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This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
Flower

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

We’ve not had much rain this spring, so the yard hasn’t needed quite as much attention as usual.  But, even so, those little clovers, dandelions, and other such things continue to thrive and to pop up anywhere and everywhere you look – even these things in my picture.

I don’t give them a name.  That’s mainly because I don’t know their name.  They are small, white, and not ugly.  They must be a flower, right?  But they randomly pop up in the middle of the yard with no rhyme or reason.  So, they must be a weed, right?

Who knows?

A flower or a weed.  That, as Shakespeare would say, is the question.  If we take the time to dig in the dirt, fertilize the soil, and plant the seeds, will everything that comes up be a flower?  If we simply ignore the planting, allow the yard to do its own thing, and wait to see, will everything that comes up be a weed?  Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

You can pick those white clovers, purple clovers, yellow dandelions, those very tiny purple (some say blue) flowers, and even these little white things, put them all in a little container of water, and you have a beautiful bouquet.  Even the weeds look like pretty flowers when someone takes the time to group them together and share them.

I’m sure there is a scientist somewhere that could tell me exactly how to differentiate between a flower and a weed.  But I must tell you that it doesn’t really matter to me.  I know that in God’s great garden of life, I’m probably one of the toughest and ugliest weeds there is.  Oh, but when I stand next to all of you, I’m just as pretty.  My name may be “weed,” but I will claim the title of “flower.”  I may be nothing much in this old world, but in God’s eyes, I am most beautiful.  —  WE are most beautiful, especially when you get all of us weeds together.  We make a wonderful bouquet.

Weed?  or Flower?  What will you be for Jesus this week?

Just a thought.

Weekly Inspirational

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
family time

In the middle of full calendars, deadlines, and constant demands, it can be easy to measure our lives by productivity instead of purpose. Yet the most meaningful things, faith, family, kindness, and love, are often found in the quiet moments we rush past. This week, take time to pause and realign your heart with what truly matters, remembering that success is not just what you accomplish, but who you become and how you impact others along the way. Even a few intentional moments each day can restore clarity, renew your spirit, and strengthen your walk with God.

As a reminder, Scripture tells us in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Let that be your anchor this week, put first things first, and trust that everything else will fall into place.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
Trail

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

You are all aware of those “warnings” on certain product packaging that are apparently meant to keep us from our own state of pitiful uselessness.  For instance, the shampoo bottle that says, “Don’t drink this!”  Wow.  Or the sign posted next to the local lunch grill counter that says, “May be hot!”  May be?  Well, I would hope so.  Sadly, the dumbing down of society has led to a rampant state of ignorance yet unparalleled in my lifetime.  

But then, there are signs like the one I’ve shared here.  There, beside the clean dirt trail through the wooded area ahead, is a sign that simply says, “Trail.”  You would think this sign, placed alongside an old trail adjacent to the Natchez Trace, would be unnecessary.  Yet, some would rely upon such a sign to make sure they are heading in the right direction.

Ah, isn’t that the purpose of the sign?  It is posted there to make like easier for some who might wander away from the trail.

The Bible, heralded as a totally useless book of unimportant little stories and fairy tales by some in our world, is there because so many of us would go wandering off the trail if we didn’t access and read it regularly.  Why should we have to be reminded to get into God’s Word before heading out into our world?  Can’t we navigate the trails and pathways on our own?  You can certainly try, if you want.  But I’d rather follow the directional signs that have been wisely placed beside the trail for me!

Don’t dismiss those little signs or nudges and reminders from God’s written Word and from those good friends He places along our path this week.  Heed the warnings.  Follow directions.  Remain on the trail.  After all, someone before you was wise enough to mark it for your protection – not to showcase your ignorance, but to make life so much easier.

See you on the trail.

