Grandmothers hold a special place in the hearts of their families. They are often the storytellers, the bakers, the keepers of family traditions, and the ones who always seem to know exactly what to say when life becomes difficult. But perhaps their greatest role is serving as spiritual anchors for the generations that follow.
The Bible gives us a beautiful example in 2 Timothy 1:5, where Paul reminds Timothy of the sincere faith that first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Their faith was not simply spoken; it was lived out daily. Through their example, Timothy learned to trust God and developed a faith of his own.
This reminds us that a grandmother’s greatest legacy is not found in material possessions but in a living faith that is passed from one generation to the next.
Grandmothers have an incredible opportunity to share the truths God has taught them throughout their lives. Children and grandchildren watch far more than they listen. They observe how we handle challenges, how we treat others, how we pray, and how we trust God during difficult times. Those lessons often stay with them for a lifetime.
Tell your grandchildren that you pray for them. Let them know by name that they are lifted up before God. Pray for their health, their safety, their friendships, their future, and their walk with the Lord. There is great comfort in knowing someone loves you enough to pray for you.
Pass down family treasures that cannot be purchased in a store. Share cherished recipes handed down through generations. Teach them how to bake cookies, make holiday meals, or prepare dishes that were once made by their great-grandparents. Family recipes carry more than ingredients; they carry stories, traditions, and love.
Tell them often that you love them. Show them through your actions. Give them hugs. Listen when they speak. Make time for them. Create memories that will last long after childhood has passed.
Teach them how to plant flowers, grow vegetables, and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. Take walks together. Watch birds build nests. Listen to the sounds of nature. Show them that God’s handiwork is all around them.
Most importantly, let your grandchildren know they can always come to you. Create a safe place where they can talk openly without fear of judgment. Sometimes what a child needs most is someone who will listen with patience, understanding, and unconditional love.
The influence of a grandmother creates a ripple effect that often reaches far beyond what she can see. The faith, values, kindness, and wisdom she shares today may impact generations yet to come.
A grandmother’s love is truly like no other. It is a love that comforts, encourages, teaches, forgives, and prays. It is a love rooted in family, strengthened by faith, and treasured for a lifetime.
And long after the recipes have been passed down, the gardens have been planted, and the stories have been told, the greatest gift a grandmother leaves behind is the knowledge that she loved deeply, prayed faithfully, and pointed her family toward God.
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who gave us life, loved us through our best and worst moments, and somehow managed to keep us alive despite all the times we confidently said, “I know what I’m doing.”
And let’s not forget about grandmothers—the women who mastered parenting the first time around and now get to spoil the grandchildren, fill them with sugar, and send them home. Grandmas are the keepers of family stories, secret recipes, warm hugs, and unconditional love.
Whether you are a mother, grandmother, celebrating your mom, remembering her, or honoring the strong women who helped shape your life, today is for them.
We hope your day is filled with love, gratitude, laughter, and time with the people who matter most.
For some, Mother’s Day is a joyful celebration.
For others, it is a day filled with memories, longing, and heartache.
Some are grieving the loss of their mother. Some are grieving the loss of a child. Some are longing to become mothers. And some are carrying the pain of estrangement from a son, daughter, or grandchild.
If that is your story, my heart goes out to you.
And if you are a son or daughter treating your mother with disrespect, it may be time to pause and remember all she has done for you.
Your mother gave you life.
She carried you for nine months while dealing with swollen feet, sleepless nights, heartburn, and a bladder that apparently doubled as your favorite trampoline.
She fed you, changed you, worried about you, prayed for you, and loved you long before you understood the depth of a mother’s sacrifice.
Was she perfect?
No.
But neither are you.
There is no perfect parent, and there is no perfect child.
Most mothers did the very best they could with the knowledge, resources, and circumstances they had at the time.
Could they have made mistakes?
Absolutely.
But so have we all.
Life is far too short to let pride, anger, and stubbornness keep families apart.
One day, there will be no opportunity to pick up the phone, hear her voice, or say, “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Thank you.”
So if your mother or grandmother is still here, cherish them.
Call them. Visit them. Hug them. Listen to their stories—even the ones you’ve heard a hundred times. Ask for the recipe. Take the photo. Make the memory.
And if you are the mother or grandmother waiting and praying for your family to reconnect, may God comfort your heart and remind you that your love still matters.
If you are grieving today, may God surround you with His peace and remind you that love never truly leaves us.
