Some days, I feel the weight of everything I carry. Can you relate? As women, we fill many roles, wear many hats, and hold up many people and responsibilities. Our families and households (and everything that entails), our influence in our churches and communities, our friendships and relationships that make life beautiful and full—these are gifts, but they can still be heavy at times. In those times, we can turn to uplifting bible verses for women for encouragement. This is the third in the series if you want to catch up here and here.

I don’t know about you, but I’m often tempted to be a “Martha” in all the busy-ness. I get caught up in the doing and forget about the “better part” Jesus describes in Luke 10:38–42. Family, friends, and work matter deeply, but none are more important than spending time with the Lord and receiving the peace that only He can give.

Even good things can become distractions if we’re not careful. Set your priorities early—first things first. When I become “busy about many things” and allow them to squeeze out the “better part,” my peace is always the first thing to go. But God invites women into His peace and teaches us to trust Him in every circumstance. When we allow Him to set our pace, we receive both the calm our hearts crave and the productivity our lives require.

Uplifting Bible Verses for Women: Finding Peace and Trust in God

Peace can feel far away when life becomes overwhelming, and trust can feel shaky when the future is unclear. Yet God invites His daughters to experience a peace that settles the heart and a trust that strengthens the soul. These uplifting Bible verses for women offer gentle reminders that God is near, attentive, and fully capable of carrying the worries we were never meant to hold alone. If your heart feels restless or your mind anxious, these Scriptures offer a place to breathe again.

The Peace That Guards Your Heart and Mind

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6–7

Paul encourages the Philippians—and by extension, you and me—that God doesn’t shame anxiety. Instead, He offers a way to bring it all to Him. God doesn’t stop at “don’t be anxious.” He says, “Here’s how to deal with the anxiety I know you’ll face.” He doesn’t ask you to ignore it or pretend it’s not there. He invites you to bring every concern to Him in prayer.

Jesus understands us. He became one of us and experienced humanity firsthand. Hebrews 4:15 describes Him as our High Priest who sympathizes with every struggle (without sin—a truth we can’t overlook!). We can be as honest as Job and still be confident that we will be heard, loved, and given the peace we desperately need.

And here’s a freeing reminder: the peace that passes understanding comes after bringing our worries to God—not from having perfect control.

How Prayer and Gratitude Bring Calm in Every Situation

I remember a particular season of significant change in my life. I don’t resist change, but I don’t exactly welcome it either. I like my routine! Even though I felt confident in the Lord’s guidance, the process wasn’t easy.

One afternoon, a friend called to check in. When she asked how I was doing, a thought flashed through my mind: “hit the highlights”. Instead of processing the hard parts, I began voicing the praise. To my surprise, the list was long. I even had to shorten it so I wouldn’t waste her time! As I spoke, I encouraged myself without expecting to.

(A quick note: it wouldn’t have been wrong to share the difficulties too—but in that moment, what my heart needed most was gratitude. I’ve returned to that moment many times and been reminded again and again to start with thanksgiving. God’s plans are good, even when we can’t see all the details.)

My friend rejoiced with me, then reminded me of something I had forgotten: “Jennifer, you’re stepping into your God-given dream! Do you remember telling me this vision years ago?” I didn’t—but her words gave me such timely encouragement.

Friend, we can turn worry into prayer and adopt gratitude as a posture of trust.

Releasing Anxiety Through Prayer

The peace that surpasses understanding doesn’t just soothe—it protects. His peace “will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.  This guarding peace shields both our emotions and our thoughts. Philippians 4:6–7 remains one of the most comforting Bible verses for women navigating anxious moments or overwhelming seasons.

Uplifting Bible Verses for Women: Trusting in the Lord, Even in Uncertainty

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5–6

Let me give you a gentle warning in advance: if you don’t love the next statement, I’m with you! I don’t always love it either. But truth is truth, so here it is: trusting in the Lord requires surrendering our need to understand everything. His guidance, like His Word, is “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105) — and sometimes all He gives us is the next step.

Trusting God’s Plan, One Step at a Time

This past year, I learned something important about myself: what I want is the entire plan, all at once. A full blueprint. A clear timeline. A step-by-step itinerary. But God knows me better than I know myself. He knows I can only handle smaller pieces at a time — the lamp unto my feet, not the floodlight for the entire road.

Looking back, I realized that the plan unfolded one step at a time, and it gave me yet another reason to be grateful for His wisdom. Emotionally, I couldn’t have handled knowing everything all at once. But steps? Steps were manageable.

That phrase “with all your heart” reminds us that trust is holistic, not partial. My role is to give Him my whole heart, all of my trust. The partial part is this: I only see a piece, but He sees the whole. I have learned that He reveals it little by little, step by step.

H3: Learning to Submit Your Way and Follow God’s Direction

So what happens when we truly trust the Lord? When we give first priority to His wisdom instead of relying on our own limited understanding?

It can feel backward, especially when our natural instinct is to “fix it” ourselves. But here’s the proper order: submitting to God first brings clarity, direction, and peace. Let go of the overthinking. Ask God for His direction in every decision — the big ones and the small ones. Lean into Him even when the path ahead is still blurry.

The truth is, our judgment is limited. We have blind spots. We can’t see what He sees. The Lord knows best, and His Word promises that “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28) — even the things that don’t seem to make sense.

On days when you feel unsure, Proverbs 3:5–6 is one of the most comforting Bible verses for women who need renewed trust in God’s guidance.

Uplifting Bible Verses for Women: Receiving the Peace Jesus Promises

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.” John 14:27-29

I cannot think of a better place to end our series than with a red-letter promise, straight from Jesus Himself. He gives this peace to us Himself. He leaves this peace where we can easily access it, in His presence.  He tells us Himself that we do not need to be troubled or in fear. 

