The Secret to Spiritual Growth

,

1 Timothy 4:8 — Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

We don’t need motivation.

We need discipline.

This is something I’m learning.

I was talking with my friend Casey the other day because I was so frustrated. I wanted to spend time with the Lord in the mornings. I wanted the journal, the Bible open, and the quiet time.

But wanting it wasn’t the problem.

Casey listened and then shared her story. She told me she felt the same way.

That is, until she got tired of being tired of not growing.

So she simply started waking up.

Now, for months, she’s been having morning devotionals faithfully.

No, she’s not a morning person.

Neither of us are.

And after those first few mornings, her motivation faded like it always does.

But discipline showed up after motivation left.

That’s true with our bodies, and it’s even more true with our souls.

The life we train for becomes the life we live.

The things that shape our schedules eventually shape our hearts.

And that’s what Paul is getting at in First Timothy. Training for godliness isn’t about earning God’s love or proving ourselves to Him.

It’s about growing in the life we’ve already been given through Christ.

Disciplines may feel difficult to build, but once you settle into them, it’s amazing what God can do through simple consistency.

A few minutes in Scripture.

A quiet prayer.

A morning surrendered to God.

None of those things may feel dramatic in the moment, but over time, they shape us.

So maybe it’s not January 1st anymore. Maybe the excitement of a fresh start has come and gone.

That’s okay.

Today is still a good day to begin.

Spend time with the Lord.

Train yourself for godliness.

Take care of the body God gave you, and tend to the soul He’s entrusted to you.

Because a growing relationship with Christ isn’t built on fleeting moments of motivation.

Nope.

It comes when we faithfully show up, one ordinary morning at a time.

And eventually, you may look back and realize that those ordinary moments weren’t ordinary at all.

God was using them to make you more like Jesus.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Where in your spiritual life have you been waiting for motivation instead of practicing discipline?
  • What simple spiritual habit could you begin today?
  • What usually causes you to lose momentum?
  • How can you make time with God a consistent part of your routine rather than something you do only when you feel like it?
  • What would it look like to trust God with the results while faithfully showing up for the process?
/by

Trusting Through Life’s Transitions

,

Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

I know when a season ends, it can feel like the worst thing in the world.

You wonder if you’ll ever get through it. You wonder, “Did I ruin everything?”

But no.

I’m here to tell you—it gets so much better.

I remember feeling that way when I made the decision to step down from coaching volleyball.

I had the opportunity to help start the volleyball program at Ouachita High School, and I coached for five years. I was so proud of what we were able to accomplish.

But by the end of my last season, I was coaching by myself. I was nine months pregnant, and honestly, it was pretty brutal.

I knew I needed to step away the next year, but I wrestled with it. I didn’t want anyone to think I’d abandoned them. It gave me anxiety, and I honestly thought, “There’s no way I’m going to survive this.”

I’m here to tell you…

I did.

And looking back, I can see God’s hand in what I couldn’t see at the time.

God put the right people in place after I left. He mended the places in my heart that hurt, and He opened doors for me to thrive in ways I never could have imagined.

That’s what Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: God knows the plans even when we don’t.

Sometimes we can only see the ending of the chapter we’re in. God sees the whole story.

I know it can feel like that one thing you’re doing is what you were destined to do forever. But God gives you more.

He turns the page.

He gives you the capacity for what’s next.

Your purpose is bigger than one season because your future has always been in His hands. This chapter was never the whole story.

So if you’re wrestling with change today, I know it’s hard.

But don’t hold so tightly to the page you’re on that you miss the next one God is writing.

You may not know what comes next.

But you can trust the One who does.

And I promise you…

It really does get better.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What season of your life are you having the hardest time letting go of?
  • Why is it difficult to trust God when you can’t see what comes next?
  • Can you look back on a past ending and see how God used it to lead you somewhere new?
  • What would it look like to release your current season into God’s hands?
  • What hope does Jeremiah 29:11 give you about your future?
/by

The Red Balloon Reminder

,

Psalms 147:3-5 — He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!

Sometimes being the church means tying up a red balloon in the sanctuary.

When Hannah lost her son, Jude, she experienced a loss no parent should ever have to face. Jude had RCDP, and most children with this disorder live only about ten years. But Jude lived to be thirteen.

When he passed away, Hannah was surrounded by love. Her family was there, and her church family walked closely beside her.

During his service, they had red heart balloons. Before everyone left for the cemetery, one accidentally floated up into the high ceiling of the sanctuary.

“We’ll get it later,” they said.

But they never did.

For five months, that red balloon stayed there.

