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Empty nest, full hearts.

After significant preparation, over a nine-day timespan, my wife and I traveled thousands of miles, taking multiple flights to bring our two sons to college in two different states – far away from home. We are now officially empty nesters.

This all comes with a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts, and this is my attempt to take off the mask that I’ve been wearing through it all, and after returning to a quiet and empty home.

We have the satisfaction that we have reached a long-anticipated milestone. It was God’s plan and will for them to eventually leave the home to venture out and grow in wisdom and knowledge. For an eagle to soar, it must first leave the nest and learn to fly!

Along with the satisfaction comes gratitude as we reflect on our time as parents of babies, then young boys, and now men. We are grateful for these and more:  That we all know Christ and call him our Lord and Savior. We are thankful for our marriage, that we enjoy and love each other, and that we have each other through the ups and downs of this adventure. We are also especially grateful for the love and support given by friends and family who have checked in asking how things are going. I got choked up each time my wife would read a text from a friend – these are real friends, God bless each of you!

Our gratitude also results in joy for our sons, who were eager and ready for college. This time is many years in the making, and one year ago, we thought there was no way our youngest would be ready to go to college in a year. We were wrong: God answered our prayers for our son to grow, mature, and thrive academically and socially during his senior year of high school.

As reality sets in, there is no shortage of pain and sorrow. As with all of the beauty, there is also a sense of loss. There are empty bedrooms and artifacts left behind, the sports equipment that will likely never be used again, the high school yearbooks, and the boyish things that once meant so much are now symbolic of change. It is also painful that most of our sons’ grandparents are not healthy enough to fully embrace this next step with our family. Finally, one of the most impactful – daily meals as a family – typically the highlight of our day, will now be few and far between.

At the same time, there is a new sense of freedom. We see our sons maturing into men, craving and embracing their independence while also learning to accept the responsibility that comes with their choices. And for my wife and me, though our hearts feel heavy with the sense of loss, we are beginning to embrace what it means to have a calendar no longer defined by high school schedules – start and finish times, exams, breaks, sports, and ceremonies. We booked some travel for a few weeks from now, knowing it will be bittersweet but also a step into this next season of life together.

We know we are not supposed to worry. We are also human, and we are prone to ask lots of questions and wonder if we did the right things along the way: Did we teach them well? Were we the best parents we could be? Do we need to apologize for anything? What if he is unhappy at his chosen university? How will we make the best financial decisions in these expensive years?

Writing this has helped me peel back the mask and recognize the beauty of God’s plan and love for us, even in the silence of an empty home. And as I sat with these thoughts, here is the scripture that inspired this post. I read this as a prayer for us and other families going through similar and other difficult situations.

Dear Preston, Dear Peyton, Dear Amy,

14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Homesick?

Have you ever had the feeling of “homesickness“? Maybe it’s an extended vacation that lasted too many days, a stay at a relative’s or friend’s house that seemed to last too long, a hotel stay that was longer than expected, or a temporary living situation. These moments can make you long for a place where you can be independent, carefree, and close to the things that help you to feel comfortable.

Psalm 61 shares David crying out to God when he is feeling far from home. Honestly, in my head and heart, it’s amazing to think of our earthly home and how temporary it really is. Yes, there is a value, but Heaven is priceless compared to anything here.

I can say no matter where I am physically, I long for a Heavenly home. The place where we will be one day, together with joy, praise, and a perfect love that we long for on Earth, while feeling homesick.

Feeling a little homesick? Read Psalm 61

Heavenly Father,

We ask You to help us feel the comfort we long for while in our temporary home. You are our protector and refuge who keeps us safe throughout. The feeling of “homesickness” for Heaven reflects our innate longing for our true home with God. Help us believe in our unbelief.

Our belief in Heaven positively affects the way we live every day. 

Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer!
2 In despair and far from home
I call to you!

Take me to a safe refuge,
3 for you are my protector,
my strong defense against my enemies.

Hold Tight, BRB ( Be Right Back)

Today’s Reading : Psalms 60

As with many of my posts, I attempt to see the biblical text in a way that it is relatable and can give insight into God’s plan in my life. Today’s text is Psalms 60.  

