January 24,2026

Has your face ever flamed red when you suddenly realized you’ve goofed? My class of 5-7 year-olds was learning about worship–what it is and how we do it. We talked about prayer, praise, reading the Bible, obeying parents, and helping others. “What about your attitude?” I asked, “What about when your parents ask you to do something that you really, really don’t want to do?” When you choose to have a cheerful attitude when you feel like being grumpy or angry, then that would be a good way to worship too.” I felt good about giving this aspect of worship that they may not have thought of before. Fact is, I hadn’t thought of it before either!

One of the beginning stories in “Family Stories for God’s Glory,” is an example of how a bad attitude portrayed, not only the opposite of worship, but ruined the day for the one with the bad attitude as well as saddened a lot of other people.

Now, back to present day. The week following my worship teaching, a reoccurring event frustrated me. My husband and I are both busy during the day with our various responsibilities, and we look forward to our “prime time” following dinner. This is when we relax, read, have devotions, watch a movie, and sometimes, snack. This particular evening, I wanted to order a book to send to our great grandchild who was turning four. It was early in the evening, and I thought I’d order the book really quick and have it on its way. When will I ever learn that you don’t do anything “really quick” with technology??

Trying to order just one little book, I smacked into one brick wall after another. Most of my problems were with passwords (they top the list of my pet peeves!) Time began slipping by. I got my husband involved and he tried to resolve the issue.

I checked the time. Oh, no. It’s already after 8:00 o’clock. We tried all the ways we could think of to send our order. Nothing worked. It shouldn’t be this hard! Checking the time again, I saw all our prime time draining away. Initially, I was unrealistic enough to think that maybe we could play a game together like some couples who find time to do that every single evening. If this were the first time this happened, I could have handled it. Remember, I said “reoccurring?” This was a pattern. It seemed like there was always something, technology related, that devoured our prime time on a regular basis.

My frustration, grumpiness, and unhappiness grew as fast as the minutes ticking by. Suddenly, I remembered what I had taught the children about bad attitudes. Maybe I should try practicing what I preached! It was hard, and it didn’t change things all at once, but choosing to change my attitude did improve the atmosphere.

Finally, I had to relinquish all my hopes for a relaxing evening. There would be no time left–not even to have devotions, except for a quick prayer–mostly of repentance.

A good attitude is a very good way to worship.

How will you worship Him today?

Vulnerably yours,

Charlotte

Link:godinlifesmoments.com

“Family Stories for God’s Glory” is sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Blessings Book Store, Harrisonburg, Va. Books may also be ordered directly from: chburkholder12@gmail.com

Comments are welcome.

October 25, 2025

Did you know there is a plan for your life–always has been, even before you were born? Growing up, I never really thought much about my life’s plan. I just sort of lived life from day to day, year to year, and never took the time to consider if or what I should be planning for my life. Honest confession.

I knew exactly what I wanted life to hold for me. I wanted to get married, and have a family. And look what the Lord has done! If you read, “Family Stories for God’s Glory” you will find how He answered that desire of mine in a mighty big way.

Now that I am older and have lived the majority of my life, I rejoice to see that God had plans for me even before I was born. And He did for you, too. The psalmist says, “In your book, you wrote about all the days planned for me before any of them had happened.” Psa.139:16 ERV.

So maybe it’s okay that I didn’t plan my life. But it would have been okay if I had, as long as I was willing to change my plans as God made known His plans for me. They are the best and assure one of a fulfilled life.

Perhaps you did make great plans for your life, but somehow they got sidetracked and you went down a wrong path which led to unhappiness and despair. Maybe you missed God’s plan for your life and now wonder what in the world to do. There is good news for you. God is always waiting to forgive all the past and start you all over again with His plan. It will be the best for the rest of your life.

Happy Traveling,

Charlotte

Link: godinlifesmoments.com
Book sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Blessings Bookstore, Harrisonburg, VA., and Rocktown Historical Museum in Dayton, VA.

You may also order directly from: chburkholder12@gmail.com