The Inkers Pen

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV Issues. We all have them. Money issues, work issues, food issues, people issues… and then there’s the back—an issue with a personality as moody as a junkyard dog with trust issues. Ah, the back. That one body part that seems to have signed a secret agreement with gravity to make life miserable. I’ve been fighting back issues for a while now. Some days, it’s just an annoying ache. Some days, I sprint up the steps with a basketful of laundry. Other days, I map out each step, like I'm navigating a minefield. Anyone who’s dealt with back pain will tell you—it’s awful. No sugarcoating it. But hey, life is life. We adjust. We cope. We figure it out. The good news? We don’t have to figure it out alone. God helps us "get by." No. Nix that—He more than helps us "get by." He walks with us through the pain, whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual. Whatever path we experience for the day—whether it's a tough conversation, an aching body, or the never-ending struggle of keeping it all together—He’s there. You see, life is a lesson. Or maybe it’s a test. Either way, before the lesson or the test, there’s always a trial. And trials? Well, we either fight them, fear them, or learn from them. Jesus knew all about trials. I often think about him spending 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, tempted by Satan at his weakest moment. No food. No company. Just him—head bowed, hands folded in prayer, kneeling at the edge of despair, exhausted, hungry, and wondering how much more he could bear. It’s almost surprising He didn’t just throw up His hands and say, "You know what? I’m out. Beam me up, Father." But He didn’t. Instead, Jesus relied on prayer. Constant, intimate, desperate prayer. Day and night, night and day, he sought His Father’s strength. He prayed for endurance, for protection, for the ability to walk out of that wilderness stronger than when He walked in. So, yeah, life is hard. Life has issues—big ones. But Jesus had issues too. He faced trials. He endured suffering. But one thing He never did? Doubt. He kept His connection with God open, knowing that all He had to do was: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7 NKJV) Precious one, whatever your issue—whether it’s your back, your bank account, your home life, or just trying to make it through the day—remember: Jesus gets it. And God’s got you. Heavenly Father, Thank You for always having our backs, even through life's toughest trials. Help us to trust in Your presence and guidance. Strengthen us, relieve our burdens, and remind us that with You, we are never alone. In Jesus' name. Amen. SPIRITUAL SPARKS What lessons can I learn from Jesus' perseverance and reliance on prayer during His trials in the wilderness? How can I remind myself that God understand my struggles is always there to support and lift me up?

“Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:6 NKJV February marks the serious season of clearance racks. They are everywhere, and I’ve always loved a good bargain. One of my fondest memories is bargain shopping with my mom. We’d scour the aisles for discounted clothes, shoes, decorative items, basically anything that made our heart pitter for the patter of a lower price. Those trips were a yearly tradition, and I can't help but smile at the memories. Now I'm years older, and I still check the bargain racks. I mean, how can you not, right? But it's different, I look for bargains for my grandkids, my granddogs, my husband, even my aquarium. It's still fun, but there's a difference. I now notice the frantic shoppers, their faces set with a “gimme, gimme” determination. The frenzy is like a never-ending race against time—especially in today's economy. Whether it’s a discounted coat or fuzzy animal slippers for the following winter, the pursuit of “stuff” can leave us breathless and sometimes disappointed. Don’t misunderstand—there’s nothing wrong with enjoying life’s blessings from the bargain bin. I still remember buying two fall jackets for one dollar each—a Nike and an Adidas. Name brands! I was so excited I did a fist bump right there in aisle 17. The only problem? Four boys, two new jackets. But at that price, I'd make it work—cue the family motto: "If it fits, it's yours." God delights in giving us good gifts, even fun gifts. But when we live in a constant state of grasping for more, it’s like chasing after the wind. