Author: Larry Berna

We Are Blessed

Lynn Berna Monday, June 8, 2026

2 Corinthians 9:6
“But this I say, He who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he who sows in blessings shall also reap blessings.”

Another tree fell across the road last night but it was just past our property and before the bridge. It brought back memories of last year’s damage when the huge Hackberry tree fell and landed on a large portion of our antique looking wrought iron fence.
The huge limb fell to the ground rumbling and shaking the house. It was like being in the middle of an earthquake.

Looking like the fence might be very hard to repair, I was feeling sad; but wondered if my brother might be able to do something with it.
It’s hard to find a craftsman that can repair the old wrought iron fences and it was so great of my brother, Brian, to be willing to help me repair the damage to our fence the day the storm weakened a part of our tree.

He painstakingly straightened out every part of it that could be salvaged. Two parts he remade.
As my sister-in-law Florence said, “It was really nice of your brother to fix that fence.”
It really was,” I said, “and I will keep that good memory in my heart.”
Only the photos tell the secret now that there was so much damage done to the fence.
How I love what is left of the big ole, almost 200-year-old Hackberry tree, and am thankful that my brother was willing and able to restore the beauty of the wrought iron fence.
Still thanking God for my home, and that our new kitchen edition wasn’t damaged.
We all have many blessings to remember and be thankful about.

Another thing you always say, Florence, “We are blessed.”
Yes, we are all blessed by God in many different ways. He cares about the details of our life and enjoys providing us with every good thing.
He uses others to bring us blessings. Who have you been able to bless recently?

Fresh Start New Every Morning

Lynn Berna

Lamentations 3:23-24
“His compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His loving-kindness begins afresh each day.”

We fast forward after a busy month in May and land on June first. Seems like a good day for a fresh start and realization of the goodness of God.
“Let it be a Hallelujah to God with every breath that’s in me,” as Lauren Daigle sings on the radio.


Today is the chance to begin again. A fresh start on that journey of life. After first things first, acknowledging Jesus as my greatest reality and asking for forgiveness when seeing my sin.

Thank you, Jesus, that Your mercies are new every morning.

Turning Disappointment into Opportunity Through Faith

Lynn Berna Monday, May 25, 2026

Romans 8:28
“All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to God’s purposes.”

Helen Keller became blind and deaf at 19 months of age due to an illness.

A 20-year-old graduate came to live with the family. Her name was Anne Sullivan. With her help and training, the teacher taught Helen sign language by spelling words in her hand. Helen learned the alphabet and read braille.
Helen became a well-educated person with the help of a wise and patient teacher.

Helen Keller once said,
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

So now when facing disappointment, think about what one girl was able to accomplish against all odds and search for the open door of opportunity.

Helen Keller circa 1920

” I caught it all by myself.” Fun Fishing

Lynn Berna Monday May 18, 2026

Genesis 1:21-22
“So God created great sea animals, and every sort of fish and every kind of bird. And God looked at them with pleasure, and blessed them all.”

One of the best ways to spend the early morning hours is with a fishing pole in the water. Last weekend was a reminder of this when our four year old grandson caught a fish all by himself.
Papaw enjoys time with family while fishing, and is blessed.

For me, I’m blessed with a good cup of coffee, and an afternoon swim at the pool with my daughter and grandkids.
Enjoy many activities the sunny season provides with family and friends and be blessed.

Mom — A Beautiful Blessing

Lynn Berna Monday, May 11, 2026

Exodus 20:12 (TLB)
“Honor your father and mother, that you may have a long, good life in the land your God will give you.”

I am thankful God gave me daughters as dear friends because it is the closest thing I have to talking to my mom. She was always a good listener and gave good advice.

A mother is an important force in a family. Mine always saw to it that my brother and I attended church. Mom faithfully took us each week to church, even though my dad would not go with us for many years.

For over forty years, my mom taught all the primary age children in Sunday school at the Grace Brethren Church she attended. This included my brother and I when we were in first and second grade.

I am so thankful that my mom passed on her faith to me by her Godly example. As a child, I remember her tucking me in bed at night after reading Bible stories aloud to me. It has made all the difference in my life to know and trust God.

For those who missed their moms over Mother’s Day like I did,
I pray for you and understand.

