Righteousness; doing what's good and right

 Here's a blog-style commentary inspired by Matthew 5:6:

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

Hungering for What Is Right

In a world where doing the right thing is not always the easiest thing, Jesus offers a powerful promise in Matthew 5:6. He compares the desire for righteousness to hunger and thirst, two of the strongest needs we experience as human beings. Just as our bodies crave food and water, God wants our hearts to crave what is good, right, and pleasing to Him.

Righteousness is more than simply following rules. It is a sincere desire to live according to God's will, treating others with kindness, acting with integrity, and choosing truth even when it costs us something. It means seeking what is right because it honors God, not because it earns applause from others.

Doing the right thing can sometimes feel unrewarded. People may not notice our honesty. Choosing kindness over revenge may seem unfair. Standing for truth may even bring criticism. Yet Jesus reminds us that those who truly hunger and thirst for righteousness will be "filled." God sees every faithful choice, and He satisfies the hearts of those who seek Him.

Pursuing righteousness also shapes our character. Every time we choose honesty over deception, forgiveness over bitterness, or love over selfishness, we become a little more like Christ. These choices build trust, strengthen relationships, and bring a deep sense of peace that cannot be found through shortcuts or compromise.

The blessing Jesus describes is not only for the future. Even now, there is joy in knowing that we are walking in God's ways. While perfection remains beyond our reach, the desire to do what is right keeps us growing closer to Him. When our hearts long for righteousness, God promises to meet that desire and guide us on the path He has prepared.

Doing the right thing may not always be the easiest path, but according to Jesus, it is always the blessed one. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will discover that God fills their lives with purpose, peace, and the assurance that their faithful efforts are never in vain.

thy Lovingkindness is before mine eyes... I have walked in thy truth

 

writing about Psalm 26:3 (KJV), a reflective commentary can focus on how God's love and truth work together in the believer's life.

"For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth."
Psalm 26:3 (KJV)

Walking in the Light of God's Love and Truth

David's words in Psalm 26:3 reveal a profound connection between God's love and God's truth. He does not say he walks in truth alone. First, he says, "thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes." God's love is what captures his attention, shapes his perspective, and gives him confidence to walk faithfully.

The word lovingkindness speaks of God's steadfast, covenant love. It is not a love that changes with human performance or circumstances. It is faithful, enduring, and rooted in God's character. David keeps this love "before" his eyes, meaning he continually remembers and meditates on it. When we lose sight of God's love, we are more likely to wander in fear, doubt, or self-reliance.

But God's love is never separated from His truth. After acknowledging God's lovingkindness, David declares, "I have walked in thy truth." God's truth provides the path upon which His love leads us. Truth teaches us who God is, reveals His will, and guards us from deception. Love without truth can become mere sentiment, while truth without love can become cold and lifeless. In God, love and truth are perfectly united.

We see this harmony throughout Scripture. God's truth tells us that we are sinners in need of grace. God's love provides that grace through Jesus Christ. Truth exposes our need; love meets that need. Truth calls us to repentance; love welcomes us home. Truth guides our steps; love sustains us when we stumble.

David's example challenges believers to keep God's love before their eyes while walking in His truth every day. The order is significant. We do not obey God merely out of obligation or fear. We respond to the reality of His steadfast love. As we grow in our understanding of His love, we become more willing to trust His truth, even when it challenges us.

In a world where truth is often questioned and love is often redefined, Psalm 26:3 reminds us that genuine spiritual maturity requires both. God's love gives us security, and God's truth gives us direction. When we fix our eyes on His lovingkindness and walk in His truth, we find a life marked by faithfulness, peace, and confidence in Him.

Reflection

Ask yourself: Am I keeping God's lovingkindness before my eyes, or am I focusing more on my circumstances? And is my daily walk reflecting the truth God has revealed in His Word? The closer we hold to God's love and truth, the steadier our steps will become.

"Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). In Christ, we see the perfect expression of both God's unfailing love and His eternal truth.

"Seek those things which are above" Dusty Pic, Cool Photo Effect

Colossians 3:1 says:

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (ESV)

Commentary

Paul is reminding believers of their new identity in Christ. The phrase "raised with Christ" refers to the spiritual reality that those who trust in Jesus share in His resurrection life. Because of that, Christians are called to live differently.

