Brenda’s Blog – January 27, 2026

“God loves us. God is not a meanie. I am not afraid. Say it Mommy, ‘I am not afraid.’” These words were spoken by a 3 year old girl dying of brain cancer. Leadership is not age sensitive. No degrees, no certifications, no titles, no powerful positions – just qualities that cause others to follow.

Phoebe Fair led all of us during her 21 months of illness. Why? She had vision; she had passion; she had direction. She understood her mission, and stayed the course.

Most of us will not be asked to travel Phoebe’s path, but each of us is asked to be faithful to our calling. Leading a corporation, a Christian organization, a family unit, or a campus ministry… all share the same common elements: defining reality, setting the vision, understanding constructive strengths and destructive weaknesses, capturing the loyalty of others to the vision, effective communication of direction, and the ability to move the group forward.

How could a 4 year old do this? During her lifetime she received thousands of personal messages weekly, had 75,000 followers of her Facebook page, filled the sanctuary of a major church for her service, and continues to touch lives worldwide. How could that not be leadership? Her life was her mission; her love for Jesus was her passion; her eagerness to encourage others was her uniqueness.

Never underestimate your LQ – leadership quotient. You don’t need position, power, and prominence… you simply need to influence and move others to action. Lead on!

Brenda’s Blog – January 13, 2026

“Why ‘Fortitude’?” I surprised myself as I asked the young man about his arm’s length tattoo. His response got my immediate attention. “It means courage. There is a story behind it and it reminds me I will never be a coward again. I will never let fear make me cower.”

The chairs in the coffee shop became pew-like in this sacred space. The conversation unfolded easily.

“The do-not-fears in the Bible have really helped me this year. Fighting fear is real to me, as well. I started studying this because it dawned on me even in the Bible fearful people made really stupid decisions. I looked at my life and saw the same pattern. Fear is no friend of clear thought.”

He nodded, picked up his iPad and started searching the do-nots. His face brightened and the interest increased. Two strangers engaged in life-strengthening.

We talked for a few more minutes, and as he left he stopped to say, “This was meant to be.”

“Start with Joshua 1:9 – it is the cornerstone; and be fortified.”

A brief exchange with the thumbprint of God all over it.

I have no idea why he fervently inked the reminder on his arm… it doesn’t matter. His resolve to stand fearlessly marks him more deeply than the tat.

What is your word? What is your story? Then whose story are you missing because you don’t ask the question? Open eyes, minds, and hearts lead us into the most exceptional surprises.

Brenda’s Blog – December 30, 2025

In 2007 my avocation as a road warrior began. Thousands of miles each month took me throughout the country. Establishing three rules before beginning made the adventures even more colorful.

What were the daily rules?

1) Stay off the Interstate highways. The “blue roads” indicating US highways built before the Eisenhower interstate system gave me the opportunity to see America up close and personal.

2) Say a word for Jesus. Praying for an opportunity to share a word of encouragement in His name, or experience a brief conversation about faith focused my attention on what really matters. Following the Spirit’s leading allowed my spiritual antenna to operate.

3) Meet an interesting person or have an interesting experience. When you are traveling from the shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the heart of Miami’s Cuban community there is an abundance of opportunities.

4) Always stop for home made apple butter. This wasn’t a daily rule, but certainly a priority and source of extraordinary experiences.
During COVID my traveling came to a screeching halt. I began thinking about ways to apply it to travel from the Piney Woods of East Texas to a much narrowed perimeter of destinations. But even within a tightened circumference, keeping my eyes open made for sharpened senses in the midst of a dreary shutdown.

As I challenged myself I challenge you. You don’t need to adopt my rules (except for the home made apple butter – that is too good to ignore). Have fun – you will be surprised how enjoyable this can be.

Brenda’s Blog – December 16, 2025

“Never lose the good of a bad experience.” Those words were spoken to me by Dad after a difficult time at work and a long whine by me. It took me a minute to change gears and think about what he said to me.

How right he was! Since then I have had many, many opportunities to practice his wisdom. His statement wasn’t just “happy talk.” It required me to analyze the situation, seriously consider the experience and then break out the good from the bad. Sometimes the good continued to show up later, but I stayed open to its arrival.

He used to also tell us, “The things you cry about today you will laugh about tomorrow.” I must admit this sage advice takes a bit longer to fully mature. But as I age and look back (far back for a few situations) I see the truth.

He never offered unrequested advice, but asked questions to find what he called the “key log.” Apparently, in the logging industry often then enormous tree lengths were sent down river to the mills. Occasionally, they would jam and be stuck. Trained loggers would take a position above the river and look for the source of the jam. Then those on the river would loosen the “key log” and allow the smooth flow to continue. He would help me find the key log which was jamming up my thinking, creating chaos in my life, or just allowing me to feel stuck. His questions then served to help me see it and “blow it out of the water.”

Funny, but often I will be making decisions and I think of those questions. I even think of his response sometimes. No, I don’t hear voices, but years of hearing him talk to me and many others (especially during the 7 years he lived with me in my house) I have a mental template for his thinking.

