Hey there, Friend!

My name is Trisha. I like my coffee black with the Word wide-open first thing in the morning. Like many of you, sometimes the sprints in life have me skipping scripture to get a jump start on my to-do’s. Sadly, this temporary advantage leaves my spirit dry, worn out, and riddled with anxiety and frustration.

How you begin the day usually determines what kind of day you’re going to have.

When you wake up in the morning, it’s easy to lie in bed just a little longer soaking in the peace, thinking about the day. Just remember, this delay is setting the tone for your day. Wouldn’t it be nice to start with a little inspiration, a short order of the Truth, to help put your mind on a positive path toward a faith-filled day?

It’s refreshing to begin the day uplifted and inspired by God’s Word. The trouble is these first few minutes are competing with a head start on tasks, catching up on social media and the news, or sneaking in a few extra zzzs. This choice may not seem like a big deal, but later in the day when someone in traffic cuts you off, or your boss requests more sales and longer hours, or your neighbor blocks your driveway again, your attitude, your thoughts, and your actions will pour out what you have put into your mind that day.

Welcome to your “Grab and Go Devo” (Devo is short for devotional).

Here you’ll find God’s Word weaved with life application. These bite-size posts will take less than 5 minutes to read. If you’re hurried at home, hop in a restroom stall and read a devotional there if you must!

I want to help you (and me) to have a better attitude about your life.

MY BIOGRAPHY

Born and raised in Iowa as the oldest of four kids, I grew up around campfires, the classics of country music, and with Goodwill.

Mom and Dad weren’t much of the church-going type, but they sent us kids anyway. I remember Sunday school being like a second home, where we sang, listened to stories, and celebrated.

A youth pastor and his wife wrapped their servant hearts around my family and started sharing the gospel with their hands and feet. Every Sunday and Thursday, my sisters, brother, and I would pile into a van full of kids heading to the First Baptist Church. This is where I first met Grace, the forgiving kindness of Jesus, and it’s where I experienced the unrelenting love of a Good Father, through the service of a youth pastor and his wife.

At 11, the Holy Spirit ignited a whole new fervor for Jesus in my soul. For years, I had been listening to Bible teachers share stories about Jesus while I served behind the scenes, but now I wanted more of a relationship with Him. Spiritual truths were making sense in very real, tangible ways, and I knew I needed to step out from the shadows and claim Jesus as my personal Savior.

I finally found Home inside my heart with Jesus.

My hands and feet have been ablaze ever since.

Writing is healing. Many times, the answer we’re looking for is already in us. Pouring questions out on the pages and letting our thoughts wander through the possibilities is a process that will pay dividends, if not now, then later. Most of my stories stem from inner struggles, like keeping Jesus first in a world filled with demands and how to keep loving the ones who hurt you the most.

When my family is together, a lot of tales fly, and that’s where the storyteller in me comes from.

When I’m not writing, you might find me leaning over a medium roast in deep thought with several books open at a time.

And when I’m not writing or reading, you can definitely find me in the kitchen. Or maybe out for a walk.

I have thick skin and a tender heart. Here’s what I mean: I sob at shows like “America’s Got Talent” because I’m touched by the stories of resilience. Though, as sappy as that sounds, I’m not easily bothered by critical words or harsh reactions. Un-moved, in fact.

Living life outside the box.

If there’s a challenge, I’ll take it! If there’s a more efficient way to get the job done, I’m on it. I have no problems holding hands with a struggle until we both find the path to Home again.

Professionally, I am a creative writer fueled by a lifetime of faith. You can find some of my work on Life.Church, the YouVersion Bible App, Beloved Women, and Empowered Women Faith Club. Outside of sharing the gospel, I spend my professional time helping nonprofits choose their words wisely in marketing and public relations. (Visit LinkedIn for more about my professional career.)

I hope you walk away from these pages feeling refreshed, mostly laughing, and feeling deeply loved.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE POSTS:

• 5 Reasons You Should Be Praying Out Loud
• How Prayer Ignited Our Hope During the Covid Pandemic
• The First Decision is the Most Important
• Reconcile Every Relationship

MY CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact me using the form on the contact page, follow me on Twitter or friend me on Facebook.