"Seek the things that are above" does not mean ignoring earthly responsibilities or spending all day thinking about heaven. Rather, it means making God's values, priorities, and purposes the focus of daily life. Christians are to pursue things such as:

• Love
• Holiness
• Compassion
• Truth
• Worship
• Eternal purposes

Paul points to Christ being "seated at the right hand of God", a position of authority, honor, and victory. By directing believers' attention to the exalted Christ, he encourages them to live from the perspective of God's kingdom instead of being controlled by temporary earthly concerns.

Practical Application

For a busy mom, student, or anyone navigating daily pressures, Colossians 3:1 is an invitation to ask:

• What am I pursuing most intensely right now?
• Do my priorities reflect my relationship with Christ?
• Am I viewing today's challenges from an eternal perspective?

The verse teaches that our actions flow from our identity. We do not seek God in order to become His children; we seek Him because we already belong to Him through Christ.

Reflection

A simple paraphrase might be:

"Since you have been given new life through Jesus, make God's kingdom and Christ's priorities the focus of your life."

For someone balancing faith, family, and college, this verse can be a gentle reminder that even ordinary tasks, studying, parenting, creating, and serving, can be done with a heart set on Christ rather than merely getting through the day.

John 15:4 - Abide in Jesus

 

John 15:4 (KJV)

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me."

One of the beautiful truths in this verse is that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in our own strength. Jesus compares believers to branches and Himself to the vine. Just as a branch cannot produce grapes if it is separated from the vine, we cannot bear spiritual fruit apart from Christ. Our strength, wisdom, peace, and growth all come from staying connected to Him.

The word "abide" means to remain, continue, or dwell. Jesus is teaching that believers should maintain a close relationship with Him through prayer, reading God's Word, and trusting Him day by day. When we stay near the Lord, He works in our lives and produces fruit such as love, joy, peace, and faithfulness.

This verse is also a reminder that trying to live for God apart from His help can leave us spiritually weak and discouraged. The branch does not struggle to create life on its own; it simply remains connected to the vine. In the same way, our focus should be on abiding in Christ and relying on Him rather than depending solely on ourselves.

John 15:4 encourages us to draw near to Jesus each day, knowing that true spiritual growth comes not from our own efforts alone, but from remaining connected to the One who is the source of life itself. 🍇❤️✝️

Diluted Tortie Info

 Sure! Here's a blog-post style piece that would work well if Dusty is a diluted tortie:

What Is a Diluted Tortie? 🐱💕

Dusty is what's known as a diluted tortoiseshell cat, often called a "dilute tortie." Instead of the rich black and orange colors seen in traditional torties, dilute torties have softer shades of gray and cream. Their coats look as though the colors have been gently blended, giving them a beautiful pastel appearance.

Most tortoiseshell cats are female, making Dusty part of a very special group. No two torties have exactly the same markings, so each one is truly unique. Many cat lovers also joke about "tortitude," the playful and sometimes sassy personality that torties are famous for. Whether or not the stereotype is true, Dusty's one-of-a-kind coloring and sweet personality make her extra special to us.

I always enjoy admiring Dusty's lovely coat patterns. It's amazing how God made every cat a little different, and dilute torties are certainly some of the prettiest examples of that creativity. 🩶🧡🐾

Follow me and I will make you Fishers of Men

 

Fishers of Men

When Jesus told His disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), He was speaking to ordinary fishermen who understood patience, hard work, and perseverance. Just as they cast nets into the sea to gather fish, Jesus was calling them to reach people with the message of God's love and salvation.

The phrase "fishers of men" reminds believers that faith is not meant to be kept to themselves. Instead, they are called to share the hope, grace, and truth they have found in Christ with others. Importantly, Jesus did not ask His followers to change hearts by their own power. Their role was simply to follow Him faithfully and invite others to know Him, trusting God to do the deeper work.

This verse is a beautiful reminder that God often uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways when they choose to follow His call.

Love is patient, love is kind…

 1 Corinthians 13:4

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Short Commentary:

Paul begins his description of love by focusing on actions rather than feelings. True Christian love shows patience when others are difficult and responds with kindness even when it is undeserved. Love is not jealous of another person's blessings, nor does it seek attention or praise for itself. Instead of being proud and self-centered, genuine love is humble and seeks the good of others. This verse challenges believers to reflect God's character by treating people with grace, humility, and compassion in everyday relationships.