Just a thought.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
Friends

By Ryan Kelly –

As we move through the busyness of our week, we are called not just to believe in the light of Christ, but to reflect this light in all that we do. Each conversation, each decision, and each quiet moment is an opportunity to show the love, grace, and compassion that Jesus has placed within us. It is easy to carry that light on Sunday, but the true calling is to carry it into Monday meetings, midweek stress, and the everyday interactions that shape our lives. When we choose patience over frustration, kindness over indifference, and encouragement over criticism, we become a visible expression of His presence to those around us. The world is often in need of hope, and sometimes the only glimpse of that hope others will see is through us.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This is not a call to perfection, but a call to consistency, to live in a way that reflects His love even in imperfect circumstances. No matter where this week takes you, remember that you carry something powerful within you. Be intentional with your words, generous with your grace, and steady in your faith. When you do, you are not just going through your week, you are lighting the path for others to see Him more clearly.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
bamahenge

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

“I won’t believe it until I see it.”  You’ve probably spoken those very words at some time or other.  Maybe you’re one of those who must be shown something to believe it, like the folks from Missouri, the “Show Me State.”  I have visited there many times during my lifetime and lived there one summer when I was in college, but that motto never stuck on me.  If I trust you, I can believe what you say without physical proof.

Wife and I were visiting our coastal kids recently.  Part of their entertainment for us was in making a visit to the Stonehenge of the South, “Bama Henge.”  I’ve never seen the true Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, but I believe it’s real.  Now I’ve seen the replica in Alabama.  I didn’t have to see it to believe it, because I believed the stories I’ve heard about it.  But seeing it in person was a treat.

Have you ever seen Jesus?  Were you there when they crucified Him?  Technically, yes, every one of us was there, as He gave His blood for each of us.  Did I have to see it to believe it?  No.  Because I trust Him, I trust His Word, and I trust those who have told me about Him all my life.

To truly see Jesus in action in my life is a real treat, an added bonus.  I don’t think that I believe He’s there simply because I see Him.  I believe I see Him because He’s there.

One day, I will see Him face to face.  Until then, I will see His face in the face of others.  You want to see Jesus?  Look around you.  Look at those who belong to Him.  Look at His Church.  Look at His creation.  And when someone who doesn’t know Him asks you to “show them,” you’ll be able to do so, because you believe He’s there!

See Him for yourself this week!  Then tell somebody else about what you’ve seen!

Just a thought.

He is Risen!

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
Happy Easter!


This Easter, we celebrate the greatest gift ever given, the gift of salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the cross, He bore our sins, and through the empty tomb, He defeated death and secured eternal life for all who believe. What was once lost has been redeemed, and what was broken has been made whole through His grace.

The resurrection is more than a moment in history. It is a living promise that hope is never lost, that mercy is always available, and that new life is gifted to each of us who believe and worship in Him. Because He lives, we can walk in freedom, purpose, and unwavering faith.

As it is written in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”

May this Easter fill your heart with renewed joy, peace, and gratitude for the sacrifice and victory of our Savior. Let us rejoice in the truth that Jesus Christ is alive, and through Him, we are saved.

Happy Easter to each of you!

Weekly Inspirational

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
prayer

By Ryan Kelly –

Have you ever found yourself questioning what God is doing in your life? In seasons where stress, hardship, or unexpected challenges arise through no fault of your own, it is natural to wonder why you have been placed in that moment. At times, it can feel as though the weight of the world rests squarely on your shoulders, as if you are meant to carry burdens far beyond your strength. But that weight is not from Him. As we are reminded in Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The Lord does not call you to be overwhelmed; He calls you to trust. He cares deeply for all of His creation, from the birds of the air to every creature on the ground, and how much more does He care for you. What feels heavy is often what we are trying to carry on our own, rather than placing it fully in His hands. When we surrender our burdens, we begin to see that He is working in ways we cannot yet understand.

