I Choose Today...

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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I Choose Today to Recognize the Good

“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” James 1:17 (NIV) I don’t always recognize the good. Not because it’s not there, but because I’m often too distracted to notice it. But God’s goodness? It hasn’t stopped flowing — even when life has felt heavy, or lonely, or hard. It’s not always loud or obvious. Sometimes it looks like a kind word, an unexpected text, a quiet morning, or strength for one more step. I remember when I was really sick for a long time. I had friend just show up with some soup and vitamins. She sat with me and just chatted for a while. It didn’t fix anything, but it reminded me that God hadn’t left. That even in my hard moments, His goodness still found me. Moments like that have changed the way I see things. Because when we train our eyes to look for His goodness, we begin to realize how present He’s always been. Romans 8:28 says that God works all things together for good — not just the pleasant or easy things. That means the pain, the waiting, the uncertainty — none of it is wasted. He’s working even when we don’t feel it,

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I Choose Today to Be Anchored in the Middle

The Ordinary – Part 5 This morning, during my quiet time, one word kept surfacing and pulling at my heart: The middle. It kept circling—gently, quietly, but persistently. Like the Lord was inviting me to lean in and listen. So I did. And this is what came out: What happens in the middle? In the middle of an asked and answered prayer. In the middle of a crisis. In the middle of the ordinary. In the middle of healing. Forgiving. Trusting. Believing. Growing. Being still. Surviving. Thriving. Crying. Mourning. Trauma. Tragedy. Sickness. Uncertainty. Loneliness. Hoping. Waiting. The middle isn’t usually where we want to be. We love beginnings—the excitement, the spark, the newness. We long for endings—the relief, the closure, the breakthrough. But the middle? The middle feels slow. Unsettling. Foggy. Often painful. And sometimes… silent. But here’s what I’m learning: The middle is where most of life happens. It’s where our faith gets stretched. Where our roots grow deep. Where transformation begins to unfold—not in an instant, but in the unseen, ordinary, day-by-day steps. And I think that’s why so many people get lost in the middle. Because without an anchor, without hope, it’s easy to drift. Easy to

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