Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 16, 2025

Dealing With Dandelions

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13

I recently heard a great analogy from a pastor visiting our church. The overarching theme was for believers to truly live the John 10:10 abundant life by being crucified with Christ and dying to self (Galatians 2:20). The teaching wove together Old and New Testament truths and was chock-full of challenging nuggets and visual comparisons. It was one of his examples from nature—specifically regarding dandelions—that got my mind spinning to expand upon and share his brief reference.

Although we’re likely all familiar with this ubiquitous weed, I first had to dive into learning more about the properties of dandelions. Allow me to elaborate:

  1. The bright yellow flowering head looks attractive (and is).
  2. The stems are hollow.
  3. The taproots are long and hinder other plants from growing.
  4. They compete with and crowd out desired plants.
  5. They are not only fast-growing, but they’re relentless—pushing their way through even the tiniest sidewalk cracks.
  6. When the roots are superficially cut, they actually clone, so they quickly multiply.

Are bells and whistles going off for your spirit? Sounds an awful lot like sin, doesn’t it? Attractive on the surface, it’s only full of hollow promises for satisfaction. Fleshly activity competes for attention over the spiritual, hindering godly fruit from being realized. When a crack in our spiritual armor is found, sin pushes through oh so tenaciously. And just as overgrowth of dandelions can destroy a lawn, the final outgrowth of sin is death (James 1:15). (Each of these warrants its own devo!)

But let’s examine factoid #6: Managing dandelions is not an option. If you’ve got a yard where dandelions spring up, you know that the easiest way to get rid of them is to simply mow over them. The resulting lawn looks green and lush and healthy—from the observing eye. A day or so later, they pop back up. Often multiplied. See, dandelions must be uprooted or destroyed at the root level to really be rid of them.

Beloved, the same is true with the sin in our lives! This is where the pastor used dandelions as one of his many examples of dying to self. See, too often we clip away the outward activity or habits that sprout up from our old sin nature. We can even make ourselves look tidy and “weedless” to our family, friends, and church. But those entrenched sins will rear their ugly heads again unless we kill them. Although we’re made free—a new creation—in Christ, we will be sinning until we’re glorified, so we’ve got to be diligent in uprooting what once controlled us. But we don’t (cannot) do this in our own power. We must yield to the Holy Spirit living in us to be the sin slayer.

This growing freedom from sin comes only with our surrender—which requires our death to self, as we’re crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6-7). And every day is a day of death for us who follow Jesus (Luke 14:27)…because only then can the Holy Spirit serve as our personal spiritual pesticide, killing in us what’s intended to kill us.

“Lord, today may I die to self a little more, so that Christ in me can free me from any sin that still enslaves me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 15, 2025

Untangling Messy Thoughts

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

One tiny little seed of thought planted in the furthest corner of our brain can shoot out deep roots within a matter of minutes. We’ve probably all experienced those moments when a thought rose up presumably out of nowhere and took us on a journey.  Some of those thought travels landed us happy, fulfilled  and bursting with hope. Others were definitely not so appealing.  Fear, bitterness, arrogance, regret, negativity – I think you get the picture.  Not all thoughts serve us well.

Whether we admit it or not, tangled up in our stream of thoughts is the overarching resulting words and deeds which characterize us.  Yes, those thoughts we allow to roam wild and run free can produce  devastating words.  In the heat of a battle, our lips spew what has been fertilized yet restrained in our mind.  Thoughts we just kept traveling down, focusing on and allowing to monopolize our every moment.  Words we would have never spoken.  Words we thought we had control over despite their familiarity.

And yes, sweet friends not only do those carefree thoughts produce verbiage we later regret, but they also multiply into actions (deeds) we take.  Reflecting back, we can’t comprehend what led us to such behavior – simply dismissing the words we spoke and the thoughts we fed.  Actions we truly thought were behind us resurface at the least likely moment.  Birthing pain, hurt and remorse.

