Posted in Uplifting

When “Let’s Go” Was All It Took

Posted on by junebugphx

I was recently remembering a time when my kids were little and car rides were such an adventure. All I had to say was, “Let’s go,” and off we went.

This was before kids had tablets or phones the moment they could hold them—yes, I’m aging myself. But honestly, I had two of the most fun kids to travel with. I really did.

My son would often fall asleep almost as soon as the car started moving. And my daughter—well, to her credit—she was content just riding along. She could be happy in the car all day, simply being part of the journey.

As I think back on those days of adventure, I’ll admit it wasn’t always easy. Were there mishaps? Of course. But for the most part, we just kept going. There wasn’t much fuss, and more often than not, there was laughter.

And that’s when I had to stop and ask myself something.

Do I still live like that?

Can I just up and go—trusting the journey—even when things don’t go according to plan? Can I roll with the punches the way my kids and I did all those years ago? Or have I become someone who expects everything to work out because I’m doing everything the “right” way?

Sometimes I do roll with it.
But other times?
I worry. I get scared. I get crabby.

My adventurous spirit isn’t quite what it used to be—and I’ll admit that.

So when I was reading Mark 4:35–41, I had a bit of a lightbulb moment. Or maybe my lightbulb had burned out and was finally replaced—but either way, this passage struck a nerve.

In verse 35, Jesus says to His disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” The goal was simple: to leave the crowd behind.

What stands out to me is that there’s no mention of the disciples complaining about the trip. They don’t question the plan. They don’t ask for details. They just go.

They seem ready for whatever Jesus asks of them.

Then the storm comes.

The waves toss the boat. Chaos sets in. And Jesus—who has already performed miracles, who made the sea itself—is asleep.

Have you ever wondered why, after everything they had seen, the disciples became so afraid that they woke Him up?

(Spoiler alert: Jesus not only wakes up—He calms the sea.)

I don’t have to wonder.
I know exactly why.

And I’m guessing you do too.

We humans are a funny lot, aren’t we?

We love the idea of adventure.
We want to say yes to the journey.
But when things get hard… we want the calm sea.

We want trust without turbulence.
Faith without fear.
Movement without mess.

Yet Jesus never promised a storm-free crossing.
He promised His presence in the boat.

Maybe the invitation isn’t to avoid the storms—but to remember who’s with us when they come.

So today, maybe it’s time to hear those words again:

“Let us go over to the other side.”

Even if the waters get rough.
Even if the plan changes.
Even if the adventure looks different than we imagined.

Because the same Jesus who said “Let’s go”…
is the same One who still calms the sea.

Posted in Recipes

Easy Baked Tofu Cacciatore

Posted on by junebugphx

Comforting, hands-off, Italian-inspired

I had an extra block of tofu to use up, didn’t want to do much standing or “stay in the kitchen” kind of cooking, and I was craving something Italian. That can feel like a tall order—especially when you’re busy and don’t want to run to the store.

So this is what I made.

It’s easy, mostly hands-off, and even my meat-eating son enjoyed it. 🙌
Think cozy cacciatore vibes, without the meat.

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A Quick Tofu Texture Tip

If tofu’s texture is a bit much for you, soak it in a warm saltwater bath for about 15 minutes. This helps it feel less curd-like and more tender.

If you’d rather skip soaking, wrap the tofu (whole or sliced) in a clean towel and place something heavy on top for 10–15 minutes to press out excess moisture.

Ingredients

  • 1 block extra-firm or firm tofu

  • Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought both works well)

  • 1 small potato

  • 1 bell pepper

  • 1 small carrot

  • 1 small onion

  • 4–5 garlic cloves, diced

  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Grated cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. In a roasting pan or 9×9 baking dish, spread a small amount of marinara sauce—just enough to coat the bottom.

  3. Drain the tofu and place it in the center of the pan.

  4. Cut the potato, bell pepper, carrot, and onion into large, bite-sized pieces and arrange them around the tofu.

  5. Sprinkle vegetables with sea salt, black pepper, and diced garlic.

  6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the tofu and vegetables.

