When Identity Creates a Rift: Navigating Bi-racial Dynamics

From one man, he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth. Acts 17:26

Hello! From Colorado! We got blue skies! And, I plan to work in my backyard. I need to get my garden beds ready for Spring planting. However, I’m a little concerned about water storage. As we didn’t get that much snow in the high desert this year. So! I’m worried about the powers that be regarding water restrictions. Well enough about my potential garden issues. Let’s talk about bi-racial children, not all, but this particular one.

Parenting is a journey of letting go, but what happens when a child chooses an identity that feels like a rejection of your own?

Most parents of biracial children lead with love, but identity is a personal road. Take my friend, for example. She is African American and has biracial children. Her son identifies as white, and with that choice has come a complete distancing from his mother’s culture. From his dating life to his avoidance of family reunions, the disconnect is deep. He often voices frustration with his mother’s mannerisms, speech, and way of life.

Yet, there’s a curious silver lining: he absolutely adores his Black nieces. He shows up for them in ways he won’t for his mother.

It raises a difficult question that many families face: Is this a rejection of Black culture, or is it a deeply rooted conflict with his mother that has simply taken the shape of a cultural divide? Or perhaps, is it the struggle of a young man trying to find where he fits in a world that often demands we “pick a side”?

While my friend continues to show her love—even bringing him plates of food from the family functions he skips—the middle ground remains elusive. In these moments, all we can do is hold space for the family and hope for a bridge to be built. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Lord, please disrupt the patterns of this volatile relationship. Guard these parents and children from unhelpful advice and reveal the part each plays in their toxic dynamic. Give them a spirit of honesty to accept themselves and one another. We trust You to supply the plan for cultivating a relationship built on love rather than disdain. Amen

Patience in Progress: Insights for Type A Personalities

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Good day!

Yesterday, I started on my basement again, tackling just one small section. Honestly, it’s taking me longer than I expected, and yes, it’s frustrating! That’s because this little corner is my ‘stepping stone’ to reclaiming the whole basement, and every minute counts. The challenge isn’t just the stuff; it’s the mindset—especially when my wonderful husband decided we ‘need to keep’ several old doors we’ll likely never use. Sound familiar?

If you’re a fellow Type A personality who struggles with decluttering, I’m right there with you. We expect perfection and immediate results, but this process teaches us patience. My takeaway, and hopefully yours, is this: progress is messy, and setbacks are normal. It’s not about doing it perfectly the first time; it’s about the commitment to keep going.

So, I’m dusting myself off and trying again today. Join me in taking one intentional step forward. We’ve got this! Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of a new day and a fresh start. I ask for a steadfast spirit as I tackle my basement once more. Guide my hands and my decisions, help me to navigate challenges with grace, and give me the endurance to see this task through to the end. Amen.

Why I Bleach My Dishes: A Kitchen Confession

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27

Good morning from the breathtaking views of Colorado! I’ve finally made my way through the morning routine—waking up, clearing the sink, and now, settling in to write my prayer for the day.

As I was pre-washing the dishes before loading the dishwasher, a memory crept into my thoughts. For decades, I have always washed my dishes before they ever hit the machine. I’d run a sink full of hot water, pile on the suds, and add a splash of Clorox. Yes, you read that right!

I would wash dishes with bleach before putting them in the dishwasher. And no, this ritual didn’t start recently; it’s just what I do. It’s the same reason I raise an eyebrow when people say they don’t wash raw chicken before prepping. I once had a dear friend who let her pup lick the spoon after mixing yogurt into the dog’s food. I didn’t say a word, but I whispered to myself, “I am not eating a thing out of this kitchen!”

As I was rinsing my dishes to put them into my dishwasher, I had to laugh at myself. I realized that sometimes God gives us tools to make our lives easier, yet we refuse to use what He has made available. We continue doing things the hard way, then wonder if He’s listening. He loves us! Sometimes we just need to learn how to accept His blessings with a grateful—and perhaps a little less scrubbed—heart.

Join the Conversation!

I’ve shared my “bleach and pre-wash” confession, and now I want to hear from you! We all have those unique habits passed down through generations—or those “only in my kitchen” rules that we just can’t shake. Sharing your story helps us build community and realize we aren’t alone in our quirks!

  • What is one “old-school” habit you still do today, even if there’s a modern way to do it?
  • Do you have a kitchen “deal-breaker” like my friend with the dog spoon?
  • What’s a small, everyday blessing you’ve been doing the “hard way” lately?

Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it! Your “ritual” might just be the laugh or the lesson someone else needs today. Building a strong community starts with us opening up about the little things.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for another beautiful morning. We ask that You lift the veil from our hearts so we don’t miss the miracles in front of us. Help us recognize Your hand at work in every small detail today. Amen

Embracing Your Passions: The Benefits of Genealogy

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Sigh. I sit at my desk and feel tired right away. There is a lot of paperwork that needs to be done. But I will ignore the papers for now and do something I enjoy—genealogy.

A friend recently asked what I find so fascinating about researching people who are gone. I realized then that I don’t see it as finding the dead—I see it as honoring the living heritage they left behind. I love telling their stories so they remain a part of our family for years to come. It is especially joyful when a new photo appears on a profile; it makes me stop and wonder about the biological threads that connect us across time.

