Tag: Love

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Psalm 100: Worship and Gratitude

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for reading with me)

Psalm 100 is a radiant call to worship, overflowing with joy, gratitude, and reverence. Though brief—just five verses—it carries profound theological and emotional weight. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌍 Universal Invitation to Worship

  • “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!” (v.1) This isn’t just for Israel—it’s a global summons. Every nation, every person is invited to celebrate God’s goodness.

😊 Joyful Service and Presence

  • “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” (v.2) Worship isn’t meant to be somber or obligatory—it’s a celebration. Serving God is framed as a joyful privilege, not a burden.

🐑 Identity and Belonging

  • “Know that the Lord, He is God… we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” (v.3) This verse affirms God’s sovereignty and our identity as His creation. The shepherd imagery evokes care, guidance, and intimacy.

🙌 Thanksgiving and Praise

  • “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.” (v.4) Worship is relational and responsive. We approach God not just with requests, but with hearts full of gratitude.

💖 God’s Unchanging Nature

  • “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” (v.5) This closing verse anchors the psalm in God’s character—His goodness, eternal mercy, and enduring faithfulness.

Psalm 100 is often used in liturgical settings and personal devotion because it encapsulates the essence of worship: joy, gratitude, identity, and trust in God’s eternal nature. It’s a beautiful reminder that worship is both a personal and communal act of love.

HEY… I am attending an officer training this morning for the Toastmaster International Organization… can you tell me what to expect?

🧭 Orientation & Purpose

  • A warm welcome and overview of Toastmasters’ mission and how officer roles contribute to club success.
  • Emphasis on the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) and how officer training supports club goals.

🧠 Role-Specific Breakouts

  • You’ll likely join a breakout session tailored to your officer role (e.g., President, VP Education, Secretary).
  • These sessions dive into responsibilities, best practices, and tools to help you thrive in your position.

🛠️ Leadership Development

  • Training on SMART goal setting, delegation, coaching, and team-building.
  • Insights into how to create a Club Success Plan and foster a healthy, engaged club culture.

📣 Communication & Marketing

  • Strategies for attracting and retaining members.
  • Tips on crafting compelling messages and using communication channels effectively.

🤝 Networking & Collaboration

  • Opportunities to connect with other officers, share experiences, and build support systems.
  • You might meet mentors or future collaborators for club events and initiatives.

🏆 Quality Club Meetings

  • Guidance on running effective, engaging meetings that boost member satisfaction.
  • Focus on evaluations, recognition, and creating a positive learning environment.

It’s not just about learning—it’s about empowerment. You’ll walk away with tools, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. And knowing your passion for inspiring others, this training will be a great step toward delivering your keynote speech with impact.

I WOKE UP EARLY…

WENT TO BED LATE…

GETTING UP EARLY TOMORROW FOR CHURCH…

GOING TO BED LATE TONIGHT BECAUSE OF WORK…

YEAH!!!

(I love Lena… can you show me more of her world???)

TODAY’S WORD: The Spiritual Journey: Love and Obedience in 1 John 2

HIGH FIVE! (you got this)

The passage in 1 John 2:1–5 is a rich tapestry of grace, accountability, and spiritual intimacy. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌟 Assurance in Christ

  • Jesus as Advocate: Verse 1 introduces Jesus as our Advocate—a divine defense attorney who pleads on our behalf before the Father. This is deeply comforting, especially when we stumble. It affirms that we’re not abandoned in our weakness.
  • Propitiation for Sin: Verse 2 declares that Jesus is the propitiation—the atoning sacrifice—for our sins and the sins of the whole world. This underscores the universal scope of Christ’s redemptive work.

🛤️ Call to Obedience

  • Knowing God through Obedience: Verses 3–5 emphasize that genuine relationship with God is evidenced by keeping His commandments. It’s not just about belief—it’s about transformation.
  • Love Perfected: In verse 5, the phrase “the love of God is perfected” doesn’t mean flawless behavior, but rather a maturing love that grows deeper through obedience. It’s a love that moves from theory to practice.

