It's All Write With Kristi – Kristi's Life Morsels

Examining Your Treasure Chest: Are You Offering the Right Things to Those in Need? What’s Stored Inside Your Heart? The Treasure We Offer as Christians in a Broken World Can Help Them Get Unstuck and Freed!

What’s Inside Your Treasure Chest

As Christians, we hold something incredibly precious—a treasure that the world desperately needs. The question is, what are we offering? When people look at us, when they see what’s stored in our hearts and minds, what do they find? Do they see Jesus? Do they see hope, love, and compassion? Or are we offering something less valuable—something that leaves them more lost than before?

We talk about the treasure we hold, but it’s important to reflect on what exactly we are sharing. As followers of Christ, we offer something that can truly change lives. We offer Jesus, the ultimate treasure, the only true source of hope and healing. But are we actively reflecting this in our words and actions?

Offering Hope and Encouragement

As Christians, one of the most powerful things we can offer is hope. The world is full of lost souls, searching for purpose and meaning. These burdens are real, and people are looking for something or someone to help them bear the weight.

We offer hope for the lost, encouragement for the brokenhearted, and peace for the weary. We offer a message that no matter how hard life gets, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that light is Jesus. This is the treasure we carry inside us—a hope that is steadfast and unshakeable, even in the darkest times.

What Are You Talking About?

So the question is: What are we talking about? What do we spend our time encouraging others to focus on? Are we blasting bad music, diving into politics, or stirring up arguments? Or are we using our voices and platforms to show others that even though we may face struggles, we are rooted in something far greater than the temporary troubles of this world?

People are going through so much—grief, loneliness, insecurity, financial struggles, and countless other challenges. But when they look to us for guidance, what do they find? What’s inside your treasure chest?

Examine Your Treasure Chest

Take a moment to examine what you’re holding inside. What are you offering to others? We can only give what we have, and what’s inside us is what will inevitably spill out to those around us. If your treasure chest is filled with negativity, bitterness, or anger, that’s what others will experience. But if your heart is filled with the love and peace of Christ, that’s what you will offer to the world.

It’s easy to get caught up in the frustrations of life and the distractions of the world, but Jesus calls us to a higher standard. We’re not supposed to offer more of what the world already has—more anger, more division, more confusion. We’re called to offer something different, something that can truly heal the brokenness we see in others.

The World Is Watching

Remember, people are watching. They are watching how we respond to the chaos, how we treat others, and how we spend our time. They are looking at us to see if the treasure we claim to possess is real. Does our life reflect the peace, joy, and love we speak of, or does it make them skeptical of the very message we’re trying to share?

Jesus came to bring peace, compassion, and unity, even when we disagree. It’s easy to criticize others or hold grudges, but we are called to something greater. We must strive to reflect Christ in every situation and to offer the world what only He can give.

It’s not always going to be perfect. No one’s life is without struggles or challenges. But the beauty of it is, even in the midst of our flaws, we can still offer something meaningful and lasting. People need to see that we are sincere, that we truly believe in the God we talk about. When we live in a way that aligns with the love and peace of Jesus, others will be drawn to Him, too.

Jesus Wants Us to Align with His Purpose

So, let’s think carefully about what we are offering. Are we encouraging others? Are we helping them to see Jesus through our words and actions? Or are we letting the distractions of the world cloud our message?

Jesus would love to see our lives aligned with His purpose—lives that are filled with peace, compassion, and love. When our treasure chest is filled with the right things, we become a reflection of Christ’s light in the world. We don’t need to add to the chaos; we need to add to the peace.

In Conclusion

People are hurting, and the world is looking for answers. As Christians, we have the greatest treasure to offer: the hope, peace, and love found only in Jesus Christ. But in order for others to see that treasure, we must reflect it in our daily lives. We can only give what we have, so let’s fill our hearts with the right things. Let’s examine our treasure chest and make sure it’s filled with the love, compassion, and unity that Jesus wants us to share with the world.

May our lives be a reflection of the treasure we claim to hold, and may others be drawn to Him through the sincerity of our actions and the love we share.

What Are You Offering to the World Around You?