You know what my favorite part here is?  When He says, “now I have told you before it comes”. That statement assures me that He knows the end from the beginning, and He does tell us what we need to hear at the very moment we need to hear it.

A Gift of Peace the World Cannot Give

Jesus offers a peace unlike anything the world can give. He is our true source of peace. Worldly peace, the substitute the world offers, is temporary, fragile, dependent on circumstances.  Christ’s peace is steady, firm, and with us regardless of how circumstances seem to us.  His peace is what we need.

Embracing Christ’s Steady Presence in Fearful Moments

In the midst of fear and uncertainty, we can experience Christ’s peace.  Though we may have taken this as a suggestion in the past, moving forward I want you to see this as a command: Jesus tells his followers, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

His peace speaks to all the real-life fears women face—worry, insecurity, future unknowns, stress, caregiving, emotional load, and burnout. We experience His peace by staying rooted in relationship with Him. To receive a gift, you have to be close enough to the giver to receive it. In the same way, staying close to Jesus allows His peace to pass from His hand to yours.

If you’re searching for Bible verses for women that offer deep reassurance, John 14:27–29 is a powerful reminder of the peace only Christ can give.

Bible Verses for Women: How God’s Peace and Trust Work Together

Peace flows from trust, and trust deepens as we experience God’s peace. Philippians 4:6–7 and Proverbs 3:5–6 teach us how to pray and place our trust in Him; John 14:27 shows the result: Christ’s steady, unshakable peace. Together, these bible verses for women create a complete picture of peace and trust in God.

Final Encouragement for Women Seeking God’s Peace

As you meditate on these verses, may you feel the steadying presence of God drawing near. His peace is not fragile—it guards, protects, and anchors your heart in every season. His wisdom is limitless—it guides, directs, and straightens your path.

Whatever you are facing today, release it into His hands. Trust that He is working on your behalf, and let His peace surround your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

If you’re seeking comfort, strength, or encouragement, these Bible verses for women are reminders that God’s presence, wisdom, and peace are always within reach. God is near. God is faithful. God is guiding you. His peace is yours to receive—it is a treasure.

Bible Verses for Women: What's Next?

As we close out this series, I want to encourage you to highlight these bible verses for women in your own bible so you can return to them easily when you need strength or peace. Let's continue the conversation on the podcast - subscribe to @JenniferWSpivey on YouTube so you don't miss an episode! Visit Connect Mentoring Network for the blog, more resources, and to learn about the benefits of a Christian mentor! I'd be so honored to walk alongside you as you grow in Christ. I'm looking forward to connecting with you again soon!

In my life, I have moments when faith feels fragile and strength seems far away - perhaps other women can relate? Even in these times, God’s Word reminds us that we are never left to navigate life in our own power. These uplifting Bible verses for women reveal a God who keeps His promises, clothes His daughters with strength, and stays close to us in every season. If you are seeking renewed courage, deeper peace, or reassurance that God is with you, I hope these Scriptures will encourage and uplift you as they do for me. These uplifting Bible verses for women remind us that strength and faith come from God’s promises, His presence, and our identity in Him.

Uplifting Bible Verses for Women: Trusting God’s Promises in Seasons of Waiting and Believing God Will Fulfill His Word

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”  

Luke 1:45

These encouraging words from Elizabeth to Mary encourage me today.  Mary visits a dear friend while she herself was in a season of uncertainty.  Elizabeth praises Mary for having faith in advance: “she who has believed that the Lord would”.  Look at the tenses here: Mary “believed” (right now, already believing) that the Lord “would fulfill” (He hasn’t fulfilled His promise just yet). Mary hasn’t seen the fulfillment of the promise yet, but has no doubt that He will come through.

Have you ever found yourself in that “in-between” time? Oh friend, I have. The Lord spoke, the Lord gave guidance, the Lord gave assurance through His Holy Spirit - but the evidence of His hand has not yet been revealed in the natural. You know the in-between: a prayer for healing that has not yet come, a prayer for the prodigal who has not yet returned home, a prayer for peace in a time of transition before the next season is fully revealed….

While you are in-between, know that you are blessed in the believing even before the fulfillment! Your God is faithful and the fulfillment of His promise to you is coming! This is the time to lean in to the Scripture, find and confess those uplifting Bible verses for women.

How Faith Strengthens Women Through Uncertainty

I am also encouraged by Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s encouragement (go on and read Luke 1:46-56!). When Elizabeth reminds Mary that there is a blessing to believe the Lord in certainty and uncertainty alike, Mary’s faith is strengthened again. Don’t miss verse 56: “Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.” If you need community, find it.  Help is not less valuable if you have to ask for it.  Friendship is not less valuable if you have to ask for it. In an uncertain time, Mary exercised her faith AND sought out community to strengthen her. 

God sees your need.  His plans for you are good.  He cannot lie.  ““Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.” Make that statement personal, re-write it with your name. Luke 1:45-56 is a passage of powerful and uplifting Bible verses for women who want to strengthen their faith during seasons of waiting.

Bible Verses for Women: Embracing God-Given Strength and Dignity; Confidence Rooted in Identity, Not Circumstances

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” 

Proverbs 31:25

I like how the Amplified translates this: “Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].” 

The “Proverbs 31 woman” is sometimes comfort and sometimes challenge to me, LOL!  In this verse, I am encouraged, and I notice the same future tense that we see in Luke 1:45 - she is smiling during the “in-between”.  She is dressed and prepared in advance of the promise fulfilled, smiling at a future that is yet unseen and has not come to pass. 