The word translated "love" in 1 Corinthians 13:4 is the Greek word agapē (ἀγάπη), which is the New Testament's primary term for selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love.

What is especially significant is that Paul does not define agapē as an emotion. Instead, he describes it through attitudes and actions:

• "Love is patient": Agapē endures the weaknesses and failures of others.
• "Love is kind": Agapē actively seeks to do good for others.
• "It does not envy": Agapē celebrates another person's blessings instead of resenting them.
• "It does not boast, it is not proud": Agapē is humble and does not seek recognition or superiority.

In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul was correcting divisions and selfish behavior in the church. He was teaching that spiritual gifts, knowledge, and service are meaningless if they are not motivated by agapē love.

A simple way to understand agapē is:

Agapē is choosing to seek another person's good, even when it costs you something and regardless of what you receive in return.

Many Christians also see this passage as reflecting the character of Jesus Himself. If you substitute Christ's name into the verse, it fits perfectly:

"Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud."

That helps explain why Paul presents agapē as the highest expression of Christian living.

Dusty looked so cute in this pic

 

The Irresistible Cuteness of Cats

There is something undeniably special about cats. Whether they are curled up in a sunny window, chasing a toy across the floor, or greeting us with a gentle purr, cats have a unique ability to brighten our days and steal our hearts.

One of the cutest things about cats is their playful nature. Even as adults, many cats never completely lose their kitten-like curiosity. A simple cardboard box, a crumpled piece of paper, or a dangling string can become the most exciting adventure. Watching a cat pounce, leap, and investigate the world around them is both entertaining and endearing.

Their physical features add to their charm as well. Big, expressive eyes, tiny noses, soft paws, and twitching whiskers give cats an adorable appearance that is hard to resist. Their fluffy fur makes them even more cuddly, and each cat has its own unique colors and patterns that make it special.

Cats are also masters of relaxation. They can turn an ordinary nap into an art form, stretching out in the most unusual positions or curling into a perfect fuzzy ball. Seeing a content cat sleeping peacefully often brings a sense of comfort and calm to everyone nearby.

Another reason cats are so lovable is their personalities. Some are outgoing and energetic, while others are quiet and independent. Many cats show affection in subtle but meaningful ways, such as rubbing against your leg, sitting beside you while you work, or purring softly when they are happy. These small gestures create a strong bond between cats and their owners.

Perhaps the cutest thing about cats is that they always seem to have a touch of mystery. One moment they are gracefully perched on a shelf, and the next they are chasing an invisible object across the room. Their combination of elegance, playfulness, and affection makes them endlessly fascinating companions.

Cats may be small, but they bring immense joy to the people who love them. Their adorable habits, unique personalities, and comforting presence make them some of the most cherished pets in the world. Whether you're a lifelong cat lover or simply admire them from afar, it's easy to see why cats have captured so many hearts. 🐱💕

Cool: Neon Love Light & Dusty: Ai Image Creation

 One of my favorite Christmas decorations (was a gift) is a neon light that simply says “Love.” Recently, I used AI to create a fun image that combined that glowing sign with our cat, Dusty. Seeing Dusty surrounded by the warm neon light made the image feel extra special, capturing both the creativity of modern technology and the cozy memories of home.

It’s amazing how AI can bring ideas to life. The combination image turned out to be a unique blend of holiday memories, creativity, and a reminder of the joy our furry companion brings to our family every day.

I had fun experimenting with AI.  The bright glow and Dusty’s personality made for a fun and eye-catching image. It’s a great example of how technology can turn everyday memories into creative artwork.

Assurance

 

Assurance in the Bible

One of the most beautiful themes in Scripture is assurance. Biblical assurance is the confident trust that God is faithful to His promises, that He loves His people, and that those who belong to Christ are secure in Him. It is not confidence in our own goodness or strength, but confidence in God's character and saving work.

What Is Assurance?

Assurance is the settled confidence that God will do what He has promised. The Bible teaches that believers can know they belong to God and have eternal life.

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
— 1 John 5:13 (NIV)

Notice that John says believers can know, not merely hope, that they have eternal life. This certainty comes from faith in Jesus Christ.

The Foundation of Assurance

1. God's Promises

Our assurance begins with God's Word. God cannot lie, and His promises are trustworthy.

