2026

Girl sitting I front of computer sleeping.

discipline

3 Comments / 2026, blog / Phyllisducey

Discipline Mirriam Webster dictionary says discipline is the control gained by enforcing obedience or order. Discipline has always been kind of a dirty word to me. It left me with the feeling that an authority (man or otherwise) was controlling me. I did not like that one single bit. Not by my choice, but I felt strongly the Holy Spirit wanted me to write on discipline. This post may be more for me than for you. I still struggle with discipline. To sit down and write this took me over 30 minutes…just to get started! Here was the process (and no I don’t think I am A.D.D…or at least I thought I wasn’t.) You get the picture. To try to reign myself in to write about a subject that I am struggling with was not easy. And really? Do we really care about discipline, is it even needed? Unfortunately, it is important. How do I know that? Because God addresses it in His letter to us…His Bible. Depending on the Bible version you are reading, the word discipline can be seen anywhere between 27 to 63 times. But the concept of discipline is in it many more times…self-control. A good deal of the time when the word “discipline” is being used in the Bible, it is referencing being disciplined by God. But for the purpose of this post, I’m considering the meaning as in self-control. (As I randomly throw another M & M into my mouth.) I was a product of the 1960s when rebellion against anything was in vogue. There was the Viet Nam war, the “establishment”, anything our parents said we should do (whether they were right or not), even our clothing (or lack thereof) was rebellious. That rebellious attitude has left a lot of scars on our country…maybe on me too. The biggest issue for me, was my not wanting to “conform” to the principles of the Bible. I believed all the lies that the world and the enemy told me. The promises that having it “my way” would make my life better. It did not. What made my life better was the promises of God. He told me He would neither leave me nor forsake me and in 50 plus years of following Him, He has not. He told me He created me to be exactly who I am even with all my foibles. AND…He loves me. He taught me as I studied the Bible and talked with Him in prayer the art of self-control (a work still in progress). That time in prayer and being obedient to His Word reaps benefits in my life. Without going into a lot of detail, those habits have given peace through a great deal of difficult situations. They have challenged me and stretched me into growth. He taught me that He is not a genie that I can make a wish and He will make it happen…but that He will walk with me and teach me how to control my reactions to a situation. And when I fail, He picks me up (or carries me) so that I can move forward. He is so loving that He has given many examples of self-control or lack of control throughout the Bible for us to learn from. But the greatest example is in Jesus, Himself. Can you imagine Jesus, being God, knowing that He was to suffer an ugly painful death would come join our world just so He could open a heavenly portal for us to be with the Triune God? (And yes, that is a rhetorical question because it is impossible for any of us to imagine being God, let alone having that great of love.) That had to be the ultimate example of self-control…of discipline…that ever was or ever will be. Makes my little struggles with self-control (keeping myself from popping another M & M into my mouth or from falling asleep as I type) seem like a walk in the park. ““Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭NASB

