Coffee and Crane Flys

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The other morning, I was up early enjoying my usual routine: quiet, peaceful devotional time and a hot cup of coffee. There’s something sacred about that first sip, isn’t there? It’s like life’s little reward for waking up early.

But as I finished my coffee that particular morning, something strange caught my eye at the bottom of the cup. It looked like a string, just floating there, waving gently in the dark remnants. Curiosity won over caution, and I reached in to fish it out.

To my surprise (and horror), that “string” turned out to be a crane fly! Yes—a large, leggy, winged creature had joined me for my entire peaceful coffee ritual. Talk about unwelcome company! Instantly, I felt my stomach turn. Gross. Needless to say, the rest of that coffee went straight down the drain, along with my appetite.

Life is funny that way, isn’t it? One moment you’re savoring peace, and the next, you’re fishing insects from your coffee cup. It’s gross, unpleasant, and certainly not what you planned. But here’s the kicker—life isn’t always predictable or neat. Sometimes flies land in our coffee. Sometimes our perfectly laid plans fall apart. Sometimes things get messy, awkward, or downright uncomfortable.

But what do you do when life hands you a crane fly in your coffee? You dump it out and pour another cup. You keep it moving.

Because life doesn’t stop just because something unpleasant shows up. Each day, you get to choose: Will you let life’s unexpected surprises ruin your day, or will you brush them off, adjust your sails, and keep moving forward?

Next time a fly lands in your coffee—literally or metaphorically—take a moment to laugh. Recognize that life is going to “life” sometimes, and that’s okay. Then pour yourself a fresh cup, embrace the humor, and remind yourself: this too shall pass. Keep it moving.

And because I know you want to know!

A crane fly, often mistaken for a large mosquito, actually serves several useful purposes in nature:

  1. Ecosystem Balance: Crane flies serve as important food sources for various animals, such as birds, spiders, frogs, fish, and other insects. They play a vital role in supporting biodiversity.
  2. Soil Health: The larvae, known as “leatherjackets,” help decompose organic matter in soil, aiding nutrient cycling and improving soil health.
  3. Food Chain Contribution: Both larvae and adults significantly contribute to the food chain, providing sustenance for many species, especially birds and amphibians.
  4. Indicator Species: Crane flies can also act as indicators of environmental quality since their larvae thrive best in healthy, moist environments.

Though they might be an unwelcome guest in your morning coffee, crane flies indeed play their part in the natural world!

When Pain Hits: Will You Soften or Harden?”

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Let’s talk about pain. Not the stub-your-toe, forgot-your-password-again kind (although, ouch). I’m talking about real pain—the kind that scrapes at your soul, leaves you breathless in the middle of a Tuesday afternoon, and shows up uninvited like your cousin Jack with a suitcase. (JK Jack)

Pain is universal. But the way we respond to it? That’s a choice.
Pain can leave you with a heart that’s soft and open… or one that’s hard and locked up like a high-security vault.

Soft Hearts & Open Hands

A soft heart isn’t weak. It’s not a doormat or a punching bag. It’s not someone who says, “Please, may I have another traumatic experience?” No, no, no.

A soft heart has survived pain—and chosen to stay tender. It has walked through betrayal, disappointment, and grief, but instead of shutting down, it said:

“This hurts. But I want to understand it. I want to grow from it. I want to trust that God can still do something with this mess.”

Soft hearts don’t deny pain; they honor it. They cry when needed, laugh when they can, and hug a little tighter because they know what it’s like to feel alone. They become compassionate instead of critical. Patient instead of bitter. Empathetic instead of judgmental.

They don’t let pain define them—but they let it refine them.

And trust me, there’s a deep kind of beauty in that. The kind that makes people feel safe in your presence. The kind that trusts God with broken pieces and believes healing is possible—even when it’s slow.

