Are You Properly Dressed for the Day?

Posted on December 27, 2025 by pastorpstephens

In the last couple of weeks, the weather has jumped back and forth from very cold to pretty warm a couple on multiple occasions. I was totally caught by surprise the other week and I left for the office in just a shirt and a pair of slacks. The wind started whipping around a couple of hours later, the air was cold and damp and I felt like I was freezing! Generally, when it’s cold, I like to put on a coat and a hat and maybe even one of my “Mr. Rogers’ sweaters” before I head out the door.

As I was shivering on the way to my car after work, I was reminded by the temperature that I need to be better prepared and put on the right things when I head out in the morning to face the world. Otherwise, it will be a long day. God’s word reminds us that we should also prepare ourselves spiritually every day to face the world. Paul tells Christians in Colossians 3:12

Colossians 3:12 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

I love Paul’s reminder to the Church. We should never leave our house without a heart of compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience. We are to head out the door prepared to help one another, love one another, and forgive one another just as Christ has done for us. Every morning, we should make sure we are appropriately dressed. It makes for a better day.

I hope you know that God loves you.  And I pray that you will have a wonderful week and experience the peace and the presence of the Lord.

Posted in Be Flexible, Be Kind, Be Prepared, Christianity | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Merry Christmas Santa!

Posted on December 24, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I hope that you have a Merry Christmas.  I hope you are able to enjoy some time with family and friends and reflect on the reason for the season.  Here is a poem I wrote a few years ago which captures some of my thoughts at this time of year.

Dear Santa, you’ve always been so good to me,
Every Christmas you leave toys underneath the tree.
There have been planes and trains and racing cars,
Cowboy hats and little guitars.

You’ve left baseball bats and balls and gloves,
Lots of presents given with love.
The only complaint I have to say,
Is that you eat my cookies and go away.

Yes I love you Santa but I want to make clear,
I need a friend who is always near.
Though I love the thought behind every toy,
I need the gifts of comfort and joy.

I need things that last longer than a gaming station,
I need some hope; I need salvation.
So, please dear Santa, don’t feel dissed,
But it’s Jesus Christ who’s at the top of my list.

He doesn’t show up just once a year,
He fills my heart, He’s always near!
It’s His birth I celebrate on Christmas Day,
He never just takes the cookies and goes away.

Santa if you don’t know Jesus like I do,
I’d love to introduce my Lord to you.
He has given the greatest gift to me,
He gave His life to set me free!

This Christmas, I hope you know how much God loves you and that He can be trusted to strengthen, comfort, lead, and guide you in and through all situations. May you and yours have a Merry Christmas.

Posted in Being Blessed, Christianity, Christmas, faith, God's Love, Luke 2:11, Poem, poetry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

You Don’t Have to Walk Alone

Posted on October 25, 2025 by pastorpstephens


A friend of mine and I were talking about music a while back and they suggested writing a song which speaks of the hope and health available to everyone, but especially for someone who may be struggling with a mental health condition. My friend is a very caring and loving person and they thought it would be good to include the phrase, “I see you and I will meet you where you are.” I like that thought. It reminds me of the truth found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Two are better than one, for if we fall, there is someone there who will lift us up. And with that thought in mind, I have been trying to put some words down on paper. I am still working on the melody in my head and toying with some of the verses, but here is what I have so far.

I Will Meet You Where You Are

I hope you know you’re a blessing
Worthy of respect and love,
Unique and beautiful in every way,
You’re a gift from heaven above,
Still, we all have battles we have to fight,
Every person has struggles of their own
But even in the darkest of nights
You don’t have to fight alone.

Chorus:
Oh my friend, I see you
And I will meet you where you are…
You’ve already survived so much,
You’ve already come so far,
So let me walk beside you,
Let me help you stand
And together we’ll move forward,
While God holds both our hands…

In life, we all have seasons
Filled with missteps, mistakes, and falls
Times when we feel all alone
With no one we can call…
And on those days filled with darkness
I will take your hand in mine
And together we’ll keep walking through the rain,
Until the sun begins to shine…

Chorus:
Because, oh my friend I see you!
And I will meet you where you are…
You’ve already survived so much,
You’ve already come so far,
So let me walk beside you,
Let me help you stand
And together we’ll move forward,
While God holds both our hands.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges or struggling with depression, please know that confidential, professional help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just call or text 988 or start a chat online at 988lifeline.org and connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Hope and help are available for you. There are people who will meet you where you are.  May God bless you and the people you love.

Posted in accountability partners, can't go on, dealing with depression, Dealing with grief, Don't give up, Ecclesiastes 4:9, God works through us, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do Not Forget

Posted on September 26, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I was watching a cartoon with the granddaughters a few years ago which explored the question, “Where does night come from?” As the characters began to discuss the possibilities and search out the answer, I asked the girls if they knew the answer. Avery, who as I recall was about eight years old at the time, responded that night and day come because the earth is spinning around the sun. When a side turns away from the sun it becomes night. Haley, who was six years old said, “Oh yeah. I remember that now. I forgot because it has been a long time since we talked about it.” My conversation with the girls and Haley’s comments about forgetting something she learned reminded of a passage in Proverbs 3 that I was reading the other day.