The next time your plane is delayed five hours, or a traffic accident keeps you parked on the interstate for two hours… Work hard to find the good in the bad experience.

Brenda’s Blog – December 2, 2025

Growing up watching TV in the 1950’s meant 3 stations in black and white with a sign-off accompanied by the national anth6em and a “test pattern” indicating that was all the TV until the next day.

We had our favorite shows which came on for weekly… No streaming and seeing TV any hour of the day. A weekly publication came in the Sunday newspaper with the TV schedule. If you were a true fan you would subscribe to the TV Guide which was delivered to your house in the mail… that was “big time!”

During the 60’s our choices expanded. We traded in Kukla, Fran, and Ollie and Howdy Doody for Queen for a Day and Perry Mason.

The lawyer who was the impetus for increased law school recruitment pulled a rabbit out of his legal hat week after week. We all had faith in his ability to dramatically prove his client innocent while exposing the true perpetrator simultaneously. No one ever beat Perry Mason!

The weekly opponent was the prosecutor, Hamilton Burger. Every time Mason would make a provocative statement Burger would rise to shout out, “I object… that is incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial!” The writers loved to spur him to this mantra-like expression.

Those of us who follow Jesus live in a world that is adversarial. When we share our beliefs we often get a spirited “incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial!” as the response. Those of us who hold to the doctrines of the Bible are often demeaned. Our positions on the authority of scripture and trust in Jesus as the only way of salvation are ostracized. But like Perry Mason, our God has the answers. Vindication is His as is the triumph. The true “perp” is exposed and judged for his evil doing. The enemy of our souls is relegated to forever judgment and punishment.

Television entertained us, but the Lord God Almighty brings revelation and forever… all in living color!

Brenda’s Blog – November 18, 2025

My friend, Becky, was a champion, a hero, a faith-walker. She had cancer, but cancer didn’t have her. Support groups, teal ribbons on the campus of Baylor Hospital, and young Moms encouraged by talks – all these were brought to life by her. What motivated her? 1) Her belief in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2) Her belief in a God-given purpose; and 3) Her belief in HOPE… not ordinary lower case hope, but HOPE.

She once ended a speech to a group at Baylor Hospital with a resounding HOPE, HOPE, HOORAY!! That was the way she lived. She taught all of us to treasure each day and spend each hour doing what we are called to do.

Years ago during the age of the Tea Party I joined friends in attending gatherings to stimulate interest in lower taxes and smaller government. We fervently wrote letters, hosted neighborhood get-togethers and created clever hand-lettered posterboards.

One evening I decided to express my deeply held conviction that the darkness was overtaking the American culture. Perhaps I still do, but on this evening I felt it necessary to lay my case before my son and his wife, parents of my newest grandchild. They listened then deftly changed the subject. But before closing the conversation my son left me with one statement, “Mom, we love you and we appreciate your concern. If things are going to get worse as you believe then we ask you to help us hope.” It was nearly 17 years ago those words still stir my heart.

Becky understood the power of hope. My son understood the need for hope.

Hope is part of our job description as believers in Jesus. We are to exhibit the boldness and courage which can only fully be seen through Him. He gives us peace when all we have are pieces. He gives us strength when all we experience is the storm. He shows a way when “there seems to be no way,” as Don Moen wrote.

A smile, a kind word, an encouraging text, or even an uplifting comment on Facebook can bring hope. A “song in the night” via an email can change dread into eagerness. Let’s be hope givers who practice the fine art wherever we go. Opportunities are abundance. Hope is always welcome.

Brenda’s Blog – November 4, 2025

The old man looked up and said, “People look at me and think ‘has been,’ but I know that my life has been full and I truly “has been.”
In retirement many move to new communities with resources and amenities designed for the aging process. New friends, new experiences, and new locations bring opportunities, but also separate from memories and histories. Often not until we read obituaries do we truly grasp the stories and accomplishments of residents.

Job presents an excellent example of looking back and summarizing a lifetime. He stands and recalls the position he held as counselor, guide, and provider. He outlines the leadership roles and the reputation he had as an elder worthy of respect.

Looking at him sitting on the ground scraping his infected skin, no one would guess at his history, would they?

Recently I read a bio of an acquaintance and was stunned. The accomplishments were startling; the achievements were those of a renowned professional. Yet, this man is now disabled, with physical limitations which hide everything that bio revealed. His cognitive disorder denies him the ability to engage with others. That sterling bio describes someone none of us ever knew.

He has a background which very few rival. He truly “has been,” but time and bad health leave him with so little to share with others.

When we see others, let’s stop to listen to their stories, especially the elderly. Their experiences, their wisdom, their journey has much to offer us. We have much to learn from them. We need their stories; we need their knowledge. We, too, will one day be a “has been,” but God has given us lessons from Him which will strengthen and encourage.

Brenda’s Blog – October 7, 2025

Attention, Please!