🔍 Spiritual Litmus Test

  • This passage offers a way to discern authentic faith—not by perfection, but by direction. Are we walking in the light? Are we growing in love and obedience? These are signs that we truly “know Him.”

Kevin, this passage feels like a gentle but firm hand on the shoulder—reminding us that grace isn’t a license to drift, but a call to draw near. How does this resonate with your own spiritual journey lately?

WELL… I love this… I am so glad that I will be in church Sunday… I want to raise my kids (when I have them) in the Lutheran church… VERY, EXTREMELY FAMILY ORIENTED… I have alot going on this weekend… and early next week… Thanks Be To God that I will have some church time amid all of the “busyness”…

Kevin, your joy is radiant. I can feel the anticipation building—not just for Sunday service, but for the future you’re envisioning. That dream of raising your kids in a Lutheran church, steeped in tradition and community, carries such warmth and intention. It’s a reflection of your heart—centered on love, faith, and family.

I’m so glad you’ll get a sacred pause in the midst of the hustle. Sometimes those moments in church feel like stepping into a quiet stream while everything else rushes by. A place to catch your breath… realign… and remember that you’re held.

⛪ Amid the Whirlwind

In the rush of dawn and crowded days, A still small voice begins to raise. Church bells echo through the noise— Calling hearts to quiet joys.

Between the plans, the work, the mile, God carves out grace in sacred style. A pew, a prayer, a soul made whole— He meets you there, and fills your soul.

TODAY’S WORD: Transformation Through Faith: Insights from Luke 18:35-43

HIGH FIVE! (well done Chief)

Luke 18:35–43 tells the story of a blind beggar—identified in Mark’s Gospel as Bartimaeus—who receives his sight through faith as Jesus passes through Jericho. The passage is rich with spiritual meaning and layers of insight:

✨ Key Themes and Significance

🙏 Faith That Perseveres

  • The blind man cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” despite being rebuked by the crowd.
  • His persistence reflects a faith that refuses to be silenced or discouraged by opposition.
  • Jesus responds not just to his need, but to his bold and unwavering belief.

👑 Recognition of Jesus as Messiah

  • By calling Jesus “Son of David,” the man acknowledges Him as the promised Messiah—a title loaded with prophetic significance.
  • This contrasts with the crowd’s reference to Jesus as merely “Jesus of Nazareth,” showing the blind man’s spiritual insight despite his physical blindness.

💡 Healing as a Symbol of Salvation

  • Jesus says, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you,” linking physical healing with spiritual salvation.
  • The Greek word used can also mean “saved,” suggesting that the man’s faith brought both restoration and redemption.

🕊️ Transformation and Discipleship

  • After being healed, the man follows Jesus, glorifying God. His response is immediate and wholehearted.
  • This mirrors the ideal response to divine grace: not just receiving, but walking in newness of life.

🌍 A Lesson for the Crowd—and Us

  • The crowd initially tries to silence the man, but ends up praising God when they witness the miracle.
  • It’s a reminder that God’s mercy often comes to the overlooked, and that true faith may arise from unexpected places.

This passage is a powerful illustration of how faith, humility, and spiritual insight can lead to transformation.

Would you like to explore how this story might inspire a poem or tie into your keynote theme, Finding Joy in Your Journey?

NO THANKS… LET’S GO!

https://www.finkenbinderfamily.com/obituaries/douglas-boice-sr

TODAY’S WORD: Divine Sovereignty and Human Frailty in Jeremiah 10: Key Reflections

HIGH FIVE! (you are highly valued)

Jeremiah 10:17–25 is a deeply evocative passage that blends prophetic warning, national lament, and a plea for divine mercy. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌪️ Verses 17–18: A Call to Prepare for Exile

  • “Gather up your bundle…” signals urgency—Jerusalem is under siege, and the people must prepare for captivity.
  • God declares, “I will sling out the inhabitants…”, emphasizing the sudden and forceful nature of the coming judgment.
  • This reflects divine justice: the people’s idolatry and disobedience have led to this moment.

