“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)
Now, that’s a short verse—but it’s mighty. And it stirred up a memory or two this morning while I sipped my coffee and looked out the kitchen window.
I couldn’t help but think of my grandma. She had this quiet, almost sacred way of hanging clothes out on the old wire line in the backyard. Every towel, every sock, every undershirt was handled with such care, like it mattered more than just being clean. She’d clip each piece with a wooden pin, smooth it out with her hands, and step back with a kind of pride you’d expect from someone painting a masterpiece.
And my granddad? He was a different kind of preacher. Not from the pulpit, but with his life. He’d wave at every neighbor driving by like they were long-lost cousins. Called folks by name. Always had time for a chat at the fence line or on the porch. He didn’t try to be impressive. He just showed up for people. And that was enough.
Truth is, most love in this world doesn’t wear a spotlight. Sometimes it’s just sitting at the kitchen table, sharing a pot of coffee and listening, really listening, to someone’s hopes, dreams, and hurts. It’s not fixing. It’s not rushing. It’s just being there, heart open and ears tuned in. It’s nodding at the right time, keeping quiet when needed, and holding space when there’s nothing else to give.
We don’t have to be famous or flashy. We don’t need big platforms or loud voices. What we need is to show up with love stitched into the seams of our everyday living. Folding laundry. Walking the dog. Checking on that neighbor who’s been a little quiet lately.
And here’s something I try to remind myself: be a good finder. The world’s full of folks pointing out what’s wrong. Be someone who looks for the good in everyone. Call it out. Cheer it on. It costs nothing, and yet it’s worth everything.
Love your neighbors and your friends like you’d like to be loved. Not just when it’s easy or convenient. But all the time. With grace. With kindness. With heart.
That’s the kind of love that lingers. The kind that changes families, neighborhoods, even generations.
So whatever you’ve got on your list today, big tasks or small, do it with love. And see what happens.
This morning, as I walked along the shoreline, I paused to watch the waves stretch and retreat, leaving behind a glistening trail of foam. My feet sank gently into the damp sand with each step. I looked back and saw my footprints—temporary, already fading with the next breath of tide.
That’s when the verse came to mind. Psalm 139:17–18 (KJV):
“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.”
Sand. There it was, clinging to my toes and scattered endlessly in every direction. I tried to scoop some up—just a handful—and watched as grains trickled through my fingers. I couldn’t begin to count even those, much less what lay beneath my feet and beyond my sight.
And yet, Scripture tells me that God’s thoughts toward me—toward *you*—outnumber every grain. Not only are His thoughts plentiful, they are *precious*. Cherished. Intentional. Full of love and care.
It’s easy, especially in today’s world, to feel small. Overlooked. Buried beneath responsibilities, distractions, and noise. But this truth reminds me that we are never forgotten. Never ignored. God’s gaze never wavers. His presence doesn’t clock out when the sun sets or when we drift into sleep.
“When I awake, I am still with thee.”
That line hits deep. It’s not just that He’s watching over us. It’s that He remains faithfully, patiently with us through every hour, every season, every storm. We are still with Him. We don’t have to strive or perform to stay in His favor. We simply need to remember who we belong to and how deeply we are known.
So here I am. Enjoying vacation, walking along the coast, breathing in salt air, listening to the hush of the waves, and feeling held by something far greater than the sea. The sand beneath my feet speaks of God’s immeasurable love. Each grain a reminder that I am seen, treasured, and never alone.
Refreshed by Giving: The Quiet Power of Generosity
Jimmie Aaron Kepler
Some Bible verses settle down into your soul and stay a while. Proverbs 11:25 is like that for me:
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
It’s plainspoken wisdom, but don’t mistake it for simple. Like a soft rain falling on dry West Texas soil, it seeps into the cracks of this worn, hurried, me-first world of ours.
