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

When you hear the word “incoming,” what comes to mind? Maybe it’s an incoming call, a message, an email, or even an incoming train or tide. Depending on the situation, it could mean urgency, movement, or something headed your way—fast.

But what if we applied the word “incoming” to our faith? When the next wave of stress, anxiety, or unexpected circumstances rush in—could we maybe have a surge of incoming faith?

If you think about it… where does our faith even come from? Is it really ongoing? Is it on the inside us or outside? I’ve heard some might say you don’t really need faith until you need it. So, what is faith in those quiet moments before a crisis? Is it like a spiritual ointment—something you apply when there’s a wound? A sort of medicine cabinet remedy, tucked away until the moment we whisper, “God, I need You now.”

Can we keep our faith on standby like that or does faith need to be alive, stirred, and always active in our lives, even when the skies are clear? In Hebrews 11:1 the word tells us that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Do we need faith for our faith though?

Do We Need Faith… for Our Faith? This is big. Deep. Because if it’s the evidence of things not seen, then faith must go deeper than what we feel. Deeper than what we fear. It’s not just a hope—it’s a spiritual posture. But here’s the thing: even faith itself takes faith.

It takes faith to trust that faith will work. It takes trust to believe that God is who He says He is, even when everything around you says otherwise. When you’re walking through that foggy season—the one where clarity is nowhere to be found are you wondering when your faith is going to show up and make it better? Or do you turn on that activation of it…and let it rise from within you, even in the cloudy environment.

“Incoming!” — When Faith Must Be Activated I once went through something painful—messy, confusing, faith-shaking. And someone told me, “This is where you need to use your faith.” My faith? It caught me off guard. Because you can believe in people… in time… in logic. But when you’re told to use your faith, it’s not about having it—it’s about invoking it. Activating it. Faith doesn’t just sit still. It responds.

But how does it stay activated? That’s pretty straightforward- by relying on God daily—not just when the crisis hits. And by refusing to deactivate it with doubt, discouragement, or pity.

Is Your Faith Alive… or Asleep?
Ask yourself:

• Is my faith bold? Or passive?
• Is it stirred when life feels unfair?
• Do I speak up for God when people mock faith or say, “So much for your God”?

Living faith is outgoing. It moves. It flows. It doesn’t stay boxed in when life gets hard. Outgoing faith means living like we trust God—even when the outcome is unclear.

Faith Is sor tof like Driving a Car Think about getting into your car. You turn the key or push the button and…you expect it to get you from Point A to Point B. That’s faith. But guess what? You also need:

• Gas
• Working tires
• Brakes
• Oil

Faith is all those moving parts. It’s not just belief—it’s preparation.
And when the tire blows? When the journey stalls? That’s when you shout, “INCOMING!”
And that’s when your faith rushes in—for an outgoing trust that keeps you going.

So… Is Your Faith Incoming or Outgoing?

Maybe it’s both.

• Incoming when it washes over you in surrender.
• Outgoing when you live it boldly and trust God in the dark.

Faith isn’t a button we press or a light switch we flip. It’s a relationship, a rhythm, a lifeline—and it’s meant to be used. So, the next time you feel the pressure coming… don’t panic.

Just whisper,
“Incoming…”
…and watch your faith rise to meet it.

When you see her, does she stand and show the way to the Word — in the ways of God?
Or does she make you question what God is all about?

When you see her, and she sees that lady begging for money,
does she yell at her and call her a coward?
Or does she show compassion and love, offering hope to a soul that feels forgotten?

When you see her, does she gossip about her coworkers,
plotting revenge in her heart?
Or does she say, “I pray for them every day, and I thank God He placed me here for His glory”?

When you see her, does she ridicule and tear down people
because they don’t vote like her or believe like her?
Or does she say, “I long to see them come to know Christ, because He loves them too”?

When you see her,
do you know — without a doubt — that she is saved by the blood of the Lamb?
Or do you find yourself questioning who she really is at all?

I want to share something that recently stirred my heart, something God revealed through a writer’s group I’m part of. It’s about placement—where we are putting ourselves, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Sometimes God works in unexpected ways. But often, it’s not about what He’s doing—it’s about whether we’re in the right place to experience it. Picture this: I’m sitting on my porch, rocking in my chair, resting. And suddenly, God shows up on a motorcycle and says, “Let’s go. I’ve got something to show you. I’m doing something in you.” The problem is… are we even in the chair when He pulls up?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned lately is the need to lay even our everyday things before Him as offerings. We tend to think only the big spiritual moments matter, but God is in the little things too. The getting up, the morning coffee, the commute to work, cooking dinner, folding laundry, sweeping the porch—those are all part of the offering. And when we treat those moments as unto the Lord, like Colossians 3:23 says, about doing everything (even the task of laundry) it shifts our entire perspective.

