Two years ago on May 7, 2024, my first traditionally published book released. It was all about forgetting remembering: remembering those things we tend to forget about God and igniting hope in the process.

Write It Down

No one has ever accused me of having a good memory. I often forget what someone said to me, details from years ago, or when something occurred. This happens especially during chaotic or difficult seasons. So I’ve learned to write down those particulars I want to remember.

I have the same type of amnesia spiritually as well. I forget the providence, promises, and presence of the Lord, often when I need hope the most. Realizing my need for remembering God’s character and provisions, I penned a prayer in 2013 that became a blog post and later the seed to my award-winning book, Sometimes I Forget: 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days. 

Sometimes I Forget

Two years later, I need the reminders I typed in this book as much as ever. Remembering still alludes me.

Truth Reminders including “God knows no limits and can accomplish the impossible in my life.” (p.85)

Prayers like “Sometimes I forget, Lord, that You are compassionate, caring, and helpful. I forget that You want what’s ultimately best for me
and that You are acting on my behalf. Remind me that things are
not always how they seem. What appears good to me may actually
hurt me in the end; what looks like a dead end may be the door to
the answers I desire. Help me trust that You know best, and in your
compassion, You offer what’s best to me.” (p.149)

Encouragement such as “We don’t have to wonder if God’s generosity will run out or if He’ll become stingy with it. God’s nature does not change. He will not become less than what He is now. His thoughtfulness will
span the generations until it culminates in a new heaven and new
earth! The God whose generosity and grace spilled over in offering
us the gift of eternal life “while we were still sinners” (Rom.
5:8) never changes and will never run low on blessings to impart.” (pp.170-171).

Remembering

God knows how important remembering is to igniting hope and growing the faith of His people. Throughout His Word He exhorts us to remember (or not forget).

God knows how important remembering is to igniting hope and growing the faith of His people.
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He had Moses compel the Israelites to “take care lest you forget the Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:12 ESV). He felt strongly enough about it to use a double command in Deuteronomy 9:7 (ESV): “Remember and do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness.”

Psalm 103:2 (ESV) calls the soul to “forget not all his benefits.” It is one of many such exhortations by the psalmists.

We still see the admonishment to remember God and His deeds in the New Testament. Peter encourages believers to “recall the words previously spoken by the holy prophets and the command of our Lord and Savior given through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:2 CSB). Jesus calls us to regularly partake in the Lord’s Supper “in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19 ESV) “for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28 ESV). Later, He commanded His followers to make disciples by baptizing them and “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20 ESV).

Igniting Hope

God knows how easily we go astray or give into despair. He knew we’d need something in writing to remind us of His love, mercy, grace, truth, precepts, and sufficiency, so He inspired the writing of His Word. The Lord gave us all we need in the books of the Bible.

But still we forget.

You and I need regular reminders to remember the God of the Bible, to remember to be in His Word, to remember to pray, to remember to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to remember to be in fellowship and worship with other believers. May books that point to the Lord and His Word, like Sometimes I Forget, serve as a reminder to that end, helping to ignite hope when despair threatens.

A Second Anniversary Favor Request

Sometimes I Forget turned two this week! Crazy how fast the past two years have went. Two years of helping us remember the faithfulness of God. And it seemed to be the right time to ask for your help in getting more book reviews.

Reviews are incredibly important to the overall success of a book. They give the book validity, indicate interest to the book seller, move Amazon to boost the book’s visibility, and help readers discern whether it is a fit for them. As I’m writing this post, Sometimes I Forget has 35 reviews. I’d love to bump it to 50 during the month of May, the anniversary month of its release.

Creating a review is really quite simple. It only needs to be one or two sentences long. If you read Sometimes I Forget, please take a minute to post a review on Amazon. (And if you haven’t read it yet, what’s stopping you from doing so? Purchase it here.)

Here are step-by-step Amazon review instructions and the Amazon link to Sometimes I Forget. It’s best to keep your comments focused on the book’s contents, not me as the author.