I think back to my wife’s kitchen during those early years of our marriage, the first fifteen years or so. We were young and just starting out. No stock portfolio or retirement plan back then. No second home. Not even a second car for the first several years. But that didn’t stop her from giving. If someone came by needing a bite to eat, they left with a full plate and often a mason jar of sweet tea to take with them. She gave freely, joyfully. Oh, she might have them to rake a few leaves or clean the outside windows to help them keep their dignity, but she met their needs with respect and love.
We weren’t wealthy by any stretch, but somehow, that little house always felt like it overflowed. Looking back, I see it now. That was abundance.
Fast forward over four decades. My wife was terminally ill with melanoma. In those last days, even in home hospice care, she was still sending handwritten notes of encouragement to others. I can still hear her voice, frail but full of purpose: “Mail these for me. They need to know someone remembers them. They’re going through tough times too. They’ve got it worse than me.” When I looked confused, she added, “I’ve got you, family, and a home in heaven waiting. Mamma, daddy, Willie, and Aunt Mary are waiting to show me around. I’m sure they know I’m coming home soon. They’re as excited to see me as I am to get there to see them again.”
That’s what loving people looks like. That’s what refreshing others looks like.
See, generosity has this strange way of multiplying as it moves. A kind word shared. A hot meal during a cold spell. A phone call to check in on someone who’s been on your heart. These aren’t grand gestures. They’re seeds. And seeds? Well, they grow.
And over those long three and a half years of cancer treatments, our family, our friends, and our Bible fellowship class loved on us. They poured back into us. Meals delivered. Prayers spoken. Hands held. Hugs given. I don’t think they even realized how much they refreshed our weary spirits. But they did. God used them to meet needs we didn’t even know how to ask for. And they did this for weeks, months, and through several treatments and surgeries over that three-year period.
Again, that’s what loving people looks like. That’s what refreshing others looks like.
That’s the beauty hidden in this little proverb. When you give of your time, your presence, your encouragement you get something in return. Not because you’re keeping score, but because that’s just how God’s economy works. It opens the clenched fist of fear and scarcity and invites joy to come on in.
Have you ever walked away from helping someone and realized your own heart felt lighter? That’s not an accident. That’s the divine echo of “whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Opportunities are everywhere if we slow down enough to see them. Maybe it’s helping your neighbor get their trash can to the curb. Maybe it’s sitting with a friend who doesn’t need fixing, just someone to listen. Or maybe it’s offering to mow the lawn for the single woman next door who’s caring for her aging daddy.
None of it has to be part of a grand plan. Just eyes to see and a heart willing to move.
Because generosity? It isn’t always about giving money. Most of the time, it’s about showing up. And when we make a habit of showing up for others, we often find ourselves standing knee-deep in blessing.
So today, go water someone’s garden. Speak life into dry places. Pour out a little hope where despair has pooled. And trust, really trust, that as you refresh others, your own soul will be filled.
In the end, you just might discover that giving is the very thing that fills you up the most. And the parched feeling in your soul? It’ll be refreshed.
Treating Folks Right: What Leviticus Taught Me About Leadership Jimmie Aaron Kepler
You’d be surprised what a couple of verses tucked away in Leviticus can teach you about leading people.
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.
Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
I am the Lord your God.”
— Leviticus 19:33–34 (NIV)
I didn’t expect a leadership lesson when I opened Leviticus. But those words hit me square in the heart.
The New Kid (Again and Again)
I grew up in a military family. That meant moving, often. Too often. By the time I graduated high school, I’d been the new kid in town and school seven different times. Seven.
Walking into classrooms where everyone already knew the unspoken rules? That wasn’t easy. You sit in the back. There’s a social order in place and outsiders generally aren’t welcome. Eat lunch alone. Hope someone smiles. Hope someone invites you in.
And when they do? You never forget.
A Principle, Not Just a Policy
In today’s world, we hear a lot about inclusion and diversity. But Leviticus reminds us that God’s call goes deeper than policy. It’s personal.
Whether you’re leading a team or welcoming someone into your Sunday school class, this ancient command is still relevant: Love them as yourself.
