swelling looked worse.

It was at that moment that I realized that my Goliath-sized finger needed more help.

A friend whose husband is a firefighter suggested I get to the station double quick.

So there I was at the fire station door looking desperate.

Jesus – Humanity’s First Responder For Eternal Salvation

That day, five (count ’em, five!) first responders gathered in a circle around me eager to help.

They took a look at my monster finger and started gathering tools to cut it off – my ring, that is!

They put me at ease as they worked. My favorite comment was when one of them said, “I’m trying to save the ring.”

I have so much respect for these heroic men and women.

Of course my issue was minor compared to what first responders could see on a daily basis.

Their mission is to save lives.

Does that remind you of Anyone?

Jesus is “Humanity’s First Responder” and saver of souls.

As Peter openly proclaimed in front of the Sadducees, priests and other leaders:

Salvation in no one else

Jesus, only Jesus.

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Our Exceptional God

Jesus is Waiting

February 17, 2026 Gracie

Jesus is Waiting

Christian camp

The first time I ever picked up and read the Bible was at – get this – a horse camp.

You just never know where God will first speak to your heart. 🙂

This week-long summer camp had a lot to offer – trail rides, archery, skill-building games, swimming, plus arts and crafts.

Although it was a Christian camp, I didn’t know much about what that meant at the time.

As a 6th grader and huge horse lover, all I wanted to do was get on a horse and go riding every day.

When the camp’s billboards went up around town, my next-door neighbor, her little sister, and I couldn’t wait to sign up.

“Camp week” couldn’t come fast enough.

One of the must-bring items on our packing list was a Bible.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have one growing up because I was raised in a different faith. So, I took the only religious book we did have at our house which was a book of Parables. Thankfully, my cabin leader had an extra copy of the Bible which she let me borrow.

Every night we attended a chapel service which included a rousing sermon and some singing.

At the end of the week, the service ended with an “altar call.” I had no idea what that was, but I was intrigued.

We were asked to close our eyes.

Through my admittedly, partially-closed eyes, I watched a few campers who had raised their hands be led off to a little room behind the stage.

What was that all about?

Part of me wanted to go there too because I was curious, but I held back.

After that fun-filled week was over, I returned home with a lot of questions about why we didn’t talk about Jesus more, but never got any real answers.

I didn’t realize it then, but God was speaking to my heart.

Jesus was waiting there for me, but I wasn’t ready to open that door just yet.

Jesus is Waiting: Have You Answered His Call?

Jesus is waiting

Fast forward to today, my love for horses is still there.

I think they are one of God’s most beautiful creatures. Little did I know how much a part they would play in my own embrace of true Christianity – through the good and the bad.

I never knew how much I needed Jesus until certain life events brought me to my knees.

¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. – Hebrews 4:15-16, (NASB).

Praise the Lord now my faith, praise, and worship are dedicated to our one and only Savior.

Everyone’s faith journey is different, but without a doubt, I see the evidence of God working behind the scenes throughout my life.

If you haven’t yet given your life to Christ, Jesus is waiting for you.

It will be the best decision “of” your life, and “for” your life.

This song about seeking the Lord is one of my favorite praise songs.

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Our Exceptional God

Consider Him

February 3, 2026 Gracie

Consider Him, Seek God First

Recently, I came across a poem that touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you.

The title is: “Consider Him.”

Consider Him The author of “Consider Him” is unknown.

Who knows how old this poem is, but the message is timeless.

I think about some of the heartaches my husband and I have gone through.

Family members and friends have experienced difficult challenges.

There is comfort in sharing our prayer requests with each other.

Please don’t feel like you’re burdening someone when you ask for prayer.

Encourage each other when times are tough.

God places genuine people (prayer warriors) in our lives, if we just know where to look.

That is a heavenly mindset – focus on what is above and always seek God first.

Consider Him 

When the storm is raging high, 
When the tempest rends the sky, 
When my eyes with tears are dim, 
Then, my soul, consider Him.

When my plans are in the dust, 
When my dearest hopes are crushed, 
When is passed each foolish whim, 
Then, my soul, consider Him.

When with dearest friends I part, 
When deep sorrow fills my heart, 
When pain racks each weary limb, 
Then, my soul, consider Him.

When I track my weary way, 
When fresh trials come each day, 
When my faith and hope are dim, 
Then, my soul, consider Him.

Clouds or sunshine,
dark or bright, 
Evening shades or morning light, 
When my cup flows o’er the brim, 
Then, my soul, consider Him.
– Author Unknown

Seek God first

Christian Poetry

Blessing in Disguise

January 6, 2026 Gracie

Could It Be a Blessing in Disguise?

Blessing in disguise

When you look back at the past year, was 2025 everything you had hoped it would be?

Were there any disappointments?

Who hasn’t had some, right?

We know that disappointments are just a part of life.

They just . . . happen.

But, have you ever considered that what you perceive as a “setback” may actually be something totally different?

Could your disappointment actually have been a blessing in disguise?

God works in ways behind the scenes that we will never fully know and understand.

That troublesome setback in your life could be a stepping stone to something greater – a deeper more trusting relationship with the Heavenly Father.

You may feel like a trouble-magnet at times, but please don’t ever forget that you are a deeply-loved child of the King.

We can rely on His goodness and mercy to always be there to carry us through any trial.

He has done it before, and He will do it again.

God is faithful.

Look to His Son Jesus, the most perfect embodiment of compassion reflecting the love of our Father.

This love the Father has for us is eternal, just as our praise and worship of Him should be.

David echoes this devotion in Psalm 145. This psalm is a powerful reminder to share our blessings with each other and with the generations to come.

⁵On the glorious splendor of Your majesty
And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
⁶People will speak of the power of Your awesome acts,
And I will tell of Your greatness.
⁷They will burst forth in speaking of Your abundant goodness,
And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:5-7, (NASB).¹

Pondering God’s Blessing in Disguise

In a recent blog post I mentioned that I followed the yearlong LIFT Daily Prayer from Pastor Jack Hibbs.

The introduction to the podcast for December 30 really struck a chord with me and I’m happy to share this as an encouragement for you for the year ahead.

As we stand at the end of another year, God invites us to step back from whatever is right in front of our noses and remember His wonders. Over the course of these months, there have been answers to prayer, protections we never saw, “coincidences” that were really His hand, closed doors that later proved to be mercy, and even painful seasons where He was present in ways we only now begin to recognize.
If we were to sit with a blank page and start listing His deeds toward us this year, we might think of a few at first—but the longer we linger, the more we remember, and we soon realize we will never come to the end of them. The problem is not that God has done too little, but that we too rarely stop to see, to name, and to thank Him for what He has done. – Pastor Jack Hibbs²

Thank you Lord for all of your blessings!

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²From Hibbs, Pastor Jack, “Lift Daily Prayer: Too Many Wonders to Number | December 30, 2035. YouTube Podcast.” Web. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/eSXzUDh7o60

Our Exceptional God

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