On a Computer

1. Click the above link to the book.
2. Sign in to your Amazon account if prompted.
3. Scroll down to the Customer Reviews section.
4. Click Write a customer review.
5. Choose a star rating (1–5 stars).
6. Add a headline for your review.
7. Write your review in the text box.
8. (Optional) Add photos or videos.
9. Click Submit.

Amazon will usually post the review after it is approved, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days.

On the Amazon App

1. Open the Amazon app.
2. Sign in if needed.
3. Search for and tap the book.
4. Scroll to Ratings & Reviews.
5. Tap Write a review.
6. Select your star rating.
7. Write your headline and review.
8. Tap Submit.

That’s it. Thank you so much for your help! If you know others who have read the book, please encourage them to leave a review too.

Reflections: Besides Sometimes I Forget, what other books have pointed  you to God and His Word? What book(s) of the Bible are your favorite(s)? Why?

1. Everyone Sins

Sin is a rebellion against God, a transgression against His laws or commands. The Lord makes it clear that everyone sins. It’s a a certainty in this world. Not simply for unbelievers to battle, we all sin “and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 ESV).

Greed. Gluttony. Anger. Fornication. Promiscuity. Entitlement. Drunkenness. Arrogance. Covetousness. Pride. Idolatry. Jealousy. Each of us has certain temptations that trouble us more than others, but the truth is, sinning is real and unavoidable, even for followers of Christ.

Sinfulness as a Christian

As Christians, our old sinful flesh has been crucified. Jesus took on our sins and gave us His righteousness. Being a new creation in Christ, the Bible tells us we are to set aside sin, to flee the devil and evil. So why do you and I continue to have the same sinful thoughts? Why do we do the same sinful things?

Sadly, in this fallen world, we continue to live in the flesh, even while being redeemed in the spirit. The old Adam in us wars against the new Adam. Our flesh and our spirit play tug of war. The struggle is real. As much as we wish it were otherwise, sinfulness as a Christian will remain the case until we go to heaven or the Lord returns.

No sooner do we repent of one or more sins, than we find ourselves giving in to it or them again. No matter how much we remind, admonish, or cheer ourselves on to better things, higher things, we continue to fail in performing righteously. On our own, we are helpless against sin and the devil. The good news is, we aren’t on our own.

On our own, we are helpless against sin and the devil. The good news is, we aren't on our own.
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It’s Every Christian’s Battle

The Apostle Paul gave a simple and clear explanation of every Christian’s battle.

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. ¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” Romans 7:18b-19 ESV

Paul’s honesty is refreshing and comforting. We know God’s will. We have God’s law (the Ten Commandments) to expose our sin, give us boundaries, and guide us in our thoughts, words, and deeds. We desire (often) to serve Him.

But no matter how hard we try, we will fail. Sinfulness, even for Christians, is a reality. We serve the law of God with our minds, but serve the law of sin with our flesh (see Romans 7:25b).

2. Jesus Christ Paid the Price for Everyone’s Sins

Thanks be to God, then, that we have a deliverer!

Jesus rescued us. He died for my sins, for your sins, for everyone’s sins. Though we trespass against our neighbor and our God, He extends mercy. Though we sin, the Lord leads us into repentance and forgives and restores us.

Christ Jesus would have no reason to come to earth, be born of a virgin, suffer, and die a horrible death, forsaken by His Father, had we been able to escape sinfulness by our own means. Christ died for our sins, because we can’t by our own will and strength be free from its bonds.

Like Paul, we cry out,

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24 ESV).

And Jesus answers,

“For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 20:28 ESV).

How marvelous!

3. In Christ, We Have a Clean Conscience

I’m still frustrated by how often I give into temptation. Perhaps you are too. If so, we’re in good company with all of the saints in heaven and on earth—not one stood rock solid against sin and the devil. 

Yet receiving the grace of God, we can of one accord, in repentance (contrition and faith) and gratitude, proclaim

^“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25a ESV).

He has delivered us from this body of death. Christ paid the price for our sins. We stand redeemed and saved. A sinner in the flesh; a saint in the eyes of God. What a glorious truth!

