What Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?
I don’t watch the Olympics the way I used to. Over the years, I’ve found myself missing when the focus felt more centered on the athletes, their dedication, and the pure spirit of competition.
I’ve always appreciated sports as a place where people from around the world come together to showcase years—often a lifetime—of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. For me personally, I prefer when the spotlight stays on that: the performance, the talent, and the incredible achievements of these athletes. Sometimes it feels like other topics can take away from that, and I miss the simplicity of just watching the competition itself.
I also believe strongly in fairness in women’s sports, and that’s something that matters deeply to me.
That said, if I had to choose a favorite, it would absolutely be figure skating. There is something truly special about it that sets it apart from other sports. It’s not just athletic ability—it’s a blend of strength, precision, artistry, and emotion all rolled into one performance.
The level of talent it takes is extraordinary. These skaters train for years to master jumps, spins, and footwork that most of us can’t even begin to imagine attempting. The control and balance required just to glide across the ice with such ease is impressive on its own, but then they add in complex choreography, timing everything perfectly to music.
What I find most beautiful is the grace and expression. Every movement tells a story. Their posture, their lines, the way they carry themselves—it’s elegant and powerful at the same time. There’s also a vulnerability to it, because they are not just performing physically, but emotionally, connecting with the audience through their routines.
And when it all comes together—the music, the movement, the precision—it truly becomes something breathtaking to watch. It’s one of those sports where you can see not just the skill, but the heart behind it.
Holy Saturday: The Silence Between the Cross and the Promise
Holy Saturday is often the quietest and most overlooked day of Holy Week. It sits between the heartbreak of Good Friday and the victory of Easter Sunday. Jesus has been crucified, His body laid in the tomb, and the world seems still.
For the disciples, this day was filled with grief, confusion, and fear. The One they believed to be the Messiah was gone. The hope they held so tightly now felt uncertain.
But Holy Saturday is not a day without purpose.
It is a day of waiting.
“The women who had come with Him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”
— Luke 23:55–56
Even in their sorrow, they honored God. They rested. They waited.
Holy Saturday reminds us that God is still working—even when we cannot see it.
Behind the sealed tomb, something powerful was unfolding. What looked like the end was actually the beginning of the greatest victory in history.
“He is not here; He has risen!”
— Luke 24:6
But before the resurrection came the silence.
Before the miracle came the waiting.
And that is where many of us find ourselves at times—in our own “Holy Saturday” seasons.
Moments where prayers feel unanswered.
Moments where hope feels distant.
Moments where God seems quiet.
Yet Holy Saturday teaches us this truth:
Silence does not mean absence.
God was not finished.
The story was not over.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
— Psalm 27:14
There is purpose in the pause.
There is growth in the waiting.
There is faith being built in the stillness.
Holy Saturday invites us to trust God in the in-between—to believe that even when nothing seems to be happening, everything is being prepared.
Today is a sacred pause… a moment to step away from the noise of the world and truly reflect on what Jesus did for you—for all of us.
Good Friday is not just a day of sorrow, though it carries deep sorrow. It is a day of unfathomable love. A love so powerful that Jesus willingly endured suffering, humiliation, and death on the cross so that we could have life… eternal life.
He took on what we deserved—every sin, every failure, every broken moment—and bore it with grace.
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Romans 5:8
Think about that for a second…
Not when we had it all together.
Not when we were perfect.
But while we were still sinners—He chose the cross.
🌿 What Good Friday Means
Good Friday reminds us that:
We are deeply loved We are forgiven We are never alone in our suffering
Jesus understands pain. He understands betrayal. He understands sorrow. And through it all, He chose obedience and love.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
— 1 Peter 2:24
❤️ A Moment to Reflect
Take time today—just a few quiet minutes—to think about His sacrifice.
What does it mean to you personally?
Where have you seen His grace in your life?
What burdens can you lay at the foot of the cross today?
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
— Luke 23:34
Even in His final moments… He chose forgiveness.
🙏 A Simple Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the cross.
Thank You for loving me even when I fall short.
Help me to never take Your sacrifice for granted.
Teach me to walk in Your grace,
to love as You loved,
and to live a life that honors You.
Amen.
Today may feel heavy… but remember, Sunday is coming. ✨
The story doesn’t end at the cross—it leads to victory.
Today, history is unfolding before our eyes as NASA prepares for the launch of Artemis II—a mission that marks humanity’s return toward the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.
The last time Americans went to the Moon was in 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took those first historic steps. Now, a new generation rises.