  7. If using, sprinkle grated cheese over the tofu.

  8. Cover and bake for 35–40 minutes.

  9. Remove the cover and check that vegetables are tender. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, just until the cheese browns slightly.

  10. Remove from oven, slice the tofu, and serve over cooked pasta.

Serving Notes

  • Serves 2 people with hearty appetites

  • Makes great leftovers

  • Lovely with any kind of pasta, a simple green salad or crusty bread

Nutrition Notes (Why This Meal Works)

This tofu cacciatore is simple comfort food, but it also delivers solid nourishment without feeling heavy.

Tofu

  • Excellent source of plant-based protein

  • Contains iron and calcium (especially if calcium-set)

  • Easy to digest compared to many animal proteins

  • Absorbs flavor beautifully in tomato-based sauces

Vegetables

  • Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health

  • Bell peppers & carrots: Provide vitamin C, beta-carotene, and natural sweetness

  • Onion & garlic: Support immune health and digestion

Potatoes

  • Provide potassium and fiber

  • Add grounding, satisfying energy to the dish

Overall, this meal balances protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber in a way that feels comforting and sustaining.

Menopause-Friendly Nutrition Notes

During menopause, our bodies often crave meals that are warming, steadying, and blood-sugar supportive—without being overly rich or inflammatory. This tofu cacciatore fits beautifully into that season of life.

Protein for Muscle & Metabolism
As estrogen declines, maintaining muscle mass becomes more important. Tofu provides high-quality plant protein to support:

  • Stable energy

  • Metabolism

  • Strength and recovery

Gentle on Digestion
Many women notice increased digestive sensitivity during menopause. This meal uses:

  • Cooked vegetables

  • A soft, easy-to-digest protein

  • Slow, oven-baked preparation

All of which are kinder to a changing gut.

Blood Sugar Support
Combining protein (tofu), fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (potato and pasta) helps reduce blood sugar spikes—often linked to:

  • Fatigue

  • Mood swings

  • Cravings

  • Hot flashes

Anti-Inflammatory Comfort
Tomatoes, garlic, onions, and colorful vegetables provide antioxidants that support inflammation balance, while the overall dish remains warming but not overstimulating.

This is the kind of meal that nourishes without asking too much from your body—simple, grounding, and supportive.

A Little History: Where “Cacciatore” Comes From

The word cacciatore comes from the Italian word meaning “hunter.”

Traditionally, dishes like pollo alla cacciatora (chicken) or coniglio alla cacciatora (rabbit) were considered hunter-style meals—rustic, practical food made with what was available.

Classic cacciatore cooking usually included:

  • Tomatoes or tomato sauce

  • Onions and garlic

  • Herbs

  • Sometimes wine

  • Whatever protein was on hand

It was never meant to be fancy. Cacciatore meals were nourishing, forgiving, and meant to be shared.

This tofu version honors that same spirit—just with a modern, plant-forward twist.

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Posted in Uplifting

Mindful Living: Embrace the New Year One Day at a Time

Posted on by junebugphx

A New Year, One Mindful Day at a Time

I am enjoying the first days of this new year—but truthfully, I always do. There is something about the turning of a calendar that feels hopeful to me, even when life itself has felt heavy. I’ve always believed that a new year carries possibility, especially when it follows seasons of pain.

For me—and I know I’m not alone—the last four years have felt like one hit after another. Loss, exhaustion, uncertainty, and grief seemed to arrive without pause. So, when I say I was ready to see this past year end, that feels like an understatement. I entered this new year not with grand expectations, but with a quiet hope for reprieve… for a little more ease, a little more breath.

I’ve never been one to stay up late to ring in the new year. I never have been. Instead, I cherish waking up on New Year’s morning, when the world feels hushed and new. There is something deeply comforting about beginning the year slowly, without noise or pressure.