Every Sunday, in the middle of her grief, Hannah would look up and see it. Somehow it reminded her that Jude was not just a memory… and that God hadn’t stepped away from her broken heart.

Then one Sunday she walked into church…

…and the balloon was gone.

She stood there looking up, searching for it, and began to cry.

That’s when the pastor’s wife noticed. She had been looking for the balloon too. She walked over and simply wrapped her arms around Hannah.

A few weeks later, Hannah returned to church.

There was another red balloon.

Only this one wasn’t floating.

Someone had tied it securely to one of the beams so it wouldn’t drift away.

She asked the pastor, “What is this?”

He smiled and said, “I know it’s not the same balloon. But if this is what it takes to remind you that God loves you and He’s with you in this season, then this is what we’re going to do.”

I love that picture.

Psalm 147 tells us the God who counts every star and calls each one by name is also the God who heals broken hearts.

The One who holds the universe together also notices one grieving mother.

And sometimes, He reminds us of His love through the hands of His people.

So if you know someone carrying a grief you can’t fix, don’t underestimate what one small act of love can mean.

You may become the reminder that they’re not walking through it alone.

Because when God’s people stay close to the brokenhearted, they help make God’s presence visible.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Have you ever experienced a simple act of kindness that reminded you God hadn’t forgotten you? What made it so meaningful?
  • What does Psalm 147 teach you about God’s heart when it says He both names the stars and heals the brokenhearted?
  • Is there someone in your life who is carrying grief and simply needs someone to stay present with them?
  • How can you reflect God’s compassion this week through one intentional act of love or encouragement?
  • When you’ve experienced loss or heartbreak, what reminders has God used to assure you that He was still with you?
/by

Kindness Delivered to Your Door

,

Galatians 5:14 — For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Something that will never, ever go out of style is bringing your neighbors food.

It almost feels like an old-school practice now. You know, borrowing flour or sugar from the neighbors. We’ve kind of moved away from that.

But there’s still something so special about a neighbor or friend saying, “Hey, we have extra. Would y’all like some?”

We have a neighbor we don’t know all that well. Chris has seen him at the gym a few times, and he helped him with a tree last summer.

This past Saturday, he showed up at our house with a box full of fresh, homegrown tomatoes and said, “Hey, we’ve got a whole bunch of tomatoes. Would y’all like some?”

Now, I don’t really eat tomatoes like that, but that wasn’t the point.

They thought about us.

And I just stood there thinking, this is what being a good neighbor looks like.

Paul tells us that the whole law can be summed up in one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Sometimes that love looks like something as simple as sharing what you’ve been given.

Love isn’t usually loud.

Most of the time, it sounds like, “We had extra, and we thought of you.”

That’s what moved me more than the tomatoes ever could. Somebody noticed us. Somebody chose generosity over convenience.

So now I’m going to look up some tomato recipes—not because I’ve suddenly become a tomato person—but because someone else’s kindness made me want to pass that same kindness along.

Grace grows best when it doesn’t stop with us.

Maybe this week, that’s exactly what we should do for our neighbors too.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • When was the last time someone showed you an unexpected act of kindness? How did it affect you?
  • Who has God placed “right in front of you” that you can intentionally love this week?
  • Why do you think simple acts of generosity often leave such a lasting impact?
  • How has God’s love for you motivated you to love others more freely?
  • What is one practical way you can be a good neighbor this week—whether through a meal, an encouraging word, a helping hand, or simply noticing someone?
/by

Wisdom Works When You Listen

,

Proverbs 22:17-18 — Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.

“Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to instruction.”

That’s from Proverbs, and there is so much wisdom packed into those few words.

You know, sometimes it can feel a little embarrassing—or maybe overwhelming—when people start giving you advice. But God often puts people in our lives who are wiser than we are. People who have walked roads we haven’t and who genuinely want to help us.

And we have a choice.

We can say, “I’ve got it. I don’t need your help.”

Or we can say, “Thank you.”

I’ll be honest—I tend to lean toward, “I’m fine.” But if I’m honest, there’s usually a little pride hiding in there.

The other day, I was struggling. My son had probably woken up twenty times during the night, and I desperately needed help.

I started talking with some friends who are much more experienced in motherhood, and they immediately said, “Oh no, Bri, he’s overtired. Cut that nap before bedtime. Keep him up a little longer.”

Try this. Try that.

I was taking notes like a middle-schooler getting ready for an exam.

“Okay. Yep. Got it.”

And wouldn’t you know it? I followed their advice, and he slept through the night.

I just sat there thinking, Wow… wisdom really works when we welcome it.

Because growth often begins where pride ends.

God places wise people around us for a reason. They’re not there to control us—they’re there to help us. Their experience can become our encouragement if we’re humble enough to listen.

