Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

Today marks a milestone that leaves me humbled and grateful—my 500th blog post. Five hundred moments of pouring out my heart, sharing truths, testifying to God’s faithfulness, and walking this journey of faith with you. What started as a step of obedience during one of the most vulnerable seasons of our lives—when our daughter was in the NICU—has grown into something so much greater than I could have imagined. It has become a living tapestry of God’s grace, woven with lessons, trials, triumphs, and so many divine surprises along the way.

If there’s one unshakable truth I’ve discovered, it’s this: God is always at work—even when we don’t see it.

We often come before Him with dreams, desires, and desperate prayers, expecting immediate answers. And yes, there are times when heaven opens and the answer is a clear, resounding “Yes.” But more often, we find ourselves sitting in the quiet of “Not yet,” or wrestling with the mystery of “I have something better.”

Pursuing the path to become an Army Chaplain has been one of those seasons for me—a test of patience, trust, and surrender. And through it, I’ve come to realize something beautiful: God’s delays are never wasted. They’re not signs of neglect, but invitations to deeper transformation.

You see, God isn’t just interested in giving us what we want—He’s committed to making us who we’re called to be. He’s shaping our hearts, refining our character, and preparing us for what we’re not yet ready to carry. The process is sacred. And sometimes, the mountain doesn’t move because God is still moving something inside of us.

When we’re tempted to grow weary in the waiting, let’s remember: every delay is a divine setup. Every “no” is paving the way for a bigger “yes.” Every trial is a tool in the hands of a faithful God who knows exactly what we need to become who He designed us to be.

It’s not always easy. There are moments that feel like too much. Losing my father has been one of the deepest pains I’ve ever known. And walking through a year-long legal battle over our home has stretched me in more ways than I can count. These haven’t just been obstacles—they’ve been opportunities. Not to harden my heart, but to press in closer to the Lord than ever before.

Growth rarely happens in the comfort zones. True transformation takes root in the fire. As 1 Peter 1:7 says, “The genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold—is tested by fire.” These trials aren’t evidence that God has forgotten you. They’re proof that He’s refining you for something eternal, and the fourth Man is with you in the fire.

Think about your own life. When betrayal comes, you’re faced with a choice: forgive, or feed the bitterness. When your plans unravel, do you surrender to God’s perfect timing—or scramble to regain control? These aren’t just inconveniences—they’re divine crossroads, shaping your destiny.

God wastes nothing when we place it in His hands.

And the most powerful thing you can do in the in-between is this: Keep your heart right. Keep showing up. When the storms of life are raging all around you, make sure you don’t let them get inside of you! Stay faithful when it feels like nothing is happening. Stay hopeful when everything around you says otherwise. Let every trial deepen your roots instead of shaking your faith.

Looking back over these 500 posts, I’m overwhelmed. Not just by what I’ve written, but by what I’ve lived. Each post has been a stepping stone, each lesson a testimony. And every single one of you who has read, commented, prayed, or just quietly followed along—you’ve been part of this journey. Thank you!

As we step into the next chapter, I don’t know what lies ahead. But I know the One who does—and that’s enough for me. So let’s keep walking this path together. Let’s keep pressing forward with open hearts and strong faith. Let’s keep trusting even when we can’t see His hand at work—because His heart is always for us.

To the next 500 posts… and all the beauty, breakthroughs, and battles that will come with them. Let’s continue to say yes to the process, because He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).

Keep going. Keep growing. And remember—He’s not finished with you yet.

With all my heart, thank you—and God bless.