In certain times and uncertain times alike, our Proverbs 31 woman prepares in advance, dresses in strength and dignity in advance, and is able to smile in the in-between. Ask yourself: are you smiling at the future?  To be honest, I love when the Lord reveals a new season - and also I feel the in-between keenly. I’m rarely the one to initiate change - I generally get happy where I am and enjoy a routine.  However, (I didn’t know I was gonna quote Will Smith,  but here we are), “if you stay ready, you ain’t got to get ready”. In a change of season, Scripture is an anchor for us, a place to stand.

In this way, we can live anchored in God’s promises rather than anxious in circumstances.  We can carry ourselves with God-given identity. We can face the unknown with a peaceful heart.  We can smile at the future, even when the only surety is that God’s plans are good. Again: lean in to the Scripture, find and confess those uplifting Bible verses for women.

Laughing at the Future Because God Holds It

In smiling at the future like our friend in Proverbs 31:25, this uplifting Bible verse for women encourages us to embrace our God-given purpose with confidence - whether or not we know exactly what the future holds! Stay in the Word at all times - stay ready so you don’t have to get ready! 

Anchored by God’s Presence When Life Feels Overwhelming; Learning to Rest in God’s Ever-Present Help

“God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.”

Psalm 46:5 

Before I lose you here, I know that the “she” in this verse refers to a city. However, it works for our purposes and doesn’t damage the integrity of the Word. Psalm 46:5 is a favorite, possibly one of the most comforting Bible verses for women seeking reassurance of God’s nearness and support. God is in your midst!  Another favorite verse with that phrase: 

“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Look at all these references to the future: she shall, God shall (Psalm 46:5); He will, He will, He will, He will (Zeph. 3:17). While we are in our in-between, God’s promises stand. His presence is a source of unshakeable strength - if we accept it! 

Another point to note: even in chaos, God upholds and steadies. Nothing is uncertain to Him, even when times may feel uncertain to us. One more maybe even more important point to note: “She will not fail” because God holds her, not because she strives harder. (I need to spend more time on this one in a future blog - let’s put a bookmark there for another day!) This is the Lord’s work - trust Him as He cares for you and your in-between.

Walking in God’s Promises Every Day

As you continue reflecting on these uplifting Bible verses for women, remember that spiritual strength grows the same way physical strength does — through consistent, intentional practice. Faith isn’t about having everything figured out; it’s about choosing to trust God in the small moments just as much as the big ones. Whether you’re believing for a promise, navigating change, or simply trying to stay encouraged, God meets you in the everyday places. His Word gives you wisdom for decisions, peace for anxious thoughts, and courage to keep moving forward. When you return to Scripture again and again, you’ll find that God steadies your heart and reminds you of who you are in Him: chosen, loved, and never forgotten.

Strength, Faith, and Peace That Lasts Through Every Season

In every season, God equips His daughters with faith, strength, and courage. His Word anchors your heart and reminds you who you are in Him. As you reflect on these Bible verses for women, may your heart be steadied by the truth that God is within you, strengthening you, guiding you, and speaking His promises over your life. Whether you are waiting, rebuilding, hoping, or simply trying to stand strong, He is faithful. Let His Word anchor your identity and remind you that in every moment, you are held, supported, and deeply loved by the One who calls you His own. Isn’t that a treasure?

Let’s visit again next week with more uplifting bible verses for women - and we can continue this conversation on the podcast this week! Subscribe at https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferWSpivey so you don't miss anything. If you are looking for growth in 2026, consider a Christian mentor! I would be honored to walk beside you - check out the resources and membership here on www.connectmentoringnetwork.org and let's grow together!

This year, what if we chose something deeper? Let's take a look at reflections vs resolutions.

As we step into 2026, many of us feel the familiar pull of a new year—the clean slate, the fresh start, the pressure to decide who we will become in the next twelve months. I was ready to let go of 2025, and I'm excited for a new day in 2026 - check in here if you missed my last blog.

If you are like me, "resolutions" seem to come to mind at the same time we think of a new year: goals to be thinner, stronger, more productive, more organized, more disciplined. While there is nothing inherently wrong with resolutions and goals that gear toward growth or intentionality, the danger is that our focus so easily drifts toward self-improvement while quietly neglecting soul formation.

Psalm 65:11 declares, “You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” This is not a picture of us striving to make the year good - it's a picture of God Himself placing a crown of goodness upon it. The year ahead is not crowned by our resolve, our willpower, or our perfectly executed plans. It is crowned by the goodness of God. That truth invites us to begin the year not with pressure, but with trust. That truth may lead you to make reflections vs resolutions.

Reflections vs Resolutions:

Rather than asking, “What do I want to accomplish this year?” perhaps the better question for 2026 is, “Who am I becoming in Christ?”

Where have I been tempted to trust my own effort more than God’s goodness as I look ahead?

Scripture consistently calls us away from frantic striving and toward faithful abiding. In Isaiah 43:18–19, the Lord says, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” God is not merely interested in helping us refine old patterns—He is inviting us into something new altogether. New depths of trust. New ways of walking with Him. New levels of surrender that cannot grow in soil cluttered by yesterday’s disappointments or successes.

However - perceiving the “new thing” God is doing requires space. Stillness. Souls that are not overcrowded by noise, hurry, and self-imposed expectations.

Reflections vs Resolutions:

Rather than asking, “How can I improve on last year?” perhaps the better question for 2026 is, “Who am I becoming in Christ as He does something new in me?”

What former things might God be inviting me to release so I can perceive what He is doing now?