My reasons for digging into the past are endless, but today isn’t about me—it’s about you. I want to encourage you to follow your bliss. Don’t let the fear of judgment keep you from your favorite hobby. When you stop worrying about ‘them,’ you finally start living for you. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank You for the gift of today. We pray that You would mute the opinions of others that try to drown out Your purpose for us. Grant us the clarity and focus to stay in Your will and the race to live a life of constant joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

How to Pray Effectively: A Guide to Daily Communion

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today seeking Your guidance and presence. Lord, please direct my thoughts and help me understand what I most need to bring before You in prayer, today and every day [1].

Teach me how to pray effectively, not just for my own needs, but also for the needs of those around me. Show me the simple ways of walking in communion with You through my daily prayer life [1]. I long for a deeper connection and a clear understanding of Your will in my life and the world [1].

Guide me as I seek to listen to Your voice and follow Your path.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Embracing New Beginnings This Christmas

As the old year ends and the new one begins, both transition seamlessly, one making way for the other. This silent passage beautifully reflects the continuous circle of life. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Finding Strength in Spiritual Struggles

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. ~Romans 8:26-27 NIV

If life is happening, then you’re capable of handling its demands. This is something I’ve learned to say to myself. Especially after what appear to be tough times.

I called an old friend yesterday. She’s going through exactly what I struggled with five years ago. I remember hitting my own low point and feeling completely defeated. She sounded weary when she picked up, hopeless and unsure of herself. The worst part was that all her anxiety stemmed from worrying about local gossip and how others viewed her—I know that struggle intimately.

It’s an interesting truth that the struggles my friend is facing now are the same ones I once went through, and someone else is likely facing them, too. It can feel incredibly isolating, which is often the intention of the “prince of this world” as he wants us to feel alone and blow aimlessly with the winds of persecution.

But God has a different plan. He wants you to stay steadfast, with your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. While it is genuinely difficult to remain prayerful during such challenging moments, God knows exactly when to intervene powerfully on your behalf.

Trust the process. Remember that the rarest and most precious gems are often formed under the most difficult, unexplainable, and uncontrollable situations. Your strength is being forged in this moment. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Lord, I surrender my heart to Your scrutiny. Expose any hidden corners, any anxious thoughts, any way that offends You. Fill the emptiness with Your transforming peace, that I might know Your presence fully. Amen

Navigating Family Trees: Mistakes and Communication

“I am bound to them though I cannot look into their eyes or hear their voices. I honor their history. I cherish their lives. I will tell their story. I will remember them for I am the result of the very love, struggle, sacrifice and journey of thousands.” Author Unknown

Good day from the beautiful lands of Colorado! Well! I never seem to post blogs I’ve written. Let’s see if this one will make the light of day.

A few days ago, I reached out to a second cousin on a genealogy website with what I thought was a simple question—just to find out which of her parents was connected to us. She responded that she couldn’t help because she doesn’t have access to my family tree. I wasn’t asking for much; I just wanted to know that one simple thing. That’s all I needed!

I told her I would grant her access to the tree I created for her and her family. I then clarified that I make a separate tree for each DNA match. I do this until I figure out how the person is related to me. This process helps me avoid errors.

Every tree will have errors, especially in the early stages of researching family history. And! I made several mistakes during my early research. Nothing frustrates me more than discovering such inaccuracies, only to have to pause my current research project. It is necessary to correct these errors, as leaving them unaddressed only deepens frustration and confusion.

My decision to deny access to my main genealogy tree instantly halted communication. I have since removed the pending invitation. This interaction reinforced a critical life lesson: Be selective about granting access to private spaces and data. People must be more intentional about setting these boundaries.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we ask that you watch over us on our journey to discover our family’s past. Amen

Learning from Decision-Making Mistakes

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. Proverbs 19:2 ESV

Making informed decisions usually leads to positive outcomes. Trust me, there are days when I’m not so insightful, but today, I’m feeling confident and in control!

About a week ago, I received the 2025 annual survey from E-470 via email. At first glance, it seemed simple, but my ten years of experience prompted me to proceed cautiously. I took my time to ensure my responses were well-considered, recognizing the importance of making informed decisions. While the survey appears harmless, I am intrigued by the potential changes it might bring and how those adjustments could affect me as an E-470 driver.

Do you tend to make quick decisions like my mother and me? Do you often regret not doing things differently afterward? You’re not alone. Many people make snap choices and later feel remorse. The key to overcoming this habit is to recognize your mistakes, learn from them, and continue forward without guilt.

God desires us to make informed decisions, but many of us struggle with this. Consequently, we often find ourselves in recurring difficult situations. This is a common experience for us all at times. However, we don’t have to live in ongoing storms. Such a life isn’t healthy, nor is it what God plans for those He loves and cares for. His hope is for us to enjoy our time on Earth and to help others do the same. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, today presents new opportunities for growth and blessing. We embrace the chance to make positive choices that honor You and bring light into our lives. Amen

How Removing Hoses from Spigots Helps in Avoiding HOA Fines

To whom much is given, much is required! Luke 12:48

Greetings from the stunning Rocky Mountains of Colorado! I hope everything is going well for you. If not, I pray that God’s grace, mercy, and wisdom illuminate your path as you navigate your spiritual journey.

This is a reminder to remove garden hoses from outside spigots. Failure to do so can lead to plumbing issues, which can be costly to fix. Please go outside and detach the hose from the spigot promptly to avoid unnecessary problems.

Typically, I don’t cover my spigots, but I’ve noticed some neighbors who do. How much effort you put into protecting your spigots from winter freezing is your choice. However, removing the hose is the first step in preventing freezing damage.

Believe it or not, keeping up with your home maintenance can help you avoid violation notices from your Home Owner Association (HOA).