Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“If You’re Seeing What I’m Seeing, Let’s Start Seeking Justice Like Our Father”

(Isaiah 1:17)

God bless you today! What a awesome God we have.

This morning in the hospital lounge, I sat quietly, whispering, “Lord, I need a superhero.” The song “A Thousand Hallelujahs” played in my heart. But all around me, heads were bowed—glued to glowing smart phone screens, not in prayer.

And in that stillness, a thought struck me: Does anyone still seek God?

Isaiah 1:17 calls us not just to feel but to act:

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

These are not mere words. They are God’s heartbeat—His sacred marching orders.

And in that moment, I was prompted to speak. I turned to the person next to me and said, “Good morning, I’m Sugar Bear.” Their face lit up with a smile. We began to talk. And as always, I ended the conversation the same way—by handing them my two grace cards.

One is for Braver Angels, inviting them to bridge the divide. The other card simply says in bold, loving letters: You Are Loved — Sugar Bear, with Isaiah 41:10 and a small cross printed beside it.

That verse says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” In a world overwhelmed with anxiety, that promise reminds us who holds us together.

Seeking God’s face starts with seeing others the way He does. When we engage the stranger, defend the vulnerable, or offer a smile and a word of hope, we reflect His justice and mercy. It’s not always easy—but it’s always worth it.

So, I ask you: Who will you greet today? Who needs to hear, “You are loved”? Don’t wait for a superhero. Be the light. Be the smile. Be the hallelujah someone’s been praying for.

You are seen. You are called. Let’s go be justice in motion.

God bless you and this ministry!

Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

" Rock On: Built for the Battle, Anchored in the Spirit "

The Holy Spirit whispered to me this morning as I felt the silence of Iowa corn:

Rows upon rows stand like quiet saints—rooted, unwavering, reaching upward in obedience to the sun. No noise. Just presence. Just purpose.

In that silence, I hear what the Spirit is always whispering:

Stillness speaks louder than noise.

Growth happens underground before it shows above.

Obedience doesn’t shout; it surrenders.

Faith flourishes in the ordinary.

That’s why I live in Iowa.

Not for attention, but for depth. Not for applause, but for formation. This land teaches me to listen, to slow down, to grow in the quiet.

“It’s not about you.” And I knew exactly what He meant. My body may ache. My sinfulness may groan.

Romans 7:24 (Paul):

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?”

Some days, my mind wages war against peace. But when I build on the Rock of Christ, I don’t crumble—I rise.

Back in the day, just before kickoff, some of my teammates would look me dead in the eye and say, “Let’s go to war, Sugar Bear. You were built for this.” Another would slap my helmet and roar, “Be The Greater You! Be the wall!” Those words lit a fire in me—not to destroy, but to fight with heart, discipline, and purpose.

Today, the battle looks different—but the warrior spirit remains.

Now, I want my life to preach.

I want my faith to be in action.

Not just on Sundays—but in every hallway, hospital room, and hurting heart I encounter.

Jesus said: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That’s not a suggestion—it’s a charge. And we’re not alone: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6).

The Holy Spirit is still calling the plays—our Counselor (John 14:26), our Guide (John 16:13), our Power (Acts 1:8), and the Seal of our victory (Ephesians 1:13). When the fog rolls in, the Spirit gives clarity.

So what’s the mission?

• Make disciples – Matthew 28:19.

• Walk with Jesus daily – forgiven, not perfect.

• Equip others – real, ready, and rooted in truth.

When folks ask how they can help, I say: Look up, wide-eyed . We were made for this fight—not to retreat in fear, but to rise in faith.

God bless you when you’re dealing with illness, economic struggle, mental battles, or job loss. And never forget: It’s not about you—it’s about Jesus. He made you for this storm. You are the joy in my, "Why!"

Remember God will not give up on you! And neither will "Sugar Bear" I love you!

God bless you and this ministry!

 

 Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“That Was Smart… But Was It Grace?”

During a quiet morning of soul-searching, I found myself reflecting on the past—not to dwell in it, but to learn from it. The past is both a teacher and a testifier. It reminds me of all the sermons I’ve heard that fed my intellect but left my soul hungry.

That’s when I asked myself, “What does it really mean to be born again—not just in name, but in the marrow of my being?”

As a child of God, I’m learning to listen with spiritual ears. I don’t just want a sermon that informs the head—I want one that transforms the heart.