The Lord has delivered us from this body of death. Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins. We stand redeemed and saved. A sinner in the flesh; a saint in the eyes of God. What a glorious truth!
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To be clear, the Lord doesn’t make light of sin. In fact, He hates it, and He calls us to repentance. But He has already paid the price for every one of our transgressions with His blood. The Father’s wrath for our trespasses against Him fell on His Son. All who rest in the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ are forgiven of their sins. They are free from the bondage of sin and death.

Through the power of the Word and the help of the Holy Spirit, we will grow more Christlike in our thoughts and behaviors. God grant that it be so.

But, also, let our conscience be clean for

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 ESV).

Sinfulness as a Christian seems wrong. It’s not how it should be. But until Christ returns, it will continue to be. For now, my friend, walk in freedom. For Christ died to secure it for you and me.

“For freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1 ESV). 

Great Redeemer and Sanctifier, You gave Yourself on the cross for all of my sins, wiping them away. What a merciful and gracious God You are. Help me walk in the freedom You have secured for me. In Your name, Amen.

Reflection: As Believers, we should be aware and remorseful of our sin. How do you maintain a clean conscience in light of God’s grace for your sinfulness? 

Celebrate Mother’s Day Amid Loss

The death of a mother is often one of the deepest losses in someone’s life. It leaves a gaping hole. Children naturally feel a special tenderness toward their mothers. In a healthy relationship, she was the first to love us. She nurtured us and never stopped cheering for us. Her love provided a security that was ripped away when she died.

From that day forward, those special days set aside to celebrate her will never be the same. How can they be? But that doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t still celebrate them. I think it’s important to continue to do so. It’s a way to keep her memory alive, honor the legacy she left, and give thanks for her life.

Keep Mom’s Memory Alive

At first, it may be difficult to remember those special times you spent with your mom. Looking at family pictures, listening to musicians she loved, and doing activities she enjoyed bring fresh waves of grief.  Although the tears may come, it is important to keep her memory alive by talking about her with family and friends. We want others to know how special she was to us. Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to tell them.

Honor Mom’s Legacy

Many of our mothers left a meaningful legacy of love, faith, and/or service. Commemorating those days that honor her life also honors her legacy. It keeps her impact alive, extending it to the next generation. When we remember our late mother as we celebrate Mother’s Day, we are saying she made a difference.

Give Thanks for Mom’s Life

God created mothers to be one of our most precious gifts. (I’m sorry if that’s not the case for you.) Remembering and celebrating her life on special days like Mother’s Day is a way of thanking the Lord for her.

This year, no matter how fresh your mother-loss is, be intentional about remembering your mom on Mother’s Day. In doing so, you’ll be keeping her memory alive, honoring her legacy, and giving thanks for the gift she was to you.

Celebrate Mother’s Day Amid Loss

At times, remembering Mom still produces tears. I loved her dearly, and I miss her dearly. And that’s okay. Far worse would be forgetting her.

So, this year I’ll once again celebrate Mother’s Day without Mom, not only in gratitude for my motherhood journey, for having a godly mother-in-law, and for the wonderful news that my two daughters-in-law will soon know the joy of motherhood, but also for my mother.  She may no longer be with us, but her life is, and always will be, worth remembering and celebrating. And one day we’ll be reunited again in heaven. What a joyous reunion that will be.

Your mom may no longer be alive, but even though it's difficult, her life is, and always will be, worth remembering and celebrating on Mother's Day.
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Reflections: In the comments, share one special memory of your mother, whether she’s still on earth or has died. If your mother is still alive, don’t take that for granted. How will you celebrate Mother’s Day?

First Anniversary Giveaway for Sometimes I Forget

In honor of the first anniversary of the release of Sometimes I Forget: 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days, I am hosting a giveaway. It runs through May 14, and there will be 3 winners. It’s super simple to enter, so don’t miss your chance to win some fun prizes. Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I wiggled deep into the mattress, tucking the blankets around my shoulders. Snuggled in warm and comfortable, I lay listening to the whipping winds, rumbling thunder, and smattering of rain on the windows. The day dawned stormy, and I hesitated to rouse myself from my cocoon. Safe and secure, the sounds of the storm lulled me into a peaceful slumber.

