Devotionals for the Heart: The true treasure of praying to our Creator

The Heart and Power of Praying to the Almighty God
A devotional by Anne Madison

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

—Luke 11:1 (KJV)

Undoubtedly, the most well-known prayer was prayed by Jesus as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV), “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Prayer is not merely a ritual or an obligation for believers; it is the critical tie that connects us directly to God. Through prayer, we acknowledge and declare God’s unique position as our Heavenly Father, and embrace our identity as His children. This correlation reminds us of who we are, to whom we belong, and the authority we wield in prayer.

More than a one-time-a-day event, prayer is an ongoing, continual conversation with the Creator of the universe. As we pray, we open ourselves to God’s presence, trusting Him to lead and guide us and to reveal His will for our lives. Through this dialogue, we are invited not only to know God’s will but also to align ourselves to do it, walking in step with his purposes and direction for us.

Corrie Ten Boom, a notable Christian writer, said: “The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something and enter God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love.”

Prayer is far more than bringing our laundry list of needs before God. It is the sacred moment when we turn from our human limitations and look to God’s infinite power and grace. In prayer, we acknowledge both our deep need and our complete dependence on Him. Guidance is found in Paul’s words to the church at Philippi as recorded in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

A strong prayer life grows through intention and consistent practice. As we seek to deepen our connection with God, a simple call-to-action guide can help focus our prayers. One helpful tool is the acronym P.R.A.Y., which offers a meaningful way to shape our thoughts about prayer.

P = Pray

· Prayer enables us to step away from the busyness of life, providing a moment to slow down and quiet our minds. God says in Psalm 46:10 (KJV), “Be still and know that I am God.”

· Prayer changes our attitude and vision. 2 Kings 6:17 (KJV) says, “And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

· Prayer draws us to the heart and presence of God. James 4:8 (CSB) says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

R = Remember

· Repent. Psalm 51:1-3 (KJV) says, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”

· Restoration comes when we pray. Psalm 51:10 (NIRV) says, “God, create a pure heart in me. Give me a new spirit that is faithful to you.”

· Rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (KJV) says, “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

A = Action

· Approach the throne of grace with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

· Align our will to His. “And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, “Pray that ye enter not into temptation.” And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.”

· Abide in Him. John 15:4 (NKJV) says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

Y= Yearn

· Yearn for God. Psalm 42:1-2 (NKJV) says, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”

· Yoke up. Matthew 11:27-30 (NKJV) says, “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

· Yes (say this) to His promises. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (MSG) says, “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit, he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.”

Let's Pray:

Father God,

Teach us to pray not only with words, but with hearts that trust You. Teach us to come to You honestly, boldly, and often. Remind us of who You are when we forget. Shape our desires so they reflect yours. Thank You that nothing is too much for us to bring before You, nor too much for You to manage. As we come before your throne, attend unto our prayers for your glory and our good. We truly need Thee every hour. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)” by Matt Maher. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Our Father” by Don Moen. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Just Pray” by Shawna Edwards. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “When I Kneel to Pray” by Elen Amor. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “In Christ Alone” by Josh Groban. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Draw Me Close to You” by The Katinas. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #8: “Create in Me a Clean Heart” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #9: “When We Pray” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #10: “Abide in Me” by Ana Laura. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: How to find true treasure that satisfies your soul

The True, Lasting, and Satisfying Treasure
A devotional by Jennifer Reese

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”—Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)

If someone were to ask you or even just observe your life, thoughts, conversations, worries, angers, and actions, what would be determined as your heart’s treasure?

Oftentimes we live day-to-day in search of our worth, value, and purpose based on what we do, what we have and how others view us. It can be easy to compare ourselves and our lives to those around us. Comparing yourself can result in a number of realities and struggles: discontentment, envy, superiority, inferiority, anxiety, anger, confusion, doubt, and the list goes on and on.

Why is it so easy to find ourselves in a state of comparison and/or desire to be perceived a particular way? I would say this often results from our treasure being in the wrong place and on the wrong thing(s). Nowadays, you can see the highlights of everyone’s life online. Media and technology have become an idol and a way to perceive how others are really doing and how others perceive you are doing. Our American culture highlights all the money, pleasure, success, possessions, status, personal feelings and experiences, etc., as the end all be all. “Do whatever your heart desires” and “Live in a way that makes you happy” are just a couple phrases that distract us from the truth.

The truth is, whatever treasures we are trying to gain and lay up for ourselves here on Earth, will fade away and be destroyed by moths, dust or thieves. So, then the question may be, “What are we to focus on and set our minds on while we are here on earth?” The answer is Jesus Christ. Knowing who God is and making Him known to those around us in this world is where our treasure should be.