We live in a world that rewards hustle and measures worth by output. Even within Christian spaces, we can quietly absorb the belief that spiritual maturity is proven by how much we do for God. Yet Scripture reminds us that transformation flows from identity, not activity. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This is not a future promise—it is a present reality. In Christ, we are already made new. Growth in the Christian life is not about earning a new identity, but learning to live from the one we have been given. When we forget this, our faith becomes performance-driven, and intimacy with God slowly gives way to pressure.

Reflections vs Resolutions:

Rather than asking, “What spiritual habits should I add this year?” perhaps the better question for 2026 is, “Who am I becoming in Christ as I live from my new identity?”

Where might I be striving to prove my faith instead of resting in who I already am in Him?

Tending a soul is slow, intentional work. It looks like lingering in Scripture instead of rushing through a plan. It looks like prayer that is honest rather than polished. It looks like creating margin to listen, repent, trust, and return—again and again. Soul care is not flashy, but it is where intimacy with God is cultivated.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” These words were spoken to people in exile—people living in the tension between promise and fulfillment. God’s good plans do not eliminate hardship, but they anchor us in hope and faithfulness while we wait.

Reflections vs Resolutions:

Rather than asking, “How can I control what happens this year?” perhaps the better question for 2026 is, “Who am I becoming in Christ as I trust His plans?”

What would it look like to tend my soul instead of trying to manage every outcome?

As we enter 2026, many of us carry unseen burdens from the year behind us—losses, unanswered prayers, fatigue from doing all the “right things” without seeing fruit. Choosing intimacy with Christ does not ignore those realities, but it reframes them. Faithfulness is not measured by visible success, but by quiet obedience, daily surrender, and continued trust.

We can be confident of this: as we are faithful to God, He will surely be faithful to us. He always has been. He always will be.

Perhaps this year, we release the pressure to reinvent ourselves and instead choose abiding over striving. We choose depth over distraction. Faithfulness over frenzy. Formation over performance. Reflections vs resolutions.

May 2026 be a year crowned with His goodness. May your soul be tended with care. And may your greatest growth be found not in what you accomplish, but in who you are becoming in Christ. What a treasure that would be!

Let's continue the conversation on the podcast! Join me on Thursday at 10:00 - subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferWSpivey

Want help achieving your resolutions in 2026? A new cohort is forming now at wwww.connectmentoringnetwork.org. All kinds of resources, all at your fingertips and all at your schedule. A Christian mentor can make all the difference - let's connect and grow together in 2026!

This one is different, I just wanted to reflect on my year, record it, save it so I can look back. Today I think I could never forget 2025, but time always seems to move on.... I also left this one at www.jenniferwspivey.org, that site has always been more personal. Thanks for hanging with me - maybe you had a 2025 too, and can relate. I'm glad we're connecting today:

2025 was that year for me.

I don’t think I realized how much 2025 took out of me until I finally paused long enough to look back. It was a year of so many changes—some expected, some sudden, some welcome, some unwelcome. A year where my mental, spiritual, and physical reserves were stretched in ways I never anticipated. In the same twelve months, grief can sit beside joy, loss can hold hands with gain, and exhaustion can coexist with wonder. That was the paradox, the tension, the beauty of this year.

Some years ask more of us than others. Some years feel like an uphill climb. Some years stretch us until we’re not sure how much more we can give. 2025 was that year for me.

Some years give more than we ever expected. Some years feel like a downhill run with the wind at your back. Some years fill you until you’re not sure your heart can hold any more gratitude. 2025 was that year for me.

All the changes—good ones, hard ones, and everything in between—pulled at my mental, spiritual, and physical energy. There were days I handled it with grace, and days I handled it with grit. 

And then there were days I handled it only because God held me together. (Can anyone else relate to “fake it ‘til you make it”? Those 29 years of “pastor’s wife frozen smile and I’m fine” came in handy on some days…. )

Some things this year turned out exactly as I had hoped or envisioned. Those were the moments that felt like fresh air—like God placing a gentle hand on my shoulder and whispering, “See? I’m working.”

Other things turned out so differently I had to fight to keep my footing. I had to remind myself to breathe, to pray, to steady my heart.

Some things came to such an abrupt halt that it made my head spin. Change that sudden can be jarring, even when we know God is sovereign.

And then—right alongside the hard—there were moments so full of joy I could hardly contain them. Laughter that surprised me. Blessings that overwhelmed me. Grace that arrived at the perfect moment. 

This year, seasons ended. New seasons began. Some doors closed quietly, others slammed shut. Some opened gently, and some burst open wide with opportunity.

Joy and grief sat in the same room.

Consolation and celebration shared the same table.

Loss and gain held hands.

I learned—again—that life rarely separates its emotions neatly.

2025 was that year for me.

Yet through every part of it, God was in it all: not just at the points of triumph, not only in the moments of clarity. He was present in the chaos, the confusion, the uncertainty, the exhaustion.

He was faithful when I felt strong.

He was faithful when I felt undone.

He celebrated when I celebrated.

Some days, He showed me the entire picture—how things fit together, where He was leading, how the pieces connected, how the dark was overcome by the light.

Other days, all I could see was the dark contrast. I couldn’t trace the outline. I couldn’t see the movement. I just had to trust that the dark would work with the light, that His hand was still shaping something good, that tomorrow would bring the illumination I lacked today.

2025 was that year for me.

I remembered an old song, and as the lyrics flooded back with all the memories that came along with it, I couldn’t stop the tears: 

Tears and fears and feeling proud to say, "I love you, " right out loud

Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way

But now old friends, they're acting strange; they shake their heads, tell me that I've changed

Well, something's lost, but something's gained in living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now, from win and lose and still somehow

It's life's illusions I recall, I really don't know life at all

The gift is that I don’t have to know life at all - I have to know the One who holds all the days that string together to make a life.  I’m so grateful He holds this for me.