Prov 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

It can be easy to forget things and I must confess it is getting easier and easier for me every year. I find that I have to be intentional about learning new things and just as intentional about remembering and acting on things I have learned in the past. Our Lord desires that we never forget His teachings and His commandments. We are to bind them around our neck, keeping them close, applying them on a daily basis. His ways are to become a way of life for us. The Lord desires that we never forget to demonstrate His kindness and truth. It will be a blessing to us and to others around us.

Posted in Be Kind, God Speaks Through His Word, God's Word, growing in faith, Study God, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Our Words Matter

Posted on August 29, 2025 by pastorpstephens

The preacher of a little country church had just finished hammering a sign into the ground by the side of the road next to the church that read, “Da end is near! Turn around now afore it’s too late!” About that time a city fellow came speeding through town and upon seeing the sign yelled out, “Mind your own business, you religious nut!” Just a few seconds later the preacher heard the screeching of tires and a big splash. The preacher scratched his head and said to himself, “Maybe I should have just made a sign that said ‘Bridge Out’ instead.”

Like the preacher in that story, I have often found myself scratching my head wishing I had used different words to communicate with others. The words we use are so very important and can have such a great impact on others. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:29

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

I find the godly principles in that verse to be very challenging at times. There are times when I don’t consider how my words will impact others. There are times when I don’t consider how my words will impact my witness. There are times when I don’t even consider how my words will impact me. Oh yes, your words can even impact you. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that “as a man thinketh, so is he.” Your words need to remind you that you are special, you have been created in God’s image and He gave His Only Son so that you might have everlasting life. Your words need to remind you that the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you, He will strengthen you and uphold you with His righteous right hand. He will equip you and empower you to do everything He asks you to do. It is true, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Those are beautiful words to know and reflect upon.

If you know Christ, your words need to remind others that the same grace and forgiveness that you have received is also available to them. I am afraid that too often my words don’t properly communicate this wonderful, glorious truth. Too often my conversations never get around to speaking of the goodness and mercy of the Lord. Please pray for me so that my words will be edifying and full of God’s grace. And as you pray for me, please know that I am praying for you and the people you love.

 

Posted in Christianity, Controlling our words, encouraging others, faith, God's Grace | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Taking Time for Yourself

Posted on July 19, 2025 by pastorpstephens

Attached is a picture of my 5-year-old grandson Theo reading a newspaper at the beach. Let me explain. I took this photo during a party at our house. The whole family was there and as you might guess, there was a lot of excitement, a lot of noise, and a lot of people gathered in the living room. I noticed that I had not seen Theo for a while, so I went to check on him. I’ve lost track of grandkids before and found them coloring –  and it wasn’t in a coloring book. But, that’s a story for another day.

I found Theo in an extra living area in our home. He was quietly sitting in a rocking chair, his hands were holding an imaginary newspaper, and he was nodding his head from time to time as he pretended to turn the pages of the newspaper. I watched long enough to take in the scene and snap a couple of pictures before I said, “Hi Theo. I was looking for you. What are you doing?” Theo replied, “Hi Papa. I am sitting in a chair, reading a newspaper at the beach, with my toes in the sand.” I said, “That sounds relaxing.” Theo turned another page and said, “It is. You should try it.” So, I did. We sat there for a while, away from all the hustle and bustle going on in the other room, just relaxing, reading our newspapers at the beach with our toes in the sand. And Theo was right. It was very relaxing. After a few minutes of having our toes in the sand, we were ready to rejoin the party.

Oh, my goodness, I love that boy. I also love the fact that at a very early age, Theo has learned to take some time for himself, to take a break, and get away for a while from situations that may be too loud, too noisy, or overstimulating. That is a good reminder for me. Maybe it is a good reminder for you too. The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

So, don’t hesitate to take a break from time to time. Don’t neglect self-care. Investing in yourself allows you to be able to pour more freely and richly into the lives of others. And let’s face it. We all need some time to relax in a chair, reading a newspaper at the beach with our toes in the sand… even if it is just in the other room.

Posted in busy schedule, family, good advice, Proverbs 4:23, Self Care | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Take Courage

Posted on July 12, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I spent three days this week in Kerrville serving as a chaplain along with some of my fellow chaplains from the state of Texas.  I listened to a lot of stories and lifted up a lot of prayers for people who are still reeling from the recent floods in the Hill Country.  As I reflected on the overwhelming grief that so many expressed, I was reminded of David’s words in Psalm 31:9-10.  David wrote:

“Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.  For my life is spent with sorrow and my years with sighing…”  Psalm 31:9-10

In many other psalms, David expressed the same feeling; one of being overwhelmed by grief, despair and the trials and tribulations of life.  Yet through it all David never gave up.  David leaned on his faith.  In Psalm 31 David speaks of how, in the midst of his sadness and tough times, he cried to the Lord and the Lord delivered him.  David ends the psalm with an exhortation to all who feel distressed and discouraged.

