God has a way of getting my attention.  He got it yesterday.  I am visiting my son and babysitting my grandkids.   I took the kids outside to get some fresh air and they decided to ride their bikes and scooters.  It wasn't long before the Georgia heat and humidity became oppressive and they had enough.  My granddaughter went to take her bike back to the garage.  She came flying out seconds later yelling, “GiGi, there's a hummingbird in the garage!   Thus began a process to set the captive free.


I love hummingbirds.  It amazes me how something so small can move so quickly.  You can blink your eyes and they're gone.   Not this time.   The poor little thing was so confused and frantic as he tried to find a way out.  He found his way to a window and kept flying into it.  He could see freedom on the other side but couldn't figure out how to get there.  We were at a loss how to help him.


My son came home from work and we explained what was going on.  He tried his best to coax the little bird toward the open door but to no avail. 


It was then I decided to do what I usually do…I went to Google. Believe it or not, some guy made a YouTube video on “How To Get A Hummingbird Out Of Your Garage “  Long story short, we had to wait until the hummingbird wore himself out.  We watched him literally collapse and fall onto a shelf but it was then my son was able to gently pick him up and set him free.  We all cheered as he flew away.


As I was reliving this memory today, it hit me big time how much I could relate on a personal level.  There have been many times I have felt trapped by circumstances and emotions where I couldn't find my way out.  I would frantically try anything and everything to find the open door.   I could see freedom but something stood between us.  It wasn't until I exhausted all my strength that I made it to the other side.  I didn't walk and I didn't run…I was gently carried.   God picked me up and carried me through the open door so I could spread my wings and fly.  It's called surrender.   


It's happened more times than I can count and it's happening as I speak.  I fight it every time and I think it's because I'm afraid it won't work out the way I want it to yet it's always the right way.   


“Lord, let me get to the end of myself sooner and put everything in Your hands.  Help me to trust You from the onset and help me remember all the times You have brought me through.  Thank you for all the times You have picked me up and carried me, even now, and thank you for the gift of freedom.  Amen”




By Eileen Glotfelty May 11, 2026
A few weeks ago I shared about my estranged child. Mother's Day came and went without a word. I spent the day wondering/hoping I would hear something. I didn't expect a phone call but maybe a text. I told myself not to have any expectations, but I still did. I was almost angry at myself for thinking maybe this year would be different. This morning I sat here talking to the Lord. He wants me to be honest with Him so I didn't try to hide the sorrow and the rejection. I told Him I was hurt and I had to forgive my child once again. He reminded me that I had three other children who hadn't forgotten me and made me feel loved and honored, so why was the rejection of one so painful? It was then I remembered the story of the lost sheep. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's about a shepherd who has a flock of a hundred sheep. One of them goes astray and the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go find it. It was a gentle reminder that He will never give up on my child and He loves Him more than I could imagine. In the same way, God will never give up on any of us. No matter how much we run or push Him away, He will never leave us. I needed that encouragement, maybe you do too.
By Eileen Glotfelty April 19, 2026
For those of you who have a prodigal child, you're not alone. What I mean by prodigal is a child who has turned their back on you and put up walls of defense. It came as a surprise, a shock actually. I should've seen it coming but after years of butting heads, I truly thought we were in a better place. The revelation came in a letter where thoughts and feelings were shared. I felt my spirit being crushed as I read it and my heart broke. I know I wasn't the perfect mother. I had struggles and behaviors that had followed me since childhood. I had resolved never to treat my children the way I was treated, but how many of us know that sadly it still happens, but in a different way. When you have a prodigal, it's not about forgiveness and reconciliation, it's about the pain they feel we've inflicted and they can't let go of it. I keep hoping that some day, things will change but there's no guarantee as it takes two surrendered hearts that are open to be healed. It's been four years now since I received that letter. I have grieved in a way I never have before and there were times I didn't think I would make it through. It's a different kind of grief because you know it can change but it's out of your control. It's been a process and I've experienced rejection, abandonment, guilt and shame but it brought me to a place where I knew it was going to keep me in a prison of pain if I didn't surrender it to God so He could heal my heart. The Bible has a story about a prodigal son. Even though the son went his own way and abandoned his father, his father never gave up hope. When the son had an “aha” moment and realized how foolish he had been, he humbled himself and returned home. This is my favorite of the story: “So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 NIV” This is how God greets everyone who returns to Him, no matter what they've done. I pray I would react the same way with my son. If you have a prodigal, my heart goes out to you, but just know that God sees you and your child. He is working behind the scenes as He is a God of redemption and reconciliation. He will heal your broken heart and give you the strength to hold on.
By Eileen Glotfelty March 13, 2026
Today I had an errand to do on the other side of town. When I left my house, it was warm and sunny. As I drove toward my destination, I noticed dark, gray clouds up ahead. I had no idea it was supposed to rain. Thankfully I was in the store when the storm rolled in. It was literally a downpour complete with thunder and lightning. I remember thinking I wouldn't be going to my car any time soon. Unfortunately the extended time in the store resulted in some overspending. As I stood in the checkout line. I overheard one of the cashiers say. “I love thunderstorms.” As a child, I loved them too, especially if I was already tucked in bed for the night. I can't explain it but that was the time I felt the most safe. There was something peaceful amidst all the noise. I still feel the same way. Tonight another thunderstorm rolled in. The weather forecast said it could be severe with high winds. I wasn't afraid. In fact. If it wasn't so early, I would've jumped into bed. I had to ask myself why I felt such peace during a storm. I never really thought about it before. Was it the fact I knew that despite all the drama and noise, it would eventually come to an end? It's something I need to think about because my attitude is quite the opposite with the storms of life. I've spent most of my life just trying to survive the storms. Sometimes I've denied them, other times I've tried to run from them and there were times I tried to hide from them but each time, they stopped or moved on. I feel like I'm in a place right now where I need a reminder of safety even in the midst of a storm. Jesus wasn't afraid of the storm, He went right into it and walked on water. Peter got out of the boat and started walking toward him but as soon as he got distracted by the waves and the noise, he started to sink and fear tried to take over. Jesus was still there and when Peter cried out to Him, Scripture says Jesus immediately reached out and grasped Peter's hand and Peter was safe. So Jesus, the storm is raging all around. I'm reaching out to You. I've gotten distracted Lord. I need You. Make me aware when I'm sinking and meet me in the waves for You are my help and You are enough.