Pumpkins and Purpose: Carved by the Creator

When my boys were little, we used to love carving pumpkins together. They were never fancy — just a few triangle eyes, crooked smiles, and a whole lot of laughter. We’d sit out in the driveway on cool fall evenings, carving away on top of spread-out newspaper — back when that was the thing. I guess now we’d have to use laid-out Amazon boxes instead!

Those nights were simple, messy, and full of joy. Pumpkin seeds stuck to our elbows, goofy designs that never quite turned out like we planned — but we had fun trying. And every fall, when I see porches lined with glowing pumpkins, I can’t help but think about those moments… and how they point to something deeper about how God works in us.

God Picks Us

Just like we go to the pumpkin patch to find the one, God handpicks each of us. He sees beyond the dirt, the bumps, and the imperfections and says, “That one’s mine.”

He doesn’t pass over us because we’re not perfect — He chooses us because He already knows the story He’s going to tell through our lives.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you…” – John 15:16

We may think we’re just another pumpkin in a field full of options, but to God, we’re His specific, intentional choice — one He plans to shape for His glory.

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He Cleans Us Out

Before a pumpkin can shine, it has to be cleaned out. The sticky, stringy mess inside has to go before the light can fill it.

That’s exactly what God does with our hearts. He gently reaches in and removes what doesn’t belong — the fears, bitterness, pride, and anything else that clouds His light. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s necessary.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

When we let Him do the cleaning, He makes space for something beautiful to shine through.

He Carves with Care

Every time I carved with the boys, I had a design in mind. It didn’t always come out right — most of the time, we just laughed and made it work. But when God carves, He never slips. Every cut, every curve, every shaping has a purpose.

Sometimes the carving hurts. Life has a way of chipping at us, and we wonder why God allows certain things. But in time, we see that those very places — the spots where we felt cut and broken — are the places His light shines through the brightest.

“We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8

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He Places His Light Inside

After all the scooping and carving comes the best part — lighting the candle. That’s when the pumpkin comes alive. The glow makes all the work worth it.

God does the same with us. He places His Spirit within us, and suddenly, our lives have purpose. We don’t shine because we’re perfect; we shine because His light is inside us.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

Every October, when I see pumpkins glowing on porches and kids dressed up laughing under the streetlights, I think about how God takes ordinary, imperfect people like us and fills us with His extraordinary light.

We were never meant to be flawless — we were meant to be filled.

So this fall, as you see those carved pumpkins glowing in the dark, remember: you were chosen, cleaned, carved, and filled by a loving God who created you on purpose and for a purpose.

Let His light shine through you — because the world needs the glow He’s placed inside. 🧡

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Journal Reflection

• What “mess” might God be cleaning out of your heart in this season?
• Where have you seen His careful carving — the moments that hurt but later revealed His purpose?
• How can you let His light shine more boldly through you this fall?

Take a few quiet moments to reflect, and write honestly. Don’t worry about pretty words — just be real with God.

Lord, thank You for choosing me — for seeing value in what the world might overlook. Thank You for cleaning out the mess inside me and shaping me into something You can use. When life feels uncomfortable or uncertain, help me remember that You are carving with care, never wasting a single cut. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my life glows with Your goodness and grace. May others see Your light in me and be drawn closer to You. Amen.

Unashamed: A Voice the Darkness Can’t Silence

The gospel is not something to be hidden. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). That’s the message we carry: abundant life in Christ. And as His children, we are called to share it boldly.

Being unashamed doesn’t mean shouting louder than the world. It means using our voices for love, not arguments. It means telling our story and trusting the Holy Spirit to change hearts. Jesus made it simple: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35).

Hated but Not Forsaken

Living with an unashamed voice will bring resistance. That shouldn’t surprise us.

• John 15:18–19 – the world hated Jesus first.
• 2 Timothy 3:12 – everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted.

But opposition doesn’t mean abandonment. Nothing we go through is meaningless. God promises to go before us.

• Isaiah 45:2 – “I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.”

Our battle is not against people—it is spiritual.

• Ephesians 6:12 – “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but… against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

When pushback comes because of faith, that is not failure—it is confirmation that we belong to Christ. Evil cannot stand against a voice that speaks truth in love (1 John 4:4).

