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!
Spread the Word
We’re wrapping up the last of our Mississippi camps this week before our new journey in South Carolina begins! I always get so emotional as I watch the students respond at the altars, and I am so grateful that Matt and I had the opportunity to steward the ministry that changed our lives as teens. It was at youth camp for Matt and at youth conference for me that we were both called to ministry when we were teens ourselves. Some of the first interns Matt volunteered with at camps years ago are now leading our kids camps this week. It’s a generational cycle. I know that, in watching these teens—and children now this week—I am watching the next generation of the Church come to life. Statistically, 77% to 83% of Christians give their lives to Jesus before age 18. I have always loved working with young people in the church because of this. There is nothing like seeing the generations behind us carrying the torch of sharing the gospel with others.
Intentional Details
Matt and I are back in Mississippi this week to finish our ministry assignment here, wrapping up the summer camps we’ve been so blessed to lead every year during this most recent season of our lives. My heart has been so full of gratitude as we get to watch students encounter Jesus night after night here in Mississippi one more time.
Why?
I have been battling some chronic health issues over the past couple of years. I chose to start with a holistic approach in searching for a remedy. While I have nothing against traditional medicine, I love that holistic doctors usually search for the root cause of an illness. Is it chronic stress? Mold exposure? Too many toxins in our food? Genetic predisposition? As I started exploring the root cause of what was going on in my body, I found myself asking the question, “Why?”
You’ve Got A Friend In Me
Randy Newman wrote a song used in the movie “Toy Story” that went a little like this: “You've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me. You've got troubles, I've got 'em too. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. We stick together, we can see it through, 'cause you've got a friend in me. Yeah, you've got a friend in me.” I can just read those words and hear the song in my head! It was fun to listen to as a kid and brings back fond memories from the movie that many of us enjoyed. It reminds me of how thankful I am for true, genuine friendships. It’s those friends who keep us encouraged, motivated, and even stable during life’s most difficult circumstances.
No More Sting
Our pastor is in a series on worship, and he talked about the significance of David worshiping God in the desert—when circumstances weren't good. His joy came after his choice to worship in the desert, not before, and his faith was strengthened by looking back and remembering what God had already done. It wasn't receiving a new miracle that built his faith, but rather thanking God for what He had already done. Our church was encouraged at the close of the message to make a list this week, remembering all the times God has been faithful. So on Monday, I decided to do just that, starting from childhood and chronologically working my way to the present. As I did, I stumbled upon a memory.