Tag: Jesus

A Ride I’ll Never Forget: Remembering My Friend, Jamie

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Yesterday, my dear friend Jamie Grimes entered the arms of Jesus. Seven years to the exact date of her cancer diagnosis.
As I sit here this morning, my heart feels incredibly heavy. A few hours before I heard the news of Jamie’s passing, she was on my heart in such a strong way that I felt I needed to write something for her. I remember thinking how we so often wait until someone is gone before we tell the world what they have meant to us. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if she could hear those words before she went to Heaven?
I even made plans in my mind to visit her on Monday or Tuesday. My new job has consumed so much of my time these past few weeks, with onboarding and meetings and modules, but next week I’d have two days with a little less. I thought I had a little more time. We so often believe there will be another Tuesday.
Instead, today I’m holding tightly to one of the greatest gifts God gave me this summer, a sunny June afternoon that I now realize was one last adventure with my friend.
After enjoying a delicious lunch and an afternoon of laughter at the home of our dear friend Kimber, Jamie and I climbed into my Dodge Challenger Hell Cat. Kimber was invited to join us but decided to stay behind, leaving just the two of us. We didn’t have a destination. We simply drove.
Looking back, that seems so fitting. We let God lead the way, following whatever road He placed before us. In many ways, that’s exactly how Jamie had lived the last seven years of her life.

Ready for a ride in the Hell Cat!

Our drive became so much more than a drive. There was laughter, there were quiet moments, and deep conversations I’ll carry with me forever.
At one point, the speedometer climbed to 105 miles per hour, but somehow the fast car became the background for one of the slowest, most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had. Jamie talked openly about death. Not because she had given up.
Not because she was bitter. But because she knew where she was going. She wasn’t fearless because cancer was easy. She was fearless because Jesus was faithful. She believed with every fiber of her being that Heaven is real, a place with no more pain, no more cancer, no more tears, and no more sin. She knew Jesus was waiting for her.
Only Jamie could joke in the middle of such a conversation. She laughed and said, “People at church are probably wondering why I won’t just hurry up and die already.”
I assured her that wasn’t true. But that was Jamie. She somehow found humor in the hardest moments. As I drove she shared how grateful she was that her hospice nurse had released her to take one final family vacation to Gulf Shores with her husband and their three beautiful children, ages 14, 12, and 10.
Then she said something I’ll never forget.
“I didn’t want this summer to be the one where all they did was wait around for Mom to die.”
That sentence has echoed in my heart ever since. She talked about her children and admitted that leaving them was the hardest part. She wondered who would mentor them, especially her teenage daughter? Then, with the confidence that defined her life, she reminded me that God already knew. She didn’t know their names. God did. She trusted that He would place exactly the right people into their lives.
Jamie wasn’t placing her children into the unknown. She was placing them into the hands of the God she had trusted all along.
She told me she could leave this earth knowing He would take care of them.
I’ve known Jamie for eight years, but only one of those years was cancer-free. For seven years I watched her receive wonderful scan results, only to have cancer return months later. Again and again she faced devastating news with remarkable courage. It was a journey filled with chemotherapy, surgeries, uncertainty, hope, disappointment, and unimaginable pain.
Yet cancer never defined Jamie. Her faith did. She remained firmly grounded in Jesus, believing that God held her securely in the palm of His hand. She trusted that His plan was greater than her own, even when it hurt beyond words. When you spent time with Jamie, you walked away changed. She radiated joy. She radiated peace. She radiated grace. She possessed one of the strongest, most unwavering faiths I have ever witnessed, especially in a young mother carrying burdens that most of us can hardly imagine.
Years ago during her cancer journey, Jamie discovered the song “God’s Not Done With You” by Tauren Wells. She once shared how deeply that song ministered to her heart during one of her darkest seasons. From that day forward, I could never hear it without thinking of Jamie. It became part of her story, a reminder that God was faithfully writing every chapter of her life, even in the midst of suffering.
As our drive came to an end, I asked Jamie to open the glove box. She looked at me with a puzzled smile. Tucked inside was a miniature replica of my Dodge Challenger Hell Cat down to the exact same metallic Sinnamon Stick color. I had hidden it there just for her. I told her to take that mini car home and give it to her children. Then I made her a promise. “If any of them ever need to go for a drive in a fast car to talk, or not talk, to laugh, cry, or simply get away for a little while, they have an open invitation to go driving with the Noteworthy Mommy.”
She thanked me with that sweet smile that so many of us loved. It wasn’t a grand gesture that could take away the pain of what was coming. Nothing could do that.
But I wanted Jamie to know that while no one could ever replace their mom, there would always be people willing to walk beside her children, encourage them, listen to them, and remind them how deeply they are loved. That tiny Hell Cat car became much more than a toy. It became a promise.
A promise that they would always have someone cheering them on. A promise that they would never have to travel life’s roads completely alone.

