In a society obsessed with perfection and constant improvement, it’s easy to forget one fundamental truth: you are enough—just as you are right now. Whether you’re eating healthier, starting a new workout, taking up walking, or making career changes, remember that self-love begins with acceptance.
There are so many negative people in this world that everyone will find something wrong with you at some point if not always that’s their problem not yours. If you’re fat, you’re lazy if you’re too skinny, you must be on drugs. Somebody’s always got something negative to say just stop listening. Let them say what they want. You know you.
We have to love our self right now, exactly where we are, but we also must move forward and grow…
Loving yourself doesn’t mean you’re complacent or that you stop growing. It means you recognize your worth today, embracing your current self with kindness. From there, you can confidently take steps to improve—ever striving, but never measuring your value by your progress.
Whatever your goals—eating better, working out more, enjoying daily walks, or pursuing a new career—love yourself right now. Appreciate how far you’ve come. Celebrate your unique journey. Know that your worth is already complete because you’re God’s beautiful creation.
Then, let that love fuel your motivation to grow. Every small step forward is a victory and a testament to your strength and resilience.
Biblical Encouragement:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Mark 12:31 This reminds us that loving ourselves is an essential part of loving others. Recognize your God-given worth and treat yourself with the same kindness.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:13-14 God’s word affirms that you are a masterpiece, crafted by His own hands. Embrace this truth and love yourself as His beloved.
Motivational Quote:
“It’s never too late to become what you’re meant to be.” — George Eliot No matter your age—whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond—every day is an opportunity for renewal. Start where you are, take small steps, and watch as your life transforms. Age is just a number; your dreams and growth are timeless.
Remember: Loving yourself today gives you the foundation to reach new heights tomorrow. Be kind, patient, and celebrate who you are—while never stopping the journey of becoming your best self.
Your next chapter begins now—and it’s beautifully yours.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating us exactly as we are—unique and loved. Help us to embrace ourselves with kindness and gratitude, knowing that we are Your masterpieces. Strengthen us to pursue growth with patience and humility, trusting that You guide every step. Fill our hearts with your peace as we take steps toward better health, new opportunities, and personal development. Remind us daily that our worth is rooted in Your love, and help us to love ourselves as You love us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Tips for Loving and Improving Yourself
Start Small: Focus on one thing—whether it’s adding a fruit to your meals or a 10-minute walk. Small changes lead to lasting habits.
Be Patient: Growth takes time. Celebrate progress, no matter how minor, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks.
Practice Self-Compassion: Speak to yourself like you would to a friend. Be forgiving of your mistakes and celebrate your efforts.
Set Realistic Goals: Whether it’s a new career, fitness, or health goal, make sure your goals are achievable and tailored to your lifestyle.
Stay Consistent: Consistency beats perfection. Doing a little each day ensures progress over time.
Surround Yourself with Positivity: Fill your environment with supportive people, uplifting messages, and inspiration.
Stay Connected with Your Faith: Keep reading your Bible, praying, and trusting God’s plan for your growth and well-being.
The Deception of a Hardened Heart: True Spiritual Growth Comes from Forgiveness and Love
As believers, we often speak of grace, love, and forgiveness. We attend church, sing the hymns, and profess our faith publicly. But what happens when our hearts are hardened by hatred, resentment, and un-forgiveness? The answer is simple yet profound: We will never spiritually grow up.
Jesus Himself made it clear in Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Holding onto hate is a contradiction to the very faith we claim to uphold. It poisons our spirit, clouds our judgment, and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love.
Going to Church for Show vs. Gaining Biblical Growth
Attending church isn’t what transforms us—it’s the condition of our heart before God that determines our spiritual maturity. If we go to church simply to be seen, yet leave with bitterness still intact, we’ve missed the purpose entirely.
James 1:22 tells us: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Proverbs 10:12 states that “hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses
Hebrews 12:15 describes hatred as the “root of bitterness,” which can defile other
The Christian walk isn’t just about appearances; it’s about a genuine transformation rooted in Christ.