Hard Hearts & Closed Doors

Now let’s talk about the other path. When pain enters and the heart says, “Nope. Not doing this again.” It shuts the door, locks it, throws the key in the ocean, and posts a sign that says: “No feelings allowed. Keep out.”

A hard heart builds walls. It tells you that vulnerability is weakness. It becomes cynical, angry, judgmental. Why? Because it feels like a victim. It believes pain is happening to them and there’s nothing they can do to stop it.

A hard heart says:

“People always let me down. Why even try?”
“God didn’t come through for me. I’m on my own.”
“If I don’t protect myself, no one else will.”

Can I be honest? I get it. I’ve been there. I’ve wanted to slam the door on hope too. But a hard heart isn’t protecting you—it’s imprisoning you. It traps you in your worst moment and convinces you that’s your forever.

And spoiler alert: it’s not.

The Choice is Yours (Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like It)

I know, I know—”Choose how I respond to pain?” That might sound like a bad motivational poster. But here’s the truth: You can choose. Not always easily. Not always quickly. But you have more power than you think.

You can choose your thoughts.
You can change your perspective.
You can decide whether pain makes you bitter… or better.

And listen, I’m not saying it’s a one-time decision. Sometimes it’s every morning. Sometimes it’s every hour. But softening your heart in a painful world is a rebellious act of faith. And it’s worth it.

So let your pain teach you, not trap you. Let it open your heart instead of closing it. Let it lead you to trust, not terror. And if you need to cry? Cry. Then get up, grab some coffee (or tea if you’re fancy), and remember:

A soft heart is strong.
A soft heart trusts.
A soft heart heals.

And hey, if you need help softening your heart again, that’s why people like me—exist. I’ve been there and you’re not alone. Not even a little.

Peace

Leadership Starts with Your Language!

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Have you ever noticed that the loudest voices in any room tend to be the ones complaining? Whether it’s on social media, in the workplace, or even in church, the default language of the crowd is negativity. The boss is incompetent. The system is broken. The church isn’t doing enough. The government is failing. The world is falling apart.

But here’s the shocker: leaders don’t talk like that.

The Language of Leadership is Different

The difference between leaders and the crowd isn’t intelligence, talent, or even opportunity—it’s language. Leaders speak a different dialect. They don’t waste time on complaints; they focus on solutions. They don’t engage in gossip; they call people higher. They don’t rehearse problems over and over; they reframe them into possibilities.

Think about Jesus—He stepped into a world filled with oppressed people who had every reason to complain. The Romans were cruel. The religious system was corrupt. His own disciples often misunderstood Him. But Jesus never spent His time lamenting the state of things. Instead, He declared:

  • “The kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mark 1:15)
  • “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
  • “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Jesus refused to speak the language of the crowd. He spoke the language of leadership.

Thought #1: Complaining is a Form of Conformity

Most people complain because it’s the easiest way to fit in. When you join in with negativity, you blend into the crowd. But if you want to step out and lead, you must change your language—even if it makes you stand alone.

Try this experiment:

  • The next time someone complains about work, ask, “What’s one thing we could do to improve it?”
  • When someone criticizes leadership, say, “What if we prayed for them instead?”
  • When negativity starts to swirl, counter it with, “What’s one thing we’re grateful for in this situation?”

Watch what happens. The room shifts. The conversation changes. People either rally around your leadership or get uncomfortable because you’re disrupting the status quo.

Thought #2: Your Words Create Your World

Leaders understand that words aren’t just descriptions; they are declarations. What you consistently say shapes what you experience. This is why Scripture constantly emphasizes the power of our words:

  • “The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21)
  • “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29)
  • “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” (Philippians 2:14-15)

Complaining creates a culture of discontent. Encouragement creates a culture of growth. What kind of world are your words building?

Thought #3: The Fastest Way to Lead is to Speak Differently

Want to rise in influence overnight? Change how you talk. It’s that simple.

  • Instead of focusing on obstacles, focus on opportunities.
  • Instead of pointing out what’s wrong, call out what’s possible.
  • Instead of criticizing from the sidelines, create solutions from within.