Jaime with the toy car.

When I think back to that afternoon, I don’t remember just the horsepower, the winding roads, or even reaching 105 miles per hour. I remember Jamie’s smile.
I remember her peace. I remember a mother whose greatest concern wasn’t herself but her children. And I remember driving home that day feeling incredibly blessed that God had allowed our paths to cross.
I’ll miss seeing Jamie at Zion Women’s Retreats and Advent By Candlelight. I’ll miss playing Bunco together whenever she felt well enough to join us. I’ll miss hearing her laugh. I’ll miss the way she made everyone around her feel just a little closer to Jesus. Jamie was one of the most grace-filled women I’ve ever known.
Faithful.
Steadfast.
Hope-filled.
Inspirational.
She walked one of the hardest roads imaginable with incredible courage because she knew her life belonged to God.
I rejoice knowing Jamie is finally healed.
Cancer no longer has a hold on her.
She is at peace.
She is at rest.
She is home.
She is in the loving arms of Jesus.
Jamie taught me that faith isn’t pretending life isn’t hard. Faith is trusting God even when it is. Our last drive together had no destination. Looking back, I don’t think it needed one. God knew exactly where He was leading us. He gave us one last afternoon filled with laughter, honest conversation, and a promise that neither of us would ever forget.
Thank you, Jamie, for showing me what unwavering faith looks like. Thank you for reminding me that when we let God lead the way, His road always leads us exactly where we need to be.
Until we meet again dear Jamie. ❤️

Jamie and I after our drive.

Click here to watch the video of Jamie’s favorite song.

https://youtu.be/cVHrkYBEgFM?is=RUIq8wszhgaaC8Qs

THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND THE GREATEST LOVE

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I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11

Shepherds lead, protect and watch over their sheep. They make sure they are fed, safe, and not wandering into danger. Good shepherds don’t stand far off, they stay close. When Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd, He is not distant. He is attentive. He sees. He guards. He guides.

As a mother, I understand in a small way what it means to watch carefully. Love makes you alert. It makes you protective and willing to sacrifice. When I look at my daughter, there is nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her, guide her, and help her grow. But my love has limits. I grow tired, I lose patience, and I don’t always see what’s ahead. Jesus doesn’t have those limits. When He says He lays
down His life for His sheep, He means fully, willingly, completely. No hesitation. No resentment. No exhaustion. Just love. He doesn’t just guide from a distance. He steps in. He chooses sacrifice. That kind of love is not reactive, it is intentional.

As a teacher of young children, I’m reminded how much guidance little ones need. They wander. They forget. They get distracted. They test boundaries. And if I’m honest, so do I. I begin each day wanting to model patience and grace, but by the end of a long day, I’m reminded that I need a Shepherd
just as much as they do. John 10:11 reminds me that I am not navigating motherhood or the classroom alone. The Shepherd sees what I can’t. He anticipates what’s coming. He gently redirects when I drift. He
protects in ways I never even recognize. Sheep don’t lead themselves. They follow a voice they trust.