So, there I was, strolling down the aisle at the store, while taking a glance at the seasonal discounted leftovers. Not much to write home about—discounted scraps of the holidays, like garland that had seen better days. But just as I turned the corner, BAM! Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day looked like a full red and green explosion. Only instead of wreaths and ribbons – you have cupid arrows and leprechauns!! And then, as if the holiday whiplash wasn’t enough, just around that corner on an end display, pastel Easter candy was already hatching in full force. Now where were those conversation hearts again?

In another store, I walked through the front door expecting to see something wintry. You know, it’s January! But no, the first thing I spotted was a bathing suit rack staring me down like it was mid-July. Meanwhile, the poor winter coats have hopped off to the back of the store on neglected clearance racks, probably wondering what they’d done wrong.

And here’s the thing: it hit me different this year. The seasons are changing faster than I can keep up. I mean, why rush into picnic season when I’m still working getting the sidewalk cleared and rock salt down? Oh yeah – where are shovels and winter gloves in the stores located now…?

But maybe this isn’t just about stores and their retail sales. Maybe it’s about how we live. How often do we rush into the next season, unprepared and fatigued, only to leave it behind just as quickly without appreciating it?

We throw decorations up last minute and tear them down before we’ve even plugged in the lights properly. Do we ever just sit there with a cup of cocoa and really admire that tree & it’s ornaments with the memories they might signify to us? Or do we spend the whole time thinking about which corner of the attic we’re going to make space for the extra stuff we bought on clearance? And let’s talk about Valentine’s Day chocolates. Do we even taste those chocolates and enjoy them? Or do we inhale them, forget we ate them, and then feel betrayed when we open the box and it’s empty?

And those flowers on dining the table—how many of us really stop to smell them? Or do we say thanks with a smile, toss them in a vase, picture & post it, water them once, and then a week later wonder why the bouquet looks like it gave up on life?

Life feels like it’s speeding up more and more as we get older. We’re all so busy planning for tomorrow, next week, and next year that we miss the little moments of joy right here and now.

Six months ago, I hit a milestone—50. Half a century! Suddenly I’m thinking, “Wait, how did I go from blasting mix tapes in high school to not remembering where I put my car keys?” And I know it’s more than just perimenopause symptoms. I can vividly recall roaming the halls in high school and how it felt to graduate, but ages like 35 or 41? Total blur. Did they even happen?

And don’t get me started on the people in our lives. Whether it’s disagreements, moves, or just the natural drift of time, we lose touch. BUT when we’re with the ones we love spending time…are we really with them? Or are we scrolling through our phones, pretending to listen, while secretly checking out ads for pans we will never cook with?

But here’s the moment that brought it all home: Coming in late one night passing through the living room I realized my Christmas tree was still up weeks after the holiday was over. Now, don’t get me wrong—I wasn’t feeling lazy (but finding time to take it down with help from the kids and their busy schedules was stressing me). It just… lingered. And instead of feeling bad, I started realizing how compact my life can be. So…we just took care of it then and there in the late hours of the evening!

Scrolling through social media, I saw a friend whose tree was still up a few days after mine met the cold of the attic. I joked with them about it, but deep down, I felt this weird twinge of jealousy. Why? Because maybe I wished I’d enjoyed the season a little more instead of rushing through it like a holiday-themed obstacle course.

And honestly, what’s so wrong with keeping the tree up? My husband joked that we could just decorate it year-round—he even suggested putting tiny shamrocks on it for St. Patrick’s Day and hearts for Valentine’s Day. I laughed, but maybe he’s onto something. That way we would at least be ready early for Christmas next year (for once).

This isn’t about leaving the decorations up forever (though, if you do, no judgment). It’s about letting yourself linger in the moments you live..love. Taking the time to notice the atmosphere, the smells, the sounds, and see the people around you. Notice the color of their shirt…or perhaps the tear in their eyes. Did you ask what was wrong? Or what’s up with that smile?

I remember when I used to plan ahead for birthdays, events, and holiday’s—not just to-do lists, but with intention. And because of that, I enjoyed the seasons so much more. That’s what I’m aiming for now: planning to live on purpose.