Inclusion isn’t about checking a box. It’s about seeing people, really seeing them, and making room in your world for them.
Love in a Work Shirt
Love doesn’t always look like poetry. Sometimes it looks like listening, showing up, inviting someone to sit with you at lunch, or just taking time to learn someone’s story.
That’s the kind of love Leviticus 19:34 is calling for.
So today, look around. Someone nearby may be feeling like the outsider, the new kid, the one who’s unsure. You might just be the person God’s asking to make them feel welcome.
Pitch Your Tent in God’s Backyard By Jimmie Aaron Kepler
This morning, I was fixing my usual tall blonde roast cup of coffee, nothing fancy, just hot and strong, and thinking about how much smoother the road of life rolls when I’m tuned in to the Lord.
The house was still quiet. The sun hadn’t quite burned through the mist hanging over the yard. I eased into the porch swing with my mug and watched a couple of squirrels doing their morning stretches up the old pecan tree.
That’s when a verse from deep in my soul whispered back up to the surface:
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you,”John 15:7 (KJV)
Now, I’ve heard that verse since I was a boy in Sunday School, starched shirt and all. Even memorized it back as a kid when I was doing the old Bible sword drill program. But this morning it felt like the Lord underlined it just for me.
What does it mean to “abide”?
I reckon it means more than just showing up to church on Sundays or offering up a quick prayer when you need a parking space or a clean bill of health.
“Abide” means staying put. Settling in.
Pitching your tent in God’s backyard.
It’s sitting long enough for the Word to sink in. Like rain soaking into parched Texas soil. Like morning light creeping across a wooden porch. You don’t rush it. You just stay. Like slowing down to watch the squirrels play in the trees.
And here’s the beautiful thing: when you start abiding like that, your prayers change. They quit sounding like a wish list for Santa Claus. Instead, they start sounding like quiet, honest conversations with your best friend.
And friend, He listens. Oh, how He listens.
Not always with fireworks or flashing signs, but in the peace that settles over you like a front-porch breeze. In the confidence that your heart is right where it belongs, resting in Him.
Stay close, y’all.
Keep that coffee hot, your Bible open, and your heart tuned in. It makes all the difference.
If You’re Breathing, You’re Qualified
By Jimmie Aaron Kepler
Good morning, friends,
I don’t know where this finds you, maybe sitting at the kitchen table with that first cup of coffee, or maybe already knee-deep in the day’s to-do list. But wherever you are, if you’ve got breath in your lungs, you’ve already got reason to praise.
I was thinking on that this morning. Psalm 150:6 came to mind,
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”
Now that’s not a verse wrapped in churchy language or theological hoops.
It’s plain as day. If you’re breathing, you qualify.
We’ve got this idea sometimes that praise is reserved for Sunday mornings, church choirs, and folks who’ve got it all together.
But truth is, real praise shows up in the quiet corners.
In hospital rooms. In traffic jams. In whispered prayers when the house is still and the weight of the world’s sitting heavy on your shoulders.
Some of the best worship I’ve ever given didn’t have a tune or a crowd, it was just a breath… and a thank you.
It’s not about polished words or perfect lives.
It’s about showing up, broken, tired, thankful, unsure, and saying, “Lord, You’re still good.”
It’s the kind of praise that bubbles up while you’re washing dishes or walking the dog. It finds its way into front porch conversations and midnight prayers. It’s the kind of praise that doesn’t always sound pretty, but it’s honest.
And maybe that’s what God’s looking for most, honest praise from folks who know what it’s like to wrestle with life, but still choose to lift their eyes.
So today, whether the sun’s shining on your hilltop or you’re dragging yourself through another valley,
Just breathe.
And praise.
‘Cause if you’re breathing, friend, you’re qualified.