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Noises of spring

4 Comments / 2026, blog / Phyllisducey

Spring… It is slow coming to those of us who live in northern Minnesota. The first sense of spring for me is the chorus of frogs chirping to each other while trying to attract a mate. They appear before the crocuses and tulips around here. The loudest singing (if that what you can call it) male frogs attract the most females. (Don’t worry, I’m not going to give you a biology lesson on frogs.) Some people look for the sweet little sprouts pushing their way through the thawing soil for their signs of spring. While others for the crocuses, daffodils and tulips. But not me, I listen for the chorus of the Peeper frogs. I hear them pretty clearly at night but if I walk past a swamp even in the day, they can almost be deafening. To me they are the heralds of spring. Mostly because I can’t grow bulb plants…squirrels and rabbits have raided my gardens too often. I gave up. Tonight, I was out at my usual time of 11:30 pm walking my dog, Oliver, in the yard. Oliver pranced around with a toy he had stolen from the yard of the dog next door. He was pretty proud of his thievery. (Maybe I need to review the 10 Commandments with him.) I was focused on the beauty of the night as the Peeper frogs tried to out sing their competition. The clouds hid the stars and the moon. The midnight blue sky was dotted with grey-white clouds. The air was moist from a gentle rain earlier and the grass had started turning so green I could even tell in the dark. As I looked around, I was once again, overwhelmed by the beauty of nature…of how amazingly intricate God’s macrocosm is. It almost took my breath away. At times like that I wish I was a singer so I could join the Peeper frogs and shout out praises to my Creator. (Rabbit trail alert: I was looking for a synonym for nature…did not want to use it twice in the same sentence. I found macrocosm whose synonyms are nature, world and universe. That is so much more encompassing than nature for the Creator God. That’s my word from now on…it almost says it all.) I tried to sing some worship song that I barely remember but unfortunately, I ended up making up my own words to a tune that is unrecognizabl. In Psalm 98, God does tell us to “make a joyful noise”. Hopefully He will consider my attempts at praising Him in song a joyful noise. The Psalm goes on to say that all the earth should make a joyful noise. And that is what I think the Peeper frogs are doing…joining all the other night animals. There is the hooting of the owl, dogs barking from afar, cows mooing, coyotes yipping and an occasional wolf howling. Praising God as they are created to do. There is a man named Martyn Stewart who has spent his whole life collecting audio of living creatures. The show 60 Minutes ( Stewart Copeland album “Wild Concerto” fuses music with sounds of hyenas, monkeys, owls – CBS News) did a special on him because he and Kenneth Copeland are creating an orchestral album combining music with the animal sounds. I found it fascinating. To me it shows even more so the incredible mind of our Creator that the animal voices could be in harmony with an orchestra…a joyful noise from all the earth! As humans, sometimes our joyful noises are different than just worshiping at church. It may be women (and/or men) discussing God in a Bible Study, or a mother softly singing hymns over her sweet child, someone sharing the gospel with others, children’s laughter in youth group, or a nurses soothing words to a suffering patient…I could go on and on… Any time we use our voices to honor our Creator God is a form of worship. That is music to God’s ear. And honestly, prayer too is a beautiful joyful noise…possibly the best. It is a conversation with the Lord that He welcomes you into…calls you into. That is why He created man to have fellowship with Him…and those who refuse to respond to His welcoming, sadden His heart. It saddens my heart too. …….PS…… I started this a couple days ago in the first week of May. Last night it was 35 degrees out. And I did not hear even a peep from the Peeper frogs! Too cold for them. Maybe spring will come next week…I can only hope! “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: Make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” Psalm 98:4 KJV “God will do this, for He is faithful to do what He says, and He has invited you into partnership with His son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 NLT

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job description part 2

2026, blog / Phyllisducey

In Job Description Part 1 I focused on some of my God-given (endowed) gifts. As I said God has created over 117 billion people that are unique and different. But yet we have much commonality. We are humans sharing similar DNA. “Is there a more amazing molecule than DNA? It makes each of us who we are. The more scientists understand it, the more we all understand ourselves, one another, and the world around us. For example, did you know that we are all far more alike than we are different? In fact, the DNA from any two people is 99.9% identical, with that shared blueprint guiding our development and forming a common thread across the world. The differing 0.1% contains variations that influence our uniqueness, which when combined with our environmental and social contexts give us our abilities, our health, our behavior. How can one, single molecule contain so much mystery and wonder?” Sarah Bates MS., MA, National Human Genome Research Institute. Well, Ms Bates, I can tell you how one molecule contains so much mystery and wonder…our Creator, God has limitless abilities and He created that DNA to do that. But I have digressed (I just thought that was an interesting piece of knowledge). Before I leave this…is that not amazing that God squeezed all our uniqueness into such a tiny portion of the DNA?? Back to our unique giftings and qualities…per the scientific world…all contained in 0.1% of our DNA. What makes each of us unique? Our God-given giftings which align with our personalities. For some it may be in music or the arts; for others it may be mechanical or working with wood…but for all there is something unique to them. We just need to talk with God to have Him show us what they are and who He created us to be. Strange as it may seem, when I was young, I did not have the ability to make small talk as I do now. I was very insecure and very serious with my friends. I would be their listening ear. I could feel into the depths of their hearts (though at the time I could not articulate that). Because I was more serious (about life, not necessarily about my studies) and not as light-hearted as they, I felt like an outsider…not really accepted. That is how I FELT however, that was not reality. (I know this because I was asked to stand up in about 20 weddings in the several years following high school!) That quality that seemed like a flaw in my youth has become the groundwork for me to see (through spiritual vision) and encourage others. I developed the gift of Encouragement (part of my job description-JD) that God gave me through those years. I am an encourager. But know that my words of encouragement are not trite or insincere. The Holy Spirit has allowed me to see (seeing being part of my JD) qualities in people that often they are not even aware of in themselves. Sometimes it’s just a matter of giving their gifting a name. Then their eyes may widen or fill with tears because they are blessed that God sees them…and… often what did not make sense to them, now makes all the sense in the world as they begin seeing themselves through God’s eyes. I remember three of us woman talking together one day. One of the women was around my age. She was a little overweight, poor posture, no makeup, no styling of her hair and a few wrinkles on her face (I have to say I am partial to wrinkles…on other people…they add so much character). I was staring at her while she spoke, and she just radiated beauty to me. I could not help but say to her “you are beautiful.” I then looked at the third lady and said, “isn’t she?” The other lady very hesitantly agreed…she did not see what I saw. God did not give her the eyes/spiritual vision that He gave me. I saw a purity in her heart. Another part of that gift…part of my JD… knowing that God is planning to use a person for something in particular. I don’t always know what, but I do know it usually is in line with whatever their passion may be. I like to discover people’s passions. Many people don’t know what it is for them, but I will question until I can draw it out. I may say I see you are passionate about …whatever. Then encourage them in it. I love my giftings because I love my God. I know He chose them specifically for me and for that reason I will not only treasure them, but I will walk into them using them whenever He gives me the opportunity. So now part 2 is complete of my JD. I will add the Gift of Encouragement onto it. Job Description for Phyllis Ducey Earthly: Earthly Implementation Spiritually Spiritual Implementation PS. My job description may and has shifted as I have grown in the Lord and/or as different seasons of life come my way. Life is never boring when you are following God’s lead. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 “Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are