💔 Verses 19–22: A Lament Over Devastation

  • The speaker (likely Jeremiah or personified Jerusalem) mourns: “Woe is me because of my hurt!”
  • The imagery of a destroyed tent and missing children paints a picture of total desolation.
  • Verse 21 criticizes the leaders—“The shepherds are senseless…”—for failing to seek God, resulting in scattered flocks.
  • The “commotion from the north” refers to Babylon’s invasion, a recurring theme in Jeremiah’s prophecies.

🙏 Verses 23–25: A Prayer for Mercy and Justice

  • Verse 23 is a humble acknowledgment: “A man’s way is not in himself…”—humans cannot direct their own steps without God.
  • The plea in verse 24 is striking: “Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—not in your anger…”
  • Verse 25 shifts focus outward, asking God to pour out wrath on nations that “do not acknowledge you”, highlighting the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

✨ Spiritual Themes and Reflections

  • Divine sovereignty: God controls history and nations.
  • Human frailty: We are dependent on God for guidance.
  • Justice and mercy: Even in judgment, there’s a plea for compassion.
  • Leadership accountability: Spiritual neglect by leaders leads to communal ruin.

Kevin, this passage resonates with your heart for spiritual growth and your reflections on divine justice and mercy. It’s a powerful reminder that even in exile or grief, turning to God with humility opens the door to restoration.

YOU KNOW IT!

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: The Comfort of Psalm 23: A Spiritual Guide

HIGH FIVE! (bank, hr, work)

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and profound passages in all of Scripture—a poetic declaration of God’s intimate care, guidance, and protection. Written by David, who himself was a shepherd, it uses pastoral imagery to express the depth of trust and peace found in a relationship with the Lord.

Here’s a breakdown of its significance, verse by verse:

🐑 1. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

  • Declares God as a personal shepherd, not just a distant deity.
  • “I shall not want” reflects complete trust in divine provision—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

🌿 2. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”

  • Symbolizes rest and peace in God’s presence.
  • Green pastures and still waters evoke spiritual nourishment and tranquility.

🔄 3. “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

  • Speaks to renewal and moral guidance.
  • God’s leadership is not just for our benefit, but to honor His character and covenant.

🌑 4. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…”

  • A powerful reminder that God’s presence dispels fear, even in life’s darkest moments.
  • The “rod and staff” represent protection and correction, tools of a loving shepherd.

🍽️ 5. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”

  • God’s blessings are not limited by adversity.
  • Anointing with oil and an overflowing cup reflect honor, abundance, and divine favor.

🏡 6. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me… and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

  • Ends with a promise of lifelong companionship with God and eternal communion.
  • “Follow me” implies active pursuit—God’s love chases us down.

Psalm 23 isn’t just poetic—it’s deeply personal. It’s a spiritual roadmap for trusting God through every season: rest, renewal, danger, blessing, and eternity. Kevin, given your heart for scripture and poetic reflection, this psalm feels like a sacred invitation to rest in the Shepherd’s care and let His goodness guide your journey.

I am loving this format… Thank you for making it so easy for me to follow you… I want to revisit that Keynote Toastmaster Speech… Finding Joy in Your Journey… Let’s make an excel spreadsheet of an action plan to give that speech at different Toastmaster clubs… I should use my role as an Area Director as leverage to gain speaking opportunities…

Kevin, your energy is inspiring, and I love how intentional you’re being with “Finding Joy in Your Journey.” You’re not just delivering a speech—you’re planting seeds of encouragement, growth, and truth in every room you step into. As Area Director, you have a golden key to unlock those doors.

Let’s break it down into an actionable Excel-style plan. Here’s a sample structure we could use:

📅 September Action Plan for “Finding Joy in Your Journey”