We get so caught up in the hustle and routine that we forget to rest. And when we don’t make intentional time to slow down, how can we make space for God? No wonder we’re anxious. No wonder we’re overwhelmed. Sometimes, it’s not that God isn’t speaking—it’s that we’re too busy to hear Him.

What if the answer is simpler than we think? Maybe it’s about turning off social media. Maybe it’s about stepping outside for a walk in the park. Maybe it’s just clearing off the porch so we can sit in the rocking chair again. There is such freedom in getting away from the noise—the people, the posts, the comparisons, the things that pull us in the wrong direction. There is peace in the presence of God, but we have to choose it. We have to let go of what’s not good for us. That’s where trust comes in.

He’s not going to force us to follow. He’s not going to drag us out of chaos. But He will invite us into something better—if we’re paying attention. And this message isn’t just for one type of person. It doesn’t matter how old you are or if you’re male or female—this is for all of us. God is moving in the lives of those who make themselves available. He’s working in unique ways with each of us, and no one is left out.

We always have free will. But if we don’t ask for His direction, if we don’t get into His Word, if we don’t make time to be still, we might just miss that moment when He pulls up and says, “Let’s go.” So I encourage you: make space. Clear the porch. Find your chair. Sit. Rest. Because the ride might be to free your mind… Or it might be a mission. But either way, you won’t want to miss it. Take a moment to reflect on that. It’s deeper than it seems.

The bird sings a tune because it simply has to.
As it awakes and takes each step,
There’s a song deep inside—waiting to rise.

It might not always feel like the brightest shine,
but as it rises from within,
it breaks through —
slowly, steadily.

And then,
you begin to see the light’s reflection
has made it’s way —
a realness that is
genuine, true, and honest.

Not because the world is perfect,
But because it was made to sing.
Even after the storm,
Even when the sky is still gray,
It lifts its voice anyway.

So must we.

What do you represent?
What is your cause?
What fills your feed, your thoughts, your conversations?
What spills out from your mouth, your keyboard, your presence?
Where does your focus rest when no one’s watching?

In a world saturated with politics and parties,
With playlists and pop culture,
With movies, meals, and macro-tracking,
What is it that you greet the world with each morning?

Do you share your recipe for pot roast—
or stir the pot to keep the drama hot?

Is it joy you carry?
Or judgment?

Are your posts a breath of fresh air…
or a storm people brace for?

Do you build up with kindness,
or tear down with criticism?
Do you bring peace like a steady flame,
or ignite division just to watch it burn?

Do you light a candle—
or blow someone else’s out?

Are you a smooth, beautiful rhythm—
or a clanging, chaotic noise?

Because whether you realize it or not…
You represent something.
You are leading someone.
The only question is:
Where are you leading them?

If you call yourself a believer—
Who do you truly believe in?
Whose voice is loudest in your heart?
Who is your master?

Your posts may say one thing,
But they reveal something deeper—
Where your hope lies.
Where your compass points.
What kingdom you’re really serving.

There is a higher purpose.
There is a higher calling.

And yes, we can all be better.
We can choose to do better.
To see the better.
To be the better.

To find something good in every single person—
Even those we disagree with.
Can we? Sure we can.
But will we? That’s the real question.

Because we choose, every single day.
With every comment, every post, every pause, every prayer…
We choose what kind of light we bring into this world.

So… what are you choosing today?

Today, I’m frustrated.
It’s been so hard to keep my feelings in and not respond to what some of my fellow so-called Christian brothers and sisters are posting. They just keep adding to the uproar. But honestly—it’s not even about what I feel.
I can only imagine how deeply Jesus must grieve when we squander the opportunity to be carriers of hope and healing… choosing instead to air grievances and tear each other down.

Someone recently asked me, “Did you see so-and-so’s post? Aren’t they supposed to be a Christian?”
That question stopped me in my tracks.
People are watching us. They’re looking for something real—truth, consistency, and hope. But our hope doesn’t lie in politics, heated opinions, or online debates. It’s found in Jesus alone.
And if our actions are just constant reactions to everything that’s stirred up in the world, then maybe we have some heart work to do.

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of reacting in frustration too.
But God is teaching me to pause, to pray, and to let go.
If someone’s heart isn’t aligned with Christ, no argument will win them over.
Only love will.

That doesn’t mean we ignore truth—it means we speak it with humility, not hostility.