"God is not human, that he should lie."
— Numbers 23:19

When God promises forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life through Christ, believers can rest in His faithfulness rather than their feelings.

2. Christ's Finished Work

Assurance rests on what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
— Romans 8:1

Our acceptance before God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our performance. If assurance depended on our perfection, no one could have peace.

3. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit confirms God's work in the hearts of believers.

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."
— Romans 8:16

As Christians grow in faith, the Spirit produces evidence of God's presence through conviction, transformation, and a desire to follow Christ.

Assurance During Doubt

Even faithful believers experience seasons of doubt. David cried out in distress, Elijah became discouraged, and Thomas struggled to believe. Yet God remained faithful to each of them.

Assurance is not the absence of questions. It is choosing to trust God even when feelings fluctuate.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
— Psalm 56:3

Feelings change, circumstances change, but God's character does not.

Evidence of Genuine Faith

The Bible points to several signs that can strengthen a believer's assurance:

• A growing love for God.
• A desire to obey His Word.
• Love for other believers.
• Repentance when sin is recognized.
• Increasing fruit of the Spirit in daily life.

These things do not earn salvation, but they can provide evidence that God is at work within us.

The Greatest Assurance

Jesus offers perhaps the strongest statement of assurance in the Gospel of John:

John 10:27-28 (KJV)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

Jesus describes His followers as His sheep, whom He knows personally and who follow Him. He promises them eternal life and emphasizes that they are secure in His care. The passage highlights the believer's safety in Christ and God's power to keep those who belong to Him.

The main point is that our confidence rests not in our ability to hold on to God, but in God's ability to hold on to us.

Hubby & I

"For Better or For Worse"

Option 1: Reflective

"For better or for worse" sounded like a simple promise when we first said it, but over the years I've learned just how meaningful those words really are. Sixteen years together has brought both joyful moments and difficult seasons, yet through it all we've continued to choose each other. That's what love looks like to me, not perfection, but commitment through every chapter.

Option 2: Faith-Focused

The phrase "for better or for worse" isn't just part of wedding vows. It's a commitment to walk through life's blessings and challenges side by side. Looking back on nearly 16 years together, I'm grateful for God's faithfulness through every season and for the love that has helped us keep moving forward together.

Option 3: Simple and Heartfelt

For better or for worse, we've shared 16 years of life together. Not every day has been easy, but every season has helped shape our story. As we look ahead to 17 years, I'm thankful for the memories we've made and the journey we're still on together. ❤️

Maybe Possibly the "When we met" date. Sometime around there.

16 Years and Counting ❤️ Soon to be 17

Today I'm sharing a few photos of my husband and me, along with our "My Love" timer app photos showing just how long we've been together. It's amazing to see the days, months, and years add up and realize how much life we've shared.

Over the past 16 years we've celebrated joys, faced challenges, grown as individuals, and built a life together one day at a time. Looking back, I'm grateful for the memories we've made, the lessons we've learned, and the love that has carried us through every season.

As we get closer to our 17th year together, my heart is full of gratitude. Time moves quickly, but some things only grow stronger with it. Here's to the years behind us and all the adventures still ahead.

💕 16 years together and counting. Soon we'll be celebrating 17. 💕

 

Commentary on 1 Peter 5:7

 

Casting Our Cares on God: A Reflection on 1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

There are some verses in Scripture that feel like a warm embrace from God, and 1 Peter 5:7 is one of them. In a world filled with uncertainty, stress, and endless responsibilities, Peter gives believers a simple yet profound invitation: cast all your anxiety on God.

The word cast is important. Peter doesn't tell us to hide our worries, manage them on our own, or pretend they don't exist. He tells us to throw them onto God. It's the picture of handing over a burden that was never meant for us to carry alone. God is not asking us to be strong enough to hold everything together. He is asking us to trust Him enough to let go.

What makes this command so comforting is the reason Peter gives: "because He cares for you." God doesn't merely tolerate our concerns. He cares deeply about them. The Creator of the universe is personally interested in the struggles, fears, and heartaches of His children. Whether our worries involve our family, finances, health, future, or faith, nothing is too small or too insignificant to bring before Him.

I often think about how easily anxiety grows when I try to control things beyond my reach. The future can seem uncertain, and unanswered questions can weigh heavily on my mind. Yet this verse reminds me that God's care is greater than my concerns. When I release my worries to Him through prayer, I am acknowledging that He is capable of handling what I cannot.

