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Which Thief Are You?

Good Friday. It brings a mix of emotions—shock, wonder, sadness, joy… and a dose of reality when I think about the two thieves beside Jesus on the cross.

Because the truth is—we’re not just like one of them.

We are one of them.

Both had broken pasts. Both were guilty. Both were equally close to Jesus in that moment.
But one rejected Him… and one reached for Him (Luke 23:39–43).

And that’s the difference.

Sometimes we like to soften our story, but if we’re honest—we’ve all wandered, messed up, and found ourselves in places we never thought we’d be. We don’t stand at the cross as spectators. We hang there in need of grace.

And yet, Jesus doesn’t meet us with condemnation.

He meets us with grace.

The thief didn’t offer a résumé.
He didn’t perform.
He didn’t clean himself up.

He simply said, “Remember me.”

And Jesus responded, “You will be with me.”

No checklist. No perfection. Just a heart that turns toward Him.

It’s never too late.

The question isn’t whether we’ve failed—the question is how we respond when we’re face-to-face with Jesus.

Do we turn away… or do we turn toward Him?

When we stumble, we don’t need to hide in shame. Shame isn’t from God. That’s not His heart.

Run to Him.

His arms are open. His grace hasn’t gone anywhere—it never has.

Get back into the Word. Let Him speak to you again. Because shame isn’t from God—love is. Grace is. Forgiveness is.

That’s the kind of Savior Jesus is.
Yesterday, today, and forever.

Happy Easter.

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Out Of The Depths

1 Out of the depths I call to You, O Lord!

2 Lord, listen to my voice; let your ears be attentive to my cry for help.

3 Lord, if you consider sins, Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that you may be revered.

5 I wait for the Lord; I wait, and put my hope in the Lord.

6 I wait for the Lord more than a watchmen for the morning – more than watchmen for the morning.

7 Israel put your hope in the Lord.  For there is faithful love with the Lord and with Him is redemption and abundance.

8 And He will redeem Israel from all its sins.  

Depths – Forgiveness – Waiting – Hope – Love – Redemption

No matter how low I have been, or will be, I am glad that I can cry out to a living Savior and receive His mercy, His redemption and abundance.

He came.  He lived.  He died.  He rose again.  He lives!

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Everyone Needs a Little Nic In Their Life

A few weeks ago, Deb and I drove to Harlan to honor a friend.

We spent four years in Harlan (2001-2005), and nights like that remind us how much those relationships still matter — and how deeply they still impact our lives today.

Nic Christensen spent 19 seasons on the Harlan boys basketball staff before retiring last year alongside Hall of Famer Mitch Osborn. But his influence reaches far beyond the bench.

Nic has lived with cerebral palsy since the age of two. Now 43, he has built a business, helped coach championship teams, drives his own van with hand controls, and has brought joy to countless people — including us. Last week, he added another title: Harlan Athletic Booster Club Hall of Famer.

After the games, we gathered and listened to stories. It became clear that Nic isn’t just respected — he’s deeply loved. His mom often says, “Everyone needs a little Nic in their life.” She’s right.

She shared a story I hadn’t heard before. After a frustrating day trying to get his driver’s license in Council Bluffs — a day that didn’t go as planned — Nic and his mom sat quietly on the side of the road. She finally asked, “Nic, if you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?”

She waited. Two long minutes.

Then Nic answered, “I can’t think of anything.”

I still tear up writing that as I hear him saying that in his own voice.

We could all use a little more Nic in our lives.
And we could all choose to be a little – or a lot – more like him. 

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What’s Important Now

What’s Important Now?

The news that legendary coach Lou Holtz passed away this week prompted me to spend some time revisiting his life and leadership. If you ever watched him speak, you remember the energy. He was passionate, motivating, and deeply principled. His success on the football field was remarkable, but what may have been even more impressive was the way he lived by the values he taught.

One of the ideas Coach Holtz often shared was the acronym W.I.N. — “What’s Important Now?” He challenged his players to ask themselves that question at least 35 times a day.

Imagine what that would require from us.

Discipline – Staying committed to what truly matters.

Action – Seeing a need and stepping in to meet it.

Choice – If we make roughly 30,000 decisions each day, let at least 35 of them bring us back to what matters most.

Presence – Being fully in the moment we’re in.

It won’t always be easy. In fact, the best things rarely are. If it were easy, everyone would do it.

But think about the impact if we consistently ask ourselves: What’s important now?

For the people we love and the people we lead, that question could change everything.

His final speech.

Features his three simple rules.

1) Do what’s right.

