Hello! What a Joy
it is to Meet You…
That little guy there is Asher the pup—-he likes you already and so do I. Yeah…amazing, wondrous, incredible you.
You’re looking for peace and comfort in an unpeaceful and uncomfortable world. I get it—life can get messy…downright hard. There are some resources below that have gotten me through trials & tribulations where, many a day (okay, “week”), it was difficult to know which way was up. I also highly recommend, if you don’t already have one, downloading a Bible app to your favorite device. I believe the answer to every question can be found in God’s Word. I like the “YouVersion” app—the one that looks like (surprise!) a Bible with the words “Holy Bible” on it (I know, right?), but there are many good options. May these resources help you, and may you have ears to hear what it is God is saying to you, in Jesus’s name. —-John.
With Both Hands Clinching
I was
breakable.
A matchstick life—
one strike away from burning down
everything I ever loved.
Addiction had my name carved
in its teeth,
whispering lullabies made of chains,
promising comfort,
delivering storms.
I tried to fight it with fists,
with willpower,
AND every "I swear this is the last time"
I ever spat into the mirror—
but the monster just smiled,
waited,
and welcomed me back
like it owned me.
But then—
then—
in my darkest night,
God didn't knock.
He kicked the door straight off its hinges.
He came in like light spilling into a room that
forgot
what daylight felt like.
He reached into the places I hid—
the shame-soaked corners,
the bruised promises,
the trembling hands—
And He said,
"Child, you are still Mine."
That hit harder than any high ever could.
See, the world told me recovery was a
mountain
I'd never climb.
But God?
God handed me a new pair of lungs
and taught me how to breathe again.
He rewired my heartbeat,
turned my cravings into testimonies,
turned my weakness into witness.
And when the addiction came back,
howling,
reminding me of every failure,
God stood taller—
told that thing,
"This one belongs to Me."
Now I walk free,
not because I am strong,
but because I am held.
Not because I conquered a demon,
but because I followed a Savior
who already did.
So here I am—
standing, shaking, shining—
a miracle with sneakers on,
proof that grace doesn't give up,
proof that God still resurrects
living people
from living hells.
And when they ask me
how I made it out,
I tell them:
I didn't.
God pulled me out
And with both hands I cling to my Father.
~Jayde Arms
Adrift At Sea
And lost between the waves -
The rise and fall continues,
And I am sick of the sea.
Where is the land now?
Where the sail and wind to bear me there?
Where the peaceful harbor for my soul?
The sail is lost,
The moorings, too.
And all the underpinnings of my craft
Creak and strain
Threatening to give way.
No longer can I be the captain -
I see that now.
It's finally coming clear to me.
There's another I must yield my wheel to
Who alone can chart my course,
For He knows the wind and the sea
And where the rocks beneath.
And only He can steer me home
If I will but surrender
My wheel and boat to Him.
So, sick of the sea, I surrender -
Not because I want to, necessarily,
But because I have used up all my other alternatives
And need to.
No longer sick of the sea.
For He has established me
Upon a mighty Rock
Anchored to Earth's foundation
By water's pounding edge.
My ship, safely harbored.
My soul, safely home.
My captain, always near,
My Savior and my Friend.
~James Fry
Resources
Pastor Joseph Prince gives insights into Biblical Scripture, going deeper to providing understanding. (Excellent in deciphering the original Hebrew text)
Allen Jackson, Senior Pastor of World Outreach Church, preaches Spiritually uplifting messages and Biblical truths with a touch of wit.
Pastor of Shorewood Bible Church and speaker at numerous radio and conference events throughout the U.S., Richard Jordan wants to help you “live a life that is well pleasing to our Lord and Savior.”
A diverse group of counselors & therapists, all of whom hold Masters Degrees or Doctorates, ready to help you reach your fullest potential relationally, emotionally, psychologically, and Spiritually.
A great website where you can subscribe to receive life-altering daily Spiritual messages.
Fantastic Desktop and mobile device Bible application with dozens of translations and languages
A non-denominational church based in San Antonio, Texas, where lead Pastors John and Matt Hagee spread the Good News of salvation, redemption, and forgiveness through Christ the Savior.
Cornerstone Church