That morning, I take time to reflect on the year behind me. I sit quietly. I pray. I ask myself what needs to be released—what no longer serves me—and I intentionally let it go so I don’t carry it forward. And that’s where my new year begins.

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions.

I know they work well for many people, and there’s nothing wrong with them. But for me, each new day holds its own resolution. The definition of a resolution is “to resolve to change an undesired trait or behavior, to accomplish a personal goal, or to otherwise improve one’s life.” When I look at it that way, I realize I don’t need a year-long promise. I need daily intention.

I choose to resolve one day at a time.

Living this way feels less overwhelming. It feels attainable. And because of that, the changes tend to be deeper and more lasting. When I choose daily to live a mindful life, I naturally begin to live more simply—and I find myself happier in ways that can’t be measured.

Recently, I came across a list of Zen practices that stopped me in my scrolling. I saved it, wrote it down, and sat with it. These weren’t goals to achieve, but gentle reminders for how to be. They felt like an invitation to slow down and live with intention.

To do one thing at a time.
To do it slowly and deliberately.
To do it completely, without rushing ahead to what’s next.

To do less, and trust that less can still be enough.
To put space between things—between tasks, between commitments, between moments—so life can breathe.

To develop rituals, even in the smallest ways. Morning coffee in silence. Evening prayer. Folding laundry with care.
To designate time for certain things, instead of trying to do everything all at once.

To devote time to sitting. To be still. To listen. To rest without guilt.

To smile and serve others, knowing that kindness—given freely—has a way of returning when we need it most.

To allow cleaning and cooking to become meditation. To find peace in the ordinary. To be fully present in the work of caring for a home and a body.

To think about what is truly necessary. Not what is expected. Not what is trending. But what is essential.

And ultimately, to live simply.

This is what I want to carry into this new year—not a checklist, not pressure, not perfection—but presence. A mindful way of living that honors where I am and what I need.

So, if you’re someone who loves New Year’s resolutions, maybe try this instead:
Take each day as it comes. Ask yourself what today is inviting you to work on. Choose mindfulness over momentum. Presence over pressure.

Live gently. Live deliberately. And see how you feel when you arrive at this time next year.

One day at a time is enough.

Posted in Recipes

No Bake Energy Ball

Posted on by junebugphx

Listening to My Energy in Menopause

Now that it is a new year, I have been reflecting to a time not so long-ago. It was during Christmas break; I had been spending my time exactly where I wanted to be — enjoying my grandson while he’s home for winter break. Those slow mornings, laughter-filled afternoons, and unstructured days filled my heart in ways I didn’t even realize I needed.

But somewhere along the way, my body quietly let me know it was feeling a little run down.

Menopause, pots and cancer have taught me to pay attention to those signals. Energy doesn’t dip without a reason anymore. Hormonal shifts, winter’s slower rhythm, disrupted sleep, and even joyful busyness can all add up. I’ve learned that pushing through only leaves me more depleted — so now I pause and ask, what kind of support does my body need right now?

That’s what inspired today’s recipes.

I remembered seeing simple energy balls on a Young Living website and decided to try making a few batches. They came together quickly, required no baking, and felt nourishing instead of stimulating. And most importantly — they actually helped. Not in a jittery way, but in a steady, grounded way that felt supportive during this season of life.

Winter can feel especially sluggish in menopause, so having gentle, food-based energy on hand has been a small but meaningful shift for me. These energy balls offer natural carbohydrates for fuel, fiber and healthy fats for blood sugar balance, and a touch of citrus or herbal vitality that feels uplifting without being overwhelming.

What I’ve also learned is that true menopause-friendly energy is holistic.

Food matters. Rest matters. And so does internal support.

Alongside nourishing snacks like these, I lean into Oliveda internal support to help my body build energy from the inside out:

  • I66 to support inflammation balance and cellular stress

  • I70 to support metabolic function and sustained vitality

  • I01 to nourish the gut, where so much of our energy and hormone communication begins

When digestion, inflammation, and cellular health are supported, energy doesn’t have to be forced — it can be rebuilt.

