June 7, 2025
For the past month, my husband and I have been knee-deep in landscaping—moving plants, laying down mulch, and planting grass seed in both our front and back yards. Phew! What a project it’s been!
We began full of excitement, imagining our soft, green lawn to enjoy together. But I didn’t realize just how long it would take for those tiny seeds to sprout, let alone become strong enough to walk on. In some spots, I started wondering if anything would grow at all.
“The grass by the shed came up in five days! We planted this seed over a week ago—why don’t I see anything here?”
We found ourselves asking all the questions:
Are we watering too much? Too little? Did we prepare the soil differently?
Thankfully, just a few days later, the front yard surprised us—it began to sprout quickly and beautifully. What a relief and a blessing!
It amazed me how, even with the same seeds and the same preparation, growth varied from place to place. I was reminded of the parable Yeshua told in Matthew 13:3–8—the story of the sower. The seeds scattered across different types of soil didn’t all produce the same results. Some were snatched away, others withered quickly, and some were choked by thorns. But the seeds that fell on good soil flourished and produced a harvest—some a hundredfold.
Watching the grass grow has been a humbling, living illustration of this truth. The soil, the care, the timing—all play crucial roles in whether something will truly flourish. Like our yard, our hearts need tending too, to ensure the roots of our faith and character grow deep and strong. Some areas may thrive quickly, while others require patience, prayer, and consistent nurturing.
That sudden burst of growth in the front yard felt like hope. A quiet reminder that even dry or delayed places can spring to life in time. With faithfulness and care, transformation is possible.
As I walk through this season, I’m learning that cultivating a beautiful lawn and more importantly, a life rooted in God’s Word, takes time. The slow-growing patches aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to practice trust and perseverance. Because the greatest harvests often come through steady hands, hopeful hearts, and the grace of our loving Gardener.
A Prayer for Growth and Good Soil:
My Elohim, Thank You for the gentle reminders You place in our everyday lives like blades of grass pushing through the soil, quiet signs of Your faithfulness and care. As I tend the land around me, You are tending the soil of my heart. Teach me to be patient in the waiting, to trust You when I don’t yet see the fruit, and to remain faithful in the process.
Yahweh, I want to be like the good soil in Your parable—ready to receive Your Word, to hold onto it tightly, and to produce a harvest that brings You glory. Uproot anything in me that chokes out growth: doubt, fear, distraction, or discouragement. And help me to nourish my spirit daily with Your truth, so my roots grow deep and steady in You.
For the places in my life that feel dry or barren, I ask for Your living water to bring refreshment. For the areas that are slow to grow, give me endurance. And for the parts that are flourishing, keep me humble and grateful.
Let every part of my life reflect Your beauty in time. May I trust Your timing, yield to Your hands, and always find joy in the process of becoming. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May 26, 2025
The other afternoon I went for another cup of coffee. It was just one of those days when I needed something to help me get through until bedtime. Now I knew this coffee was hours old, yet the outside of the coffee pot still felt hot. I poured my mug full of coffee, added half and half, I was so ready for that sip of warmth and energy but instead was met with lukewarm, disgusting, bitter disappointment.
Hot coffee warms your body, brings comfort, the first sip makes the world slow down for just a moment. Iced coffee, glistening with condensation on a scorching day, is a cool and refreshing boost of energy. But lukewarm coffee? It exists in an unfortunate limbo, neither piping hot, nor refreshingly cold. It leaves behind an unpleasant bitterness and that lingers long after that sip.
I stood looking out the kitchen window, sad about my cup of coffee I was relying on to get me through the rest of the day. A few minutes later I remembered the night before when my husband read to me the first few chapters of Revelation… “I know your works. That you are neither cold nor hot, I would that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)
The verse echoed in my mind as I stared at that mug of lukewarm coffee sitting on the counter. It wasn’t just a drink; it suddenly felt like a mirror to my soul. How often do I drift through life like lukewarm coffee? I thought about my relationship with Yahweh, the effort I was putting into growing closer to him, was I dying to my flesh daily? Or was I living of this world following my own selfish wants and pleasures. The bitterness of the coffee seemed to ask questions I wasn’t ready to answer. But that sip was a conviction to choose Him, to do His commands, to be wanting a life that is hot for Him, never tepid.
I poured the coffee down the kitchen drain, letting its lukewarm fate swirl with finality. But the moment stayed with me, nudging me to take note of my spiritual temperature. How often do I settle being comfortable with routine and lacking the passion that truly fuels my soul? The coffee’s bitterness felt like a wake-up call, reminding me that middling commitment is not enough.
