I never imagined that a simple, three-week trip to visit our daughter would become a one-way journey. My husband and I packed suitcases, excited to see our daughter’s new chapter, cheer her on, and get back home. Instead, God quietly rewrote the itinerary. If He had warned us, we might have dug in our heels —but His gentle surprise spared us the struggle and ushered us into deeper trust.

I will not lie. It wasn’t easy. We felt torn between two. We were glad to be with our daughter and husband, who graciously welcomed us in, as they adapted to their new location and season. And then, we were especially grateful to be with her while her husband was deployed. Even having been there, I don’t think we begin to know how incredibly difficult that was. But I believe our presence and our prayers helped at least a little.

Meanwhile, we still had two children at home in Mexico. And now, instead of them leaving our nest empty, it was mom and dad who had flown the coup. Phone calls over the next weeks and months were marked by the repeated question: When are you coming home? And the continuous answer: God says, Not yet.

Our sudden absence affected all, from the oldest to the youngest. It suddenly was not an option to have a heart to heart over a cup of coffee, invite us over for breakfast, have us drop in unexpectedly, leave the kids with Grammy for a while, have dad call any or every Saturday for a carne asada, or gather regularly for Sunday lunch and then everyone hang out at our house. I know it hit everyone, and a certain scattering happened in the next months, as God moved different ones around. But obviously it was especially hard on those still under our wings and dependent on my daily mothering. Boys take things into stride differently, you know, more matter of fact, like just go on and do what you must. One got engaged and married by the end of the year, and the youngest dug into his work.

But my “baby” girl- always held close- found herself thrust into what felt like survival mode, suddenly facing her final semesters of college in a very stressful career, without us anywhere nearby. With a thousand plus miles between us, I’m sure she cried on her pillow many nights after hanging up the phone as, yes, we did here too. Then she got engaged and began planning her wedding amidst studies, and my mama’s heart longed to spend the days with her. Not to mention her father. We begged God to release us to return, but every prayer ended with the same whisper: “I’ve got her.”

The Butterfly Lesson

One night, as tears blurred my Bible, the Lord reminded me of a story I had heard: A man noticed a butterfly struggling to push free of its cocoon. Wanting to help, he snipped the casing open. The butterfly slipped out easily—but its body stayed swollen, its wings shriveled. In “helping,” he robbed it of the pressure that forces life-giving fluid into the wings. Without the struggle, there is no flight.

That night God said, Don’t clip your daughter’s cocoon. Let Me build her wings. So I surrendered, trusting that the same One who formed her heart would strengthen her wings.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” —Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Semester after semester, we encouraged from afar, and God carried her to a beautiful wedding and an excellent finish. He is ever faithful and true.

The distance has stretched my heart in ways I didn’t know were possible—equal parts joy and ache. Two weddings, the birth of two grandchildren, and two graduations have been the highlights of our visits in the last three years. I often remind myself that the same Shepherd who guided me through midnight feedings, last minute projects, and roller coaster years with six, abides today with each of my grown children.

“He will gently lead those who are with young.”
—Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV)

Psalm 127 calls children “arrows in the hand of a warrior.” Arrows are meant to fly; a bow that never bends never sends. When God led Luis and me to a new field of ministry, He bent the bow farther than planned, released, and said, Trust My aim. My quiver felt suddenly light, but the Lord whispered, This is what you raised them for.

So, I pray the values we taught and lived will keep their flight true. Values like:

• God first— 24/7 in time, talent, and treasure (Matthew 6:33).
• Love your neighbor as yourself – care about those around you (Mark 12:31).
• Feelings don’t reign; God’s Word does (Psalm 119:105).
• Circumstances don’t dictate peace—faith does (John 14:27).
• God is always there; count on Him (Hebrews 13:5-6).
• We love you unconditionally; do the same for your family (1 Corinthians 13:7).
• Real joy comes from doing what God created you to do (Ephesians 2:10).

How I Mother from Afar

Persistent prayer. I wrap each child (and grandchild) in Paul’s Colossians prayer. And I pray: Lord, hold them up and lead them on, even when I can’t be there to walk beside them.