2) Be the best you are capable of being.

3) Show people you care.

Thanks for the lessons Coach. 

All the way to the end.

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One Word 2026

Yield means I release control — my ego, my timelines, my outcomes — to God. I stop forcing what I was never meant to carry and make room for what only He can do.

I’m learning that my limits are not weaknesses; they are invitations. When I reach the end of my strength, God’s strength begins.

Yielding isn’t giving up. It’s giving over.

A yield sign while driving reminds me of this truth. You don’t stop moving, but you don’t force your way forward either. You slow down. You look. You wait for the right moment to merge. You recognize the flow is bigger than you, and rushing ahead can cause damage.

Yielding to God works the same way. When pressure builds, I yield instead of pushing. When I don’t have answers, I yield instead of pretending. When fear or pride rises, I yield instead of resisting His leading. I can’t see everything coming — but God can. So I trust His timing and allow myself to be carried forward by His plan.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” (Psalm 37:5)

Prayer:
Lord, teach me to yield — not once, but daily. Where I am weak, be strong. Where I hold on too tightly, help me let go. I trust You to do what I cannot. Amen.

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Thankful For Growth

Through trials, failures, successes, and relationships, we grow. Growth is rarely comfortable—it stretches us, challenges us, and pushes us beyond our limits. But growth is the evidence of God’s work in our lives.

When we pause and reflect, we see how all these experiences work together to shape who we are. Be thankful for the journey and the growth it produces. Look back at how far you’ve come, and be encouraged for the road ahead.

Scripture for thought:

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!”

2 Peter 3:18

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Thanksgiving Day

Thankful For People And Relationships

Today, on Thanksgiving, take a moment to be grateful for the people in your life. Family, friends, teammates, mentors—they shape, support, and encourage you.

Sometimes the greatest blessings come through the people who lift us, challenge us, and walk beside us in both easy and hard moments. Take time to express gratitude. Let them know they matter. Relationships are one of God’s greatest gifts.

Scripture for thought:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

1 Chronicles 16:34


Happy Thanksgiving Friends

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A Journey of Thankfulness Day 3

Thankful for Success

Success is a blessing and something to be thankful for. When you have gone through trials and failures, success becomes even sweeter.

The key is balance. Don’t bask in it for too long. Life is a journey—a road we must keep traveling. Celebrate your wins, but remember: there’s always a next step.

“Every success is usually an admission ticket to a new set of decisions.” — Henry Kissinger

Your planning, hard work, and perseverance produce results. Take a moment to celebrate, and then move forward to what’s next.

Scripture for thought:

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Proverbs 16:3

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A Journey of Thankfulness – Day 2

Thankful For Failures

Some failures are our own doing; some are out of our control. No matter the cause, failure is always an opportunity to grow, to change, and to become better.

If we embrace it, is it really failure? No. We will be better because of it. And when we look back, we can even be thankful for it.

“Failure is never fatal. But failure to change can and might be.” — John Wooden

Don’t fear failure. How you respond, learn, and grow from it is what will define you. Every setback is shaping you into a stronger, wiser version of yourself.

Scripture for thought:

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

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A Journey of Thankfulness

Thankful for Trials

This week, let’s pause and reflect—not just on what we have, but on all we’ve experienced. Life is full of challenges. Some are small, some shake us to our core.

Trials are never fun, but they are opportunities. They teach patience, resilience, and faith. The struggles we face prepare us to help others who may walk a similar path. When we allow trials to teach us, they are never wasted.

Be thankful for the trials—they strengthen you, shape you, and ready you for what’s ahead. Perspective is everything.

Scripture for thought:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:2-3

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🚨 NEW BOOK RELEASE! 🚨

I’m excited to share that my latest book, Made New – Living the Life God Blesses, is now available!


This book is for anyone who’s tired of living in two worlds—the old self that holds you back and the new self God calls you into. Based on Ephesians 4:17–24, it’s a bold and honest look at what it means to fully step into the life God intends for you—one of surrender, purpose, and true transformation.


If you’ve ever felt stuck, divided, or unsure how to move forward in your faith, this is for you. I don’t write from the finish line—I write from the journey.


📖 Get your copy today
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Let’s live the life God blesses—fully, freely, and faithfully.

Contact me for group pricing. 

Free leader study guide included. 

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What If God Already Told You?

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

What if the answer you’ve been praying for… already came?

Sometimes, we ask God to reveal His will while quietly ignoring the nudge He already placed in our spirit.  The truth is, many times we do know what we’re supposed to do—we’re just hesitant to step out in faith.  Fear, doubt, or the comfort of the familiar can keep us from moving forward, even when the path is clear.