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said it perfectly: “Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 4:6 NKJV). The “both hands full” mindset—always grasping, always consuming—might seem sweet at first, like a double-scoop ice cream cone on a hot day, melting faster than you can enjoy and leaving nothing but a soggy cone and regret. The truth is, God didn’t design us to hoard blessings. He wants us to share them. True joy doesn’t sit in a full cart, but rests in open hands and a generous heart. Looking back, those bargain days with my mom are beautiful memories. The treasures we found are now worn, broken, or gone. My mom is in heaven now, but what remains is the memory of time spent together—her laughter, her warmth, and the love we shared in those simple moments of "chasing after the wind," so to speak. I cherished the joy of her presence, not the things we bought. Those jackets? They are long gone, too. Funny enough, the Adidas fit three of the boys, so they had to share—but that’s a devotion for another day. So, the next time the world tempts you to chase after just one more thing, remember Solomon’s wisdom. One handful with peace is far sweeter than a cart full of toil. Heavenly Father, Thank You for the blessings You pour into my life—both big and small. Help me to hold them with open hands. Teach me to seek contentment in You, and remind me that real treasure is found in moments of love, laughter, and generosity, not in the clearance racks of this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Spiritual Spark Challenge: This week, take a moment to bless someone with what you already have—whether it's your time, a kind word, or even a small gift. Pay attention to the joy that comes not from gaining but from giving. "One handful with peace is far sweeter than a cart full of toil." ~~LM

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit ....” Hebrew 4:12a NKJV Years ago, when my son was in high school, he faked a book report on a novel he never read. He scrambled the characters, guessed the setting, and spun a plot so far off-course it could’ve been a science fiction novel. The only thing he got right was the title—and maybe the page count. I can’t remember. The English teacher summoned my husband and me to a school meeting. Fun times. Needless to say, we grounded our son (from everything) until the next millennium. Now that I'm older, I realize we sometimes treat the Bible in a similar way. We pick it up, do a quick flip through the pages, and call it a day. I get it. Life is busy. Appointment at nine. Podcast at eleven. Meeting at five-ish. Dinner whenever. So, we do what’s necessary to feel like we’ve checked the daily reading box. But, hey, we know the book title— Holy Bible . Dear friend, here’s the danger: when we don’t read the Bible thoroughly—or any book, for that matter, right son?—we risk getting the “plot” wrong. We mix up details, misquote verses, or miss the truth entirely. Certain days we might navigate the pages like a pro, flipping confidently from Luke to Revelation. But then ... we have those days of finding Leviticus or Obadiah or Lamentations, and suddenly we’re finger-pointing at the table of contents as if it were a treasure map. The Bible is too precious and important to skim. If you’ve ever read Jonah and the whale, you know, it’s brimming with action and adventure. Daniel in the lion’s den? A nail-biter worthy of the big screen. Maybe historical drama is your thing—check out the Old Testament. And let's not forget Revelations, it's the perfect choice for the future-seekers craving an apocalyptic journey. So, grab your Bible, find a comfy chair, and dive in. Don't scripture scramble through God's ancient book. Explore the stories. Take notes. Meet your ancestors. Examine the plotlines. More importantly, seek to know the Author. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit….” (Hebrew 4:12a NKJV). I mean, in all that is holy, who wants to explain to God they faked reading the Bible? Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me to dive deeply into the Scriptures, to understand and embrace Your truths. Guide my heart and mind as I seek to know You more. I ask that Your teachings brighten my path and strengthen my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks Why is it important to read the Bible carefully and not scramble through the scripture? Pick one of your favorite stories from the Bible and share it with a friend. "The Bible is too precious and important to skim." ~~LM

“Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, an his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:43-44 NKJV Have you ever felt lost? Like you’re wandering in the dark, bumping into walls while everyone else knows exactly where they’re going? It’s easy to feel abandoned in those moments—stuck in confusion and wallowing in uncertainty. But here’s the thing: God won’t leave us alone in the dark. Somewhere in your shadowy, spinning world, there’s a door. The problem? Finding it. So, let’s be real—just because we find the door doesn’t mean we’re ready to fling it open. What if stepping over the threshold changes everything? (Spoiler alert: It probably will.) But the truth? God knows your fear. He knows your doubts. He knows your strengths. Most importantly, He knows your heart. Think of it like fumbling around in a pitch-black room. We inch forward, hands outstretched, searching for the light switch. We may trip along the way, stub a toe or two, and maybe mutter a frustrated prayer. Life is tough, but with each step, we get closer to the door God has set before us. It’s there. We know it. We just can’t see