⁹ For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ¹⁰ that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.

Colossians 1:9-11

Long-distance encouragement. A Scripture text, a voice-memo prayer, and many long distance, late night calls—each one says, I still see you, and God sees you more.

Practical advice– Google is great, but no match for dad’s advice or cooking like mom. So, thank God we are just a video call away for “Mom, how do I…?” questions- whether that’s a quick recipe, laundry tip, or walking my last bachelor through an hour and half of meal prep at 12:00 midnight my time. It’s all good.

Open arms, open door. When we visit there, our door is always open, and our home is usually full day in and day out. And now, we have just been blessed to get into a larger home here, so we are ready to have the whole family anytime. We are so blessed that half are now here in Texas, and we pray the Lord’s will brings the rest.

Whether your children are across the hall or across an ocean, you and I share the same assignment: bend the bow, release the arrow, trust the Archer.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the privilege of motherhood. Give us grace to let go without letting up, to pray without ceasing, and to trust that You complete every good work You began in our children. Amen.

Happy Mother’s Day—from one arrow-launcher to another.

There comes a point in every believer’s life when we have to decide—really decide—whose voice we’re going to follow. Not just in the big moments, but in the daily grind. Not just in public, but in the quiet corners of our thought life, our choices, our identity.

Will it be the world?
Or the Word?

“Living by the book is not about rules, it’s about relationship.”
—Grace Revealed

We live in a time where “truth” is fluid, self is supreme, and the loudest opinion tends to win. But God never asked us to live according to the culture. He called us to live according to His Word.

That means knowing who He is.
Knowing who I am in Him.
And trusting that His way is not only better—but the only way that leads to life.

The world has a lot to say about identity. Most of it shifts with trends, feelings, or social circles. But God’s Word speaks a different reality—an unshakable truth:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“You are fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14)
“You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Ephesians 2:10)

That’s not motivational fluff—it’s your foundation.
You’re not an accident. You’re not a mistake.
You’re chosen. Designed. Sent.

It’s one thing to know the truth.
It’s another to walk it out.

Paul prays in Colossians 1:9–10 that we would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will—not just so we can nod in agreement, but so we can walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him.

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
(Colossians 1:9–10, NKJV)

And here’s the thing:
You don’t have to guess God’s will.
You don’t have to wonder what He wants from you.

“God has made known His will… the Bible is the great book a child pulls onto her father’s lap, and He brings the pages to life for her.”
—Honoring Grace

It’s not a mystery. His Word is clear.
He wants you to trust Him.
To live holy.
To walk in love.
To forgive.
To shine.
To bear fruit.

You don’t need another sign. You need to open the Book—and live it.

Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s comparison. Maybe it’s still believing those old lies from childhood or broken relationships: “You’re not enough.” “You always mess up.”
“You’ll never change.” But God says something else. And if you want to live by the Book, you have to decide who gets the final word.

“God planned you from your mother’s womb… He knows you deeply and personally.”
—Grace Revealed

When you know that—really know it—you stop chasing the world’s approval. You stop trying to earn what He’s already given. You start living out of love instead of for it.

And that’s when everything starts to change.

Where have you been living by your own script?
Where have you listened to the world instead of the Word?
What would it look like to live this week fully aligned with what God says about you—and what He wants for your life?

Let His voice be the one that leads.
Let His Word be the one you follow.
Let His plan—not yours—define the path you take.

Have you ever caught yourself going through the motions spiritually—showing up, checking the boxes, doing all the “right” things—but deep down knowing… your heart isn’t all in?

You’re not alone. I’ve felt it too. It’s subtle at first. You’re still praying, still serving, still loving Jesus. But somehow your passion has faded. You’re giving—but not your all. You’re worshiping—but not with everything. Somewhere along the way, “half” started to feel like it was good enough.

But God doesn’t settle for halfway. He never has.

In Psalm 103:1, David doesn’t just say, “Bless the Lord.” He says: “Bless the Lord, O my soul—and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” (NKJV)

That one word—all—has been echoing in my heart.

Because wholehearted living isn’t loud or flashy.
It’s intentional. It’s vulnerable. It’s honest.
And honestly? It’s costly.