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job description

2026, blog / Phyllisducey

(part 1) Being retired, there does not seem to be a need to have a job description. I would like it to consist of taking a nap every day, spending time with my grandkids, walking my dog, and just hanging out with my husband. That would be the ideal description. Except I’m not sure God would find it as an acceptable one. And actually, I have such a strong desire to serve the Lord, I could not accept it either. God consistently tells us in his Word (the Bible) that we need to be obedient to Him and faithful to what He calls us to do. To me, there are obvious parts of our job description (from here on I will use JD for job description…not because I am lazy, just the repetition of the words ‘job description’ was annoying me!). I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, a sister (sil), a friend, a volunteer and a member of my church. All of those roles play a part in my JD. To bring honor and glory to God, obedience and show His love is primary. I think I could divide them but not separate them by earthly and spiritual (for eternity). They often cross over and that is my hope. But as I continue to contemplate the concept of a JD from the Lord, I need to assess not only what I am doing, but what skills and gifts He has given me through His Holy Spirit. We are aware in Corinthians that there are gifts of the Spirit. But this is only a list of maybe 15 and it is not exhaustive. Many more can be found when looking through other passages of the Bible. Since God has created over 117 billion people each one different and unique, I think He has probably given us different and unique gifts too. They may relate to the gifts in some way shape or form listed in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and 1 Peter, but they are all, in my opinion, unique to each of us. Gifts of the Spirit are described by two Greek words. Pneumatika which refers to their source, the Holy Spirit (pneuma); and charismata which refers to the fact they are granted as an act of God’s grace (charis). These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit thus, the gifts are a part of our new life in Christ. They have been endowed with grace on us from God. Each person owns their gift and may use it however, the person wants to (or not). So my question is what grace endowments has God given me? Being God’s image-bearers means that human beings have a particular vocation, a task to perform within God’s wider purposes for the world. This task involves, among other things, reflecting God’s creative and redemptive character into the world, bringing order out of chaos, and caring for God’s creation. NT Wright I looked to my natural God-given instincts and to the path that God has laid before me. He’s given me a deep love for and interest in people, not only that but a desire to pray for them and to pray with them. I have prayed with more people I do not know (in the last couple of years) than with people I know. I’ve done this out of obedience to God. Not because it is comfortable for me. (But I keep telling myself better be a fool for God than just be a fool!) More times than not, the stranger I prayed with said that God knew they needed this meeting/prayer time that day. Not because of anything I said…well-ll maybe, but honestly I don’t usually know what I was praying…that’s how God works through me. (Part of my JD.) Another aspect of that gift that He has endowed me with is to be able to make small talk. I may be on the stairs of a doctor’s office, in a garden center or grocery store or any store for that matter. As I turn to them to talk, I can often see the pain/fear/anxiety behind their eyes…sounds weird right? I don’t know any other way to describe it. And at that point, I ask if I may pray with them. Occasionally I will tell them what I see. It depends on how the Lord leads. One day I was seated in a waiting room staring at the back of a woman’s head. I could not take my eyes off of it. And told the Lord it would be very strange for me to change seats and ask if I could pray for her. We argued…God won. I walked over, sat next to her and told her the truth. “I was staring at the back of your head and God told me to pray for you”. (How do you like that for an introduction…so smooth, huh?) Her face softened and told me her needs. I prayed. It makes my day when God gives me that type of opportunity! If I go into town and don’t get to pray with someone, I am disappointed or wonder if I am not listening. How would I classify that gift? A gift of prayer…yes. A gift of seeing…yes. And (can you count this?) a gift of gab…yes. Oh, and of course…the gift of hearing…from God and from a person’s heart. Job Description for Phyllis Ducey Earthly: Earthly Implementation Spiritually Spiritual Implementation ………….To be continued in two weeks on Part 2 of My Job Description…………….. He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach, if it is