God’s voice doesn’t always thunder from the heavens.  More often, it whispers in the quiet places of your heart.  That persistent stirring? That quiet conviction?  That’s the Holy Spirit guiding you, reminding you that He’s already spoken.

So pause.  What does your heart tell you?  Not your emotions, but the Spirit-shaped truth resting deep within.  God doesn’t just give direction—He walks with you in it.

Don’t miss His will because you’re waiting for a louder voice.  Obey the whisper.  The time to act may be now.

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The Freedom Path

Not every open door is right,
Not every flame deserves your light.
The world will pull from every side,
But peace walks where God’s truths abide.

The easy road may charm your pace,
But leads you far from love and grace.
The narrow way, though steep and still,
Will shape your heart and bend your will.

Each choice you make—a step, a seed,
That feeds your soul or fuels your need.
But freedom comes when we let go,
Of lesser things we used to know.

Set eyes on Him, and not the race,
Not fleeting praise, but lasting grace.
In God’s great plan, you’ll find your way—
A life that sings, when you walk in HIS way.

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Forever Free

Redemption isn’t about what I’ve done — it’s about what’s been done for me.
Even when I have wandered, grace breaks the chains of guilt and shame, and God’s love rescues me and leads me back home. 

Forever Free
by Todd Gordon

I wandered far on roads unknown,
Chasing dreams not quite my own.
But grace pursued with steady light,
A quiet voice that pierced the night.

I stumbled through the weight of shame,
Yet mercy met me just the same.
No anger burned, no judgment thrown—
Just arms of love to bring me home.

He wiped the dust from off my face,
Clothed me in undeserved embrace.
Where death once ruled, now hope takes breath,
A soul revived, redeemed from death.

Now in His peace I choose to stay,
The guilt is gone, He’s shown the way.
I once was lost, but now I see—
Forever held, forever free.

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Stacking Stones Devotional

Day 30: Running the Long Race

Change is a marathon—keep running.  Keep stacking stones daily.  Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) says, “…run with endurance…” Every step’s His—trust.  How will you endure?

You may lag at times—restart—He’s faithful.   Are you tiring?  Press on—He’s near.  God’s not done.  He never will be—keep going.

What’s your chase?  Grit, grace—He’s your finish.  Run today—He’s with you.  Always!

Keep Stacking Stones!

Questions:

  1. What change do you chase?
  2. How will God help you?

Let’s Stay Connected – You were made for this moment.

If this something in this post meant something to you, I’d love for you to stick around:  

Leave a comment – I would really enjoy hearing your thoughts.

Share it with someone who might need it today.  

Thanks for reading and being a little part of this moment.  

Keep Stacking Stones!

Todd

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God Already Knows

In the quiet of your heart, where worries creep and grow, There’s a truth that shines like the dawn: God already knows.

The fears that weigh your spirit, the paths you cannot see, He holds them in His hands, with a love that sets you free.

The outcome of your trials, the burdens that you bear, Are written in His story, woven with His care.

Trust Him in the shadows, when doubt begins to call, For God is ever-present, He’s with you through it all.

No storm can shake His promise, no night too dark to roam, He carved the way before you, and He will lead you home.

So rest within His mercy, let anxious thoughts be stilled, God already knows your heart, and His plan will be fulfilled.

Walk boldly in His grace, with faith as your guide to show, That through every step you take, God already knows.

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Stacking Stones Devotional

Day 29: Shining Every Day

Virtues shine—speech, love, faith (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV). Young, old—We’re still growing them, still learning.  Pick one—live bold.  God uses it—light others’ paths. How will you reflect that virtue?

I’ve stumbled—in my 30s, in my 60s—but virtue keeps calling.  It’s calling you too.  Kids or elders—faith still teaches.  Are you dim? Shine—someone sees.  Our challenges test love—but they can still reflect Christ through them all.

What’s your virtue?  A daily yes, a daily I’ll try my best matters—He’s crafting you.  How will it bless?  You may never know, but start now—He’s wanting to shine through you.

Keep stacking stones to keep shining His light and goodness for others.

Questions:

  1. Which virtue can you grow?
  2. How will it bless others?

Let’s Stay Connected – You were made for this moment.

If this something in this post meant something to you, I’d love for you to stick around:  

Leave a comment – I would really enjoy hearing your thoughts.

Share it with someone who might need it today.  

Thanks for reading and being a little part of this moment.  

Keep Stacking Stones!