Menopause has shifted my definition of wellness. It’s no longer about doing more, but about choosing what truly supports me. These energy balls are a small example of that mindset: simple, nourishing, and made with intention.

If you’re feeling a little slower this winter, I hope these recipes feel like an invitation to listen inward and support your energy gently — one bite at a time.

Essential Oil Disclaimer (Menopause-Specific)

These recipes use Young Living Vitality™ essential oils, which are labeled for dietary use. Essential oils are very concentrated, and during menopause some women may be more sensitive. Start with the lowest amount listed, listen to your body, and consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns, are taking medications, or have underlying health conditions

🍊 Tangerine Burst Chocolate Energy Balls

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 14 balls

Ingredients

  • 32 pitted dates

  • ½ cup quick oats

  • ¼ cup hemp seeds

  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

  • ¼ cup coconut flour

  • 12 drops Tangerine Vitality™ essential oil

Instructions

  1. Process dates in a food processor until they form a thick paste.

  2. Add oats, hemp seeds, cocoa powder, coconut flour, and Tangerine Vitality essential oil. Process until a firm dough forms.

  3. Using a medium cookie scoop, roll dough into bite-sized balls.

  4. Roll in cocoa powder, if desired.

  5. Store in an airtight container.

 

Continue reading “No Bake Energy Ball” →

Posted in Uplifting

No More Looking Back

Posted on by junebugphx

Looking Ahead Without Looking Back: What Letting Go Really Means

With the new year just beginning, everyone seems focused on looking ahead — fresh mindsets, new goals, even slimmer waistlines. But if we’re honest, those intentions often last only a short while before we slide back into old habits, don’t we?

Last week and part of this one, I found myself grumpy, irritated, and holding onto a grudge I didn’t want to admit was forming. Someone acted in a way that, in the past, had caused real hurt. Their behavior brought up old wounds I thought were long gone. And then I got mad at myself — for talking to them, for being around them, for ignoring my own caution. I ended up not only hurt by their actions but also frustrated with my own expectations.

Because that’s the thing about expectations: we place them on people who have shown us exactly who they are, and then we feel surprised — even betrayed — when they act according to their nature. I wasn’t just mad at them; I was disappointed in myself for expecting something different.

And that’s the danger of expectations. Instead of letting things be what they are, we create a version of someone in our mind and then feel the pain when reality doesn’t match.

For days I carried this weight — the grudge, the resentment, and a “who cares” attitude that didn’t feel like me. Finally, this morning, I reached the point where enough was enough. I prayed. Then I took a piece of paper and wrote “Current” on one side and “Release” on the other.

Under “Current” I wrote a positive feeling I wanted to hold onto.
Under “Release” I wrote the negative feeling from the past — the one that had reattached itself to me.

I prayed over it. And then I went outside and burned the paper.

And honestly? I felt a weight lift.

But God wasn’t done speaking.

When I came back inside, I opened my Bible to Genesis 19 — the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. A story I thought I knew by heart. There are even jokes about Lot’s wife being turned into salt. But as I read, something new stood out to me.

I saw a connection between my grudge and the danger of looking back.

Everyone remembers that Lot’s wife looked back and turned to salt. But what struck me was that her name is never mentioned. Her identity is tied only to what she did — not to who she was becoming.

And that made me think of something:
In Scripture, when God moves someone forward, He often renames them.
Abram becomes Abraham.
Sarai becomes Sarah.
Jacob becomes Israel.

A new identity for a new future.

They looked ahead — believing God’s promises — instead of clinging to the past.

Lot’s wife, on the other hand, is defined only by her backward glance.

And I realized: holding onto past hurt keeps us frozen. It keeps us salty, stuck, and unable to step into the future God is offering.

But naming who we are — who God says we are — helps us walk forward without needing to look back.

