No one can say they’ve seen the face of God, but if you’ve seen an act of love, you know exactly what He looks like. Scripture tells us plainly: God is love. And every time we choose love over hate, humility over pride, generosity over selfishness, and forgiveness over resentment, we give the world a glimpse of Him.
That’s the heart of Christmas.
In the middle of lights, lists, traditions, and to-dos, it’s easy to forget that Christmas isn’t just a season; it’s a story. A story of God’s ultimate act of love. He didn’t send a sign or a symbol. He sent Himself. Wrapped in flesh. Placed in a manger. Given freely to a world that desperately needed hope.
Jesus didn’t arrive with power and prestige. He came in humility, bringing peace to the weary, hope to the broken, and light into dark places. Through Him, we learn that love isn’t just something we feel; it’s something we live.
When we choose love, especially when it’s inconvenient, undeserved, or unseen, we reflect the heart of God. When we extend grace, show compassion, slow down to listen, or give without expecting anything in return, we continue the Christmas story in real time.
This season, maybe the greatest gift we can offer isn’t found under a tree, but in how we show up for one another. A kind word. A softened heart. A forgiven offense. A generous spirit. These are the moments where love becomes visible.
Christmas reminds us that love has a name, and His name is Jesus.
So as we celebrate, let’s get back to the heart of it all. Let’s choose love boldly, live it daily, and share it freely. Because every act of love points back to the One who loved us first, and that is truly something worth celebrating!
I often think about how different my life might look had I made different choices. If I’d said yes to that opportunity. If I’d held on instead of letting go. If I’d chosen courage instead of comfort, or silence instead of speaking up. Like many of us, I replay the “what-ifs” and wonder how life would’ve unfolded had I taken a different path.
But Ecclesiastes 11:5 stops me in my tracks. It reminds me that I cannot possibly know the work of God. How He weaves every decision, detour, and delay into something meaningful. There’s no alternate version of my life where I can see what He would have allowed or withheld, because every scenario would still be filtered through His sovereign hand.
Even in seasons where I truly believed I made wise, Spirit-led choices, life didn’t always reward me with ease. Some decisions led to heartbreak, disappointment, or moments that felt unfair. And yet, time after time, I’ve watched God redeem the very things that once left me in tears. What felt like loss eventually revealed itself as protection. What looked like failure was actually preparation.
Romans 8:28 says that God uses everything for our good, but for years I saw that verse through the lens of my own definition of “good.” I thought it meant resolution, restoration, or reward. But Ecclesiastes helps me see that God’s good often looks nothing like what I would have chosen. His good might come through pruning instead of prosperity, stillness instead of success, or heartbreak that humbles instead of happiness that flatters.
And yet, His version of good is the only one that matters because His good leads to growth, character, and dependence on Him. The mystery is that even when I don’t understand His process, I can trust His purpose.
So these days, I’m learning to release the “what-ifs” and rest in the wonder. I may not know the path of the wind or the details of His plan, but I know the Maker. And for me, that’s enough.
Filters. They’re everywhere. In our social media-driven culture, they’ve become a standard. For the uninitiated, filters are those features on apps that can transform a photo in seconds, brightening your smile and smoothing your skin to adding lashes you never had.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to shame anybody. I’ve used them too. Sometimes a little extra light is just what a photo needs. But what got me thinking (and writing) is how filters have moved beyond the screen. They’ve crept into our real lives. Offline, we’ve begun “filtering” and altering parts of ourselves to get more approval, more attention, more “likes.”
Here’s the truth: every one of us has something we’re working through. A weakness or a habit we’d rather break. A part of our story that doesn’t feel so pretty. But those unpolished parts don’t make us less than; they make us human. And still, Ephesians 2:10 declares we are God’s masterpiece. Imagine what would shift if we truly lived as though we believed that we’re already art, already beautiful, already crafted with intention by the Creator of the universe. Would we really need filters?
The creators of filters probably just wanted to give people a fun tool. And sure, for some, that’s all it is…fun. But for many, it’s become a way of life. We’ve learned that the filtered version of ourselves gets more attention, so we keep leading with that. And honestly? I’ve been there too. I can’t tell you when I picked up the habit of people-pleasing, but at some point, I realized I was living a filtered life for likes. Saying things that weren’t really me. Agreeing when I should’ve spoken up. Smiling when I wanted to cry. All for approval.
