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.

# # #

Our Exceptional God

The Best Place To Pray

January 24, 2017 Gracie

A Special Place for Praying

The best place to pray Is there a special place you go to say your prayers?

Is there a particular time?

Do you pray only at night in bed, before you go to sleep?

I do pray in bed, but it’s not the only place I pray.

There’s no right or wrong answer.

It’s whatever is personal to you.

Embrace the Peace and Quiet

Quiet places are best.

It’s hard to meet with God when distractions are everywhere, such as the familiar ring of a cell phone, barking dogs, and loud television shows in the next room.

I prefer the quiet.

There’s not a room in my house where I haven’t said a prayer or two. Whenever I feel that urge to pray for someone, or for another request that comes to mind, I try to make an effort to pray right then and there, rather than waiting for later.

I’ve even said prayers while driving in my car.

Have you been on any jammed interstates lately? 😉

I’ve also prayed silently in the pharmacy at the grocery store, as odd as that may sound.

Streams of Tears

streams of tears

I remember that day well.

My husband had just had surgery.

After several hours at the hospital, I got him home, tucked him into bed so he could sleep the rest of the day, and headed to the pharmacy to pick up all of his prescriptions.

Nothing unexpected, but I had also just heard that my husband’s cousin, Carol, had passed away that morning.

We loved Carol and that news, along with the stress of my husband’s surgery, just knocked me for a loop. I handed the prescription to the pharmacy tech and went to the waiting room where she directed. There was no one else in the waiting room. I just sat there. All of these sad thoughts flooded my mind.

Missing Carol, worrying about my husband.

A few minutes later? Bring on the tears.

They were rolling down my face and,

How come I never have a Kleenex when I need it?

The pharmacy tech called my name, and I walked up to her, eyes wet, barely able to talk. She looked at me and didn’t say much. I think she knew that if she asked, I would have lost it even more. I got home, bawling at that point, and just sat around in the quiet house, my husband sleeping in the next room, feeling sad and alone. I poured my heart out to God that day. I did feel better afterward.

Is There A Best Place To Pray?

I’m mentioning all of this from my personal life because I want to encourage you that it doesn’t matter where you pray, God will listen. He understands us more than we can ever know.

^*15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:15-16, NASB

Your Quiet Place

The whole idea of setting up a “prayer closet” for meditating creeps me out. The more I’ve read about that practice, the more it appears to resemble contemplative (or centering) prayer, which is not a good thing.

You can pray anywhere.

One of my absolute favorite spots, when it’s not freezing outside, is on the porch. I go out about dusk, enjoy the sunset, and say a gratitude prayer to God.

It’s all very peaceful.

On Your Knees

No Embarrassment

There’s a song I listened to a lot when I first became a Christian.

It’s called “On My Knees” by award-winning Christian vocalist, Jaci Velasquez.

Please don’t feel embarrassed to get on your knees to pray to the King of Kings.

May God bless you this week.

Our Exceptional God