I love getting up and attacking the day on beautiful mornings, but stormy ones are for sleeping in, at least in a dry and warm house. Being outside in a severe rainstorm, though, is entirely different. It’s miserable and scary. Even worse, when you’re in a boat on the water, as Jesus’ disciples were in Matthew 8:23-27.

Tossed About in the Storm

In that biblical account, Jesus slept in the boat as the disciples rowed across the lake. Suddenly, a violent storm sprung up. Row as they might, the waves threatened to swamp them. Finally, in a panic, they awoke Jesus.

In our lifetimes, we don’t only face literal storms; we deal with “storms” of many kinds: financial, relational, and health. Rough conditions can hit all life areas, and slumbering through them peacefully is not an option.

Different Expectations

I don’t know what the disciples expected Jesus to do and say, but I doubt it was what He did and said. Following their fearful appeal, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” (v. 25 CSB). Jesus answered with a question, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” (v. 26 CSB). Then He rebuked the waves and sea, which quickly calmed down. The disciples were amazed that even the winds and sea obeyed Him.

Jesus surprised the disciples with a question (maybe a rebuke even) before acting to save them. Similarly, the Lord doesn’t always respond to our desperate pleas for help in the exact way we expect Him to. Instead, He often acts in ways we don’t anticipate.

Sometimes, it seems like He stays still and silent. Other times, it appears He’s acting contrary to what would be best for us. But regardless of how it appears, we can expect God to act on our behalf. As omnipotent, He has the power. As omniscient, He possesses the knowledge. As kind and good, He has the desire to help us.

However, the Lord is also mysterious and righteous, unfathomable and loving. He alone knows how best to act on our behalf. He alone knows what is being most loving toward us.

We may see God’s help as delayed or not helpful at all. Sometimes, He even appears to be adding to the problem.

3 Things to Hold Onto Amid the Storms of Life

But when it comes to the Lord’s help amid the storms of life, we can hold onto three things:

1. God is faithful to act on our behalf.
2. We will not always understand why the Lord does or allows certain things.
3. One day we will understand, but it may not be in this lifetime.

Jesus spoke and acted in ways that marveled, amazed, confused, and even frustrated His disciples. This story of the storm in Matthew is only one biblical example. Jesus’ help in our lives, in whatever form it takes, will amaze, confuse, and frustrate us sometimes too.

But the Lord does not change.

He provided for and protected His disciples, physically in many ways, but spiritually first and foremost. He does the same for us. Even today, He can still the winds, calm waves, and move mountains.

Never Doubt the Lord

We may not know why the Lord continues to allow what He does. But we should never doubt that He can, and will, still the winds and calm the waves in our lives. It may not be today or next month or even during our earthly life, but one day, we will know no more scary situations, no more desperate times, no more tears of sorrow.

We may not know why the Lord continues to allow what He does. But we should never doubt that He can, and will, still the winds and calm the waves in our lives.
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We should expect God to act on our behalf because He already is, even when we don’t recognize relief from the storm. One day, whether now or in the next life, relief will come. God will calm the storms of our lives. We can count on it.

One day, whether now or in the next life, relief will come. God will calm the storms of our lives. We can count on it.
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And he [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:26 ESV)

Reflections: What storms of life are you expecting God to act on? Which ones has He already calmed?

The storms of life will rock our world, but with the Lord as our anchor, we will not sink.
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We go to great lengths to manufacture peace in our lives. We surround ourselves with the “right” things and the “right” people; search for the perfect job; pad our nest egg; do our best to minimize issues. None of that is enough. Troubles still find us. Stress and anxiety still rear their ugly heads.

In His Word, God provides us with a clear path to experience peace: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV). How do we experience peace? God gives it to us as we remember and trust Him. Remember and trust amid painful, even tragic circumstances? Easier said than done, right?

