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Pride, Humility, and the Quiet Drift Away From God

2026-04-17T16:20:00.005-05:00

What is it about pride that has become so dominant in today’s world? Everywhere we look, humility seems to be fading, replaced by self promotion, one upping, and an unwillingness to admit fault. Repentance and compassion feel increasingly rare, almost outdated. It is exhausting to witness, and I cannot help but wonder how the Lord feels as He watches us resist His gentle guidance while our own false pride keeps us at a distance from Him.

God continually desires to lead us along His path, yet pride convinces us we already know the way. It whispers that we are right, that our version of truth is sufficient, and that correction is unnecessary. Before we realize it, pride has created a barrier between us and God, not intentionally, but still devastating in its outcome.

(From the Archives - 2008) - Man how life has changed since then....

As a parent, I try to teach my children the importance of humility and repentance by example. I strive to hold myself to the same standards I expect of them. I do not believe I am an arrogant person, but even making that statement invites reflection. How easily we can excuse ourselves while scrutinizing others. I am aware of my faults, at least some of them, and I do feel conviction when I know I am wrong. Yet I also recognize how natural it is to soften our own failures or delay repentance.

What concerns me most is how disconnected from reality some people become. When personal standards replace truth, there is nothing left to anchor a person. At some point, a self created version of reality becomes a prison. Worse still, it becomes a voluntary separation from God. Though rarely intentional, the result is the same. Pride isolates, blinds, and hardens the heart.

When a person begins to speak inaccurately or justify error, something dangerous happens. The falsehood begins to feel true. It is explained away, defended, and even encouraged. Over time, error grows and becomes increasingly difficult to confront. Humility, if allowed, could interrupt this cycle. It could soften the heart enough to recognize that what feels true may not be truth at all. Without humility, the distance from God only deepens.

I do not believe anyone deliberately chooses this path. Most people never intend to drift so far. But it often begins with a single wrong turn, unchecked and uncorrected. Without the willingness to turn back, the entanglement of error thickens until the way out seems impossible. In truth, the solution is simple, though not easy. It requires acknowledgment. It requires stopping, admitting the wrong direction, and turning around. That step demands humility, and that is what makes it feel so difficult.

As a parent, I find myself continually fighting against the damage this mindset can inflict upon my children. They are exposed daily to attitudes that dismiss accountability and glorify self importance. If I feel weary from confronting it, I can only imagine the grief it brings to the heart of God. He calls us to something better, something deeper, something rooted in truth and love.

Prayer is essential, but prayer alone does not release us from responsibility. There must also be intentional action. We must model humility, practice repentance, and choose compassion even when it costs us pride. We must be willing to listen, to correct ourselves, and to yield when God convicts us.

Pride promises strength but delivers separation. Humility feels costly, yet it brings freedom. When we allow God to search our hearts and soften our defenses, we make room for His truth to lead us back into fellowship with Him. That is where healing begins, not only for ourselves, but for those watching our lives unfold.

What the world needs now is not louder voices or stronger opinions, but quieter hearts willing to bow. Humility draws us closer to God, restores clarity, and opens the door to repentance, compassion, and genuine transformation.

Still being me

2026-04-17T11:41:00.002-05:00

Proof I’ve been making faces for a long, long time. Remember actual newspapers?

Heart Giggles

2026-04-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

I found an old self portrait the other day. One of my five kids drew it years ago. Now they’re all grown, and somehow this little drawing means even more to me.

Finding it made me smile in a quiet, unexpected way. It reminded me how fast time goes, how strong love is, and how lucky we are to hold onto pieces of our kids as they grow into who they are.

This one made my heart giggle.

When was the last time your heart giggled?

Quiet Your OCD Brain by Reid Wilson, PhD - A Review

2026-04-17T07:30:00.003-05:00

Quiet Your OCD Brain offers several Strategy sections that could be genuinely beneficial, depending on the individual and where they are in their healing journey. As someone who has struggled with OCD tendencies and has largely overcome them, this book reinforced something I believe deeply: OCD may not disappear entirely, but awareness, intentional self checking, and understanding patterns make a real difference over time.

