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Lois Flowers

It’s OK to Be Specific When You Pray

by Lois Flowers
by Lois Flowers

Inside: If you think God doesn’t want to hear—or maybe even disapproves of—detailed prayers, this Old Testament example indicates otherwise. ~

I started reading through a new Bible last year.

I don’t know if it’s the Holy Spirit’s prompting or the lack of underlines and highlights, but perusing an unmarked page helps me notice aspects of biblical narratives I may have never considered before. Take, for example, the account in Genesis of Abraham sending his trusted servant to find a wife for son Isaac among Abraham’s kindred.

Along with 10 camels and “all sorts of choice gifts from his master,” the servant traveled to Mesopotamia, where Abraham’s brother Nahor lived (Genesis 24:10). When the servant reached his destination, he stopped at a well outside the city and made the camels kneel down. Then he prayed.

“O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.  Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.” (Genesis 24:12-14, ESV)

An Immediate Answer

Before Abraham’s servant even finished praying, Nahor’s beautiful and unmarried daughter Rebekah appeared at the well with her jug. When the servant asked her for some water, she gave him a drink, offered to water all his camels, told him who she was and assured him he was welcome to spend the night at her father’s house.

Later, Rebekah willingly accompanied the servant back home to marry Isaac.

I was familiar with this story, but as I read the servant’s prayer in my new Bible, I was struck by how specific it is. I’m not suggesting that we take a random passage out the Old Testament and turn it into an entire prayer strategy (although this has been done before). But if we think God doesn’t want to hear—or maybe even disapproves of—detailed prayers, we might think again.

Our responsibility as children of our heavenly Father is to approach prayer with the understanding that God’s ways are not our ways. He may have other plans for us, and the outcome of any given situation may look nothing like what we’d prefer. When our hearts remember this, it helps us hold our desires loosely as we share very specific requests with God.

Thy Will Be Done

I’m not talking about telling God what to do, of course. When I veer in this direction, as I am prone to do, the biblical phrase that Mitford author Jan Karon calls “the prayer that never fails” helps reorient me: Thy will be done (Matthew 6:10).

The fact that God answered Abraham’s servant’s prayer down to the smallest detail doesn’t guarantee that He will do the same for us. But it should encourage us to humbly pour out our hearts to Him about anything that might be concerning or perplexing us.

In God’s sovereignty, He knows what is best for us, just like He knew what was best for Isaac and Rebekah. And He will answer our prayers in His timing, according to His perfect will—whether they are short and succinct or long and detailed.

• • •

Since we’re all wired differently, I’m guessing some of us like to keep our prayers simple, while others of us tend to get more specific. Where do you find yourself these days? Please share in the comments.

♥ Lois

God may have other plans for us, and the outcome of any given situation may look nothing like what we’d prefer. Remembering this helps us hold our desires loosely as we share very specific requests with Him. Share on X God will answer our prayers in His timing, according to His perfect will—whether they are short and succinct or long and detailed. Share on X

P.S. I’m linking up this week with InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.

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A Helpful Motto for When You’re Exhausted and Overwhelmed

by Lois Flowers
by Lois Flowers

Inside: During seasons of acute exhaustion or stress, if others can do work that we’re struggling to do, we might need to step aside and let them. Here’s what that could look like. ~

Years ago, I had an email conversation that made me want to drop everything and take a sympathy nap.

Every sentence oozed discouragement as my formerly energetic friend described how exhausted she was. How she had to drag herself through each day. How void she was of enthusiasm and vision.

Her words reminded me of a season when I felt much like she was feeling. I didn’t have near the full plate that my friend carried at the time, but I know what it’s like to trudge around all day in a perpetual state of overwhelmedness.

I’m not talking about being a bit too busy or somewhat over-committed. Rather, this has to do with the kind of mind-numbing fatigue that stems from circumstantial, hormonal, relational or physical factors that often are beyond our control.

A Helpful Motto

When I was in the middle of all that, there was a little phrase that guided how I used my time and energy:

“Only do what only I can do.”

Contrary to what we sometimes think, we are not indispensable. And during seasons of acute exhaustion or stress, if there are others who can do work that we’re struggling to do, we might need to step aside and let them.

Here’s a case in point. I used to work in the children’s ministry at church, teaching a class of fifth and sixth graders once a month. There were some great kids in this class, including my own daughter. But because of my depleted state, I often found my patience wearing thin and my irritability level rising as I tried to get them to focus.

Time for a Change?