Perhaps these are the reasons Paul was so adamant about the believers in Colossae doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.  You see when we focus on God’s word, His character and the example of Jesus’ life on earth, we are planting seeds which will flourish into godly words and deeds.  It simply starts with a thought which speaks a word resulting in deeds.

In Colossians 3, Paul challenges these believers to set their minds on things above not on this world.  He compels them to put to death earthly desires.  And then he reminds them to reflect the very character of their God.  Their greatest legacy would be the one they live out in front of others.

The same is true today sweet friends.  Our thoughts can take us down some not good paths.  Our words can be hope-filled or destructive.  Our deeds can foster unity and love or hate and division.  And all of these start from one seed planted.

Not sure what’s sprouting in your thoughts, but I love this reminder from Paul  whatever we do or say – all should be done to the glory of God.  Our thoughts carry weight – let’s make sure its heavy on the grace, love and truth of the gospel. Let’s saturate our minds daily with His words and praise Him for transforming and redeeming our minds.

“Father, we desperately need Your power and strength to capture our thoughts.  Help us to recognize the ungodly roots and extinguish them quickly.  Fill our minds with Your truth and empower us to bring glory to Your name in all we do.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 12, 2025

When Conversation Flows

“But truly God has listened; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me.” Psalm 66:19-20 (Esv)

First conversations are ever hard for those of us who are not extroverts.  We’re usually not the ones to invite small talk with a total stranger.  We’re completely content to scroll through our phone during those moments of waiting or standing in line.  We just don’t know what to say.

Awkward is how we’d describe early conversations with a new friend.  We stumble through our words wondering if anything we’re saying is making sense. Bet we’ve all been there in the newness of a friendship when conversations were shallow and strained.  Yet something beautiful begins to unfold as we invest time into getting to know someone on a deeper level.  We relax and open up our hearts as trust evolves.  We laugh and celebrate our differences.  We value face to face encounters and prioritize connection. There’s nothing sweeter than watching us move from casual acquaintance to best friends where conversation flows effortlessly.

Our struggles with conversation sounds a lot like our apprehensions and intimidations with prayer doesn’t it?  Everyone else makes it seem so easy.  Their words make sense and convey power.  Yet when we try to utter a word it seems awkward, and we so fear messing it up.  We are intimidated to say the least and our repetitive words seem bland and boring even to our ears.

So glad sweet friends that prayer is not an attempt to impress our Heavenly Father.  If it was, I’d be in big trouble.  Instead, He invites us to come with genuine words from hearts desiring to know Him.  And the more time I spend getting to know our God in His word, the less intimidated I feel.  Glimpsing His grace, love and mercy sprinkled throughout the lives of men and women in scripture compels me to draw near rather than shrink back.  God’s compassion and   love for us eases my awkwardness and deepens my trust.  The conversation which once felt shallow, strained and difficult now flows effortlessly. No special words or repetitive phrases…just me and my God talking together.

Still feeling a little uneasy when it comes to prayer?  Rest assured dear one – we’ve all been there.  Praying through the Psalms is a great way to ease our uneasiness.  Praying God’s promises reminds us of His love and faithfulness. And for those days when we simply don’t know what to say….the Holy Spirit is interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).  God’s got it all covered.

“Father, through the death of Your Son we have full access to come boldly to Your throne….may we cherish the privilege of prayer and resist the temptation to quit when it seems hard.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 11, 2025

God’s Care Of His Children

“You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (MSG)

Mordecai raised his cousin when death befell her parents. Esther saved herself and her people for such a time. Syrus’ daughter, Mary, lavished her riches on sin and worldly pleasures but would encounter Jesus, be forgiven, delivered and shown how real wealth is splurged. And Naomi, a woman of bitterness, would be of royal lineage through Ruth, great-grandmother of David.