In any group—whether it’s a team, a church, or a business—the person who consistently speaks with vision, faith, and wisdom will become the leader.

The Call to Lead

Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a way of speaking and acting that separates you from the crowd. If you want to lead, start by changing your language.

  • Speak solutions.
  • Speak vision.
  • Speak faith.

Jesus led with words that shaped history. The question is: What kind of history will your words shape?

Life Lessons from a 73-Mile Bike Ride (That I Probably Shouldn’t Have Attempted)

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So, there I was, kicking off one of my first bike rides of the year with a brilliant decision—join a group of cyclists who had been riding all winter and go for a casual 73 miles. Yes, seventy-three. Why not, right? What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler: a lot.)

At first, I was doing okay. The legs were moving, the scenery was different, and I was feeling pretty good about myself. Look at me, keeping up with the seasoned riders! And then, reality hit like an unexpected pothole. My legs started cramping. My energy tanked. And suddenly, that finish line felt like it was on another planet.

In moments like these, it’s easy to complain. It’s easy to get down on yourself. And it’s really easy to quit. Trust me, every fiber of my being was suggesting that curling up on the side of the road and waiting for a rescue truck would be a solid life choice.

But here’s the thing—life is a lot like cycling. At some point in the pain and discomfort, I realized I had to do some serious mental gymnastics to keep going.

1. Change the Conversation in Your Head

I had to literally talk myself into staying on that bike. Out loud, and yes that did make me the weird guy in the road (although, let’s be honest, they probably already suspected). My internal pep talk went something like this:

  • You got this.
  • You’re stronger than you feel.
  • Just one pedal at a time.

And then, occasionally:

  • Why did I sign up for this?
  • I should have just gone to brunch instead.

But the truth is, what you say to yourself in difficult times determines the outcome of those times. If you’re telling yourself you can’t do it, guess what? You probably won’t. But if you tell yourself you’re capable, resilient, and just need to keep moving forward—one painful pedal at a time—you give yourself a fighting chance.

2. Rely on What You’ve Learned

Once my inner motivational speaker had a grip on things, I had to fall back on my skills.

  • Positioning: I made sure my saddle position was right.
  • Pedal Stroke: I adjusted my cadence and foot placement.
  • Upper Body: I focused on relaxing my shoulders and arms, because apparently, when we’re exhausted, we ride like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our handlebars.

The same goes for life. When we’re tired, we get sloppy. We cut corners. We forget the skills and wisdom we’ve gained. But those are the very things that will keep us moving forward if we lean into them.

3. Consume What You Need (Even If You Don’t Feel Like It)

I had gels. I had water. I had everything I needed to fuel my body. But did I want to take them? Nope. My brain was like, Hard pass don’t taste right. We’re fine. Let’s just power through! (A terrible plan, by the way.)

Eventually, I forced myself to take in what I needed. And wouldn’t you know it? My body responded. It’s funny how in endurance—whether in cycling or in life—we often resist the very things that can help us.

  • We don’t rest when we should.
  • We don’t hydrate our souls with good relationships, prayer, or positive influences.
  • We ignore the “nutrition” we desperately need to keep going.

But when we actually take in what’s good for us, it makes all the difference.

4. Keep Pedaling

At some point, I realized there was only one way to finish: just keep pedaling. One stroke at a time. One mile at a time. Eventually, the end came into view. And when I finally made it back to the truck, exhausted and sore but still upright, I was grateful. Grateful I didn’t quit. Grateful I pushed through. And grateful that next time, maybe, I’d start with a slightly more reasonable ride.

So, if you’re feeling tired—physically, emotionally, spiritually—pay attention to your inner dialogue. Rely on the skills you’ve developed. Take in the good things that nourish you. And above all, just keep moving forward. Because at some point, you will arrive at the finish line—and you’ll be so glad you didn’t quit.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a snack and a nap. Probably in that order.