So don’t be so quick to rely only on yourself. Sometimes the breakthrough you’re praying for is waiting on the wisdom you’ve been resisting.

Today, lean in. Listen well. And don’t miss the gift God may be giving you through someone else.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Who has God placed in your life to offer wisdom and encouragement?
  • Is pride ever keeping you from asking for or accepting help?
  • Can you think of a time when listening to wise counsel made a positive difference in your life?
  • What area of your life could benefit from the experience of someone who’s walked that road before?
  • What is one practical step you can take today to listen well and receive the wisdom God may be offering through others?
/by

Break Away, Find God

,

James 5:13 — Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.

Don’t forget to take care of you. Even Jesus went off to pray.

And I’m so moved by that.

Jesus walked with His disciples all the time. He was constantly surrounded, constantly needed, and yet there were moments when He would look at them and say…

“Stay here. I mean it. You pray over there, and I’m going to go over here. I’ve got to spend time with My Father.”

It sounds funny, but I think that’s so good.

We love the idea of being available, being helpful, and being everything for everyone. But even Jesus—fully God, fully present, and fully loved—did not live life with constant access.

He stepped away on purpose, not by accident.

James writes, “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.” In other words, no matter what season you’re in, your first response is to bring it to God.

Jesus modeled exactly that.

He needed those quiet moments with the Father, not because He lacked strength, but because He showed us where true strength comes from.

So, I hope you’ll take this to heart. It’s okay to take time for you and the Lord.

It’s not selfish. It’s not extra. It’s necessary.

Honestly, I think a lot of us are worn thin because we skipped that part. We kept pouring out without getting filled back up. But rest isn’t a reward for being done. It’s part of being faithful.

There’s a rhythm to life and spiritual health, so let’s follow His example.

Maybe the holiest thing you could do today is step away.

Just you. And the Father.

Pray if you’re hurting. Praise Him if you’re rejoicing.

And come back whole.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • When was the last time you intentionally stepped away to spend uninterrupted time with God?
  • Are you trying to pour into others without first allowing God to refill your own heart?
  • Whether you’re carrying a burden or celebrating a blessing, how can you make prayer your first response today?
/by

Hard Talks and Healthy Hearts

,

James 1:19 — Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

I think a lot of people hate the C-word.

Conflict.

If we’re honest, most of us would rather avoid it altogether.

But as believers, we can’t just ignore conflict and hope it disappears.

Now, I may be a little unusual. I don’t enjoy tension, but I’ve learned that healthy conflict often leads to healthier relationships. Things tend to get better on the other side of a hard conversation.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Most of us would rather have an argument, let a little time pass, and then pretend it never happened. We grab lunch, change the subject, and hope the awkwardness fades away on its own.

But the Lord gives us a different path.

He tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

There’s so much wisdom in that order.

Before we defend ourselves, we listen. Before we react, we pause. Before anger takes over, we seek understanding.

When we approach conflict that way, something changes. We can love the person in front of us while still standing for what is right and true.

That’s the Jesus way.

And maybe that’s the invitation today—not to rush in with louder words or stronger opinions, but to slow down enough to really hear someone.

Because healthy relationships require both courage and restraint.

After all, healthy conflict rarely hurts relationships.

Avoiding it often does.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Is there a conflict I’ve been avoiding instead of addressing with grace and honesty?
  • Am I approaching difficult conversations by listening first, or by preparing my response?
  • What would it look like to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” in one relationship this week?
/by

Pause Before You Post

,

Psalm 94:19 — When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is close the laptop.

You can feel it when it’s time. You’re halfway through typing a response on social media when you notice your jaw a little too tight and your head is hurting.

It’s easy to get that way. Online you see this group fighting against that group. Everyone is an expert. Everybody wants to be heard, and before long, you feel the urge to jump in, take a side, and say something too.

But sometimes I see it all unfolding and think, Lord… this is not the way.

Because when I’m overwhelmed, overstimulated, or frustrated, I don’t always say the best things. I speak too quickly. I react, and that doesn’t bring life.

So, I’ve learned, as unnatural as it feels, to just close my device and go spend time with real people. At home, in a coffee shop…it doesn’t matter. I’ve realized that a real conversation is better than a comment section.

Sometimes I’ll do that. Other times, I’ll open my Bible. Better yet, I’ll do both.

There is simply something about sitting with Jesus that brings peace. His word says, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

When your soul is shouting, wisdom sometimes sounds like stepping back instead of speaking up. It looks more like leaning in than lashing out.

If you’ve been overwhelmed lately, maybe it’s worth taking a day off the internet. Sit with someone you love. Say good things. Laugh at something simple and do something that’s actually good for your soul.

