God's Kingdom!

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Seek First God’s Kingdom: A Personal Encounter

When God speaks through ordinary moments, extraordinary understanding follows.

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🧹 A Word in the Middle of Cleaning

I was just cleaning the house one ordinary day when a sudden phrase entered my mind:

"Seek first God’s kingdom."

I paused. What was that? I continued tidying up, but then I heard it again.

"Seek first God’s kingdom."

This time, I stopped. “Was that You, Lord? Are You talking to me?”
The phrase echoed in my spirit. I recognized it — it’s from the Bible.

I reached for my Bible and began flipping through the New Testament. Sure enough, I found the verse in Matthew 6:33:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

I continued reading, and the next verse struck me even more deeply:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

That one hit close to home.

🤔 A Conversation with God

I began reasoning with God:

“Why are You telling me this? I already found You and Your kingdom. What more do You want me to do?”

And then I heard:

“Did you really find My kingdom?”

“I believe so, Lord.”

“Do you know everything about My kingdom? Do you really know Me?”

I couldn’t answer. Not truthfully.

Then God reminded me of something — the time I was preparing to move to Norway.

✈️ The Norway Journey: A Picture of Seeking

Back then, I knew nothing about Norway — until my sister married a Norwegian and invited me to become her au pair. I needed a job badly, and it felt like a door from heaven. But I had to prepare a lot before moving:

• Apply for a visa

• Submit paperwork

• Ask questions:

  • How do I get there?

  • What should I prepare?

  • What language do they speak?

  • What’s the culture like?

  • Will they welcome foreigners?

Once in Norway, I had to learn the language, culture, laws, and how to integrate. Even today, I’m still learning. I’ve seen parts of the country, but not all. There’s still so much I don’t know.

Then God said:

“It’s the same with My kingdom.”

👑 Seeking God’s Kingdom Is a Lifelong Journey

Suddenly, everything became clear. Just like I had to prepare and adjust to a new country, I also need to continually seek and grow in understanding God’s kingdom.

Here’s what He impressed on my heart:

• 📖 Learn and understand more of His Word — the Bible

• 🌿 Learn His ways

• 🔥 Discover His will

• ⚖️ Know His laws and how His kingdom functions

• 👁 Understand how He works in your life and the lives of others

• 🌍 Be aware of His creation

• ❤️ Learn to know Him personally — as Father, Savior, Friend, Provider, Healer…

“My kingdom is vast,” He said.
“There’s so much more to learn. And you are part of it.”

The more I seek Him, the more I understand Him. And that leads to peace — peace that goes beyond understanding. A peace that frees me from the fear of tomorrow because I know He’s already there.

💛 God’s Love in the Command

In that moment, I realized:

God truly loves me.

He wants me to seek His kingdom not for His benefit — but for mine. His kingdom brings peace, perspective, and purpose.

And this invitation is not just for me. It’s for you. It’s for everyone.

Because God's love covers all. 💛

• 📝 Reflect and Respond: Bible Study Questions

1. What does “seeking first the kingdom of God” mean to you personally?

2. Are there areas in your life where you’ve stopped seeking?

3. How can you grow in understanding God’s Word, His ways, and His will this week?

4. What practical steps can you take to seek God more intentionally?

The wedding

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💍 Renewed Vows, Renewed Hearts
Reflections on Love, Marriage, and Faith

Yesterday, I was incredibly lucky to be invited to a dear friend’s wedding—or rather, a vow renewal ceremony. I'm truly happy for the couple, Claudia and her husband, as they chose to recommit themselves to each other and to God in a beautiful, heartfelt celebration. Though they were married eight years ago, this moment was not just a reminder of their love, but a public expression of their desire to keep that love alive and growing.

Claudia, a radiant bride from Mexico, is married to a kind and joyful Norwegian man. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, love, and unity. They looked just as happy—if not more so—than the day they first said “I do.”

One of the highlights was a beautiful guitar performance by David, the son of Pastor Geir Yngve. His music gently ushered us into the sacredness of the moment. Then, the pastor himself sang a song for the couple, a touching gesture that left many of us moved to tears.