Absolutely. And, unfortunately, we will never have perfect peace this side of heaven because we get in the way of receiving it. Still, as we grow to trust God more, we will experience greater peace.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, I’m actively engaging in three practices that remind me of God’s faithfulness and help me experience peace more often. I’m learning to let go of my expectations; look back and trace God’s faithfulness; and look up, focusing on the One who holds the world in His hands and turning to Him in prayer, knowing He always hears me. 

Let Go

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 ESV

We don’t know all God does. We’re not aware of all that has happened before, is going on now, and will take place in the future. He is. The Lord has plans we’re not privy to.

Our expectations of how our infinite God will (or should) act are based on finite knowledge and understanding. How can we possibly know? Releasing those expectations to Him and waiting with wonder at what He will do relieves a great deal of stress and worry from our lives, helping us experience peace in greater measure. 

Look Back

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11 ESV

As I look back on my journey through more than five decades of life, I can’t help but notice some pivotal times, both good and bad. Sundays in church. The first Bible I received. My marriage. My grandma’s death. My first miscarriage. The dream I experienced after my first miscarriage. Each subsequent miscarriage. The birth of each of my living children. Each job I held. The first time we were told my daughter would have lifelong disabilities. The death of my parents. Many important days in the lives of my children. The list is endless. Through it all, I see how God has been working it out. 

Looking back proves to be an important practice in experiencing peace. It allows us to notice and remember all God has done in our lives. In a sense, through this practice, we trace His fingerprints.

The Lord placed directives to remember or tell of His deeds throughout the Bible. Remembering His faithfulness is that important. 

Look Up

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV

In our unpredictable life, God brings the predictable. He never changes. We can count on Him to remain faithful. He won’t abandon us, leaving us to battle alone. And He hears all of our prayers. 

Even more, the Lord has already overcome all that assaults us. Our difficult circumstances don’t win, because sin and death have been defeated. God won the victory for us.

So, look up: Keeping our eyes on Him reminds us that nothing is greater than our magnificent God and no one loves us more than He does. 

Experience Peace

Peace—true, lasting peace—comes from the Lord. He offers it to each of us. As we let go of unfulfilled expectations; look back and remember His faithfulness; and look up, keeping our eyes on the Victor, we’ll be open to receiving a peace that passes our understanding. 

True, lasting peace comes from God. As we let go of unfulfilled expectations; look back and remember His faithfulness; and look up, keeping our eyes on the Victor, we'll be open to receiving a peace that passes understanding.
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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Reflections: Have you used these practices to experience peace?

To encourage others to look to God for true and lasting peace, I wrote my first book, Everyday Praise: Walking in Greater Peace. Get your copy by clicking the title. 

Meaning of Settle

The dictionary meaning of settle takes on many nuances. The following three most closely match the context in which I have adopted the word for this year:

1. to come to rest;
2. to become fixed, resolved, or established;
3. to become quiet or orderly

Since Mom died suddenly in May 2023 and then Dad a few short months later, I’ve felt aimless, lacking focus and deep-seated joy. I’ve continued to do what I’m supposed to. I’ve cared for my family, gone out occasionally, and kept writing. I even traveled to Greece with my husband on a wonderful adventure.

Still, restlessness has followed me. It’s kept me from engaging joyfully and fully in my activities and has messed with my contentment. I’m tired of that and desire to settle into what God has for me. I want to rest in Him; to become fixed and resolved on His plan; to become quiet and secure in His love and sovereignty.

I know all I long for, the Lord possesses and desires to give to me.  But I have to receive them. So, I created an acrostic using the word SETTLE to remind me to rest in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Maybe it will help you as well.

Settle Acrostic

Seek God daily

The Lord is the source of all good things. He delivers them to us as we spend time with Him. When we sit with Him daily in His Word, in prayer, in song, and in praise and thanksgiving, we will reap the rewards.

Expect Him to act

God is always working in our lives, and He always knows what we need. When we expect Him to act in our lives, we can quit striving to maintain control and find peace.

Trust His plan is best

God perfectly loves us. Everything He does is for our best, even if we can’t understand how it can be. When we trust Him with our lives, we can be content, whatever the situation.

Tackle the next step

Trusting God, we step out in faith, doing the next thing. God will illuminate each step. When we move forward in faith, we experience feelings of purpose and meaning.

