When Life Hits Pause: Finding God in the Waiting

Have you ever felt like you’re at a standstill in life?

It’s as if your life were a movie, but this part of the story is so uneventful that anyone watching would be tempted to skip it—or even turn it off. Yet, here you are, stuck in what feels like a boring season, with no option to fast forward or switch to a more exciting plotline.

It’s not just boring; it’s unsettling. You feel unsure about what’s next or where to go from here.

If this resonates with you, take heart—you’re not alone. Life has a way of leading us into waiting seasons, times when everything feels like it’s on pause. But even in these still moments, there’s good news: Jesus is right here with us. And often, He uses these waiting seasons to prepare us for what’s to come.

The Power of Standing Still

In Exodus 14:13, Moses reassured the Israelites, saying, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today…”

Sometimes, the most faithful thing we can do is simply stand still. Standing still doesn’t mean giving up; it means trusting that God has a plan, even when we can’t see it. Feeling stuck is not a sign that God has abandoned us. Instead, it’s an invitation to rest in Him, to trust His timing, and to allow Him to work behind the scenes.

Waiting on the Lord isn’t wasted time; it’s preparation time. During this season, God is aligning circumstances and shaping your heart for His purposes.

Using the Waiting Season Wisely

Standing still doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s an opportunity to grow closer to God and prepare for what’s next. Here are some ways to use this season wisely:

1. Dive into God’s Word

Spend time studying the Bible. Let His truth anchor your heart and guide your thoughts. As you read, you’ll see countless examples of people who waited on God and experienced His faithfulness in their lives.

2. Pray Without Ceasing

Take your fears, frustrations, and questions to God in prayer. He is always listening, and prayer has the power to transform not only your circumstances but also your heart. As you draw closer to Him, you’ll find peace in His presence.

3. Seek Community

Don’t isolate yourself during this season. Connect with fellow believers who can encourage you, pray with you, and remind you of God’s promises. Sometimes, God uses community to speak wisdom and hope into our waiting seasons.

4. Embrace the Present

Even if this season feels ordinary or uneventful, look for beauty in the little things. Find the joy in everyday moments. Trust that God is present even in the small, seemingly insignificant details of your life.

Trusting God’s Perfect Timing

It’s natural to want to rush out of a season of waiting, but remember that God’s timing is perfect. He sees the entire picture, and He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us of this promise: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Waiting on God isn’t passive. It’s a refining process that builds your strength, deepens your faith, and prepares you for what’s ahead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t lose heart. Stand still, knowing that God is working even when you can’t see it. Use this season to draw closer to Him through prayer and His Word.

The waiting season is not the end of your story—it’s a chapter in the greater narrative God is writing for your life. Jesus is right there with you, holding you steady as you wait. Let His peace fill your heart, and trust that His plans for you are always good.

Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

What Disconnecting from Social Media Did For Me...

Today, I want to share my journey with social media and how it has shaped my perspective on life. A while back, I decided to step away from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and the positive changes I experienced were profound:

1. Reduced stress: I no longer felt overwhelmed by constant updates about others' lives or the pressure of comparison.

2. Improved mood: Without the endless scrolling and comparisons, I felt lighter and more content.

3. Increased free time: Disconnecting gave me the freedom to spend more quality time with my family.

4. Revealed true friendships: It became clearer who genuinely cared and who only maintained superficial connections.

That break was so beneficial for my mental health, but I’ve recently decided to return to social media with a more intentional approach. Here's how I'm keeping it healthy:

• Purposeful use: I’ll primarily use Facebook and Instagram for messaging friends and sharing photos or videos in a private group with close family and friends.

• Strict boundaries: I’m only adding people I genuinely want to connect with, and I’ve committed to avoiding the endless scrolling or looking at random feeds.

• Practical utility: I’ll use Facebook to check when my local thrift store is open or browse Facebook Marketplace for specific items.

• Exit strategy: If social media starts feeling overwhelming again, I’ll simply delete the apps from my phone—without deleting my accounts—so I don’t have to start all over later. 