Letting go of that grudge reminded me that I don’t have to stay attached to old pain. God is always inviting me forward, into renewal, into identity, into promise.

And this morning, with a little paper, a prayer, and a flame, I finally said yes to that invitation.

Needing to do that too? Here is a prayer and Bible verses to encourage and help you move forward into this new year.

Father God,
Thank You for the gentle way You show me when I am holding onto something You never meant for me to carry.
Thank You for revealing the places in my heart where old wounds still try to speak louder than Your truth.

Lord, help me to look forward — not back.
Help me release every grudge, every disappointment, every expectation I have placed on others or myself.
Replace those heavy burdens with Your peace.

Just as You gave new names and new beginnings throughout Scripture,
speak over me the name You have for me today —
the one that calls me into my future, not my past.

Give me courage to walk where You lead,
faith to trust what You promise,
and grace to forgive what I cannot change.

I surrender the past to You,
and I step forward into the freedom You offer.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

➡️ Letting Go of the Past

Isaiah 43:18–19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”

Philippians 3:13–14
“…forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…”

➡️ God Giving Us a New Identity

2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Genesis 17:5
“No longer will you be called Abram… your name will be Abraham.”

Genesis 17:15
“Sarai… you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.”

➡️ Moving Forward in Faith

Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go…”

Proverbs 4:25–27
“Let your eyes look straight ahead… do not turn to the right or the left.”

➡️ The Warning in Lot’s Wife

Genesis 19:26
“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”

➡️ God Lifting Our Burdens

Matthew 11:28–30
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened…”

Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.”

➡️ God’s Promises for a Renewed Future

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you…”

Ezekiel 36:26
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”

Posted in Recipes

Poached Pears

Posted on by junebugphx

A Simple, Cozy Dessert: Mom’s Stovetop Poached Pears

Warm, comforting, and beautifully simple—poached pears are one of those timeless desserts that bridge everyday ease with a sense of elegance. Today’s recipe comes straight from my mom, who has always had a knack for turning a few ingredients into something memorable. (Thanks, Mom!)

This version is cooked on the stovetop rather than in the oven, making it quicker and perfect for weeknight cravings or unexpected guests.

A Bit of History: The Origin of Poached Pears

Pears have been cherished for thousands of years. Cultivated as early as 1000 BC in regions stretching from ancient Persia to Europe, they became a favorite fruit for both everyday meals and royal feasts.

Poaching fruit—particularly pears—became popular in medieval Europe, when households often cooked with wine, spices, and honey to preserve fruit and create warming dishes for colder seasons. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, both present in this recipe, were considered luxury goods and were used sparingly to elevate special meals.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, French cooks refined the dish into iconic versions like Poires Belle Hélène and Poires au Vin Rouge. Despite these fancy renditions, home cooks also kept simpler versions alive—like this one—using water, sweetener, and a few spices to coax out the fruit’s natural flavor.

The stovetop recipe beautifully reflects this simpler, more rustic tradition of poaching: minimal ingredients, minimal time, maximum comfort.

Poached Pears Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 pears (any variety works)

  • A handful of raspberries (fresh or frozen)

  • Cinnamon and nutmeg, to taste

  • Agave syrup or honey

  • A small pat of butter

  • Splash of water

Instructions

  1. Wash the pears and slice them in half. Remove the core.

  2. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg, then drizzle with honey or agave.

  3. Add a pat of butter to each pear half.

  4. Place in a skillet with a small amount of water and cover.

  5. Cook on medium heat for 15 minutes.

  6. Add raspberries, cover again, and cook for another 10 minutes, until tender.

  7. Serve warm and enjoy a cozy, naturally sweet dessert.

Nutritional Notes: Why This Dessert Is Good for You

Poached pears aren’t just delicious—they offer several nutritional benefits:

Pears

  • High in fiber (especially soluble fiber), which supports digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar.

  • Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that help combat inflammation.

  • Naturally sweet without added sugar, making them a great alternative to heavier desserts.