Let go of expectations of outcomes

Our responsibility is obedience. The outcome of that obedience is God’s business. When we let go of our expectations, we begin to believe in possibilities among the impossible.

Enjoy the journey

The Lord created us for joy but at times it flickers and wavers. The Word of God rekindles it. When we sit with God and His Word, we will find joy in the journey, no matter what we face.

Be Settled

Don’t let life unsettle you. God has it under control. Abide with Him regularly and experience all He has for you for this journey. You won’t be disappointed. Here’s to being settled on God and His Word.

“I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8 ESV). 

Don't let life unsettle you. God has it under control. Abide with Him regularly and experience all He has for you in this journey.
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Father, keep me in Your presence throughout my earthly pilgrimage, that I may have peace, joy, and contentment on this journey and come to the fullness of my salvation in heaven, through Jesus Christ, my resurrected Lord. Amen.

Reflections: Have you adopted one word for 2025? If so, tell us why you chose that word. What do you think about my word? 

We wish it to others. We claim it for ourselves. And we plan. Oh, yes, we plan. By reflecting on the past; projecting into the future; making lists; creating a perfect schedule; etc. And all goes well for a day or two … maybe even a few weeks. Until real life happens.

And then happy disappears.

Life Is Hard

Trouble. We all know it’s coming. The Lord even prepares us: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Still we express surprise and angst when it hits.

We desire and expect to be constantly happy, but in this broken world, that’s unrealistic. When sin entered, peace and bliss fled.

Being Happy Is Fleeting; Being Joyful Can Be Lasting

It’s not that we’ll never be happy again. Of course, blissful moments exist. The healthy birth of a baby, family gatherings, an evening with friends, a promotion, a simple date night, a delicious meal, a delightful activity. Many happy moments occur, but our happiness only lasts as long as the “good” things do. Introduce frustrating and sad situations and our pleasure dissipates.

But there’s good news! Happy circumstances will always be fleeting, but for those of us who know Christ Jesus, joy can be lasting. Joy is a gift, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is not based on our circumstances, but on our salvation … on what the Lord Jesus has given us on the cross and through His resurrection.

Happy circumstances will always be fleeting, but for those of us who know Christ Jesus, joy can be lasting. Joy is a gift, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is not based on our circumstances, but on our salvation.
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Joy and Sorrow Coexist

Because Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, gave us the greatest gift of eternal life, joy and sorrow can coexist. Sadness over difficult circumstances—the death of a loved one, loss of a job, a broken relationship, poor decisions by children, loneliness—is real and understandable, zapping our happiness.

But we can still be joyful because none of these troubles are lasting. All of us in Christ will live again, having eternal life with our Savior, and the things of this world are temporary. These provide reasons for a deep and lasting joy.

Happy & Joyful New Year!

Of course, wish everyone you see a Happy New Year! After all, we do desire good circumstances for our loved ones. But maybe also consider extending them a Joyful New Year, an everlasting gift.

So, my dear friends and family members, as one year slips into another, may I be the first to wish you a Happy & Joyful New Year! May you experience many wonderful circumstances, the peace of Christ in the harder ones, and lasting joy as you celebrate the promise of your salvation. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3 CSB

Dear Lord, thank you for providing every reason for me to be joyful. I am grateful for your gift of a Savior and for the gift of joy the Holy Spirit delivers. While being happy is fleeting; you’ve given me reason to be joyful amid the trials of life. May I cultivate that joy by being in the Word and reminding myself of my salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Reflections: What do you most desire in this new year? Does it promote being happy,  being joyful, or both? 

For all Americans, the Fourth of July should hold great importance. It’s a celebration of the freedom we have in this country. For Christians, it should take on even greater significance as we reflect on the Judea-Christian principles on which it was founded.

However, a day set apart to commemorate the freedom gained by the sacrifice of many can get lost in the passage of time and the allure of fun. In our zeal to celebrate with a day off work, fireworks, and picnics we may overlook the deeper meaning of the day: the sacrifices made to secure our freedom, temporally and eternally.