To every child of promise in the Bible is a person of significance. Often a parent, perhaps a close relative, but one who gave of self to raise forth the next generation. Dreams, preparation and concern were there. Countless hours teaching, listening and correcting. Sacrifice, love, support. All the ingredients of raising a child would amount to something. Their children would lead the world to God.

As a parent, my children are constantly teaching me something. The latest tech craze, music fad or edible treat. Parenthood struggles are common as are my wonderings as to whether I’m capable of successfully landing this assignment. In addition to behavioral challenges, life comes in and throws curve balls that affect parent and child alike. The path of broken dreams bids us to wallow in despair and discouragement.

But, those of us who are Christ followers know better. Often in our most desperate circumstances and darkest valleys of the night, we are pointed towards truths that sustain and provide promise that there is a purpose. A family crisis caused by us (the parents) affected our children’s schooling options. God provided in such a way that there was no doubt of His hand in the midst. Medical complications for our older son that we didn’t see coming. God provided, front and center, with shortened waiting intervals and the finest medical care. Through experiencing God’s provision, care and concern for my children, God has shown me how well He takes care of all His children, including me. Each and every detail.

So in those moments when I’m waiting for God to show up, when I wonder if He cares and when I vengefully ask how He could let this happen, let me not forget how He has shown Himself faithful, present and gracious through those I love the most: my children.

“You are my Father. May I run to Your love which is constant, enduring and strong. I stand rest assured that I am a child deeply loved by her Abba, Father.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 10, 2025

What Do We Treasure

“Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.”  Proverbs 2:2-4 (NLT)(emphasis mine)

I lost my wedding rings.

They slipped off in our grassy front yard on a very hot day.

The morning was spent with me lying on my stomach staring down each row of grass to see if the sun would catch something shiny. We do not have any shade, so it became increasingly uncomfortable. I was dripping sweat, makeup was gone, clothes were filthy, hands were cut from pulling grass, and yet, I continued to search. Finally I had to be done and there was a pit in my stomach. I knew they were there, yet I could not see them. I was distressed.

I was praying and asking God to miraculously reveal them to me.

Then I had a brilliant idea. I ordered a metal detector from amazon-an inexpensive kids one that would arrive the next day.  I continued to pray all night and even went out in the moonlight with a flashlight hoping upon hope that would work. But, to no avail. I went to bed without my rings.

The metal detector arrived right on time, so I knew God was hearing my prayers(!), and the search began again on day 2. The kid’s version of a metal detector  is about 4 inches long, so I was combing through the yard meticulously, yet, finding nothing of value. Frustrated and disappointed after another hot day of searching, I began to lose hope.

Thankfully, it was the weekend and the next morning my husband went out to look.  Within fifteen minutes, he walked in the house, got on one knee, and slipped my rings back on my finger!   What in the world????  He usually cannot find anything in the house! I had him show me where he discovered them and we realized he had been combing the grass much further down, toward the road. Apparently the rings had rolled or slid, and they were right on the edge where the driveway meets the grass! WHEW! They were back on my finger safe and sound.

I walked up and down the driveway trying to decipher how they had landed where they did, but it really didn’t matter anymore. I had wasted so much time looking in the wrong places. I had the best intentions, I put forth a lot of effort, and I even had a new tool, but none of it mattered because of where I was looking.

As Proverbs 2:2-4 tells us, we have to search for wisdom, understanding, and insight the way I searched for my wedding rings. The world has so much to offer as we seek and search, but we need to be sure we are looking in the right places for the answers. God’s Word is the map to lead us to the treasures. The treasures of trust, loyalty, peace, kindness, and eternal security.  We can’t  just go by what we have heard about God’s Word,  but we have to study it and seek it out to see what God is really saying and what He is teaching us. No one said it would be easy. We may look and feel like a hot mess, but finding His treasures are so worth it. He is worth it all!

“Father, help us to be willing to put the time and effort into searching out the treasures of wisdom, insight, and understanding that You give us in Your Word. Help us to treasure You.”

