“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” -2 Cor. 4:8-9

We’ve all heard the saying, “Sometimes you’re the bug, sometimes you’re the windshield.” Most of us don’t need much explanation for what that means — life can feel powerful and smooth one day and painfully splattered the next.

Some days, you’re the windshield.

You’re moving forward with confidence. Decisions feel clear. Prayers seem answered. You’re steady, strong, and able to handle what comes your way. From this perspective, obstacles don’t stop you — they just remind you that you’re still in motion. God’s strength feels tangible, and you’re grateful for the season of clarity and momentum.

But then there are days when you’re the bug.

Those are the days when life hits hard and fast. Unexpected news. Disappointment. Conflict. Weariness. You didn’t see it coming, and suddenly you feel small, stunned, and stuck to the glass wondering what just happened. From the bug’s perspective, the impact feels personal, painful, and unfair.

Here’s the important truth: being the bug does not mean you’re defeated.

Scripture never promises that the righteous won’t fall. In fact, Proverbs 24:16 tells us plainly that they will. What sets God’s people apart isn’t avoidance of hardship — it’s the grace to rise again. Falling doesn’t disqualify us. Getting hit doesn’t end the story. Feeling crushed doesn’t mean we ARE crushed.

Whether you’re the bug or the windshield, God is still moving you forward.

The windshield doesn’t stop because of impact, and the bug isn’t left behind by God when the collision happens. Both are still part of forward motion. God uses seasons of strength to carry us, and seasons of weakness to teach us dependence. Sometimes growth comes through momentum; sometimes it comes through surrender.

The enemy would love for us to believe that being the bug means we’re failing. God reminds us that perseverance is not about never getting hit — it’s about trusting Him enough to get back up.

So, if today feels like a windshield day, walk humbly and gratefully. And if today feels like a bug day, take heart — you are not finished, forgotten, or stuck forever.

Takeaway Thought

Sometimes the bug. Sometimes the windshield. Always moving forward — because God isn’t done yet.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come to You just as we are today — maybe feeling steady and strong, maybe feeling hit hard and shaken. Wherever we find ourselves, thank You that You are still moving us forward.

When life presses in, remind us we are not crushed. When we feel confused, keep us from despair. When we are knocked down, help us remember we are not destroyed.

Protect us from believing that hardship means failure. Give us the courage to rise again and the humility to trust You in every season. Thank You that our story isn’t finished and that You are not done yet. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Your Heart Sister,
Mikki💜

February is often called the “month of love.” Everywhere we look, we’re surrounded by hearts, cards, and reminders to celebrate affection and warm feelings. Love is presented as something that should feel easy, affirming, and endlessly pleasant. And while those expressions can be sweet, God’s Word invites us to look beyond the surface and ask a deeper question: How does Scripture define real love?

John gently reminds us that love is more than kind words or good intentions—it is something lived out “in deed and in truth.” Loving in truth means caring enough about someone to align our love with God’s Word, even when that requires courage. There are moments when silence feels easier than honesty, and agreement feels safer than truth. Yet Scripture calls us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). This command calls for us to examine our hearts: Am I willing to lovingly speak truth when it is uncomfortable, or do I avoid it to keep the peace? True love doesn’t ignore truth—it delivers it with humility, prayer, and grace.

God’s love also invites us to consider our motives. Biblical love is never self-serving. It does not speak truth to prove a point, protect pride, or ease personal discomfort. Instead, it seeks the spiritual good of the other. This kind of love asks us to pause and reflect: Are my words and actions rooted in genuine care, or in a desire for control, validation, or recognition? Love that reflects Christ is pure—it gives without expecting anything in return.

And then there is patience. Scripture tells us that love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4), not because patience comes naturally, but because real love often requires endurance. God’s love does not withdraw when growth is slow or obedience is imperfect. It stays, hopes, and continues to invest. This challenges us to consider: Who has God placed in my life that requires patient love right now—and have I been tempted to love only when it feels easy? Loving patiently means trusting God’s timing instead of demanding immediate change.

Hallmark may celebrate love with sweetness and sentiment, but God wants for us a deeper, truer love—one shaped by Scripture, purified by right motives, and sustained by patience. This is love that reflects not the season, but the Savior.

Takeaway Thought: God’s love goes deeper than feelings—it is truthful, pure, and patient.