Martin Luther said it plainly: “Preach the Law to crush the sinner, and the Gospel to raise the dead.” That’s not just doctrine—that’s resurrection power. Yes, I thank God for pastors with brilliant minds. I’ve sat through many sermons rich with Greek etymology, historical insight, and doctrinal depth. And I often leave thinking, “That was smart.”

But deep in my spirit, I’m longing to leave saying, “That was grace.”

Like those two disciples on the road to Emmaus, I want to exclaim, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road?” (Luke 24:32). That burning was more than emotion—it was recognition, conviction, and communion. It wasn’t just the mind being enlightened—it was the soul being awakened.

A good sermon is like a fire in a well-built fireplace.

The logs are the Scriptures—solid, true, time-tested. The kindling is the pastor’s study and intellect—important tools. But the fire doesn’t start without the spark of the Holy Spirit. When that spark ignites the Word, it doesn’t just warm the room—it warms the soul. It burns away pride, illuminates dark places, and draws people close to Jesus. A smart sermon arranges the logs—but a Gospel sermon sets them ablaze.

When I leave church, I don’t want to say, “Nice fireplace.”

I want to say, “Thank You, Lord, for the fire.”

A mentor once told me, “Sugar Bear, if you can’t find both the Law and the Gospel in the sermon, you didn’t hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.”

So how do I respond? Not with judgment. Not with pride. But with hunger. Lord, raise up preachers who don’t just explain You—but embody You. Who don’t just unpack Scripture—but unleash the Savior.

And when someone says, “You can’t change the game,”

I smile and say, “Watch what happens when Jesus preaches.”

God bless you—and this ministry!

 Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

" Motivational Leadership from the Help"

"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty. — Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

This week I found myself reading not only Scripture—but also spreadsheets. America’s debt, dollars, and decisions are stirring up fiscal fear. From $4.5 trillion in spending in 2020 to over $7.0 trillion by 2023, we’ve inflated more than our economy—we’ve bloated our burdens. The post-COVID money flood now demands discipline. That’s not just an economic issue; it’s a spiritual one.

I thought: what if we led our lives, our churches, and our country with the clarity of Essentialism, the courage of moral empathy, and the consistency of "The Process" from coaching?

Greg McKeown says, “Eliminate the trivial many. Prioritize the vital few.” In America’s finances—and in our faith walk—we often major in the minors. Jesus didn’t chase crowds. He called disciples. He didn’t promise ease. He promised eternal life through repentance and belief (Mark 1:15). That’s essentialism with a cross.

Jonathan Haidt’s moral foundations remind us: liberals and conservatives aren’t evil—they’re differently convicted. Jesus reached Pharisees and tax collectors. Can we, like Braver Angels, bridge the divide with moral empathy rather than ideological pride?

Then there’s Coach Saban’s "Process": do your job, ignore the noise, focus on the next play. Believers—our job isn’t results. It’s faithful witness. (Acts 1:8). Don’t try to play God. Be faithful and let the Holy Spirit handle the scoreboard.

Debt may define our economy, but it doesn’t have to define our hearts. Jesus canceled our spiritual debt at the cross (Colossians 2:14). Now we’re free—not to waste—but to witness.

Prayer:

Lord, give us the wisdom to lead with clarity, the courage to speak truth with grace, and the conviction to walk humbly in Your Spirit. Let us witness—not persuade—for the truth of the gospel. Guide our nation’s leaders toward essential focus, moral understanding, and bold action with honest Amen's.

May the Holy Spirit lead you in truth, anchor you in hope, and empower your witness—for His glory and our good.

God bless you and this ministry!

You are Loved.

"Sugar Bear "

"Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed,

for I amYour God;

I will strengthen you,

I will help you"

Isaiah 41:10

 Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

"The Voice That Affliction Cannot Silence"

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” — Isaiah 43:2

Affliction has a way of filling the air like a flood — the noise of hurt, disappointment, and misunderstanding can be deafening. It drowns out reason, drowns out encouragement, drowns out every earthly voice that tries to reach me.

One word can carry more weight than a hundred sentences. Recently, that word was "hate" — spoken toward me in a way that cut me in half. It echoed long after it was said, threatening to define me if I let it.

While I process before I proceed, I remind myself of this amazing grace I’ve been given — and that it’s not about me. My story is not ultimately about the hurt I’ve received, but about what the King has done for me. That’s the story of the cross: mercy in place of judgment, life in place of death, and victory where the world saw defeat.