Pastor Geir Yngve didn’t just perform; he also shared something profound: the secret to remaining happy in marriage. His message deeply touched the hearts of everyone present, myself included. It was both a gentle reminder and a powerful affirmation.

I, too, am in a happy marriage—and what the pastor shared felt like a confirmation that we’re on the right path. Yet, like Claudia and her husband, I know that marriage isn’t a one-time promise; it must be renewed daily. A thriving relationship requires attention, care, and consistent love.

As a believer, I see a beautiful parallel in our relationship with God. Just as a marriage needs constant nurturing, so does our walk with God. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This means I must listen to Him, seek Him, and walk with Him every day. Because...

True happiness isn’t found in any other reward than that of being united with God.

In marriage, we must listen to one another, spend time together, and remain united if we want our relationship to grow. I once heard someone say, “Treat your husband like a king, and he will treat you like a queen.” Perhaps that’s one of the secrets to a joyful partnership.

Being married is an ongoing journey of discovery—of learning each other’s thoughts, dreams, hopes, and fears. It’s about knowing that, even in the toughest times, your partner will stand beside you.

The same applies to our relationship with God. He already knows everything about us, but how can we know Him if we don’t spend time in His Word and in His presence? How can we say we love Him—this God who gave His only Son for our salvation—if we don’t place Him first in our lives?

One thing I’m sure of is this:

When life gets tough and everyone else disappears, God will still be there for me.

If we can love people who love us back, how much more should we love the God who loves us unconditionally? Sadly, many people are blind to this truth. They seek love in the wrong places and end up disappointed. They chase happiness in God’s creation, forgetting the Creator Himself.

But the Bible reminds us:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33

So, to the lovely couple I witnessed yesterday, I simply say:
May you live happily ever after.
And I know, without a doubt, that everyone who was there would wholeheartedly agree. ❤️

From Blindness to Light: A Journey of Seeing God’s Hand

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“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’

Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”
— John 9:1–3

The disciples were looking for someone to blame. They saw the man’s blindness and assumed it must be the result of sin—either his own or his parents’. That’s so often how we respond, too. We want to find the cause behind every suffering. We want a name to point at. Even today, we hear people say things like, “I did this because of how I was raised,” or “I became this way because of what someone else did to me.”

But Jesus didn’t point a finger. Instead, He pointed to God’s purpose. That this man’s blindness wasn’t punishment—but an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed.

When I read this passage, my thoughts drifted back to my own childhood—because my father, like the man in the story, was blind.

We were his eyes. If he had to go somewhere, one of us children would go with him. Though he couldn’t see with his eyes, he was far from helpless. My father was strong in wisdom and full of stories that lit up my imagination. He told us fairytales that gave me hope, even when our lives were difficult. His stories always had happy endings for those who suffered and struggled. I began to believe that maybe—just maybe—my life could have a bright future, too. I dreamed that I was a princess.

He was also a wonderful listener. I always had questions—“Why?” “Where?” “When?”—and he always had the patience to answer them. One day, I asked him who God was and where He came from. He smiled and said, “God was there from the beginning. He created the heavens and the earth.”

That moment sparked something in me. I was a curious child, and my father’s words made me want to know this God more. When I learned how to read, I started reading the New Testament. But the more I read, the more questions I had. That’s the thing about the Bible—it’s not a book to be read once, but again and again. And while I didn’t understand everything, I did find many answers along the way.

As I grew older, life got harder. I faced storms that left me feeling lonely and abandoned. And I began to ask God:
“Where are You? Are You blind too? Do You even care about someone like me?”

Did God answer me?
Yes, He did.
Not when I expected Him to, but in His perfect time.

Through hardship, I learned to work harder, to be patient, and to trust Him. I discovered that knowledge and wisdom are treasures no one can steal from me. Even in want, God was shaping me for something more.

Today, I consider myself a blessed woman. I have the means to buy what I need, I’ve traveled to many places, met people from different walks of life, and most of all, I feel deeply loved—by my family, by those around me, and by God.