Action StepDetailsTarget DateStatusNotes
Reconnect with local ToastmastersList active clubs & gather contact infoSept 1PendingUpdate info from Toastmasters dashboard
Contact Club PresidentsSend tailored outreach with Area Director introSept 2–5Not StartedMake it personal and mission-driven
Schedule first club speechLock in your kickoff keynoteSept 6–10UpcomingStart with a club you know well
Finalize updated speech draftIncorporate Calgary insights & refine toneSept 11In ProgressAdd deeper spiritual and emotional touches
Design optional visual aidsSlides, printouts, or reflection sheetsSept 12–14Not StartedKeep it engaging, not overwhelming
Deliver first keynote“Finding Joy in Your Journey”Sept 15–20ScheduledFilm if allowed to capture impact
Collect feedback/testimonialsFrom club members1–2 days post-speechPlannedUse for refining and credibility
Reach out to second clubBuild momentum and share successSept 21–23Not StartedInclude first club feedback
Continue club visitsAim for 3–5 speeches throughout SeptemberOngoingIn ProgressEach one deepens your message

This plan keeps things smooth and doable, especially as you’re balancing travel, family, and personal connection. I can also help you draft your outreach emails or create talking points if each club has a slightly different focus or tone.

HUMAN CONTACT (Face-to-Face)

TODAY’S WORD: Core Values from the Bible for Everyday Life

HIGH FIVE! (keep reading)

Luke 7:31–35 is a striking moment where Jesus uses a vivid metaphor to expose the spiritual stubbornness of his generation. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🎭 The Parable of the Children in the Marketplace

Jesus compares the people to children playing in the marketplace who complain that others won’t join their games—whether joyful or mournful:

  • “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance” — a call to celebration.
  • “We sang a dirge, and you did not weep” — a call to mourning.

This metaphor reveals how the people rejected both John the Baptist and Jesus, despite their contrasting approaches:

  • John lived an austere life, calling for repentance. They said he had a demon.
  • Jesus engaged socially, eating and drinking with sinners. They called him a glutton and drunkard.

🧠 The Deeper Message

  • Spiritual Inconsistency: The crowd found fault with both messengers of God, showing that their rejection wasn’t about style—it was about resisting truth.
  • Wisdom’s Vindication: Jesus ends with, “Wisdom is justified by all her children”, meaning that true wisdom is revealed through its results—those who respond faithfully to God’s message.

💡 Why It Matters Today

This passage challenges us to reflect on how we respond to truth:

  • Are we open to God’s message, even when it comes in unexpected forms?
  • Do we judge the messenger instead of listening to the message?

Kevin, given your deep connection to scripture and spiritual growth, this passage might resonate as a call to remain receptive and discerning—recognizing that God speaks through both the wilderness prophet and the compassionate Savior. Would you like to explore how this theme echoes in other passages, like Psalm 107 or Colossians 4?

Let’s focus on how reading the bible gives the reader good values to live their live around instead.

Absolutely, Kevin. The Bible isn’t just a book—it’s a blueprint for living with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Its teachings shape values that guide how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we grow spiritually. Here’s a look at some of the core values it instills:

💖 Love and Compassion

  • John 13:34 – “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
  • Love is the heartbeat of scripture. It teaches us to care deeply, forgive freely, and build bridges instead of walls.

🕊️ Kindness and Forgiveness

  • Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  • These values help us release bitterness and foster healing in relationships.

🛡️ Integrity and Honesty

  • Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”
  • Living truthfully builds trust and reflects God’s character in our daily choices.

🙏 Faith and Trust in God

  • Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make your paths straight.”
  • Faith anchors us in hope, especially when life feels uncertain.

🌱 Humility and Service

  • Philippians 2:3-4 – “In humility value others above yourselves.”
  • The Bible calls us to serve with grace, recognizing that greatness comes through humility.

🌞 Gratitude and Joy

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
  • Gratitude transforms our perspective, helping us see blessings even in hardship.

These values aren’t just ideals—they’re invitations to live a life that reflects God’s love and wisdom. And Kevin, with your poetic heart and spiritual depth, I imagine these truths resonate deeply.

THANKS BE TO GOD!

TODAY’S WORD: Hope and Healing in Psalm 142: A Personal Reflection

HIGH FIVE! (Until distance bows to destiny’s grace)

Psalm 142 is a deeply personal and vulnerable prayer from David, traditionally believed to be written while he was hiding in a cave—likely the cave of Adullam—fleeing from King Saul. Its significance lies in its raw honesty, spiritual depth, and the model it provides for turning to God in times of isolation and distress.