“O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us. You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters. You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger. You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 

That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us! 

God has spoken in his holiness: “With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth. Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter. Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies. With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭60‬:‭1‬-‭10‬, ‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

With this particular text, I see God, as our father and us in our infancy. As a dad, I have many memories of my children from infancy up until their current ages. One of the most vivid images that I can see in my mind that can relate to this story is : Feeding time for the infant.

Most of the time when you have an infant, you know their schedules and you’re able to anticipate their needs easily. Feeding. Napping. Changing. Activities. 

One of the most intense and emotional provoking is when the infant is suddenly hungry and you have to prepare their food. You  have an infant that is screaming and crying for food. You have to put them down in a safe place. Then you have to get the bottle ready and warmed. Then you return to give the infant their food and sustenance.  This is what I call, “Hold tight, BRB (Be Right Back).”  You momentarily, leave the infant in a safe place and then get the things that they are needing and then you return. 

As the adult, you understand what you’re doing.  The infant feels abandoned. They understand that the person who is taking care of them, left them and they are in a vulnerable spot. They’re hopeless and they’re helpless.  They cannot fully comprehend the situation.  They are scared and just want to be held and comforted.  

This is what I believe David is trying to convey in this psalm.   He is scared and feels the presence of God removed from him.  He feels isolated and vulnerable.   But in the latter portion of the psalm, God reassures David that he will be taken care of, he has brought sustenance and comfort to him.  

As a father, I have seen that as the children grow older the true nature of the father continues to grow as well. When the children are in infancy, the main things that you have to think about are : protection, nourishment, engagement, comfort, and growth. As the children grow,  these core values of parenting do not  vanish or diminish.  They morph and evolve into other elements. I’m 43 and my mom and dad still asked me the same questions when I talked to them: How  are you doing? Are you eating well? Are you sleeping well? Are you taking care of yourself? No matter how old you get your parents are still making sure that they are taking care of the core values. 

In the same way as we continue to grow and mature in God, God will always continue to have those same core values for us as well. Sometimes we may not feel his presence immediately, but he is always taking care of us. Sometimes it is a case of “Hold tight, BRB“ 

This week and in the following weeks,  as we continue to listen to God’s wisdom and feel his presence, sometimes we may feel that we are in the midst of the valley of despair, but we have to understand that he is working and will be there to strengthen us and comfort us in the time of need. 

Be blessed

Psalm 59 Is Not For Me… Or Is It?

I read and re-read Psalm 59 for today’s reading and finally decided that it is not for me. Sure, it’s a great picture of David and a beautiful story about God protecting him. King Saul is hunting him down. Could there be anything more terrifying than the most powerful man in the land wanting you dead? With armies, a secret service, and his best men, there really was no chance of survival.

I don’t have that. Nobody is hunting me down and my life isn’t in danger. Good thing too, because the next thing David declares in Psalm 59 is his innocence. Verse 3 captures it. He cries out to God to save him, reminding God that he has done nothing wrong, that he has no transgressions. In other words: This isn’t punishment, I don’t deserve this. Come and help me.

But, here is the real problem.  I can’t claim that. I know what I’ve done and still do. Sometimes I feel like God would never choose me like this.

This is why Psalm 59 is not for me.  Me and David, we are nothing alike.  Aside from David’s innocence, there is one other important marker for me.  David was anointed.  God actually told him that he would be king of Israel.  Of course God is going to protect his anointed.  But me?  What value do I have to God?

That is enough for me.  There is no reason to keep reading Psalm 59.  Its not for me.  

The Holy Spirit, however, has other plans.  That’s when He reminds me of Jesus.

I am reminded that Jesus declares my innocence.  Romans 8:1 says “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  Thats what his death on the cross accomplished.  His suffering is the payment for my sins.  His death is the ultimate cost and his resurrection is the innocence.  Through his sacrifice, I too can call upon him and say “for no transgression of mine, for no fault of my own.”

But, as I write those words, I feel a weight of bricks stacked upon me.  Why would he do such a thing?  How could that even be true?