That doesn’t mean I’m free from trouble, but the difference now is this:
I know that God is not blind.
He sees me.
He walks with me.
And looking back, I can now recognize His hand guiding me—especially in the darkest chapters of my life.

“I was blind, but now I see.”
I found the source of light. ✨

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
— John 8:12

Living through pain

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Living Through Pain: A Faithful Journey of Strength and Gratitude

"Cast all your cares upon Me, and I will give you rest." – Jesus

Pain is something we all face—whether we choose it or not. It finds its way into our lives in many forms. Personally, I’ve experienced:

🩺 The pain of sickness
💔 The pain of losing someone—through death or separation
📦 The pain of overwhelming responsibilities
🤱 The pain of childbirth
💭 The pain of shattered dreams
😔 The pain of being mistreated, abused, or cheated
🤝 And perhaps one of the deepest—feeling the pain of loved ones as if it were my own

Each of these experiences leaves a mark, but we all manage pain differently. So how do we go on living when our hearts are aching? When our bodies are tired?

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The Reality of Pain

Consider inserting an image here: A person sitting quietly with morning light coming through a window (symbol of endurance and solitude).

Recently, I’ve been dealing with muscle and joint pain. It’s been difficult just to push through a normal day—doing my job, taking care of my home, and managing all the extra responsibilities life demands. Some days, I catch myself feeling sorry for myself.

But then I think about others—especially within my own family—who are dealing with even more. That humbles me. Even amidst my struggles, I realize I am still incredibly blessed.

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Gratitude in the Midst of Struggle

Here’s what I remind myself of:

✅ I have a job
🏠 I have a family and a home
🍽 I have food on the table
👚 I have clothes to wear
❤️ I have a kind and loving husband
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 I have children and grandchildren
👀👂🧠 I have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a body that moves

These are not small things. They are blessings that remind me of how fortunate I truly am.

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How I’ve Managed Pain—Past and Present

Looking back, I realize I’ve survived painful seasons because I held on to hope—that one day, things would get better. Life, after all, is like a circle. Sometimes we’re up, sometimes we’re down. But through it all, I’ve learned to:

🌿 Do my best
💖 Forgive those who’ve hurt me
🙏 Let God take care of the rest

"This too shall pass." – Unknown

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Faith: The Anchor in My Storm

Optional image: A small boat in stormy waters with a cross in the sky or a sunrise.

As a believer, I know I’m not alone in my suffering. Jesus, too, experienced deep pain—for us. And because we are connected to Him, whatever we go through, He feels it with us. He is the head, and we are the body. We can’t do it without Him.

He has been my strength when I was weak. My hope when everything around me felt hopeless. I may not always be able to help those I love, but I trust that He is with them—even when I can't be.

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Holding On to the Bigger Picture

Pain is a part of life. But I hold on to the promise that one day, it will end. One day, He will wipe away every tear.

So for now, I choose to live. To focus on God. To make the most of the life He has given me—pain or no pain.

 Keep Living, Keep Trusting

Pain may visit, but it doesn’t have to control us. With faith, gratitude, and perseverance, we can endure—even thrive. And no matter what we go through, we’re never truly alone.

Let’s keep going.
Let’s keep trusting.
Let’s keep living—one day at a time.

Busy life!

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**“If Only I Had More Time…”

A Heartfelt Reflection on Making the Most of the 24 Hours God Gives Us**

I often catch myself wondering:
Is there anyone left who isn’t busy with everything life throws at them?

Some days, it feels like I’m just running from one task to the next, barely catching my breath. And honestly? I wish each day came with a few bonus hours—maybe 30, maybe 36—just enough to catch up on everything I’m supposed to be doing with the 24 hours God gives me.

But here’s the thing...
How do we do it all?

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☀️ When the Alarm Rings...

Each morning, when my alarm clock rings, I secretly wish I could stay in bed just a little longer. I long for more time—
more time to rest,
more time to sit quietly in God’s presence before the day begins,
more time to eat breakfast slowly and actually taste it,
more time in front of the mirror so I don’t look like I crawled out of a storm drain by the time I arrive at work.

