The Connection Corner

Discover Strength Through Prayer

Daily Devotional, Lauren Kitchens-Steward

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Colossians 4:2

There was a quiet spot in the kitchen, just by the little fireplace. That was Mom’s place.

Every morning, before the day had a chance to pull her in every direction, she would sit there with her hands wrapped around a cup of coffee, her Bible in her lap. I can still see her, head bowed, whispering prayers that felt strong enough to hold up the walls of our home.

She never rushed and never let the weight of the day steal that time away. No matter what the day held—bills, doctor’s appointments, hard phone calls—she returned to that little corner like it was an anchor. And somehow, no matter what storm was brewing, she always found peace there.

I did not understand it then, not really.

But I do now.

I know what it is to wrestle with God in the quiet—whispering desperate prayers for a husband I had not yet met, for children I did not know if I would ever hold, for friendships that broke my heart, for parents I had to say goodbye to too soon.

And in every season, whether I was waiting or weeping, questioning or rejoicing, I found what she found.

There is a place in prayer that holds you steady when you don’t know what else to do. It is a place where the presence of God wraps around you like breath of fresh air. The answers do not always come right away. The pain does not vanish overnight. But in that space, you are not alone.

Maybe today, you need a place like that too. It does not have to be fancy. Just quiet enough to take a breath, to whisper Jesus’ name, and to lay it all at His feet. Because that is where real strength is found. And it has been waiting for you all along.

February 20, 2025/by Lauren Kitchens-Steward

A Life that Shines

Daily Devotional, Lisa Williams, Uncategorized

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Rick never sought the spotlight, but his life shone brightly. His was kind and steady. He listened and cared. To those who knew him, it was clear—his love for God was real.

His friends had always admired that about him. He was made to care for people. That was just who he was.

But just two weeks after graduating from nursing school, Rick’s journey ended. A sudden heart attack took him from this world, leaving everyone in shock. But as they gathered in a packed funeral, they realized his story was not over.

One by one, people shared how Rick had made a difference in their lives. As they spoke, the common thread was undeniable. Rick’s faith had shaped his entire life, and in doing so, it had spread like wildfire, igniting others along the way.

Then, something unexpected happened.

As the pastor finished speaking, fifteen people stood. One by one, they made their way to the front. They hadn’t come just to grieve. They came to surrender their lives to the same God Rick had loved.

His friends sat in stunned silence. They had never seen anything like it. But in that moment, they understood—our lives preach a sermon, whether we realize it or not.

Rick didn’t know this moment would come. He was just faithful. And because of that, fifteen people will spend eternity with the same God he loved.

So today, when you wonder if your kindness, your faith, or your small acts of love even matter—remember Rick. Someone is watching. Someone is listening. And one day, friend, you may find out that the way you lived led someone else straight to Jesus.

Because a life lived for Christ never stops making an impact.

February 19, 2025/by Lisa Williams

Setting Boundaries for a Better Life

Andy Youso, Daily Devotional, Uncategorized

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”

James 5:12

Have you ever promised yourself that this year would finally be different? Maybe you picked a word, set a goal, or made a resolution—then life got in the way. I get it.

A few years back, I set a goal to take better care of myself. Let’s just say it is still a work in progress.

At the time, I was a dad in full survival mode. Leftover chicken nuggets? Sure, I’ll eat them. Kids’ untouched fries? No problem. I told myself I was preventing waste, but really, I was treating myself like a human trash can.

It was not until I hit a wall that I realized something had to change. My health was suffering, and so was my peace. I began to see how my actions stemmed from something deeper: a lack of self-worth.

I had been saying yes to everything—to extra obligations, to people who drained me, to food I did not even want—because I thought my needs did not matter. But that mindset left me physically tired, emotionally burnt out, and spiritually distant from the life God wanted for me.

Little by little, I started setting boundaries. I said no to the leftovers, the unnecessary commitments, and the things that weighed me down. I did not do it to be selfish, but I wanted to make room for the things that mattered most. And you know what? My family got a more present version of me, my health improved, and my heart found space to grow closer to God.

Here is what I have learned: Love is not about doing more. It is about doing what is best. God never asked us to carry every load. He invites us to let go of what weighs us down so we can hold on to what gives life. You do not have to do it all. Set down what is not yours to carry, and trust God to lead you into freedom.

February 18, 2025/by Andy Youso