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” – Psalm 150:6 KJV
I hope you like the picture. I took it from the mountain top in St Thomas United Staes Virgin Islands on October 21, 2024. The ships in the harbor are the Regal Princess (larger) and Serenity Princess (smaller). I was on a United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, and Caribbean cruise from Southampton England UK to Galveston Texas USA. Every where I saw the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. From the ancient cathedrals in England to the beauty of the moon in the sky and its reflection off the mid Atlantic Ocean, I praised God.
The Quiet Ones Who Carry the Earth
by Jimmie Aaron Kepler
I’ve known a few meek folks in my time.
They weren’t the kind to raise their voices in a room.
Didn’t push to the front of the line.
Didn’t have to win the argument to feel seen.
But oh, they were steady.
I remember one old hippie—he lived down a dusty service road that was used mainly by the UFO folks or the vortex hunters near Sedona, Arizona. Name was Mr. Wyatt. He wore overalls, read his Bible every morning, and never said more than what needed saying. He’d show up with tomatoes from his garden when someone got sick, patch your roof if a storm blew it loose, fix your plumbing if the pipes froze and burst, and never once asked for thanks.
Another was a schoolteacher named Miss Claudette. Thirty years with chalk dust on her sleeves and calm in her eyes. You could walk into her classroom carrying the weight of the world, and somehow her presence alone lightened the load. No fanfare. Just quiet, persistent grace.
Jesus said:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5
Not the ones who shout the loudest.
Not the ones chasing applause or demanding their due.
The meek.
That word gets misunderstood nowadays. We equate it with weakness. With shrinking back. But meekness isn’t weakness—it’s strength wrapped in humility. It’s power with the volume turned down. It’s choosing gentleness when harshness would be easier.
The world will try to tell you to muscle up and shout louder.
To fight for your spot.
To bulldoze your way forward.
But Jesus flips the script.
He lifts the ones the world overlooks.
He crowns the quiet.
The meek aren’t trying to take the earth—
they’re already holding it together in unseen ways.
So if you’re one of the quiet ones—if you lead with kindness, walk in humility, and choose love over loudness—don’t let the noise drown you out.
God sees you.
And He’s already promised—you’ll inherit the earth.
Keep walking the gentle road, friend. It leads home. Jimmie
We know Sedona, Arizona, for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, spiritual energy, and UAPs. There are many ways to experience these aspects of the area, whether through outdoor adventures, cultural events, spiritual practices, and even UAP/UFO tours. Here are a few ideas for a trip to Sedona:
Take a scenic drive through the red rock canyons and visit some of the famous landmarks, such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. Both are in the Sedona area within the Coconino National Forest.
Cathedral Rock is a massive rock formation known for its steep cliffs and distinctive shape. The rock gets its name from the way it towers over the surrounding landscape, resembling a cathedral.
Bell Rock is another popular rock formation. Known for its distinctive bell-shaped cliffs, the rock gets its name from its shape, and is a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and tourists.
Both are popular destination for hikers, who can access the rock via several trails that wind their way through the surrounding area.
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) Tours
That’s right, UAPs.
You might be thinking, just what is an UAP? It’s what we used to call a UFO. That’s right, a UFO as in an unidentified flying object or flying saucer.
Thanks to a rebranding campaign, an UFO is now an UAP, unidentified aerial phenomenon. US officials recently renamed the old-fashioned unidentified flying object as a UAP. The current definition is a UAP is any perceived aerial phenomenon that cannot be identified or explained.
There are several companies in Sedona, Arizona that offer tours focused on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) or unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Some of these tours may include visits to sites that are believed to be hotspots for UFO activity or may involve guided discussions about UFO sightings and encounters. Here are a few options to consider:
Sedona UFO Tour: This company offers a variety of UFO-themed tours, including a “UFO Hot Spot” tour that takes visitors to locations around Sedona that are rumored to be UFO hotspots, and a “UFO Sighting and Encounter” tour that features stories and discussions about UFO sightings and encounters.
Sedona Spirit Tours: This company offers a “UFO and Vortex Tour” that includes visits to vortex sites and discussions about UFO sightings and encounters in the Sedona area.