As the day went on, I found myself discovering other ways to rekindle that fire inside. Singing worship songs, moments of prayer, and surrender to His will, just spending time with my Creator and trusting in Him to get me through the day. With each intentional step, I felt the ember of my soul warming, as Yahweh was gently stoking the flame, guiding me away from the lukewarm path.
Life is full of choices, some grand, others seemingly small, like the decision to microwave or to pour out that lukewarm cup of coffee. But in each choice lies a reflection of who we are. That day I decided to always choose Him, not just once but every day. In the smallest decisions and the largest leaps of faith. Because faith, like coffee, is best when it’s bold and alive, ready to fill our hearts with warmth or refresh us with its cool embrace.
This morning, as I sat with a fresh, steaming cup of coffee I reflected on how little moments of waking up to our tepidness can lead to deep change. The warmth of the coffee seemed to mirror the warmth in my heart, alive with gratitude and commitment. Some days the fire burns brightly inside, and other days I have to work harder to fuel the flame. I knew that aiming for anything less than a life lived fully, boldly, and faithfully was disobedience and a disservice to the One who calls me His.
Life, after all, is too short for lukewarm coffee and too precious for lukewarm faith.
May 19, 2025
Do you have moments where the world seems too fast and busy? The rare moments I get the chance to sit down all I can think is “where did the time go? What day is it?!”
It feels as if life has become a blur, each day tumbling into the next without pause. Responsibilities, routines, and my children demand my attention, leaving little room to simply exist in the moment. It makes me wonder if I’ve forgotten how to savor the stillness, and let the silence settle into my soul. Perhaps I have become so accustomed to the chaos that calm feels strange, unnatural even.
The quiet moments are sacred, an invitation to draw near to Yahweh and let His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our heart and mind. It is in this divine pause that I am reminded I’m not alone, that the Creator walks with me, carries my burdens, and whispers to my weary soul, “Be still, and know that I am Elohim.”
Perhaps this is why we must learn to embrace stillness. To resist the feeling of urgency, the pressure to do more, be more, achieve more. In the quiet, we rediscover the beauty of life’s simple truths: the warmth of the sun shining on our face, the rhythm of our breathing, the joy of just being alive.
Stillness takes courage in a world where busyness is often equated with purpose, where every moment is measured by productivity. Stillness is an intentional heart posture, a choice to step away from the commotion and rest in the presence of our Elohim.
As we embrace these divine pauses, let us find the courage to silence the noise, to set aside the demands, and to simply sit at the feet of our Creator. May we learn to cherish these quiet moments, as necessities for our spiritual strength. In doing so, we align our hearts with the rhythm of grace and remember that Yahweh’s peace is not of this world—it is a peace that steadies us, and anchors us, no matter how chaotic life may seem.
In a world that glorifies hustle and noise, our souls quietly ache for stillness. For a slower rhythm, a sacred pause, a moment to simply be with Elohim. If your heart feels restless or weary, let this be your invitation to breathe… and to meet Yahweh in the stillness.
Prayer:
Father Yahweh, In the rush of life, we often find ourselves running ahead, tangled in plans and expectations. But You call us to slow down, to step away from the noise, and rest in Your presence. Teach us to embrace the quiet, to find peace in stillness, and to trust that we are held in Your hands. Let the hurried thoughts fade away as we breathe in Your love, Your wisdom, Your grace. Remind us that we are not measured by our productivity, but by our faithfulness. Not by how much we accomplish, but by how deeply we abide in You. May we walk at Your pace, rooted in the truth that Your timing is perfect, and Your presence is enough. Yahweh, draw us closer. Help us to slow down—not just in body, but in spirit—so we may hear Your whispers, feel Your embrace, and be refreshed in You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May 12, 2025
The devil acts like a thief.
- He targets many things such as:
- Your identity- making you question your worth and calling.
- Your peace- using stress, conflict, and doubt.
- Your purpose- Temping you to give up.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” John 10:10
- The enemy can use people to speak words that plant seeds of doubt, fear, or discouragement. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. You shall know a tree by its fruits.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” Proverbs 18:21
- Moving forward
- Submit to Elohim- do what he says.
- Resist the devil- don’t give in to temptations.
- Guard your environment- be aware of who and what is being brought into your home.