This doesn't mean every problem disappears immediately. Sometimes the circumstances remain the same, but our perspective changes. As we place our burdens into God's hands, we find peace in knowing that we are not facing life's challenges alone. The One who loves us most is walking beside us through every trial.

Peter wrote these words to believers who were experiencing hardship and pressure. His message was not that life would be easy, but that God's care remains constant even in difficult seasons. The same truth applies today. When anxiety whispers that everything depends on us, God's Word reminds us that He is already at work.

Perhaps the greatest challenge is not bringing our worries to God once, but continuing to surrender them whenever they return. Anxiety often tries to reclaim the ground we've already given up. Each day becomes another opportunity to trust God again, to place our concerns in His hands, and to rest in His faithful care.

As I reflect on 1 Peter 5:7, I am reminded that faith is not the absence of worry, but the decision to bring that worry to God. He invites us to come honestly, carrying all our fears and uncertainties, and leave them at His feet.

Today, whatever is weighing on your heart, don't carry it alone. Cast it on Him. After all, the God who holds the world in His hands also holds you in His heart.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for caring about every detail of my life. Help me to release my anxieties into Your hands instead of trying to carry them on my own. Teach me to trust Your wisdom, seek Your peace, and rest in Your unfailing love. Amen.

One Dusty pic she looks half awake or I caught her in a slow blink. The other is surrounded by hearts. Got info on the heart symbol?

 If you're comparing the two Dusty photos, the one where she looks half-awake could very well just be a slow blink. Cats often get caught mid-blink, which can make them look sleepy, unimpressed, or adorably grumpy.

As for the photo surrounded by hearts, the meaning depends on where you're seeing the hearts:

• Decorative hearts added by an app or camera filter usually suggest affection, cuteness, or that the subject is a favorite.
• A heart icon on a photo often means it has been "liked," "favorited," or marked as a special image.
• Hearts generated by AI or photo-organizing apps can sometimes indicate the app identified the photo as a pet, a memorable moment, or a recommended favorite.

If you mean a specific heart symbol shown next to or on the Dusty image, describe where you're seeing it (or share the image), and I can help identify exactly what it means. ❤️🐱

I guess i was just hoping for basic info on the heart 

Sure. 💜

The heart is one of the oldest and most widely recognized symbols. Common meanings include:

• Love and affection - romantic love, family love, friendship, or devotion.
• Care and compassion - kindness, empathy, and emotional connection.
• Appreciation - "I like this," "this is special," or "this matters to me."
• Joy and positivity - happiness, warmth, and encouragement.
• Life and the soul - in some religious and spiritual traditions, the heart symbolizes a person's inner self, faith, or relationship with God.

When people put hearts around a pet photo, it usually just means:

• "I love this pet."
• "This pet is adorable."
• "This is a favorite picture."
• "This moment makes me happy."

So if Dusty is surrounded by hearts, the most straightforward interpretation is simply: "Dusty is loved." 😸❤️

And honestly, a sleepy slow-blink photo and a heart-filled photo are both peak cat content. Cats somehow look adorable whether they're wide awake or barely conscious. 😄

This Dusty pic has a bunch of flowers surrounding her. Can you write about how much I love flowers?

 Absolutely. Here are a few caption-style options you could use with Dusty's flower photo:

Option 1: Warm & Personal

Flowers have always brought me joy. There's something beautiful about their colors, their fragrance, and the way they remind me that God fills the world with simple gifts to enjoy. Seeing Dusty surrounded by blooms combines two things I love most: flowers and the sweet companions who make life brighter every day.

Option 2: Reflective

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love flowers. I can never resist stopping to admire a garden, snapping photos of colorful blooms, or bringing fresh flowers into my home. They remind me to slow down and appreciate the beauty all around us. And somehow, Dusty looks perfectly at home surrounded by them.

Option 3: Blog-Style

I've loved flowers for as long as I can remember. Whether it's wildflowers growing along a country road, cheerful daisies, elegant roses, or bright sunflowers turning toward the sun, they never fail to make me smile. Flowers are a beautiful reminder that even ordinary days can hold extraordinary beauty. This photo of Dusty surrounded by blossoms captures two things that bring happiness to my heart: nature's beauty and the faithful companionship of a beloved pet. 🌸🐾