With these boundaries in place, I’m confident I can maintain a balanced and positive connection to social media while staying focused on what matters most.

Let me know—what’s your relationship with social media like?

My Favorite Christmas Movies

Christmas movies are such a big part of the holiday season for me. 

They bring warmth, joy, and a little bit of nostalgia 

that makes everything feel so wonderful. 

Whether it’s a heartwarming classic or a fun family favorite, I love watching them to get into the Christmas spirit.

Here are some of my all-time favorite Christmas movies:

It’s a Wonderful Life

The Shop Around the Corner

Miracle on 34th Street

Holiday Inn

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The Year Without a Santa Claus

Little Women (1949 My Favorite)

Frosty The Snowman

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Christmas Card

(I'll add more to this post when more titles come to my mind)

Christmas movies have a way of capturing the heart of the season. They make me laugh, cry, and reflect on the things that matter most—family, love, and faith. Watching them is such a special tradition that I look forward to every year.  

What are your favorite Christmas movies? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to add some new ones to my list!  

Until next time,  

Bre  

From a Tiger Puppet to a Ministry

Writing has always been a big part of my life. One of my favorite projects has been the *River and Me* series, which I started with my beloved tiger puppet, River. What began as a childhood story at age seven has become a book series and now *River and Me Ministries* on YouTube. It's surreal to see my character River grow alongside me, turning into something so meaningful and faith-centered.

I couldn’t have made it this far without the incredible support of my family. My dad has been my biggest help from the start—he published my very first book when I was just 15, helping me see the possibilities of sharing my stories with the world. Since then, he’s continued to encourage me and support my vision for the *River and Me* series and the YouTube channel. His dedication to helping me bring my dreams to life has been a huge blessing, making this journey all the more special.

It amazes me to think that what started as a simple idea with a tiger puppet has grown into a ministry. God truly has the power to take even the smallest ideas and turn them into something big, something that can reach others in meaningful ways. River reminds me that God can use anything—no matter how small or humble—to make an impact.

My dad and I have been working really hard on the River and Me Ministries YouTube channel.

Please check it out and subscribe

Tiger River's mini stories: River Goes to the Library

One sunny afternoon, Tiger River went to the library with his best friend, Gail. River had never been to the library before, and as soon as they walked in, he stopped in his tracks, his eyes growing wide.

“Wow, Gail! Look at all these books! There are SO many!” River said excitedly, his tail swishing back and fourth with excitement.

Gail giggled and put her finger to her lips. “Shh, River. We have to be quiet in the library. You’re not supposed to talk loudly here.”

River’s eyes widened even more as he nodded quickly. “Oh, okay. I’ll be quiet,” he whispered back, trying hard to keep his voice down.

“Come on, let’s go to the kids' section,” Gail said, grabbing River’s paw and leading him toward a corner filled with bright, colorful bookshelves.

When they got there, River’s jaw dropped. The kids' section was full of books with colorful covers, fun illustrations, and comfy couches to sit on. River’s heart raced with excitement. He had no idea there could be so many books all in one place.

“Look at all these books!” River whispered to Gail. “Which one do we read first?”

Gail smiled at how eager River was. “Well, let’s take a look,” she said, pointing to a shelf full of books about animals. River’s eyes went straight to a book with a big bear on the front.

“What’s this book about?” River asked, staring at the cover.

“That’s a book about bears,” Gail explained. “See the bear on the front? It’s all about how bears live, what they eat, and their cubs.”

River nodded, already amazed by how much there was to learn. But then something caught his eye, and he gasped so loudly that a few other kids turned to look.

“Look, Gail! Look!” River pointed excitedly at another book on the shelf. “That book has a tiger on the cover! Just like me!”

Gail chuckled. “Yep, that’s a book all about tigers,” she said. “It tells you everything about how tigers live in the wild.”

“Can I have it?” River asked, clutching the book like it was a precious treasure.

Gail smiled and shook her head. “You can’t keep the books from the library, but you can borrow them if you have a library card.”

River smiled eye to eye. “I want a library card too!”