The Calls That Shook Me, The God Who Kept Me

For a long time, the sound of the phone ringing put me in a panic. Too many times it carried news that broke me. I got the call that my mom had been taken by ambulance where she had a massive heartache and met Jesus. I got the call that my brother had passed. Another call told me my father-in-law was gone. I’ll never forget the call that my oldest son had been in a car wreck. There were calls about bills I couldn’t see a way to pay. And then came the phone call that told me I had breast cancer.

The phone became a symbol of unknowns and worry, each ring stirring fear of what was coming next.

I’ve walked through grief. I’ve battled disease. I’ve carried the weight of financial struggles while raising three boys—clinging to whatever scraps of energy I had left. In those seasons, I often retreated. I felt unworthy of being used by God, and if I’m honest, too tired to try.

But God met me right there in my weakness. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

He didn’t walk away when I was worn out, He walked with me. He stuck by me until I found strength again. And in those hard years, He not only carried me, but He revealed Himself to me in a deeper way.

The God I cling to today is the same God who showed up for His people throughout Scripture:

• Provider for Abraham when a ram was caught in the thicket (Genesis 22).
• Deliverer for Moses and the Israelites when the Red Sea parted (Exodus 14).
• Protector for Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6).
• Peace for the disciples in the middle of the storm (Mark 4).
• Strength for Paul, even in prison, as the gospel advanced (Philippians 1).

That same God was with me on the other end of every call, in hospital rooms, in sleepless nights, and at the kitchen table with bills I didn’t know how to pay. He is today who He has always been. Faithful. Steadfast. Good.

Peace in a World on Fire

We live in uncertain times, with hatred and violence often rising against those who dare to stand for Truth. But we do not have to live in fear. Jesus told us this would come, and He also promised peace.

• John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

The presence of God is greater than the hatred of man. You can stand not in fear but in faith, knowing that the same Jesus who overcame the grave stands with you today.

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When the Fight Is Unseen

The resistance we face isn’t just human, it’s spiritual. The enemy knows that one voice unashamed of the gospel is dangerous to the kingdom of darkness.

• Matthew 5:10–12 – blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness.
• Luke 6:22–23 – rejoice when people reject you because of Christ.
• Acts 5:41 – the apostles rejoiced at suffering disgrace for His Name.

Opposition may come, but it cannot silence God’s people. Evil trembles when God’s children speak with unashamed voices because every testimony points back to the victory of Christ.

The Ending Has Already Been Written

This battle is not uncertain, but the victory is already secure.

• 1 Corinthians 15:55–57 – death has lost its sting.
• Romans 8:37–39 – nothing can separate us from the love of God.
• Revelation 12:11 – we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

People may dislike you for what you stand for. Spiritual warfare is real. But you don’t have to be silenced. You can live as an Unashamed Voice because you know the One who already has the victory.

Rise and Speak

The world is desperate for hope. People need to know that forgiveness is possible, that love is real, and that joy is still available. That’s why you must be unashamed of the gospel. Because when you speak, you are not testifying about yourself, you are pointing to the Savior who still gives life, who still changes hearts, and who still walks with His people today.

So don’t retreat. Don’t remain silent. Rise with an unashamed voice—telling your story, loving people deeply, and trusting God to do what only He can do.

Journaling Reflection

I love to write and organize the chaos in my mind. I invite you to spend some time with God and write a letter to Him or a letter to yourself. Or simply write down your thoughts. 

• Where do you feel tempted to stay silent about your faith?
• How has God revealed Himself to you in your hardest seasons?
• What would it look like for you to use your voice in love this week?

Lord, give me an unashamed voice. Help me to speak truth with love, not out of pride or argument, but out of a deep trust in You. Thank You that my weakness is not wasted, but a place where Your strength shines. When opposition comes, remind me that You have already won the victory. Let my story point to Your goodness, and let my words reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living Through Life’s Hurricane

In our early 20s, my husband was playing professional baseball, and we lived in Florida. We didn’t really understand the anatomy of a hurricane back then. All I knew was that when the storm came, we boarded up, braced ourselves, and listened through the night as debris slammed into our door.

Then, suddenly, everything shifted. We stepped outside, and it was so still. We were standing in the eye. I remember looking up and seeing the beauty above us, the calm sky framed by walls of clouds. But even in that pause, I knew it wasn’t over. The second half of the storm was still coming, and we had to stay protected.

That experience planted a picture in my mind of how life works. Sometimes one storm band passes and you think, maybe this won’t be so bad. But then another wave comes, and another, and the winds just keep picking up. That’s when you get weary. That’s when you realize, I cannot do this on my own. I need help.