It encourages readers to become conscious of their responses. Learning to pause, notice, and redirect rather than react impulsively can be powerful. The emphasis on recognizing what is happening internally helped validate that progress does not mean perfection, but rather growing insight and steadiness.

PERSONALLY, I believe uncovering the reason why certain thoughts or triggers hold such power is critical and absolutely necessary for long term healing. Understanding the root causes behind our reactions allows for meaningful change rather than surface level management. While the strategies are helpful, this deeper exploration felt essential to fully integrating the tools the book offers.

Structurally, the book felt somewhat out of order. Beginning with a checklist to determine whether the reader has a problem seemed unnecessary, as anyone selecting this title is likely already aware of their struggle. I would have preferred the book begin by clearly explaining how the reader can benefit from the approach, building understanding and hope before moving into evaluation and exercises.

Overall, Quiet Your OCD Brain contains valuable strategies and insights, particularly for readers ready to reflect honestly and apply practical techniques. With a slightly different flow, its impact could be even stronger, but the tools themselves offer meaningful support for those committed to awareness and healing.

★★★★

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady - A Review

2026-04-16T07:34:00.000-05:00

This was a charming read, especially if you love a You’ve Got Mail style setup with a bookish twist. Rival bookstore owners, witty banter, and cozy literary vibes make this an easy story to settle into. Ali Brady’s love for books clearly shines through, and the setting alone is a treat for readers who adore indie bookstores and community focused stories.

The romance is sweet and engaging, with plenty of tension and heart, particularly in the first half where the pacing feels lively and fun. It drags slightly in the third quarter, but the payoff is still satisfying and warm.

Overall, this is a feel good, comforting romance that’s perfect for book lovers. Not flawless, but very enjoyable, and absolutely worth picking up.

★★★★

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A Letter That Crossed Time September 1931

2026-04-16T07:30:00.001-05:00

This letter was written in 1931 while my grandfather was deployed, sent back to the woman he loved and would later build a life with. Even across distance and uncertainty, his words are steady, devoted, and full of love. Nearly a century later, the tenderness still lives on the page. A quiet reminder that love does exist.

On the Rocks

2026-04-16T07:28:00.003-05:00

This verse keeps things really simple for me. It’s not just about hearing God’s Word or agreeing with it, but actually living it out. I want my life to be built on something solid, especially when things feel shaky. Today feels like a good reminder to keep choosing obedience, even in the small things.

Where Happy Begins by Maxine Morrey - A Review

2026-04-15T12:17:00.002-05:00

If you are tired of romances that feel loud, chaotic, or emotionally exhausting, this one might be exactly what you need.

Happiness does not arrive with fireworks here, and I loved that. It grows quietly through small decisions, fresh starts, and the courage to let people back in. The story never talks down to you or spells out the message. It just lets the moments happen and trusts you to feel them.

I connected easily with the main character. She feels real, a little flawed, and genuinely trying. Her search for happiness didn’t feel glossy or forced, it felt lived in. The romance unfolds slowly through everyday interactions, good conversation, and emotional trust. No chaos. No unnecessary drama. Just connection building at a pace that actually makes sense. The banter is natural, and the relationship is given room to breathe.

This is the kind of romance I reach for when life feels loud and I want something gentle but still satisfying. A true palate cleanser with strong comfort‑read energy and a calm, reassuring pace. I really enjoyed this one.

★★★★

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Power over Mind - Quote

2026-04-15T07:57:00.017-05:00

What I’ve learned is that most of my stress comes from trying to control things that were never really mine to control other people’s reactions, surprises, timing, outcomes, even the past. When I stay focused there, I feel worn out and on edge. But when I remember that my thoughts, judgments, and responses are actually mine, something loosens.