I’ve sat in a pew before, still carrying fresh wounds from the many weeks — words spoken that cut, silences that stung. My heart felt like it had no room for hope. Then the first chords of a hymn rose, and a single word caught my ear: redeem.

Something happened in that moment. My mind remembers:

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law…” (Galatians 3:13).

My soul recalls: “The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned” (Psalm 34:22).

The hurt doesn’t vanish instantly, but it loses its grip. The eternal voice — steady, unchanging — rises above the storm.

Affliction tells me I’m forgotten. Hate says I’m unworthy. Redemption tells me I’m bought with a price. The cross declares: It is finished.

Prayer: Lord, in the flood of affliction and the sting of hateful words, let Your eternal voice be the loudest sound in my soul. Let the word redeem take root in my heart, until my hurt bows to Your hope. Amen.

God bless you and this ministry—and don’t keep this light to yourself. Share it with a friend, a relative, or someone in need. The world is hungry for hope; pass it on.”

 Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

"Called Grace – The Unchanging Character of God"

When life shakes us, we can forget that we are first and foremost a people called by grace—invited into God’s presence, not because we earned it, but because His love made a way. Nahum’s world was turbulent. Judah faced invading armies and moral collapse. Yet in the midst of it all, Nahum reminds the people: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).

Yesterday at Iowa State football practice in Ames, my back injury had me moving slow. The morning air was thick with humidity, and each step toward Jack Trice Stadium felt longer than the last.

Then, out of nowhere, Coach Campbell with one of his senior players spotted me. He jogged over, steadied my steps with a joyful hello, Sugar Bear, which carried my heart, asked about my day, and I responded you are a Senior!

I offered him a quick word of wisdom:

“Your strength is a gift—use it to lift others up, and God will keep lifting you.”

That moment reminded me of the Lord’s whisper: “That’s My grace—My goodness protecting you when you’re vulnerable, My care reaching you through another’s hands.”

That goodness is grace—God giving us His best when we deserve His judgment. His refuge is grace—welcoming us under His shelter in life’s storms. His care is grace—watching over us day and night. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

Today, remember:

• God is good—always.

• God is your refuge—forever.

• God cares for you—personally.

PMA Words of Wisdom: Even the smallest act of kindness can carry the weight of God’s love. Stay alert for grace—it often arrives wearing work boots and a smile.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for calling us into Your grace. When fear rises, let Your goodness calm my heart. When storms rage, let Your refuge hold me steady. When I doubt, remind me that I am cared for by the God of all grace. Help me extend that grace to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God bless you and this ministry—and don’t keep this light to yourself. Share it with a friend, a relative, or someone in need. The world is hungry for hope; pass it on.”

 Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

"Motivational Leadership: Run Your Race with Essential Intentions"

When the younger generation says “flex up,” it often means flash your money, your power, or your pleasures. But as a child of God, my flex looks different.

I flex up when I lift my hands in worship. I flex up when I forgive instead of retaliating. I flex up when I run my race with essential intentions—laying aside bitterness, racism’s scars, and pride’s traps.

As a teacher, coach, and mentor, I have learned that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room but the most faithful one. The goal for me as an educator has always been to help students turn into fires of thought—burning with curiosity, courage, and conviction. That is motivational leadership:

not commanding attention, but inspiring transformation.

When I look back at my childhood, I remember moments when racism cut deep into my soul. Words, glances, and barriers told me I was less. That pain tempted me to harden my heart, to see myself as a permanent victim of toxicity.

But God’s grace showed me another way. Forgiveness became my freedom. “Lord, help me forgive,” I prayed—and He softened my heart.

The Bible warns us about the dangers of a hardened heart. Pharaoh’s pride blinded him, even when God’s mighty hand was clear before his eyes.

Scripture declares, “The pride of your heart has deceived you… I will bring you down, says the LORD” (Obadiah 3–4). Pride doesn’t always look like arrogance. Sometimes it is holding on to pain so tightly that it controls us.

But Hebrews 12:1 reminds us: “Let us throw off everything that hinders… and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Motivational leadership means showing others how to run with open hearts, guided by grace, and fueled by perseverance.

Takeaways, In the:

• 70s: Flex your style.

• 90s: Flex your respect.

• 2020s: Flex your money.

• Now Spirit: Flex your faith.

Each generation redefines strength. The leader who flexes in faith leaves the legacy that lasts.

God bless you and this ministry—and don’t keep this light to yourself. Share it with a friend, a relative, or someone in need. The world is hungry for hope; pass it on.”