When we slow down, and stop rushing to the next thing, we discover the beauty that God placed all around us—the people we love, the warmth of the sun, the laughter, the quiet moments, and even the smell of fresh flowers on the dining room table (assuming we remember to water them).

So here’s to appreciating the now. Because if life is going to keep moving so fast, I’d rather enjoy the ride—and maybe leave the tree up just a little longer next year.

Who’s sticking with Jesus
when the turmoil rages,
and hearts turn cold,
mocking the Savior,
all because of actions on worldly stages?

A president who demeans,
yet people claim to stand tall,
but in their hearts,
they’ve forgotten the One who reigns over all.

Who’s sticking with Jesus,
when faith is supposed to shine,
but laughter echoes through memes,
and insults cross the line?

They share, they laugh, they follow,
but where’s the truth, the grace?
In the midst of all this chaos,
who’s reflecting Christ’s face?

Who’s sticking with Jesus,
are we still trusting His Word?
Or have we placed our hope
in a politician’s voice, so absurd?

Life wouldn’t prevail unless he won,
is that the truth we’ve embraced?
Or is Jesus still our refuge,
our hope, our saving grace?

I’m sticking with Jesus,
turning away from those who fall,
who can’t find their way
out of politics’ tight call.

I choose to follow the One
who redeemed my soul,
not the one who ridicules
and mocks those who made this land whole.

I choose to follow the One
who saved me, who healed my heart,
not the one who mocks our heroes,
or rips our world apart.

I choose to follow the One
who makes the sun rise and fall,
not the one who sends rockets to the moon
while forgetting the Creator of it all.

So here’s my stand,
my heart, my plea—
I’m sticking with Jesus,
because He’s the One who set me free.

May my life reflect His grace,
and may I stay appalled by disgrace.
May I love with His love, pure and true,
and stay on mission to see souls renewed.

To remind the lost, to lead them near,
for He died for us all—let that be clear.
The purpose of His death was so others could live,
forgiven, restored, with grace He freely gives.

In heaven with us, forever to dwell,
if they accept the Savior, and His story to tell.
He laid down His life, a gift so profound,
that all who believe may no longer be bound.
Until the journey ends, may none take His place,
for God, our Father, is worthy of all praise.

Do we ever truly know the answer when someone asks, “What would your last wish be?” It’s a question that often lingers in our minds during moments of uncertainty or when we lose someone we love. We think about these things when life feels fragile, and circumstances become unclear.

It’s strange how, during the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, many people are excited, yet others feel a deep sadness or horrible stress. Some reflect as they remember and miss the ones who made these holidays feel different—more meaningful—than they have become. In a recent writer’s prompt, we were given the words “one last wish.” I wasn’t sure where to go with it, because I could think of so many things. As we approach Thanksgiving, I began thinking about my mom and asking myself a question I had never really considered before her loss 8 years ago.

I remember that Wednesday night when my mom came over to our house, sitting at the dining room table with my children and me. They showed her their unique school projects while I helped her import photos from her old phone onto her new one. It didn’t seem to work, so I tried doing the import onto my laptop with little success. Afterward, I walked her to the car and made sure she was safely on her way. I waved as she drove off, unaware that it would be our last exchange.

It feels like it was just yesterday when I received that call—Mom is on her way to the hospital in an ambulance after a massive stroke. I don’t even remember the drive or entering the hospital, just that I suddenly found myself sitting in the waiting room, waiting… and waiting. When the doctor came in, all he could say was that we needed a miracle, as the procedure hadn’t gone as it should have.

I tried to hold onto hope, telling myself, She’ll wake up, and everything will be normal again. The next day, I showed up to sit with her. When my dad and brother walked in, the doctor was waiting near the door and asked us to come out to the computer to show us images from her CT scan. I quickly dialed my sister so she could hear, as it seemed important. The prognosis was worse than I could have imagined.

Decisions had to be made, and there was no miracle in sight. Before the night ended, I had to decide if my kids were going to see Grandma and say their goodbye. How do you make that decision when they’re so young? Without hesitation, I drove home and brought them to say their last goodbye to Grandma, even though I didn’t feel they could fully grasp what was happening. Everything happened so suddenly that I couldn’t even grasp it. But if I didn’t give them the opportunity, they might have felt slighted. It was most important to me to give them that chance.