Power isn’t about forcing life to cooperate. It’s about deciding how I look at what’s happening, how long I let anger or fear hang around, and whether I respond thoughtfully or just react. Even when things feel unfair or painful, I still get to choose my inner stance.

That realization feels grounding. I stop waiting for peace to come from the outside and start building it from within. I might not control the storm, but I do get to decide if I let it take over my head. That’s where my resilience really grows.

Dahlia in Full Bloom

2026-04-15T04:30:00.001-05:00

Favorite dahlia from last year, quietly blooming and brightening the garden.

Life's Too Short (The Friend Zone Book 3) by Abby Jimenez - A Review

2026-04-15T00:10:00.001-05:00

If you want a book that will make you laugh-cry in public, this is it. Abby Jimenez is the queen of balancing hilarious banter with heavy, "real-life" stakes.

Vanessa is a travel YouTuber living life to the fullest because of a terminal family illness; Adrian is the grumpy, workaholic lawyer next door. When Vanessa suddenly ends up with her sister’s newborn, Adrian steps in as the world’s most helpful (and handsome) accidental co-parent.

Their chemistry is effortless and genuinely funny. It tackles big themes like ALS and hoarding with incredible grace: It’s a beautiful story about "found family" and making every second count. It’s spicy, emotional, and total perfection—just keep the tissues nearby.

★★★★½

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Green Eyes and Quiet Authority

2026-04-14T14:52:00.000-05:00

Green Eyes and Quiet Authority

Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry - A Review

2026-04-14T09:37:00.004-05:00

I’m honestly pretty bummed, because I had been looking forward to this one for so long. I absolutely loved book one, Shield of Sparrows, and went into this sequel with very high expectations. This one just didn’t hit me the same way. Reading it felt a little like when a favorite TV show suddenly shifts its focus and starts setting up a spinoff, while the parts you actually came for are pushed to the side. I can see the ambition here, and I know this book really worked for a lot of readers, but that shift kept it from landing for me.

The biggest hurdle for me was the introduction of a new point of view character, Caspia. I spent a lot of time wondering who she was and why I was supposed to be so invested in her story. If she was always meant to play such an integral role, I really wish she had been introduced in the first book. I was deeply attached to the emotional core of book one, and her chapters often felt less like added depth and more like interruptions. Instead of pulling me in further, they sometimes pulled me right out.

The romance also felt more distant this time around. That seems like a very intentional choice, but I missed the intimacy and emotional momentum that made the first book so compelling. That same spinoff feeling lingered here too. I wanted more time grounded in the relationship I had already invested in, not just hints at future payoff.

I also want to be fair and acknowledge that format may have played a role in my experience. I read Shield of Sparrows as an ebook and let my imagination set the tone. For this book, I switched to the audiobook. While the narration and production are clearly well done and widely praised, they just didn’t work for me. My imagination was apparently much kinder to these characters than the narrators’ interpretations, and that disconnect made it harder to stay immersed, especially during slower, exposition heavy sections. Side note: Deep, low voices might be sexy in real life, but they can be surprisingly hard to hear and follow in an audiobook.

Despite my disappointment, I will absolutely be reading book three. The foundation of this series is still strong, and I’m hopeful the final installment brings the focus back closer to the emotional heart that made the first volume so special. I just really hope it ends up feeling a little more like Shield of Sparrows again.

★★★½☆

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The Seaside Book Club by Helen Rolfe - A Review

2026-04-14T08:40:00.003-05:00

This was a cozy, uplifting read with a lovely seaside feel and a strong sense of friendship running through it. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to settle into, especially if you enjoy gentle stories about community and second chances.

I really liked the idea of the book club and the warmth that comes from women finding connection with one another. The setting adds a lot of charm, and overall the book has a comforting, feel good tone that makes it an enjoyable escape.

My only small hesitation is the balance of character time. There are quite a few characters, and while I enjoyed them all, it felt like one character took up a bit more space than necessary. I would have loved to spend a little more time with some of the others, as a few of their stories felt like they had more potential to explore.