And no matter what this day looks like for you, never forget this:
You matter. You are loved. You are seen. And in God’s eyes, you are precious beyond measure.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers, and the extraordinary women who make life sweeter. ❤️
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today we thank You for all mothers and grandmothers.
Thank You for their love, their sacrifices, their wisdom, and the countless ways they care for their families. Thank You for the hugs that comfort us, the prayers they whisper on our behalf, and the strength they show even when no one else sees their struggles.
Bless every mother and grandmother today.
Fill their hearts with peace, joy, and the deep assurance that they are loved and appreciated. Comfort those who are grieving, strengthen those who are weary, and bring hope to those carrying heavy hearts.
Surround them with Your love and remind them how precious they are in Your sight.
Have you ever hurt her feelings? Have you ever apologized?
If someone asked you to describe your mother, how would you describe her?
Do you really know your mother, or do you simply go by what you think you know?
If someone asks, “Why do you love your mother?” and your answer is, “Because she’s my mother,” that’s not really an answer.
Many people say they love their mothers, but they have never stopped to think about what that love actually looks like.
How you love your mother says a great deal about the kind of person you are.
No matter how good—or how imperfect—you believe your mother was, she gave you life.
Because of her, you are here.
Because of her, you have the children, grandchildren, and relationships that have brought joy into your life.
Many people will do whatever is necessary to care for their mothers. Others take their mothers for granted until it is too late.
Then they live with painful words:
“If only I would have…”
“I should have…”
“I wish I had one more chance, one more day.”
The truth is that how you treat your mother often reflects your character.
What you sow is often what you reap.
One day, many of us will find ourselves in the same position our parents once were—older, needing help, hoping our children will remember the love and sacrifices we made.
Jesus gave us a beautiful example.
In John 19:26-27, while hanging on the cross in unimaginable pain, Jesus looked down at His mother and made sure she would be cared for.
Even in His dying moments, He was concerned about Mary.
Can you imagine what she was feeling?
Perhaps she remembered holding Him as a baby.
Teaching Him as a child.
Watching Him grow into the man He would become.
Yet while carrying the weight of the world’s sin, Jesus still showed compassion and concern for His mother.
What an example for us all.
So how do we love our mothers?
Love Her Verbally
Tell your mother you love her.
Not just on Mother’s Day.
Not just on holidays.
Tell her often.
Say, “I love you, Mom.”
Then tell her why.
Words matter.
Words heal.
Words encourage.
Never assume she knows.
Love Her Physically
Hug your mother.
Some people struggle to show affection.
But mothers need affection too.
She carried you for nine months.
She held you the moment you entered this world.
She comforted you when you were sick, afraid, or hurting.
Don’t just say hello.
Hug her.
Hold her hand.
Let her feel your love.
Love Her Patiently
Mothers are not perfect.
They make mistakes.
They say things we don’t always agree with.
They have flaws just like everyone else.
That is not a reason to avoid them or withhold your love.
Patience is one of the greatest gifts you can give another person.
Love Her Gratefully
Be grateful.
Your mother gave you life.
No mother is perfect because no person is perfect.
Yet gratitude recognizes the sacrifices she made, the worries she carried, and the love she gave.
A grateful heart sees blessings where others only see shortcomings.
Love Her Generously
Not just at Christmas.
Not just on Mother’s Day.
Take her out for coffee and conversation
Be There for Her all year long if you live fairly close by.
Listen to your mother. Not taking orders but listen when she falls.
I’m not talking about spending a lot of money.
If she is sick, take her to the doctor.
If she is struggling financially and you can help, help her.Pay a bill and surprise her.
If you truly love your mother, you will listen for what she wants and what she needs.
Most mothers will never ask.
Most mothers do not want to be a burden.
So keep your ears open.
Look around.
Pay attention.
Notice what she doesn’t have.
Notice what would make her life easier.
It doesn’t take much to make a mother happy. A new coffee mug, a warm hug, a phone call…….
Most mothers don’t want a new fishing rod, boat, a new car
Most mothers don’t want extravagant gifts. Because they know most people cannot afford that.
They want to be loved.
They want to be appreciated.
They want to know they matter.
Love Her Tenderly
Speak to your mother with tenderness.
Listen when she talks.
Even if you have heard the story ten times before, listen as though it were the first time.
Be sensitive to her feelings.
Encourage her often.
Tell her she matters.
Tell her she is loved.
Tell her she made a difference in your life.
As parents age, they often wonder whether anyone still notices them.
Make sure your mother never has to wonder.
Love Her Forgivingly
Many people blame their mothers for this or that.
Maybe there were hurts.
Maybe there were mistakes.