The final night of my mom’s life, the five of us—my dad, brother, sister, myself, and Mom—sat together one last time. It would be the last time we’d all be in the same room, experiencing life together. So many thoughts ran through my mind as I reflected on a lifetime of experiences: life changes—marriages, children, careers, and more—but the core of our family remained the same, even though our roles shifted over time.

I kept looking out the window, trying to make sense of it all, and then back at my mom, who we could hear breathing. I couldn’t fathom what my life would be without the woman who had given me life. I could hear my father and brother talking on the other side of her bed. My sister was resting her head on and off, in her own state of numbness, and I would catch her staring in my mom’s direction. She might catch my eye, and we’d shake our heads, not knowing what to say—in our disbelief. The morning came, and that was when her life support was turned off, and we watched her take her last breath.

Mom had no idea when she left the house that Wednesday morning that it would be her last day at work. Thinking of the last conversation we’d had or the last text we exchanged, I never could have imagined it would be the last. It’s like something you see in a movie—a moment when the heart monitor flatlines, and you never think it will happen to you or someone you love. But when it does, it’s nothing like you expect. As my heart sank beneath my knees, I remember tears pouring out, and I felt an unbearable loss in those moments.

Afterward, my life began a new chapter—one without my mom. The day before her funeral, as I fidgeted with my laptop, I was surprised to find that all the photos we thought we’d lost had downloaded onto my computer. As I went through them, I realized they were filled with the things that mattered most to her—her church, her family, her life with my dad, us kids, the grandkids, and, of course, her two cats. There were even videos of her talking to them, making them laugh in the ways she always did.

Now, as I reflect on that simple question, my thoughts go to her: If my mom had a last wish, what would it have been? If she had the chance to ask for just one thing, what would she have wanted?

Knowing my mother, if she could have spoken in her last moments, her final desire would have been to have a few minutes to tell us a few things. She would have told us to keep loving one another—through the ups and downs, the joys and the struggles. She would have told us to live fully because we never know what a day will bring. She would have said to keep making memories and supporting each other, just like she did when she was with us. Mom was always real and never had to be perfect; she was always focused on what truly mattered to her: God, family, love, and living with the purpose of making everything better for anyone she could. She would have wanted us to carry on with the same warmth, kindness, and resilience that she always showed, and to remember her not in sorrow, but in the way she always loved and lived.

So, I ask you to think about and consider: If you were in a position where you only had one last wish, what would it be? More time? An opportunity to right some wrongs? Telling someone you haven’t yet how much you love them? Or perhaps saying yes to an opportunity that you let pass by? As much as we know life is precious, we lose sight of that in our thinking because life throws so much unpredictability at us each day. We lose our way in the messes. We’ve come to times in our world when there is so much animosity and division because of our differences. I see it more in families than ever before in my life.

The good Lord created us to live in love, to care for one another, and to share in the beauty of human connection. Yet, so many are in the pursuit of success, money, and collecting things that bring no fulfillment beyond a temporary happiness that fades. Meanwhile, we leave a void from a lack of connection, understanding, forgiveness, and love. Our world is increasingly divided by politics, ideologies, and “us versus them” thinking, and we often fall into those traps. If we can find a way to look beyond labels, disagreements, and one-sidedness, we realize that the things that truly matter—love, kindness, and understanding—could override any divisions. When we choose love over judgment and connection over conflict, we can see that no belief, no opinion, and no possession can ever replace the deep fulfillment we find in one another. In the end, it’s love, not things, that binds us and makes life truly worth living.

I encourage you today to find someone you’re thankful for, and to act beyond intention—to let them know on purpose how much they mean to you.

In a time when it seems love is missing, maybe you and I can turn the tide and be the ones to bring it back.

It’s the week that so many have been waiting for, while others have dreaded the day. For months we’ve watched ridiculing advertisements that political candidates have put out. It can be very exhausting and mentally draining. It’s not enough to contend with advertisements, articles, social media arguments and posts, but then the discussions that come in the workplace, at the store, or at family gatherings.

