Tag: dailyprompt

When I feel the most productive, it’s usually when I’m operating in a few key areas of my life.

I feel most alive and productive when I’m helping others, especially through outreach and ministry work like Lazarus Restoration Ministries. Serving others by providing food, clothing, transitional housing, and support toward self-sufficiency gives me a deep sense of fulfillment.

I’m also at my most productive when I’m spiritually focused. Times of fasting, daily Communion, devotionals, and simply being intentional about my relationship with God help anchor everything else I do. My work flows best when it’s rooted in spiritual growth and obedience to what God is calling me to.

Another place where I feel especially productive is when I’m encouraging and teaching my family and others. Whether it’s writing prayers, creating challenges to build boldness, or ministering to women, even in challenging places like jails, I come alive when I’m helping others step into their God-given identity.

Finally, I’m learning that even when it’s uncomfortable, I feel productive when I’m moving forward with personal callings. Embracing my assignment as a Psalmist and overcoming the fear of public speaking have been stretching, but I know that pushing past those fears is tied to fulfilling my purpose.

In short, I am most productive when I am serving, growing spiritually, encouraging others, and faithfully stepping into what God has assigned to me, even when it requires courage.

There are things I know God has called me to do, like speaking, singing, and ministering His truth, but I’ll be honest, sometimes I get nervous. The thought of standing in front of people makes me feel vulnerable. It’s not that I don’t want to do it, I do. It’s just that sometimes, I feel like I’m not enough.
There’s this battle between what I know God has placed inside of me and the old fears that whisper, “You’re not ready,” or “Who’s really going to listen?” I’ve spent time hiding, writing prayers, teaching in quiet places, because it felt safer. But I’m realizing that playing it safe is not what I was created for.
I want to trust God with my whole heart, not just in the quiet places, but out in the open too. I’m learning to surrender, to let go of needing to understand everything, and to lean on His strength instead of my own. I know He’s faithful. I know He’s with me. And I’m choosing to believe that He’s preparing me, equipping me, and calling me out, so I can walk boldly into everything He’s promised.
Even when I feel nervous, I’m not going to let that stop me. Because I believe His perfect love is casting out every fear.

Why Jesus is the First Name That Comes to My Mind

When asked to write the first thing that comes to my mind, I didn’t hesitate, Jesus. Not because it’s a habit or a rehearsed response, but because that name has become the anchor of my soul. Jesus is not just a figure in Scripture to me, He is my lifeline, my comforter, my teacher, and the very breath that gives me purpose.

I’ve walked through storms that threatened to consume me, an emotional marriage where I cried out in desperation, only to be met with a whisper from the Holy Spirit that my husband was my assignment. I obeyed, waited, and watched God transform our love in the final chapters of his life. Jesus met me there, in the middle of the pain and the promise.

I’ve battled fear, fear of speaking, fear of inadequacy, fear of being seen. And yet, even in hiding, Jesus was molding me, using the jail ministry, written prayers, and whispered songs in the secret place to prepare me for my calling. He showed me that being a Psalmist wasn’t about performance, but about carrying His heart in my voice.

I say “Jesus” because I’ve learned to listen to Him over the noise of people-pleasing. I’ve turned from always saying yes to others to staying anchored in what the Holy Spirit says. I know the power of my broken marriage healed. I know the power of death being defeated! I’ve watched my children grow with challenges in their own lives, yet He still holds them close. I’ve seen my grandchildren rise with purpose, through the eyes of grace, all because Jesus has been the center of our family’s story. I know the power of His crucifixion and what He has done for me!

Daily communion with my mother reminds me of His sacrifice, a constant invitation to remember the price He paid for our freedom. His body broken, His blood poured out, how could His name not be first on my lips?

I fasted for refreshing, leaned into boldness, and embraced my identity in Christ. And through it all, through joy, sorrow, healing, and purpose, Jesus has remained the one name that brings peace, power, and clarity.

So when I write the first thing that comes to mind, it’s not just instinct, it’s experience. It’s love. It’s worship.
It’s Jesus.

I can’t link it to just one family member. There’s a special kind of joy that fills my heart, not just when my children and grandchildren say “I love you,” but when I see them living it out. When they serve, care for, and show compassion to others, I see my heart in them. That’s when I know the seeds I planted are bearing fruit.

They’ve watched me love, give, and pour into others. And now, I see them doing the same, not because they have to, but because love has become their nature. That’s passionate love to me, when your legacy is carried not just in words, but in actions that reflect the heart of Christ.

Here are five everyday things that bring me happiness:

1. Spending time with God – Whether I’m praying, meditating on scripture, or taking communion, being in God’s presence centers me. It’s where I find my peace and strength.

2. Helping others in need – Through Lazarus Restoration Ministries, I find so much joy in serving the homeless and those struggling. Knowing I can be a vessel of hope makes my heart full.

3. Moments with my family – Just hearing my children or grandchildren’s voices, seeing their faces, or knowing they’re growing in their purpose, that brings me real happiness.

4. Encouraging and teaching others – I love when God uses me to speak life, whether it’s through writing, mentoring, or simply being available for someone who needs a word in season.

5. Worship and music – There’s nothing like the way worship lifts my spirit. As a Psalmist, I feel closest to who I am when I’m lost in a song that glorifies God.

The Bible is like a personal roadmap for life, full of wisdom, encouragement, and direction for every step of the journey. It helps us understand God’s heart and shows us how to live with purpose, love, and integrity. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, the Bible gently points us back to the right path, reminding us that we’re never alone. Through its stories, truths, and promises, it teaches us how to grow in faith, make wise choices, and trust God every step of the way.

For more than two decades, I have freely dedicated my time, heart, and resources to serving others, walking with individuals through some of the hardest seasons of their lives. From providing food and clothing, to praying with them, helping them find shelter, guiding them through job readiness, and even coaching them toward self-sufficiency, I’ve done it all as a volunteer.

Not because I had to, but because I was called to.

This work has never been about recognition or reward. It’s been about answering a higher calling to love people back to life, spiritually, emotionally, and practically.

Now, through Lazarus Restoration Ministries, I’m formalizing what I’ve already been doing freely for years, so that we can reach more people, build a strong infrastructure, and create sustainable change.

This isn’t just a nonprofit project. It’s the expansion of a life’s mission. Pray for us to receive funding for a larger building. We will accept any donations for help. $LRMInc

When I wake up, the first thing I do is acknowledge the Lord. Before anything else, I thank Him for a new day, for His presence, and for His faithfulness in my life. I take a moment to pray, surrendering my day to Him, asking for His guidance, and inviting the Holy Spirit to lead me in all I do.

I spend time in His Word, letting His truth fill my heart and mind. Whether it’s a passage of Scripture, a promise I’m holding onto, or a word He places on my heart, I meditate on it, allowing it to shape my thoughts. Worship is part of my morning too—whether through song, quiet reflection, or simply speaking His praises.

Each day, I take Holy Communion, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and the victory I have in Him. It’s a sacred moment, a reminder that I am covered by His blood and walking in His grace. Sometimes, I write in my journal, recording what He’s speaking to me, prayers I’m lifting up, or reflections on His goodness.

As I step into the day, I do so with confidence, knowing that God has gone before me. No matter what comes, I am anchored in Him.

What brings me joy and fills my heart with laughter? My children and my family, whose love and humor brighten my days. A good, clean comedy movie that brings pure, wholesome laughter. But most of all, the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation, the golden hues of a sunrise, the peaceful glow of a sunset, the delicate beauty of flowers, all reminders of His love and artistry truly brings joy to my heart.