Devotionals
In 2015, I was given the opportunity to write devotionals for LandMAX Properties and Timber Company, where I worked part-time. The "Words of Encouragement" devotional series was originally inspired by LandMAX’s owner, Chad Smith, whose heart has always been to be a light to others through his daily work. Though my husband, Matt, and I took on a new ministry role out of town shortly after this began, I’ve continued writing for LandMAX ever since (and sometimes Matt jumps in to write as well)!
We’re incredibly grateful for the many years we’ve been part of this wonderful vision for the LandMAX community, and now we’re excited to extend these devotionals to you, too!
Blind Trust
Recently, we brought our kids with us on a work trip to Orlando, Florida! It was such a fun experience as we attended the National Youth Convention and Fine Arts Festival for the Assemblies of God, cheering on many of our friends from Mississippi as they presented the gifts God has given them on a national stage. Since we had a free day before the event began, we took the opportunity to visit Universal Studios, too! As we packed for the trip, our kids began asking questions.
Does it Cost You?
Personally, I wrestle with a phrase often used in Christian circles. If it sounds a little off at first, hang with me until the end. The phrase in question? “The free gift of salvation.” When I think about all that Jesus endured—the pain, the cross, releasing His spirit, and rising from the dead—I can’t say it didn’t cost Him anything. He allowed His body to be beaten. He was mocked, ridiculed, and shamed. He literally gave everything so we could be in right standing with God.
You Never Know
There are many seasons in life where we don’t see what’s happening. We see the world around us, the people we interact with, and the life we’re living… but we don’t see what Jesus sees. In my own life, this has often led to questions that start with “Why?”
The Thief
In John 10, there’s such a contrast between living for Jesus and living for “the thief.” Living for Jesus means “finding good pastures.” It means “a rich and satisfying life.” And the thief does everything in his power to try to rob us from these things and destroy our lives, keeping us from enjoying the things that God intended for us to delight in.
From Labor to Joy
It’s camp season! We’ve been working hard for weeks in preparation for our camps, and they’re finally here. The days leading up to camp are intense. Since we rent a campground, we load a U-Haul, unload, and set up—all in one day—before camps begin! By the time day one starts, we’re already pretty tired. It almost feels like pushing a cart uphill. But once night one of services begins and we see students responding to the call of salvation, the cart tilts and starts moving downhill. Seeing immediate fruit from all that hard work is such a relief and brings tremendous joy. It’s the kind of joy that makes us do it all over again the next year—and do it gladly.