One of the biggest losses we can experience doesn’t happen overnight—and it isn’t always obvious. It comes quietly, wrapped in success, applause, and achievement, while something far more valuable slips away.

In today’s blog, David Decker challenges us to look beyond worldly wins and ask the question that every soul must eventually answer: What are you trusting in for eternity? With clarity, conviction, and Scripture-soaked truth, David reminds us that gaining everything this world offers means nothing if it costs us our soul—and that salvation is not achieved, but received through Christ alone.

One of the most painful wounds we can experience doesn’t come from an enemy—it comes from someone on our own team. A careless word, a cutting comment, a moment of “friendly fire” can lodge deep in the heart and refuse to heal.

In today’s blog, my friend Deb Coty bravely takes us into that tender space where forgiveness feels impossible and mercy feels costly. With honesty, humor, and Scripture-soaked wisdom, Deb shows us how mercy really can triumph over judgment—even when the hurt comes from someone close.

Sometimes God shows up in the most ordinary places—and does something extraordinary. A simple walk down the street. A whispered prayer for someone else. A moment that makes you laugh and say, “Only God could do that.”

In today’s blog, Christy Christopher reminds us that when we seek God’s kingdom first—when we pray beyond our own needs and lift our eyes to the people around us—He is faithful to take care of what concerns us. This story may begin with an ice maker, but it ends with a powerful reminder: God is attentive, personal, and eager to amaze those who walk with Him in faith.

Time feels different these days, doesn’t it?

Days move fast. Weeks disappear. And before we know it, another month has gone by. We live in a culture that applauds busyness—but then we wonder why prayer feels so difficult.

Have you ever prayed with all your heart—only to feel discouraged when the outcome wasn’t what you hoped for?

If we’re honest, most of us have been there. We love God. We believe in prayer. And yet there are moments when heaven feels silent, timelines stretch long, and hope feels fragile.

In every generation, we tend to assume the most powerful people are the most visible ones—politicians, celebrities, athletes, influencers. But Scripture tells a very different story. The most powerful people on the face of the earth are not the ones with the loudest voices or the largest platforms. They are the men and women who pray.

Joy was never meant to be something you manufacture. Joy is not a personality trait, a spiritual personality test, or a denial of pain. Joy—biblical joy—is a defiant, intentional choice to live aware of God’s presence even when life feels heavy.

Christmas is my favorite time of year.

I love the lights, the music, the traditions, and the sense of wonder that seems to hover in the air. But more than anything else, I love the miracle of Christmas—the quiet, holy truth that God chose to enter our world in the most unexpected way.

There is an old story—so old that it never grows old. It’s the Christmas story. And every year, I find myself drawn back to it, not because it’s familiar, but because it’s foundational. Christmas isn’t about glittering decorations, crowded malls, or perfectly wrapped packages. Christmas is about Jesus.

There’s something about the word home that stirs the deepest places of the heart. For many, it brings images of warmth, rest, and belonging. For others, it brings a quiet ache—longing for something they’ve never fully experienced. But Christmas whispers a truth we all need to hear: your true home has never been a place… it has always been His will.

Thanksgiving has always carried a certain hush for me—a sacred slowing of the soul. Long before the table is set or the big game begins, something in my heart pauses. Perhaps you feel it, too. This gentle invitation from the Holy Spirit to stop, to breathe, to look back with wonder at the fingerprints of God scattered generously across the months behind us.

A Note from Carol: I’m so delighted to introduce you to Rachael Groll—a dear friend and a woman whose life overflows with passion for Jesus. Rachael is an author, certified life coach, missionary, and podcaster with a heart for sharing the gospel with anyone who will listen. What I love most about Rachael is her authenticity. She brings the Word of God to life with clarity, compassion, and deep biblical insight. I know you’ll be blessed by her wisdom, encouraged by her faith, and drawn closer to Jesus through her ministry.

A Note from Carol: I’m so excited to introduce you to Susan Myers—the Creative Director at Carol McLeod Ministries. Susan is a gifted writer and communicator with a heart that beats for Jesus and a passion to help others know Him more deeply. Her love for God’s Word and her honest reflections on life and faith will encourage you to slow down, listen for His voice, and find joy in His presence. You’re going to love her authenticity, her wisdom, and her gentle reminder that our hope is always found in Jesus.

A Note from Carol: I’m so excited to introduce you to Heather O’Brien—a prophetic healing coach, minister, author, and host of the Heal with God podcast. Heather helps Christians overcome trauma, anxiety, and depression by learning to hear God’s voice. Her story of freedom from fear and addiction is a powerful reminder that God still speaks, heals, and restores. You’re going to love her heart and her passion for helping others experience true healing in His presence.

We have all been created on purpose … with purpose … and for purpose.  Why is it then that so few of us actually live in that sweet spot of God-given purpose? Why is it that we are content to settle for mediocrity, for half-a-life, for busyness rather than for usefulness?