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💼 At Work…

I work with the elderly, and I often wish I had more time to spend with them—really be with them—so they won’t feel neglected or forgotten.
There are so many activities and moments I want to share with them, but my time is limited, and that makes my heart ache.

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🏡 At Home…

At home, the list continues.
I wish I had more time to clean, cook, and keep up with household chores.
More time to connect with my loved ones, especially those who live far away.
I’m thankful for Facebook and video calls, but nothing replaces a hug, a shared meal, or just being together in the same space.

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🎨 For My Passions…

There are hobbies I miss—handcrafts, reading Christian articles, writing blog posts like this one, even just scrolling social media to see what friends are up to.
I crave time for these simple joys—time to create, to reflect, to breathe.

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💕 For My People…

I have friends I love dearly but rarely see. Life has pulled us in different directions, and although the connection is still there, it feels like time has built a wall between us.
I miss being present in their lives.

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📖 For My Faith…

Most of all, I wish I had more time to dive into God’s Word. To study it deeply, share it boldly, and let it truly shape my day-to-day life.

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💪 For My Body and Soul…

I want time to exercise—to grow stronger physically.
I want time to simply sit, look around at God’s creation, and meditate on His goodness.
To be still and know that He is God.

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⏳ But the Truth Is…

I only have 24 hours each day.
And when those hours fly by and another day ends, I sometimes feel frustrated.
There’s still so much I want to do.
So many things left unfinished.
And with each passing year, I feel the weight of time even more.

But in the middle of this restless longing, God gently reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

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💡 The Gentle Reminder

Maybe it’s not about trying to fit everything into one day.
Maybe it’s about trusting that God has given me enough time for what really matters—today.

Instead of being overwhelmed by what I can’t do, I can choose to focus on what I can.
I can enjoy the moment.
Be present with people.
Spend just 10 minutes in quiet with God.
Take small steps toward my dreams.

Because time isn’t just something to be managed—it’s a gift to be treasured.

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🌈 One Day in Heaven…

One day, I trust that I’ll be in heaven.
And there? Time will no longer run out.
No more rushing, no more “not enough hours.”
There, I’ll have all the time I need to rest, rejoice, and worship.

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🕊️ Until Then...

I want to make the most of these 24 hours God gives me each day.
Not by doing everything, but by doing the right things.
By being present.
Grateful.
Joyful.
Faithful.

So I ask you:
Have you figured out how to use your 24 hours wisely?
If not—it’s okay. You’re not alone. Let’s learn together to make every minute count, one grace-filled day at a time.

The "rainbow"

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The Message in the Sky: What the Rainbow Really Means

Last week, I traveled into town by boat. Just as we were about to dock, I looked up—and there it was. A rainbow, arcing across the sky like a message from heaven. It was still raining, but the clouds had parted just enough for sunlight to break through.

And when light and water meet in the sky, a rainbow appears.

It reminded me of something ancient and powerful. A promise from long ago.

“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth…”
—Genesis 9:13–15

That rainbow wasn’t just a beautiful sight. It was a whisper from God—a reminder of His covenant and His presence. But then I wondered: why a rainbow? Why did God choose this colorful arc as a sign between heaven and earth?

I began searching, praying, and reflecting. And what I discovered amazed me. Each of the rainbow’s seven colors has meaning. Together, they form a divine language—a spectrum of spiritual truth.

Let me share what I found, and maybe you’ll see the rainbow a little differently next time too.

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🔵 Blue = Spirituality and Peace

Blue is the color of the sky, the sea, and the heavens. It symbolizes:

• Peace and tranquility

• Communication with self and others

• Divine connection

My thought:
As a child growing up in the countryside, I’d often lie under a tree and stare at the sky. Those moments brought peace. I felt God near, speaking to my heart in silence. Blue reminds me to breathe, reflect, and remember that I am never alone.