But then I was reminded of Paul’s words in Galatians 1:10: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” That verse hit me like a mirror check. My mission isn’t to perfect my filters; it’s to please God.
So I’ve started practicing life unfiltered. Working on the things I can change and developing the areas where I can grow. And most importantly, learning to celebrate the quirks that are simply God’s fingerprints.
Maybe it’s time we all ask: are my filters fun, or are they keeping me from living authentically as God’s masterpiece?
Life has a way of surprising us. One day everything feels secure, and the next an unexpected challenge shows up on our doorstep. Maybe it’s a financial setback, a sudden health concern, or a relationship that shifts in ways we didn’t anticipate. Our natural instinct is often to cry out, “Lord, why are you allowing this to happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?” or if you’re anything like me, simply “Why, Lord?”
But what if we looked at it differently? What if the very challenges that shake us are the ones God is using to strengthen us? When we change our perspective, moments of struggle become opportunities to lean in, trust deeper, and witness God’s provision in action.
God has promised to provide for all of our needs. Not just the easy ones, but the ones that test the very core of our faith. Philippians 4:19 reminds us: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” The trials we face are not punishments, but tests designed to reveal whether we truly believe He is who He says He is—our Provider, our Sustainer, our Father, and most importantly, our Savior.
When you find yourself asking why, pause and shift the question to what. Instead of “Why me?” try asking, “What is God teaching me about His goodness right now?” That shift unlocks peace. It silences fear and reminds us that even in the valley seasons, we are never without provision.
Think back on your own life. How many times has God come through when you weren’t sure how it would work out? Each testimony is a marker of His faithfulness. And if He provided then, you can rest assured, He will provide now and forever more. His track record is unmatched.
So the next time an unexpected challenge arises, remember this truth: it’s not the end of your story. It’s another opportunity for God to show that He is still faithful, still good, and still providing…just as He always has.
“You are currently living in at least one of the prayers you used to pray.”
Let that sink in for a moment.
I recently stopped myself mid-rant/pity party and considered this quote that I turn to when I get whiny or restless.
So often, we spend our lives reaching for the next thing—a new job, a bigger house, a different relationship, a breakthrough that hasn’t come yet. And while there’s nothing wrong with setting goals or striving for growth, there’s a danger in living life on a treadmill of “what’s next?” Eventually, we can miss the sacredness of what’s now.
We pray, we wait, we hope, and then it happens. The promotion comes through. The relationship begins. The doors open. But instead of sitting in awe of God’s faithfulness, we often pivot into stress, discontent, or even complaints about the very thing we once begged for. The new job brings more pressure. The home brings larger expenses and more responsibilities. The relationship comes with its own set of challenges and demands. Before long, we find ourselves back in “chase mode,” yearning for something different.
Paul offers timeless wisdom in Philippians 4:11–12 when he says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” Paul’s words weren’t written from a place of comfort. They were penned in prison. And yet, his peace came not from what he had, but from the God he trusted.
Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a discipline. One, I’ve had to develop myself. That’s why it is the signature message of my Golden Life Gear line. It requires us to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the miracle in the mundane. It’s the conscious decision to be present in what God has already done before rushing into what we think should be next.
So today, take inventory. What do you have now that you once prayed for? What answered prayers have become background noise in the busyness of your life? Maybe it’s the child you once dreamed of, the career you worked so hard to build, or the healing you almost didn’t believe was possible.
Honor those blessings. Sit with them. Say thank you. Because a grateful heart doesn’t just glorify God…it also grounds you in the goodness of your now moment.
Isn’t it incredible how two people raised under the same roof can turn out so completely different? Even twins, who share the same DNA, often have distinct personalities, dreams, and life experiences. That’s not an accident; it’s by divine design.
From the very beginning, God crafted each of us with unique intentions in mind. Before you even took your first breath, He set you apart for a purpose (Jeremiah 1:5).
So why do we so often fall into the trap of comparison?
We scroll through curated social media feeds, measure our milestones against others, and wonder if we’re falling behind. We feel pressure to emulate someone else’s path, thinking their version of success is the gold standard. But here’s the truth: God never asked you to copy anyone. He called you to be you. The world thrives on sameness, but Heaven celebrates distinction.
Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That means letting go of the urge to compete, compare, or conform. Instead, it’s an invitation to align with God’s will for your life — one that’s tailor-made for you, filled with purpose, and rooted in authenticity.