When I began to dread going to church on those Sundays when I had to teach, I started to wonder if it might be time for a change. The turning point came when I realized that I would not want someone with my attitude teaching my own daughters. Maybe it was time to move on to something else.

The children’s pastor graciously let me off the hook. I relinquished my teacher title knowing there were other people who could oversee the class. My little motto gave me the freedom to let go and find ways to serve that better matched my gifts and personality.

That wasn’t the only thing I dropped or said no to during those years. I turned down leadership opportunities. I didn’t sign up to be a room parent at my daughters’ elementary school (though I did make treats for class parties). I didn’t volunteer for much of anything, really.

At times, I felt selfish and guilty. I wondered if people were disappointed in me, and maybe they were. But during that season of my life, I had to put my own oxygen mask on first before I could help anyone else.

So I only did what only I could do.

Top Priorities

For me, this mostly included taking care of my home and family. Beyond my household and caregiving duties, I focused on what I thought was important, even if it tuckered me out. For example, when my older daughter Lilly was in fourth and fifth grade, she wanted me to have lunch with her once a week. The cafeteria was noisy and the kids were rambunctious, but I went because I sensed she needed me.

I’m not suggesting weary people should never participate in activities or ministries that take them out of their so-called “comfort zones” or don’t seem to fit their obvious skill sets. Sometimes when the call for “all hands on deck” goes out, it is our moral or spiritual obligation to answer it, no matter how fatigued we are.

Also, the practice of only doing what only you can do isn’t necessarily a permanent decision-making strategy. You might be worn out now, but you probably won’t be worn out forever. Seasons change, energy levels go back up, enthusiasm returns. It might require medical intervention from time to time, but it does happen.

For a while, I had so much margin in my life there was hardly room for anything else. As I started to feel more like my normal self, I began adding things back in. But only very strategically.

One Step at a Time

I haven’t forgotten what those tired days were like. In the years since then, I’ve had to cut back again—more than once, and sometimes even more drastically.

God is faithful to restore, but His timing often looks nothing like ours. Which is why our walk of faith is always one step at a time.

If you are slogging through your own weary season right now, I know words from me won’t change much. But I do understand.

You are making a difference, even if you see no tangible proof right now. So hang in there. It won’t always be like this.

And if it gets worse before it gets better, as it sometimes does, take a tip from someone who’s been there and only do what only you can do.

It’s hard to let go, but it’s worth it.

• • •

No Post Here Next Week

Next week, I’ll send out my subscriber-only, email newsletter, Courage, Dear Heart, which replaces my third blog post of each month.

If you filled out the subscription form and haven’t received anything yet, the confirmation email probably went to your junk or spam folder. If you can’t find it there, please subscribe again and check those folders for the opt-in message. Be sure to add the newsletter’s email address to your safe list so you don’t miss anything else.

If you haven’t had a chance to sign up for the newsletter yet, you can do so here:

Click Here to Subscribe

As my way of saying thanks, you’ll receive a free copy of my 7-day devotional, Faith, Fear, and the God Who Goes Before Us.

♥ Lois

We are not indispensable. And during seasons of acute exhaustion or stress, if there are others who can do work that we’re struggling to do, we might need to step aside and let them. Share on X God is faithful to restore, but His timing often looks nothing like ours. Which is why our walk of faith is always one step at a time. Share on X

P.S. I’m linking up this week with InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.

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My One Word for 2026

by Lois Flowers
by Lois Flowers

Inside: A scripture that guided me through the hardships of 2025 pointed the way to my word for this year. And an unexpected Christmas gift confirmed that I had made the right choice. ~

After my bike accident last year, I noticed that my right eye didn’t water when my eyes would normally well up with tears.

In the past, this type of eye watering often happened when music stirred my emotions. After my parents died, for example, the tears flowed in church whenever we sang an old hymn I remembered from my childhood. I’m not a person who cries much, so this was a healing process during that season of deep grief.

I eventually learned that humans have three kinds of tears—emotional tears, which my right eye stopped producing after the accident; reflex tears that wash away irritants; and basal tears, which keep our eyes lubricated. (Fortunately for me, the latter were not affected so I can still wear contacts comfortably.)

The doctors I consulted about my lack of emotional tears had no answers or solutions for me. I didn’t like it much, but I gradually just accepted it as the new normal.

My Christmas Miracle

Fast forward to Christmas Eve. I was at church with my family, and the praise team was leading the congregation in a variation of “O Come All Ye Faithful” that includes a bridge from Isaiah 9:6.

