A visit to Butchart Gardens becomes a picture of God’s kingdom — children, parents, and grandparents sharing one garden, one song, and one sky, a reminder that every generation blooms in its own season under the same Gardener.
Tag: gratitude
The Unexpected Blessings Hidden in Caregiving
Nobody signs up for caregiving hoping to find blessing in it—but sometimes the very thing that’s breaking you open is also the thing that’s making you whole. Caregiving nearly broke Denise. It also became the most meaningful season of her life. Here’s how both can be true.
The Treasure of Memory and Gratitude
As the years pass, our memories become a vast landscape. Some parts are bright with joy, while others are shadowed by struggle. In Day 23 of our His Nearness series, we learn that remembering is more than just looking back—it is a spiritual treasure hunt. When we look at our past through the lens of gratitude, we see that God’s hand was guiding us even in the moments we felt most alone.
Rest and Praise
True rest is more than just sleep; it is the quiet settling of the soul. When worry or restlessness keeps you awake, discover how praise becomes the pathway to God’s peace. Learn why a heart filled with gratitude is a heart that can finally rest in His presence.
On Day 21 of our His Nearness series, we discover that true rest is not just about closing our eyes; it is about opening our hearts to praise. When we shift our focus from our burdens to God’s goodness, we find a peace that allows our souls to finally settle.
Christmas, Advent
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Advent Week 4: Merciful Love
Love is the reason for everything. The reason God came, the reason He stayed, and the reason He will come again. In the final years of life, many find they understand the weight of this love in ways their younger selves never could. Christmas is fundamentally God’s love story—written in the language of a baby’s cry and proven by a life laid down for others.
As the Angel proclaimed to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).¹ This “Merciful Love” is not merely a sentiment but a biological and psychological necessity. In fact, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has tracked participants for over 85 years, identifies the quality of our relationships as the single most important predictor of health and happiness as we age.²
This divine love creates a “chosen family” that transcends biology. Just as St. Augustine noted that “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us,”³ we are called to reflect that love without hesitation. As Brennan Manning famously challenged, the greatest hindrance to faith is often a lifestyle that denies the very love we acknowledge with our lips.
Christmas, Advent
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Advent Week 3: Unexpected Joy
Joy seems like something for younger years, doesn’t it? But what if the deepest joy comes not from what we have, but from who we know? Through Virginia’s unexpected hospital Christmas, Leonard’s rediscovered laughter at 87, and Doris finding her voice again through Mary’s Magnificat, discover how joy can blossom even in wilderness—because true joy isn’t about circumstances being perfect, but about God being present.
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The Blessing of Friendship
Do you ever catch yourself smiling at a memory of an old friend—someone who knew you when your hair wasn’t gray and your steps were quicker? True friendship is one of God’s most tender gifts, especially in seasons when we need it most. Through the stories of Ruth and Dorothy’s 72-year friendship, Albert’s faithful Coffee Club, and Rose’s 70 years of long-distance letters, discover how lifelong companions reflect God’s unfailing love and why investing in deep friendships matters more than ever in our later years.
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Joy That Lingers: Grace, Gratitude, and the Gift of Memory
Joy is not just a memory—it can be discovered anew every day, even in the simplest moments. A familiar song, a cherished story, or a shared smile can awaken delight in the heart. Through gratitude, connection, and God’s presence, joy becomes a conscious choice, not just a fleeting feeling. Let us open our hearts today to the blessings that bring delight, both past and present.