I think that’s one of the hidden gifts of a hard year, a blessed year, a growing year, a year that was all things at once: it teaches us to trust God not only when we understand Him, but also when we don’t. It teaches us that His goodness is not dependent on our clarity, and His faithfulness is not limited by our strength or our weakness.

Looking back, I can say this with certainty:

• God did not waste a single moment of my 2025.
• He used every joy, every shock, every ending, every beginning.
• He held every tear and strengthened every step.
• He stayed close when my world felt unsteady 
• He celebrated with me when new life blossomed.

And as I step into a new year, I’m carrying these truths with me:

• Even when something is lost, something is gained.
• Even when the scene changes, God remains.
• Even when I can’t see the full picture, His hands are already framing the next chapter.

And the next chapter is good - it will be good for you, too. As the psalmist said in 65:11, “You crown the year with Your goodness , And Your paths drip with abundance." He did that in 2025 - 2025 was that year for me, His goodness, His abundance, exactly what I didn't know to ask for. He’ll do it again in 2026, in 2027, in 2028, and so on until Jesus Christ returns. We are assured of that too, that  “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). 

I don’t know what the coming year will bring, but I do know this—I will walk into it with the same God who faithfully carried me through this one. His faithfulness and steadfast love is always the treasure <3 

How was your year? What are you looking forward to next year? I'd love to walk with you - check out Connect Mentoring Network and see how a Christian mentor can be a benefit - this community is created for you!

I hope I didn’t present Job’s friends as the picture of healthy godly friendships – they made some mistakes, as we all do.  However, Job did keep them around.  That’s a lesson in itself, isn’t it?  We don’t get “done” with people, even though seasons may change. We can learn a lot of lessons from Job's friends. (you've heard the saying, "Sometimes there's a blessing, sometimes there's a lesson" - let's take the lesson from Job's friends today!)

If you didn’t read last week’s blog post, better catch up here. Come right back after you read it and let’s continue this conversation!

Job’s friends get a bad rap, but I honestly think that they meant well, and there are even lots of words they say that are true –

“God is famous for great and unexpected acts; there’s no end to His surprises” 5:9

“what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you” 5:17

“Does God mess up? Does God Almighty ever get things backward?” 8:2

“God will set everything right again, reestablish your fortunes” 8:6

“God is far higher than you can imagine, far deeper than you can comprehend” 11:7

I do think the friends mean well, but it is almost as if they are speaking without the experience of deep pain.  They want to point out God’s goodness, but then immediately connect Job’s troubles to Job’s behavior. They cannot seem to understand why these things would happen when a God whom they know as good is on the throne.  They’ve got to explain it away by calling Job’s test a punishment. It’s as if they want to plug God into a “if you’ll do this, He’ll do that” formula, but life isn’t that simple.

This is my opinion, but I wonder if Job’s friends tried to explain God in this way to protect themselves.  Their theology did not leave space for struggle or grief. In their experience, if you were “good”, then God protected you and these things didn’t happen. Seeing Job in this situation had to punch a hole in that for them - “if this could happen to Job, it could happen to us… No, it must be that Job did something wrong and made God angry…. Job, just repent and get your life back….” That was the “safer” explanation. 

We make these same mistakes in our ministry, leadership and friendships today sometimes. Job’s friends do a few things wrong here: 

• they jumped to conclusions without considering the full scope or hearing the whole story - their conclusion was that Job must have sinned, and that his present circumstances were a punishment 
• they over-spiritualized Job’s pain, turning a moment that called for compassion into a lecture on morality
• they assumed insight without asking questions, without asking clarifying questions or seeking to understand his experience

What was needed in the moment for Job was presence.  He needed the comfort of a friend more than he needed answers or solutions for his situation, and they moved too quickly. 

There’s a reason Scripture calls us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). It’s not just about sympathy—it’s about entering someone’s sorrow long enough to reflect the compassion of Christ. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is simply sit still beside someone who’s hurting. When we show up with listening ears and a soft heart, we mirror the gentleness of Jesus, who never rushed people through their pain but met them right in the middle of it.

In leadership and ministry, this takes humility. It’s not easy to resist the urge to fix, explain, or quote a verse that ties everything up neatly. But real friendship and godly care don’t demand resolution—they offer presence. When we slow down long enough to listen, we are communicating, “You’re not alone. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m staying.” That kind of love ministers more healing than any well-meaning advice ever could. Job's friends did stay - let's give them credit for that!

When leaders move too quickly, we risk replacing empathy with advice, and presence with analysis. True ministry begins with careful listening, humility, and the patience to let God’s truth unfold rather than rushing to conclusions. Job’s friends missed an opportunity to minister peace to Job in his troubles. How painful it must have been for Job to listen to this as he grieved.

Sometimes friends are trying to help, and don’t know how to do it – forgive them.  Sometimes friends don’t know how to help, so they ignore the situation (and possibly you) altogether – forgive them. Don’t shy away from relationship, using past hurts as an excuse.  Trust that the relationship will give you the opportunity to grow, and the Lord will fill in the blanks.  Even when there must be a loss of relationship (sometimes it must be), trust Jesus to give you the continuity of community that you desire.

For now, Job is still in the middle. I want to hang out until we see his restoration, don’t you?  Let’s come together on Thursday as we continue this conversation on the podcast, and come back to the blog next week as we continue this series on the blog!

In the Kingdom of God, we are called to be cheerleaders not competitors. Competition has no place in Heaven, and it doesn’t reflect the heart of someone who truly understands what God is building. Instead of comparing, striving, or competing with others, we are invited to celebrate the gifts, opportunities, and victories God gives to those around us.