Each of us is part of His greater tapestry, woven together with purpose and intention. There are seasons when that purpose leads us through discomfort, uncertainty, or even pain. Yet these moments are just that, seasons. They are not permanent, and they are never without meaning. Growth often comes quietly through trials, shaping our faith and strengthening our spirit in ways that ease cannot.

Take heart in knowing that peace will follow. God is faithful to carry you through every valley and into restoration. So remain steadfast, keep your faith rooted, and allow Him to lift what you were never meant to bear alone. No matter the circumstance, trust in Him fully, for He will not let you down.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
Crab

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

We walked along the cold wet sand enjoying the breeze.  Daughter was in search of small shells to incorporate into some jewelry she enjoys creating, so our eyes were on the sand.  We walked, carefully examining the area around our every step.  That’s when I spotted this.

An empty crab shell.  A crab had once lived in this abandoned place.  The shell had protected the animal from dangers in its life.  That shell, because of its distinct shape and size automatically told us that it had once belonged to a crab.  It was all so obvious.

Some days we aimlessly wander through life.  We are busy with daily responsibilities and so many other things that require our time and attention.  We are doing great and wonderful things.  We are witnessing for the Lord as we walk along.  But are we really involved in all that?  Or are we merely recognized by others because of our shell?

The shell – the outer appearance.  That’s what conveys to the world that we are who we claim to be.  We look like a Christian, speak like a Christian, act like a Christian, therefore we must be a Christian.  Right?  Not necessarily!

Yes, the crab’s shell once belonged to a crab.  That is undeniable.  But when the day comes that our journey on life’s sea is done, our shell has washed up on the shore, and others walk by and observe the place where we lay, will they be able to say without a doubt that we were once a Christian?

May our shell speak for itself.  What do others see?

Just a thought.

Weekly Inspirational

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
children running crazy


Life has a way of filling our days with responsibilities, deadlines, and constant movement, often leaving us feeling stretched and distracted. Yet even in the busiest seasons, there is an invitation to slow our hearts and rediscover joy. Not in the absence of activity, but in the presence of God within it.

True joy is not dependent on a quiet schedule or perfect circumstances; it is rooted in abiding with Him wherever we are.

As Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

This means that joy is not something we chase once life settles down, but something we can experience right in the middle of the noise and motion. When we intentionally turn our thoughts toward Him, we begin to recognize that His presence is constant and sustaining. The more we practice this awareness, the more peace and joy begin to rise above the busyness.

This week, let your goal not be to escape the busy moments, but to invite God into them, trusting that His presence will carry you and fill your days with a deeper, lasting joy.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
Dog

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

I’ve introduced you to Granddog previously.  He recently spent several days with us while his parents were on a well-deserved vacation trip.  He is no trouble.  He lets us know when he needs to go outside.  He knows what time is supper time, and he responds quite energetically to the question, “Are you hungry?”  He also knows when it’s bedtime and eagerly trots off to find his comfy spot for the night.

I suppose it’s the “lab” in him that makes him so very curious.  When he and I head outdoors for his bathroom trips, I may have him on a long leash, but his attention is fixed anywhere but on me.  He puts new meaning to the exclamation “squirrel!” and will about jerk by arm out of socket taking off after one.  He sniffs every flower or weed.  He watches the birds, and he is amazed by those larger-than-life-to-him cows and horses.  His eyes are on everything, it seems, except the mission at hand.

But, when he and I are back inside the house, the distractions are all but gone, and his every attention is focused on me, what I’m doing, and where I’m going.  You see his gaze fixed on me here as I sat in the chair near him.

A simple little verse in Proverbs (4:25) says this, “Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.”  Granddog certainly has this down pat.  But what does the verse mean for us?  Simply put, if my eyes are looking directly ahead and fixed on the Father, then the ever-abundant distractions of life will fade away.  When I focus my gaze on Him, watch what He is doing, and where He is going, then I have no excuse but to see and do what I should.

In the busy-ness of life, may our eyes be as fixed upon the Lord as Granddog’s have been on me!

Just a thought.