Steps to Overcome Hate and Embrace Biblical Love
Recognize the weight of un-forgiveness – Holding onto grudges doesn’t punish the one who wronged you—it punishes you.
Pray for a softened heart – Ask God to reveal areas of resentment and give you the strength to release them.
Take responsibility – If you’re harboring hate, it’s not just about others; it’s about you allowing it to remain. Letting go is a choice. Most of the time you are holding
Practice forgiveness daily – It’s not a one-time decision. It’s a posture of grace that reflects Christ’s love.
Love your enemies – Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Imagine the spiritual freedom in loving those who least deserve it!
At the end of the day, true Christianity isn’t measured by church attendance, titles, or outward devotion—it’s reflected in the way we love. A heart filled with hate will never grow spiritually. But a heart surrendered to God, even in pain, will flourish.
Will we be Christians in name only, or will we reflect the love of Christ in action? The choice is ours.
How does this feel, Deborah? Would you like to refine it further to match your personal message and experience? I’m happy to adjust the tone or add more Scripture if needed.
Will we be Christians in name only, or will we reflect the love of Christ in action? The choice is ours.
In a small town, there were two men who each decided to build a house. One was wise, and the other was unwise.
The wise man listened carefully when the Lord’s Word was shared with him. He understood that building his house on a solid foundation—God’s teachings—was the only way to ensure it would stand strong through life’s storms. So, he dug deep, laid a firm foundation on the rock, and built his house with care, trusting in God’s guidance.
The unwise man, however, was distracted by the allure of earthly riches and material possessions. He thought, “Why spend so much time on a foundation? I can build quickly and enjoy what the world offers now.” He hurriedly built his house on the sand, focusing on immediate gratification rather than spiritual stability.
Soon, a fierce storm arose. The winds howled, the rain poured down, and the waves crashed against both houses. The house built on the sand washed away easily because it had no real foundation. Meanwhile, the house on the rock withstood the storm because it was built on obedience to God’s Word.
This story reminds us: when we place our focus on worldly things—money, status, possessions—we may find them fleeting and unable to sustain us when life gets hard. But if we obey God, trust His plan, and prioritize our spiritual foundation, we will be ready to face any storm.
So, I ask you: Are you prepared spiritually? Will your foundation hold when the storms come? Remember, God’s guidance is the key to enduring life’s challenges.
Here are a few Bible verses to help stay strong in faith during times of trouble, challenges, heartache, and loss:
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV) “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV) “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandfathers, bonus dads, and pet dads. Today is a special opportunity to pause and genuinely thank the men in our lives who have made a difference.
It’s important to recognize and appreciate the fathers and grandfathers who consistently show love, strength, and dedication. For Christian men, the role of a husband is clear—he is the head of his wife, just as Christ is the head and Savior of the church, His body. This reflects a God-ordained leadership marked by love, sacrifice, and service.
When we are blessed to have a good dad—someone we can always lean on, who is there through thick and thin, a loving husband and grandfather—it’s a gift we should cherish. Good fathers are rare in a world where many men are self-centered, irresponsible, or abusive, neglecting their responsibilities or hurting their children.
But there are many fathers—a dad who plays catch, teaches you how to drive, helps you learn to handle challenges like a flat tire, or simply shows what it means to be a godly man. Those men have a profound impact that lasts a lifetime.
My dad was such a man. Though we weren’t wealthy, we lived richly through love, family, and making time for each other. He attended my school plays, all owed his granddaughter to play beauty parlor on him, as she pretended to cut and style his hair, and he always made family his priority. Nothing mattered more to him than being there for those he loved.
My second husband shares these values. After nearly 30 years of marriage, he is hardworking kind, considerate, and a strong example of a God-fearing man. He’s always ready to help.
Sometimes, people take their parents and grandparents for granted, caught up in their own lives. They forget how much those men have sacrificed or how deeply they’ve been there for us. But someday, those dads and grandfathers won’t be with us anymore. The time we have with them is precious, and it’s never too late to show appreciation.