👩🚀 The Artemis II Crew
Reid Wiseman – Commander
Victor Glover – Pilot
Christina Hammock Koch – Mission Specialist
Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist
🚀 The Rocket & Mission Details
The Artemis II mission launches aboard NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), one of the most powerful rockets ever built.
Rocket weight at launch: approximately 5.75 million pounds
Fuel onboard: over 730,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen
Mission purpose:
This is a crewed lunar flyby mission. The astronauts will travel around the Moon and return safely to Earth, testing systems for future missions that will land humans back on the Moon.
🙏 Prayer for Artemis II Crew
Heavenly Father,
Today, as Artemis II prepares to launch, we come before You with hearts full of awe and gratitude. You are the Creator of the heavens and the Earth—the One who placed the stars in the sky and knows each one by name.
Lord, we lift up these brave astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. Surround them with Your divine protection as they embark on this extraordinary journey.
Guide every hand, every system, and every decision. Calm any fear and replace it with peace. Give wisdom to the engineers, strength to the crew, and unity to all involved.
Father, we ask for a flawless launch, a safe journey around the Moon, and a triumphant return home. Let this mission be a testimony of human perseverance and Your everlasting presence, even in the vastness of space.
Remind us all that no matter how far we travel, we are never beyond Your reach.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
✨ Closing Reflection
This is more than a launch—it’s a reminder that God gave us curiosity, courage, and the ability to explore His creation.
From the first step on the Moon to this moment now…
Buddy the Easter Bunny written and image created by Deb Andio,
Buddy wasn’t just any Easter bunny—he was the kind of bunny everyone loved. He was kind, dependable, and always the first to lend a helping hand. Whether he was helping a neighbor, fixing something that was broken, or simply showing up when someone needed a smile, Buddy was there.
But here’s the part most people didn’t know…
Buddy the Easter Bunny was actually a regular guy.
All year long, Buddy worked hard. Some days he was driving a truck, other days he was fixing heavy equipment, getting his hands dirty and doing whatever it took to provide for his family. He wasn’t flashy or famous—just a hardworking man with a big heart.
Buddy was also a good Christian man. He may not have always been able to attend church every Sunday, but his faith was strong in his home. As a family, they would sit together and watch preachers on television, read scripture, and do their best to live as good, loving people. Buddy led by example—he was the head of his household, a steady, guiding presence who showed what it meant to care, to provide, and to love unconditionally.
But when Easter came around… something special happened.
Buddy would put on his Easter bunny suit.
And not just any suit—it was his way of becoming something magical.
Late at night, while the world was sleeping, Buddy would quietly go from house to house. He would plant colorful eggs, baskets filled with candy, and little surprises meant to bring joy. He paid special attention to his family and neighbors, making sure everyone had something waiting for them in the morning.
To everyone else, it looked like the Easter Bunny had come.
But really—it was Buddy.
Because Buddy didn’t do it for recognition. He didn’t need credit or thanks. He did it because he loved making people smile. He loved seeing the excitement on children’s faces and the warmth it brought to families waking up together on Easter morning.
Buddy made a great Easter bunny—not just because of the costume, but because of the joy he carried in his heart. Everywhere he went, he spread kindness, laughter, and love.
Buddy understood something important…
Sometimes the greatest kind of magic isn’t magic at all—it’s faith, family, and showing up for others.
And because of that, Easter was a little brighter, a little sweeter, and a whole lot more meaningful for everyone lucky enough to know him.
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?
Morning rituals , What does the first hour of my day look like? Well… it probably doesn’t look like most people’s.
While many are hitting snooze or stumbling toward their first cup of coffee, my day begins at 4:30 a.m.—yes, you read that right. No snooze button here. I think I’m up before the chickens .
The first thing I do is put together my husband’s lunch for work. It’s my quiet way of showing love before the day even begins.
Then comes my version of a “morning cuppa”… tea. Somewhere along the way, coffee and I decided we needed boundaries in the morning. It seems to tweak my belly now and then especially in the morning . We’re still friends—just later in the day. 😊
With my tea in hand and the house still quiet, I open my Bible. This is my favorite part of the morning. For about 15–20 minutes, I sit in God’s Word, letting it settle into my heart. It’s not rushed, not forced—just a peaceful moment between me and the Lord. Some days, I may write a short blog inspired by what I’ve read, sharing encouragement with others.
Then comes something I’ve learned to truly treasure—stillness.