it. It may be hidden behind our fog of doubt or icicles of fear. The question is: When the door opens, will you trust God enough to step through? That question has bounced around my brain more times than I care to admit. Until one day while reading the Bible, Lazarus has his door moment—or should I say tomb moment. In any event, the ancient words leapt off the page. Our Jesus “ … cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’” (John 11:43 NKJV). Now this wasn't a polite suggestion from Lord Jesus. It really wasn't. It was a full-on command that brought Lazarus back to life. He'd been dead for several days but when Jesus spoke, Lazarus “ came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them (the crowd) , "Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:44 NKJV). I don’t know about you, but if I’m pronounced dead, swathed like a mummy, sealed in a cave for several days, and then brought back to life, stepping through any kind of door sounds like the perfect recipe for a supernatural meltdown. It’s also the perfect moment for a comb and toothbrush … just saying. But, in all seriousness, this beautiful miracle of resurrection allowed Lazarus to step through God’s open door and into a new life free from his illness, a life filled with light and love. Precious one, step through the door and leave that shadowy, spinning, lost world of darkness behind. Pray. Trust. Open the door—even if you’re still tangled in yesterday’s graveclothes of doubts and desperation. That first step might feel awkward and unsteady, but let’s face it: Lazarus didn’t tap dance his way out of the tomb. But God opened the door and gave him another chance at a life filled with purpose, peace, understanding, and a deeper relationship with Him. God will do the same for you. Heavenly Father, When I’m lost in the dark, remind me that You are my guide. Help me trust You enough to take the first step, even when I can’t see the way forward. Teach me to recognize the door/s You’ve placed before me and allow me the courage to open it. May my faith grow stronger and stronger with each step. Bless You for giving me a purpose and may Your light and love surround me always. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks Have you prayed and asked God to help you see the door He’s placed before you? What “door” might God be asking you to open in your life right now? What fears or doubts are holding you back from taking that first step?

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 KJV And just like that, Christmas is over. One moment, the world’s glittering with anticipation of our newborn Savior, and the next, we’re staring at pine needles on the carpet. We’ve eaten enough cookies, candies, and leftovers, our bathroom scales flash “no comment.” One by one, the twinkling lights on the neighbors' houses disappear. The hustle, bustle, and shimmer of Christmas are now new memories. But here’s the thing: Christmas may be over, but the joy and the love it brings doesn’t have to be. You see, the real joy of Christmas isn’t wrapped in shiny paper or tied up with a bow. It’s not something you can buy, and it doesn’t fade with the season (or at least it shouldn’t). True joy, the kind that lingers long after the last cookie crumb is eaten, comes from a deeper place—a place rooted in giving from the heart. The Grinch learned that firsthand. Have you ever noticed how much fun it is to find or create the perfect gift for someone you love? Whether it’s crocheted boot cuffs (which are adorable), a batch of homemade cookies, or a thoughtful note. You see, joy doesn’t come from the thing itself. The very act of giving draws us closer to the heart of Christ, who came into this world to give us life and hope and love. That's the secret. That's joy. It's the feeling you possess when you have all three. Joy isn’t fleeting like the excitement of tearing into a package on Christmas morning. It’s steady and enduring, like the hum of a favorite carol that sticks with you long after the music stops. As Nehemiah 8:10b reminds us … “ … for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” There may be times we have to work at keeping our joy. Unlike happiness, joy doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. It doesn’t vanish when the holidays are over. Rather, it burns like the steady glow of a fire on a winter’s night—warm, comforting, and unshaken by the cold winds outside. Moreover, when we give from the heart and keep the fire fueled, we reflect the ultimate gift God gave us: Jesus, His Son. Jesus wasn’t a gift wrapped in extravagance, but one offered in humility and wrapped in love. So, as the holiday season fades and the pine needles are swept away, let the joy of giving linger. Let it rise like the laughter of children playing in the snow, let it shimmer like the memory of the three wise men presenting their gifts to our newborn King, and may it always remind you of the angel’s words: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy , which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10 KJV). Heavenly Father, As the lights of Christmas fade, let the joy You bring remain in our hearts. Help us to carry the spirit of giving and love into every season, reflecting Your endless grace. May Your joy be our strength--steady and enduring, guiding us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Spiritual Sparks What is one way you can carry the joy of Christmas into your everyday life, even after the season has passed? How can you reflect Christ’s love through giving—whether it's your time, kindness, or resources—this week? "Joy burns like the steady glow of a fire on a winter’s night—warm, comforting, and unshaken by the cold winds outside." ~~LM

