Grandma Shaffer’s Trinket

If I could rewind to the early 1990’s and revisit my Grandma Shaffer’s house, I would do it without hesitation. In her dining room, she had a number of photos framed and trinkets displayed within a corner cabinet.  One of those trinkets ministers to me still, here in 2026. It was a small decoration that read, “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”  

Even as my 12 year-old self, I understood both the play on words and the truth of that statement.  Every now and again, those words bubble to the surface and I can’t help but agree with them.  

How life has changed since then… both for me personally, and for the world. One thing that has remained the same is a God who works on my heart, walks alongside my steps, and directs my life.  

In my changing seasons as a wife, mom, and teacher, there seems to be also eras of growth and eras of stagnancy in my faith walk. The times of standstill can likely be correlated very simply to how much time I allot for prayer, and how focused I am on reading the Word.  

Maybe you can relate—- you settle down in the morning with a cup of coffee, in your favorite chair, open a Bible verse or devotional, THEN….. 

Here come the dogs! Let them out, get them food, fill their water!

You sit back down in your favorite chair, open a Bible verse or devotional, THEN…

“PING!”, goes the phone- ‘Your Walmart order has substitutions.”  

You sit back down in your favorite chair, open a Bible verse or devotional, THEN…

“Whoa! It’s 6:20!”  You ask your husband to wake up your son, so he can get ready for school, which leads to a discussion about after-school plans.

You sit back down in your favorite chair, open a Bible verse or devotional, THEN…

You remember that pair of gym shorts is in the dryer, so you bound up the steps to grab them quickly.

By the time I finish, 3/4 of my devotional time and coffee is untouched. And if my Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday feel a bit similar to this scenario, you know what comes to mind? That sign from Grandma Shaffer’s house. 

Just last night, as I was sitting in the start of our church service, a short plea came to mind….. “God, correct my disconnect.”  

It seems this phrase could be my prayer over all things in what may be an era of extra busy-ness.

Interruptions are bound to come, whether the dogs, the phone, the kids, or otherwise—— thank goodness our God is not limited to 30 minutes in the morning. He can give me course correction all the day long! 

In the car, “God, correct my disconnect.”

At my desk in school, “God, correct my disconnect.”

Walking the neighborhood, “God, correct my disconnect.” 

I don’t have to endure seven days without prayer, if I am seeking the Lord all of my waking hours.  It may look like turning off the radio, putting away the phone, or getting away by yourself even for a few moments. A growing Christ follower protects this time because it’s precisely how we grow!

Because, I suppose the flip-side of the trinket’s statement is true for the busiest of eras…. “Seven days with “pockets” of prayers makes one strong.”

Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash

A Prayer of Wisdom for Our Children

Dear Father,

Your Word tells us, “To have knowledge you must first have reverence for the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:7) 

I pray today that our children love You and have a faith foundational to their core. I pray that faith leads them to Your wisdom for life. In all their days, guide them in decisions whether alone or with friends. 

Surround our children with people who are safe, love You, and can be a positive influence, while also making our children positive influences on others.  Keep their words and actions honoring You all the days of their lives.

Help our children to live in self-control, kindness, integrity, and humility. Give discernment for difficult situations and may our children walk honorably away from anything that could hurt them.

Proverbs 4:18-19 reads, “The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until the daylight has come. The road of the wicked, however, is dark as night. They fall, but cannot see what they have stumbled over.”   Make the way bright for our children, and may their thoughts and choices be blessings along the road of life.

Help us as parents to be intentional in giving wisdom to our children.  Help us also to live honorable, wise lives at home.

Thank you for leading and loving Your children as You do.  Thank you for the Bible— the true book of wisdom for our lives.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏

Photo by Jack Cohen on Unsplash

The Messiness of Sarcasm

 

Hey, family in Christ! Have you mastered your tongue? Me neither.

It’s that one tool that lets us all eloquently or not-so-eloquently convey emotions, cheer for others, react to spiders, and retell stories of our past.  We find it useful in most circumstances.  And while some of us “hold our tongue” better than others, we likely have all used it as we shouldn’t.

The topic of our words is covered very thoroughly in the book of James. One favorite passage of mine is James 3:3-12: 

"We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures—wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish.  But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening.  A fig tree, my friends, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water."

That's a heart-convicting passage for sure. Your tongue may be in the clear with swearing.  However, this tongue of yours and mine doesn't have to be saying the worst of curse words to do its damage. The words we say and HOW we say them matter. The messiness of sarcasm comes to mind when I read these verses. 

It's the witty, but stinging style that some use to humorously wound another. We have all likely felt the bite of sarcastic remarks of someone in our life, as well as dished a few ourselves. Sarcasm is salty.

It's a problem if you call yourself a Christ-follower.

When you recall a few random snide comments in your past, does the sear of those words spoken remain many years later?

Could it really be that sarcasm is 1 part truth, 1 part bitterness, and 1 part humor all rolled into one? I think so.  It could be said the one speaking fluently in sarcasm is operating with prideful or superior feelings, instead of compassion or empathy. At its absolute core, sarcasm equates to criticism.

It’s a hardened heart that uses this type of snark. It’s like a spreading frost. If one person in the household speaks in this venomous manner often, the rest can soon be affected. Venom responds with venom.

Growing up, my parents did not use this kind of humor in our home. For that, I am thankful. I was not “trained” to respond in jest or zingers. It always surprises me when it’s such a natural response in others.  It’s the wise parents who refrain from this style of conversation—- refrain from equipping their children to speak in the same tones.

Instead, we are instructed to let our words be gifts to others. 

Ephesians 4:29 states, “Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.”  If we are to love others well, the best thing we could be is genuine.

Just like most things in a maturing faith walk, it takes first, awakening and then, intentionality. 

How beautiful are the the following verses to put into action! I hope they are an encouragement to you in your communication with your family, friends, and co-workers. May you find yourself to be a “spring of sweet water” always!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience". Colossians 3:12

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind". 1 Peter 3:8

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you". Ephesians 4:32

Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash