For the last year, I’ve been taking my elderly neighbor grocery shopping, to doctor appointments, to church, and anywhere she needs or wants to go. She is no longer able to drive and requires assistance with walking. I’m thankful for the opportunity to minister to Donna in this way. 

The other day the Lord showed me a powerful lesson about my time with Donna. Though I’m basically her ticket to a ride, our time together is so much more than that. When we are together, we laugh and talk and get to know each other better. Donna’s husband is dying of cancer. My husband died of cancer 15 years ago, so I know the path she is walking. I allow her to talk openly about her sadness, fears, and questions. I take time to stop for coffee and pancakes with Donna because I know our trips are the only time she gets out of the house. I hug her and hold her longer than I normally do others. We talk often about God and His role in our lives. These are my favorite times.

What God showed me is that Jesus is the ticket to our ride to heaven. Right?

But He’s so much more. The ride includes His fellowship, encouragement, strength, direction, etc. The Lord and I laugh and talk and get to know each other better as we spend time together. He knows the path I am walking and is there to wipe my tears and answer my questions. He holds me in His arms when I am hurting or when I just need to know He’s there. 

How about you? Does your salvation mean more to you than just fire insurance? Are you enjoying the daily walk with God? I hope so. Take time in the busyness of life to enjoy God’s presence. Place your hand in His and listen for His instruction and guidance. He cares. He loves you so much! 

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
James 4:8 NIV

It’s almost three in the morning, but I just couldn’t stop listening to a course I’m taking on writing and marketing. 

Several times, the questions asked on today’s lesson touched my heart and brought me to gentle tears as I considered the incredible opportunity God has given me to bless others through my writing ministry.

• Who am I?
• What theme runs consistently through my life?
• How can I use this information to determine the needs of my readers?
• For whom do I write and how can I serve them better?
• What do I want most for my readers?
• How can I make each of my readers feel special and appreciated?

As I contemplated these questions, a verse came to mind. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV). 

This is the theme of my life and writing. I want to take what God has done in my life—especially in tough times—and tell you, my readers, so you might know and grasp the depths of God’s love, His healing touch, and the joy and peace found only in Him. I want you to know that as you examine your hearts, acknowledge and actively denounce the lies that have held you captive for too long (those dark, painful feelings repressed deep in your soul), and embrace the life-giving truths found in God’s Word, Christ will set you free to enjoy the abundant life He promises you!

Sometimes you’ll see this theme walked out in the lives of characters in my fiction books. Not in a preachy way, but through hilarious, heart-warming stories. Or maybe I’ll speak to you through my blog or book of devotions. Whatever the format, I want you to know how very important you are to me. If there’s ever an issue you’d like for me to address, please let me know, and I’ll get on it right away. 

Blessings, my friends. Have a wonderful day!  Barbie