And I am learning to trust His voice.  The Good Shepherd does not run when things get messy and He does not abandon me when I wander. He does not grow weary of guiding me back. His love is not conditional on my performance. He laid down His life not because I had it all together but because I didn’t. That truth reminds me that the same Shepherd who cares for me also cares for my daughter and my students and for you. In this life, I will never be perfect but I can do my best to stay close to Jesus by following Him.

PRAYER: Good Shepherd, thank You for leading, protecting, staying close, and laying down Your life for me. Help me stay focused when I wander. Amen

REFLECTION:
1. Jesus, because of His humanity, understands our limits. How does it help to know He knows yours?
2. Jesus, because He is God, does not, as Jennifer puts it, “run when things get messy.” What comfort can that fact bring you today?

AUTHOR: Jennifer Freeman Talley is a life-long Lutheran, a wife, mom to a Zion 5th grader, educator, writer, and musician. She enjoys subbing at Zion, singing in the choir, and playing the clarinet in Zion’s wind ensemble. www.noteworthymommy.com

This devotional appeared in the 2026 Zion Lutheran Church’s devotional book.

It Is Done: More Than a Resume

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Well… it is done.

I have submitted my resume and cover letter for a potential new job, one that combines the gifts God has given me with 32 years of experience. And let me tell you, it was no small task. My old resume? Lost somewhere on an old flash drive or hard drive from a few devices ago. So I started from the very beginning. From scratch. A flashback to a lifetime ago.

There was something surreal about seeing my life laid out on paper…32 years of education and experience. My work life, anyway. Line by line, role by role, it brought back memories. Some sweet, some difficult. It made me proud. These accomplishments have shaped me, refined me, and, in many ways, defined me.

Maybe they shouldn’t define me as much as they have but I’ve always been goal-oriented, always looking toward the next mountain to climb, the next thing to conquer.

And then, in the middle of all of this reflection, a humbling (and slightly hilarious) reality check. Mini Me said, “My teacher hasn’t even been alive for 32 years!” She made sure I knew it! Loud and clear.

As I filled in names of past supervisors and references, I found myself walking back through conversations long tucked away. Some with my graduate school mentor. I could almost see her again, sitting across from that younger version of me, an energetic, optimistic young teacher who truly believed she could change the world.

And maybe, in small ways, I did!

Because as I looked over every position, every transition, every unexpected turn, I could see something so much bigger than a career path. I could see God’s hand. In the hard decisions. In the closed doors. In the leaps of faith. In the moments I didn’t understand at the time. He already knew the ending when I was just standing at the beginning.

What a blessing to say “I’ve lived an extraordinary life, not because it was perfect, but because it was purposeful.”

And yet, as I typed and reflected, I was reminded of something even more important. So much of who I am isn’t even on that resume. Becoming a wife. Becoming a mother. Being a daughter. Being a friend.

Those roles might show up in a short answer on an application, tucked into a line or two, but they are not bullet points. They are not measurable achievements. Yet they are the greatest gifts. They are the truest parts of who I am. They are where love is lived out daily in the ordinary, in the unseen, in the moments that will never make it onto paper but matter the most.

Lately, I’ve also been singing in the requiem choir at funerals, and our pastor reads the obituary of the deceased. Maybe that’s why my mind has been lingering here, thinking about legacy, about a life lived. And with a sweet young friend currently on hospice, that reflection feels even closer, more real.

But what is really important? As a Lutheran, I know this truth deep in my soul: My place in heaven is not defined by anything on that resume. Not the titles. Not the accomplishments. Not the years of service. Not even the good works done in His name.

This life, this faith, is not about works. It’s about Jesus! Yes, I strive to glorify God in all that I do. Yes, my faith has grown and my outreach has expanded. But none of those things earn me anything when it comes to eternity. Only one thing matters. Jesus. His sacrifice. His love. His suffering on the cross.