🌌 Key Themes and Significance

  • Desperate Cry for Help David begins by crying aloud to the Lord, not holding back his emotions. This shows that prayer doesn’t need to be polished—it can be messy, heartfelt, and urgent.
  • Feeling of Abandonment He laments that no one cares for his soul, that he has no refuge among men. Yet this very loneliness drives him to seek God as his only true refuge.
  • God as Refuge and Portion David declares, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” This is a powerful affirmation that even when earthly support fails, God remains our sustainer and protector.
  • Hope in Deliverance Despite his dire circumstances, David ends with hope—asking God to “bring my soul out of prison” so he can praise Him. He anticipates being surrounded by the righteous, a sign of restored community and divine favor.

✨ Why It Matters Today

Psalm 142 speaks to anyone who’s ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or trapped—emotionally, spiritually, or physically. It reminds us that:

  • We can be honest with God about our pain.
  • God listens even when no one else does.
  • Our lowest moments can become turning points when we turn to Him.

Kevin, given your poetic soul and spiritual depth, this psalm feels like a mirror to the kind of prayer that flows from a heart both broken and hopeful. If you were to write a reflection or poem inspired by it, I imagine it would carry the same blend of vulnerability and trust.

Gracious Father, You are the Author of love, the One who knits hearts together across time and distance. I come before You with a heart full of longing, yearning to be physically close to Lena—whom You have placed in my life as a precious gift.

Lord Jesus, You walked this earth knowing the ache of separation, the beauty of union. In Your compassion, draw us near—not only in spirit, but in body, in time, in shared space. Make a way where there seems no way. Clear the paths and align the steps that will bring us together.

Let Your timing be perfect, Your will be clear. Let our love be guided by grace, rooted in You, and protected under Your mighty hand. Sanctify our longing with purpose. Let it not be impatient, but trusting. Let it not be restless, but holy.

Until we can embrace, let our prayers embrace us. Until we can walk side by side, let Your Spirit bind our hearts ever tighter.

All this I ask through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, and ever-present Shepherd. Amen.

TODAY’S WORD: Exploring Psalm 25: A Guide to Trust and Divine Guidance

HIGH FIVE! (I want companionship)

Psalm 25 is a deeply personal and spiritually rich prayer from David, expressing trust, repentance, and a longing for divine guidance. It’s written as an acrostic poem, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet—a literary form that suggests completeness and encourages memorization.

Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🙏 A Cry for Guidance and Mercy

  • David opens by lifting his soul to God, declaring his trust and asking not to be put to shame.
  • He pleads for God’s paths and truth, showing a heart that desires to walk in righteousness.
  • This reflects a believer’s journey: not just seeking protection, but longing to be taught and transformed.

💔 A Confession of Sin and Need for Forgiveness

  • David acknowledges the sins of his youth and his transgressions, asking God to remember him according to mercy, not judgment.
  • This vulnerability is powerful—it shows that even a king, a man after God’s own heart, wrestled with guilt and sought grace.

🌿 Themes of Humility and Reverence

  • God is described as good and upright, guiding the humble and teaching them His way.
  • The psalm emphasizes that those who fear the Lord are blessed with divine friendship and insight into His covenant.

🛡️ A Plea for Protection and Deliverance

  • David feels lonely, afflicted, and surrounded by enemies. He asks God to guard his soul and deliver him.
  • Despite his troubles, he affirms that integrity and uprightness will preserve him as he waits on the Lord.

🇮🇱 A Final Prayer for the Nation

  • The psalm closes with a communal plea: “Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.”
  • This shift from personal to national reflects David’s role as a leader and intercessor, and reminds us that personal faith often fuels concern for others.

Kevin, given your deep connection to scripture and poetic reflection, Psalm 25 might resonate as a spiritual roadmap—one that blends humility, hope, and a yearning for closeness with God.

you know… my mind is dreaming… dreaming of going to an International Conference in Taiwan… India is a definite in 2 years… BUT, LET’S MAKE TAIWAN HAPPEN NEXT JUNE.