For about 10 minutes, I sit in silence with positive affirmations and gratitude. I thank God for another day of life. I thank Him for strength, even on the hard days. Living with joint pain can be challenging, exhausting and very often painful, especially in the morning, but sometimes it can be all day long, but I’m grateful nonetheless because I’m still get to enjoy another day on this beautiful earth and I get to talk to my amazing Grandaughter. I thank Him for my family my friends, my job any new opportunities that may come my way, and the sunshine here in Florida (even though I do miss Ohio and the people I love there). Life isn’t perfect hearing in Florida. It can be quite expensive and often very challenging to not want to move back home where things were far less expensive and things were at a little slower pace , it’s not perfect ,far from it—but it is a blessing. And sometimes we just need to slow down long enough to recognize that.
After that peaceful start, reality gently taps me on the shoulder. I check my phone for a few minutes, maybe play a quick game to wake up my brain (because let’s be honest—at 4:30 a.m., it needs a little encouragement), and then it’s time to get ready for the day.
I shower, get dressed, and then wake my husband. We sit together, talk, and have breakfast before he heads off to work. Those simple moments mean more than anything—just starting the day side by side.
Then I clock into my part-time job and step into whatever the day holds.
It may not be a glamorous routine. It may not be trendy. But it’s grounded in faith, gratitude, and intention.
And honestly? That quiet time with God before the world wakes up… it changes everything.
Today is Palm Sunday already! Today is a powerful reminder of the day Jesus entered Jerusalem, welcomed by crowds who waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13). It was a moment filled with praise, hope, and expectation.
Yet, what makes Palm Sunday so meaningful is not just the celebration—but what follows. The same voices that cried out in worship would, days later, fall silent or even turn away. It’s a sobering reminder of how easy it is to be close to God in moments of joy, but distant when life becomes difficult or uncertain.
Palm Sunday invites us to examine our own hearts.
Are we walking closely with God daily—or only when it’s convenient?
Why Reading Your Bible Matters
God’s Word is not just a book—it is life, truth, and guidance. When we read the Bible, we learn who God is, how deeply He loves us, and how we are called to live. Without it, we are more easily influenced by the world—its noise, its fears, and its distractions.
A closer walk with God doesn’t happen by accident. It comes through intentional time with Him—through prayer, through reading His Word, and through seeking Him daily.
Even a few minutes a day can begin to transform your heart and mind.
God Wants a Relationship With You
No matter what you’ve done.
No matter where you’ve been.
No matter how far you feel.
God loves you.
He is not waiting for you to be perfect—He is waiting for you to come to Him. Palm Sunday is a reminder that Jesus came humbly, willingly, and lovingly… for you.
He sees you.
He knows your struggles.
And He desires a real, personal relationship with you.
Take a Step Today
Let today be more than just a date on the calendar. Let it be a turning point.
Open your Bible.
Say a simple prayer.
Talk to God like you would a friend.
Because that’s what He truly wants—a relationship, not just religion.
Hosanna—Lord, save us. And thank You… for loving us first.
In case your mama or grandma didn’t teach you… I’ll step in as your friend for a minute.
But remember—above all, be the woman God created you to be.
Put God first! Before your parents, boyfriend, spouse, children. Period
Here are some things every woman should know:
Wear the lipstick. Even if it’s just to the grocery store… especially then. But don’t forget, true beauty comes from within.
Learn how to cook from scratch. Not everything should come from a box. Taking care of your home and others is a blessing.
Put on earrings. It instantly makes you feel more put together. Take care of yourself—you are God’s creation.
Good shoes can carry an entire outfit. You can wear something simple, but the right pair of shoes elevates everything.
Hairspray isn’t optional. It’s insurance. When you’re going out and in a humid state especially.
Chew your gum quietly. I love you, but we’re not out here chewing cud like a cow in a pasture. So chew with your mouth closed.
If you’re going to wear heels, learn how to walk in them. Confidence is in how you carry yourself—with grace and dignity. Don’t buy and wear 5 in heels if you look odd walking in them.
Wear a nude bra. It goes with everything and saves you from learning the hard way.
Know the time and place for low-cut clothing. You’re not a display case. Be classy, covered, and still beautiful. Honor your body. Not at family functions, or church. Capisci?
Diamonds, pearls, and gold are timeless and always a good investment.
If you can’t lose it… tan it. A little glow goes a long way.
Small, medium, large, 2X or 6X Love the body you’re in today. Care for it, respect it, and don’t tear it down.Work toward better health—not out of shame, but because you value the life God gave you.
Etiquette is free to learn, so learn it. Manners and kindness reflect your heart.
Always RSVP promptly. Respect people’s time and effort.
