by Cynthia L Simmons | Jun 1, 2026 | Blog, Encouragement
Heavenly Father, As we enter the month of June, we pause to thank You for Your constant faithfulness, mercy, and love. Thank You for carrying us through every season and for being our source of hope and strength. We pray that this month would be filled with peace, joy, wisdom, and opportunities to reflect Your light to those around us. Lord, we especially lift up those who are in need of healing. You are the Great Physician, and nothing is impossible for You. We ask for renewed strength for weary bodies, comfort for anxious hearts, and restoration for those walking through illness, pain, or difficult circumstances. Surround them with Your presence and remind them they are never alone. Help us all to trust You more deeply, love others more fully, and walk faithfully in the purpose You have set before us. May June be a month marked by grace, growth, and the goodness of God in every area of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Below please access one of our most-loved encouragements to you and those around you. My team and I pray our calendar challenge will get you one step closer toward our God, the Ultimate Father, who controls ALL things, including justice, peace, and the nations. 
CLICK HERE for your monthly encouragement so you can download the June 2026 Calendar Challenge.
by Cynthia L Simmons | Jun 1, 2026 | Encouragement
While sorting through the mail, Martha Washington caught sight of her husband’s handwriting, and her heart sped up as she reached for his letter. How she missed him since he had agreed to serve the Continental Army. Yet, she understood his commitment. If only their British counterparts overseas had not forced the colonists to war.
She tore open the message with trembling fingers. He must stay well and safe, so she could almost be content. Almost. They had not been apart much in their sixteen years, and she relied on him.
But what was this? He wanted her to come for the winter? She closed her eyes and visualized the travel involved. How she hated bumpy roads. They would spend overnight with friends and patriots along the way. Such a trip would quell persistent rumors that she had left George because of her devotion to the King of England. And if she stayed with George, he could stop worrying about the Redcoats kidnapping her.
She sighed and downed the remnants of cocoa in her cup as she planned the journey. Fall had arrived so the soldiers would recoup over the winter. They would need food and supplies. A pang ran through her chest at the thought of leaving Mount Vernon, but marriage to such a fine man required sacrifices. When she donned those lovely purple shoes for her wedding day, she never dreamed they would share winter quarters with an army.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” -James 1:2-4
by Cynthia L Simmons | May 1, 2026 | Encouragement
A shiver raced through my body as I ran my fingers over my neck. Was that a slight swelling? Yes. Just above my collarbone. I hadn’t seen that before. My nurse-mind ran through all the negative possibilities, and I lingered on the most lethal. My heart quivered as I compared both sides of my neck to confirm what my fingers detected.
That sudden change barreled me down the road to appointments, scans, and millions (it felt like) of blood tests. When I finally received a diagnosis, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I realized I had entered a different world. The medical community now tells me what to do. A message appears in My Chart about appointments and treatments. Sometimes medical personnel call when I’m driving to ‘check me in’ or request my presence. The doctor assigned me a treatment plan for the next six months, to save my life.
As the world spins around me and my heart pounds, I cling to my anchor, Jesus Christ. Don’t imagine I’m a mighty warrior. I have shed buckets of tears and have been unable to sleep. But I know my hope.
“…Christ in you the hope of glory.” Col 1:27
by Cynthia L Simmons | May 1, 2026 | Blog, Encouragement
Dear Holy Father, we pour out thanksgiving for your many blessings. Thank you for making the world, for giving us life, for making animals and flowers for us to enjoy. And we praise you that when the storm carries us away, you never leave us alone. We pray in the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
Below please access one of our most-loved encouragements to you and those around you. My team and I pray our calendar challenge will get you one step closer toward our God, the Ultimate Father, who controls ALL things, including justice, peace, and the nations. 
CLICK HERE for your monthly encouragement so you can download the May 2026 Calendar Challenge.
by Cynthia L Simmons | Apr 1, 2026 | Encouragement
Breathlessly, six-year-old Kittie Snodgrass watched the Union army move into position in the valley below her rustic cabin. Her stomach knotted as she imagined a stray bullet wounding one of her seven siblings. However, her father squelched her fears. He reassured her the sturdy cabin had always been her fortress and would remain safe.
Unfortunately, fighting broke out about three miles from her house, and her father made everyone stay in the cabin. The next day, Kittie trembled as the battle moved to the farm next door. Huddled inside, the sharp explosion of bullets hitting trees surrounded them. About three o’clock, the fighting moved even closer. Numerous rifles going off at once created a constant roar, and she could feel the vibrations in her chest. About three in the afternoon, a Mini ball ripped into the cabin with a splintering shriek. Then another tore through the ceiling. The sound reverberated through her body. Was this death?
As more bullets splintered the wood, Mr. Snodgrass shepherded her and the family to a wooded ravine nearby. For eight days, she crouched in a cleft of the earth. Despite the sounds of battle all around she was shielded from the fighting above. What a great reminder for us! When we face life’s storms and our world splinters, we don’t have to panic. Instead, we can allow the Lord to guide us and rest in the shelter of his wings.
He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4
by Cynthia L Simmons | Apr 1, 2026 | Blog, Encouragement
Dear Holy Father, we lift our grateful hearts to you this month as we remember Jesus gave his life and conquered death. How can we thank you enough for the blessings of redemption and the riches you have lavished upon us? Give us the ability to comprehend the enormous love that caused you to reach out to us when we lived in sin. Grant us opportunities to share that love and mercy to the world around us. We pray in the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
Below please access one of our most-loved encouragements to you and those around you. My team and I pray our calendar challenge will get you one step closer toward our God, the Ultimate Father, who controls ALL things, including justice, peace, and the nations.
CLICK HERE for your monthly encouragement so you can download the April 2026 Calendar Challenge.