Don’t be like the Cat’s in the Cradle song- missed opportunities in family relationships, highlighting the impact of a father’s neglect on both himself and his son.
So today, I encourage you to reach out. Tell your dad, grandpa, or father figure how much they mean to you. A simple “I love you” or “Thank you for everything” can brighten their day and remind them of their importance.
And if your dad has passed on, take a moment to speak to him in your heart and thank him in heaven. Their love and sacrifices stay with us forever.
A Prayer for Fathers
Heavenly Father, Today we thank You for the men You have placed in our lives—fathers, grandfathers, step fathers and father figures. We are grateful for their love, guidance, and strength. We ask You to bless them abundantlyfill their hearts with peace, wisdom, and joy. Strengthen the dads who are working hard every day, and remind them how valued they are. Help all fathers to reflect Your love and to lead their families with kindness and integrity. Protect those who are hurting or struggling, and bless the next generation with good examples of godly men. We pray for Your grace and favor over all the dads and granddads. May they feel appreciated today and every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
So thank you dad for being a good Christian man, father , husband and example of what a man should be.
Kindness is a force stronger than any lesson learned in a classroom. It’s the quiet strength behind simple gestures—a warm smile, an encouraging word, a moment of understanding that can change someone’s life forever.
The story of Teddy and Mrs. Thompson reminds us of just that. A boy, weighed down by grief, nearly lost himself. A teacher, caught in the motions of routine, almost overlooked him. But one small act—an old bracelet and a bottle of perfume—awakened an undeniable truth: people just want to be seen, heard, and loved.
Learning to Be Kind
Kindness isn’t grand gestures or elaborate sacrifices; it’s everyday moments:
Listening when someone needs a friend.
Encouraging when someone doubts their worth.
Showing patience when frustration tempts us otherwise.
Showing up for those who care about you and you say you care about.
The more we practice kindness, the more it becomes second nature—like breathing. And when kindness is given freely, it has a way of returning tenfold.
Never Taking Your Mother for Granted
For those blessed to have a mother’s love, cherish it. The little things—her voice on the phone, her advice (even when you don’t ask for it), the warmth in her embrace—are treasures we don’t always realize until they’re gone. Her smell.
A mother’s love is selfless, boundless, and unwavering.
So, call her. Hug her. Thank her. Appreciate her while you can.
Because someday, her perfume might be all that’s left, and you’ll wish you had just one more moment to tell her how much she means to you.
There’s a story from many years ago that tells of an
A Story
An elementary school teacher whose name was Mrs.
Thompson.
As she stood in front of her fifth-grade class
On the first day of school, she told her children a lie. Like most
teachers, she looked at her students and told them that she loved
them all the same. But that simply was not true, because there in
the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy
Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and
noticed that he didn’t play well with the other children. His clothes
were messy and he constantly needed a bath. Teddy could be
unpleasant at times. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson
would take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen
and making bold X’s and finally putting a Big “F” on the top of his
papers.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required
to review each child’s past records. She put Teddy’s off till last.
When she finally reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.
Teddys first grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is a bright child with
a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners.
He’s a joy to be around.” His second-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy
is an excellent student and well-liked by his classmates. But he’s
troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home
must be a struggle.” His third-grade teacher wrote, “His mother’s
death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father
doesn’t show much interest. His home life will soon affect him if
steps aren’t taken.” Teddys fourth grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is
withdrawn and doesn’t show much interest in school. He doesn’t
have many friends and sometimes he even sleeps in class.”
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she
was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students
brought her Christmas presents wrapped in beautiful ribbons
and bright paper, except for Teddys.
His present was clumsily wrapped in heavy brown paper that he got
from a grocery bag.
Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other
presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a
rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing and a bottle
that was one quarter full of perfume.