Our greatest goal in this life on Earth should be to know the Truth of God’s Word and to seek to grow in Christlikeness, faithfully and diligently. When we cherish God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and focus on knowing who God is—based on His Word rather than our own perspective, thoughts, wants, desires, and feelings—then we will walk in a way that is filled with hope, joy, confidence and gratitude.

Life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows, heartache, suffering, pain, and sin. Even when our eyes are fixed on Christ and we truly treasure Him, we can be tempted to lose heart and look to the world for help and hope. We can be tempted to compare our lives to the social media highlights we see online or even to the people we know personally or professionally, then feel on the losing end because of the circumstances we are experiencing. But this is where we must dig our heels in deeper and fight for our heart’s attention to be on the pleasures forevermore that await us in Heaven (Psalm 16). I love this Psalm because it discusses the promise that the Lord will never abandon our soul, no matter what we may face, what we may feel, or what we may experience this side of Heaven. It reminds us that there will be a day when we will experience and feel true satisfaction and perfect contentment, joy, peace, and pleasures forevermore.

So how can you assess where your heart’s treasure is? Here are some questions to help you examine your heart today.

Question #1: What do you think you can’t live without? What do you feel you need to have to be happy or to flourish? What makes you feel discontented?

Question #2: How do you define and weigh success or failure? What must you do to feel like you have “arrived”? Is there anything you are holding onto in this life that won’t be worth anything in the life to come?

Question #3: What do you worry about? What makes you afraid? What do you not want to happen?

At the end of the day, we are each given 24 hours a day and a lifespan of what only God Himself knows and has sovereignly ordained. Are you stewarding your time well and storing up the treasure that matters? Are you seeking to grow to be more like Jesus Christ and trying to walk in His ways? Do others know that you love the Lord because your life (words, desires, attitude, actions) in Christ looks vastly different than what we see among people in the world who don’t know Christ yet?

Today is a new day and a new opportunity to put on the ways of Christ. Seek to turn away from the pursuit of worldly treasure. Ask for God’s help to be satisfied in His plans for your life, His provision for you, and His approval of you. Seek to faithfully steward all He has given you and called you to. By the Holy Spirit’s grace and help, little by little, you will see your heart’s treasure become the only true, lasting, and satisfying treasure.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Thank You for being good and faithful. Thank You for the Truth that You are the good, perfect, and sufficient treasure. Thank You that I can experience true hope, peace, and rest as I look to You and set my heart’s affection on Your Truth and promises, treasuring You and knowing You above all else. I ask for Your help today, Oh Lord, that You would teach me how to surrender my desires and expectations unto You. May my heart trust Your good and sufficient provision, and may I have a heart that desires to know You and make Your Truth known to those around me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "Treasure" by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Christ is Mine Forevermore” by CityAlight. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jennifer Reese obtained a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Ministry in Intercultural Studies, and certifications in Biblical Counseling. 

Her educational training has afforded Jennifer the opportunity to work with various populations—such as foster care and adoption, refugee women, homeless, under-resourced youth, international students, and local churches. It has been through these experiences that she has seen a need for women of all ages to understand their true identity as a child of God in order to experience the promised abundant life and freedom.

By working as a Biblical Counselor and Coach, Jennifer focuses on helping women and teen girls discover who God is and to know their true identity in Jesus Christ. Through her professional work and ministry, she helps people learn how to carry out their specific purpose and calling in building God’s Kingdom that is not of this world.

On a personal note, Jennifer recently got married on May 24, 2025. The day was filled with abundant joy and peace, bringing glory to the Lord and wonderful fellowship with their closest friends and family. After many years of praying and waiting for this gift, Jennifer is excited to step into this new season and ministry of being a wife and hopefully, one day soon, a mom.

~*~
Connect with Jennifer:
Website: www.rootedandfixed.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rootedandfixed
Email address: rootedandfixed@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure

Hidden Treasure
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

–Matthew 13:44 (NIV)

Sometimes, Christianity can seem radical.

I have witnessed Christians who radically turn their life upside down once they accept Jesus Christ into their heart and life. The shift is often drastic and may even appear to be crazy to those who have not yet met our Lord and Savior, Jesus, personally. But no matter how many times I witness this radical shift, I can feel the excitement and freedom that these new Christians are experiencing for the first time in their life. They have found a hidden treasure, reserved only for those who put their trust in Jesus Christ.