Raspberries

  • Loaded with antioxidants like quercetin and ellagic acid.

  • High in dietary fiber—one of the highest among fruits.

  • Provide vitamin C and manganese, supporting skin health and immune function.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg

  • Cinnamon helps with blood sugar balance and adds flavor without needing much sweetener.

  • Nutmeg contains trace minerals and compounds linked to calming effects and digestive support.

Honey or Agave

  • Natural sweeteners with a lower glycemic impact than refined sugar (though still to be used lightly).

Butter

  • Adds richness and helps the spices bloom; using just a small pat keeps the dish light.

Overall, this dessert is nourishing, high in fiber, antioxidant-rich, and satisfying without being heavy—perfect for mindful eating or a wellness-oriented lifestyle.

I would love to hear in the comments your versions of this elegant, delightful dessert.

Posted in Recipes

3 Simple Recipes to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Posted on by junebugphx

✨ Three Simple & Festive New Year’s Eve Recipes to Ring in the New Year With Joy

There’s something magical about New Year’s Eve — the sparkle, the anticipation, the quiet reflection of all God has carried us through. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or keeping it cozy at home, having a few easy yet beautiful recipes can make the night feel extra special.

Here are three simple, elegant, and delicious New Year’s Eve recipes that come together quickly but feel celebration-worthy. Each one includes a short faith-centered reflection, because even a recipe can remind us of God’s goodness.

🍾 1. Sparkling Citrus Pomegranate Mocktail

A bright, refreshing drink perfect for toasting to God’s faithfulness as we step into a new year.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup orange or clementine juice
  • Sparkling water or ginger ale
  • Pomegranate arils (for garnish)
  • Orange slices
  • Fresh mint
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Fill two glasses with ice.
  2. Mix pomegranate and citrus juice in a pitcher.
  3. Pour into glasses halfway.
  4. Top with sparkling water or ginger ale.
  5. Add pomegranate arils, orange slices, and mint.

Faith Reflection

As the bubbles rise, let them remind you that hope rises too.
Just as this drink refreshes, God renews our hearts for the year ahead.

🧀 2. Warm Cranberry Brie Bites

A festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks elegant but is wonderfully simple.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 wheel Brie cheese
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • Rosemary sprigs (optional)
  • Salt + pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cut puff pastry into 12 squares and press into a muffin tin.
  3. Add a cube of Brie to each.
  4. Spoon a little cranberry sauce on top.
  5. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  6. Garnish with rosemary.

Faith Reflection

These tiny bites are a beautiful reminder that God often uses the small things — the moments, the prayers, the quiet obediences — to bring warmth and joy into our lives.

🍫 3. Midnight Blessing Brownie Parfaits

A sweet layered dessert to serve right before the countdown.

Ingredients

  • Brownies (homemade or store-bought)
  • Whipped cream or coconut whipped topping
  • Chocolate drizzle
  • Fresh berries
  • Gold sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crumble brownies into small pieces.
  2. Layer brownies → whipped cream → berries in clear glasses.
  3. Repeat layers.
  4. Drizzle with chocolate and finish with sprinkles.

Faith Reflection

As you layer this dessert, pause and consider the layers of your year — the sweetness, the lessons, the stretching, the blessings seen and unseen. God was in all of it.

✨ A New Year’s Eve Call to Action

Before the ball drops and the noise-makers sound, take a quiet moment for yourself:

Ask God to show you one thing to release from this year,
one thing to carry with you,
and one thing to hope for.

Then raise your glass — mocktail or otherwise — and step boldly into the new year knowing God goes before you, behind you, and with you every step.

Posted in Uplifting

Sailing Into Purpose

Posted on by junebugphx

white sailboat on body of water under white sky during daytime
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I enjoy being around any kind of water, but it’s the ocean that draws me in the most. The smell of the salty air and the sound of the waves crashing against the beach can pull me out of even my grumpiest mood. Somehow, I can breathe deeper there—exhale, soften, and smile.