And as we walk through this Easter season, I can’t help but return to His final words: “It is finished.” (John 19:30) It is done. Not “almost done.” Not “keep striving.” Not “earn your way.” Done. Complete. Finished.

The work that truly saves, the work that truly matters was never mine to accomplish. It was His.

So my resume is done. But more importantly, the greatest work of all has already been completed for me. And because of that, I am free. Free to work. Free to serve. Free to love. Free to be a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a friend. No need to earn anything because I already have everything in Him.

All glory to God.

The Noteworthy Mommy Goes Back to Preschool

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This past semester has been one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

When I walked into the preschool classroom at Zion Lutheran School in St. Charles, Missouri, something deep inside me stirred. It felt familiar, sacred even. And then it hit me, this wasn’t just a full circle moment. It was a three-circle moment!

I attended Zion Lutheran Preschool in Belleville, Illinois when I was four years old. Those early memories…learning, singing, being loved and cared for in a faith-filled space were the very beginning of my story. Years later, my very first contracted teaching position after graduating college was teaching half-day preschool at that same Zion Lutheran School in my birth church in Belleville. That classroom was where I learned who I was as an educator, where my calling first took shape.

And now, thirty years later, I found myself teaching half-day preschool again at Zion Lutheran School. This time in St. Charles, MO. This time at Mini Me’s school. This time at a church that has become an incredible home for my family of three. God’s timing is never accidental, and this moment was no exception.

When I heard that a teacher friend was in need of a long-term substitute, I felt something I had never felt before. There was no debate. No list of pros and cons. No second-guessing. I felt called…clearly, unmistakably called to step in. The Holy Spirit was working inside of me, nudging me forward. There was only one answer my heart could give.

Yes.

I won’t pretend it was easy. It wasn’t. There were sacrifices…real ones. I no longer had the opportunity to pray with my Moms in Prayer group or meet with my morning Bible study. My energy tank was empty most days, leaving no fuel left for workouts at the YMCA. Our household felt it too with less prepared meals, a little more chaos, a little less order.

But oh, how the sacrifices paled in comparison to the blessings.

When I say yes to something, I’m all in. One hundred percent. And I gave this job everything I had. In return, I was given a class of littles who loved stories. Truly loved them. If they could have spent the entire day listening to books and eating snack, they would have been perfectly content.

So I answered that love with books…lots of them. High-quality, beautiful picture books and some repetitive texts. Some I remembered sharing with kindergarten students I taught years ago like “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and “Mrs. Wishy Washy.” Some I had once read aloud to my own Mini Me when she was in preschool. And a few that were brand new to me like “The Gingerbread Girl.” Every story felt like a gift.

And of course, the reading consultant in me couldn’t help herself. I modeled comprehension strategies while reading. I taught them how to make predictions, how to wonder, how to notice new vocabulary. I stretched them gently, intentionally and they rose to the challenge! The growth these littles made in such a short amount of time was incredible.

The greatest blessing of all was teaching them about Jesus and showing them His love every single day. Attending chapel each week. Praying together. Helping them learn letters and sounds using Open Court Reading and alphabet sound cards. And wow, the instruction stuck! They remembered. They applied it. They grew.

One of the sweetest blessings in this adventure was how much Mini Me loved having her Noteworthy Mommy at school. She beamed with pride every single morning. She and her BFF would often help me set up the classroom, straightening chairs, setting out materials, doing the important “teacher work” before the day began. Watching her move through her school day knowing I was on campus was pure joy. She loved having me there, and I will treasure those moments forever.

The Noteworthy Mommy in 1995 with her students on a field trip.
The Noteworthy Mommy in 2025 with her students at an Advent program.

This position, which was meant to be temporary, ended up being extended longer than originally planned. And honestly, it felt exactly right. Like God saying, “Stay a little longer. There’s still more for you here.”