But this treasure is not really hidden. This treasure also has no limits. Every person who has ever lived could take this treasure and no one would have to go without. The moment someone finds this treasure, they understand what the man in the verse shared above for this devotional understood: This treasure is worth selling everything for. If you have experienced this treasure, you know that the treasure refers to Jesus Christ and His gift of eternal life.

I smile even now as I remember the day I found this treasure. However, we are not limited to finding this treasure only once. We always smile and enjoy hearing the stories of new Christians, but we often forget that we too have treasure to find. Yes, we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and we are on our way to Heaven, but our treasure does not end there.

Just like the treasure in the verse above, our treasure is often hidden. It is something that we cannot see or touch, but we know it is there. Our treasure is not money, fame, or influence. Our treasure is our relationship with Jesus Christ. A relationship with Jesus Christ is worth selling all our worldly possessions for. He is worth getting rid of our pride, selfishness, and personal desires. Having an intimate and personal relationship with our Creator is the most beautiful treasure we could possess in this life.

Have you forgotten about the treasure in the field? Are you holding onto the things of the world instead of selling everything for a relationship with Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ is the great Treasure of the Christian life, dear reader. He is worth every sacrifice that you give of yourself. Trust Him wholly and find your treasure in Him.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for offering Yourself as the greatest gift. Please help us to see that a relationship with You is all the treasure we need. Grant us the radical faith to leave the world behind and trust only in You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Treasure” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois. She was born to Christian parents and has known Jesus Christ personally since the age of five.

Currently, Tessa is attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school system, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

Tessa enjoys being active in her local church. She serves as a co-teacher for the two-to-five year old class where there is never a dull moment.

It is Tessa’s passion to be a girl after God’s own heart and through her studying of God’s Word, Tessa longs to draw closer to her Savior. Through her writing, she longs to take others with her on this journey of faith.

Tessa loves all things Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size.

When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, she can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

~*~
Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why Jesus Christ is Our Greatest Treasure

Our Greatest Treasure
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

—Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Thrift store shopping is my Achilles heel, the only hobby that, if left unchecked, sends me on a never-ending treasure hunt. My friend Deb understands my predicament. She can shop like there's no tomorrow, provided she honors her husband's wishes by donating unwanted items before stepping foot in the store.

Bargain hunting, like any other addiction, is captivating. All it takes is a designer top, a piece of jewelry, or a unique knick-knack to itch a place inside we can't scratch. But it's only temporary, and the addictive cycle is stuck on repeat.

Idolatry is like that.

Whether it's more likes on Facebook, a lower number on the scale, a promotion, or that attention-getting outfit, we're all hunting for something. None of these pursuits are wrong in and of themselves, but if we're not careful, we can fall for the lie that something or someone other than Jesus Christ can meet our deepest needs.

The bottom line is that we have an enemy (Satan), and his full-time job is to tempt us into chasing anything other than Jesus by giving it first place in our hearts. But what he doesn't mention is that the cost of idolatry is a thirsty soul on the verge of exhaustion.

We all have a God-shaped space inside, and when we try to fill it with anything else, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Because in the eternal scheme of things, Christ is the only One who can satisfy us. Only He deserves our deepest devotion, and His love, peace, and joy are treasures in an inheritance He bought for us when He died on the cross for our sins (1 Peter 1:3-4). As our Savior, He is everything we'll ever need. We've been searching for Him in all the wrong places; we just didn't know it. Yet He's always been there, ready and waiting for us to call on His name.

Friend, if any of this resonates with you, I encourage you to engage in this battle plan:

First, recognize areas where you're most vulnerable to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Confess anything you've allowed to draw you away from God and ask for His forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

Ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable (James 5:16).

Remember your identity in Christ and how crazy He is about you (Ephesians 1:4-14 and Ephesians 3:16-19).

Put on your spiritual armor before your feet hit the floor (Ephesians 6:11-17).

Spend time with God each day. In addition to Bible study, try out a prayer journal or a coloring book with devotional pages. Or find a prayer partner if you don't have one (Matthew 6:6 and Matthew 6:33).

Ask the Holy Spirit to protect you when you're about to fall prey to one of Satan's traps (Galatians 5:16).

If you're like me, exhausted by chasing the things of this world only to be repeatedly disappointed, it's time to stop spinning your wheels, surrender the counterfeits you've settled for, and exchange them for the greatest treasure of them all: Jesus Christ.

Let's Pray: Father God, this world offers many treasures that can potentially steal me away from You. When these counterfeits captivate my heart, help me remember that only You can meet my deepest needs. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~

Note from Alexis: Sarah's devotional message today reminds me of the song "Treasure" by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. 

Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

During this year (2022) and the next (2023), Sarah’s devotionals will be published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: Why it's important to listen to God's Voice

His Master's Voice
A devotional by Wade Webster

Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.'"