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.”  Psalm 31:24 

My heart aches for the people who experienced such devastating losses in the recent floods.  As I talked with people this week, many were also facing other trials of life and they are indeed feeling overwhelmed.  Maybe you can relate to that today.  Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by grief, despair and the trials and tribulations of life.  Maybe you are not sure if you can go on.  You can.  You can be strong in the Lord.  You can receive courage from the Lord.  You can make it through whatever situation you face through the power that Jesus Christ offers you!  Don’t give up and don’t give in!  His peace is available right here, right now in this earthly realm for all who will trust in Him.  The sun will rise tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.  He will help you face the day!  He will help you to be strong and have courage.

If you or someone you know could use some extra prayers today, just put a note down below.  No details are necessary, the Lord knows what is on your heart.  And you can know that myself and others will be praying for you and with you, asking the Lord to intervene in your situation and bless you with an extra measure of His mercy, His grace, His strength, and His love.

Posted in A refuge, a stronghold, Christianity, Draw close to God, faith, Faith during hard times, God answers prayers, God Cares for You | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Posted on July 4, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I started my spring cleaning the other day. I know. It’s already summer. I may have started late, but at least I started! One of the tasks on my “spring cleaning” list was to clean out my nightstand. More specifically, to clean out the junk drawer in my nightstand. Here are some of my thoughts on the task.

An Old Junk Drawer

It was just an old junk drawer,
Full of pictures, cards, and files.
I decided to go through it,
I hadn’t looked at it in such a long while.

I read kind words from family and friends,
And saw old photos of people I love.
Every item reminded me
How I’ve been blessed by God above.

I spent all afternoon going through that junk drawer,
I laughed and smiled at the good times I recalled.
By the time I had gone through it, I realized,
It wasn’t a junk drawer after all.

I hope you have a chance to go through a junk drawer soon and look at some old photos and read some cards from family and friends. It is a great way to spend an afternoon! May God bless you and the people you love.

Posted in Being Blessed, Being Thankful, family, good advice, good friends, inspirational | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The God of All Comfort

Posted on June 28, 2025 by pastorpstephens

This week in our chapel service, we talked about the fact that everyone experiences difficult times in life; times of sadness and sorrow. As a chaplain I have sat with many people who are hurting and listened as they shared their cares and concerns. I have heard people speak of how they have been comforted during some very tough trials. Although they are still grieving, they lovingly speak of what sustains them. They speak of the way their faith, family, and friends support them. They speak of the strength received from prayer and reading scripture. They speak of the comfort received simply by having someone else sit with them, supporting them silently with their presence. As I reflect on these things, I am often reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the same comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Cor. 1:3-4

In our lives we will all experience hurts and heartaches, sorrows, and sadness. That is why it is so important for us to know that God is with us and He can comfort and strengthen us in even the most difficult of situations. God is full of grace and mercy, and He longs to share His grace and mercy with us. If you are facing some difficulty today, I hope you know you can turn to God and lean on Him. I pray that you will receive His comfort and be strengthened.

And I pray that you will know that even our difficult days and our seasons of sorrow are not wasted. For one day, God will use us to comfort someone else with the same comfort we received from Him. God will use us to strengthen and support someone else who is hurting. God will work in us and through us to share His grace, His mercy, and His comfort with others.

Posted in 2 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:3 - 4, Christianity, Dealing with grief, Draw close to God, encouraging others, Encouraging words, faith | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Look to the Cross

Posted on June 7, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I spent some time visiting with some young people last week and we covered some topics which included acceptance, belonging, and love. We had a good and lively discussion about how much God loves us and how our earthly relationships should honor our Heavenly Father. Afterwards, as I reflected on our discussion, I wrote this poem.

Look to the Cross

People go in search of love,
Sometimes at a break neck speed.
Never realizing that God is the only One,
Who can truly love us in all the ways we need.

But we will keep looking and longing for love,
And suffering loss after loss after loss,
Never fully experiencing the love of God,
Until we kneel at the foot of the cross.

For it was on the cross of Calvary
That God demonstrated the depths of His love for everyone.
Forgiveness and salvation were made possible
Because of the sacrifice of Christ, His Son.

So if you want your life and your heart to be filled with love,
If you want to be renewed and never be the same,
Look to the cross and turn to Jesus,
And simply call upon His Name.

I pray that you have a good week. I hope that you know how much God loves you! I hope you know that I am praying for you and the people you love. May the Lord bless you and the people you love. Until next time, stay strong in the faith.

Posted in Draw close to God, faith, God loves you, Poem, poetry | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment