Author: Barbara

My passion is to encourage women wherever they are on their life journey. In everything I write and in every opportunity to speak, my goal is to offer hope. May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV

It’s Coming, Part 1

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

I’m looking out my window at snow-covered ground, but my weather app promises a heatwave by this afternoon—47 degrees! I was thrilled to spot my first robin in our backyard, even though he wasn’t hopping on green grass but on ice-covered wetlands. And the ducks are back! But rather than swimming, they were waddling atop frozen water. Regardless of the view or the chill I feel, there is one thing I’m sure of: Spring is coming!

What is it that fuels our anticipation of a new season? I think it’s more than a longing for beautiful greenery and colorful flowers. I suspect we are simply so “over” winter’s challenges—the snow removal, the restrictions, the heating bills, the layers of clothing, the threat of slipping. Putting that all behind us elates our hearts with happy thoughts—green buds, getting out and about, fresh air and open windows, lightweight jackets, walks in the sunshine.

This is not different from my anticipation of the next life, when I will shed everything that weighs me down. I will walk in freedom, without restraints. I will observe only life and health. Everywhere I look, I will discover unseen wonders. I will never be concerned with comfort control, hidden dangers, or inconvenient disruptions. This is my inheritance for all eternity.

What do you anticipate? We’ll ponder more next week.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Anticipation

~ Barbara ~ 3 Comments

It’s coming! In the wake of the Blizzard of 2026, our anticipation is high. In three weeks and one day, we will officially emerge from winter’s hibernation and welcome spring, relishing the remarkable changes it brings—warmth, buds, and the promise of life. God’s rhythms always bring blessing.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

God designed the cadence of the seasons and never wavers from the perfect rhythm He created. Whether it is a season of nature or a season of suffering, His plans, wisdom, and grace await us. His vision always holds promise and blessing.

  • We see snow on branches; He sees sap running beneath the bark.
  • We see ice on the walkways; He sees flowers preparing to break through.
  • We see freezing temperatures; He sees warmth waiting to kiss the earth.
  • We see storm-gray skies; He sees bright days filled with sunshine.

How abundant are the good things
that You have stored up for those who fear You.
Psalm 31:19

February is a great month to anticipate God’s goodness!

Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay

History

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

History class was never my favorite, and although now I regret it, it’s never too late to learn. The short month of February celebrates two presidents and Black History, days after Martin Luther King Day in January.

This may surprise you, but did you know it is likely that George Washington never chopped down a cherry tree? Even though we’ve long associated his name with cherry pie, the “I cannot tell a lie” story was probably created to inspire honesty in children.

And, did you know that most scholars agree that Abraham Lincoln did not write the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope? What! The only agreement is that it was written hurriedly.

A fascinating book by Brian Kilmeade, The President and the Freedom Fighter, keenly describes the actions and thought processes of President Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who has become one of my favorite Black History figures.

Many Black heroes were underappreciated, but their prominence increased when February was dedicated to honor their life-changing contributions and unsung bravery. Two courageous women inspire me:

  • Harriet Tubman, whose final words in 1913 were “Give my love to all the churches” and “Tell the women to stand firm,” before quoting John 14:3, “I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am you also may be.”
  • Rosa Parks, born the year Harriet Tubman died, made history in 1955 when she refused to relinquish her bus seat to a White passenger and was arrested.

President George Washington fought to secure our independence from England, and we became the United States of America. President Abraham Lincoln fought to secure the unity of these United States. Dr. Martin Luther King fought to secure the equality proclaimed in the United States’ Declaration of Independence. Each fought for the United States of America to be just that, united.

But look at us today.

What has made us a great nation, and what must we do to remain great?

February is a great month to reflect on our history—and to seek God’s forgiveness and blessing.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).

Love

~ Barbara ~ 2 Comments

A five-minute search will reveal that Valentine’s Day has questionable origins, including a pagan Roman fertility festival and the martyrdom of Saint Valentine (of which there are at least two). But honestly, who cares? It has become a feel-good, syrupy emotional celebration of love. In the midst of snow and frigid temps, we are given a reason to decorate our homes with red, ice cupcakes, and send cards.

Although the sentiments are often superficial—less about commitment and devotion and more about lace and hearts—it’s a fun day! But I throw out a challenge: if we’re going to celebrate love, let’s do it right and go to the source. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the Bible’s “love chapter” and explains what is and is not love.

We learn that love is not revealed in chocolates and roses, or dinners and candlelight. Love is exhibited in patience and kindness, humility and gentleness, forgiveness and mercy. Selah.

Our most eloquent professions, generous gifts, and greatest sacrifices are actually nothing without love. The qualities of true love run deep:

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful,
and endures through every circumstance” (verse 7).

Love isn’t found in a cut-out paper heart, but in cutting out the selfishness in our own hearts.

The final verse of the chapter reminds us what has enduring value:

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—
and the greatest of these is love” (verse 13).

February is a great month to share love!