This semester stretched me. It exhausted me. It blessed me beyond measure. And as I look back, I can say with full confidence this wasn’t just a job. It was a calling revisited. A circle completed. A reminder that God isn’t finished with us yet, and sometimes He brings us back to where it all began, not to repeat the past, but to show us how much we’ve grown.

All is Well

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If December had a soundtrack, mine would be set at allegro. Advent always arrives gently on the church calendar, but in real life it tends to come with a very full to do list and this year was no exception.

The days were packed with preschool teaching, doing my best to make the Advent season meaningful and memorable for my students. There were Christmas concerts to play, rehearsals to attend, and that familiar pressure to be present and prepared everywhere at once. At home, every ornament needed to be placed just so because somehow that feels like part of honoring the season. Gifts were purchased, cards were written and mailed, and my list expanded as it always does, this year with the added blessing of including the pastors, staff, and students of Bethlehem Lutheran.

Then there was real life. A sick child. A sick husband. Both arriving right on cue the week before Christmas.

Still, the calendar marched on. I hosted my annual Bunco Babes Christmas Party, put together gift bags for the Zion school and church staff, and prepared to host Christmas dinner for our parents. And that’s only the highlight reel… the list truly goes on and on. I know most of you reading this are nodding along. You get it. Advent can be holy and exhausting.

In the midst of all that doing, I found myself wondering: Is this how Jesus wants us to celebrate His birthday? With stress? With rushing? With checking boxes?

I don’t think so.

So this year, even as I did get it all done (with a little stress, if I’m being honest), I prayed intentionally for the Advent gifts of peace and joy. And something shifted. I asked for help. I gave myself grace when things weren’t done exactly as they always are. I let go of the idea that everything had to be perfect. And in doing so, some of that familiar holiday overwhelm loosened its grip and I had one of the busiest but the most joyous Advent seasons ever!

Taking on a long-term preschool position for a dear teacher friend on medical leave meant many people were praying for me this season. And wow!!! I felt those prayers. Truly. It was as if I was given the strength of Wonder Woman and the energy of the Energizer Bunny, not to glorify busyness, but to serve others with joy and endurance. To those of you who prayed for me; thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am deeply grateful.

On Christmas Eve, as I sang with my treble choir at church, the message of the song wrapped itself around everything this season had been… busy, beautiful, imperfect, and grace-filled. The reminder that in the midst of the noise, the sickness, the schedules, and the preparations, Christ is born… and all is well.

This Christmas will stand out for me. Not because it was flawless, but because it was faithful. After all the preparing and the franticness that so often accompanies the season, my heart can rest in this simple truth, there is peace in the middle of the miracle.

All is well.

Click on the link and hear my choir sing the song, All is Well on Christmas Eve. It’s at 55:18 but consider listening to the entire service, the scriptures, the powerful sermon, join in the liturgy, the traditional hymns, and the children’s sermon presented by The Noteworthy Mommy.

https://youtu.be/MIwpvs3EZ9A?si=QEmBZMWwORonosd2

“All Is Well”

by Michael W. Smith

All is well all is well

Angels and men rejoice

For tonight darkness fell

Into the dawn of love′s light

Sing A-le

Sing Alleluia

All is well all is well

Let there be peace on earth

Christ is come go and tell

That He is in the manger

Sing A-le

Sing Alleluia

All is well all is well

Lift up your voice and sing

Born is now Emmanuel

Born is our Lord and Savior

Sing Alleluia

Sing Alleluia

All is well

 Mini Me and the Circle of Kindness

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On the very first day of school, mini me reflected the love of Jesus in such a simple, yet powerful way, by welcoming a new friend into her circle. What made it even more special was discovering that this “new” friend was actually an old one, a preschool buddy who had returned to Zion after five years away. Though so much time had passed, their bond was still there, as if no time had gone by at all! Watching them reconnect was such a sweet reminder of how God weaves relationships back into our lives at just the right time.

