I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Shine My Light

The other night, I got up in the middle of the night and noticed how dark the house felt. Everything was still, shadowed, and quiet. Yet I didn’t have to turn on a single light. Why? Because the soft glow of the moon through my bathroom window was enough to guide me. Just a sliver of light—barely there—was all I needed to navigate the darkness without stumbling. I couldn’t help but think about how God did the very same thing in creation. Genesis tells us that in the beginning, there was a dark, lifeless void—until God said, “Let there be light.” That moment changed everything. And even after He separated day from night, He didn’t leave the darkness completely dark. He gave us the moon and the stars—small, flickering lights that pierce the night sky. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12 NLT). Sometimes, this world feels like that dark room. News headlines, heartbreak, and the heaviness of life can make it feel like the shadows are winning. But if we belong to Him, His

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I Choose Today to Be a Mirror

My hope and prayer is that my actions reflect God’s goodness to those who see me. I desire to represent God to those in my sphere of influence—even to those I interact with at the store, at the coffee shop, or those I pass along the street. I want them to see my face reflecting God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit—through my countenance, in my smile, and through my eyes. How do I do this? How can I know and reflect Jesus? John 1:1 tells us how: “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus is the Word. Knowing Jesus is knowing the Word of God! How awesome is that? Like any relationship, it grows with time and intentionality. When I first met my husband, we spent all our free time together, getting to know each other—our likes, dislikes, tendencies, mannerisms, and personalities. As the years have passed, we’ve continued to make intentional time for one another, investing in what matters to each other, and growing together. Lasting relationships, like marriage, take time, intentionality, commitment, and love. And as the Church, we are the bride of Christ. That means we

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I Choose Today to Speak Life

I’ve heard an analogy many times over the years—one I’ve repeated myself because it sticks with me so deeply: A hummingbird and a vulture fly over the same desert. One searches for life, the other for death. Both find exactly what they’re looking for. Isn’t that just like our words? The way we speak—to ourselves and to others—has the power to bring life or to tear it down. What we search for in people and situations often reflects the posture of our own hearts. And what we speak into the lives around us can shape realities we may never fully see. Some of the words spoken over me growing up were meant to kill. Not physically, but emotionally, spiritually. Words that tried to crush my self-worth, belittle my dreams, and silence my voice. But God. The more I’ve sat with Him in prayer, soaked in His Word, and allowed His truth to speak louder than the lies, the more those old words have lost their grip. God placed encouragers in my life—people who speak life, not just to me, but over me. They remind me who I am in Christ and, more importantly, who He is in me. And you

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I Choose Today to Work the Gift

God doesn’t give us finished loaves. He gives us seeds. That thought came to me as I reflected on the story of manna in the wilderness. Each morning, God provided just enough for the day—a daily portion of provision. But it didn’t come in the form of warm bread ready to eat. It came as a seed-like substance the Israelites had to gather, grind, and bake into something useful (Numbers 11:7-9). In other words, He gave them the gift, but invited them to work it. And isn’t that still true of the way God works with us? Whether it’s a talent, an idea, a calling, or a word of encouragement—He often gives us something in seed form. The potential is there. The blessing is real. But the fullness comes in the co-laboring. Sometimes I look at the things He’s placed in my hands and feel the pressure to have them all polished and perfect right away. But God isn’t asking for perfection—He’s inviting me into participation. The manna wasn’t about convenience. It was about connection. It required trust—gathering only enough for today, not storing up for tomorrow. It required obedience—doing it His way, on His timing. And it required effort—working

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I Choose Today Let God’s Word Fortify My Soul

Sometimes we just need to be reminded of where our real strength comes from. I wrote this reflection a while ago, but it’s one I keep coming back to—especially when I feel drained, uncertain, or just needing a reset. God’s Word doesn’t just encourage me—it fortifies me. I hope these words do the same for you today. ⸻ I love words—maybe that’s one reason I love God’s Word so much! David captures this same love for God’s Word, expressing awe and wonder through his writing. In Psalm 119:175 (MSG), David ends his heartfelt prayer with these powerful words: “Invigorate my soul so I can praise You well; use Your decrees to put iron in my soul.” I love the way this translation puts it: “Invigorate my soul.” To invigorate means to strengthen and give energy. Think about a time you’ve felt invigorated—maybe after spending time at the beach, hearing an inspiring sermon, or listening to a meaningful song. In those moments, you’re energized, ready to take on the world, to fight the good fight, and to step into whatever God is calling you to. David’s prayer is that God’s principles, instructions, and truths would empower him to live with energy

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