God says “because I know the plans that I have for you.  Plans to prosper and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.  Remember, this promise was given to the exiles in Babylon.  They felt abandoned by God, but he had other plans.

Uh, wait.  That starts to sound like anointing, like God has chosen me just like he chose David.  It’s a little too ironic that God anointed David king, but Saul sat on the throne (1 Samuel 16).  Its a little too coincidental that David lived as a fugitive, on the run, even though God promised him something he couldn’t even imagine.  I wonder, “what if that’s what Jesus is doing for me?  What if my suffering, my wilderness experience and my shortcomings are part of his plan?”

The difference between David and myself is belief.  It pains me to say it but the opposite of belief is denial.  If I am not ready to face my denial, I have to consider ignorance.  Maybe I just don’t have a firm grip on this anointing.  The Bible gives clear answers.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV) And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee – you know, when I actually slow down and listen, its true.  I feel His spirit in my heart.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. – no matter what ive done, God will, God does choose me.  I am chosen!

Turns out, maybe Psalm 59 is for me.  Like David, my life and circumstances, the loneliness, the heartache and the struggles create doubt that, left unchecked, become denial.

Psalm 58 Reflections

Today’s reading is Psalm 58.

For most of my readings and writings I can read the chapter(s) and usually form my thoughts and what I will write about fairly quickly. Sometimes it does change as I reflect on it and wait a few days to put it on paper, but I gain clarity and am confident in my theme(s). However, I have to admit that I had writer’s block for Psalm 58 so I read a few commentaries. I will share a few of my learnings and takeaways.

Psalm 58 is titled “To The Choirmaster: According To Do Not Destroy. A Mitkam of David.” The Hebrew word “mitkam” can sometimes be translated as “golden” with some referring to this as one of David’s 6  “golden” Psalms, or it can also be translated as “engraving.” Many believe this Psalm 58 where David writes about unjust and bad earthly leaders (Psalm 58:1-2) to be about Saul and his supporters with the possibility of this being called a “mitkam” because David engraved this on a cave wall while hiding from Saul and his supporters. While this is speculation, it can be imagined as a possibility considering the alternate translation for “mitkam” and the fact that David hid in caves from Saul.

David goes on to say in Psalm 58:3-5 that evil people are inherently evil from birth. No one teaches them to lie some commentaries say. He goes on in Psalm 58:6-9 to ask God to intervene and stop their evil ways. He doesn’t just ask God to change their heart, he asks for them to be destroyed. Yet, we see that David had two chances to kill Saul in a cave in 1 Samuel 24 and entering his camp while he was sleeping in 1 Samuel 26, but he did not take destroying him or the vengeance he speaks of in Psalm 58:10 into his own hands..he leaves it to God. We can learn from this because it some point in our life we will have an adversary and probably have the opportunity to take justice into our own hands and make them pay for their sins. What will we do?

The last 2 verses, Psalm 58:10-11, discuss “the righteous” rejoicing when they finally see God’s vengeance against evil people and also as proof there is truly a God who exists and judges. When I read this, it didn’t seem right for me to take joy in God’s vengeance on the unrighteous. However, I read something credited to author Maclaren which in summary said that if it is right for God to destroy, it cannot be wrong for his servants to rejoice that He does so. They just must take notice and watch that their joy is not for selfish reasons though. This is interesting perspective.

My final thoughts and reflections as I close is reading Psalm 58:10 about how the righteous will rejoice when vengeance of the evil occurs made me ask the questions..Who is righteous?…Am I righteous? David committed adultery and had Uriah killed. Is he righteous? We are only righteous through the saving grace and blood of Jesus on the cross when we come to God with a broken heart from our unrighteousness and sin as David modeled in Psalm 51. Let us reflect, confess, repent, and give thanks for that today and every day.

Living Worthy of the Calling

Ephesians 4 

Scripture: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)

Paul’s words in Ephesians 4 remind us that the Christian life is not just about believing, but about living worthy of the calling we have received. Our unity in Christ is grounded in humility, patience, and love. These aren’t easy qualities; they go against our natural instincts to push forward, defend ourselves, or hold grudges. Yet, they reflect the very heart of Christ.