Maybe there were wounds.
But write this down:
There is never an excuse for refusing to forgive your mother.
Paul teaches us to forgive others just as Christ forgave us.
How many times has your mother forgiven you?
How many mistakes did she overlook?
How many times did she give you another chance?
We all grew up differently.
Some mothers had very little education but possessed tremendous wisdom.
Some could barely read.
Some were abused.
Some struggled with addiction.
Some worked long hours.
Some raised children alone.
Some carried burdens their children never knew about.
No matter what your mother’s life looked like, she loved you.
She did the best she could with what she knew and what she had at the time.
If your mother has passed away, honor her memory.
If she is still here, call her.
Visit her.
Tell her you love her while you still can.
Never be too prideful to forgive.
Someday you may need forgiveness too.
Love Her Devotedly
Do not bad-mouth your mother.
Defend her.
Protect her.
Support her.
Stand beside her.
Be loyal to her.
When others speak negatively about her, stand up for her.
A devoted son or daughter remains present even when life becomes busy.
Love Her Cheerfully
Your mother wants to hear about your life.
Tell her about your day.
Share your victories.
Share your joys.
Make her laugh.
Create memories.
Focus on bringing happiness into her life.
If your mother has passed away, remember her laughter.
Remember her stories.
Remember the good times.
Talk about those memories.
That is a gift that honors her.
Love Her Honorably
Ephesians 6:2-3 tells us:
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Be a godly son.
Be a godly daughter.
Live in a way that honors your mother.
One way we dishonor our parents is by living recklessly, ignoring their wisdom, treating them disrespectfully, or wasting the life God has given us.
Every day should be Mother’s Day.
Not because of gifts.
But because of love.
Honor.
Respect.
And if you are a husband, love your wife well.
Treat her with kindness and respect.
Your children are watching.
They are learning from your example.
They see how you speak to her.
They see how you treat her.
You are teaching them how mothers should be loved.
Never be too prideful.
Because one day you may hurt your own children.
Wouldn’t you want forgiveness?
That is what Jesus expects from us.
After all, He continually forgives us.
So if your mother is still here, tell her you love her.
Call her.
Visit her.
Hug her.
Thank her.
And if she is gone, honor her memory and thank God for the time you had.
Because one day, all that will remain are the memories, the lessons, and the love.
Today is the National Day of Prayer, and honestly… maybe every day should be one.
Because let’s face it — life has a way of humbling us pretty quickly. One minute you’re feeling organized and productive, and the next minute you’re standing in the grocery store wondering why you walked into aisle seven in the first place. Or you’re praying your car makes it another six months without a mysterious dashboard light coming on. Again.
Prayer has a funny way of grounding us.
Some people picture prayer as needing perfect words, folded hands, or long speeches. But sometimes prayer is simply: “Lord, help me.” “Thank You.” “I’m trying.” “Please give me patience before I lose my mind in traffic.”
And if we’re being honest, some of our most sincere prayers happen in waiting rooms, at 2 a.m., during difficult phone calls, while paying bills, or sitting quietly after life knocks the wind out of us a little.
The beautiful thing is that God never asked us to come to Him perfectly polished. He just asks us to come.
Today is special because millions of people across the country are stopping to pray — for their families, their health, their communities, this nation, and the people they love. In a world that often feels loud, divided, rushed, and exhausted, prayer reminds us we are not carrying everything alone.
And maybe that’s the biggest comfort of all.
Prayer won’t always instantly remove every hardship, but it can give peace in the middle of chaos, strength when you feel weak, and hope when life feels uncertain.
So today, take a few moments.
Our Country and our World and the people running it.
Pray for your family. Pray for the hurting. Pray for the abused. Pray for the grieving
Pray for the homeless Pray for the lonely. Pray for healing. Pray for wisdom. Pray for yourself too — yes, that matters.
And remember: God already knows your heart, even when you can’t find the words.
Happy National Day of Prayer. May your day be filled with peace, comfort, strength, and many reminders that you are deeply loved.
Today on this National Day of Prayer, we come before You with grateful hearts. Thank You for the gift of another day, for the breath in our lungs, and for the blessings we often overlook in the busyness of life.
Lord, we lift up our leaders to You — local leaders, state leaders, and national leaders. Grant them wisdom, integrity, compassion, and discernment. Help them make decisions that protect, strengthen, and unite people rather than divide them. Guide their hearts toward peace, fairness, and truth.
We pray for our families today. Protect our homes, our marriages, our children, grandchildren,our parents, grandparents, aunts,uncles and cousins friends, and loved ones.