When you embrace being set apart, you begin to see your differences as strengths rather than shortcomings. You realize that your voice, your vision, and your values matter. You were created to bring something to this world that no one else can. That doesn’t mean the road will always be easy. In fact, standing out can sometimes feel lonely or misunderstood. But don’t let that discourage you. You’re not alone…you are chosen.
It’s time to silence the noise of comparison and tune in to what God is saying about you. You don’t need to fit a mold when you were meant to break it. Walk boldly in your uniqueness. Trust that your journey, no matter how different or unconventional it may seem, is exactly what God intended.
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but for many, it can also be a time of loneliness, struggle, or pain. As we celebrate the season, it’s important to remember that the love and kindness of Christ are needed more than ever. You never know what someone may be going through, and you might just be the only glimpse of Christ they see.
The Power of Simple Acts of Kindness
In the busy days leading up to Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in shopping and to-do lists. But let’s not forget the power of simple acts of kindness. A warm smile, a thoughtful word, or a helping hand can make someone feel seen and valued. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Every act of kindness is an opportunity to serve Him.
Loving Others as Christ Loved Us
The true meaning of Christmas isn’t in gifts or decorations but in the love we show others. Christ came to Earth not for the perfect, but for the broken. He embraced people’s flaws with love, and we are called to do the same. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Loving others—especially those who may be hard to love—is how we reflect Christ’s heart.
This holiday season, many people face pain—whether it’s from loss, financial strain, or personal struggles. By offering love, patience, and understanding, we show them the kindness of Christ. Your love could be the lifeline someone needs to get through tough times.
Being a Light in Someone’s Darkness
We are called to be a light in the world, especially during dark times. In Philippians 2:15, Paul writes, “Shine among them like stars in the sky.” As you encounter people this season, remember that your light may be the only one they see. Reach out to those who might be silently suffering—whether it’s a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor. Offer your presence, your prayers, or simply your ear. In doing so, you reflect the love of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
The True Gift of the Season
Jesus is the ultimate gift to us—given out of pure love. In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul writes, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” This Christmas, may we all remember that the greatest gift we can give isn’t something wrapped in paper, but the gift of love. When we show kindness to others, we share the season’s true meaning.
Scriptures to Inspire Your Heart:
1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us.”
Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others.”
Romans 15:7 – “Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Galatians 6:9-10 – “Let us not become weary in doing good… Let us do good to all people.”
This Christmas, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus. This holiday season I pray that as we reflect on the love Christ has shown us, we let that love overflow to others. We never know when our kindness will be the light someone needs.
Nothing lasts forever. All (good) things come to an end. The only thing constant in this world is change. These are common phrases we’ve all heard that attempt to explain the transient nature of this earthly life. These statements are all true, but they don’t always provide comfort.
Whether it’s the loss of someone’s spirit and personality due to a debilitating illness, a shift in circumstances, a failed relationship, or death, loss hurts. And many times what makes it hurt more are the feelings that remain.
As I took time to be still and process the homegoing of a loved one this week, I pondered…what do we do with the hope, love, and faith that previously filled us up when we experience loss? Where do we place the hope that our loved one who battled an illness would recover? How do we carry the love that remains after the object of that love passes on? What happens with the faith in one more tomorrow when tomorrow ceases to exist?
As Christians, if we are suffering from the loss of a loved one to death, we are supposed to find comfort in the fact that our loved one is in a better place. We are to find solace in that they are no longer suffering and are resting in the loving arms of our Father. It sounds good and we believe that to be true. But, the reality is our hearts still hurt from the absence of their physical presence.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 147 verse 3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” That means we can bring our pain to our loving Father, trusting Him to heal us when we experience loss. That doesn’t mean we won’t feel sorrow for a time – after all, Jesus wept too, even though He knew about the miracle He would perform that would shortly bring joy to the brokenhearted.
The Word also tells us in 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 “God is our merciful father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” This verse answers, “What do we do with the hope, love, and faith that previously filled us up when we experience loss?” We pass it on to those who need it.
How do we lose well? We pay forward our hope, love, and faith to someone who needs it. And there is ALWAYS someone who needs it.
I love the sovereignty of God. We may not understand His timing or every move He makes, but we can trust His ultimate plans for our good.