A few months later, mini me and her friends had the chance to share that same love again. One afternoon, as I crossed the playground from school to church, I noticed a little girl sitting alone. She was new to Zion and was trying to fit in with a group, but it didn’t seem to be working. My heart went out to her. Not long after, mini me and her friends noticed her too and without hesitation, they welcomed her in.

This new friend is bilingual, and her family recently joined our school community. I’ve since connected with her mom via text and we use Google Translator to communicate since she speaks Spanish. Despite any language barrier, kindness has spoken louder than words. The girls have grown close, and mini me even invited her to her upcoming birthday sleepover!

Moments like these remind me that love doesn’t need translation, it’s understood in every language. When children lead with kindness, they reflect the heart of Jesus in the most beautiful ways.

Celebrating the End of a School Year—and a Remarkable Career

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As the 2024–2025 school year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on moments of joy, gratitude, and transition. At the heart of this season of celebration is someone who has faithfully guided generations through Christian education: Mr. Debrick, Mini Me’s beloved principal, is retiring after an extraordinary 41 years in Lutheran education—27 of those years serving at Zion Lutheran School in Saint Charles.

Our school and church communities came together to honor him with well-deserved celebrations, expressing heartfelt thanks for his steadfast leadership, his devotion to Christian values, and his deep love for students, families, and staff. It was a moving farewell—filled with appreciation, laughter, and a few tears as we lifted him up in prayer and sent him off with blessings for this new chapter in life.

While we celebrated the close of a remarkable career, we also rejoiced in a new beginning. Mini Me’s teacher, Miss Schnegelberger, just completed her very first year in the classroom. With enthusiasm and humility, she shared her reflections on social media, writing how much she has learned and how eager she is to continue growing. There’s something beautiful in witnessing both ends of a vocation—a hopeful start and a faithful finish.

“You’ll always remember your first class and your last class.” That truth resonates deeply. I can still recall nearly every face from my first year of teaching, and just as many from my final year, but fewer from the years in between. The beginning and the end stay with you, yet it’s the in-between, the long, steady walk of service that leaves the most lasting legacy.

Mr. Debrick and Mini Me at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

Reflecting on Mr. Debrick’s career, I’m awed by the immense change he navigated with courage and vision. The evolution of technology in education alone is a testament to how much the world shifted during his time. From chalkboards and overhead projectors with transparencies (young teachers, go Google those!) to computer labs, then one-to-one devices, and finally Smart Boards—Mr. Debrick shepherded Zion through every innovation. In fact, one of his last projects as principal was overseeing the installation of a brand-new set of Smart Boards.

But it wasn’t just the classroom tools that changed—it was the world itself. Mr. Debrick began his career amid the “Just Say No” era and the AIDS crisis. He guided Zion through the tragic events of 9/11, the heartbreak of school shootings like Columbine, and the implementation of new safety protocols such as intruder drills. My own family experienced firsthand his steady, faith-filled leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that demanded wisdom, adaptability, and deep trust in God. I will always admire the strength with which he led our school community through that unprecedented season.

Yet Mr. Debrick would be the first to say he didn’t do any of it alone. He walked each day hand-in-hand with his Savior, always pointing others toward Jesus. His humble spirit, servant heart, and love for his Heavenly Father were evident in every decision he made, every student he greeted, every teacher he encouraged. That example of faith in action may well be his greatest gift to us all.

One of the most touching moments during his Right of Farewell and Godspeed service at church was a special performance by a junior high choir, assembled just for the occasion, who sang Mr. Debrick’s favorite song: “Make Me a Servant.” He loves this song so deeply that he often invited his staff to sing it together, a musical reminder of the calling they shared.

There’s a version of the song that holds particular meaning, and the lyrics are worth carrying close:

These words echo the life and career Mr. Debrick lives. He taught children about Jesus—not only through chapel messages or religion classes but through his daily actions, his kindness, and his unwavering faith. I will carry those lyrics with me, just as so many others will, remembering the power of humble service and the sacredness of a life poured out for others.