Bring comfort where there is hurt, healing where there is sickness, and restoration where there is brokenness. Help us show more patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love toward one another.
Father, we especially pray for anyone who is suffering right now — those battling illness, chronic pain, grief, depression, loneliness, abuse, fear, financial hardship, those who work and never seem to get ahead, those with addiction, or those living with any uncertainty. Remind them they are not forgotten and never alone. Wrap Your arms around them and give them strength for each new day.
We pray for our military, first responders, healthcare workers, caregivers, and all those carrying heavy burdens while helping others. Bless and protect them.
And Lord, in a world filled with noise, anger, and chaos, help us remember that kindness still matters, compassion still matters, and faith still matters. And forgiveness goes a long way.
We’ve been given the gift of a brand new month—and that alone is something to pause and be grateful for. Through every challenge we’ve faced, every moment we didn’t think we’d make it through, and every quiet victory no one else saw… we are still here. And that is no accident.
Thanks be to our Heavenly Father, who has carried us, covered us, and never left us.
There were days behind us that tested our strength. Moments where we questioned, waited, and wondered what was next. But through it all, Jesus—our Lord and Savior—walked with us. Even when we couldn’t feel Him, He was there, guiding us forward one step at a time.
Now we stand at the doorway of May—a fresh beginning, a new chapter, another chance.
Let this month be a beautiful one for you.
May it be filled with peace in your heart and clarity in your mind. May your health be strengthened, even in the smallest ways. May your finances be enough—providing what you need, right when you need it. May your home be filled with comfort, your days with purpose, and your nights with rest.
And above all, may you be surrounded by love—the kind that lifts you, supports you, and reminds you that you are never alone.
May you find joy in simple moments. May you feel God’s presence in both the big and the small. May doors open that no one can shut, and may the right opportunities find their way to you.
Walk into this month with faith, not fear. With hope, not hesitation. With confidence, knowing you didn’t come this far to only come this far.
Welcome, May. We’re ready. 🌷
🙏 A Prayer for the Month of May
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for bringing us into a new month. Thank You for waking us up today and giving us another opportunity to live, grow, and move forward. We don’t take this moment for granted.
Lord, we thank You for everything You have brought us through—the struggles, the uncertainties, and even the silent battles. You have been faithful through it all.
As we step into May, we ask for Your continued guidance and protection.
Bless our health, Lord. Strengthen our bodies, calm our minds, and restore anything within us that needs healing.
Bless our finances. Provide for our needs, remove unnecessary stress, and open doors for stability and provision.
Surround us with love—true, genuine, uplifting love. Remove anything or anyone that brings negativity, and fill our lives with peace and encouragement.
Order our steps this month. Help us make wise decisions, stay grounded in faith, and trust Your timing in all things.
When we feel weak, remind us of Your strength. When we feel uncertain, remind us of Your promises. When we feel alone, remind us that You are always near.
Lord, let this month be one of growth, joy, and quiet blessings we didn’t even see coming.
Easter Sunday is often filled with bright baskets, colorful eggs, and sweet treats. Children laugh as they search for hidden treasures, and families gather to celebrate. While these traditions bring joy, they are not the true meaning of Easter.
Easter is the most important day for Christians. It is the day we remember that Jesus Christ rose from the dead—defeating sin and death, and giving us the gift of eternal life. Without Easter, there would be no foundation to our faith. This is the day that changed everything.
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
But He did rise—and because He lives, we have hope.
On Easter Sunday, many will attend church. Some will come dressed in their Sunday best, while others will come in the best they have. And that’s okay. What matters most is showing up with a heart ready to receive.
I do believe we should present ourselves respectfully. It doesn’t mean expensive clothing—it can be simple. A nice pair of jeans, a clean shirt or blouse is perfectly fine. But we should remember where we are going. Church is a place of reverence.
We should avoid clothing that is too revealing—short shorts, low-cut tops, or shirts with distracting wording. Not out of judgment, but out of respect. Ask yourself: Is this how I would dress if I were meeting God face to face?
Because in a very real sense… we are.
At the same time, not everyone will sit in a church pew. Some will watch a service online, listen on the radio, or spend quiet time in prayer at home. That is okay too. God meets us where we are.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This is the heart of Easter.
So yes—let the children hunt for eggs. Let families share meals and laughter. But let us not forget the true reason we celebrate.
Jesus is alive.
And because He lives, we are given grace, forgiveness, and a new beginning.
This Easter, come as you are—but come with a heart that honors Him.