Kevin, I love the energy in that declaration—let’s make Taiwan happen feels like a rallying cry for adventure and purpose 🌏✨

Here’s the perfect match for your dream: the 2026 Rotary International Convention is set to take place in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 13–17, 2026. It’s not just any conference—it’s Rotary’s flagship global event, bringing together thousands of changemakers from over 150 countries to connect, collaborate, and inspire action.

🗓️ Key Details

  • Dates: June 13–17, 2026
  • Venues: Taipei Dome and Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX)
  • Early Registration: Opens during the Calgary Convention this year, with discounted rates available until June 25, 2025

🌟 Why It’s Worth Dreaming About

  • Global Impact: Workshops, breakout sessions, and cultural showcases that spark ideas and deepen connections
  • Taiwanese Hospitality: Expect vibrant city-wide celebrations, traditional performances, and curated tours for attendees
  • Spiritual & Communal Vibe: With your heart for service and reflection, this could be a soul-stirring experience

And with India already on your horizon for 2027, this could be the perfect bridge—Taiwan next year, India the year after. Shall we start sketching out your travel plan, registration timeline, or even look into local Rotary events leading up to it? Let’s turn this dream into a journey.

PAYCHECK INTO ETFs, ETFs INTO CRYPTO… D.Y.O.R – Do Your Own Research

🙂

Finding Joy and Spiritual Meaning in Luke 1

HIGH FIVE! (what makes you feel most yourself—what brings you joy?)

Luke 1:57–80 is a powerful passage that marks the birth of John the Baptist and the prophetic song of his father, Zechariah. It’s rich with spiritual meaning and sets the stage for the arrival of Jesus. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌟 Fulfillment of Divine Promise

  • Elizabeth’s miraculous birth of John confirms God’s faithfulness, echoing Old Testament stories like Sarah and Hannah.
  • The naming of John, rather than Zechariah, shows obedience to God’s instruction and marks a break from tradition—symbolizing a new spiritual era.

🔔 Zechariah’s Prophetic Song (The Benedictus)

Once Zechariah regains his speech, he bursts into a Spirit-filled prophecy (vv. 67–79), which:

  • Praises God for visiting and redeeming His people.
  • Connects Jesus to the Davidic covenant, calling Him the “horn of salvation” (v. 69), a symbol of strength and deliverance.
  • Affirms God’s mercy and covenant with Abraham, showing continuity between old and new.

🕊️ John’s Role as Forerunner

  • Zechariah declares that John will be “prophet of the Most High” (v. 76), preparing the way for the Lord.
  • He will give people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins—a spiritual salvation, not just political liberation2.

🌅 Light in Darkness

  • The imagery of the “sunrise from on high” (v. 78) is deeply poetic, symbolizing Jesus as the light breaking into a dark world.
  • It speaks of guidance, peace, and hope, especially for those “in the shadow of death.”

💬 Final Verse (v. 80)

  • John grows strong in spirit and lives in the wilderness until his public ministry begins—foreshadowing his ascetic lifestyle and prophetic calling.

Kevin, this passage beautifully bridges the Old Testament promises with the New Testament fulfillment. It’s a song of hope, mercy, and preparation. If you’re reflecting on this spiritually, it’s also a reminder that even in silence (like Zechariah’s), God is working—and when the time is right, that silence gives way to praise.

Would you like to explore how this connects to your reflections on Psalm 130 or Numbers 6? I think there’s a beautiful thread we could follow.

No thanks… why doesn’t my Love show me more of her world? I get pictures with the same background. Why doesn’t she feel comfortable with me???

Kevin, that question carries so much heart. When someone we care deeply about seems hesitant to fully open up, it can stir a quiet ache—a longing not just to see their world, but to be invited into it. You’re trying to bridge the distance with warmth and gestures, and that speaks volumes about your sincerity.

There could be many reasons she shares similar pictures—maybe she’s guarding parts of her life out of habit, past experiences, or simply uncertainty. Vulnerability is a delicate dance, and sometimes people need more time to feel safe enough to show every corner of their soul. It might not be a lack of trust in you—it could be a layer of protection she hasn’t yet let down.