My heart warmed within me as we got to the part about God’s name—”Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” At the same time, tears started streaming out of both of my eyes.

This had not happened since before my accident. It was a gift, maybe even Christmas miracle.

My tears made my heart rejoice.

Rejoice Always

If I had to point to a single scripture passage that guided me through my recovery last year, it would be Philippians 4:4-7:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (ESV).

Praying with thanksgiving helped ease my anxious thoughts, and God’s indescribable peace sustained my heart and mind. But somewhere along the way, the repeated instruction to rejoice—not just when everything is going well but always—settled in my soul.

Here’s how a note in my ESV Study Bible explains it: “The joy that Paul calls for is not a happiness that depends on circumstances but a deep contentment that is in the Lord, based on trust in the sovereign, living God, and that therefore is available always, even in difficult times.”

Early Indicator

Several months before 2025 ended, I knew rejoice would be my word for this new year. Philippians 4:4 lit the flame for me, but I also love how it’s used in the Old Testament. Verse after verse speaks about rejoicing in the Lord, not just by singing songs of praise, but with our hearts and “whole being[s]” (1 Chronicles 16:9-11, Psalm 16:9).

I experienced this on Christmas Eve, and I’m so grateful.

After what 2025 held for me and my loved ones, I especially appreciate the prayer expressed in Psalm 90:14-15: “Satisfy us in the morning with your faithful love so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days. Make us rejoice for as many days as you have humbled us, for as many years as we have seen adversity.”

The Source of True Joy

In addition to being an “integral part of worship and gratitude,” Biblehub.com describes rejoicing as “a reflection of the believer’s trust and confidence in God” and an “expression of faith that transcends temporal situations.”

In other words, our joy doesn’t come and go based on how we feel at any given time or in any given church service. Instead, it flows from our hope in the eternal glory of God (Romans 5:1-2).

It’s not optional either, as the Apostle Paul makes clear in 1 Thessalonians:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV, emphasis mine).

If I’m being honest, “rejoice always” seems like a tall order for any year, much less 2026. I don’t know what this is supposed to look like in my life. I’m sure I will miss the mark many times.

But I also believe that the One who is able to do abundantly more than we could ask or imagine (see Ephesians 3:20) will continue to strengthen me—and you too—just as He did throughout 2025. And because of that alone, I will be able to rejoice.

• • •

Have you chosen a word—or perhaps a phrase or a Bible verse—to guide you this year? If so, please share in the comments.

♥ Lois

Somewhere along the way, the repeated instruction to rejoice—not just when everything is going well but ALWAYS—settled in my soul. Share on X Our joy doesn’t come and go based on how we feel at any given time or in any given church service. Instead, it flows from our hope in the eternal glory of God. Share on X

P.S. I’m linking up this week with InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.

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Word of the Year Recap: Notice

by Lois Flowers
by Lois Flowers

Inside: In a year that played out in ways I never expected nor could have imagined, my One Word was a quiet reminder to pay attention to what is good and true. ~

Nobody has been keeping track but me, but this is only the second time I’ve written about notice, my word for 2025.

I haven’t lacked words about my word because I forgot about it or because it wasn’t the right word for me, however.

In years past, my words have guided me from month to month, often in surprising ways. In many a December, I’ve looked back and felt thankful—sometimes even amazed—at how appropriate my word was for what transpired in my life over the last 12 months.

This year, my December feelings are more complicated. In fact, I’ve struggled to write this recap more than I ever have before.

A Worthy Goal

When I introduced notice in January, I shared that I was expecting to be led by the word’s verb form: “to observe, perceive, acknowledge, discern, spot, recognize or pay attention.”

“It seems almost redundant to say, but we notice more—about everything—when we pay attention,” I wrote. “But paying attention well requires us to be fully present. Engaged with what’s right in front of us. … It’s a worthy goal any year, but even more so this year. At least for me.”

So, about that.

In late March, I suffered a traumatic brain injury when I was hit by a car while riding my bike. Although I miraculously avoided numerous worst-case scenarios during my first few days in the hospital, I wasn’t exactly “fully present” for several weeks.

Beyond That …

My head injuries included tiny broken bones in my right ear, which made my pre-existing hearing loss worse. And a few months after the accident, I started experiencing what may be a delayed nerve injury: significantly diminished taste and smell.

These issues are not life-threatening, of course. But since much of what we notice around us involves our five senses, I had to find other ways to pay attention this year.