Something that people don’t seem to want to hear or think about is that we must recognize how a candidate and their worldview or political affiliation does not necessarily define their moral character or standing. Because a candidate may identify with a conservative viewpoint or belong to a particular party it certainly doesn’t mean that they embody all the virtues often associated with those specific beliefs. Simply put; to say you are more conservative does not automatically equate someone to a more authentic Christian faith.

Candidates will say a lot of things they don’t mean. We have to remember it is essential to evaluate a candidate based on their actions, integrity, and their ability to connect and serve their constituents. The election season has a tendency to reveal how deeply some individuals will invest all their hopes and political figures rather than in their faith in Jesus. It is so disheartening to see how much people will rely on their excitement for tomorrow to come from the hopes of their candidate winning.

When we shift our focus from Jesus Christ, toward more value in human leaders we are truly risking an opportunity to lose sight of what really matters. If we keep a strong foundation in our faith that should guide our responses and attitudes and allows us to navigate political differences with more grace and understanding. I would love to see everybody return to God’s centered values that will help the lost find hope and purpose that would extend any election outcome.

I have a great desire to see a return to a faith and love for Christ that is how the higher than any politician could ever rank. It has been so disheartening to witness how this political landscape has strained relationship and created so much division among family and friends. When the focus of a political affiliation overshadows our core values that unite us, it only leads to hurt and misunderstandings.

It seems that no matter how much we’ve encouraged people to get back to healthy conversations they’ve chosen to stay on the path of division. We need to prioritize our faith, love and compassion. Healing can only come when we remind ourselves of the importance of connection that is rooted in our shared beliefs and the love we have for one another.

The election results don’t define us or change the essence of who we are. They don’t alter our homes, our families, or the everyday interactions we have with those around us. When we go about our lives—shopping for our favorite soaps, grabbing something in the drive thru, or sharing smiles with strangers as we pass by in the park or mall—we aren’t thinking about political candidates and their actions. The things we love and enjoy should remain untouched by the transient nature of politics.

When we allow ourselves to be misguided and unkind to others, the damage is lasting. Such behavior only deepens the divides that keep us apart. If your emotional well-being hinges on the outcome of an election to the point of distress, it might be a sign that you need to reassess your perspective. Seeking support can help you find balance and clarity, reminding you that our identities and relationships are far more important than any political outcome.

For example – It’s natural to feel deeply about issues like abortion, and it’s clear that many people are passionate about this topic. However, it’s also important to recognize that while we can advocate for change, we can’t control every outcome through our votes alone. Trusting God means accepting that He is ultimately in control, even when things feel beyond our influence. It’s possible to care about important issues while also choosing to focus on our faith and the actions we can take within our communities. Let’s strive to engage in these conversations with compassion and understanding, respecting each other’s perspectives while maintaining our hope in God’s plan.

In the end, it all comes down to our own choice. When we place our hopes too high in humans, we set ourselves up for disappointment. As Christians, our primary focus should be on how we serve God, love Him, and prioritize Him in every aspect of our lives. Our treatment of others reflects our faith; it’s how we witness to the world. When we allow ourselves to sink into negativity, we compromise our witness. Let’s strive to do better and come together, showing love and understanding to one another, regardless of our differences. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate place that will be better for everyone (because we chose it).

Put more love in your heart, take away the hate,
Make space for kindness, let compassion resonate.
Let’s choose to uplift, to show care and grace,
Creating a world where love takes its place.

Through hearts full of love, let’s stop the harsh acts,
We get further in life when we focus on the facts.
Instead of harsh words or posting with disdain,
Let’s fill the air with kindness, let love break the chain.

There’s a saying about sweetness—honey goes far,
God wants us to shine, to be light where we are.
No matter how dark the world may seem,
We’re called to act like Christians, to live the Jesus theme.

So, let’s rise above the hurt and the strife,
Reflecting His love in every aspect of life.
For it doesn’t matter how we’re treated each day,
We’re still to show love and grace in every way.

As I take time to reflect on the life of my dear cousin Charley, I can’t but help to think that of all the people in this world, God chose us to be cousins for a specific place in time. Our dads, being twins, created a bond that brought us together in a way that was always special, meaningful and unique.