Sunday: More Than Eggs and Candy
Easter Sunday is often filled with bright baskets, colorful eggs, and sweet treats. Children laugh as they search for hidden treasures, and families gather to celebrate. While these traditions bring joy, they are not the true meaning of Easter.
Easter is the most important day for Christians. It is the day we remember that Jesus Christ rose from the dead—defeating sin and death, and giving us the gift of eternal life. Without Easter, there would be no foundation to our faith. This is the day that changed everything.
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
But He did rise—and because He lives, we have hope.
On Easter Sunday, many will attend church. Some will come dressed in their Sunday best, while others will come in the best they have. And that’s okay. What matters most is showing up with a heart ready to receive.
I do believe we should present ourselves respectfully. It doesn’t mean expensive clothing—it can be simple. A nice pair of jeans, a clean shirt or blouse is perfectly fine. But we should remember where we are going. Church is a place of reverence.
We should avoid clothing that is too revealing—short shorts, low-cut tops, or shirts with distracting wording. Not out of judgment, but out of respect. Ask yourself: Is this how I would dress if I were meeting God face to face?
Because in a very real sense… we are.
At the same time, not everyone will sit in a church pew. Some will watch a service online, listen on the radio, or spend quiet time in prayer at home. That is okay too. God meets us where we are.
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.
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.
In a world full of noise, confidence often whispers while insecurity shouts. True, Christ-centered confidence doesn’t need to prove itself, defend itself, or compare itself. It rests peacefully in who God says we are.
Insecurity, on the other hand, is loud. It seeks validation from people, approval from crowds, and reassurance from circumstances. It reacts quickly, speaks harshly, and fears being overlooked. But confidence that comes from the Lord is steady, calm, and unshaken—even when life feels uncertain.
Jesus never competed for attention. He moved with quiet authority, humble strength, and unwavering purpose. His confidence came from knowing the Father, not from impressing people. When we root our identity in Christ, we no longer have to raise our voice to be seen or scramble to be valued. We are already chosen, loved, and secure.
The world says, “Be louder so you can be noticed.”
God says, “Be still and know that I am with you.”
When we walk closely with Christ, our confidence becomes gentle, not arrogant; peaceful, not defensive; humble, not insecure. We don’t need to compare our journey, explain our worth, or chase approval. Our security is anchored in God’s promises, not people’s opinions.
Remember:
Quiet confidence trusts God’s timing.
Quiet confidence rests in God’s love.
Quiet confidence knows that what God has for you cannot be taken by anyone else.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Let your confidence be quiet today—not because you doubt your worth, but because you fully trust the One who gave it to you.
Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.
Today’s prompt asks: Who are your favorite people to be around?
I’m grateful to say I have more than one answer. First and foremost, my family. They are the people who fill my heart the most. I could never spend enough time with my granddaughter. From the time she was little to now as she’s grown, she has always been one of my favorite people. Not just because she’s my granddaughter, but because she is smart, kind, gentle, and naturally funny. She has a beautiful spirit and a good sense about people, so those she brings into her life usually end up being lovely to be around as well.
My husband is also one of my absolute favorite people. We’ve been together for 31 years, married for 30, and have truly shared life side by side. Aside from short stretches when he traveled for work, we’ve spent nearly every day together, and we still genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s going out to lunch, taking a walk, or simply talking about our day, those simple moments mean the most to me.
I also really value being around people who truly want to be around me. Through my volunteer work and advocacy, I’ve met some of the kindest, funniest, and most compassionate individuals. We share the common bond of living with arthritis, and that understanding creates a special connection. We support each other on the hard days, celebrate the good ones, and remind one another that we’re not alone in this journey. That kind of friendship is a gift.
I honestly can’t choose just one favorite person, because my heart is fullest when I’m with my granddaughter, my husband, and my family as a whole. They are my foundation and my greatest joys. At the same time, it does sadden me that there are family members I love deeply and have always enjoyed being around who, for reasons I may never fully understand, seem to have drifted away or no longer feel the same closeness. I will always love them and would happily spend time together again if they ever wanted to reconnect. But I’ve learned that love also means respecting boundaries. I don’t want to be where I’m not truly wanted, no matter how much I love and miss them, so I honor their wishes even when it hurts.
One comforting truth is that in life we can have different kinds of family. We have our biological family, and we also have our arthritis family—the people who understand our daily challenges, encourage us, and walk beside us with empathy and care. Both kinds of family are meaningful, and both hold a special place in my heart.
Joyful-Echoes 