- Stay rooted in scripture- read your Bible, do what it says.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Do not dwell on the words and distractions that are determined to lead you astray. The enemy thrives on pulling your focus away from Yahweh and His truth. Fix your eyes on the eternal promises and the unshakable truths found in His Word.
The noise of this world can feel overwhelming, and the weight of discouragement may press heavily on your heart. But take courage, for Yahweh’s love is steadfast and His guidance is unwavering. Let His words be your refuge. Meditate on His promises, for they are life-giving and eternal.
Remember, Yahweh’s voice is one of peace and reassurance, not of confusion or fear. Seek Him daily and let His Ruach (spirit) lead you. In moments of weakness, turn to Him with all honesty, for He delights in carrying your burdens. By keeping your eyes and heart firmly fixed on Him, you will find strength to overcome and joy that surpasses understanding.
Prayer:
Father Yahweh, I submit my life to You. I come before You with a humble heart to ask for the continued strength to resist the devil, and his evil schemes. Help me to stay firm on the path You have called me to walk. Guard my heart and mind, help me to discern what is from You and what is a distraction that wants to pull me away from You. I fully trust that Your plan for me is good and that You will bring it to completion. All the Glory, Honor and Praise to You. In the mighty name of Yeshua, amen.
May 5, 2025
Bzzzt bzzzt bzzzt… snooze. (6:20am)
Bzzzt bzzzt bzzzt… snooze. (6:30am)
Bzzzt bzzzt bzzzt… snooze. (6:40am)
“Ugh” I groan in exhaustion. “Come on, time to wake up, and get ready. The bus will be here soon.” I mumble.
That is a typical weekday for me. Lack of sleep, wondering how I will survive these early morning wake ups every… single… day.
Most days, I feel like I am barely keeping my head above water, stuck in the cycle of early mornings and endless tasks. How do I continue these repetitive days that feel so mundane? There must be more to life than waking up early, going to work and school. Completing the same tasks and chores at home day after day.
As my oldest gets ready for school I get her snack, water, and backpack together. I help fix her hair, then get her onto the bus. I slowly walk back inside to start the next morning task. While softly humming I make my husband’s breakfast and pack his lunch as he gets ready. With tired eyes barely in focus- I pour fresh brewed coffee into his mug, smelling the bold aroma, I find myself humming a little louder, feeling a little more awake. I pause to pray for my husband as I finish preparing his food for the long workday, thanking Yahweh for a list of blessings. I gently place everything into my husband’s work backpack, getting him out the door with a goodbye kiss.
Watching him walk to his truck, I observe the pink cotton candy sunrise in the background noticing hints of orange and the golden clouds, the sun is brightly peeking through the trees, the silky drops of dew on the soft blades of grass. “Thank You.” I whisper. In the moments of weariness and routine, there are glimmers of joy and hope. Theres a moment of tranquility when the world seems to pause just for me. Looking around I see the beauty and blessings everywhere.
As I close the door, I take a deep breath and savor the stillness of the morning. It is a rare moment of peace before the day truly begins… aka, my 2- and 4-year-olds wake up. Throughout the day I juggle between household chores and the endless demands of motherhood. Piles of laundry, a sink full of dishes, and the ridiculous number of toys scattered around the house seems like a never-ending battle. In the moments of feeling overwhelmed, wanting to give up, wishing I could crawl into my bed and ignore it all, those are the moments when I look over to that beautiful blue Book.
The Book filled with instruction.
Filled with love, hope, promises and grace.
The Book that says,
- “Come to Me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I shall give you rest.” (Mattithyahu (Matthew) 11:28).
- “But those who wait on Yahweh renew their strength, they raise up the wing like eagles, they run and are not weary, they walk and do not faint.” (Yeshayah (Isaiah 40: 31).
- “I have strength to do all, through Messiah who empowers me.” (Pilipiyim (Philippians) 4:13).
Days like this can feel dreadful, why bother, why care. Days like this are when we reach out to the hem of Yeshua’s garment. When we humble ourselves and soften our hearts. When we pray and cry to Yahweh for the strength to continue on. We slow down and see the beauty. We remember His goodness and grace. We serve an Elohim who loves us so much. He paints the sky every morning and night. Yet, so often, we are too distracted, and exhausted from the demands of this world to notice.
So, even on the hardest days, I pause. I breathe. I look to the One who never tires, who renews my strength, who surrounds me with daily reminders of His love. The pink skies, the hot coffee, the quiet hum of a morning routine- these are not mundane things. They are beautiful blessings.