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV This week overflows with love, a tangible warmth spreading through homes and communities. Love is like the flicker of a fireplace flame, small yet steady, but still bright enough to guide us, gentle enough to comfort us, and strong enough to melt even the frostiest hearts. But where does this extraordinary love come from? Not from candy canes or shiny presents wrapped with bows (though those are fun). True, lasting love springs from the very heart of our souls, planted there by the Holy Spirit. It’s the kind of love that made Heaven lean down and hug the earth—a love so fierce and tender that it arrived in the form of a baby, wrapped not in gold but in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. I’m sure each time Mary and Joseph cradled Jesus, their hearts filled with overflowing love. That same love fills us. As the Holy Spirit whispers into our soul, his love spreads warmth and light to everyone around us—our spouses, friends, strangers, even the neighbor who borrowed the lawn mower three months ago. It’s not just our love ... it’s God’s love flowing through us like a river of grace. Precious one, take this week (and every week!) as an opportunity to express your love. Hug someone a little tighter, send an unexpected card, or practice forgiveness without hesitation. It’s important to remember Christmas is more than tinsel and twinkling lights; it’s … “faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV). Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of love. Help me reflect Your perfect love to everyone I meet. Let my heart burn brighter and share with everyone who I see. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Spark Challenge: Take a few moments this week to think of someone in your life who might need to experience God’s love. You might have to step out of your comfort zone, but show them some kindness, patience, or grace.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV The countdown to Christmas jingles on, and the Advent theme for the second week is peace. But let’s be honest, peace at this time of the year can feel as fleeting as a snowflake melting on a warm palm. Seriously, there are cookies to bake, Christmas parties to attend, presents to wrap (although, festive bags are a lifesaver come the eleventh hour), stockings to be filled, and a tree, with a black hole big enough to swallow Mars, to decorate. So, what really is peace? I think mine disappeared inside a gift-wrapped box. Peace is a precarious thing, always threatened by our inability to keep everything under control; it's a delicate balance. And over time, we learn the truth: our ability to maintain peace is as fragile as a glass ornament on a wobbly tree or hanging within the depths of that black hole. But then comes Isaiah 9:6 KJV with a promise that cuts through the clamor like the star above Bethlehem: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” The ancient verse wraps me in warmth. You see, our Prince of Peace entered a world of turmoil. His entrance wasn’t the sparkling, Instagram-ready holiday spread of a beautifully lit cabin in the woods. No, not at all. His first throne was a manger AKA feeding trough filled with hay. Yet this child brought peace unlike the world had ever known, a peace that wasn’t fragile or fleeting—but eternal and unshakable. Beloved, let’s pause the craziness of Christmas and marvel at His promise. Jesus’ peace wasn’t something distant or unattainable. No, not at all. It’s as tangible as the glow of lights on your Christmas tree: warm, steady, and inviting. So, this Christmas unwrap God’s glorious gift of unshakable peace and bask in His everlasting warmth of His love. Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Your son into our broken world. He is my caring Counselor who speaks when I doubt, my mighty God who reigns when I fear, my Prince of Peace when anxiety overtakes my day. Guide me, Lord, to pause and marvel at the promise that Your name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. In Jesus name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks: What areas of your life feel chaotic right now, and how might inviting the Prince of Peace into those moments bring calm and clarity? This Christmas, how can you intentionally pause amidst the busyness to unwrap and embrace the eternal peace that Jesus offers?