The Gospel: Saves and Shapes

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I’m sorry if you’ve bought into a cheap gospel—one that promises heaven but leaves you hell-bound in your habits. A gospel that gets you out of Egypt but leaves Egypt inside of you. A gospel that says, “Come as you are,” but never calls you to be transformed. That’s not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The real Gospel saves—and it shapes.

It’s not good news if I remain broken. It’s not good news if I stay bound. It’s not good news if I’m still held hostage by trauma, addiction, shame, and cycles of dysfunction. Jesus did not die just to give me a ticket to heaven while I live through hell on earth. He came to make me new.

A Gospel That Shapes Our Identity

The Gospel is more than a belief system—it is a new birth, a new identity, a new way of being. If I am in Christ, I am no longer who I was. The blood of Jesus changes my status. I am no longer an orphan—I am a son of God. I am no longer defined by my past—I am defined by His victory.

Jesus didn’t just save me from something—He saved me for something. He calls me to live differently, walk differently, and speak differently. The old has passed away, and behold—all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Yet too many have accepted a half-Gospel—a powerless, passive gospel that says, “You’re saved, but you’re still stuck.” NO! The Gospel is power (Romans 1:16). It is deliverance. It is freedom. It is transformation.

A Gospel That Shapes Our Way of Life

When Jesus saves you, He doesn’t just want to rescue you; He wants to reshape you. He wants to rebuild you. He wants to renew your mind, your heart, your desires, and your purpose.

That’s why the Bible doesn’t just talk about believing in Jesus—it talks about following Jesus. It’s why Jesus didn’t say, “Pray this prayer after me.” He said, “Take up your cross and follow me.” Because the Gospel doesn’t just redeem you—it reorders you.

To be in Christ is to be in the process of becoming like Christ. The Gospel should shape how I:
🔥 Love people—even when they don’t deserve it.
🔥 Give generously—because I know my Provider.
🔥 Speak words of life—because death and life are in the power of the tongue.
🔥 Live in holiness—not out of fear, but out of freedom.
🔥 Lay down my life—because I’ve found something greater than myself.

If your Gospel lets you stay bitter, stay angry, stay addicted, stay selfish, stay the same—you haven’t received the true Gospel.

Rooted to Rise

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5). The Gospel is not a one-time event; it is a lifetime attachment to the Vine. The Gospel is not just about getting to heaven; it is about getting heaven into me—right here, right now.

You want to grow? You must remain.
You want to rise? You must stay rooted.
You want to amplify your impact? You must strengthen your stakes.

The Call to Be Shaped

The true Gospel is not a soft Gospel. It will confront you. It will stretch you. It will refine you. But it will also heal you, empower you, and transform you.

So I ask you—has the Gospel shaped you? Or have you settled for a cheap copy that lets you stay comfortable?

The real Gospel does not leave you the same. It saves and it shapes. Let it do its work.

🔥🔥🔥

What part of your life needs to be shaped by the Gospel today? Let’s not just hear the Word—let’s live it.

Act As If: The Sneaky Trick That Gets Me Through Anxiety

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I have a little trick I use when anxiety starts whispering (or sometimes shouting) that I can’t do something. It’s simple but effective:

Act as if.

Instead of waiting until I feel confident, I just go ahead and act like I am. My thoughts can be stubborn—like a toddler refusing to clean up their toys—so I use my actions like a sledgehammer to break through the mental resistance.

See, I get that thoughts fuel feelings, and feelings drive actions. But sometimes, I have to flip the script and let my actions lead the way.

There’s a lot in life I don’t feel like doing:

  • Relationships – Staying connected takes effort, and sometimes I’d rather stay in my bubble.
  • Exercise – My brain loves to tell me, You’re too old for this nonsense!
  • Big challenges – Self-doubt loves to creep in, making me question if I have what it takes.