When I lived by the ocean, I loved walking around the boat dock. Some boats were clearly lived in, while others stayed tied to the pier—waiting for the occasional trip out onto the water. I was always most fascinated by the sailboats. A few of them never seemed to move at all. I’d walk by and wonder why someone would have something so beautiful, so capable of adventure, only to keep it tied up. Maybe that’s because I’ve always wanted to learn how to sail. There’s something exhilarating—and a little scary—about the idea of using nothing but the wind to carry you forward.

But I’ve realized we can be just like those sailboats.

We’re created with purpose and potential, built to raise our sails and move—really move—through life. And yet, for so many reasons, we stay docked. We choose what feels safe. We stay where anger, fear, pain, or resentment have anchored us. We forget that we were made for the open water.

When we stay tied to the harbor too long, we don’t thrive. We rust. We gather cobwebs. We become a version of ourselves that was never meant to be permanent.

Maybe it’s time to ask for help in getting “our sailboat” seaworthy again. With prayer, healing, and the right people around us, we can raise our sails once more. We can step into the life we were created for.

Think of it this way: God is the wind. When all we have left is a sail—tired, unsure, or worn—He is the power that moves us. We don’t have to create the wind. We just have to lift the sail.

As we say goodbye to this year and welcome a new one, maybe it’s time to loosen the ropes. To leave the harbor. To trust the wind. To finally do what we were made to do.

Before you click away, take a quiet moment to ask God where He may be inviting you to loosen the ropes in your own life. Pray and listen for the areas where He’s calling you to raise your sails and trust His wind again. If you feel led, share your reflection in the comments—I would be honored to pray with you as we step into this new year together.

38-powerful-bible-verses-for-overcoming-lifes-struggles-isaiah-41-13

Posted in Recipes

Christmas Snacks

Posted on by junebugphx

Every Christmas I enjoy baking special treats and giving them as presents. It’s a tradition that stretches through generations of women in my family, each of us adding our own little touch but keeping the heart of it the same. When I was little, I would stand beside my mom—a lot of the time on a stool, sometimes just on my tiptoes—watching her measure, stir, and create magic out of simple ingredients. Those afternoons felt like the start of Christmas itself: the scent of butter and brown sugar filling the house, the warmth of the oven heating up our kitchen, the way my mom would hum or have Christmas music to add to this afternoon of fun is still something I cherish.

As life moved forward, I carried that tradition with me into my own home. My children grew up with the same cozy ritual. It’s funny how personalities show up even in the kitchen—my daughter, who once couldn’t escape fast enough when I needed help with cooking, somehow transformed into my shadow the moment baking was involved. She would hover, waiting for instructions, licking spoons, and taking ownership of anything frosting-related. My son was the opposite: he loved cooking with me most days, but when dessert was on the agenda, he mysteriously disappeared—only to reappear right on cue when something came out warm from the oven or when he sensed there might be a bowl worth “cleaning.”

Now my grandsons are doing the same thing, watching with curious eyes and sticky fingers. And every time I melt butter or hear the mixer whir, I feel that sense of continuity—a thread weaving through generations, holding us together through something as simple as a recipe.

Today I was thinking about one recipe I make every single year. It’s one of my mom’s, and honestly, I have no idea where she got it. Maybe from a neighbor or a holiday magazine, or maybe it’s one of those recipes that’s just always existed, passed along from kitchen to kitchen. I’ve tasted lots of versions over the years, but none of them ever feel quite like ours. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe some recipes really do belong to a family the way a story does.

I’ve always been the queen of “winging it”—pinches instead of teaspoons, handfuls instead of measuring cups. This recipe is no different. We’ve made it so many times through the years that it lives in my hands more than on a recipe card. So, the amounts below are a guide—adjust them the way your own kitchen tells you to.

Christmas Snacks (Mom’s Magic Bars)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • ⅓ cup melted butter

  • 1 bag (10 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded coconut

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

  2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl, then mix in the melted butter until everything is evenly moistened.