“ And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 NKJV The first week of December is here—cue the lights, the carols, and the slightly panicked realization that you have less than a month to figure out everyone’s Christmas presents. It's amusing how the season can simultaneously evoke the enchantment of a magical wonderland and the frenzy of a chaotic-to-do list. December isn’t just about getting everything done; it’s the season of “Good tidings of great joy.” So, as we begin the first week of Advent, let’s focus on hope—the promise of something greater. In Luke 2:10-11, an angel delivers a message of hope to the shepherds: “...Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” Imagine the shepherds' reactions as they stood in the cold, tending to their sheep, and probably feeling pretty insignificant. Suddenly, heaven breaks open, and an angel illuminates their mundane night with the news of the birth of our Savior. Now, that’s what you call hopeful insight, right? We share that same hope. No matter how messy, busy, uncertain, or insignificant life feels, December is a reminder that God’s promises do not depend on us having it all together. You see, our hope arrived as a baby boy born in a stable—not in a palace, not even in a warm tent. Nope ... our King of Kings was born in a stable of all places. But that’s how God works: often appearing in unexpected places, amidst odd circumstances and strange chaos. Beloved, as this month unfolds, don’t just focus on your to-do list (though you probably should order those gifts soon). Instead, spend some time alone with the Father, watch the snow fall, listen to the dawn break—or perhaps just find five minutes of quiet in your car. Don't let the decorations and deadlines overshadow the true meaning of the season. Jesus is our promise of hope and can make even the busiest December worth celebrating. Heavenly Father, As we step into this season of hope, I thank You for Your love and goodness in my life. May You fill my heart with Your peace and love. Help me see Your presence in every moment of the day. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Jesus—our eternal hope and joy. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks How does the message of hope in Luke 2:10-11 resonate with you personally? What are some simple ways you can share hope and the love of Jesus with others this December? ❤️ "Hope often appears in unexpected places, amidst odd circumstances and strange chaos." ~~LM ❤️

Image by Freepik “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1 NIV Thanksgiving. The day when the kitchen becomes a Bedlam Bonanza, the turkey somehow takes center stage like a celebrity in a featherless tuxedo, and everyone’s stomach growls like an impatient lion waiting to feast. Yet somehow, in the midst of flour-dusted counters and the sweet smell of pumpkin pie, there’s love happening. It’s the kind of love that turns a spilled bowl of pickled eggs into a story you’ll laugh about for years. A love that transforms your lumpy gravy into a metaphor for life (not everything has to be perfect to be wonderful, right?). It’s the kind of love that reminds us Thanksgiving isn’t about the mountain of food—it’s about family … your people. Throughout the day, we giggle as the toddlers wear mashed potatoes like war paint. We coax a smile from the lone teenager glued to their phone—because deep down, they want to be part of the chaos (even if they won’t admit it). We play Nerf tag with the restless pre-teens, just to remind them adults can still win ... sometimes. And sure, the oven timers will beep out of sync, the dinner rolls might end up a little toasty, and someone may or may not drop the ham onto the floor. Okay, so that happened. But isn’t that the beauty of it all? Thanksgiving isn’t about a picture-perfect table—it’s about messy, beautiful togetherness. It's about being thankful for everything, and at the heart of it all stands a bigger truth: Jesus. He’s the head of this feast, the unseen Guest who ties every bite of pie, every giggle, every hug, and every "I love you" together. Our God's grace and love overflows—not just our plates. So, as we laugh, share, and savor the food (and maybe fight over the last piece of salvaged ham), let’s pause to remember what we are really celebrating. It’s not the turkey on the table or the football on TV or the kids turning cartwheels in the livingroom. Nope, but those are wonderful things too. It’s all about being thankful for God’s unconditional love and for the blessing of sharing another year with family. Precious one, God’s love reminds us that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Our family, like the meal, is made up of many elements—each bringing its own flavor. Some days, it’s sweet and smooth like pie filling; other days, it’s bumpy and lumpy like mashed potatoes. But today? Everything comes together. And as we gather around the table, let's be thankful Thanksgiving is not about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about love. It’s about Jesus—the unseen Guest. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1 NIV). Heavenly Father, My heart overflows with thankfulness today. Within the mess, the noise, and the beautiful chaos, I thank You for the gift of family. I thank You for the love that binds us, for laughter that heals, and for grace that protects. You’ve given me and my loved ones more than we deserve ... You've given us the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Lord, You are so good, and Your love endures forever. In Jesus' name. Amen. May you all have a Happy Thanksgiving. ❤️God Bless❤️