My family of three have been at Zion for 7 years with Mini Me starting preschool at age 3 and just completing the 4th grade. What a blessing it has been to have Mr. Debrick’s leadership at Zion and what a legacy he leaves behind after 41 years in Lutheran education!

From the Talley family: Thank you, Mr. Debrick, for everything. For your warm wave each morning. For your constant smile. For always putting Jesus, children, and families first. Your devotion has made a lasting impact, and your presence will be deeply missed.

We wish you a retirement full of rest, golf, Kansas City Chiefs games, and of course plenty of popcorn! Congratulations on an incredible milestone. May God continue to bless you and your family on the journey ahead!

Mr. Debrick, the Noteworthy Mommy and Mini Me at Mr. Debrick’s “Right of Farewell and Godspeed” Service.

Called and Chosen

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“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

I have often battled with this verse. It’s a bit bleak, many are called, yet only a few are chosen? What does that mean for me, for my family, for the people I love?

Jesus speaks these words at the end of the Parable of the Wedding Feast. The king sends out invitations to his banquet, but many reject them. Others make excuses. Some even attack the messengers. So, the king extends his invitation further, calling in both the good and the bad from the streets. The banquet hall fills, but then the king finds a man without a wedding garment, and he is cast out.

This parable is about Gods kingdom. The call of salvation goes out to many, the Gospel is proclaimed to the world, but not all respond in faith. Some reject it right away. Others try to enter but on their own terms. Only those clothed in His grace, those chosen in Christ, remain at the feast.

As a Lutheran, I take comfort knowing that salvation is entirely God’s work, not mine. I do not choose God, He chooses me. In Baptism, He has called me by name and clothed me in the righteousness of Christ. I do not have to worry about whether I am good enough or whether I have earned my place at the table. The chosen ones are not the strongest, the smartest, or the most deserving. They are not the ones who have given the most money or done the most deeds. They are simply those whom God, in His mercy, has gathered to Himself.

Yet, this verse still calls me to act. The fact that I am among the chosen is not a reason for arrogance, but for gratitude. It reminds me how important it is to share the “Good News” of Jesus’s love and salvation with others. God calls many, and I am part of that calling. Through my words and actions, I can invite others to the feast, pointing them to Jesus, who provides the wedding garment of righteousness.

Today, I find peace knowing that I am both called and chosen. I did not earn it, and I can’t lose it by my own doing. It is God’s gift, through Christ. And with that certainty, I can live in faith, love, and joyful anticipation of the great banquet feast to come.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me into Your kingdom. I know I do not deserve Your grace, yet You have chosen me in Christ. Clothe me in your righteousness and give me the courage to invite others to Your feast. In Jesus name, Amen

Reflection: Jennifer reminds us that being chosen into God’s Family leaves no room for arrogance, but gratitude. What are you most thankful for because God chose you?

Author:

Jennifer Freeman Talley is a life-long Lutheran, a wife, mom to a Zion 4th grader, educator, writer, and musician. She enjoys subbing at Zion, sings in the choir, and plays the clarinet in the Saint Louis Wind Symphony, Zion’s wind ensemble and the Northwinds Concert Band. www.noteworthymommy.com.

This devotional appeared in Zion Lutheran Church’s 2025 Easter Devotional Book, Chosen People of God.  

Celebrating Mini Me’s Baptismal Birthday

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February 22 is a special day in our family—it’s Mini Me’s Baptismal Birthday! Each year, we take time to remember the day she was baptized into God’s family at Zion Lutheran Church in Belleville, IL, the same church where I was baptized as a baby.

Mini Me’s Baptism Day!

The Gift of Baptism

In the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), we believe that Baptism is a miraculous work of God, not something we do for Him, but something He does for us. Through water and His Word, God creates faith in the heart of even the smallest infant. While we may not fully understand how this happens, we trust in His promises. Parents and godparents take on the responsibility of nurturing this faith, teaching the child about Jesus so that their faith may grow and remain strong, as Jesus commands in Matthew 28:18-20.