  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 13×9 baking pan to form a firm crust.

  4. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust.

  5. Add the coconut and walnuts—don’t worry about making it perfect; the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity.

  6. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, letting it sink into all the layers.

  7. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the top is lightly toasted.

  8. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares (or sneak a warm piece like we do every year).

Every year when I make these bars, something inside me softens. I remember my mom’s hands guiding mine, my children’s laughter echoing through the kitchen, and now the excitement of boys waiting for their turn to “help.” These simple ingredients turn into more than just a dessert—they turn into a moment, a memory, a reminder of how traditions tie us to the people we love.

And that’s the real magic of holiday baking: long after the treats are gone, the memories stay warm.

Posted in Uplifting

The Power of Words: Ignite Life or Wildfire

Posted on by junebugphx

I was watching the news a few days ago when footage of the fires that overtook parts of Los Angeles not too long ago began to play. Flames leapt across the screen — alive, unpredictable, roaring with a force that swallowed everything in its path. My heart tightened as I watched families evacuate, homes burn, and the sky glow a haunting red. I remember my prayers rose instantly back then for those who were touched by the flames, because I know — even in a small way — what that terror feels like.

Years ago, I found myself driving down a California highway with fire on both sides of the road. I remember the way my hands shook on the steering wheel, the way the smoke thickened the air, and how every instinct inside me screamed for safety. It is frightening, overwhelming, and humbling. Nothing reminds you of your own smallness quite like the raw, consuming power of fire. In moments like that, you feel the fragile truth of being human — vulnerable, dependent, and deeply aware of your need for God.

As I watched the news, though, something unexpected stirred in me. Fire, for all its devastation, is also one of the most life-giving gifts we have. And I was struck by how God created something capable of both destruction and warmth — something that mirrors the power of our own words.

Because fire isn’t only what we see on the news, is it?

Fire is the golden light of a fireplace on a freezing night — the kind you curl up beside with a blanket, letting its warmth seep into your bones. Fire is the glow of a bonfire under the stars, where friends gather, marshmallows melt into sweetness, and stories rise into the night sky. Fire is the heartbeat of summer evenings, campouts, and moments of connection that would feel empty without it. Even our family BBQs — those times of laughter, food, and belonging — are made possible because a spark is lit.

And as I sat there watching the news, it dawned on me so clearly:

Our words are just like fire.

One tiny spark — a sentence spoken in frustration, a careless comment, a moment when emotions override love — can ignite something we never intended. The damage can spread fast, burning through trust, relationships, and peace. Sometimes the aftermath leaves people standing in ashes they never deserved. Even when healing begins, even when rebuilding happens, the memories of the burn can linger like scars.

But just like fire, words also have the power to warm, to comfort, to bring people together, and to illuminate the darkness. A kind word can soften a weary heart. A gentle truth can guide someone home. Encouragement can spark hope in someone who thought their flame had gone out. The right words at the right time become holy — a reflection of God’s breath moving through us.

This truth speaks even louder as we step into the holiday season. The rush, the pressure, the desire for everything to be perfect — it can shorten the fuse in even the kindest hearts. I feel it in myself some days. The stress, the hurry, the expectations. But I keep hearing that quiet whisper in my spirit: What are you choosing to ignite?

Will my words set a wildfire, burning through moments meant for joy?
Or will they light a bonfire — a welcoming, steady glow where memories are made, love is shared, and peace is protected?

I want my words to build, not break. To warm, not wound. To shine with the kind of love that reflects Christ, especially now, when hearts are tender and people are carrying more than we can see.

This season, and every season, I want to ask God to guide my tongue the way firefighters guide their hoses — with precision, humility, and awareness of the incredible power in what they hold.

Scripture reminds us again and again of this truth:

Proverbs 15:4
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

May our words be life.
May they be warmth.
May they be light in a world that knows enough wildfires.

And may we choose, every day, to spark something holy.