A few months ago, I found a beautiful patchwork journal that I hoped to fill with thoughts that resonated deeply at the right time. Little did I know that it would be in Charley’s unexpected departure…that it would be the moment I would finally put pen to paper in that book.

Life, like a quilt, is stitched together with memories and emotions we share. Each patch represents moments we hold dear. I fondly recall summers spent at Cole Park, where our families created joyful memories together. Charley loved Barry Manilow, and I can almost hear the melodies playing in the background, adding warmth to our cherished memories.

Grief, like patchwork, is complex and layered. It brings a mix of emotions—sorrow, joy, nostalgia, and love. In this moment of loss, we find solace in the memories of Charley: the laughter we shared while playing board games on New Year’s Eve, the carefree moments dancing in the living room, eating grandmas freshly made Italian in her kitchen, and the simple joy of being together. Each memory is a stitch that reinforces the bond we shared, a reminder of how deeply he touched our lives.

Charley’s spirit will always be a vital part of our quilt. Although he may no longer be with us in body, the love, laughter, and cherished moments we shared will continue to warm our hearts.

As we navigate through our grief, let’s celebrate the unique quilt of Charley’s life. Each square tells a story—of joy, kindness, and the little moments that made us smile. Though he may be one piece in the larger fabric of our lives, his impact is profound, reminding us that every shared moment holds significant meaning.

In our journey, we experience a spectrum of emotions: tears and laughter, joy and sorrow, gains and losses. Just like the colors of a quilt, our lives are rich with diverse experiences—darker shades during the gloomy times and bright colors on the sunny days.

A completed quilt may appear seamless at first glance, but a closer look reveals the thought and care behind each stitch. This reminds me that while life may not always fit together neatly, every piece is vital to the overall design. If a quilt (like life) ever unravels, it can always be restitched with God’s help—just as we can find healing through our grief.

Grief itself resembles a patchwork quilt, encompassing layers of emotions and memories. The stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—intertwine with our memories, helping us find comfort in the warmth of our shared experiences.

As we gather our thoughts we craft a patchwork of remembrance, bringing together the pieces that honor Charley’s life.

God will provide the strength we need in our grief, reminding us that Charley’s death is now woven into the patchwork of our lives. So, let us celebrate Charley —not just with tears, but with joy, laughter, and by holding him a little closer as we listen to the music he loved. Let us carry forward his spirit, forever intertwined in the fabric of our hearts.

Thank you, Charley, for being an irreplaceable part of our lives. You will always hold a special place in my heart.

Several months ago, I found the most beautiful patchwork notebook journal at the store and I couldn’t resist it. As a writer I have my share of different styles of notebooks and all kinds of paper to write on. I bought it, then stuck the notebook into my drawer until the right time when I would find the purpose I wanted to use it for. As you know the right reason season and timing is so vital when it comes to using our most precious journals.

Who would have thought that my cousin’s unexpected death would spark the desire to finally use this notebook?

Our lives, like quilts, are stitched together with special pieces that represent something or someone in our lives, whether past or present. Each piece has its own shape, color, pattern, and size. Each of us has a unique story woven with memories.

As we sit down to examine and reflect on the pieces we have before us, we can begin to put together the patches and create a whole quilt that embodies a celebration of our lives and experiences, along with the people we hold dearest.

In our experience, a variety of feelings, thoughts, and emotions come our way: tears and laughter, cheer and anger, gains and losses, sun and rain, strength and weakness, sorrows and joy, friends and foes. On our journey, we encounter various colors that add to the tapestry of our lives. The darker colors tend to emerge during the gloomier times, where we see blacks and grays, while sunny days bring yellows, reds, and oranges, and stormy nights reveal purples and blues.

In the same way that a quilt requires an investment of our time, effort, intentions, and money, so too does our life’s journey. Beyond the colors we have within our memory bank are the traditions we’ve loved and hated, the battles we’ve lost and won, the joyful times we’ve celebrated, and the sorrows we were unable to escape. We mastered some skills and failed at others; we had music that moved us, annoyed us, made us dance, and made us cry.