A Joyous Day of Family and Faith

Mini Me was surrounded by so much love on her baptism day. Her Godmother, Aunt Kay Kay, traveled from Ohio, while my husband’s sister came from Georgia. My cousin Julie and her husband Rick also stood as her Godparents. Along with other family members and close friends, we celebrated this important step in her life.

One of the special symbols from that day is her baptismal candle. It serves as a beautiful reminder that the light of Christ now shines in her life. Every year on her Baptismal Birthday, Mini Me loves lighting her candle, celebrating the faith that was given to her in those holy waters.

And of course, what’s a celebration without a sweet treat? Our tradition includes donuts with sprinkles—those tiny drops of sweetness reminding us of the water sprinkled on her head during her Baptism. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to mark this sacred anniversary.

Mini Me with her baptismal candle and donuts with sprinkles!

Remembering the Promise

Baptism is not just a one-time event but a lifelong gift. It’s a promise that God is always with her, guiding her, strengthening her faith, and calling her His own. Each year, as we light her candle and enjoy our sprinkle-covered donuts, we give thanks for this amazing gift of grace and look forward to seeing how God continues to work in her life.

It was a glorious day then, and it’s a glorious day every time we remember it. Happy Baptismal Birthday, Mini Me!

Reenacting a Family Photo

1972- Me, my mom and grandma on the day of my baptism
2015-Mini Me, me, and my mom on the day of Mini Me’s baptism.

Welcome to 4th Grade

Published on by noteworthymommy1 Comment

At the start of this school year, I found myself hesitant, almost mourning the end of early childhood as my daughter stepped into 4th grade. It felt like a shift I wasn’t quite ready for—one that marked the passing of time in a way that tugged at my heart. The days of little hands and endless snuggles were fading, and I wasn’t sure what this new chapter would bring. My degree is in early childhood education, and this new stage was filled with the unknown.

Mini Me on the first day of fourth grade

But now, halfway through the year, I see that this stage of parenting is not something to fear—it’s something to love. I’ve found joy in the deepening connection we share, in the inside jokes that make us burst into laughter, and in the excitement of rushing home to tell Daddy the funny stories from our day. I cherish seeing the world through her eyes as she grows in confidence, trying new things like playing the violin, working hard in dance, falling in love with theatre, and advancing to the next level in softball. Watching her discover her passions and push herself to new heights fills me with pride and excitement.

Academically, she is thriving. Her love for reading and writing is stronger than ever, and she has even created her own virtual book clubs—one with a friend and another with her grandmothers and aunts. Seeing her passion for stories and discussion brings me so much joy, and I love watching her enthusiasm for learning grow.

A big part of this journey has been navigating the year with Miss Schnegelberger, her teacher—a fourth-generation Lutheran educator and a first-year teacher who has already made such a meaningful impact. Not only is she supporting my daughter academically, but she is also guiding her in faith, teaching her about Jesus, and helping her grow into a kind, thoughtful person. Miss Schnegelberger has encouraged my little rule-follower to relax a bit, to enjoy life, and to not take everything so seriously—something I know all too well from my own nature.

Mini Me and Miss S.

Beyond the classroom, my daughter continues to amaze me with her leadership and creativity. She is the great negotiator, always finding ways to make her friend group happy, ensuring that everyone feels included and heard. On the playground, she and her besties, Abby and Penelope, dive into elaborate role-playing games, imagining themselves as sisters who recently lost their mother or a family who live on a farm with horses. And perhaps one of the most inspiring things about her is her fearless approach to trying new things. This year, she picked up the violin without hesitation—quite the opposite of me, the Noteworthy Mommy, who was so shy and afraid, only willing to try what my best friend was doing.

I realize now that each new stage brings something beautiful. I’m no longer dreading what’s next—I’m embracing it. The unknown doesn’t feel so scary anymore; it feels full of possibility. So bring it on! I can’t wait to see where this motherhood journey takes me next!