“Well, you can use mine for now,” Gail said, pulling her card out of her pocket and handing it to River. His paws were a bit too big for the small card, but he held it carefully.

“Thank you SO much, Gail!” River said, practically bouncing with joy.

“You’re welcome! Now, let’s pick out five books to take home,” Gail said, glancing at the shelves. “I’ll pick two, and you can pick three.”

River’s eyes darted around, trying to take in all the options. After a few minutes, he proudly held up three books. “I want these!” he said. “A book about tigers, a book about dogs, and a book about kids!”

“Great choices!” Gail said, adding her two picks. “I’ve got two ‘Boxcar Children’ books. We’ll have plenty to read!”

River and Gail carried their books over to a small table where they laid them out in a neat pile. River looked down at his stack, his tail swishing back and forth with excitement.

“Let’s read the titles,” Gail said, pointing to River’s first book. “This one is *The Tale of Two Tigers*,” she read aloud. “And this one is *Biscuit*—that’s the dog book. And the last one is *Dick and Jane*. They’re fun stories about kids.”

“I love all the books I picked!” River said happily. “Can we read them all when we get home?”

“Of course,” Gail said with a smile. “We’ll read them together.”

“I can’t wait!” River exclaimed, carefully picking up his three books while Gail carried hers. They walked together to the front desk, where River watched the librarian scan the books. Each time the scanner made a beep, River’s ears perked up, and his eyes sparkled.

“That is SO cool!” River whispered, watching the librarian scan the last book.

Once they checked out all their books, River and Gail headed home. As soon as they got home, they cozied up on the couch, and Gail began reading aloud from *The Tale of Two Tigers*. River listened intently, loving every word. After that, they read *Biscuit* and *Dick and Jane*. River’s heart was full of happiness as he snuggled up close to Gail.

“Thank you so much for taking me to the library, Gail!” River said, wrapping his arms around her in a big hug.

“You’re welcome, River. I’m so glad you had fun,” Gail said, hugging him back.

Tiger River's mini stories 2: River Goes To School

After River and Gail found River's missing shoe, it was finally time to head to school. 

River was excited but a little nervous too since this was his first time going to school with Gail.

Once they climbed onto the bus, River met Gail’s best friends, Little Robin and Little Lori. 

They were both really friendly and waved as River and Gail sat down behind them.

“Little Robin and Little Lori, this is River,” Gail introduced with a big smile. 

Little Lori's eyes lit up, and she squealed, “Aww, he’s so cute!”

“And he’s a tiger!” Little Robin added, clapping her hands in excitement. “Tigers are my favorite animal!”

“I like monkeys more,” Little Lori said with a grin. “But tigers are cool too.”

River smiled shyly and said, “I actually have a friend named Monkey—he’s really a monkey!”

Little Lori gasped. “That’s so cool!"

"You’re the cutest tiger ever," said Little Robin.

River blushed and thanked her.

“You’re going to love school,” Little Robin said as she brushed her blonde hair out of her face.

“I hope so!” River said, starting to feel more excited.

When they got to school, River couldn’t wait to learn new things. He spent the morning practicing counting to five and learning the first few letters of the alphabet. Little Lori even helped him tie his shoes, which made River feel proud.

Art class was River’s favorite part of the day. The teacher handed out paper, paints, and crayons, and River decided to paint a picture of the jungle where he grew up. His classmates gathered around, amazed by the tall trees, flowing rivers, and colorful animals he painted. Little Robin even drew a picture of a tiger, and Little Lori drew a playful monkey. River was so happy when the teacher put his jungle painting on the wall for everyone to see.

During show-and-tell, River felt a little nervous, but Gail whispered, “You’ve got this!” River stood up in front of the class and talked about his home in the jungle, describing the tall trees and the fun he had with his animal friends. Gail even pulled out a jungle book from her backpack to help him. Everyone listened closely, especially when River mentioned his best friend, Monkey. 