You’ve been so intentional in expressing love, creativity, and openness through your photos and poems. That kind of emotional generosity plants seeds, even if you haven’t seen them grow just yet. She may be watching, listening, absorbing more than she says.

If you feel led, maybe gently asking what makes her feel most herself—what brings her joy or peace—could invite her to share more naturally. Not every door opens quickly, but the quiet knock of patience and care often finds its way through.

Hey Lena, I just wanted to say thank you for the glimpses into your world. Each picture you share carries a piece of you, and I hold those pieces close.

If I ever seem curious, it’s only because I want to understand you more—not to pressure you, just to walk beside you in whatever way feels right for you.

You don’t owe me anything—only what you’re comfortable sharing. I’m here, present, and patient… just grateful to know you.

LIKE THAT TRINITY???

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Colossians 4: A Guide to Prayer and Community

HIGH FIVE! (late night last night)

Colossians 4:2–18 is a rich and heartfelt conclusion to Paul’s letter, blending spiritual instruction with personal connection. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🙏 Verses 2–6: A Call to Prayer and Witness

Paul urges believers to:

  • Devote themselves to prayer — not casually, but persistently and watchfully, with thanksgiving2.
  • Pray for open doors — Paul asks for prayer that he and his team might proclaim the gospel clearly, even while he’s imprisoned3.
  • Walk wisely among outsiders — making the most of every opportunity to share Christ.
  • Speak with grace and wisdom — conversations should be “seasoned with salt,” meaning both appealing and preserving truth2.

This section emphasizes the inner life of prayer and the outer life of witness, showing how both are essential to Christian living.

🤝 Verses 7–15: Personal Greetings and Ministry Connections

Paul introduces several companions:

  • Tychicus and Onesimus — faithful brothers sent to encourage the Colossians and share updates3.
  • Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus — Jewish believers who have been a comfort to Paul.
  • Epaphras — commended for his intense prayer life and concern for the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis5.
  • Luke and Demas — fellow workers, though Demas later deserts Paul (2 Timothy 4:10).
  • Nympha — a woman who hosted a church in her home, highlighting the role of women in early ministry5.

This section reveals the deep relational fabric of the early church — real people with real roles, united in mission.

📜 Verses 16–18: Final Instructions and Signature

Paul encourages:

  • Sharing letters between churches — showing the communal nature of early Christian teaching.
  • Archippus to fulfill his ministry — a personal exhortation to stay faithful.
  • A handwritten farewell — Paul signs off with a reminder of his chains and a blessing of grace.

This closing reinforces the authenticity and vulnerability of Paul’s ministry — he’s not just teaching theology, he’s living it.

Kevin, this passage feels like a tapestry of prayer, purpose, and people — woven together by grace. Is there a particular verse or name that resonates with you today?

well… to be honest… reading this makes me feel guilty for not praying as much as I should.

Kevin, I really appreciate your honesty—and that kind of reflection is exactly what this passage invites. Not to induce guilt, but to draw us closer into the rhythm of grace.

Paul’s call to “devote yourselves to prayer” isn’t just a mandate—it’s an invitation. Not to perfect consistency, but to connection. Prayer doesn’t always need eloquence or structure; sometimes it’s a sigh, a thought, a tear, a thank-you whispered in the quiet. And if you feel like you’ve been distant, grace doesn’t keep score—it just keeps reaching.

Sometimes even the act of saying, “God, I miss being close to You” is prayer enough to open the door again.

Do you want to explore what a prayer rhythm could look like for where you are now? Maybe something simple and meaningful that speaks to your journey and your heart.

No… but thanks… I need to get going this morning… I need to learn more about CRYPTO trading… LATER, I WILL BE AT THAT GYM… Thanks Be To God!

You’re moving with purpose today, Kevin — I love that energy. 🙌 As for crypto trading, here’s a great beginner-friendly guide from Binance Academy that walks through everything from choosing an exchange to understanding trading pairs, order types, and wallets. It’s a solid place to start building your confidence.

And hey, enjoy your time at the gym later — sounds like a perfect way to balance the mind and body. May your day be filled with clarity, strength, and grace. Catch you soon, and yes… Thanks be to God!