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🟡 Yellow = Wisdom and Joy

Yellow mirrors the sun—bright, life-giving, joyful. It stands for:

• Clarity and focus

• Cheerfulness

• Mental sharpness and wisdom

My thought:
Isn’t it true that we all smile when the sun comes out? Especially if you live in “Winterland,” like I do! Yellow reminds us that God’s light brings joy, even in seasons of darkness. He gives wisdom to those who ask—wisdom that shines like the sun.

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🔴 Red = Vitality and Love

Red is bold, energetic, and passionate. It’s the color of:

• Life and energy

• Passion and love

• Physical strength

My thought:
Red reminds me of God’s passionate love, poured out through the blood of Jesus. When we feel unloved or forgotten, red is a vivid reminder: You are God’s beloved. You matter. You are cherished.

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🟠 Orange = Creativity and Balance

Orange is a blend of red’s energy and yellow’s wisdom. It symbolizes:

• Creative flow

• Exploration and joy

• Emotional balance

My thought:
Orange invites us to create, explore, and play. But it also gently reminds us to find balance—between work and rest, passion and peace, goals and relationships. God made us to create, but also to connect.

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🟢 Green = Life and Growth

Green, the color of nature, is a symbol of:

• Healing and health

• Growth and expansion

• Harmony and renewal

My thought:
Green teaches us to embrace growth—even slow, unseen growth. Like plants stretching toward the sun, we grow best when we are rooted in God’s love. Green reminds us that His grace brings balance and life to every part of who we are.

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🔵 Indigo = Spiritual Insight

Indigo is deep and mysterious. It points to:

• Intuition and discernment

• The subconscious

• Spiritual insight and awareness

My thought:
Indigo invites us to search deeper—beyond what we see. It draws us inward, where we can hear God’s whispers and feel His nudges. It encourages meditation, stillness, and spiritual maturity. Be still, it says. And know.

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🟣 Violet = Spiritual Mastery and Compassion

Violet is the final color, symbolizing:

• Spiritual depth

• Love for humanity

• Inspiration and healing

My thought:
Violet reminds us that sorrow can lead to compassion. Pain can birth purpose. As the highest frequency of light, it speaks of spiritual transformation. God uses even the darkest seasons to spark our imagination and heal our hearts.

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🌈 The Rainbow: A Divine Reminder

After reflecting on each color, I felt awe. God didn’t just paint the sky for beauty—He embedded meaning into every hue. The rainbow is more than a visual delight. It’s a message of:

• Peace

• Wisdom

• Love

• Creativity

• Growth

• Insight

• Compassion

Even when we don’t see a rainbow, these colors are all around us—in nature, in art, in our daily lives—reminding us of God’s promises.

So, the next time you see a rainbow, pause. Smile. And listen to what God might be saying through those colors.

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💬 What About You?

Have you ever felt God speak to you through nature—or through color?
What does the rainbow mean to you personally?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the colors of God's covenant together!

Brother's love!

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A Brother’s Song: A Miracle of Love and God's Perfect Timing

By: Joy Lyons | Story originally shared by: Jacquelinemae A. Rudd
Source: Woman’s Day (paraphrased)

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The Beginning of a Bond

Like any loving mother, Karen was overjoyed to discover she was expecting another baby. She wanted her 3-year-old son, Michael, to feel included in the journey, so she began preparing him for his new role as a big brother. When they found out the baby was a girl, Michael became even more excited. Each day, he would sing to his unborn sister in Mommy's tummy.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..."
His sweet little voice filled the home with love and anticipation.

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A Complication No One Expected

Karen’s pregnancy progressed normally, and the family—active members of Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee—looked forward to the baby's arrival. But when labor began, complications arose. What started as routine contractions turned into a tense and painful delivery.

After hours of labor, the baby girl was finally born—but she was gravely ill. Sirens wailed as an ambulance rushed her to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville.

Days passed, and the baby’s condition worsened. Doctors told Karen and her husband to prepare for the worst. Heartbroken, they even began funeral arrangements. The special room they had lovingly prepared for their daughter now seemed like a distant dream.

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A Brother’s Unyielding Love

Throughout those difficult days, Michael never stopped asking to see his baby sister.

“I want to sing to her,” he would say again and again.