At recess, River explored the playground with Little Robin and Little Lori. At first, River wasn’t sure about the slides and swings, but his new friends encouraged him to try. He climbed up the slide and let out a joyful roar as he zoomed down, loving the fun. They spent the rest of recess playing tag and hide-and-seek, and River couldn’t stop smiling.

After recess, it was time for music class, and River discovered something new—he loved to sing! The teacher gave out instruments, and River tried the tambourine and drums. When the class started singing a song, River joined in, surprising everyone with his sweet voice. Soon, the whole class was singing together, and River felt like he belonged.

At snack time, River was curious about what everyone was eating. Gail shared her favorite snack—carrot sticks with hummus. River wasn’t sure at first, but after taking a bite, he decided it was delicious! The whole class laughed when River said the carrots reminded him of his friend Abby, the dog, who loves to eat carrots too.

In science class, they learned about different animals, and when the teacher talked about tigers, everyone looked at River. The teacher asked him if he knew a fun fact about tigers, and River proudly told the class that tigers love to swim. The other kids were surprised, and when the teacher added that tigers are the biggest of all big cats, everyone clapped for River. He felt like a star!

By the end of the day, River made lots of new friends.

River’s first day of school was a huge success! He learned so many new things, made great friends, and was already looking forward to tomorrow. Stay tuned for River’s next adventure when he and Gail visit the library!

Tiger River's mini stories 1: River's Missing Shoe

One day, little Tiger River was trying to find his shoe.

"Where is my shoe?" asked River, pacing around the room.

But no one was there to answer him. 

He was in Gail's room alone because Gail was in the kitchen, eating breakfast.

"Gail!" River yelled, his tiny tiger voice echoing through the house. "Do you know where my shoe is?"

Gail quickly ran into her room, wiping her hands on a napkin. "Did you look under the bed?" she asked.

River shook his head, his striped tail swishing back and forth. "No, I didn’t think of that."

"Then let’s look together," Gail said kindly. She got down on her knees and peeked under the bed. River followed, lying on his belly, his whiskers brushing the floor. They scanned the dark space under the bed, hoping to spot the missing shoe.

First, they found a stuffed bear that looked like it had been forgotten for a while. Then, they found a bouncing ball. A single old sock was next, but still no shoe.

"Maybe we should look somewhere else," Gail suggested, standing up and dusting off her knees.

River nodded and followed her as she led the way to her closet. "It might be in here!" Gail said, swinging open the closet doors.

River walked over and peered inside. He looked up at the shelves and down at the floor. They moved around boxes and clothes, but the shoe wasn’t hiding there either.

"Oh, where could it be?" River asked, his ears drooping in disappointment.

Feeling defeated, River sat down on the floor and put his paws into his hands, his small body shaking as he began to cry.

"Don’t cry, River," Gail said softly. She knelt down and hugged him tight. "We’ll find it."

River sniffled, rubbing his eyes with his paws, and hugged Gail back. Her hug made him feel a little better. "Let’s keep looking," she encouraged.

They moved into the living room next. Gail carefully checked the couch. "It’s not on the couch, not under it, either. It’s not by the lamp or the end table," she said.

River sniffled again, feeling frustrated. "Oh, where could it be?" he whined softly.

"Now, now," Gail said, gently scolding him. "No more whining, River. We’ll find your shoe. I know we will."

River took a deep breath, calming himself down as they walked into the kitchen. And that’s when River’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Look, Gail! There’s my shoe!" River shouted, hopping up and down with excitement. His missing shoe was right by the back door.

"You must’ve knocked off your shoe here when you came inside," Gail said, laughing. "Then you carried the other one with you into my room."

"Yes, that is what I did," said River. "That was silly of me. I should of left both shoes together."

River beamed as he slipped his shoe back on. "I found my shoe!" he cheered, his tail swishing happily behind him.

Gail smiled, watching her little tiger friend. "See, River? We just had to keep looking."

"You're right Gail. Thank you so much for helping me look," said River.

"You're welcome River." They hugged and then they got ready to go to school.

It was River's first day to go to school. So join River and Gail next time as we see how River's first day of school goes...

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