That said, this didn’t take away from my enjoyment too much. The plot is fairly predictable, but in a comforting way. It’s more about the journey and the friendships than big surprises.

Overall, this is a warm, pleasant read that delivers exactly what it promises: heart, community, and a charming seaside setting. A solid pick for relaxed reading.

★★★★☆

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Healing in the Desert by Christine D'Clario - A Review

2026-04-13T08:27:00.002-05:00

Healing in the Desert is a gentle, reflective read for seasons when faith feels dry and prayers feel unanswered. Christine D’Clario writes honestly from her own wilderness and never rushes the reader toward resolution. Instead of framing the desert as failure or punishment, she presents it as sacred space where God works slowly and quietly.

The book speaks especially to those walking through grief, burnout, anxiety, or spiritual weariness. D’Clario often returns to the idea that healing happens beneath the surface, like roots growing deep before anything is visible. While some themes repeat, the steady rhythm feels comforting rather than demanding, especially in fragile seasons.

This is a hopeful book that does not minimize pain or pressure the reader to move faster than they’re able. Not every section may resonate the same way, but the overall message is kind, grounding, and reassuring. If you’re feeling weary, hidden, or unsure of what God is doing right now, this book gently reminds you that desert seasons still have purpose.

★★★★

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wild About You by Jo Lovett - A Review

2026-04-13T08:15:00.001-05:00

I really wanted to love this book because the setting held so much promise. For me, pacing was the biggest challenge. A large portion of the story is spent in extended internal dialogue, often circling the same emotional conflict. It began to feel repetitive, especially when the surrounding environment seemed ripe for deeper exploration and impact.

That said, the opening chapters were strong. The first two chapters immediately drew me in and set high expectations for what followed. Unfortunately, the story did not continue in a way that worked for me overall, making this one not the right fit for my reading taste.

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I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Living Like We’ve Already Won

2026-04-12T13:16:00.001-05:00

Psalms 89:16 - They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. (NIV)

Watching the rejoicing over the Chicago Cubs winning the world series I can’t help but wonder why we don’t rejoice like that over our salvation and over all the wonderful blessings God freely gives us. The Cubs fans are so very excited. Where is our excitement? We may show some excitement for a moment, but the Cubs fans went on throughout the night with their excitement and they’re still excited today and rejoicing, letting the whole world know they are the winners. When is the last time we stayed up all night praising our God? We are the winners of a full, abundant life throughout all eternity. What are we doing, as individuals, to let all around us know of the joy, salvation and blessing that can be there’s as well? Enough words written. Just think about it. Are we doing what Psalms 89:16 says?
Devotion by Ginger Chapman

We get excited so easily about things that don’t last. A winning season, a big moment, something we can see and celebrate together. And there is nothing wrong with that kind of joy. But it does make me ask myself where that same level of excitement is when it comes to my faith.

God has given me salvation, grace, forgiveness, and a future that goes way beyond this life. That is the real victory. Yet I often treat it like background noise instead of something worth celebrating out loud. I rejoice quietly, quickly, and then move on with my day.

This devotion reminds me that rejoicing is not supposed to be a brief moment. Psalm 89:16 says we rejoice all day long. That kind of joy is steady, lived out, noticeable. Not just in church, not just when things are going well, but woven into everyday life.

I do not think God is asking me to shout nonstop or stay up all night praising Him every day. But He might be asking me to live like I truly believe I have already won. To let my gratitude show. To talk about what He has done. To let others see that my joy comes from something deeper and more lasting.

It leaves me asking myself one honest question. Does my life look like someone who is rejoicing in the Lord all day long, or like someone who has gotten used to the greatest gift they have ever received?

When Cat TV Gets Way Too Real

2026-04-12T11:49:00.001-05:00

Tonight’s feature film was “Attack of the Giant Goldfish,” starring one very determined kitten who absolutely believed she could catch that fish right through the screen. She wasn’t just watching; she was fully committed, leaping into the action with complete confidence.

