Birthdays prompt reflection on life’s journey, marking milestones and lessons learned.  They inspire gratitude for growth, resilience, and cherished moments.

They provide opportunities to assess, reflect, and be thankful.  But, shouldn’t every day be a good day to that? 

As I reflect a bit on my journey and the path I have been on here are a few things that I have learned and attempt to apply daily.

1.  Family and friends make the day better.  Treasure them all.  They are gifts.
2. Moments matter.
3. Laugh.  Love.  Live.
4. Lead yourself.
5. Offer grace more than judgement.
6. Keep trying to be better every day.
7.  You don’t fail, you learn.
8.  Practice patience.
9.  Be humble.
10. Live each day with gratitude.

The path I have taken in my 61+ years of life isn’t for everybody and that’s alright.  We all have our own path and we need to embrace it and use it to help others.

Our experiences allow us to help others who may experience some of the same things we have experienced so the path you have been on has been for a reason and not by accident. 

Follow your path.  Use your path.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1. How can you cultivate a mindset of gratitude and reflection beyond just birthdays, incorporating it into your daily life?

2. How does your individual life path and your experiences uniquely equip you to support and empathize with others on their journeys?

Psalm 90:12 is a reminder to treasure each moment, for time is fleeting.  In seeking God’s wisdom, you will gain a deeper understanding of life’s purpose and meaning.

Embrace each day with gratitude, recognizing the divine opportunities it presents.  Just as wisdom may cause you to carefully prepare for your retirement by planning and saving, you should not forget to cherish and count your days, recognizing each as a precious gift from above.

By living with intentionality, seeking God’s guidance in every step, you will cultivate a heart of wisdom that enriches your journey.

Be mindful of the godly moments happening in front of you each day, savoring them as reflections of His grace.

As you continue your journey forward, may you seek not only success but also significance, knowing that true wisdom lies in aligning your life with God’s purposes.

With each passing day, may you grow in wisdom and stature, living a life that honors Him.

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How can you cultivate a mindset of gratitude and mindfulness to recognize the divine opportunities presented in each day, as suggested in Psalm 90:12?

2. In what ways can seeking God’s wisdom and guidance lead to a deeper understanding of life’s purpose and meaning?

Fall is harvest time in Iowa.  The fields are being cleared and the deer are out having a buffet running from field to field.  It’s a wonderful time of year, but potentially dangerous.

It is very important to stay focused on the road immediately ahead of you and not be distracted by looking ahead to the bright lights of where you are going because a deer could be right in front of you at any time.

The same can be true of you as you go about your day.  You can be so anxious to get something accomplished or reach the end point of a project that you could miss something right in front of me.

A conversation with someone in need of
encouragement, a chance to help a friend, an opportunity that only you can see. 

Don’t be so focused on what is in the distance that you miss what may be right in front of you.  It is what is the most important.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How do you balance your ambition to achieve future goals with the necessity of staying present and attentive to the needs and opportunities around you?

2.  In what ways can you cultivate a mindset of mindfulness and awareness to ensure that you don’t overlook the valuable moments and connections happening right in front of you each day?

Let the words of Matthew 6:34 guide and sustain you today.  Remember to keep your focus firmly rooted in the present moment. 

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the uncertainties of tomorrow, but Jesus reminds us that each day carries its own burdens. Instead of fretting about what lies ahead, trust in God’s provision and guidance for today.

Embrace each moment as an opportunity to grow closer to Him and to serve others with love and compassion.  

By keeping your eyes fixed on the present, you’ll discover the beauty and blessings that surround you each day.

So, let go of worry and anxiety about the future, and entrust your tomorrows into God’s hands.  

As you walk in faith, remember that He is with you every step of the way, guiding and sustaining you through whatever challenges may come your way.

Stay focused on the Christian walk before you, knowing that God’s grace is always sufficient for today.

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1. How am I actively trusting God’s provision and guidance for today, rather than worrying about what tomorrow may bring?

2. What steps can I take right now to embrace each moment as an opportunity to grow closer to God and serve others with love and compassion?

“We stay in the moment, because our future is shaped by the present.”  

Like him or dislike him, but Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is engaging and has some wisdom.  I was recently watching a documentary and he dropped this truth as if he was reading from my playbook.  