But she stifled the children’s laughter when she explained
how pretty the bracelet was while
putting it on and then dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to
say, “Mrs. Thompson, today you smell just like my mom used to.”
After the children left, she cried for at least an hour.
On this very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and
arithmetic and instead she began to teach children.
Mrs. Thompson began to pay close attention to Teddy as she worked
with him. As time went on his mind seemed to come alive. The
more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end
of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the
class.
Despite her lie, he had become one of her teacher’s pets. A
year later she found a note under the door from Teddy telling her
that she was the best teacher he had ever had in his whole life.
Six years passed by and to her surprise, another note came
from Teddy. He wrote that he had finished high school third in
his class and that she was still the best teacher that he had ever
had in his whole life. Four years later, another letter came, saying
that while things had been tough at times, he stayed in school
and stuck with it and that he had graduated from college with the
highest of honors.
He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still
the very best and favorite teacher he had ever had in his whole life.
Four more years passed by and yet another letter came. This
time he explained that after he got his bachelor’s degree, he had
decided to go a little further. Again, assuring her that she was still
the best and favorite teacher he ever had.
The letter was signed
Theodore F. Stoddard MD.
The story doesn’t end there. There was one final letter that
spring. Teddy said that he had met this girl and that he was going
to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple years
ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in
the place, at his wedding, that was usually reserved for the mother
of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. She wore that
bracelet, the one with the several rhinestones missing. She also
made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered
his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. After the
wedding, they hugged each other as Dr. Stoddard whispered
in Mrs. Thompson ear, “Thank you so much for making me feel
important and showing me that I could make a difference.” Mrs.
Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back, “Teddy you
have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could
make a difference. I didn’t know how to teach until I met you.”
I quickly realized the countless times I too, like Mrs. Thompson,
had judged someone by their appearance, just like you have. Maybe the wrong clothes, not as expensive as yours, or the ones you
see standing at the intersections with the signs that read, “Will
work for food.” How quickly I have judged these souls without ever
considering what events in their lives have led them to where they
now stand. Are they scammers? maybe but maybe not….As we each go through our daily lives, it is inevitable
that we are going to run into those who just seem to be in the way
or who don’t quite live up to our expectations.
You’ve heard the old saying that we should never judge
another until you have walked a mile in their shoes.
Our joys and our struggles in life come in many
different forms, but we all share them. No one person is an island.
You never know how one kind word or act of kindness might affect
another. And you never know how one mean word or act of disrespect
can really hurt someone to their core.
The next time you see that waitress who seems to be having
an attitude, or brings you the wrong meal, why not leave her a
generous tip. The coworker who never has anything good to say
about you, look for the good in them and mention it. The clerk down
at the local convenient store who never has a smile on his face,
try putting one on them. How about the man in the wheelchair
who lost his legs, maybe he lost them fighting for our freedom?
The mom or dad who is lonely because her children forgot she existed.
We would be wise to learn to rejoice with those who rejoice as well
as mourn with those who mourn. No matter what your walk in life, your
color, race, religion, or background, we are all in this together.
We are a universe. Uni meaning one and verse meaning song. As one
sailor said to the other, “We all row the same boat.” We are one
As we observe Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms, it’s important to reflect on what true freedom really means. From a biblical perspective, the foundation of freedom is rooted in God’s creation of mankind. We are made as free moral agents, capable of choosing to love and follow Him.
The Biblical Foundation of Freedom
In Scripture, the word “freedom” comes from a Greek root that captures several aspects of spiritual truth:
Freedom from restraint and obligation (Romans 7:3)
Freedom from bondage and slavery (John 8:33)
Freedom from sin itself (John 8:36)
This indicates that true freedom isn’t simply doing whatever we please; it’s liberation from the constraints that enslave us—whether that’s sin, guilt, or spiritual bondage. As Miriam Webster’s Dictionary defines it, freedom is “the quality or state of being free from necessity, coercion, constraint, slavery, and the power of others.”