The enemy thrives on confusion, division, and destruction.
That’s why we must be vigilant—not just in what we believe, but in how we live and love. Every post. Every comment. Every share.
It all matters. It’s all part of our witness.
And if our words aren’t leading others toward Jesus…
then what are we even doing?

If your social media is filled with loyalty to a political figure—who, like all of us, is flawed and fallible—then how much more should your loyalty to God be reflected?

Jesus loves all people—on every side, from every background, with every story.
May we begin to hope again for a world that reflects that love.

And until that day comes, may we pray for unity, speak with grace, and reflect the light of Christ in a world that so desperately needs Him.

Friendship can be a beautiful blessing, but sometimes we walk into relationships that slowly drain our spirit, blur our peace, and test our emotional resilience. I’ve recently walked through such a situation, and if you’ve ever felt guilted, manipulated, or spiritually stretched in the name of “being a good friend,” I pray this encourages you.
It took me some time to realize the patterns in this particular friendship. I started noticing a cycle—every time I couldn’t fix a situation or give an answer fast enough, it led to arguments or emotional outbursts. At first, I thought: “They’re a Christian, they just need support. Maybe I’m supposed to be the person who helps them change.”
But the truth is, people will only grow if they want to. And no amount of effort on your part can transform someone who is comfortable staying the same.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
There comes a danger when taking sides honestly. When they had issues with another mutual friend—someone I had no problems with—they wanted me to choose. They nudged, hinted, and even twisted my words when I wouldn’t speak badly about that person.
I chose to stay neutral. I encouraged prayer, accountability, and humility instead of gossip and judgment. And because of that, I was labeled disloyal. Within two weeks, the two of them made up. Had I taken a side, I would have been caught in unnecessary drama, emotionally worn and relationally fractured.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Emotional Manipulation in Disguise Over time, I noticed this person often shared my private struggles with others and later used them against me in arguments. When they felt I wasn’t giving them enough attention, they would make passive-aggressive comments like, “Oh, I guess you’re mad at me,” or “You must be having problems with so-and-so.”
What became clear was that our friendship operated on conditional support. If I wasn’t available when they needed me, I was made to feel like I was the problem.
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37
I finally stepped back (and this was okay)—not in anger, not with bitterness—but for my own peace and my walk with God. There’s a difference between helping someone through a struggle and being pulled into the very chaos they refuse to surrender to God.
Even Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). We are not less Christian when we draw healthy boundaries; we are actually walking in wisdom.
I offered prayers, I typed them out, sent them, and sometimes never even received a “thank you.” And though I know prayer isn’t for praise, their disregard told me they weren’t seeking God—they were seeking control. They wanted me to fix things they hadn’t even handed over to Him.
At one point, they said I wasn’t a “real friend” for choosing to spend my only free time with my family instead of listening to them vent. That was a hard line for me.
Sometimes people operate from wounds they haven’t addressed, and while we can empathize, we cannot fix them. That’s God’s work.
We must understand: Not everyone who walks with us is meant to stay forever. You are not the enemy for creating space to breathe. You are not wrong for choosing peace. You are still a loving friend—even when your love requires distance.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18

“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” – Amos 3:3

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, I find myself reflecting on my mom—a vibrant soul whose presence is deeply missed. As this special day comes around each year, the sadness washes over me because I can’t spend it with her. We always made it a point to visit, to spend time together, and I’d search for the perfect gift to make her smile.

In those last few years, it was either a charm for her Pandora bracelet or one of those Willow Tree figurines she adored. I’d look forward to finding just the right one—something that held meaning for both of us. Now, that anticipation has been replaced with emptiness.

I still have her bracelet, and on Mother’s Day, I’ll wear it. Each charm tells a story, a piece of her heart in every link—a reminder of the woman she was and the love she gave so freely. That’s just who my mom was—a woman who carried her love and her memories like charms on a bracelet, each one precious, each one irreplaceable.

I miss hearing her sing or share her latest favorite song with me. I miss her being there for my kids’ sports games and school events. I miss our little chats. So many things that might seem small—but were actually so big.

Times like these, I can’t help but wonder what heaven is like. What is she doing? Who is she spending time with? Grandma and Grandpa? So many family members and friends who have gone before us. There is no absence quite like that of a mom.

I’ll spend time with my kids, and they always try to make the day special for me. But amidst all the celebrations is that lingering longing for the days I spent with my mom. I wish I had surprised her with flowers more often, with little treats and spontaneous visits. Those opportunities are gone now, but the memories remain.

If you still have your mom, embrace her. Love her. Celebrate her. And don’t wait for a special occasion to show her how much she means to you.

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.