When I spent weeks blogging and podcasting about seasons of transition, I kept returning to this principle: whether you are the incoming leader or the outgoing leader, you are not the comparison—you are the cheerleader. This applies to every single person in the body of Christ. If you are serving Jesus, you are serving the Body—not creating competition within it. I have to say it over and over: we are cheerleaders not competitors!

Cheerleaders Not Competitors: Why Competition Has No Place in the Kingdom of Christ

Think about what comparison does. It isolates. It fuels insecurity. It says, “If you succeed, there’s less for me.” Let me remind you, friend: that is a lie straight from the enemy. God is not limited. Someone else’s blessing does not diminish your portion. If anything, it should remind you of the greatness of the Giver. There is no place for a scarcity mentality here - because we are cheerleaders not competitors!

The Body of Christ: Working Together in Unity

When we forget this, we start comparing, striving, and even resenting what God is doing in someone else. There are red flags there, so hold up—Scripture reminds us over and over that we are one body. A hand should not work against another hand. An elbow should not oppose an eyeball. A shoulder should not trip up a toe. Each part matters. Each part plays a role. The body can only function properly when each part works together in unity.

Celebrating Others: A Kingdom Mindset

Cheerleaders, on the other hand, celebrate progress and victory—whether or not they are the ones holding the trophy. They wave the banner of encouragement, not envy. They make noise for someone else’s moment because they know that when one part of the body thrives, the entire body benefits. They are cheerleaders not competitors!

Cheerleaders Not Competitors: Lessons from Scripture

Peter’s Overflowing Catch (Luke 5)

Luke 5 paints this picture beautifully. When Jesus told Peter to put his nets back into the water after an exhausting, fishless night, the catch was so large that the nets began to break. What was Peter’s first reaction? Did he say, “I’ve got to keep this all to myself”? No. Scripture says he signaled for his partners in the other boat to come and help (Luke 5:6-7).

What God was doing for Peter was not just about Peter. It was about blessing others. It was about enlarging the circle of provision and letting the miracle overflow into other people’s boats.

Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice (Romans 12:15)

Paul makes this clear in Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” This is not a suggestion—it is a command. A Christlike posture sees another’s success and says, “Thank You, Lord, for what You are doing in them—and through them—for all of us.”

Strength to Strength Together (Psalm 84:7)

Psalm 84 gives us another glimpse of God’s design for His people: “They go from strength to strength; till each appears before God in Zion” (v. 7). Notice the wording: they go—not he or she, but they. The psalmist is painting a picture of a people on pilgrimage together, drawing strength not just from God, but from one another, until every single one of them reaches the destination.

Cheerleaders Not Competitors: Living as a Cheerleader, Not a Competitor

When I imagine standing before the Lord at the end of my race, I don’t want to come empty-handed or with a spirit of rivalry. I want to arrive arm in arm, hand in hand, raising up my brothers and sisters, celebrating what God has done in all of us. I want to know that I spent my life building others up—not tearing them down, not comparing, not competing—but cheering until the very end. Cheerleaders not competitors!

The beautiful truth about following Christ is that this is not a race where only one person wins. There are no podiums in heaven—only crowns laid at the feet of Jesus. We are all running toward the same finish line, all pursuing the same glory—His glory.

Cheerleaders Not Competitors: Conclusion

Friend, refuse to engage in competition within the body of Christ. Let’s cheer one another on with every ounce of faith and joy we have. When we finally stand before the Lord, my prayer is that we’ll be together—arm in arm, hand in hand—celebrating the goodness of God in all of us. Truth belongs to the Lord. Every gift, calling, or opportunity He places in our hands is not for our glory, but for the benefit of the body of Christ—and when we share joyfully, when we are cheerleader not competitors, we share a treasure!

This morning, I’ve been thinking about a promise from Jesus that doesn’t usually make it onto Instagram feeds or coffee mugs. It’s not the one we highlight with glittery pens or turn into wall art, but it is a promise—and it’s one that speaks to real life:

“In this world you will have tribulation.” John 16:33 (NKJV)

Tribulation. Storms. Struggle.

“Praise the Lord from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word.” Psalm 148:7–8 (NKJV)

These aren’t the moments we rush to post online. We tend to reserve our social media feeds for the highlights—the celebrations, the breakthroughs, the pretty parts of the journey. But what about the fire? The hail? The stormy wind?

Even the stormy wind fulfills His word. That’s hard to grasp sometimes. We believe God is with us in the peaceful places—but what about when life gets loud and chaotic? What about when we’re tossed around by disappointment, uncertainty, or waiting?

The Bible never promises a life free of storms. But it does promise purpose in them and presence through them. Storms don’t disqualify you from God’s promises. They may, in fact, be the very setting where those promises are forged more deeply into your soul.

Scripture also says this:

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NKJV)

The end is better than the beginning. But what about the middle?

What about that awkward, stretched-out space between where we started and where we hope to end up? What about the gap?

There’s often a long and confusing distance between the first step of obedience and the moment of breakthrough. Between the letting go and the stepping in. Between the storm and the rescue.

That in-between space is hard.

It’s tempting to question the path, doubt the decision, or wonder if we’ve missed something. But more often than not, the gap is exactly where God is growing our faith.

Maybe you’re in that space today. You said “yes” to something God placed in your heart. You followed His leading. You obeyed. But now… things feel quiet. Or messy. Or painful. Or like nothing is happening at all.

If that’s you, I want to encourage you: the gap is not evidence of God’s absence. It’s an invitation to deeper trust.