If you would like to deepen your time of worship, you can read the lyrics to “I’d Rather have Jesus” by Rhea Miller I’d Rather Have Jesus | Hymnary.org or watch the video Bing Videos sung by Selah.

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 9, 2025

Keeping Spiritual Monovision

“Where there is no vision, the people are out of control, But how blessed is he who keeps the law.”  Proverbs 29:18

Almost three years ago, I experienced a torn retina in my right eye. It was terrifying, but the Lord moved in a big way during that time—miraculously, really—to change my spiritual life. Sadly, the eye surgeries that followed also permanently changed my vision. See, in addition to the torn retina repair, I had to get a vitrectomy, which drains the vitreous fluid to rid it of debris to clear my vision. I share all that to say that since the vitrectomy procedure, my right eye has steadily become more nearsighted…while my left eye has remained farsighted. (In other words, prior to the tear, I could see far away just fine but needed reading glasses like most people in my age group.) Now, however, my left eye sees clearly at a distance, yet I cannot read with it, and my right eye sees clearly to read, but everything beyond six feet is a blur.

There’s a name for this phenomenon: monovision. One can actually function this way because the brain adjusts accordingly as you focus close in or far away. It’s super weird. And although my brain does adjust to my wonky eyes, I often feel a bit like that emoji with the spinning eyeballs. Actually, many people correct their eyes (via contact lenses or laser surgery) to create monovision, so they won’t have to wear bifocals or switch from readers to “seers” to look near then far.

This thought of monovision struck me in terms of the way we believers are called to live our lives. We must keep a focus on heaven—we are citizens of that Great Monarchy after all and subject to the King of kings. Everything we do, we’re to do as unto the Lord. Our perspective is meant to be from our position as the victorious and redeemed in Christ. This is like the eye that can clearly see far away to what is yet ahead. And at the same time, we’re to live in this world—to shine our light into the darkness, living like Christ and becoming more like Him daily as we journey back Home. This requirement for righteous activity (in response to our righteousness in Christ, not to earn it) equates to seeing close-up—what’s right in front of us.

Beloved, in walking through this fallen, broken world as saved (yet still broken) people, we must keep an eye heavenward in the knowledge of God’s Sovereignty and our ultimate destination. This vision gives us a peace and contentment no matter our circumstances. Yet we are also called to see the broken people around us, focusing on pointing others to Christ and doing our part in the Lord’s redemptive plan. We’re to “one another” one another, in love, grace, mercy, and service.

So, what about you? Is your focus only on what the world cares about, trying to satisfy yourself in what your flesh and pride desire (solely nearsighted)? Or are you, as it’s been said, “so heavenly focused that you’re no earthly good” (that is, too farsighted)? Let’s be encouraged to a monovisioned life! Just as our brain adjusts to see clearly at different distances, so the Holy Spirit will give us the clarity to be in this world and not of it…keeping a dual perspective as one rescued and on the rescue team.

“Lord, may I never lose my vision for either my heavenly identity in Christ OR my earthly purpose to glorify You. But let me live with a view for both.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 8, 2025

When Choices Meet Consequences

“But Cain answered the Lord., “My punishment is too great to bear!” Genesis 4:13 (HCSB)

Ever found yourself overwhelmed by the weight of natural consequences? Don’t worry you’re not alone. It’s the trademark of sin – experiencing pleasure in one moment – reaping ugly in the next. Caught up in Satan’s lies, we believe that our choice, our preference, our joy is far more important than obeying God’s truth.

Don’t know about you but I would much rather choose my own consequences. We’re usually very good at excusing away our sin, stretching our sob stories and pivoting all the attention back to poor “us.” That’s exactly where we find Cain in Genesis chapter 4. Little brother, Abel, offers God his best offering; Cain (big brother) offers God whatever. Anger, fury, jealousy – you name it Cain’s obsessed with little brother’s blessing from God in contrast to his warnings from God. If only Abel were out of the picture, then perhaps things would be different so Cain kills Abel.