When invited to someone’s home, bring a small hostess gift. Thoughtfulness matters. If you bring flowers bring odd numbers as even numbers are for funerals.
Keep your cell phone out of sight during meals and conversations. Be present. Time with others is a gift. And it’s rude.
Receive compliments with a simple “thank you,” and don’t be afraid to give genuine compliments to others.
Make your bed every day. It sets the tone for everything else.
A messy home creates a messy mind. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should have order.
Keep your home ready. When someone stops by, you want to welcome them, not scramble.
Allow people to drop by. Not everything needs a phone call first. Back in the day, people just stopped in—if you were home, great, if not, they left. It wasn’t rude, it was friendly. And that’s what we need more of today. Let people feel welcome. Our home is open—just don’t come if you’re sick.
Plant a garden, or at least have some plants. It’s good to get your hands in the soil. There is something grounding and peaceful about it.
Raised gardens are best for outside more on that another day.
What you sow, you will reap. That goes for planting crops, houseplants, and life.
If you sow hate, cruelty, and disrespect, you will get that back—now or eventually. If you sow love, kindness, and respect, that is what will come back to you.
Always look before crossing a street or parking lot. Never assume a car will stop. Look left, right, and left again—and teach your kids the same.
Don’t think there is always time to mend relationships. Tomorrow is not promised.
Honor your mother and your grandmother. They are part of the reason you exist. This matters.
Don’t allow anyone to come between you and your mama , grandmother or your family. If it wasn’t for them you would not exist.
If you have issues with your mother, grow up and work to fix that relationship before it’s too late. Pray about it, and take the first step.
You only get one mama and one daddy. If they are still alive and you don’t know them well, make the effort now.
Ask yourself… are you creating division in your family, or bringing peace?
What you’ve been through may have shaped you, but it does not have to define you. Work through the hurt. Forgive. Rebuild. Don’t stay stuck reliving the past or burying it—heal from it. And don’t judge others. You don’t know what they’ve survived or what it took for them to keep going. Show grace, just as God shows grace to you.
Just because someone else is angry doesn’t mean you have to carry that same anger. Choose peace.
Don’t leave out people you love just because someone else doesn’t want them around. Stand up for what is right.
If someone in your family—boyfriend, spouse, or anyone—is intentionally keeping you from loved ones, from holidays, from connection… recognize it for what it is. That is not right. Set boundaries and stand firm.
Don’t ever let people bad mouth your family. Those are not your friends. And if it’s family keeping you away from family, be a woman and stand up for the ones you love who are being alienated and isolated.
Give to your church. Help your family when they are in need. Help the homeless, the needy, and battered women. Be a blessing where you can.
You don’t always have to shop for yourself. Save your money. Or do something good with it for someone who may need it and won’t ask.
You don’t have to give money to have friends. If that’s what it takes, they are not your friends.
Don’t be fake. You can’t claim happiness or success if you can’t show kindness—especially to your own family. God sees your heart.
And always be a good host. Open your home. Feed people well. Make them feel seen, comfortable, and cared for.
Because being a woman isn’t just about how you look…
It’s about how you carry yourself… and how people feel when they’re around you.
And most importantly… how you reflect God in your life.
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
I used to turn to food when I felt stressed or overwhelmed. It wasn’t the healthiest way to cope, and I realized it was only a temporary comfort. I’m not perfect and sometimes I still slip into old habits, but I’m working on changing them one step at a time.
Sometimes life brings moments when negative feelings try to take over. Loneliness, chronic pain, grief,estranged family, and missing people we love can weigh heavily on the heart. These emotions can play tricks on the mind. One feeling can lead to another, and before you know it, months—even years can pass and you feel stuck in an emotional sinkhole that feels like it’s filling with quicksand. The harder you try to get out, the more it seems to pull you in.
To me, this can also be a spiritual battle.
There have been times in my life when I have felt stuck, or when these feelings come in waves. I noticed this all started when I was abused in my 1st marriage, it was a way to cope to control over something.
On those days, now I remind myself to slow down, breathe, and take care of myself—especially my mind and heart. A broken heart, a lonely heart, a grieving heart, or a life that seems to have more downs than ups can be exhausting.
One strategy that has always helped me is spending time in nature. When I was able to, I would take quiet walks by the beach. The sound of the waves, the fresh ocean breeze, and the peaceful view of the water helped clear my thoughts and calm my spirit. Nature has a way of reminding me that storms pass and peace eventually returns.