The Cost of Freedom

The Church influenced the beliefs of the founders of the United States of America. Even those who did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ understood the importance of incorporating godly principles in the founding of this country. They did so at a great price.

In a favorite book of mine, For You They Signed, the author, Marilyn Boyer, quotes John Quincy Adams, “You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”

I pray Americans never forget (or take for granted) the sacrifice those 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence made to found a country that guarantees individual freedom. Most of them endured great hardships, with many of them losing everything they owned. Let’s “make good use” of the price they paid for our liberty.

More importantly, I pray Christians never forget (or take for granted) the sacrifice Jesus Christ made to secure our freedom from sin. He suffered horribly, giving up His very life for us. Let’s “make good use” of the price He paid for our eternal life.

The Importance of Remembering

President Woodrow Wilson realized the importance of remembering: “A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we have come from, or what we have been about.”

God also knew its importance, exhorting and commanding us to recall, recite, and share His work in our lives. He knew that if we do not remember that we were dead in our sins yesterday, we won’t appreciate today the priceless gift we’ve received in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

So, let your Fourth of July celebrations remind you of the sacrifice of our country’s founders. But also let the day’s celebrations remind you of Jesus Christ’s greater sacrifice for our souls.

Let your Fourth of July celebrations remind you of the sacrifice of our country's founders. But also let the day's celebrations remind you of Jesus Christ's greater sacrifice for our souls. Happy Fourth of July!
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Happy Fourth of July/Independence Day!

Reflections: How much do you know about America’s founders? How much do you know about the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for you? What difference will either answer mean for the celebration of the Fourth of July?

Sometimes I Forget: 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days is available for purchase wherever books are sold. A unique devotional, it includes prayers, quotes, Scripture verses, stories, and truth reminders related to 60 attributes of God.

I needed this book, so I wrote it. I needed reminders that God is trustworthy, that I can believe that the promises He made to His children in Scripture are for me, not only for everyone else.

Sometimes I’d look around and wonder where the fulfillment of those promises was. Sometimes I’d question whether God really cared … whether He would truly never leave me nor forsake me. I felt desperate to trust the One who promised these things to me.

During a time of reflection and desperation, I begin writing out my woes and then, in response to those hardships, I started listing all of God’s attributes, the reasons I could trust Him with my burdens. That honest and vulnerable post birthed this book.

Our Faith Is Tested

Are you in a difficult season? Does life not make sense to you right now? Is there a burden you carry that is growing heavier every day? Does fear of the future overwhelm you? Are there relationships or situations in your life that frustrate or anger you?

Does fear of the future overwhelm you? Are there relationships or situations in your life that frustrate or anger you? You are not alone. #sometimesiforgetbook #youarenotalone
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You are not alone. We live in a broken world, where sin and doubt create a toxic mix, where bodies wear out and relationships wear thin, where Satan will use everything in his power to convince us that we should place our security in anything other than God. We live in a world that constantly tests our faith.

God’s Unchanging Nature

Yet, God’s unchanging nature gives us reason to hope, a solid foundation on which to stand. Reviewing God’s character and how He relates to us in the fullness of that character refocuses and re-anchors our trust in Him. I pray readers of Sometimes I Forget will have their trust be refocused and re-anchored in the Lord.

Reviewing God’s character and how He relates to us in the fullness of that character refocuses and re-anchors our trust in Him. #sometimesiforgetbook #knowGodtrustGod
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“The person who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed.” Jeremiah 17:7, CSB

Giveaway of Sometimes I Forget

There were days I wondered if this book would ever be published. But God …

In celebration of its release, I’d like to give away two signed copies of Sometimes I Forget to two people who comment on this post. I want to make this simple:

• Please comment on this blog post listing an attribute of God that most comforts you.
• You’ll receive an extra entry if you mention someone to whom you would like to give a copy of the book.

The contest closes at 6:00 p.m. central on Memorial Day, and the winners will be announced Tuesday, May 28.
 

Congratulations!

The two winners of the signed copies of Sometimes I Forget are
Terri Bargerhuff and Jennifer Cook!