Sedona Stargazing: This company offers a “UFO and Vortex Adventure” tour that includes visits to vortex sites and discussions about UFO sightings and encounters, as well as stargazing opportunities.
To find more tour options and to book a tour, search online or visit the websites of local tourism organizations, such as the Sedona Chamber of Commerce or the Sedona Tourism Bureau.
You may also find information about UFO-themed tours by contacting local tour companies or by asking for recommendations from people you know who have visited Sedona.
Airport Mesa or the Fay Canyon Trail
If you need more stunning red rock formations and breathtaking views, consider the Airport Mesa and Fay Canyon Trail
The Airport Mesa is a mesa on the east side of Sedona. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding red rocks and the Verde Valley. Viewing the Verde Valley flooded me with childhood memories. I lived in Arizona for six years growing up. The Verde Valley was a frequent vacation and weekend get away destination for my family.
Spectacular Sunset viewing: The mesa is accessible via a short hike from the Airport Mesa Trailhead. It is a popular spot offering awesome sunset viewing.
Fay Canyon is a moderate to strenuous hike in the Coconino National Forest, just outside of Sedona. The trail takes you through a beautiful canyon filled with towering red rock cliffs and narrow corridors. Along the way, you’ll encounter a small waterfall and a variety of plant life, including juniper trees and wildflowers. The trail ends at a viewpoint overlooking a picturesque meadow, providing a rewarding end to the hike.
Both the Airport Mesa and Fay Canyon Trail are excellent choices for nature lovers and hikers looking to experience the beauty of Sedona’s red rock landscape.
Sedona Heritage Museum
If you’re interested in history, visit the Sedona Heritage Museum. You will learn the history of Sedona and the Verde Valley. Part of the educational experience and programs includes the museum’s collection of artifacts and historical objects.
Sedona Heritage Museum features exhibits that highlight the history and culture of the Sedona and Verde Valley region, including its indigenous peoples, early settlers, and its development as a tourism destination.
The museum has artifacts and historical objects collections that tell the story of the region’s history, including Native American pottery, pioneer tools and household items, and items related to the tourism industry.
The Sedona Heritage Museum is housed in the former Sedona Grammar School, which was built in 1922 and is a historic building in its own right. The museum offers tours of the building and its exhibits, as well as the opportunity to explore the surrounding grounds.
The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a variety of educational programs and events for visitors, including lectures, workshops, and special exhibits. These provide opportunities for visitors to learn more about the history and culture of the region in an engaging and interactive way.
The Sedona Heritage Museum plays an important role in preserving the history and culture of the Sedona and Verde Valley region, and serves as a valuable resource for the local community and visitors alike. It is a key part of the community’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich history and culture.
Hot Air Balloon or Helicopter Ride
Take a hot-air balloon ride or a helicopter tour for a unique and beautiful view of the red rock landscape. There are benefits of seeing the area from the air instead of your car.
Unique perspective: Both hot-air balloon rides and helicopter tours offer a unique perspective of the landscape that you can’t get from a car. From high in the air, you’ll be able to see the red rock formations of Sedona in a way that is not possible from the ground.
Scenic views: Both hot-air balloon rides and helicopter tours offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll be able to see the red rock formations of Sedona from a new angle and take in the area’s beauty in a way that is not possible from a car.
Relaxation: Hot-air balloon rides and helicopter tours are a more relaxed way to see the sights. There’s no need to worry about traffic or navigating unfamiliar roads, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
Excitement: Both hot-air balloon rides and helicopter tours offer an element of excitement that you won’t find on a car tour. Soaring through the air is exhilarating and is sure to be a memorable experience.
Overall, hot-air balloon rides and helicopter tours offer a unique and exciting way to see the sights in Sedona, and offer a level of relaxation and scenic views that you won’t find on a car tour.
Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a shopping center in Sedona, Arizona that is known for its collection of art galleries, studios, and boutique shops.
