Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward. (Psalm 127:3)

About a year ago, I was crying the blues about my youngest daughter, Sarah, going off to college. I wanted to let you know that I survived, and so did she.

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22)

It is a wonderful feeling to make someone else’s day. I recently had an experience that made me realize how true this is.

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

Walking is good for our health. It can reduce stress, and help us feel more energetic, lose weight and sleep better.

Wherever there is public parking, I choose a spot a little bit away from the building. This forces me to exercise by walking a slightly longer distance than I normally would. I have other options, but I choose to live this way.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1)

God has called us to pray for others. As a prayer ministry, OurPrayer counts it a privilege to intercede for our military troops stationed around the world, who give their lives on a regular basis to protect the freedom of others.

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

What do you think of when you hear “well done”? I am not much of a steak person, but whenever I am out for dinner with family or friends, I order it well done. My husband says that takes away from the tenderness and flavor of the meat. But when it comes to matters of faithfulness, “well done” is always the best choice.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)

I praise others when they have done something great I want to share. One example is my oldest sister, who is a great cook. My family enjoys that whenever she comes to visit, she has always prepared a meal. One of our favorites is candied yams with melted marshmallows on top. I have tried to make it using her recipe, but I have to admit it never comes close to hers.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

Last night, upset and angry over the senseless bombings at the Boston Marathon, I went to bed thinking about how we overcome evil with good. My youngest daughter had called us several times to say, “I love you.” My husband and I could hear in her voice how alarmed she was, but talking to us helped calm her fears and concerns for all the people who got hurt.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (1 Peter 4:10)

I have worked and served with many gifted people. When people are mission-minded, there is a spirit of collaboration. When there is true collaboration, people bring their gifts, lives are changed and God is pleased.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

Here at OurPrayer, we carry on the legacy of Dr. and Mrs. Norman Vincent Peale, people of prayer who welcomed others to join them. Last week, we held our Good Friday Day of Prayer, a one-day event instituted by Guideposts 43 years ago. More than 13,000 people submitted prayer request for themselves and their loved ones this year. It never ceases to inspire me to see the confidence people have in God.