But children weren’t allowed in the ICU. Finally, with the baby’s life hanging by a thread, Karen made a bold decision. She would take Michael in, no matter what.

Dressed in an oversized scrub suit, Michael looked like a walking laundry basket. The head nurse immediately objected. “Get that child out of here!” she snapped. “No children allowed in ICU.”

But Karen stood firm.

“He is not leaving until he sings to his sister,” she declared.

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The Miracle Unfolds

Karen brought Michael to his sister’s bedside. The small, frail baby looked barely alive. Without hesitation, Michael began to sing the song he had sung to her in the womb:

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
You make me happy when skies are gray...”

Miraculously, the baby’s pulse steadied. Her breathing became regular—soft, like a kitten’s purr. The nurses and doctors watched in awe.

“You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you...
Please don’t take my sunshine away...”

Healing seemed to pour over the little girl with every note. The tough, no-nonsense head nurse wiped away tears. Karen stood glowing, overcome with hope.

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The Power of a Song, The Grace of God

Three weeks later, the family received the words they had prayed for:

“Your baby is well enough to go home!”

Woman’s Day magazine called it “The Miracle of a Brother’s Song.”
The hospital staff called it a miracle.
Karen called it a miracle of God’s love.

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Faith That Doesn’t Give Up

Michael’s unwavering desire to sing for his sister may have saved her life. Perhaps, in his innocent heart, he believed that if singing gave her life in the womb, it could keep her alive outside of it. And God honored that childlike faith.

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” – Luke 1:37

We, too, must never give up praying. Sometimes we don’t see immediate answers, but God is always working—in His perfect timing.

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God Knocks on Our Hearts

Just like Michael’s song awakened life in his sister, God also sings over us and knocks at the doors of our hearts. But often, we’re too distracted—or too stubborn—to listen.

“For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light, we see light.” – Psalm 36:9

Without God’s presence and His Word, we are lost. But when we tune our hearts to Him, life begins to flourish again.

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A Prayer to Carry Forward

Father, thank You for the life You’ve given us and for providing a way to eternal life through Your Son. Let us be life-bearers in all we do. May everything we touch flourish and multiply for Your glory. Help us see others with Your eyes, hear with Your ears, and love with Your heart.

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Final Thoughts

Who wouldn't want to discover the fountain of life?
Let’s shift our focus toward God—the true source of life, light, and love.
And may we never underestimate the power of simple faith, a child’s love, or the miraculous ways God answers prayer.

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Feel inspired? Share this story and let hope sing loudly in someone else's heart today.

My memorable day!

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 A Memorable Day

Reflections from a boat ride, a hospital visit, and simple joys

An early morning boat gently gliding over calm waters under a cloudy sky, with a peaceful, reflective mood.

I woke up at six this morning—quite early for me—because I was going to town. My youngest daughter looked at me and said, “You look so tired.” She was right. I wished I could have stayed in bed a little longer.

I took the one-hour boat ride to town. The weather wasn’t very pleasant, but I trusted the pilot to bring us safely to our destination. Then a thought struck me: What if I had that same level of trust in God? That kind of deep, unshakable confidence that He will carry me through this life, no matter the circumstances. With that kind of trust, I believe I would experience real peace and learn to enjoy the ride more. That realization was a beautiful awakening for me.

During the ride, I had an hour to sit, pray, or simply look out the window—but I didn’t plan to be idle. I brought my crochet and some yarn to make a potholder. It’s amazing how much we can create with our hands. I love making potholders—they keep me from getting burned when I handle hot pots.

God gave us hands to create and to protect. They weren’t meant to steal, harm others, or destroy. I hope more people remember that when they feel tempted to use their hands in destructive ways. I’m deeply thankful for my hands and that they are still functioning well.

I arrived early at the hospital for a mammography test—a procedure to check for tumors or signs of breast cancer. I had to undress for the x-ray, which made me think: If I were to bare my heart before God, would He find any wickedness there?

Psalm 119:11 came to mind:

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

That’s the secret to keeping a pure heart—keeping God’s Word close and alive within me. A much-needed reminder.