The center resembles a traditional Mexican village, with cobblestone streets, fountains, and colored buildings.
It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to browse the wide variety of handcrafted items on offer, including jewelry, ceramics, glassware, and textiles.
The village also features several restaurants and cafes, as well as live music and other entertainment.
Visit the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village and browse the galleries, studios, and shop for a unique experience.
Spa Treatment
Sedona, Arizona, is a popular destination for spa treatments and wellness retreats. There are many options for spa treatments in Sedona, including:
Massages: Many spas in Sedona offer a variety of massage techniques, such as Swedish massage, hot stone massage, and deep tissue massage.
Facials: Facial treatments can include exfoliating, moisturizing, and other techniques to help rejuvenate and refresh the skin.
Body wraps and scrubs: These treatments involve exfoliating the skin with a scrub or wrapping the body in a cocoon of mud, clay, or other ingredients to nourish and moisturize the skin.
Manicures and pedicures: These treatments involve grooming and polishing the nails and cuticles, as well as massaging the hands and feet.
Salon services: Many spas in Sedona also offer hair styling, coloring, and other salon services.
It’s a good idea to research and compare different spas in Sedona to find the one that best meets your needs and preferences. You may also want to consider booking a package or wellness retreat that includes multiple spa treatments and activities.
Local Wineries or Brewery
You might go wine tasting at one of the local wineries or visit a brewery to sample some of the local craft beer. Sedona is home to several wineries and breweries that offer visitors the opportunity to sample some of the local craft beer and wine.
Wineries: Visiting local wineries can be a great way to learn about the local wine-making industry and taste some of the unique flavors that are produced in the region. Many wineries offer tastings and tours, which can be a fun and educational experience for visitors.
Breweries: Breweries are also a popular attraction in Sedona, and offer visitors the opportunity to try a variety of craft beers that are made with local ingredients. Many breweries also offer tours and tastings, which can be a great way to learn about the brewing process and taste some of the local beer.
Overall, visiting local wineries and breweries can be an enjoyable way to experience the local culture and taste some of the unique flavors produced in the region.
Sedona Performing Arts Center
The Sedona Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts facility that hosts a variety of live performances and events, including concerts, theater productions, dance performances, and more.
Some things to see and do at the Sedona Performing Arts Center might include:
Live Performance or event: The performing arts center hosts a range of performances and events, including concerts, theater productions, dance performances, and more. You can check the center’s website or social media pages to see what’s coming up and purchase tickets to attend.
Taking a tour: The Sedona Performing Arts Center offers guided tours of the facility, which gives you the opportunity to learn more about the history and features of the venue.
Taking part in a workshop or class: The center may offer workshops or classes in various performing arts disciplines, such as acting, dance, or music.
You can check the center’s website or contact them to see if there are any opportunities to take part in these activities.
Sedona Art Center
The Sedona Art Center is a non-profit organization in Sedona, Arizona that offers a variety of art-related programs and events for the community. Some activities that you may participate in at the Sedona Art Center include:
Art classes and workshops: The Sedona Art Center offers a variety of art classes and workshops for people of all skill levels, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and more. These classes are taught by local artists and help you develop your skills and explore new techniques.
Exhibitions: The Sedona Art Center hosts exhibitions of work by local artists throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase a wide range of media and styles, and provide an opportunity to see the work of talented artists in the community.
Artist talks and lectures: The Sedona Art Center often hosts artist talks and lectures, which provide an opportunity to learn more about the work and techniques of local artists. These events may include demonstrations, discussions, and Q&A sessions.
Special events: The Sedona Art Center may also host special events throughout the year, such as open studios, art fairs, and holiday markets. These events provide an opportunity to meet local artists, see their work, and purchase art.
The Sedona Art Center is a great place to learn about and appreciate art, and to take part in a variety of art-related activities.
Photo Source: All photos were taken by the author unless noted in the photo caption. Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