–Joshua 4:21-22 (NIV)

I found it next to a dumpster in the apartment complex I live in.

It probably meant something to somebody when they acquired it quite a while before they discarded it.

I could tell it had been stored in obscurity before it found its way here. Three sides of the wood frame promised a dark brown hue. The left side was covered in a thick layer of dust and pet hair. It was solid so I took it home.

I had some time so I removed the center section and applied a few coats of Murphy's Oil Soap to the wood. It soon returned to its new luster. I've always loved wood grained articles. The main portion was made of glass so a couple of applications of Windex cleaned that up in no time. An amateur screwed two screws into the back of the frame so I took those out and made it so it would lie flat against the wall again.

The wall I decided to hang it on held a puzzle my ex-wife did several years go. I've been replacing her items as I can to help me move on. Once in place I stood back and let the message on the glass speak to me again.

It’s an old ad for the Victor Talking Machine Company. The original record player is what they created. There's a dog with his head tipped as he's peering into the cone that juts out from the record. The backdrop is now a mirror. The caption under the dog is why I appreciate this piece and why I exerted so much effort in restoring this treasure that somebody trashed. 

Just three words: HIS MASTER'S VOICE

That's what the dog recognized. That's what I hope people say about me once they get to know me. I want them to say, “Wade heard his Master's voice,” especially when they learn that my Master is Jesus Christ.

When Joshua led the people of God across the Jordan River during flood stage (read about it in the Bible book of Joshua, Chapter 3), he had a man from each tribe carry a stone out of the riverbed that was now dry (read about it in the Bible book of Joshua, Chapter 4). The mission for those simple rocks was an easy stack to remind the people of how and where God repeated the Red Sea miracle. He knew everyone who had experienced that event would soon die off. The power of their God must be remembered for those who followed so they wouldn't stray away from Him.

In closing, let’s read Joshua 4:24, which says, “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

Reminders of past events can either hold us back or propel us forward. Do your best to display something that will improve your service and devotion to God.

What do you have set up to remind you of this invisible God you serve?

~*~
Author Bio:

Wade Webster is a farm boy turned city slicker, heathen turned born-again Christian, truck driver turned writer doing his best to point folks to his best friend, Jesus Christ.  

He currently lives in Plano, Texas.

Wade is the author of 100 Prayers of a Writer, a book that didn't begin as a book, just weekly prayers to a group of writer friends.

He enjoys spending time in nature, running for exercise and dark chocolate, though not necessarily in that order. Apart from driving 18-wheelers for a living he has a part-time job painting houses on the side...and the front and back and inside.

As a teenager, he told his friends he never wanted to be considered normal. So far he's done a pretty good job of living up to that aspiration.

Words of Faith: Bonnie's story about her mom, hope and gratitude

A Living Treasure

A Words of Faith story by Bonnie Leon

My mother has always seen the world through eyes of hope and gratitude. When I was young, she was a hands-on type of mother who played and worked alongside her family. I have precious memories of her rounding the bases during one of our family baseball games, picking huckleberries with us in the High Cascades, and swing dancing at her eightieth birthday party.

Mom is ninety-one now. She no longer plays ball or picks berries or dances. She spends most of her time indoors at an assisted living center.

Four years ago Mom’s life took an unexpected turn. As a child she survived rheumatic fever, but was left with a damaged heart valve. Somehow or other, that valve held up through the years, until at age eighty-seven, she was told it needed to be replaced or she would die. Mom was pragmatic about the diagnosis and decided to do all she could to live. She’d get the valve replaced, and either she would die or be returned to good health. What she hadn’t counted on was the in-between place.

The surgery was a success, but shortly afterward she contracted a staph infection in the incision. It nearly killed her. For more than five months she lived in a nursing home, on IV antibiotics and a wound vac. She became a shadow of the woman who had gone into surgery months before. But finally, she fought off the infection. Things were looking up.

Tragically, the day before she was to be released, her husband died. In the middle of the night, my husband and I raced up the freeway. Mom needed us. We found her in the hallway, hunched over in a wheelchair, a frail vapid remnant of the woman I’d known.

The days to follow were not typical for our family. We were familiar with death and funerals, but we didn’t know what to do with Mom. Her four children lived far from her home and she needed help. In the end, it was decided that the best place for her was here in Oregon, close to me. So we sold many of her things, packed up the rest, and moved Mom an assisted living center in Roseburg, Oregon. It was a painful transition, but Mom rallied and was her old self—hopeful and full of thankfulness.