The Front Side of the Storm – My 30s and 40s

In my 30s, the storms of life began to pick up force. I faced the deep grief of losing family members, financial struggles that shook our foundation, and a breast cancer diagnosis that tested me in every way. On top of those storms, there were job changes—both for me and for my husband—that brought their own uncertainty and stress. The winds of change often felt relentless, pushing us out of comfort zones and into new seasons we didn’t always feel ready for.

Then came my 40s. This season brought a different kind of storm. I found myself sending my boys off to college—both proud and heartbroken at the same time. Parenthood is one of life’s greatest blessings, but it’s also filled with challenges you can’t prepare for until you’re walking through them. Every stage requires learning something new, trusting God with your children, and letting go a little more each time.

Once again, the balancing act was constant—marriage, parenthood, finances, work, job transitions, and friendships—all the pieces of true life pressing in at once. Some days, the storm wasn’t a crashing wave but a steady wind that never seemed to let up.

It was in these years that Jeremiah 29:11–14 became my anchor:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.

Through it all, my prayers shifted. Instead of only asking God to stop the storm, I began to pray:

“Lord, what are You trying to teach me in this season? What do You want me to learn through this storm?”

Those years of pounding winds taught me to lean into God’s presence, trust His plans, and keep seeking Him, even when I felt worn out.

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The Eye of the Storm – My 50s

Now in my 50s, I feel like I’ve stepped into the eye of the storm. If you’ve ever seen a hurricane from above, the eye is breathtaking. The winds pause, the clouds part, and for a moment you see the sky again. The air is calmer, and you can take a deep breath.

That’s where I am right now. I’m learning to rest. I’m looking around, seeing the beauty in life, and thanking God for His goodness. I know the backside of the storm is still coming, because trouble always comes in this world, but for now I’m soaking in the peace of this pause.

Isaiah 26:3 reminds me of this calm:

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

And Psalm 34:8 puts words to my gratitude:

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Preparing for the Backside

The backside of the storm will arrive eventually. Storms don’t disappear when you’re in the eye—they simply give you a pause. I don’t say this because I’m being negative or pessimistic, or because I’m sitting here just waiting for the next storm. I say it because it’s the truth of life in a fallen world. Jesus Himself told us that trouble will come:

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

That doesn’t fill me with fear—it fills me with hope. Because the storms of my 30s and 40s taught me something I didn’t know before: how to live differently in the midst of trials. The front side of the storm taught me how to cling to God, how to pray, how to trust, and how to find joy in the middle of chaos.

Yes, there is always spiritual warfare. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it abundantly. I believe that through the first part of the storm, God has shown me how to live with that abundant joy.

So when the backside of the storm comes, it won’t look the same as it did before. The winds may still be strong, but I’ve learned to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). I’ve learned to anchor myself in His truth and keep growing, even when the rain pours down.

The storms no longer stop my growth—they shape it. They deepen my roots, strengthen my faith, and remind me that no matter how fierce the storm, my God is greater.

Romans 5:3–4 says it perfectly:

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

So I don’t live in dread of the backside of the storm. I live in readiness, with the peace of knowing that whatever comes, I have a Savior who is my shelter, my joy, and my abundant life.

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Reflection & Journaling

Take a few moments to reflect on your own storms and how God has met you in them. You may even want to journal your thoughts:

• What “front side storms” have you faced in your life? How did they shape you?
• Can you identify a season where you were in the “eye of the storm”—able to pause, breathe, and see God’s beauty in the calm?
• How do you view the “backside storms” that may come? Are you fearful, or are you learning to live prepared with hope?
• What Scriptures or promises of God anchor you when life’s winds begin to blow?

Write a Letter to God

As part of your journaling, write a letter to God. Be honest. Share with Him what storm you’re in—or what storm you fear might come. Thank Him for how He has carried you through the past, and invite Him to continue shaping you into someone who grows, not just survives, when the storms of life roll in.

Let’s Close in Prayer 

Father,

Thank You that You are my refuge and strength, my ever-present help in times of trouble. Thank You for the storms You have already carried me through and for the lessons I’ve learned in the wind and rain. Lord, help me not to fear what is ahead, but to live prepared, anchored in Your Word, and filled with Your peace.

When the enemy tries to steal my joy, remind me of the abundant life You have promised me through Jesus. Teach me to be still and know that You are God, even in the fiercest winds. Grow me deeper, root me stronger, and let my life reflect the hope that can only be found in You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.