A quilt provides comfort and warmth after we’ve chosen the pieces that reflect the best of our experiences, both good and bad. It’s amazing how old scrap material can be used to create something new, comforting, and beautiful. When you think about the various fabrics—cotton, denim, polyester, silk, lace, canvas, leather, satin, wool, velvet, corduroy, and cashmere, just to name a few—and then consider the textures of rough, soft, smooth, rugged, dry, puffy, stretchy, cool, heavy, loose, thick, and thin, you see how the pieces of our quilt reflect the various emotions and feelings we experience in our lives.

If you have ever seen a completed quilt, it looks so put together at first glance. But as you look deeper, you begin to see how the pieces didn’t necessarily fit together easily; they were stitched together with much thought and care.

The beautiful thing about a patchwork quilt is that if it ever becomes unraveled, it can always be restitched. It may never be completely perfect, but it will always be perfectly imperfect in its own way. This reflects our journey, which is anything but linear.

As I look beyond the basic thoughts of the quilt and press passed that to my grief it has allowed me to see that grief itself has a tapestry that is familiar to a patchwork quilt, and it takes a life of its own on. As we seek to find comfort within our grief, we can reflect on a beautiful life that was lived, with many memories and amazing moments shared. Through the pain, joy, fun, and tears we will find that the emotions bubble up. In the stages of grief, we have denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance and they are all woven together. As we do some mindful thinking it helps us to find a certain special warmth in the memories of the one, we hold dear who once held such an important place in our lives. Their life and their journey also created its own special patchwork design. As we navigate through our grief, we realize that the person we lost has their own unique quilt for their life. They may be just one piece in our larger quilt, but their impact to our life is deep.  Each interaction, each shared moment, only adds something more – and reminds us that every square truly holds significant meaning.

Though a quilt doesn’t have a heartbeat, it holds something vital: at its heart lies love, healing, grace, forgiveness, cherished memories, and so much more. These elements create the thread that binds all our pieces together.

For us as writers, just like crafters who situate the pieces they’ve collected and organized, we gather our words and arrange them thoughtfully. Patchwork serves as a symbol of connection, as it brings together various pieces to build a memorable and creative collection.

As I began my week, I took a moment to pause before entering my workday. I made the mistake of looking through some social media which only led me to a lot of frustration when I found myself subjected to the same rhetoric and animosity as the day and weeks before. God surely wouldn’t want me to have that frustration and carry it with me into my day. I began to ask myself why I I’m taking such issue with people who are misbehaving but yet call themselves believers in Christ. If I’m being 100 percent honest, I guess I would have to say I expect better behavior.

I try so hard not to judge or become upset, but it seems to be the same people demonstrating the same hostility and animosity pretty consistently. As a Christian of course I feel it is imperative that we encourage others to vote in alignment to our biblical principles. However, I feel there is a way to share the message without tearing down our witness for Christ.

While I do understand that it’s natural in the way that not everyone will agree on everything, I feel as followers of Christ we have a responsibility to represent his character by our words and our actions. When we engage negatively it not only undermines our witness, but it also contradicts the very essence of the love and grace that Jesus demonstrated.

When I think about trying to reflect the character of Christ threw the way that I behave look at Jesus’s model of love that was rooted in, kindness, and mercy, even towards the people who opposed him. When we sink into it and allow ourselves to engage in hurtful humor and awful criticism, we are only taking the risk to distort that image. Is that really what we are looking to do if we want to embody his love and offer grace instead of judgment?

We are living in times when our witness to the world is more vital than ever before. This means we should be demonstrating love to others, including those with whom we disagree, even toward political candidates we oppose, as their views may not reflect the teachings of Christ.

I believe there is a way to be respectful instead of resorting to hatred, derision, and division. Jesus set the best example in how He interacted with individuals from various backgrounds and beliefs. If we follow His example, we can demonstrate that our faith is inclusive and transformative rather than judgmental.

Although we are in the midst of dealing with two political parties that are very opposing in their views, we can still seek to way to find common values that would allow us to have more unity. Is it possible to bridge gaps between political perspectives? I think if we demonstrate integrity and approach political discussions with more kindness, we can set a standard that might only inspire others to do likewise. This not only reflects the faith we have in Jesus, but it might also attract them to understanding what he is all about.