If you’re uncertain about how to pay the hope, faith, and love forward, be sure to ask. Another promise found in Matthew 7:7-8 is “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Have you ever had a string of wild, unexplainable things that happen to you or around you that have you thinking what planet am I on? How did I get here? Yeah, me too. I think it happens to us all at some point in our lives. Because we all have different backgrounds, experiences, personalities, and perspectives, these moments can affect us very differently. For some of us, these seasons can cause our mental and emotional states to go into a tizzy.
I like to identify this state by using the vernacular of today’s times, being “in my feelings.” I don’t know about you, but when I’m in my feelings, it’s tough to distinguish reality from what this heightened emotional state is telling me.
Our feelings are very real to us but what they tell us about ourselves, about others, and about life overall is not the truth. Since I was very recently “in my feelings” and decided to minister to myself to find my way out of them, I figured I wouldn’t be selfish and keep my enlightenment to myself.
One of the most helpful strategies that I have employed to get out of my feelings and back into reality is reminding myself of God’s promises. If you’re anything like me, you’ve wondered if there was a guidebook to adulting that would help you get through life more successfully. I want you to know not only does this book exist, but we also have access to it. That book is the Bible, and it’s filled with God’s wonderful promises that cancel out the lies our feelings try to get over on us.
Whenever you find yourself in your feelings – perhaps you are there right now – read over and meditate on these promises below. They may not be groundbreaking in the sense that they change the world’s problems, but they may be a start to finding peace with and perhaps solving your own.
God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
Psalm 18:30
All is and will be well.
Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned! Isaiah 3:10
His plans are still intact and what’s mine is mine.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
God will sustain me and rescue me.
Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he. I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4
I am His, and God delights in me.
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17
He gives me rest.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
God guides me and gives me counsel.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8
God is my refuge, strength, and help in my time of need.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
I always have access to God’s peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
God will never forsake or forget about me.
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
God’s perfect love casts out all fear.
Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18
Nothing can separate me from you.
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
I am blessed because I believe.
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed is she who believed the Lord would fulfill his promises to her. Luke 1:45
Candidly, April was a rough month for me both personally and professionally. Not only did a bunch of commitments converge, it was a month filled with disappointments, setbacks, and unexpected challenges. Have you ever just had a whole season where you felt like everything was coming at you at once? Yeah, it was one of those moments. For the first time in the five years since I launched Golden Life Musings, I didn’t write. I needed a minute y’all.
While I attempted to recenter myself, I came upon a devotional that put things back into perspective for me. The message was around spiritual warfare and it identified one of the weapons we can use when we find ourselves in the middle of an attack. When I say attack, I don’t mean a physical attack or even an anxiety attack. Spiritual warfare is an attack on the spirit. It’s not just an attack on any spirit; it’s a spirit that belongs to the Lord. And the enemy’s strategy is to attack a spirit when it’s at its lowest, weakest moment.
The good news is we have a spiritual password that can unlock the key to our joy and abundant living. Yes, even while undergoing trials. It is more powerful than any other weapon known to man, particularly when you’re dealing with spiritual warfare. That is the “Name of Jesus.”
If I’m about to lose you, hold on a minute. Let me explain.
At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask Him, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
John 16:23, 24
What John is saying in this scripture is that there is power in the name of Jesus. When Jesus died on that cross and was resurrected, things changed for us as believers. Previously we had to approach God through people (priests); but with this incredibly selfless, sacrificial act of love, He gave us a direct connection to our creator. He not only erased all of our sins, He made us acceptable to God. He gave us access.
Just think about all the miraculous things the name of Jesus has done throughout the Bible. We are saved by that name (God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12). We are baptized into His name (…be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38). Regular ordinary people like the disciples were able to cast out demons with that name (These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: they will cast out demons in my name…Mark 16:17). That name is the truth!
And here’s another thing that will really blow your mind. That same power and spirit that raised Jesus from the dead also lives in you, by way of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Romans 8:11
So when you are feeling hopeless, helpless, lost, powerless, or any of those feelings that don’t serve you, know these two things. You have the authority to go directly to our Father and use our spiritual password to gain immediate assistance. You also have the ability to activate that power and spirit that lives inside of you to access your joy and abundant living He promised you.
I’m not saying you won’t ever have trials or unexpected challenges, or that you won’t be affected by them. What I am offering is a tool to use when the heaviness of those trials threatens your overall joy and peace. I want you to know that no matter what comes your way, you have a spiritual password you can use, that when coupled with belief, can move mountains. Particularly the ones we’ve created in our own minds.
Golden Life Musings 