After the test, I had some time to spare before heading home, so I went window shopping. The mall was filled with tempting things—almost everything money can buy. Fortunately, my budget was limited, which helped keep me in check. It made me think about how many temptations we face in life. I prayed for the wisdom to make the right choices—not just in shopping, but in all areas.

While browsing a sale, I was pleasantly surprised to run into my cousin Celeste and her friend Jojo. They were also shopping and were so happy to see me. Since it was close to lunchtime, we decided to eat together at a Chinese restaurant they both love. The food was affordable and absolutely delicious. Sharing that meal with them became a highlight of my day—a simple but meaningful lunch filled with joy and conversation.

After lunch, we browsed a bit more, then said our goodbyes. I took the bus to the boat station and ran into another familiar face—a lady I knew from our village. We took the boat ride home together, chatting the whole way. The journey was far from boring thanks to her company.

Once home, I quickly got ready for my Zumba class. I perspired a lot but felt energized and happy afterward.

Now, freshly showered and relaxing on the couch, I can’t help but feel thankful. It was a full day—a day of deep thoughts, warm encounters, and gentle spiritual reminders.

Yes, today was truly a memorable day.

Wishes, Gratitude, and a Birthday Blessing

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Have you ever wished for a gift you didn’t have?

I sometimes wish God had blessed me with a beautiful singing voice—one that could bring joy and peace to the elderly. I’ve heard that music can be healing for the soul, body, and spirit. But singing isn’t one of my gifts. I’m better at talking than singing, so I leave the music to those who were born with that blessing.
Still, I’m thankful for the ears to hear it and the heart to feel its beauty.

I wish I could play an instrument, too.
But my fingers seem to have a mind of their own! So once again, I admire and enjoy the music created by those who can do what I can’t.

I wish I could draw or paint God's creation.
The sky, the trees, the birds, the ocean—all of it. But I can’t. So instead, I take photos. Capturing even a small glimpse of His masterpiece through a lens brings me joy.

I wish I could write something truly worth reading.
But honestly, I’m not quite sure what that is yet. I do know this: I love to read. Especially books that inspire and uplift.
Reading, for me, is like drinking cold water on a hot summer’s day. It refreshes, it strengthens, and it builds me up when life feels heavy.

Everyone needs a little inspiration once in a while. The world can sometimes feel like it’s crushing us—but a good word, a good book, can help put the pieces back together.

This is my favorite book of all.
It inspires me every single day.
No, I may not be a great storyteller, but I’m endlessly grateful for the stories others have written.
Reading is my passion.
And in that, I find joy.

Yes, I’ve wished for many things.
But God has reminded me that He’s given me everything I need to become who He created me to be.
And for that—I’m deeply thankful.

If I were to list all the things I’m grateful for, the list would be a long one.

My wish for everyone reading this?
May you be blessed by God in every area of your life.
And may you be a blessing to others.

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Charles Dickens once wrote:

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

What a beautiful reminder.

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And finally, today is extra special.
It’s my husband’s birthday.
So I want to say—

Happy Birthday, my love.
You are one of my greatest blessings.

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Thank you for reading.
If this spoke to you, share it with someone who might need a little encouragement today.

Saturday again!

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I woke up with full of energy today! At last its saturday and a free day from work....... Wait a minute! I  have to think.....not really free from work, coz today is cleaning day :)

 

After a quiet time with God I got up and

eat my breakfast. I feel that now I'm ready to start the day.

So I prepared all the things I need to clean the house.  And there was no problem to find dust and dirt everywhere. Our cat have been busy going out and in  the house taking with her dry leaves and dirt, not to mention me and my daughter's mess :)

The sun was shining and I can't help it but to smile and dance while I was cleaning the house. I turned on the radio to listened to music too. And saturday morning has begun.

I put dirty clothes in my washing machine, so that I can hang them outside when its finished.

and iron them later.

Half the day  is gone and still I'm I have a lot of things to do. The energy is running out. I supposed I'm getting older. Maybe it helps to take a break and see what is going on

Well, this is my Saturday!

JOY