My life changed. I oversaw Mom’s finances, housing, medical care, and many of her emotional needs. I’d become the mother. Though the circumstances were difficult, life shared with Mom was also full of blessings. I became acquainted with my mother in ways I never had before. Each day, my admiration for her grew. She was and is a woman of grace and gratitude. Every time I saw her she made sure to tell me how much she loved me. She’d take my face in her hands, smile up at me, tell me how much she loves me and thank me for taking such good care of her. It’s an amazing gift to be deeply loved.

Four years have passed and Mom’s health is failing. She’s extremely frail, can’t walk, and has dementia, which makes it difficult for her to hang onto who she is, who her family is. I’m waiting for the day when I walk in and she doesn’t recognize me. It will happen, just not yet.

Sometimes Mom asks me why I think she’s still living. She can’t see any good reason to be hanging around. She’s lost sight of her own value. She doesn’t realize that the love she extends to those around her is priceless. Even in her present condition she is always kind. She lives with a good deal of pain and is completely dependent on others, but is still grateful for her life and appreciates the smallest pleasures. And still, on most visits, she gives me a bright smile and tells me how much she loves me. 

Mom’s life is still precious and is as valuable as it ever was. Until the Lord takes her home she will serve Him simply by the way she lives. Getting old is really hard, but it doesn’t devalue who we are. We shall remain treasures even to the end. May we never forget that about ourselves and those who watch over us.

~*~
Author bio:  

Bonnie Leon is the author of twenty-one novels, including the recently released To Dance With Dolphins, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.

Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, and even Africa.

She enjoys speaking to women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. She especially delights in mentoring young authors. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.

Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

~*~

Connect with Bonnie:
Website - https://www.bonnieleon.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAuthor
Blog - https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/ 

Devotional by Mary Manners: Finding Our Treasure…Thinking Outside of the Box

Everyone say "hi" to Mary Manners! She's become a familiar face here on the blog because of her monthly devotionals! I hope you are enjoying your visits with Mary every last Monday of every new month! :) 

Today, Mary draws on her experience as a first-grade teacher to share thoughts that will challenge us to think outside of the box and remember that our true treasure is found only in Heaven.

Take it away, Mary! :)

~*~
Finding Our Treasure…Thinking Outside of the Box
A devotional written by Mary Manners

“Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”

~ Micah 7:8, NIV ~

Fridays were always fun days when I taught first grade because, as each school week drew to a close, my students and I gathered around the story rug for a respite from academics to dive into the most sought-after and anticipated activity of all—searching for treasure. The Treasure Box was nothing fancy—simply a cardboard box decorated with stickers and cast-off costume jewelry. But, to a bunch of six-year-olds, it was the hottest item since crust-less bread. Oh, the power…the mystery…the joy and the tears!

Tears? Wait a minute—why tears? 

Well, the Treasure Box was part of a school-wide reward system implemented to encourage students to follow rules and complete assigned tasks in a timely and careful manner. It was a time when less certainly equaled more—less broken rules equaled a greater reward. Less distraction from the workload meant more production and a larger cut of the bounty. As the students, one by one, approached the Treasure Box and shared their behavior and assignment log, some of them received treats and others, well…had earned not so much. It was a time for anticipation, reflection, and discussion. Happiness did not always abound. Nonetheless, whatever the week’s outcome, each student knew that he or she would return on Monday with a totally clean slate to embark on that week’s adventure.

As Christians, we know that our treasure is found in Heaven. Sometimes we soar like eagles and sometimes we stumble—or even fall flat on our face. Thank goodness we don’t have to wait until Monday morning to gather a clean slate. The blood of Jesus washes us white and tells that, as believers, nothing here on earth can separate us from His love and grace.

So, enjoy a respite in the healing power of God’s glory. Through the blood of His Son, we are washed clean. The treasures of Heaven await those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are made new each and every day and there is no limit to the gift of God-given grace, because our treasure is found outside of the box.

Encouragement for your heart

Today, I would like to share with you treasures of truth and encouragement for your daily living...

Listen to the story of a woman who survived 9/11 here -  http://wgts.org/leslie-haskin/ and learn more about Leslie on her website- http://www.lesliehaskin.net/Media.html

What's your story? We all have one. Listen to Christian singer/songwriter/author Matthew West and be inspired to share the "Story of Your Life".

Believe there is no God? Jeff Frankenstein is here to tell you in song and testimony, God is not dead; He is ALIVE and REAL. Experience this truth LIVE by buying your ticket for concerts by Jeff's band the "Newsboys".

May these messages of HOPE brighten your day, encourage your heart and bring a smile to your face! :)

Love,

Alexis