Whether you are speaking as a coach, an athlete, a father, mother, or any line of work, the present moment is the most important one that you have.  

Living in the past is dangerous, and looking too much into the future without a plan is not wise.  One of the surest ways to make a foundation for your future is to take care of the here and now.  The moment where your feet are. 

It seems so simple, yet is one of the most difficult things to do.  Don’t fall into the trap of wanting to get to your future without understanding that you need to put the daily work in.  

Spend your days knowing that as you control and stack your present moments on top of each other you are actually creating your future, and done correctly and consistently it will be a bright future.  

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue 

1.  How can focusing on the present moment contribute to shaping a successful future, according to the wisdom shared by “Coach Prime”?

2.  What are the potential pitfalls of dwelling too much on the past or fixating solely on the future without attending to the present, as emphasized in the writing?

Press On

Philippians 3:14 ESV‬

Thinking on this passage from Phillipians is a natural continuation from verse 13, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it on my own.  But one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,”…

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“

You can find inspiration to focus on the present moment, recognizing that each step taken today shapes the path toward your future, a future shaped by a loving God.

Dwelling too much on past mistakes or constantly fixating on distant goals can hinder your progress. 

Instead, embracing the present moment with diligence and purpose, anchored in faith, will allow you to build a strong foundation for the future. 

By pressing on with determination, trusting in God’s guidance, and being a  faithful steward of each moment, you can find assurance that your efforts will lead to a fulfilling and purposeful journey toward the ultimate prize of a heavenly calling and eternal life with Jesus.

Press On!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How does “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” help you approach and navigate life’s challenges and pursue spiritual growth?

2.  What strategies can you employ to maintain a forward-focused mindset and press on toward the goal of your heavenly calling, despite setbacks and distractions?

Wondering, Wandering.
Not knowing.
Sadness.
Is hope gone?
How do you make it through?
Be with people who love and support you.
Grieve and mourn as you must.
We know, what they couldn’t have known.
Hope will be restored.
Life will be made new.
Sunday is Coming!

Life’s beauty lies not in the distant milestones we hope to reach, but in the precious moments we experience along the way.

Each day brings a variety of emotions, encounters, and opportunities waiting to be seized.

Embrace the sunrise’s warmth, savor conversations with loved ones, and relish the small victories.  It is in these moments that life truly thrives.

Don’t rush through life chasing milestones; instead, relish every instant.  Find joy in the laughter, solace in the quiet, and purpose in the present.

When you appreciate each moment, you’ll discover that life itself is the most remarkable milestone you’ll ever achieve.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How can we shift our perspective to appreciate the beauty of life’s journey rather than solely focusing on distant milestones?

2.  What are some practical ways to embrace and cherish the small moments and experiences that enrich our lives every day?

Pursuing Moments With God

In the hustle and bustle of your daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing after milestones and forgetting to appreciate the simple moments that make life truly meaningful. 

But in the book of Philippians, you find a timeless reminder to embrace every moment with God, finding joy in His presence and guidance.

Philippians 4:4 encourages you with these powerful words: “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!”

This verse serves as a beacon of light, guiding you to find joy not just in the grand achievements or distant dreams, but in the everyday moments spent in communion with God.

When you pause to rejoice in the Lord, you shift your focus from the worries of tomorrow to the blessings of today. 

You recognize that each moment is an opportunity to experience God’s love, grace, and faithfulness in your life.

Later, in Philippians 4:6-7, you are reminded of the peace that surpasses all understanding when we turn to God in prayer:  “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 transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

As you embrace each moment with God through prayer, gratitude, and rejoicing, we invite His presence to fill your heart with peace and contentment, regardless of your circumstances.

Heed the wisdom found in Philippians and make a conscious effort to rejoice in the Lord always, finding joy in His presence moment by moment.

Cherish the precious gift of each day, knowing that every moment spent with God is a milestone worth celebrating.

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How often do you pause in your daily routine to intentionally rejoice in the Lord and express gratitude for His presence in your life?

Consider incorporating moments of thanksgiving and praise into your day to cultivate a deeper sense of joy and connection with God.

2.  Reflect on your approach to prayer and petitioning God with your concerns. Are you allowing worries about the future to overshadow the peace that comes from trusting in His provision?

Challenge yourself to present your requests to God with a heart of gratitude and faith, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty to guide you through each moment.