Wonder if we’ve said similar words? If I could just manipulate these circumstances, move myself up to a favorable spot, push others aside then I would be the one chosen – the one blessed. It happens ever so simply when we get our eyes off God and onto self. End result, our sin like Cain’s stares us square in the face. The conversation that echos from scripture reveals Cain’s heart is far from God. Sorrow isn’t etched on his lips. Remorse and regret don’t follow. Just a complaint – the price tag is too great for me (Cain) to bear!

True repentance never zeros in on sin’s consequences but rather recognizes sin’s offense. The Psalmist David said it best, “Against You oh God have I sinned and done evil in Your sight.” Admitting his sin and facing the truth was not Cain’s agenda. Victim status rose to the surface when God revealed the consequences for his actions. Enabling Cain to stay the same, excusing away his sin and listening to his sob story was not God’s agenda. Mercy, love and grace were Cain’s for the taking, yet he chose to flee the Lord’s presence.

Sound familiar? When the path we’ve taken results in devastation do we confess and turn towards God or do we pamper our choices and seek relief? God is our redeemer, restorer, rebuilder and grace giver but He will never settle for less than best when it comes to His children. God knows that true repentance leads to transformation and that sweet friend draws us closer to His presence.

“Father too many times, we want to skip out of consequences rather than endure teachable moments that serve us well. Help us to embrace Your loving correction.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 5, 2025

Choosing Not To Settle

“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one who you obey, either of sin, which leads to death or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? ” Romans 6:16 (ESV)

Ever lose your fave recipe? I have too many times to count. This past week, I searched diligently for my oatmeal, almond butter cookie recipe. We love it – perfect combo and very healthy too – tastes delish. I searched thru drawers and piles of recipes before taking to the internet. None of the ones I found came even close. The ingredients were off. The procedure wasn’t right. I wanted my recipe; I could taste those cookies melting in my mouth. Giving up, I finally settled for another one.

Got up Saturday morning to take my vitamins and guess what I found folded up in my drawer? My cookie recipe! I was so excited! No settling for this girl, I mixed up a batch and it’s chilling in the fridge right now – can’t wait to bake them.

While my fave recipe involved delish cookies, God has a recipe for successful living – it’s called obedience. That’s right – nothing else will do. There is no substitute for doing what God has told us to do. It’s easy to try to do life our way and skip His wisdom, but settling for my will versus His will definitely leave a bad aftertaste.

Obeying the voice of God may seem simple and familiar, but over the past few weeks, I’ve been focusing on a Bible verse each week. Amazing how those verses have propelled me to examine my obedience. Do I intentionally listen and obey His voice? Total confession here – no! One particular day, I said something “gossip” at work that wasn’t edifying or encouraging yet I totally dismissed it. Next morning I’m reading over my verse for the week and knew I’d missed the mark.

Perfection will never be our seal in this world. We are constantly battling our fleshly desires, yet God never asks for perfection but a seeking after His holiness – a desire within us to obey His voice. A daily pursuit of prayer, Bible Study, obedience and growth.

Love His grace for those moments when we fail to follow His recipe. But don’t want to settle there and excuse away the things we know displease our God. The end result never serves us well. So sweet friends, I’m praying we heed His words and obey His voice even if it’s a habit we’ve excused before. Choosing not to settle. Choosing to please Him because obedience is His fave response.

“Sweet Jesus, how we need You to help us resist the urge to disobey. To stand strong and walk boldly in obedience knowing You lead us to abundance.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 4, 2025

Daddy’s Tab

“I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy.” Psalm 116:1 (NIV)

When I was 10 years old, my parents headed out of state for a Rotary International conference. Somehow, I managed to bargain my way into that week-long trip by offering to babysit my 6-month-old sister, Kantia. Mom and Dad were busy with the conference sessions, special meals and spas. I was delighting myself with the special services provided by the fancy hotel for my baby sister and me, by the mere mention of room service, aka “my daddy’s tab.”