However, within biblical theology, freedom is not the liberty to do whatever we want without consequence. Instead, it is the freedom from sin that enables us to live in obedience and alignment with God’s will. Freedom, in God’s plan, is about being set free to pursue righteousness, love, and His divine purpose.
The Cost of Freedom
Freedom is seldom free. History teaches us that “for freedom to exist, someone had to die.” Many have given their lives or are willing to soldiers, veterans, and others—so that we might enjoy the liberty we often take for granted today. Over 2.8 million have sacrificed their lives in battle defending this nation.
But spiritual freedom also comes at a high cost. Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, died on the cross so we could be free from the power of sin. His death was the price paid for our liberty from spiritual bondage. Countless Christians have also suffered and even died for the sake of spiritual freedom, standing firm in their faith when it was costly.
Maintaining Our Freedom
Memorial Day reminds us to honor those who paid the greatest price for our freedoms. But it also calls us to reflect on how we maintain the freedoms we enjoy today—both in the natural and spiritual sense.
Spiritually, maintaining our freedom involves daily commitment walking in obedience, reading God’s Word, praying, and trusting in Jesus Christ. It’s about guarding our hearts against the forces that threaten to enslave us again—sin, temptation, petty, gossip, and worldly distractions.
In Galatians 5:1, Paul reminds us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” That’s a call to remain vigilant, to hold onto the liberty Christ purchased with His own blood.
A Day to Remember and Recommit
As we reflect on those who have fought and fallen, let’s also remember that our greatest freedom—spiritual freedom—is a gift from God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This Memorial Day, let us honor both the sacrifices made in the physical realm and the spiritual freedom bought at an eternal cost.
May we live each day in gratitude, valuing our freedoms, and committed to walking in the liberty that Christ offers. And through our lives, may we honor their sacrifice by living out the truth of God’s Word and sharing the freedom found in Him with others.
Today, I want to take a moment to honor all the incredible mothers out there—and remind you how special you are. Whether you’re a mom to a child or a beloved pet, remember that God chose you for this important role. Your love and care reflect His heart. 💖
We might not always feel appreciated; after all, people often see what they want to see in us. But as moms, we learn to forgive, just as our Heavenly Father forgives us. I know I challenged my own mom growing up. I was mouthy—an only child learning to navigate my own feelings. While some may have thought I was spoiled, I was fortunate enough to be taught the value of kindness , giving of your time to others volunteering, helping those in need and respect. Sometimes I took the respect thing for granted. But as I got older, I really respected and appreciated my mother. She was a very strong woman, a very loving woman, and I was fortunate to have her as my mother..
Though my relationship with my mom had its ups and downs, I grew to appreciate her wisdom more as I matured. My mom passed away 25 years ago at the age of 65, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but over time, we found mutual respect. And she knew no matter what I always loved her and I knew no matter what she always loved me .
Your times when our children don’t understand why we do the things we do or say the things we say we know it’s for their own good but sometimes they don’t often see it that way we can only hope that in time they will understand that we did the best we could And what we did was out of love.
Being a mom is a gift, and being a grandmother is a treasure. So whether you’re celebrating today with your family, remembering a mom who has passed on, or even finding joy in your role as a mother figure, know that your love is unique and irreplaceable. 💞 There is no love quite like that of a mother or grandmother, and it is truly unconditional.
Let us find strength and encouragement in God’s Word as we celebrate motherhood today:
✨ “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” — Proverbs 31:28
Happy Mother’s Day! 🙏💐
Psalm 139:13:
“For you formed my inmost being; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” This verse emphasizes God’s role in shaping the physical and spiritual aspects of the individual, even before birth
Matt Sparrow wasn’t always rich. He grew up in a small, modest home where money was tight, and dreams felt distant. But through a mix of luck, ambition, and some questionable deals, he stumbled into wealth faster than he ever imagined.
At first, he used his fortune generously—he bought his friends gifts, bought his parents a home, funded charities, and occasionally helped those in need. But his kindness came with conditions. He made sure everyone knew what he did. Every act of generosity came with a long speech about how great he was, how lucky people were to know him, and how the world simply wasn’t smart enough to rise to his level.
