Tag Archives: encouragement

Quick Thought – Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Sticks and Stones—The Power of Words to Wound or Heal

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

“Sticks and stones” was never really true. Words can leave wounds no one else can see, which is why David prayed for God to guard his mouth and watch over his lips. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Friday, September 4, 2026: Small Group Protection—Raising Children in Faith

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

When danger comes, muskoxen gather in a circle around their young. That picture offers a powerful reminder of the Church’s responsibility to protect, encourage and spiritually form the children entrusted to us. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Saturday, August 14, 2026: When God’s Presence Is the Rescue

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Firefighters could not immediately rescue an injured hiker stranded on an Australian mountain, so they stayed with him through the night. Their actions offer a powerful picture of God’s promise: “I will be with you.” Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Friday, August 7, 2026: Gospel According to John

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

John Smoltz learned that faith did not guarantee a Cy Young season or a World Series victory. Christ gave him the strength to handle both success and defeat. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Cheering from the Stands—Running the Race of Faith

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

From the 1996 Olympics to the finish line of a 60-mile breast cancer walk, the sound of cheering has stayed with me. Hebrews 12 reminds us that the Christian race also comes with a cloud of witnesses. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Monday, July 6, 2026: Beauty For Ashes

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Even in seasons marked by hardship, God is still working. Sometimes we need to stop and count the quiet victories we might have missed. Continue reading →

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The Story Between the Lines: The Boy Who Was Allowed to Climb

Posted on June 20, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

A lonely boy named Freddy was shaped by sickness, teasing, music, imagination, a steady father and a grandfather who made him feel special just for being himself. Years later, he would offer that same gift to millions. Continue reading →

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Unfinished Is Not Failed: One Way I’ve Grown This Year

Posted on June 17, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I think one way I’ve grown this year is that I’ve become more comfortable with unfinished things. I am learning that delay is not always denial, silence is not always rejection, and unfinished is not the same thing as failed. Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: The Tasting Note You Missed

Posted on June 14, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The whiskey did not necessarily change. My attention did. Sometimes the same is true in life. God’s mercy may be present long before I slow down enough to notice it. Continue reading →

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Confidence, Unfortunately, Requires Evidence

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Self-confidence is not built by pretending we are fearless. It grows when we stop rehearsing disaster, take one small honest step, and give ourselves new evidence that fear does not get the final word. Continue reading →

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