I never did see the bill for the things I was given the liberty to charge on that tab, but after an entire week at that expensive Grand Hotel in Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil, I am pretty sure the price was not cheap. Yet, my daddy never did mention it to me.

The grace of God is just like that Grand Hotel tab back in my childhood; it is extended by God to us even if we do not deserve it; even if we test His patience. I undoubtedly tested the patience of a few hotel maids who consistently returned to our hotel room to bring more nicely pressed, soft white linens and towels, because this girl would leave her baby sister without a diaper, simply because it would mean less diaper changes!

As you can probably imagine, things would get pretty messy at times. Sweet friends, isn’t this the nature of humankind? I mean, so often we are given opportunities to experience something good and, either by naiveté, or stupidity, or even for lack of thinking things through, we make a big, ole mess of things, and then we need to rush and put a call in to the One who can fix it all: Our Heavenly Daddy.

If you are in the midst of a messy episode, do not give up and do not give in. Jesus can redeem you from it. He fixes the mess, puts the pieces of the broken hearts together, and dries the tears. And the best part is, He will never rub the cost of it in your face.

“Dear Jesus: We are faulty and we are totally dependent upon Your grace. Thank you for redeeming us from our mess to Yourself.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 3, 2025

Be Transformed

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”  Romans 12:2 (NLT)

The “Take your archetype quiz” advertisement somehow wove its way into my social media. I recognized an archetype from literature but was not clear on how it was related to me now. I could tell it was connected to clothing, but I was still a bit confused, so I looked further into it and one of the headlines read,  “Archetypes of clothing to transform you.”  Another talked about how, if I would take this quiz and understand my archetype, I would know how to dress and shop better. I was fascinated because this was new information to me. I continued to  look at the little blurbs and found quizzes and polls to determine what my archetype is. For fun and out of curiosity, I went ahead and took a quiz. I found that of all the women in the world, we could all be placed into one of five categories of styles of clothing! So much for being unique! Many of the commercials promised that if you found your archetype it would transform your life! WOW! That is a BIG promise to gain from clothing!

As I thought about the word transform and the guarantees made by this post, it made me sad. How many women would trust that this would be the answer to what they were searching for? It brought Romans 12:2 to mind. God says we are not transformed by our clothing. Ok, He does not specifically state clothing, but He does tell us we are transformed by how we think. The world promises transformation in so many ways, yet the only way to really become different, transformed, is by changing what goes in our minds. This fascinated me and I dug deeper.

Scripture uses the Greek world transform 4 times and each time it is a change for the better, an improvement in our life. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to, “Guard your heart (thoughts) above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

Now that is a BIG promise.

If we want to change the course of our life, we need to change our thoughts. If we want to be more like Him we need to take this seriously and “take every thought captive.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) Everything around us influences us. That is why advertising budgets are huge, grocery store shelves are stocked so certain items are at eye level, archetype apps are making money right now, and we will not even mention all of the different weight loss strategies.  We want to change, we want to be transformed in so many ways, but we try everything else out before we try God’s way.

Want to change your life? Change your thoughts. What goes in determines who we are!

Have you thought about what you are thinking about? Feeling down on yourself? Maybe it is time to check the amount of time spent scrolling the highlight reels of everyone else’s life. Feeling distant from the Lord? How about  taking a walk and talking with Him instead of relating to the world through shows. When loneliness invades our minds, maybe it is time to turn off the Hallmark movies.

These are just a few ideas, but know we are what we think! And God always keeps His promises. Let God transform you by allowing Him to renew our minds. It is not easy, but it is so worth it!

Nothing is wrong with knowing your archetype, just in trusting it to transform you! Let me know if you take one of those quizzes:)!

“Father, help us to think on the things that honor You. Give us the strength to fight the battles in our minds before we act on them. Thank you for loving us and showing us the answers.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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