But if I act as if I’m the kind of person who stays connected, exercises, or takes on big challenges, guess what? More often than not, things turn out just fine.

Does This Actually Work? Science Says Yes.

Turns out, this isn’t just a personal life hack—it’s backed by some psychology. The concept is called “behavioral activation,” and it’s often used in therapy to help people break out of negative thought cycles. When you take action, even when you don’t feel like it, your brain starts to adjust. Your mind sees your behavior and thinks, Oh, I guess we’re doing this now. Cool.

So next time anxiety tries to talk me out of something, I remind myself: Act as if.
Not in a fake-it-till-you-make-it way, but in a train-your-brain-to-get-on-board kind of way.

And most of the time, it works.

Relationships: Grow- Together or Apart.

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Relationships are like plants—you either water them, or you let them shrivel up like that sad grocery store plant you swore you’d keep alive. People either grow together or grow apart, and fighting it is like arguing with gravity. Instead of stressing over where things are headed, focus on giving room for growth and staying loyal where it counts.

Give Room to Grow

One of the biggest mistakes in relationships is trapping people in their past—as if they’re frozen in time like an embarrassing yearbook photo. But people change, evolve, and—shockingly—mature (well, most of us).

Strong relationships require space for growth. Let people:

  • Explore new interests—even if it means listening to them talk about competitive duck herding. (Google it)
  • Chase their dreams without guilt-tripping them for “changing.”
  • Respond in their own time instead of expecting instant replies.

People aren’t museum exhibits; they’re works in progress. Friendships thrive when they allow growth instead of resisting it.

The Myth of a Million Friends (Quality Over Quantity, Always)

Social media suggests that a massive friend list equals success, but let’s be honest—real friendship isn’t about numbers, it’s about depth. If you can count a few ride-or-die friends by the time you’re old and wrinkly, you’ve won the friendship lottery.

Deep friendships stand out because:

  • They don’t judge you for eating nachos at 10 a.m.
  • They embrace your quirks instead of pretending not to know you.
  • They stick around even when life gets complicated.

Having a crowd around you means nothing if none of them truly know you. The best relationships prioritize quality over quantity.

The Secret Sauce: Loyalty (Because Flaky Friends Are for Breakfast, Not Life)

If relationships are like plants, loyalty is the fertilizer. Loyalty doesn’t require constant agreement or attachment at the hip—it simply means showing up when it matters.

Loyal friends:

  • Speak well of you, even when you’re not in the room.
  • Stand by you during tough times, not just when life is fun.
  • Give grace when you make mistakes (because we all do).

Loyalty isn’t about tolerating toxic relationships. Instead, it means caring consistently, even when life gets busy.

Final Thought: Relationships Should Breathe, Not Suffocate

At the end of the day, relationships work best when they breathe instead of suffocate. Some stretch, some fade, and a few last a lifetime. The key is to give people space to grow, stay loyal where it counts, and never expect relationships to stay the same forever.

So, water the good ones, let go of the ones that wither, and be the kind of friend who sticks around—even when life gets messy.

Because if you have a handful of real friends who love you despite your quirks, bad jokes, and occasional life crises, you’re doing better than most.

And that, my friend, is relationship success. Go ahead and text your friend!

Rooted to Rise: How Structure (and a Little Coffee) Transformed My Devotional Time

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I used to approach my quiet time with God like a grab bag—open the Bible at random, hoping for that perfect verse to jumpstart my day. More often than not, I’d end up on a confusing page (looking at you, Ezekiel 4:12-15!), and my time with God felt more like a scavenger hunt than a meaningful conversation. Then I discovered that a little structure isn’t about rigidity; it’s about creating a solid trellis for my spiritual life—one that lifts me up, helps me grow, and allows me to bear the fruit God intends.