The chapter also reminds us that God has given each believer unique gifts—not for personal recognition, but for building up the body of Christ. When we serve each other with our gifts, the Church grows stronger, more mature, and more rooted in truth.

Paul calls us to put off the “old self” and put on the “new self.” This daily renewal is about aligning our hearts and actions with God’s holiness. Our speech, our work, and even our attitudes are opportunities to reflect Christ. Instead of bitterness or anger, we are called to forgiveness and compassion, just as God forgave us in Christ.

Reflection Questions:

  • Where in my life do I need to practice humility, patience, or forgiveness today?
  • How am I using my gifts to serve and build up others in Christ?
  • Am I living more like the “old self,” or am I allowing God to continually renew me into His likeness?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to live in a way worthy of Your calling. Teach me humility, patience, and love. Show me how to use the gifts You’ve given me to build others up, and help me to put on the new self daily, reflecting Your holiness in all I do. Amen.

God’s Love Shown in Three Ways

Ephesians 1

Paul wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus. Not only did he write this letter to the church at Ephesus, but he discipled their first pastor, Timothy. Paul had a dear relationship with this church as well. He stayed in Ephesus for three years, the longest amount of time that Paul stayed anywhere on his missionary journeys. He is now writing this letter to them during his imprisonment in Rome.

As we read chapter 1 of Ephesians, we see it is dripping with foundational truths of Jesus’ love for you and for me. It is rich in theology and is the cause of much debate in the church today. Some topics we see are eternal security (v. 14), predestination (v. 5,11), and Jesus’ atonement (v. 7). The Bible teaches both predestination and man’s responsibility of free will by putting his/her trust in Christ for salvation. If we simply read verses 11-14 (NLT), we see the tension between God’s adoption of us (before the foundation of the world) and our responsibility to receive the free gift of salvation that he offers us:

“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.”

By reading this text, we see that God both predestined us and gave us the ability to choose him or not. The evidence of our choice is that the Holy Spirit indwells us when we surrender our lives and trust in Chirst. So how do we reconcile these truths? Peter calls believers the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Peter 1:2). God the Father is omniscient, and He predestined those who would believe based on His knowing who would put their faith in Him. Now you may ask, how do I know if God predestined me? I heard Pastor Chuck Smith answer this question in a sermon saying something of this sort, “repent of your sins and turn to Christ and boom you were predestined!” God does not call us to reconcile every theological tension in the Bible; He calls us to believe and trust in Him.

I wanted to leave you with three ways God displays His love for you in this one chapter.

1. He Chose You (v. 4-5)
2. He Shed His Blood for You (v. 7)
3. He Sealed you With the Holy Spirit (v. 13-14)

Believer, rest in these three foundational truths that God chose you before the foundation of the world, He hung on a cross so you might be saved, and He sealed you with the Holy Spirit which is the guarantee of your inheritance. Rest in His love.

Ready for Today? Yes!

Today’s Reading: Psalm 56

Today’s Psalm, written by David, can be read in a short time.  Honestly, I feel I should work on mesmerizing as I get Ready for Today.  Psalm 56 shares the truth and love we should remember as we face our worldly lives.   Sadly, there is an enemy that will look for ways to attack us every day in any way possible.  ( Satan used an apple, even.)

These attacks will vary based on our daily walks, but know they can and will hurt in some way.  Yet, David says that as our inevitable attacks come, we have a way to minimize the pain and grow in our faith.  Here were a few simple reminders.

  • Call on the Lord – He is always there waiting, listening, and ready for our conversation with Him.
  • Trust in Him – He made an eternal promise to all of us.  He will follow through.  Our temporary pain from an attack can quickly switch to glory with our eternal perspective and trust in the plans He has for us.
  • Praise Him – for keeping us from continuing to fall.  Yes, we are broken in a broken world, but we have a Lord who conquered it all and already has delivered us from death, giving us eternal life beyond what we can ever imagine on this Earth.  Praise Him and walk in light instead of darkness today.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for Your Words that can bring light to any dark space that attempts to attack us daily.  You are the source of all joy and our protector and defender every second of our days on Earth.  Let us not fall to pride and selfishness and think we can do any of it on our own.  Amen

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?