Todd

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Stacking Stones Devotional

Day 28: Grace That Echoes

Grace outlasts words.  Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) urges, “Be kind…” I’ve seen kindness stick—good quotes fade.  Live with kindness and grace—your legacy lives in your actions.  A gentle touch—Christ’s mark.  What grace can you give?

I’ve rushed at times—missed chances—but remembering grace has slowed me.  Made me more effective. 

Remote life tempts distance—God calls for nearness.  Don’t let distance keep you from being near people.  Are you harsh at times?  Soften—it will last longer and be more effective.

How will you shape lives?  I’ve seen grace heal old wounds—yours can too.  Trust Him—and make it an  eternal trust.  Are your actions echoing Christ?  If not, start today—He’s in it.  Always. 

Keep stacking stones.

Questions:

  1. How can you show grace?
  2. What’s your legacy?

Let’s Stay Connected – You were made for this moment.

If this something in this post meant something to you, I’d love for you to stick around:  

Leave a comment – I would really enjoy hearing your thoughts.

Share it with someone who might need it today.  

Thanks for reading and being a little part of this moment.  

Keep Stacking Stones!

Todd

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Stacking Stones Devotional

Day 27: Trust Through the Waves

Storms prove trust.  Psalm 46:1 (ESV) calls God “…present help in trouble.”  Mom’s faith—2004, her life in the balance—taught me: “Trust Jesus.”  He always holds—always.  He’s there—calming, guiding.

Doubt’s human—faith’s divine.  I’ve wavered at times—He hasn’t.  Are you sinking? Cling—He’s bigger.  Your storm will pass.  How will you rest?  Trust is not just a theory—it is very real.  God will steady you.

What tests you?  He’s your refuge—lean in.  Peace comes—He will support you when you trust in Him. 

Stacking stones is not always easy, but He is there to help you keep stacking. 

Questions:

  1. What storm tests you?
  2. How can you rest in Him?

Let’s Stay Connected – You were made for this moment.

If this something in this post meant something to you, I’d love for you to stick around:  

Leave a comment – I would really enjoy hearing your thoughts.

Share it with someone who might need it today.  

Thanks for reading and being a little part of this moment.  

Keep Stacking Stones!

Todd

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Stacking Stones: A 30 Day Journey of Faith and Change

Change.  It’s a word that stirs both hope and hesitation.  We crave it—dreams of becoming more, living better, drawing closer to God—but it’s daunting too.

Where do we start?  How do we keep going when life shifts beneath us?  This 30-day journey, Stacking Stones: A 30-Day Journey of Faith and Change, is about just that—pursuing transformation, one small, faithful step at a time.

It’s not about overnight miracles or grand leaps; it’s about stacking victories, adjusting sails, and trusting an unchanging God through an ever-changing life.

Think of it like building a cairn—those stone piles hikers use to mark a trail.  Each stone’s small, but together, they guide you home.  The heart of this devotional beats with a simple truth: big change grows from small wins.  Scripture backs this—Paul pressed on toward the goal (Philippians 3:14), Zechariah celebrated small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10), and Jesus built unshakable lives on daily obedience (Matthew 7:24).

My life taught me this too. I’ve faced storms—losing my mom in 2004, shifting careers—and found God faithful in the mundane. 

Whether it’s a kind word or a tough choice, these moments stack up, shaping us into who He calls us to be.  This isn’t theory; it’s lived faith—gritty, real, and full of grace.

You’ll notice my 5K goal woven through these pages—a personal thread tying it all together.  Why the 5K?  It’s not about running; it’s about pursuit.  At 60-something, I’m no athlete, but I decided to chase this—my first 5K—because it mirrors the journey we’re all on.

It started with a single walk, a small win, when I could’ve stayed on the couch.  Some days, Iowa winters cut my steps short; others, I pushed past doubt.  Each step is a stone—stacked with effort, adjusted with wisdom, and steadied by faith.

It’s my story, sure, but it’s yours too—a tangible picture of chasing God’s call, one move at a time.  My mom’s trust in her final storm, Coach’s wake-up words in ‘81—they’re here too, but the 5K’s my anchor, showing how small, consistent acts build something big.

This devotional’s for you—wherever you’re at.  Maybe you’re dreaming big, stuck small, or weathering chaos.  Over 30 days, we’ll explore starting, adapting, trusting—always with God.

Each day’s a stone—stack it with me.  Your 5K might be patience, forgiveness, or a bold leap—whatever it is, God’s in it.  Let’s pursue change together, trusting Him to shape us as we go.

Ready?  Lace up—your first step starts now.