Jesus didn’t stop at “you will have tribulation.” He continued with confidence and compassion:

“But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

He reminds us that we’re never alone. Not in the joy and not in the struggle. Not at the finish line and not in the wilderness. He has already overcome—and that changes everything.

This morning, a friend texted me a verse she’s been holding onto—a “light at the end of the tunnel” kind of promise. It immediately lifted something in my spirit, and I want to share it with you, too:

“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” Psalm 112:4 (KJV)

Light in the darkness.

What a beautiful phrase. Not just light after the darkness. Light in it.

God doesn’t wait for the storm to end to show up. He doesn’t wait for you to figure it out before offering His compassion. He is gracious and kind and righteous—right in the middle of your mess.

The gap doesn’t mean you’re lost.

It doesn’t mean the story is over.

It just means you’re in the middle.

The middle matters more than we often realize. It’s where character is shaped. It’s where trust is refined. It’s where you learn not just to believe in God’s promises—but to believe in His heart.

If you find yourself in a waiting season today, I want you to know:

You are not behind. You are not overlooked. You are not forgotten. You are simply between the beginning and the breakthrough. The storm may still be raging, but the Lord is still speaking. The fire may be refining, but His compassion is still surrounding. The path may feel uncertain, but His presence is steady and sure.

So hang in there, friend. You don’t need to see the whole map to trust the One who wrote it. You don’t need the full ending to rest in the Author of your story. You don’t need a picture-perfect update to prove that God is working.

He is working - and when the light arises you’ll see how deeply He’s been present in the process all along.

So if you’re in the gap today—between the step and the arrival, between the storm and the rescue—take heart. You’re not alone. You’re not empty. You’re not forgotten. And you're not alone - I'm here with you.

You’re walking with the One who has already overcome - and that is a promise, a treasure, worth holding on to <3

Among all the other changes and life events, we moved about three years ago.  Not to a new town, just a new house.  With all the "babies" grown and moved out, I guess it was time to downsize. In my dining room, I have these floating shelves above my sideboard, super cute.  I love to decorate them with my favorite things.  After having so much fun decorating them for Christmas, I decided I would do a subtle little "nod" to Valentines - I put out my paternal grandmother's formal china with its little pink rosebuds, got a few pink things from Hobby Lobby and Target (and even had a Valentines dinner for some friends with pink chargers!).  Fun! (oh how Mama Annie would love it too, seeing her dishes so loved!)

   

Since Christmas and Valentines Day were so much fun, I decided a little "nod" to St Patrick's Day would be fun too, so off to my favorite shops I went!  Turns out, St Patrick's day is not subtle.... everything I saw was pretty "loud", sparkly, not the little "hint" of shamrocks I had hoped for, but then I remembered: my little Irish girl! Can we take a little rabbit trail together? 

My maternal grandmother collected music boxes.  Lots of them, shelves and shelves, boxes and boxes.  I loved playing with them when I was small. Some were very large, some were very expensive, but all of them were out - she didn't mind when we played them. This little Irish girl plays "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling", but have your earplugs handy when I start her up - she's so out of tune, it will give you a headache when she plays. Her dress is cracked, someone glued her back together long before I was around. Her paint is worn off in places.   I have very specific memories of this one when I was small - every time I got down the music boxes, I made sure she was one of them. I remember feeling sorry for her, thinking that no one would play with her because she was broken and didn't play a pretty tune.  I always thought no one would want her, so I made sure to give her some attention when I visited.  Isn't it funny the things were think when we are young?

When my grandmother passed away, my mother, aunts and uncle asked the grandchildren if there was anything in the house we would like.  I don't think anyone objected when I requested the little Irish girl, and I was so pleased to bring her to my house. Today, she was the perfect "nod" to St Patrick's Day for my floating shelf.  I decided to display my maternal grandmother's china along with her music box - it might not be "St Patrick's Day official", but it makes me smile.  It makes me remember.   (oh how Super Nana would have loved this too!)

You know, these little treasures - china and chargers and music boxes - all contain little lessons. Titus 1:15 says, "To the pure, all things are pure". I think this means that God can speak to me in everything if I focus my attention on Him, let my desire for His truth be the filter through which He speaks to me. So, today the lesson is about a broken, out of tune, faded out, old music box.

She doesn’t sparkle. She doesn’t sing sweetly. She doesn’t work quite right. Her dress is cracked. But she’s still treasured - not because of how well she performs, but because of who she belonged to, and the memories she holds. I don’t love her because she’s perfect—I love her because she belonged to my grandmother and now she belongs to me.

And isn’t that just like the Lord?

We may be cracked. Our song may be off-key. We may feel forgotten, or passed over, or patched together one too many times. Even in our imperfections, God chooses us. Loves us. Delights in us. Simply because we are His.

Psalm 22:30 says, “Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord" (NLT). I want to be the kind of woman who tells. Who shares. Who puts broken music boxes on the shelf and pink chargers on the table and celebrates every season of life, because every one is a gift. I want to be a bridge between generations—passing down beauty and brokenness, faith and joy, love and legacy.

And in this way, even my little broken Irish girl becomes a treasure <3

“I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.”  Genesis 17:7

My two-year-old grandson and I love SeaWorld. At this stage in his life, we see it more as a zoo than a theme park. We love to stroll the paths, admire the aquariums, and see the animals above and below the water. He especially loves the shows. He loves the orcas, sharks, Elmo’s train…. He has a lot of favorites, and that makes life with him so much fun!

Last week, I invited his dad/my son to join us for the day. As we sat together at the orca show (his favorite!), my grandson crawled up into my lap. I kissed the top of his head, breathing in that familiar mix of sweat and sunscreen, the universal cologne of little boyhood. Suddenly, I was transported back in time to when his dad was two years old and snuggled in that same spot. That weight, that warmth, that love, that memory brought tears of joy to my eyes.