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Stress

3 Comments / 2026, blog / Phyllisducey

The first recorded use of the word stress was between the years 1275-1325. That kind of blew me away thinking that close to 700 years ago people were coining that word. (I wonder what their stresses were?) It is a derivative of the word distress which makes total sense to me. I’m sure there were many distressing things back then, trying to find food, staying warm, having to stay under the radar when a new conqueror took over their territory, maybe even wild animals. Who knows for sure? However, for the most part we do not have those types of stresses. Our stresses tend to be hitting us hard and fast in this world of internet, instant news, phones (seemingly attached to our fingers) and always, always multitasking. And it’s funny because it sneaks up on you (or at least on me). There was a day (a while back), when we had some very serious major health issues in our family, I thought I was handling things pretty well. Until…I blew at a dear friend who had been complaining about something that she has complained about for years. All of a sudden, my tolerance and my filter fell to the floor and I not very nicely laid into her. (I was driving…yes, I was on the phone while driving! I felt I could see my filter shatter on the floorboards.) If she wasn’t going to do something about it, then quit complaining because it was within her power to resolve the issue! I knew my words were justifiable but certainly the way I presented them wasn’t. (BTW, I did apologize to her within the hour.) Was I allowing my stress to blow my witness for the Lord? Where was my self-discipline? Was this depression or an attack by the enemy? I didn’t know…but what I did know is that I needed to truly repent before the Lord. I had not understood when David said in the Psalm 51:4” Against You (God), You only, have I sinned” after he had impregnated another man’s wife and had that man killed to cover up his adultery. How was that not a sin to all involved? What I think is that the egregious sin was tarnishing the reputation of his beloved God. That far exceeded any other type of sin. And David knew that. Afterall, David was the king. The Israelites knew He was not only favored by God but was appointed to rule over them by God Himself. When he sinned, it was as if he thought he was above God and could do whatever he wanted. That action defiled the God he loved. (You can find this story in 2 Samual chapter 11.) I was rude to my friend in the way I admonished her but even more so, I had sinned against the Lord. I did not reflect Him in my actions and that was an insult to the God who saved me and calls me His child. So, my next step was to repent (which is turning away from the sin). Then seek the Lord to ask Him to let me always see my friend the way He does. (This I did within the hour too.) But then, I started to slide down in despair because I sinned against my God and hurt my friend. Shame overtook me. I had trouble releasing the shame. Shame is from Satan and he wants us to be immobilized by it…which I was until made a text. I texted a prayer warrior, who started praying immediately which I literally could feel making a difference. (I had struggled a little because my usual prayer warriors were all in bed by that time.) But this dear sweet fellow late-night friend stood in the gap for me. I could feel the release of my self-imposed shame. God does not shame us. Once I repented, I was immediately forgiven. And that is how the family of Christ…true Christians, support each other. They not only walk with you through your trials, but they stand in the gap and also help carry your burdens! “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6-7

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75…really?

2026, blog / Phyllisducey

75! I just turned 75…in my head I am so much younger! It befuddles me (I like that word 😊) that I am that old! How did that happen? I have vague memories of: Then there are clearer memories… And now… I have 8 grandchildren (two are technically grandchildren-in-law), most living just 2 football fields away from us. They are growing up too! When young, time seemed to stand still. (Especially when my kids were 2 and 4…those years felt like they moved in slow motion!) But as I age, slow down, take more naps…time seems to fly by. I am left pondering if there is a reason that I have been left walking this earth for ¾ of a century. I have no idea other than that, at this juncture of my life, I feel compelled to study God’s Word (Bible) and use my remaining time to glorify Him At age 75, I feel more blessed and at peace with this chaotic world than I ever have in my life. I know it is because I have a deeper relationship with my Triune God (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). Future… As each day goes by, I am in awe of the Creator of my soul, mind and body. I am comforted in knowing that though my body may give out, my soul will remain…not only remain but be in heaven with our incredible God. Now that’s a blessing beyond compare! “Though you have not seen Him (Jesus), you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an expressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:8-9