He always bragged about what he had making others feel small, even hard working people who probably worked harder than him, he made feel useless.
People tolerated him at first. After all, money has a way of making even arrogance bearable. But over time, the bragging became too much. Friends grew distant, family avoided his calls, and even his parents and grandparents got tired of his bragging ;business partners quietly walked away. He didn’t care—he had wealth, and in his mind, wealth meant power.
Until it all came crashing down.
The Downward Spiral
A risky investment turned into a financial disaster, wiping away half his fortune overnight. Instead of being cautious, Matt doubled down, convinced he was too brilliant to fail. But reckless decisions have consequences, and within a year, he was on the verge of losing everything.
He lashed out at the few people still around. The ones who tried to warn him? He called them cowards. The friends who stood by him? He accused them of betrayal when they didn’t lend him more money.
By the time his downfall was complete, he was barely recognizable. His luxurious home had been sold, his bank account drained, and his once-loyal circle had vanished. His grandparents and parennts passed away and his parents were also passed on.
And then, as if fate wanted to prove one last point, James fell ill.
The Harsh Reality
Weak and bedridden, he finally realized that for all the money he had, he had nothing of true value. No friends, no family, no one who genuinely cared. He had spent his life chasing wealth, but now, alone in a hospital room, he would have given anything to have one person sit beside him—not because they owed him, but because they wanted to.
It took losing everything for Matt to understand what really mattered.
One night, staring at the ceiling, he whispered a prayer—a plea for forgiveness. He asked the Lord for mercy, hoping that despite all his flaws, he might find peace.
And in his final days, though no one stood beside him, something changed within him. A quiet acceptance. A fragile serenity.
Matt passed away alone—but not in agony. Not fighting, not cursing the world, but simply letting go.
His wealth had disappeared, his name forgotten—but perhaps, in those last moments, he had found the peace that had always eluded him
We must stop putting so much value on material things and think we are all that and a bag of chips.. Confidence is great but arrogance and greed are a sin. that we lose sight of whats important, connection to family , friends , our church and God.
Do you ever sit back and wonder if you’re doing a good job as a mother? Trust me, you’re not alone. We’ve all said things we regret, made choices we wish we could change, and had days that left us questioning ourselves. But let’s take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey of motherhood, filled with love, challenges, and little victories.
Picture this: A mom, exhausted from a long day, she works part time or maybe she works full-time. She has kids that are involved in soccer and dance, so she’s the family taxi and she finally finds a quiet moment in her living room after catching up on the news.
Her kids are wrapping up their homework, and her husband is chatting with her about his day. As she glances at the clock and realizes it’s already 7:30 PM, fatigue washes over her. She thinks to herself, “Maybe I should just head to bed.” so she tells her husband and her children that she’s tired had a long day and she just wants to go up and go to bed. So everyone tells her good night gives her a hug and they go about what they’re doing.
She thinks but first, there are a few little things that demand her attention—things that often go unnoticed.
She heads into the kitchen, pulling food from the freezer for dinner tomorrow, packing lunches, and tidying up the mess she just made in the process. It’s a familiar routine, but one that takes effort and time. She preps the coffee for the morning, folds laundry from the dryer, and remembers that she needs to start another load.
Amidst this whirlwind of activity, she notices the dog’s bowl is empty—so she fills it up with water and food. Then, a gentle reminder pops into her mind: it’s her friend’s birthday tomorrow. She signs a card and quickly fills out permission slips for the kids’ school events. Just when she thinks she might finally unwind, her husband playfully reminds her, “Aren’t you supposed to be getting to bed?”
But her heart knows better. She’s putting in the late hours to ensure everything runs smoothly for her family. She heads upstairs, hangs up the freshly ironed uniforms, and checks in on her kids to make sure they’re tucked in tight. Finally, she settles down with her Bible for a moment of peace.