In His Love,

Mikki💜

Prayer: Lord, as we reflect on love this month, teach us to love as You do. Help us speak truth with grace, examine our motives honestly, and remain patient when love feels costly. Shape our hearts so that our love points others not to ourselves, but to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”—John 10:10

If you’ve spent any time scrolling social media lately, you’ve probably seen it too—posts, reels, articles, and even “expert” tips on how to SURVIVE the holidays.
Survive?
Really?

If the birth of our Savior—God putting on flesh and stepping into our messy world—isn’t a reason to THRIVE, then what is?

And yet… we all know how it goes.

By December 1st, we’re knee-deep in wrapping paper, cookie crumbs, shopping lists, “dirty Santa” gifts, school programs, office parties, and endless “bring a dish to share” reminders. And our calendars fill as fast as our carts. The pace quickens. The noise gets louder. And suddenly, the season meant to bring peace on earth feels more like chaos in aisle seven.

But what if we don’t have to settle for the frantic version of Christmas?
What if this year could look a little different?
When my kids were younger, we did a craft project that involved glitter — the innocent-looking, shiny, sparkly kind. Everything was going smoothly until one of them bumped the container. And when I say bumped, I mean it went airborne like glitter had just been waiting for its chance to launch.

It. Went. Everywhere.

In their hair.
In the carpet.
Under the table.
In the dog’s fur (he sparkled for days).
In the grout between the tiles.
Weeks later, I’d still catch a speck shining on the edge of a lampshade or stuck to a sock fresh out of the dryer.

It didn’t matter how much I swept or wiped — the glitter kept showing up, catching the light, reminding me of a moment long after the mess was “cleaned up.”

And as ridiculous as it sounds, that glitter taught me something.

Just as Glitter Doesn’t Stay Put…Neither Does Joy

Glitter spreads.
It sticks.
It shows up in places you weren’t expecting.
It doesn’t ask permission.
It reflects light even in the dim corners.

But it only spreads because someone touched it.

And joy — real, God-given joy — works exactly the same way.

We tend to believe joy is something that happens to us. When the house is peaceful, when the plans go smoothly, when the cookies come out perfectly, when people behave the way we hope they will.

But biblical joy doesn’t behave like that.
Joy is not fragile.
Joy isn’t dependent on perfection.
Joy doesn’t wait on circumstances to improve.

Joy spreads wherever it is handled…
noticed…
touched…
and embraced.

Much like glitter, joy has a surprising way of showing up in unexpected places when we make space to truly engage with the things that produce it: God’s presence, God’s Word, and God’s peace.

Let’s Embrace the Glitter!

We rush through December touching everything but joy.
We handle stress, obligations, commitments, expectations, comparison, pressure, and noise.

But joy?
Peace?
Stillness?
Worship?

We rarely pause long enough to let them cling to us.

Yet thriving doesn’t start with a perfect holiday season.
It starts with touching what carries God’s presence — the things that sparkle with His goodness.

When you slow down to breathe in His Word…
When you choose gratitude in the middle of the mess…
When you stop scrolling long enough to pray…
When you laugh with someone you love…
When you say no to something that steals your peace…

You’re touching joy.
And like glitter, it spreads.

It sticks to you.
It shows up later when you least expect it.
It makes even the messy places shine.

Jesus Didn’t Come So You Could Just “Survive”

He came so you could have life — abundant, overflowing, joy-filled life.

Life that sparkles even in the chaos.
Life that spreads to the people around you.
Life that reminds you that no matter how busy the season becomes…
you are held, you are loved, and you are not alone.

This year, don’t settle for holiday survival mode.
Touch what matters.
Let joy cling to you.
Let peace settle over you.
Let the light of Christ show up in unexpected places — just like glitter.

Takeaway Thought:

When you slow down enough to touch the things that carry God’s presence, His joy and peace begin to cling to you—and transform your whole season.

Prayer

Lord, as we step into this season, help us slow down and remember what really matters. When things start to feel rushed or overwhelming, steady our hearts and draw our attention back to You. Let Your joy cling to us in the everyday moments and let Your peace guide the pace of our days. Use us to bring a little glitter and love to the people around us. Make this a season where we feel Your presence in real, simple ways.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

In His Love,
Mikki💜