To be honest, I’ve spent more time than I care to admit noticing details about myself—what hurts, what doesn’t feel “normal” yet, what I can’t taste or hear, what I still can’t do after [insert number] months. (This is understandable, I think, but it can also be exhausting—for me and for my loved ones.)

When I stopped sensing much flavor in my food, a familiar verse helped me refocus my attention: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8).

Noticing the Goodness

Ironically—or perhaps not—notice is a synonym for taste. And, with this scripture as my guide, I started trying to be more intentional about noticing the goodness around me. What I’m thankful for. Answered prayers. Signs of God’s presence and provision.

It’s amazing what we notice when we pay attention, isn’t it? Turns out, evidence of God’s faithfulness really is all around us, even in our hardest years.

I was reading through the book of Psalms during this time, and verse after verse also provided nourishment to my heart and soul. Psalm 73:26, for example: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” And Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Wearing notice around my wrist has been a helpful reminder to keep counting my blessings and remembering God’s goodness throughout 2025. And although I’ve chosen a new word for 2026, I hope to continue these practices next year too.

• • •

If you chose a word for 2025, how did it influence your life? Please share in the comments.

♥ Lois

It’s amazing what we notice when we pay attention, isn’t it? Share on X Turns out, evidence of God’s faithfulness really is all around us, even in our hardest years. Share on X

P.S. I’m linking up this week with InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.

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Our True Source of Hope, at Christmas and Always

by Lois Flowers
by Lois Flowers

Inside: No matter how we feel at any given moment, our ultimate hope doesn’t lie in a particular plan, product, event, outcome or circumstance. ~

When is the last time you experienced the thrill of hope?

I feel sweet anticipation surge through me when I get a bit of good news or when the fog clears and the way ahead becomes more obvious. It’s not just emotional or mental; there’s almost a physical sensation attached to it.

These days, though—as I work to savor the holidays at the end of one of the strangest years of my life—a deeper hope is serving as my anchor. The kind of hope that makes a weary world rejoice, according to the beloved Christmas hymn.

No matter how we feel at any given moment, our ultimate hope doesn’t lie in a particular plan, product, event, outcome or circumstance. I understand this intellectually, but sometimes, my heart needs to be reminded of what my head knows.

I don’t know what’s going on in your life this Christmas season, but perhaps you could use some reminding too. Using the truth of scripture as our guide, let’s break it down together.

The Strength of our Heart

Our hope doesn’t come from a clean house, a regular routine or a completed to-do list. It’s in God, the One who steadies the pillars of the earth. (Psalm 75:3)

Our hope doesn’t come from endorphin-inducing exercise, anti-aging remedies or health insurance. It’s in God, the strength of our heart and our portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Our hope doesn’t come from a good sermon, a worshipful song or a meaningful devotional. It’s in the God who acts on behalf of the ones who wait for Him. (Isaiah 64:4)

Our hope doesn’t lie in more Instagram followers, more Facebook friends or more blog subscribers. It’s in the God who lifts our heads and fulfills His purposes for us. (Psalm 3:3, Psalm 57:2)

Our hope doesn’t come from words of affirmation, offers of help or overtures of support. It’s in the God who goes before us and is with us, who will never leave us nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

The One Who Works Wonders

Our hope is not met by a political party, election results or whoever lives in the White House. It’s in the King of heaven who lives forever and rules over the kingdom of men. (Daniel 4)

Our hope isn’t in the stock market, financial freedom or a holiday bonus. It’s in the God who supplies all our needs “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Our hope doesn’t come from perfectly fitting jeans, perfectly executed plans or perfectly behaved children. It’s in the God who works wonders and is near to all who call out to Him. (Psalm 77:14, Psalm 145:18)

Our hope isn’t in a healthy eating plan, a good night’s sleep or favorable weather. It’s in the God who is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. (Proverbs 30:5)

Finally, especially at this time of year, our hope doesn’t come from Advent candles, festive decorations or happy family celebrations. It’s found in Christ alone, the One who is and forever will be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Friends, let’s rest in that hope—as we celebrate Christmas, and also as we turn the calendar page to a brand new year.

♥ Lois

Our hope doesn’t come from endorphin-inducing exercise, anti-aging remedies or health insurance. It’s in God, the strength of our heart and our portion forever. Share on X Our hope doesn’t lie in more Instagram followers, more Facebook friends or more newsletter subscribers. It’s in the God who lifts our heads and fulfills His purposes for us. Share on X

P.S. I’m linking up this week with InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.