Just then, the call of duty beckons again—“Mom! Can you help me with my homework?” And off she goes, ready to assist. After helping her child finish up, she takes a deep breath and prepares to sleep while also remembering to take her medication and toss yet another load of laundry in the dryer. By now, her husband is tired and says well I think I’ll go to bed and he did . She chooses to read a few minutes of her Bible just because it’s now totally quiet and then she finally turns off the lights, ready to surrender to rest.
This beautiful chaos is a testament to the incredible women in our lives—moms, daughters, granddaughters sisters, cousins, aunts partners, and friends—who juggle countless responsibilities with grace. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a working mom, or someone who plays the role of a caregiver, your efforts are nothing short of amazing. Remember, women rock!
To the men out there, please take a moment to appreciate the remarkable women in your lives. Recognize the love and dedication they put into every detail, from folding laundry to planning family meals. Those small tasks may seem insignificant, but they’re a labor of love that deserves recognition.
For those women facing tougher battles—perhaps struggling in an abusive relationship or questioning their worth during a divorce—hear this: You are doing your best. Every decision comes from a place of love for yourself and your children, even if it’s not always obvious to others. Don’t let the opinions of others dim your shine. It’s their loss if they can’t see the incredible person you are.
So, give yourself some grace. Forgive yourself for not meeting every expectation, and show yourself the love and respect you so abundantly give to others. You deserve it!
Let’s lift each other up instead of tearing ourselves down. Take a moment to breathe, appreciate your journey, and recognize the strength within you. And don’t forget to say thank you to the women in your life it means more than you can imagine.
Remember, motherhood is not only about perfection; it’s about love, resilience, and the countless ways we care for one another. So here’s to all the amazing mothers out there, mom’s with children moms with pets mom’s of all kinds—keep shining, keep loving, and continue to embrace the beautiful journey of motherhood with kindness towards yourself. ❤️
Today, I want to talk about something that weighs heavily on many of our hearts—the challenge of letting go of relationships that no longer nourish our spirits. It’s a difficult path, one that often comes with feelings of heartache and confusion. But sometimes, we must release the people we love, not out of indifference, but out of a deep-seated care for our own well-being.
Life is a beautiful tapestry woven together by the many relationships we cherish family , friends, co workers etc. However, it’s important to remember that not every thread remains strong forever. There are times when the connections we hold dear begin to fray. If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you feel like you’re giving more than you’re receiving, it can leave you feeling drained and unappreciated.
I’m not talking about giving money or gifts … I’m talking about giving of one’s self, our love.
Letting go doesn’t mean that we stop loving those individuals. As believers, we are called to love others as Christ loves us. This love transcends boundaries; it is patient, kind, and forgiving. We can continue to pray for those we once held close, wishing them happiness and fulfillment, even if our paths are diverging. Remember, our prayers can be powerful, and they can bring peace not just to them but to us as well.
Yet, in the midst of this love, we also need to recognize our worth. When it becomes clear that we don’t matter to someone as much as they matter to us, it’s essential to honor ourselves and our emotional health. It’s okay to step back and create space. Sometimes, the greatest act of love we can show ourselves is the willingness to let go.
Sure, it can be painful. We may find ourselves wishing for that phone call, that coffee date, or even just a simple text to check in. But instead of holding onto those hopes, we can choose to focus on our growth and healing. The Bible beautifully reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust that God has good things in store for you.
As we move forward, let’s embrace the beauty of new beginnings. Spend time nurturing relationships that lift you up and cultivate friendships that bring joy into your life. Surround yourself with those who support you, uplift you, and see your value.
So, if you’re in a season of letting go, remember: it’s okay to prioritize your heart. Continue to pray for those you’ve had to step away from, but also keep moving forward with an open heart, ready to receive the love and support that God has in store for you.
You’re not alone in this journey; we’re all learning and growing together. Let’s keep lifting each other up as we navigate the complexities of love, loss, and new beginnings.
Joyful-Echoes 