Why did I come up here?

So yesterday, I left the kitchen to grab something from my office, but by the time I got upstairs, I couldn’t remember what I came for. I stood there for a second, wondering out loud, "Why did I come up here?" I scanned the office, hoping something would jog my memory. Nothing. Halfway down the stairs, it finally hit me—I went up for a pair of scissors! Ugh! At least I got in some extra steps.

I’ve been assured by my contemporaries that this is completely normal, and I felt even better when my 30-something kid admitted it happens to her, too. Forgetfulness is just part of being human!

We all forget things—our keys, a friend’s birthday, a password. It’s frustrating, but usually harmless. Yet sometimes, we forget things that truly matter. In difficult seasons, we may cry out to God for help, but if things don’t go the way we hope, we can forget the countless ways God has already provided for us.

The Bible is full of stories of people forgetting God’s goodness. The Israelites, for example, saw God part the Red Sea, yet later doubted His provision in the wilderness (Exodus 14:21-22; 16:2-3). We, too, can be quick to forget the miracles and mercies God has already poured into our lives.

But God is always at work—even in the chaos of our daily lives. God created this world and filled it with good things, including God’s people. God extends mercy we don’t deserve and gives us a purpose greater than ourselves: to love God, love others, and share God’s goodness (Matthew 22:37-39, 1 Peter 2:9).

So today, let’s fight against forgetfulness—not just of our to-do lists, but of God’s faithfulness. Take a moment to remember how God has shown up in your life. Thank God for His goodness, and worship God for who God is.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." —Psalm 103:2

The power of a hug

We’ve all been there—caught in the midst of heartache or sadness—when no words of encouragement or compassion can take the pain away. But then, without a single word, someone simply offers a hug. The pain doesn’t vanish, but something shifts, doesn’t it? The power of a hug is real.

I was speaking with a lovely woman the other day, and she shared how she’d been reflecting on the impact of a simple embrace. She told me a story, and the heart of it was this: “This woman had everything she needed, yet she felt alone. All she really longed for was a hug.”

At first, I smiled, thinking it sounded almost too simple. But then it struck me—there truly is something special about a hug. It’s a universal expression of love, comfort, and connection.

Whether it’s the warm embrace of a loved one, the reassuring hug of a friend, or even the quiet comfort of a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, hugs speak a language deeper than words—a language of presence, care, and belonging. In a world that can feel cold and distant, a simple hug can remind us that we are not alone. And in many ways, a hug is a beautiful reflection of God’s love for us.

Recently, while we were downtown, we saw a raggedy-looking gentlemen holding a door with one hand and a placard in the other that read, “I will hug for tips.” I couldn’t help but wonder how many people had taken him up on his offer—probably more than I would have guessed.

Throughout Scripture, we see images of God’s love as an embrace—holding us, comforting us, and drawing us near. One of the most beautiful pictures of this is found in Luke 15, in the parable of the prodigal son. When the lost son returns home, the father doesn’t wait for an explanation or an apology—he runs to him, throws his arms around him, and welcomes him home.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." — Luke 15:20

This is the heart of our Heavenly Father. He doesn’t keep His distance. He embraces us, even when we feel unworthy. God’s love is not hesitant; it is lavish and overflowing.

Jesus Himself showed the power of physical touch in His ministry. He touched lepers, healed the sick, and took children into His arms to bless them. His embrace was more than just physical—it was a deep, spiritual act of love and healing.

"And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." — Mark 10:16

In the same way, our hugs can be a form of ministry. A hug can be an answered prayer to someone feeling lonely, a source of comfort in times of grief, or a silent way of saying, “I see you, I’m here for you.”

Even when there is no one physically present to wrap their arms around us, God offers us His embrace through the Holy Spirit. There are moments when we feel God’s presence so deeply that it’s as if He is wrapping us in His arms, reminding us that He is near.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

When life feels overwhelming, God’s presence is the hug we need most.

In a fast-paced world, people are longing for real connection. A genuine hug can be a simple yet profound way to share the love of Christ. It’s a reminder that we are seen, loved, and not alone.

So today, be intentional. Give a hug to someone who needs it. Be the arms of Jesus to those around you. And when you feel weary, rest in the embrace of your Heavenly Father, knowing that His love holds you tight—always.

Who can you encourage with a hug today?

Sewing love, stitching hope

Every Tuesday morning the ladies of the Stitching Group at Amberlea gather in the lower level of the church. I love popping in to watch, to learn and witness the talented ladies at work.

I went down this past Tuesday and in the gentle rhythm of sewing, something truly beautiful was happening. It’s not just fabric being stitched together; it's lives being touched, hearts being comforted, and hope being woven into the fabric of many families.

Some, in this group, are beginners and others are quite accomplished with decades of quilting experience, but all of these kind-hearted women come with a common purpose to sew together. Many make quilts for Amberlea’s ministry to indigenous families in need called Hearts and Hands in Harmony.

Each quilt they create is much more than just a piece of art. Every stitch made by their hands is an act of care, intentionality, and prayer. As they sit together, working side by side, they reflect on the joy of contributing to something greater than themselves. These quilts are made not just to provide warmth, but to offer a sense of belonging, dignity, and comfort to families who may be struggling.

As they sew, they also "stitch" their prayers into the fabric—prayers for the families who will receive the quilts, prayers for their health, safety, and restoration. In this way, each quilt is a tangible manifestation of God's love, wrapped in the warmth of a community that cares.  It is truly a beautiful thing.

On this particular morning I watched as one of the ladies carefully cut pieces from a variety of fabrics, each one destined to be sewn together into a quilt. In that moment, I realized how sewing and quilting beautifully mirror our spiritual journey. Just as a quilt is crafted from many different pieces, our lives are shaped by a tapestry of moments, experiences, and people. Some bring joy, while others bring pain, yet each piece contributes to the greater design. As we sew, we are reminded that God can take the different, often mismatched pieces of our lives and stitch them together into something beautiful and meaningful.

The Apostle Paul encourages us in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Like the patches of fabric in a quilt, our lives—when placed in God’s hands—can be woven together into a masterpiece of His design, even if we don’t see the full picture at the moment.

I have had the privilege of praying over the quilts before being shipped North, asking God to bless it as it travels into the hands of those who need it most. We pray that those quilts serve as a reminder of His provision, care, and unending love. The fabric, in a sense, becomes a vessel of grace, carrying with it the prayers and good intentions of the women who made it.

To the women who have given their time and talent to this ministry, thank you. Your dedication is a beautiful reflection of God’s love in action. Each quilt you create is a symbol of your faith, a gift of hope, and a powerful reminder that we are all part of God’s family, called to serve and love one another.