“K-mart shoppers! Your attention, please. For the next 30 minutes there will be a ‘blue light special’ on aisle 3!” Those words would send people scurrying to see what bargains awaited them on aisle 3.

Camp directors hold up their hands with three fingers lifted to indicate campers have to the count of three to get quiet. In a leadership retreat recently, the host was a retired camp director who simply held up his hand to signal the break was over – all the non-profit executive directors and board members immediately responded.

Teachers flip the lights off and on to gain control and indicate all eyes are to be up front and all conversation is to end.

When I was a teenager and a date would last too long in the driveway (according to my Mom), the porch light would begin its “you better get out of that car and get in this house” routine. She knew how to get my attention (and probably that of my puzzled date).

In Luke 9 the doctor tells the story of being on the mountain with Jesus and experiencing the appearance of Moses and Elijah who joined Jesus. Peter was exhilarated. You could almost see him in his holy extroversion jumping around. “Let’s make tents for them!” Scripture says, “Peter didn’t know what he was saying.” Can’t you just see the fisherman babbling on and on?

What happens then? God speaks from a cloud which descended on them. “This is my Son, my Chosen One, listen to him!” In the South we would say, “Hush, Peter, God is talking to you!”

How does God get our attention? We don’t audibly hear Him as He speaks to us in a cloud. But His Word is powerful, intentional, and indeed purposeful. We can hear Him saying to us, “Be quiet, be still” in Psalm 46. We can read of the turbulent waves obeying Jesus as He instructs them to settle down. Our choppy waters are under His control.

And doesn’t He click lights on and off sometimes when we are wandering? The work of the Spirit gives nudges and sometimes not-so-gentle corrections to lead us to repentance. And especially in those times when we get too sure of ourselves and get ahead of Him, we recognize His revectoring.

The heavenly whistle blows and we line up if we are listening. The Word reorders our messy lives if we will only look to His plan. “Listen to Him!” Our loving heavenly Father calls us to obedience knowing true life is only in following Him.

Brenda’s Blog – September 23, 2025

“Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter – if you let yourself bloom again.” These words from British actress Patricia Routledge at age 95 reminded me of an article written by my Dad. His attitude on aging continues to teach me as I am now heading toward 82. Insurance companies tell me 81 is my life expectancy.

That is just an actuarial statistic. Life in those years is a gift from God; living those years is a choice made by each individual. Every believer in Jesus I know uses a familiar phrase: “finishing well.” This means running the race with grace and hope, knowing our days are numbered by the Almighty God.

Several years ago I started thinking about the rhythm of life. A prominent female executive challenged me to analyze my career and recognize the pattern. Her study showed a 5 year career template. She outlined it for me. “Every five years I have made a serious, consequential career move. It didn’t necessarily mean changing companies, just responsibilities and direction.”

That intrigued me, so I began a search of my own. It was put on hold for decades, but as I turned 70, I sat down and figured out my life had a 21 year rhythm. I broke the years down 1-21, 22-43, 44-65, and 66-present. I put one word or phrase next to each category. Then I broke each into sub-categories of 7(+ or -) years to further study each group. When I completed the analysis, I looked at the final group (known as the present) to create a game plan for finishing well. (If you want more details on this life exercise, just email me Brendaasmith@aol.com)

Patricia Routledge’s words: “Let these years ahead be your ‘treasured years.’ You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be flawless. You only need to show up – fully – for the life that is still yours. With love and gentleness.”
With God’s grace and mercy I will live out the final season of 21 years. With the faithful witness of those who have gone ahead of us, and with the hope of running well, older, but never old will be my testimony. I will be the woman God created me to be, using the gifts He gave to bring glory to Himself and blessing to all.

Brenda’s Blog – September 9, 2025

“Wasn’t that a beautiful service? I took notes.”

I chuckled as I overheard the elevator conversation between two “golden agers.” We had all attended the memorial service of a prominent member of our community.

Recently, some of my coffee time friends and I laughed about the cycle of life. “When our girls were younger, I took notes on weddings adding ideas for theirs when the time came. As I sat in a memorial service last year I thought, “Oh, I would like that for my service.” I guess most of us are planners to the end – and beyond.

A friend said she reads obituaries for ideas. She jots down phrases which fit into her “picture perfect” last words for the back page of the program whose layout is a “best of” collection.

“Curated” is a word which describes the gathering of items, ideas, furniture, and even groups. At this stage of life it aptly describes the way we prepare for the way we are presented to those left behind. “I want to make sure my service, my obituary, and all the arrangements are just what I want. I don’t want anyone else deciding how it should be done.” As if she is going to be sitting on the front row!

Very few of the residents of my community grew up here (nor did I). Our friendships began at retirement age. We know little of their life stories, accomplishments, and journeys until we read the obituaries. “I wish I had known him/her when they were younger. I had no idea of those stories.” How much we missed.

Capturing a lifetime in a few expensive newspaper paragraphs is impossible. But it does cause us to think carefully about what really matters. What do we want people to know, remember, or understand? Where are the important steps and starts? Where are the points of grace?

Let’s think about those answers.