To love others as Jesus commands, we must also love ourselves. God made us in His image, emotions and all. When we suppress pain or reject ourselves, we block His healing love. Receiving God’s love allows us to embrace who we are and extend love to others.

Corrie ten Boom, the first female watchmaker in Holland, risked everything to hide Jews during WWII, saving hundreds before being imprisoned at Ravensbrück. Enduring loss and suffering, she discovered the power of forgiveness, even toward her captors, later traveling the world to share Christ’s message of hope, love, and grace.

In moments of chaos, even Jesus withdrew to pray. As a new father, I discovered my son didn’t always need fixing—he needed help finding his center. Like him, we too need to return to the Father’s presence, where rest, peace, and calm can be found.

Hiking to Strawberry Lake reminded me of Ecclesiastes 4:9: “Two are better than one.” Life is sweeter, lighter, and richer when shared. Whether through marriage, friendship, or community, God’s design is companionship. Even small moments—like picking huckleberries—become grace-filled memories when lived together.

God’s provision often comes in unexpected ways—a quail on our bed, a trout at our feet, a raven in a coop. Each encounter whispered the same truth: “I see you. I will provide.” In weakness and uncertainty, His peace reminded us that He is always enough.

Unforgiveness feels like carrying a weight that grows heavier with time. We think we’re punishing the one who hurt us, but the chains bind our own hearts. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the wrong; it releases us into freedom, making room for God’s healing love to flow.

God delights in those who trust His unfailing love—even when surrender feels like loss. Letting go of our children isn't easy, but His presence meets us in the release. He is faithful, even when we’re afraid. He carries what we can’t hold. And in that, He delights in us.