But the real standing ovation goes to the photographer (me, bowing graciously) who managed to catch her mid‑jump! (Not my first attempt though.)

Reflection Shapes the Next Step

2026-04-12T11:34:00.000-05:00

When I read this quote, it reminds me that I do not have to stay stuck in yesterday. Reflection is not about replaying mistakes or wishing things had gone differently. It is about learning, noticing, and letting God use those moments to shape who I am becoming.

There are things in my past I cannot undo, but I can choose what I carry forward. Taking time to reflect helps me see where I have grown, where I still need grace, and where God might be nudging me to respond differently next time. It turns regret into wisdom instead of shame.

Reflection feels like a quiet pause with God where He gently says, let us talk about this so you can walk forward lighter. What comes next does not have to look like what came before. Each step ahead can be shaped by lessons learned, grace received, and hope renewed.

That is what makes reflection powerful. It does not trap me in the past. It helps guide my next step.

Soft Snuggles

2026-04-11T11:44:00.004-05:00

Paws for Connections by Jeanine Lauren - A Review

2026-04-10T15:47:00.002-05:00

Paws for Connections is an easy, pleasant read that focuses on everyday moments rather than big drama. Set in Sunshine Bay, it follows two single parents who meet through their kids, a local bookstore, and a pair of rescue kittens who gently tie everything together.

The story moves at an unhurried pace. Sarah and Simon don’t fall into an instant romance, and there’s no forced tension pushing them along. Their connection grows through shared routines, honest conversations, and the quiet trust that comes from having already lived full lives. It feels natural and well earned.

The cats are important without taking over the story. They support the theme of finding where you belong and being open to new beginnings, even when you’re not actively seeking change.

The town adds a warm, steady backdrop through the bookstore, rescue work, and familiar faces, all of which feel like part of a real community rather than a staged setting.

This is a calm, thoughtful romance that values connection over chemistry and comfort over conflict. If you’re looking for something gentle, kind, and easy to settle into, this book delivers exactly that. I enjoyed it.

★★★★

Release date: Apr 24, 2026 I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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The Chosen Presents: Taste and See by Dallas Jenkins, Amanda Jenkins, and Tara Reeves - A Review

2026-04-10T09:48:00.006-05:00

This title will be released on June 2, 2026

This is a five star book that beautifully captures the heart of The Chosen and carries it straight into everyday life. I truly adore The Chosen. It has been such a meaningful outreach and such a gentle yet powerful way to remember what the Lord did for us. Watching it helps me hold tight to Jesus in a very real and personal way, and Taste and See reflects that same spirit right off the screen and into the kitchen and home.

Visually, this book is absolutely stunning. The photography and foodscaping are gorgeous, carefully styled, and deeply inviting. It is the kind of book you want to leave out on a coffee table or keep open on the kitchen counter, not just to admire but to return to often. Every image feels thoughtful and warm, reinforcing the themes of hospitality and shared life.

The structure of the book makes it especially approachable. It blends short devotionals, Scripture, personal stories, and recipes in a way that feels welcoming rather than overwhelming. Each section connects back to moments and themes from The Chosen, encouraging reflection on who Jesus is and how He met people exactly where they were. The devotionals feel conversational, like sitting at a table with friends and talking about faith naturally and honestly.

The recipes themselves are simple and doable, yet full of meaning. They invite you to slow down, gather, and make space for connection whether with family, friends, or quietly with the Lord. Food becomes more than just a meal. It becomes a reminder of how often Jesus taught, loved, and connected with people over the table.

What makes Taste and See especially powerful is its emphasis on hospitality and shared faith. It gently reminds us that faith is not meant to be lived out alone. It is meant to be shared, tasted, and experienced together. This book is a beautiful reminder that God meets us in the ordinary rhythms of life and turns them into holy moments. Taste and See is a heartfelt and meaningful tool that helps bring the story of Jesus to life in us.