That one line from Grace Revealed reminds me: half-heartedness often starts with distraction. I forget who He is. I stop looking up. I let life’s pace lower my gaze. And before long, I’m doing things for God without being fully present with Him.

But God is not looking for performers.
He’s looking for worshipers—those who love Him with heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Sometimes worship is loud praise and lifted hands.
Sometimes it’s showing up when your heart feels quiet.
But every time—it’s meant to be whole.

So let me ask you:

Where has “half” crept in?

Are you serving Him in action, but not in affection?
Are you giving in routine, but withholding in relationship?
Are you showing up but checked out?

The beauty of grace is that God doesn’t shame us when we drift—He invites us closer.

He’s not asking for performance.
He’s asking for presence.
Not perfection—just all of you.

So today, let’s respond like David. Let’s command our soul—tired, distracted, wounded, grateful, wherever it is—to bless the Lord. Not halfway. But fully.

What about you?
Is there a place in your life where you’ve been holding back?
What would it look like to bring your whole heart to God again?

Don’t settle for half.
He’s worthy of it all.

When Obedience, Passion, and Perseverance Collide

Have you ever felt like you were doing the right things but still coming up short in the outcome? Like you obeyed… but only to a point? There’s a story in 2 Kings 13 that captured my attention recently and hasn’t let go. It’s about arrows, a dying prophet, and a king who stopped too soon.

Elisha was on his deathbed when King Joash of Israel came to him for help. The prophet gave him a strange assignment: take some arrows, shoot one out the window, and then strike the ground with the rest. Joash obeyed—sort of. He shot the arrow, then struck the ground three times… and stopped.

Elisha was furious. “You should have struck five or six times! Then you would have struck Aram until you had completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.” (2 Kings 13:19)

I can’t stop thinking about that. Because how often do we do the same? We start strong. We step out in faith. We do what God says… but then, when it gets hard or unclear, we stop. We hold back. We lose momentum. And sometimes, without realizing it, we limit what God wanted to do through us.

God opens the door—He sets the stage. But it’s our participation, our persistence, our passion that determines how far the victory goes. It’s not about striving or performing, but about trusting Him enough to keep going until He says stop.

Paul says it so beautifully in Ephesians: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) God already prepared the path. But we have to walk it—and keep walking it.

And what about those moments when you’re just tired? You’ve prayed, you’ve served, you’ve believed. But the breakthrough hasn’t come. Maybe you’re on strike three and wondering if it even matters anymore.

Don’t stop. Not yet. Maybe strike four is coming. Maybe the victory is right around the corner. Let’s not miss it.

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6:9)

The king’s half-hearted response exposed a half-hearted desire. That one hits me too. Because passion matters. God is looking for people who pursue Him with everything—who believe His promises enough to go after them like they’re worth everything.

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

So let me ask you—

Have you stopped short anywhere? Have you been coasting in an area where you once struck with passion? Where might God be inviting you to pick up those arrows again and go all in?

Don’t just ask yourself—go ask God. Invite Him into that space. Let Him show you where to strike again. And then, act on it.

Let’s be the kind of women who keep striking the ground—not in fear or duty, but in faith. Until He says, “That’s enough. Victory is yours.”

What about you? How many times will you strike?

Some years ago, there was a popular commercial where some bought a burger and found little meat on the bun, “Where’s the beef?” I thought of that this morning as I meditated on life, family and ministry, and the question, “Where’s the fruit?”

When Jesus went to an area surrounded by farmers, he spoke of knowing the seasons, seedtime and harvest, sowing the seed on different kinds of soil, different yields, pruning for greater fruit, and the grain of wheat needing to die completely in the ground to bring forth much fruit. And in this is glorified the Father that we bear much fruit.

I grew up with parents that grew up on farms and loved to plant and harvest. My mother had a garden as big as many have a house, and boy did she work it! It had to be tilled, dirt clods removed, and furrows prepared. She looked for the right seeds for the biggest, juiciest beefsteak tomatoes, lettuce we grew and cut and grew again, cucumbers and squash of every kind imaginable. We took turns weeding long rows, so the seed wouldn’t be choked out, and harvest time meant tomato sandwich and fried zucchini dinners, big kettles of sweet corn, and so much more. So good.