13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.

 

 

Wait and See

Today’s Reading : Psalms 55

Give ear to my prayer, O God,
    and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
2 Attend to me, and answer me;
    I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
3 because of the noise of the enemy,
    because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they drop trouble upon me,
    and in anger they bear a grudge against me.

4 My heart is in anguish within me;
    the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fear and trembling come upon me,
    and horror overwhelms me.

6 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
    I would fly away and be at rest;
7 yes, I would wander far away;
    I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah
8 I would hurry to find a shelter
    from the raging wind and tempest.”

If we are able to use the psalms as guides, we can see the different evolutions of David from his beginnings to departure. In this current psalms, we are witnessing David in the latter parts of his life.

Throughout David’s entire life, David showed a sense of perseverance. In the beginning of his life, he was the youngest of his father‘s sons. He was given the most difficult and mundane duties, being a shepherd and watching over the flock and being errand runner. 

In his adolescence and young adult life, was a warrior and a musician and found favor in the Kings court. During this same time he was also pursued by the king and made many attempts to kill him. 

In his adult life, he had to flee and run for his life. He also had questionable items in his life where he betrayed and killed some of his close friends. 

In the later periods of his life, he had some peace, but he was usurped by his son and his best friend. 

In the end of his life, he was still king, and he remembered God‘s grace and God‘s mercy.

In this particular psalms, you can see the maturity of David in his writings. He is understanding where he is in his life. The scholars say that David wrote this during his 62nd year of life. At this point in time, David is in exile from his kingdom. Unlike the previous songs, there is a sense of patience and expectation of God‘s intervention. David is remembering his friends love and his friends betrayal. David is able to be more at peace during this period of time then in previous years. David is able to wait and see the glory of God in all situations.

But I call to God and the Lord will save me.

17 Evening and morning and at noon

    I utter my complaint and moan,

    and he hears my voice.

18 He redeems my soul in safety

    from the battle that I wage,

    for many are arrayed against me.

19 God will give ear and humble them,

    he who is enthroned from of old, Selah

because they do not change

    and do not fear God.

Many times we have different situations and different scenarios throughout our lives. Sometimes there is a recurring theme that happens to these. When we are first introduced to these situations, we are anxious and troubled. When we see these situations or scenarios later on, we can have a better understanding of it, but we still have some anxiety. But when we allow God to use us in each of these situations, we are able to see the fullness of the situation. We can wait and see what God has planned for us. We are able to have a piece that transcends all understanding.

What are the things that we are experiencing this week that we’ve seen before? What are the things that we are seeing for the uncountable time, what are the ways that we can show others? God’s grace in a miss of the situation?

Be blessed.

So Will I

Today’s reading is Psalm 53

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity;

there is none who does good.

Good looks down from Heaven,

on the children of man

to see if there are any who understand,

who seek after God.

Psalm 53:1-2

I’ve heard it said before that atheism is religion, and it takes more faith to believe that all creation spontaneously came from nothing than to believe it was all made by our Creator. It’s hard to argue with those statements. All you have to do is look at the beauty around you in nature. Creation speaks to us…yes..even for those of us who live in flat, boring Central Illinois. The beauty of the sunrise and sunset, a bird flying by, the trees, and even a cornfield.

This is probably why Psalm 53:1 says only a fool says, “there is no God.” I don’t want God to look down and see me and make the statements He does here about all being corrupt, and no one doing good. We don’t need to impress God…but I don’t want Him to look down and include me as part of those statements. I want Him to be proud of me like a father is of his son.

How can I make Him proud? An easy way is to acknowledge His power and see His power and Him through His Creation.

I could go on and say more, but a friend recently brought the song, “So Will I,” to my attention again through a Facebook post. The lyrics of this song to go along with the pictures in this You Tube video are truly breathtaking and say more than I could. So…I’ll keep this short and ask you to use any remaining time you set aside to read this to watch the video instead. It has 13 million views if you need any further motivation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2U7ffUM5Ec&list=RDC2U7ffUM5Ec&start_radio=1

(Photo Above Taken on Malawi, Africa visit – April 2025)