Tag: writing

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.

Enjoying the Big Life in a Small Town

Walking in Freedom by Lynn Berna

As I reflect on life in a small town—especially after living through a pandemic—I am reminded how good it feels to be home and living in a free country.

“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” —Psalm 119:45

I can’t help but smile when I read another verse that feels just as true today:

“Your faithfulness continues through all generations.” —Psalm 119:90

Front Porch Moments

These days, my husband and I enjoy sitting on the front porch, serenaded by a purple wren, while dreaming about our next date night at Sam and Ethel’s—a nearby restaurant known for its pies. Small, quaint mom-and-pop places have always been my favorite. There’s comfort in them, a sense of belonging that feels timeless.

Growing Up Small-Town Strong

My parents started their own business when I was just four years old, and business conversations were a regular part of supper table talk. A family business has charm, but building one takes hard work.

Dad worked two full-time jobs—one during the day at home and another overnight at Acme Precision in Dayton. Mom worked full-time as a secretary to a CEO while also managing the bookkeeping. For several years, my grandparents lived with us, blessing me with extra love and attention until my parents could rely solely on the business they built together.

A Family Business and a Good Life

The welding shop sat directly behind our home. Over time, Dad expanded it, adding a front room that replaced a large porch with pillars and became a gift shop showcasing ornamental iron pieces. Mom ran the shop and handled the books.

They were a perfect team. Dad loved people and being his own boss, and Custom Way Welding and Ornamental Iron provided our family with a good life.

Small-Town Traditions

Fourth of July fireworks lit up the Little League baseball field, and summer evenings often ended with a walk to the drugstore a few blocks away for an ice cream cone. While some things change in a small town, many remain the same—and that’s something worth appreciating.

Connection in a Changed World

During the pandemic, I became especially aware of who I had beside me. Each evening, my husband and I receive “good night” and “sweet dreams” texts from family in Indiana—sharing stories of picking strawberries, taking walks, building houses, and swimming pools.

They live four hours away, yet it feels like they’re just down the road. The same is true with friends. We have been blessed to experience the very best of what social media can offer.

Grandma to the Rescue

Recently, my friend Becky reached out from South Carolina. Semi-retired, she answered the call when her daughter Stephanie—a nurse and single mom—needed help. With long hospital shifts and homeschooling responsibilities, it was time for Grandma to the rescue.

Becky stepped in, helping run the household and teach her six-year-old grandson, Alex.

“I Am Coming for You, Freedom!”

One day, Becky texted that she and Alex were upstairs in their school area studying American history. She said Alex opened the window, leaned against the screen, and proclaimed to the world below:

“I am coming for you, freedom!”