Making A Good Catch

Lynn Berna Monday, May 4, 2026

Matthew 4:18
Enjoyed the beginning of spring baseball season with a carrot cake flavored cup of coffee and a baseball parade. My grandson hit the ball well at the first game of the season. He caught a ball while playing second base that landed a double play in the inning.

Grandchildren especially love fishing with Papaw in spring and summer.
While at Eastwood park on the weekend, it was easy to see that fishing was in full swing with so many fishing poles in the water. This got me thinking about The Bible and what was said about being fishers of men.
“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.”
Jesus told the fisherman not to be afraid of the huge load of fish their nets collected. From now on Jesus told them, “you will fish for people.”
Luke 5:9-11 records that day when Jesus chose His disciples.

Someone we enjoy talking to, shared her husband had gone on a fishing trip several states away, only to catch nothing to take a picture of but little bitty fish. That’s how it goes sometimes, but, if you open your eyes to see, you may actually find the better catch nearby.
Let God lead you.

When You Have a Bad Day … Pray!!!

By Lynn Berna Monday, April 27, 2027

Job 19:25 Saying with Job this morning,
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

So many times I have seen His Hand leading, guiding, creating a path to serve and follow Him.


Knowing Jesus as my Savior, life doesn’t always have to make sense. I can go through even hard days with confidence that Jesus will be my anchor. Jesus will be my rock.

In Sunday school as a little girl I remember often singing a hymn that,

“Jesus is a rock in a weary land. A shelter in the time of storm.”

He has proved this to me and I am convinced that God is trustworthy. When problems come into life the first thing to do has been to pray. This helps me to know what to do after I have talked it over with God. Hugging friends and family in prayer have become the best hugs I can ever give.

Running on Coffee and Grace

by Lynn Berna Monday, April 20, 2026

Hebrews 4:16 TLB
“So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive His mercy and to find Grace to help us in our times of need.”

My little grand daughter is spending time with me today. My cane propped in the corner has become “Neigh-Neigh”.
She rides the horse (my cane) all over the house. My cane has become the best toy in the house for toddlers.
This prop, my walking cane, lessons the pain and lends support at times when needed most. So it is with God’s grace. We are given help and forgiveness of sin when we need The Good Lord most, He is always there in time of trouble to lean on.

Whenever physical limitations get me down, I turn to The Lord in prayer.
I came across a wonderful quote about getting older that I would like to share. I hope that it blesses you the way it did me.

A 96 year old Italian Grandmother was interviewed on aging well and her advice was,
“Never think of yourself as old.
You were born young and your soul never ages.”

Following God, Unexpected Journey

Lynn Berna Monday, April 13, 2026

I Corinthians 16:6
“Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.”

Watching a movie on tv, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,
I began to compare my Christian walk with the movie. At times the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, struggles with continuing on the journey and found it harder than he expected. He also had times when he had to prove himself and show courage. In the movie Gandalf explains why he decided to bring the hobbit, referred to as Halfling, along.”

Why the Halfling?

Gandalf says, “I don’t know. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I have found it is the small things…everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay, simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I’m afraid and he gives me courage.”

So it is with the twists and turns of a life’s journey seeking purpose and a way to serve and honor God until you have finally reached home. Maybe you can do this without mimicking Billy Graham.

Choosing good people to have as close friends helps you to be successful in life’s journey.

I hope you are able to lead a life that shows and expresses love.
Filled with joy, laughter, prayer and thankfulness, a life too full of happiness to be unforgiving toward others is best, especially since we have the need for others to forgive us, too, at times.
No one wants to waist time on being bitter, or jealous, or unforgiving for very long because otherwise, it would make you so unhappy and give you extra wrinkles.

One who is helpful, and kind, reads and studies The Bible, trusts in God to lead, will have a life satisfying enough to serve God’s purposes while finally arriving the best place to be—home.

Thank you God for always being there for us as we continue the unexpected journey that leads us to home.

He is Risen!

Easter Sunday.
April 5, 2026

Lynn Berna

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
My daughter shared scripture with me this morning from The Bible in Matthew 28:6 NIV.

A tradition in our family is to greet one another on first arising on Easter Sunday with, He Is Risen!” And the responder says, “He is Risen, indeed!”

My grown children still greet us this way on Easter. May it continue to be passed down through the generations.


Happy spring and may you find His grace and
forgiveness, because He IS Risen!

Finding joy in God’s Word on this Easter:

I Thessalonians 4:14
“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”