It is clear that some political figures are in need of guidance and grace on all realms of the political spectrum. Instead of showing our criticism, why not show a new commitment to pray for them instead? We need to show a faith that believes Jesus can do anything, even with impossible politicians.

Another area that could use some tweaking is instead of sharing despair and frustration, perhaps we could focus more on the hope that Jesus brings. With him we have the possibility of positive changes and show that we are unwavering in our faith instead of being relatable to the rest of the world in the chaos. A more constructive attitude from us Christians could really resonate deeply for those who feel lost or disillusioned.

Why wouldn’t we want to show a better reflection of our Christian values and potentially reach so many who feel alienated or marginalized, which ultimately fosters a more loving and inclusive community? Have our hearts become so focused on temporary presidential candidates that we’ve ‘lost’ our passion for the lost and where they spend eternity?

The Lord would never desire of us that our faith would be determined by the results of an election, but more fueled by the truth of his word. This is what we are called to share when he says go ye into all the world. They need to know there is a better way, not seeing us expressing our anguish with the state of the world. They need to know that God is still good despite our circumstances.

You’ve heard the old saying of agreeing to disagree. What that means is respectfully disagreeing with someone, rather than disrespectfully disagreeing with someone. When we share the animosity, mean bullish memes, et cetera what do you think we are demonstrating for Christ? Is it something he would be proud of?

So, what does this look like? We all have our viewpoints. Acknowledging that someone else has a different perspective doesn’t mean you agree with them or that you’re going to change your own. In fact, it shows that you value their thoughts and opinions. We must remember that we don’t all come from the same place, especially when we are believers and others may know little about our Bible other than how they see us living in or out of accordance with it.

Sometimes, listening in a calm and composed manner while keeping emotions in check feels much less attacking for both sides; otherwise, people shut down and turn away from us. There are cases where some individuals simply cannot handle these types of conversations without being combative, and that may call us to step away. Let’s make sure we are not the combative ones turning people away. We can have a strong political stance on something and still respect others.

If we take the time to think about it, we often find that we agree on more things than we realize when it comes to our country. While there will always be issues, we won’t always see eye to eye on everything, but we can still engage respectfully. Many people share common concerns, such as community well-being, safety, and opportunities for growth, which can help build connections despite our differences. Embracing diverse perspectives enriches our understanding and can lead to more comprehensive solutions. If we prioritize being respectful, it not only sets a good example but may also encourage others to be more mindful of their behavior. I know I have personally changed my perspective on some issues, and we must remember that we are not all in the same place; we don’t all have the same past or life experiences, and those factors can shape our beliefs in significant ways.

Remember we are not going to change the world by being like the world. We can show them more of Jesus beginning with praying about what we are posting, and what conversations we are engaging in beforehand. Allow him to show his approval or convict us in our hearts that we would not want to damage our witness for him.

Have you ever as a writer really thought about what this means? Do we get our ‘thoughts’ down on paper exactly the way that we want them to be? We often use the phrase “my thoughts exactly” in a way to express that we completely agree with someone else’s opinion or statement.

Now, viewing this In comparison to coffee, which is often associated with clarity and energy, it can suggest you and I might feel a strong alignment or resonance with the idea being discussed—much like how coffee can sharpen focus and make thoughts more coherent. It’s like saying, “That’s precisely how I feel!”

Now for the fun part – and really getting our exact thoughts.

A) Be patient in the process by giving yourself some time to gain your correct thoughts.
-Choose your beans! Like selecting the right coffee beans – identify what exactly it is you are trying to express.

B) Outline/Grind Put some things down as you free write.
-Just like you grind your beans to the consistency you need, you can roadmap your thoughts.

C) Brew Slowly & Steady in the right environment
-Remember it takes time to brew coffee, so allow yourself to be in surroundings that set the right atmosphere for your creative mind to flow.

D) Taste/Adjust/Revise Refine!
-Just like you adjust your coffee to the flavor which matches your exactly liking – add in or cut out what you need.

E) Appreciate & Enjoy
-In the same way that you savor every sip of your favorite brew of coffee – being able to see your words completely made into something you’re able to share if very rewarding!!