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Life’s currents

1 Comment / 2026, blog / Phyllisducey

I saw this on one of those true-life television shows a while back. It brought to mind how careful we need to be with our walk with the Lord. It was a clear afternoon with blue skies and white marshmallow clouds after several days of dreary, non-stop rain…the type that causes a damp uncomfortable chill that you can’t shake. The young couple looked forward to basking in the sun while meandering along the river in their individual rubber rafts as Nancy’s dog, Taffy sat on her lap. This was one of their favorite activities…relaxing, enjoying the sun and drifting down the river. Taffy loved it too. They’d drift until they were several yards from the 12-foot drop-off where they would turn around and paddle back. This day, they did not notice until they drew near the drop-off that the past several days of rainfall had deepened the usually shallow, gentle river causing strong currents to occur. Though still much further from the undesirable descent than they usually wandered, the waters began to swirl and control the rafts. Considering themselves experienced and skilled rafters, as well as knowing the river as they did, this was of little concern as they started to counter the tugging current in order to turn back. Shortly they became distracted as Taffy did not like the sensation of the bobbing raft and jumped out. Without thinking Nancy jumped in after her. Nancy struggled with all her might only to be sucked in by the current plunging down the waterfall into the raging waters and massive rocks below…followed by Taffy…then Nancy’s boyfriend who tried to reach her. From here I could tell you a happy ending or a sad tragic one…neither is the point of me sharing this story. Thus, I choose to let you ponder creating your own ending (is that going to make you nuts? It would me!). Imagine the story as a parable. Is your walk with the Lord so comfortable that you just drift along without much thought. Staying on peaceful waters so you don’t have to put much effort in and don’t have to worry about the upcoming currents? Keep in mind, even peaceful waters can be dangerous. You always have to be alert. I just read that the flooding from the Limpopo River in South Africa has allowed crocodiles to invade neighborhoods. Over 5 attacks and 3 people had been killed by them. Police told residents to stay away from still waters where the crocodiles like to float. What floats around the still waters in your spiritual life? Apathy, indifference or disdain? Or is there something in your life that pushes you to the edge, but you are so confident in your ability to control it…a sin that you enjoy and choose not to give up. It leads you closer and closer to the current, but you think you have it under control until you don’t…until obliviously are dragged down, barely able to breathe. And if that happens, do you have the strength to pull out? All it takes is one moment of distraction, a bit of overconfidence and you may be thrust into a current that you do not have strength to struggle against. Or you could survive it but how long will you need to recuperate to regain your spiritual health. Maybe you will be permanently damaged by the fall. Our God, the great Potter, has had to shape, mold and pound me into His design because I have been so often guilty of drifting in waters that have dangerous potential thinking I was in control. I’ve fallen a few times and came out dripping wet, at times struggled to exhaustion, and even have plunged over the edge. My God…our God has been gracious and I have survived! But there are scars and aches and pains that remain. I use those as reminders that if I did not let myself be distracted, stayed focused on the Lord, they would not be there. I’ve also have learned the importance of building my spiritual muscles. Daily Bible reading gives me strength to paddle my raft while in the currents. Daily prayer gives me guidance from the Holy Spirit to be aware of what is below the calm surface…warning me against any crocodiles below. And small groups, Bible studies and time with mature Christian friends helps me in discerning what is happening in our world. (Pitfalls to avoid) Looking back (though sometimes painful) helps me keep my focus now. My prayer is that the Lord will open my eyes to see the underlying currents that may be hidden by what appears to be a calm surface. That I may grow and be strengthened in my faith to survive any attacks. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19a

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God's World, My Lens

My Lens: God's Lens: Your Lens:

Encourage women to enrich their relationship with the Lord
by seeing themselves through His eyes and
hearing and seeing Him from your heart

God's World, My Lens

My Lens: Encourage women to enrich their relationship with the Lord
God's Lens: By seeing themselves through His eyes and
Your Lens: Hearing & seeing Him from your heart

discipline

Noises of spring

job description part 2

job description

Stress

75…really?

Life’s currents