Because in the end, the noise online may not stop, but you can still choose which voices get to shape you.

And sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is close the laptop, open your Bible, and let the voice of Jesus be the loudest one in the room.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What kinds of situations tend to leave your heart feeling crowded with worry or frustration?
  • How can you tell when it’s time to step away from the noise and spend time with God?
  • What role does Scripture play in bringing peace to your mind and heart?
  • Are there voices competing for your attention that may be drowning out God’s voice?
  • What is one practical way you can make space this week for Jesus to be “the loudest voice in the room”?
/by

Joy At The Door

,

Habakkuk 3:18 — I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

There’s nothing like when “Dada” comes home.

Most evenings, it’s just me and Lennox. The toys are scattered, dinner plates sit half-finished, and you can feel it… He’s getting tired of me. Not in a harsh way, just in a toddler kind of way.

My husband Chris works another evening job, and I’m grateful for it. I really am, but when that door unlocks at the end of the day and Lennox sees Chris, everything changes. His eyes light up. He shouts for joy, and just like that, he’s gone.

There’s no hesitation and no dragging his feet. His whole body is basically saying, “See ya Mom, I’m going to my dad.”

It’s not because anyone told him to, but because something deep inside my son knows— Dada’s arms are where I belong.

I believe we were made for that kind of response. It is God-given.

Somewhere along the way, though, we learn to hesitate. We get distracted. We carry disappointments, responsibilities, and burdens that weigh us down. Sometimes life doesn’t feel joyful at all.

And yet, the invitation hasn’t changed.

Habakkuk wrote those words during a season when everything around him seemed uncertain. Yet he made a choice: “I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.”

Not because life was easy, but because God was still good.

God is our Father, and He is near. What would it look like to turn towards Him with that same instinctive joy? To rejoice in the God of your salvation and to drop whatever you’re holding to let love—not obligation, fear, or routine—be the thing that moves you?

And maybe faith, at its core, isn’t as complicated as we’ve made it. Maybe it looks a lot like that small pair of feet hitting the floor, heart wide open, running toward the Father who just walked in the room.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What tends to distract you from experiencing joy in God’s presence?
  • When was the last time you felt excited to spend time with God?
  • How does Lennox’s instinctive response to his father challenge your view of faith?
  • Are there circumstances in your life right now that make rejoicing difficult?
  • What would it look like today to turn toward God with trust, delight, and expectancy?
/by

From Compassion to Checkmate

,

1 John 4:11 — Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

It started with a chessboard and an almost-missed moment.

I have a really good friend named Martina—she lives in Shreveport—and one day she went out to coffee at her favorite spot. There was a guy there who was sitting outside playing chess by himself, and he looked up and said, “Hey, do you want to play?”

She thought, “Not really.”

But then something inside her nudged her heart, and she said, “You know what? Yes!”

She sat down, and they moved the pieces back and forth. Little by little, he started opening up. You could hear the disappointment in his voice. As they played, he started opening up. He told her he’d drifted away from Jesus after his great-grandmother passed away. Somewhere in his grief, he’d stopped believing altogether.

And listen, grief is grief. It doesn’t matter how old someone is or how long you’ve had them. Loss hurts. But what struck Martina was that this woman had lived to be 112 years old. What had been an extraordinary gift somehow felt, in his pain, like something had been taken from him.

But Martina didn’t argue. She didn’t preach. She just stayed and listened. She played another round, and by the time they said check mate, she already made the decision to come back.

Every week, she would make it her mission to play another round of chess with him. She knew his grief tried to rewrite the story about who God is, but she became determined to introduce him to God’s real love that tells a different story.

And not just her. She began pulling in a few friends and sending them to go and play chess too. To be community for this man.

And when Martina told me that story, I thought, “This is what love looks like.”

Love doesn’t always show up with the right words, but it always shows up.

Love shows up because we’ve already been loved first. As Christians, we’ve experienced the greatest love of all through Jesus.

So maybe it looks smaller than you expected. Maybe it’s coffee. Maybe it’s a park bench. Maybe it’s you and a couple friends deciding to keep showing up for someone who’s silently drifting.

And somewhere between the first move and the next, a person who thought God had abandoned him might begin to see that God was pursuing him all along.

All because someone pulled up a chair.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Who in your life may need someone to simply show up and listen?
  • When has someone else’s kindness helped you see God’s love more clearly?
  • Are you waiting for the perfect words when God may simply be asking you to be present?
  • What “chessboard” opportunity might God be putting in front of you right now?
  • How can you intentionally reflect the love you’ve received from Christ this week?
/by