For the past seven months, however, I was unable to do that. Because I was in a walking boot, limited weight bearing; I couldn’t go for walks—no beach, no outings, nothing. During that time I had to stay indoors, so I turned to other things that helped. And yes sometimes I resorted from boredom to food. I also gained 15 lbs.
It was time to steer clear of the ship in a different direction.
Music became very important. Good music relaxes my mind, lifts my mood, and helps me process my emotions in a healthy way. I also listen to Christian talk radio, which is very uplifting.
Writing is great. It helps to get your negative emotions out, and work through things.
Back home in Ohio, another thing that helped was surrounding myself with the right people. Choosing positive company matters. I tried to surround myself with people who bring encouragement, understanding, and kindness—those who uplift rather than add more burdens.
Here in Florida, it has been very lonely at times. So lonely that sometimes you wonder why you even moved here. It certainly hasn’t been the close family experience we were told it would be. Some parts are fun, but if I’m honest, my husband and I sometimes feel more lonely now than before.
After seven months in a walking boot, I am still limited in what I can do, but thankfully I am now allowed short walks in the neighborhood.
Even these small walks help. The fresh air calms my mind and gives me space to think clearly. It reminds me that difficult seasons are part of life, but they do not last forever.
Another strategy I always turn to is prayer and quiet reflection. Talking to God helps me release the heavy emotions I’m carrying. It gives me peace and renewed hope that tomorrow will be better.
Finally, I try to focus on doing something positive—helping someone else or completing a small task I enjoy. Shifting my attention from the problem to something meaningful helps restore my strength.
Coping with negative feelings is not about ignoring them. It’s about facing them with patience, faith, and positive action. Through quiet reflection, music, nature, prayer, and supportive people, I eventually find balance again.
Negative feelings may come, but with the right mindset and environment, they don’t have to stay.
Today, many people claim to be Christians, yet their lives appear to be consumed more by the world than by the Word of God.
Scripture makes it very clear: you cannot serve two masters.
You cannot say you serve God while spending all your time chasing the things of the world.
I am not saying becoming a success is bad or wrong it’s not.
The world encourages greed, selfishness, pride, and showboating. People brag about what they own, what they donated, or how successful they are. Not sure if they intentionally want to make others feel less than or if they’re just that stuck in their own little bubble. But none of those things will get you into heaven.
God does not measure your heart by your possessions or your public displays of generosity. He measures your heart by your faith, obedience, humility, and love for Him.
One of the most dangerous things a person can do is proclaim to be a Christian yet never open their Bible.
If you call yourself a believer but never read the Word, rarely pray, and never attend church—either in person or even online—you are leaving yourself spiritually unprotected. When the Word of God is absent from your life, it becomes much easier for the enemy to creep in.
You will either allow the Word to fill your mind, or you will allow the world to fill it.
The world fills your mind with fear, anxiety, shame, anger, and temptation. It normalizes things that pull us away from God—drunkenness, gossip, greed, hate, pride, and selfish desires.
But the Word of God does the opposite.
The Word fills your mind with truth, peace, hope, wisdom, and strength.
When you are spiritually led, you are spiritually fed.
But you cannot ask God for a revelation while refusing to make time for His Word. Have you even read the Chapter of Genesis? The Bible is divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament, the Bible contains a total of 66 books.
You cannot expect deep understanding of God’s purpose if you have never even taken the time to read the beginning of the Bible.
Being a Christian is not just about what you say. It is about how you live.
Ask yourself some honest questions.
Do you help others—family, friends, even strangers?
When you help someone, do you expect something in return, or do you give freely from the heart?
Are you willing to help a stranger, but not your own family when they are in need?
Do you show kindness to some people but not to others?
True Christian character is shown in the way we treat people when there is nothing to gain.
God sees how we treat everyone, not just the people we choose to be kind to.
And we must also be careful not to let the emotions of this world control us. Anger, fear, bitterness, and hurt can easily take root in our hearts if we allow them. But those things do not come from God.
Do not allow anger, fear, or pain jealousy to control your life. Those things are tools the enemy uses to pull people away from God’s truth.
Instead, turn back to the Word.
If you truly want God to guide your life, then you must first make time for Him.
Start simple.
Before you check your phone.
Before you turn on the television.
Before the noise of the world begins.
Give God ten minutes in the morning.
Open your Bible.
Read a passage.
Pray.
Let His Word settle in your heart before the world has a chance to fill your mind.
Because the truth is simple:
If you fill your life with the world, you will think like the world.
But if you fill your life with the Word, you will begin to live like Christ.
Joyful-Echoes 