Why Structure Matters

Imagine a vineyard without a trellis: the vines would sprawl on the ground, get tangled in weeds, and produce bruised, unhealthy grapes. Without a supportive structure, even the best vine can wither. I realized that my spiritual life was the same. Without intentional habits and practices, I was left drifting, missing out on the deep nourishment that comes from a well-ordered devotional time.

My Daily Devotional Routine

Here’s a peek into my personal routine—a structure that has become my spiritual trellis:

  1. Bible App – Daily Refresh:
    I start my day with the daily refresh on my Bible app. This helps set the tone and primes my heart for what God has in store.
  2. Guided Prayer with Lectio365:
    Next, I use Lectio365 for guided prayer. This practice helps center my thoughts and tunes my spirit to the frequency of God’s love.
  3. Five Minutes of Silence:
    After guided prayer, I sit in silence for five minutes. During this time, I let the Holy Spirit speak. Sometimes He offers a deep, guiding thought that shifts my perspective for the day. I’m learning to stay open and receptive to these unexpected moments.
  4. One Worship Song:
    Sometimes, I let my heart pick a random worship song that perfectly captures my mood; other times, I intentionally select a song that speaks to a specific need or promise in Scripture. Singing worship helps me focus on God’s goodness, align my spirit, and usher in His presence for the day ahead.
  5. Bible Reading – One Chapter:
    I then read at least one chapter from the Bible, following the book I’m currently studying. This isn’t about speed-reading; it’s about soaking in God’s Word and letting it sink into my heart.
  6. Spiritual Book Reading – 15 Minutes:
    I also carve out 15 minutes to read a spiritual book. This not only broadens my understanding but also adds a fresh layer of inspiration to my devotional time.
  7. Practice Listening Prayer:
    Occasionally, I engage in listening prayer. I ask God a specific question and then sit quietly, waiting for His answer. It’s humbling and powerful—like having a one-on-one conversation with God.
  8. Pray the Room:
    One of my favorite practices is “Pray the Room.” I ask God to bring people to mind who need prayer, then ask, “God, what should I pray for them?” It’s an intimate way to connect my personal time with the needs of others.
  9. A Cup of Coffee (God-Approved!):
    And of course, I never forget a good cup of coffee. I’m convinced that God enjoys coffee too! That perfect cup not only wakes me up but also becomes a delightful part of my daily ritual—a little nudge that I’m ready to engage with God fully.

The Impact of a Spiritual Trellis

This structured routine is my trellis—it supports my spiritual growth and keeps my faith climbing upward rather than sprawling on the ground. With this framework, I’ve noticed that my devotional time isn’t chaotic or haphazard. Instead, it’s a period of intentional connection, where God’s voice is clearer, the Holy Spirit flows more freely, and I can truly be “Rooted to Rise.”

A Personal Call to Action

If you’ve ever felt that your quiet time is more of a jumble than a joy, I invite you to try adding a bit of structure to your day. Experiment with a routine that works for you—maybe start by setting aside a specific time for prayer, Scripture, and reflection. Gather your Bible, your favorite spiritual book, and yes, that cup of coffee, and commit to a daily ritual that lifts you up.

And if you haven’t yet started your journey with Jesus, or if you feel like you’ve drifted away, know that today is a perfect day to begin again. Romans 10:9 promises that if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, you will be saved. Plant your roots in Him, and watch your life transform into one that rises, bears fruit, and refreshes those around you.

So, let’s commit together—build that trellis, embrace the flow of the Holy Spirit, and get ready to be rooted to rise. Your best spiritual harvest awaits!

Easy Like Sunday Morning

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I wish life was as easy as Lionel Richie’s Sunday Mornings. But let’s be real—Lionel wasn’t a pastor! If life were easy, everyone would just get along, coffee would always be the perfect temperature, and the weather would stay at a crisp 70 degrees year-round. But that’s not reality. Life isn’t easy—it’s a full-contact sport. Go Irish!