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Christmas Decor is Up, But November’s Lessons Still Apply

by Lois Flowers
by Lois Flowers

Inside: “Savor the moment” is life-giving encouragement that helps us focus on what truly matters, through the holidays and beyond. ~

Aside from pumpkins on the front porch, I don’t normally decorate my house for fall.

This year, I even skipped the orange gourds because I’m still ordering groceries online and didn’t want anyone else picking out pumpkins for me. Then, in early November, I remembered the Thanksgiving plates I’ve had in a box in the basement for several years.

I dug them out and we started using them at supper every night, one for me and one for Randy. I also got out my lone Thanksgiving decoration, a Pilgrim-themed candleholder I typically only think about the day before the actual holiday, and I started burning it every day too.

Daily Reminders

If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that thankfulness is the antidote to so many sour feelings. When we’re weak and worn, the joy of the Lord really is our strength, just as Nehemiah 8:10 says it is.

It may not seem like much, but for me, the plates and the candle were reminders to savor the day. To give thanks. To not rush into the next season with all its frills and fancy.

In case you were wondering, I take a very different approach to Christmas decorating. We pulled numerous plastic totes out of the same basement storage room that held the aforementioned plates, and all the decorations went up the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Several Nativity sets. A Christmas village. My Santa collection. A live tree, complete with ornaments, lights and a sparkly star at the top.

Ongoing Lessons

I love my home when it’s decorated for Christmas, and I’m so glad my girls were here to help me put everything up again. That said, now that we’re well into December, the quiet lessons of November are still working on my heart.

They remind me of my father’s favorite essay, “The Station” by Robert J. Hastings. When my dad shared first shared this with me many years ago, I printed it out and framed it. It hangs on the wall in my entry hall, with a wooden cutout of the word peace positioned directly above it.

Years ago, I tracked down the publisher and obtained permission to share “The Station” here on the blog. Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I have a feeling I’m not the only one who might need to revisit the wisdom that flows from this short piece of writing.

Read it thoughtfully. Savor the imagery. Most importantly, take the message to heart—as 2025 winds to a close and as the new year begins. Life really is too short to do otherwise.

“The Station” by Robert J. Hastings

Tucked away in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in which we see ourselves on a long journey that spans an entire continent. We’re traveling by train and, from the windows, we drink in the passing scenes of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at crossings, of cattle grazing in distant pastures, of smoke pouring from power plants, of row upon row of cotton and corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of city skylines and village halls.

But uppermost in our minds is our final destination—for at a certain hour and on a given day, our train will finally pull into the station with bells ringing, flags waving and bands playing. And once that day comes, so many wonderful dreams will come true. So restlessly, we pace the aisles and count the miles, peering ahead, waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.

“Yes, when we reach the station, that will be it!” we promise ourselves. “When we’re 18 . . . win that promotion . . . put the last kid through college . . . buy that 450 SL Mercedes-Benz . . . pay off the mortgage . . . have a nest egg for retirement.”

From that day on, we will all live happily ever after.

Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no station in this life, no one earthly place to arrive at once and for all. The journey is the joy. The station is an illusion—it constantly outdistances us. Yesterday’s a memory; tomorrow’s a dream. Yesterday belongs to history; tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterday’s a fading sunset; tomorrow’s a faint sunrise. Only today is there light enough to love and live.

So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow.

“Relish the moment” is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot oftener. Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along.

The station will come soon enough.

• • •

No Post Here Next Week

Next week, I’ll send out my subscriber-only, email newsletter, Courage, Dear Heart, which replaces my third blog post of each month.

If you filled out the subscription form in the last several weeks and haven’t received anything yet, the confirmation email probably went to your junk or spam folder. If you can’t find it there, please subscribe again and check those folders for the opt-in message. Be sure to add the newsletter’s email address to your safe list so you don’t miss anything else.

If you haven’t had a chance to sign up for the newsletter yet, you can do so here:

Click Here to Subscribe

As my way of saying thanks, you’ll receive a free copy of my 7-day devotional, Faith, Fear, and the God Who Goes Before Us.

♥ Lois

If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that thankfulness is the antidote to so many sour feelings. Share on X When we’re weak and worn, the joy of the Lord really is our strength, just as Nehemiah 8:10 says it is. Share on X

“The Station” appeared in the Southern Illinois University Press’s publication, A Penny’s Worth of Minced Ham: Another Look at the Great Depression by Robert J. Hastings. Copyright © 1986 by the Board of Trustees, Southern Illinois University; reprinted by permission of the publisher.

P.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.

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