★★★★★

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Art of Mingling, Fourth Edition by Jeanne Martinet - A Review

2026-04-10T08:19:00.003-05:00

As a mom of five and a former pastor, I have spent a good portion of my life in rooms full of people. Church gatherings, school events, community functions, casual parties, and everything in between. Even with all that experience, I know how easy it is to feel socially worn down, out of practice, or just plain tired of small talk. I approached this book hoping for encouragement, practical kindness, or at least respectful guidance for navigating social spaces when energy and authenticity matter.

Unfortunately, this book delivered the opposite.

I was immediately put off by the author’s repeated suggestions to single out “wallflowers,” “party misfits,” and those deemed “socially challenged” as practice tools for improving one’s mingling skills. This framing is not only unkind, it is demeaning. The entire “Practice Your Mingle on a Wallflower” section reads as though people exist merely as social props for someone else’s self-improvement. That alone should have been removed in prior editions.

It only went downhill from there. The section on FIBBING suggests that you cannot be a good "mingler" unless you are willing to lie a little. That is a firm no for me. Encouraging dishonesty as a social lubricant undermines trust and authenticity. The so-called FLATTERY Entree is equally troubling, promoting insincere praise as a tactic rather than genuine interest. Add to that the casual reference to “repugnant occupations,” and the tone becomes outright offensive.

By the 20 percent mark, I had already encountered more than eight statements or concepts that felt condescending, manipulative, or morally tone-deaf. This book is marketed as self-help, but it reads far more like a philanthropic handbook for social climbers, one that prioritizes performance over people and strategy over sincerity.

Social skills do not need to be taught at the expense of compassion. Mingling does not require belittling others, lying, or treating human beings as practice exercises. For readers looking for respectful, thoughtful, and ethical social guidance, this book misses the mark entirely.

Is this a satire or is this or is this title just meant to be offensive?

Pub Date October 6, 2026.
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★ Pub Date October 6, 2026.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros -A Review

2026-04-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

I went into this book expecting an emotional, sweeping romance, and while the concept was intriguing, the overall experience didn’t quite work for me. The dual timelines are clearly meant to add depth, but for me they often interrupted the flow of the story and made it harder to stay fully invested in either storyline. As a result, the pacing felt slow and the book longer than it needed to be.

The characters also fell a bit flat for me. Georgia and Noah’s dynamic felt repetitive at times, particularly Georgia’s ongoing hostility, and I struggled to feel the chemistry that the story depends on. Some of the dialogue and love letters leaned heavily into dramatic and familiar romantic language, which made the emotional moments feel less organic than intended.

I can see why this book resonates with so many readers, and it’s clear I’m in the minority based on its strong overall ratings. The idea at the heart of the story is compelling, but for me the predictable tropes and slow buildup lessened the impact, and the emotional twist at the end didn’t fully offset that. This just wasn’t a favorite for me.

★★

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The Psalms, A Sanctuary for the Soul: Book 1: 1–30 by Marty Folsom - A Review

2026-04-09T10:04:00.003-05:00

This book stands out as a truly great and original approach to scripture study. Rather than simply reading or analyzing the Psalms, Marty Folsom invites the reader into a slow, thoughtful process of meditation and personal application. The structure encourages you to place yourself honestly inside each psalm, engaging your own thoughts, emotions, and spiritual journey in a way that feels both intimate and practical.

It is deeply meaningful this method is, making the Psalms feel alive and personal instead of distant or academic. It is especially powerful for readers seeking reflection, prayer, and heart level connection with scripture. The concept of moving through the Psalms as a sanctuary for the soul is beautifully executed and feels refreshing and purposeful.

The Final Embrace is absolutely awesome and serves as a deeply moving culmination of the journey. Page 247 was a standout moment for me and left a lasting impression, wrapping the study in comfort, clarity, and spiritual renewal. This book is both grounding and uplifting, making it easy to connect with it on a personal level.

★★★★★

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I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.