Watching my grown son hold his son’s hand as they walked through the shark tank (oh wait - the sharks are his favorite!), or laughing as he crammed his 6’4” frame into a tiny seat on Elmo’s train (that's also his favorite, LOL!), I was struck with gratitude—not just for the sweetness of the moment, but for the enduring goodness of God from one generation to the next.

The promises of God are not limited by age or time. Genesis 17:7 speaks of God’s everlasting covenant—not just with Abraham, but with his descendants. This is the beauty of generational faith: God doesn’t just call me to follow Him—He invites my children, my grandchildren, and their children after them.

We’re not saved by bloodline, of course, but there is an incredible grace in seeing the thread of God’s faithfulness continue through the generations. Psalm 145:4 declares, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” There is no greater joy than watching your children carry on the faith you’ve labored to live out.  One day, God willing, I’ll see my grandson begin to walk that same path.

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.” Psalm 78:4

If we embrace this season with joy, we’ll discover its own special anointing. We become the storytellers of the family faith. That’s my call, and yours: to speak life into the next generation—not just through Bible stories, but through our own testimonies. Tell them about the time God provided when I had nothing. Share how He healed, how He carried me through heartbreak, how He surprised me with peace when it made no sense. These aren’t just stories—they’re spiritual inheritance.

Holding my grandson, watching him gaze at his dad with adoration, I felt it deeply: this is what blessing looks like. Not just health or happiness or financial security, but the continuity of love and faith. My grandson is just the cherry on top!

“Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.” Joel 1:3

There’s something profoundly holy about watching your grown child parent their own child with gentleness, laughter, and strength. It’s a glimpse of God’s faithfulness—not only in your own life, but in theirs. (Since this post is so personal anyway, I'll just continue: I'm in awe watching my son and daughter-in-love parent. They are excellent, and their children are surely blessed).

Faith passed down becomes more than memory. It transforms from something we talk about to something we live out, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand. From the stroller at SeaWorld to the altar at church, from Elmo’s train to the truths of Scripture, every moment is an opportunity to pass along something eternal.

“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21

I’ve been in a season of transition, and know from experience that transitions can be hard. Watching the years unfold brings tears and joy in equal measure. However, these transitions in my family have been a joy and ease: my son becoming a husband, then a dad, me becoming a GiGi. What a joy to hold a child in your arms and know that the God who held you all these years is now holding them, too.

To tell of God’s mighty works, and to declare that His mercy truly endures from generation to generation - that’s my treasure today and I am taking it all in! <3

 “Where are you?” Genesis 3:8

Genesis 3 has a very familiar history - even if you quit your “bible in a year” reading plan, you most likely made it to Genesis 3 at least! Adam and Eve disobey the Lord. When God comes to the garden, Adam and Eve hear Him and attempt to hide from Him in their shame. 

That question in Genesis 3:8 always catches me. God is calling to Adam, but it’s not because He doesn’t know where Adam is hiding. This isn’t a case of “I lost track of you.” It’s more like: “Adam, do you realize where you’ve ended up? Do you know how far you’ve drifted?”

It’s a sobering moment. And to be honest, it hits a little close to home sometimes.

Have you ever had one of those “where am I?” moments in life—not physically, but spiritually? Perhaps you looked up one day and thought, “This isn’t where I thought I’d be. This isn’t who I intended to become”. Sometimes it’s subtle. You’re still serving, still showing up, still saying all the right words. But internally? You feel a little off-track. A little lost. A little… somewhere else.

Let’s settle this up front: God knows exactly where you are. Hebrews 4:13 reminds us, “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

There’s not a thought you’ve had, a step you’ve taken, or a secret pain you carry that He hasn’t seen. He is not confused about your location or your situation. But sometimes—like with Adam—He asks you to think about it. He invites you to pause and evaluate: Where am I, really? Am I walking with Him… or hiding behind something?

We’re not talking about self-condemnation or self-indulgence.. This isn’t about spiraling into guilt or chasing perfection. It’s about simply and humbly coming before God with an open heart and asking: Father, am I still on the path You set for me?

• Am I obeying what You asked me to do?
• Am I still growing, or just going through the motions?
• Am I clinging to comfort when You’ve called me to courage?

Sometimes we can get so caught up in doing things for God that we forget to walk with Him. Ministry, leadership, even devotion can become routine if we’re not intentional. And before long, we can be physically present but spiritually off course.

Think about a GPS for a second. If you take a wrong turn, it doesn’t shame you. It doesn’t yell, it doesn’t call us names. It simply says: “Recalculating.”

In love, the Holy Spirit does the same. He gently prompts us back to center. The real question isn’t “Does God know where I am?” The real question is “Do I know where I am in relation to Him?”

• Are you following closely behind Him, even when the path is narrow?
• Are you hanging back, afraid of what’s ahead?
• Are you running ahead, trying to lead the way?
• Are you sitting down on the side of the road, discouraged and unsure if you even want to keep going?

If you feel off-track today, here’s the good news: God is still calling. The same voice that called out to Adam is calling to you. He’s not calling in anger. He’s not waiting to lecture you. He’s offering you an invitation to walk with Him again, to realign with His heart and His purposes specifically for you. Even when we are off-track, that knowledge of His character should give us peace.

That question—“Where are you?”—isn’t about punishment. It’s about restoration. It’s an opportunity. A chance to recognize where you are, so He can lead you where you’re meant to go. He knows the path, even when you can’t see the next step - and it’s a treasure when we let the Lord take the lead!