When you drop a pebble into the smooth surface of a lake, the ripples circle out to the shore. So it is with our choices. The long-term effects can mean devastation or delight.

The choice of one person to lead another to Christ resulted in a ripple effect. That person led one other to Christ, who led another, who led another, etc. Somewhere along the line of those accepting Jesus was Billy Graham; the rest is history, as they say.

“Family Stories for God’s Glory” tells my story of when I made some bad choices. As a self-centered six-year-old, my choices turned a beautiful day into a sad occasion. My uncles, aunts, and cousins who had gathered to celebrate Easter were affected. One by one, the ripples turned a joyous day sour.

In the Bible story of Joseph, we see him making right and difficult choices. He was a man of integrity who honored God’s laws and refused to sleep with his master’s wife. It didn’t turn out well for Joseph initially, but in the end, we see him honored and reconciled to his brothers, who had rejected him many years ago.

Of course, the ultimate choice, the highest of them all, is that of Jesus Christ, who chose to lay down His life, to suffer and die so that all mankind may be reconciled to God and live a life of hope and a promise of everlasting life with Him! The ripples from Jesus’ choice are still touching everyone today, 2,000 years later!

Thank Him today for being willing to make that choice.

See you next time.

Charlotte H. Burkholder

godinlifesmoments.com

March 11, 2025

A starving little street dog came to live with us thirteen years ago. He seems to realize that he had been rescued from certain death. He shows his gratitude by enjoying living with us. Food is his top priority, maybe because he remembers the pangs of hunger. He loves to eat, and he loves all the treats he gets from the people who love him.

‘Lil Daze is a trained therapy dog. His job is to love people, look them in the eye, wag his tail, and let them pet him. This is to be therapy for the one he is visiting. But, when ‘Lil Daze enters a room his first focus is on the floor, just in case someone has left some crumbs there. He wants to explore every corner before acknowledging the person waiting to meet him. After finally convincing himself that he has gotten every crumb that might have fallen, then he turns his attention to the person waiting to love him.

Can you see the similarities in ‘Lil Daze’s action to what ours is sometimes with the God who loves us? Do we focus on His hand to see what He will give us instead of looking at His face and enjoying fellowship with Him. Do we bring Him joy by enjoying what He gives to us, or by focusing on His face and rejoicing in His love for us?

Where is your focus today?

Charlotte

godinlifesmomenets.com

January 13, 2025

Life is full of times when we need to “let go.” Sometimes “letting go” is huge and sometimes, perhaps daily, we need to make lots of little choices that involve letting go. In my book, “Family Stories for God’s Glory,” I write about some of my most significant ones. I let go of my children as they married and left home, one by one. I let go of the home we loved when it was time to move into a retirement community. All of us, at one time or another, will experience the pain of letting good when a loved one leaves this earth.

Perhaps you have needed to let go of a dream, a goal, a relationship, or a slice of time. Maybe you have had to forfiet a much-needed nap or refrain from your favorite dessert.

When God makes it clear that it is His desire that we let go of something and move on, He promises His guidance. One must be willing and part of the process to be victorious. Think of being a sailboat moored with a sturdy rope to the dock. When God gives the signal, our part is to untie the rope and sail out into unknown waters trusting in Him. If we are so firmly attached to something, it can be terrifying to let go, but we won’t move forward until the tether is undone. God promises His help, but the venture will only be successful if we cut the tie.

When God says to let go, we must do our part to make it happen. To be forced to let go without our willingness is not letting go at all. It is a disaster waiting to happen. If we are forced to let go without our consent, our little boat will sail on rough waters. For a peaceful journey let’s ask our loving Heavenly Father to cast off and set the sails. He will take us safely through whatever lies ahead.

Trusting in Him,

Charlotte

What was Christmas like for you? At Christmas time our sensory stimulation is bombarded with: decorated trees, colored lights, twinkling lights, sparkles, homemade cookies, carolers, candlelight services, parties, manger scenes, gifts to give and receive, Santa Claus, tinsel, wrapping paper and bags, candy canes, egg nog, Christmas music, Christmas movies, family get-togethers, and the list goes on.

Now, Christmas is over, says the calendar. Trees are taken down, lights no longer shine, and bit by bit all the Christmas evidences are tucked away for another year.

All is over and done for another year unless you celebrated the true meaning of Christmas. Maybe in a glimmering candlelight service, maybe as you gazed at the Babe in a manger scene, or maybe all alone you sat quietly with your thoughts and Jesus’ birth became real and personal. If so, then Christmas isn’t over; it has just begun and will continue until the day He comes to take us home. Won’t that be the day!!

Enjoy Christmas all year,

Charlotte

November 5, 2024

One day, my hurried grocery trip became a holy moment with God. Rushing to beat the clock, I dashed to the store for a few items to make my dinner a bit more special for my soon-arriving guests. I rushed in the door, dashed down the aisle, threw the few needed items in the cart, and headed for check-out. Good, there’s a checkout aisle with only one person, buying only one item. This would be quick.

However, the “only one” person turned out to be an ancient little lady buying Polident for her dentures. The Polident in her withered hand appeared to be the wrong flavor, size, or price. Whatever, it would mean a trip back to get the right item, while I stood nervously tapping my foot.

Grumbling thoughts flooded my mind. They stopped, however, when God whispered, “Someday you might be a little old lady buying Polident and you will need a patient, understanding person to wait on you.”

Focusing on another person instead of yourself is a healthy move.

Next time you feel “out of sorts” about something, try focusing on someone else.

Blessings,

Charlotte

“Family Stories for God’s Glory” may be purchased at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or from the author at chburkholder12@gmail.com