A Weekly Walk in the Word

John 1:9-14 The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

How will you welcome the light into your home this Christmas? Jesus came to live among us to be the light of the world for all people. As we celebrate Jesus’ birthday this week, let His light shine brightly through you for everyone to see.

Luke 1:46-55 Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.” (CEB Version)

Mary sang this song to Elizabeth before John the Baptist or Jesus were born, but both women were expecting. Mary knew the importance of her role in the kingdom of God. Mary knew she was carrying the one sent to save the world, the Great I Am!

How has God called you to play a role in the kingdom of God? How will you respond?

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Ladies, never underestimate the role you play in God’s kingdom. After several requests and years of writing, my second book is available. This book has been healing for me as I worked through the editing process during Jo’s cancer treatments and loosing our son, Seth. God gave me the peace I needed through the words He gave me to write. God knew what I needed before I did. “Women Walking in the Word” is a 365 day devotional with room for journaling every day that will walk you through the entire New Testament. If you would like a copy to begin 2026, or if you are looking for a special gift to give women in your life, please reach out to me at Wandaswool@gmail.com. I would be thrilled to send you copies. The book sells for $24.95 and $5 shipping. God bless you as we roll into a New Year.

Isaiah 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

This week was the first anniversary of my son Seth’s passing. I have been dreading this day for 52 weeks. But guess what? I survived it. I survived through special time away with my husband and children. I survived through prayers lifting me up by friends, family and strangers. I survived through God holding me closer than he has ever held me. I have been blessed through my extreme grief.

If you have a prayer request, please reach out. I would love to pray for you. No prayer is too big or too small. God hears them all.

Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

It is time in the Playter household to upgrade our cell phones once again. The latest and greatest version of the iPhone placed in my hand was magical. The anticipation of more storage along with the capability to do endless tasks was so exciting….. until it wasn’t. I sat in the Verison store with my daughter for almost 4 hours working on transferring information and remembering passwords. My excitement turned to frustrations when my phone locked me out for 24 hours before I could change my password to begin the process all over again. Perhaps I need to go back to a rotary dial phone.

I am so thankful for my direct line to Jesus through prayer. The greatest form of communication. No appointment needed. No upgrades to be made. Jesus will never lock me out, but is always ready to take my call without any added fees or limitations on usage. Technology is hard. Prayer is easy!

Luke 1:42-45 You’re so blessed among women, and the babe in your womb, also blessed! And why am I so blessed that the mother of my Lord visits me? The moment the sound of your greeting entered my ears, the babe in my womb skipped like lamb for sheer joy. Blessed woman, who believed what God said, believed every word would come true!

…..and that’s a wrap. The 2025 antique season is complete. I closed the door to my shed yesterday. As I reflect on the year, I feel so blessed by my customers/friends. God showed up through them over and over. Just yesterday a women told me she drove past my sale twice, but she felt God telling her to stop. So, on her third pass, she stopped. It wasn’t until she reached the counter that her eyes lit up when she saw my book. She said it was “just what she needed”. She left with a signed copy and a hug. God is good, always! When life gets hard, God blesses beyond measure. Where are you seeing God’s blessings in your life?

We give thanks, O God, for all who have gone on to join with You beyond this life. We trust in the hope of resurrection and the promise of new life in Christ, and know that in our grief and celebration, O God, You are with us through it all, and we are not left alone.

Today is All Saints Sunday. A day to reflect and celebrate those who have passed before us. Think about someone you have lost. How did they touch you and change your life for the good? How will you be remembered when you are gone? Be the love someone is searching for.

Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Caution – Halloween is this week. We tend to normalize or even celebrate evil and wickedness every year on October 31st. But the truth is, this so-called holiday is saturated with evil. Be wise when you make choices for yourself and your children. The horror movie and images we see this week will have a lasting impact on our minds. Instead, celebrate fall with all the pumpkin spice you can find. Choose wisely as to what goes into your heart and mind.

Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

A Gathering of Friends antique sale has been happening this week. I set up at the show, which means I have been carrying cupboards, tables, and unknown amounts of stoneware all week. This is what I love doing, but it is exhausting. On my 45 minute commute to and from the show, I listen to Christian radio. The Isaiah 40 verses kept coming through the speakers in my truck. God knew I needed these exact verses this week. I found peace in the promise of strength when I was weary. Every morning I woke up rested and ready for the day ahead. Today we pack up all the remaining pieces left in our booth. I needed to hear the verses one more time.

Who isn’t tired these days? When you are weary, find strength in the arms of the Lord our everlasting God and Creator as you soar on wings like eagles. Have a great week!

Mark 6:1-3 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” They asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus grew up creating wood pieces with his hands. Joseph passed down the valuable skill of carpentry to his sons. He didn’t have multiple college degrees, but Jesus changed the world when he began working in His Heavenly Father’s business. No matter what your career choice, God can use your unique skill set to touch the lives of others. You have been called to do great things. Be bold as you move into your calling.