While other kids were out and about, we canned hundreds of quarts of pickles- sweet, bread and butter, and dill… whole, sliced and spears… tomatoes stewed, sauced, spaghetti sauce, vegetable soup… frozen corn on the ear and off and canned. And so much more. Then there was the fruit, from strawberries and raspberries (those were the fast ones) to planting trees- peach, apple, plum, cherry- and waiting a couple of years for the first. There was a year we had to hunt down a squirrel that would go up the peach tree, pick the fruit just before it was ripe, eat it, and throw down the stone. That was too much! Some corn went the same way, shucked and eaten on the spot. Amazing really, but quite frustrating when you are anticipating enjoying that fruit. And peaches are my favorite, until mangoes came into the picture. Anyway, kind of reminds me of those that wanted to discourage Nehemiah from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, who said even little foxes would tear it down. Sometimes they can.

There is no doubt that God expects to see fruit in our lives, because He created man and put us in a world primed for growth and said, “Be fruitful and multiply”. In the natural, we are made to reproduce and nurture the fruit of our union to maturity. That’s children in case you didn’t get it. And we are responsible for bringing them up in the way of the Lord for eternal purpose, not just a degree and a name. Even if for some reason you aren’t able to have children, God will use you to nurture others that need what he puts in you, naturally and spiritually.

Have you examined your life lately to see what fruit is there? Jesus said, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” What kind of fruit is He looking for? Some will say fruit of the Spirit and others go straight to winning souls. I think it is both and so much more. One look at nature makes it clear that God loves variety and abundance. So also God’s word tells us to have fruits of righteousness, fruits consistent with repentance, fruit of our lips that is sacrifice of praise, fruit of the Spirit, fruit of our service, ministry and fruit for eternity.

The fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, kindness and patience grow in our lives when our spirit is joined to the Spirit of God through salvation, and we present ourselves as a living sacrifice (Galatians 5:16-26). That’s how our heart becomes fertile for the Spirit’s seeding, cultivating and producing of fruit in us that happens from the inside out until visible to all. And you can’t make it happen, believe me. If you’ve ever tried to “help” your spouse produce this fruit, you probably know that will usually backfire. Don’t nag or try to open his eyes. Don’t try to do what only the Holy Spirit can. Love, pray, and speak words of faith. That’s the best water and fertilizer in our own lives and others.

One day we will stand before God, and He will ask us an account for the time lived on earth, and the bottom line is whether we lived it according to His plan and lead or not. Paul worked hard and influenced pretty much the known world in his lifetime, but he knew all fruit came from God. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-8) God requires of us as stewards to be faithful (1 Co. 4:2), using our time, talent, and treasure where and how He wants, when He wants it, and in the way He wants.

I like big, juicy strawberries, and strawberries and cream, yum! Plants are good to plant in all kinds of areas, and you may harvest as soon as 2-3 months. Honestly, I enjoy them but don’t eat strawberries often. But avocados are another story. I could and do sometimes eat them every day, all year around, and with just about anything. My appreciation has grown since learning that an avocado tree may take 13 years to grow from seed, fruit from a sapling 3-4 years, and an avocado I chuck down maybe 12-18 months to grow and mature. That’s a lot of caring and waiting, but then a tree may produce 200-300 in a year for anywhere from 25-80 years. That’s a lot of fruit.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)

Maybe you have seen great fruit in a short time in one area and then been discouraged in another. I know women who have prayed for their husband for years before he came to the Lord, and others saw it in days. Maybe you have shared with friends and co-workers left and right, but none have come on your invite. I recently had the great joy of seeing a neighbor’s household transformed by the Lord and discipleship, after 30 years of resisting, the grain of wheat finally sprouted. Go to the master gardener, act on his direction, fertilize the seeds in the Spirit, and trust that God will give growth and fruit in due time. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) I pray this be a time in which “the plowmen overtake the reaper” (Amos 9:13) and the “sower and reaper may rejoice together” (John 4:36), all for the glory of the Father.