Honestly, if I go a day without some kind of challenge, I start wondering if I’m in the wrong dimension. I tell my kids, “There are no problems, just puzzles to figure out.” But sometimes, I want to flip the whole puzzle table and walk away. Life be life-ing, hard!

The Truth About Challenges

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: growth only happens through challenge. My comfort needs to be stretched. My habits need to be tested. My relationships need a little friction to get stronger. If everything is easy, we don’t grow—we just become weaker and more self-absorbed.


👉 “Easy isn’t the goal—becoming better is.”

We see this especially in community. Someone rubs us the wrong way, and suddenly, we’re out. Instead of pushing through, we pull the classic church exit: “I just feel like God is calling me somewhere else.” Or my personal favorite: “I’m just not getting fed.” 🫣

But here’s the truth: If I run from every hard thing, I’ll never get stronger.

The Downside of Easy

When I chase easy, I create a life full of unnecessary conflict. If I never learn to push through, I’ll always feel like a victim to my circumstances. I don’t grow past my problems—I just keep replaying them with different characters.


🔥 “The challenge you’re facing isn’t here to break you—it’s here to build you.”

Humans are resilient. We were made to overcome and produce. We were made for hard things! So, here’s your word today: The challenge in front of you is an opportunity for growth—if you don’t run from it.

Embrace the challenge. Grow through it. Because easy isn’t what you were made for. You were made for more.

Can I get an amen!

A Dreamer Named Jama

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Jama—Jay-muh. Most people called her Mama Jama. I just called her Mom.

She had a way of leaving an impression. Even Oprah Winfrey once mentioned her name in an endorsement for a book. But long before that, and long after, my mom’s impact wasn’t just measured by fame or recognition. It was in the lives she touched, the ones she rescued, and the love she gave so freely.

Today, February 13, 2025, she would have turned 67. But cancer took her 15 months ago—too soon, too fast, too unfair. It still doesn’t feel real.

She lived for something bigger than herself. Providing unconditional love, unconditional service, and a future full of hope wasn’t just her mission—it was who she was. And today, I’m reflecting on the weight of that.

Her Dream

My mom was a rescuer. If something or someone was broken, she ran toward them, not away. She took in abandoned animals, nursed them back to life, gave them a safe place to belong. But it wasn’t just animals—she did the same for people. The forgotten, the struggling, the ones with nowhere to go. She made room for them. She gave them love without conditions. She served without needing recognition, at least not to much(lol). And she always saw hope—even when no one else did.

That was my mom.

Her Fight

She was strong-willed. If she believed something, there was no shaking her conviction. When she knew God had spoken, she stood on it—no matter how impossible it seemed. She wasn’t perfect. She had her flaws, her battles. But I’ve come to realize that when you dream as big as she did, there’s always something to fight through. Always something trying to stop you.

She never let that stop her.

Her Ark

Noah’s Ark was her life’s work—a sanctuary where love and healing weren’t just ideas; they were real. It was a place where animals and people alike could find refuge, safety, and hope.

It was beautiful. It was needed. And then—it was gone. The Ark sank.

Dreams are fragile things.

Noah’s Ark was taken from her, betrayed by those she trusted. The sanctuary crumbled. The animals disappeared. The people drifted away. The dream she built with her whole heart was twisted into something unrecognizable. And in the aftermath of it all, I can’t help but wonder—was this the final wound that took her?

I watched my mom carry the weight of that fight, and I know in my heart it’s what truly took her. Cancer may have been the diagnosis, but the Ark—that was the real wound.

Her Legacy

Even now, with the Ark gone and my mom no longer here, her mission still calls.

Unconditional love. Unconditional service. A future full of hope.

That’s what she lived for, and that’s what I hope to carry forward. To rescue when I can. To love people where they are. To serve even when it’s hard. To believe in hope, even when everything feels lost.

Because if my mom taught me anything, it’s that love doesn’t die. Even when the Ark sinks. Even when dreams seem shattered.

Her dream still lives in me maybe in you. And I pray we can honor it.