This morning I was sitting at our campsite at Chain O’ Lakes, coffee in hand, watching the fire crackle, and just taking in the quiet of nature with my son Keagan. There’s something about mornings like this; no rush, no noise, just the fire and the woods, that makes it easier to slow down and hear from God.

As I was reading, I came across this verse:

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”
Isaiah 42:16

That hit me right where I’m at. Honestly, I’ve felt a bit blind lately, like I’m walking down a path I don’t fully recognize. You know those trails you take at a state park, some wide and familiar, and others where you’re not quite sure what’s around the bend? That’s how life feels at times.

But the promise in this verse is what stopped me. God doesn’t just leave us wandering. He says He will guide us, He will light the way, He will smooth out the rough spots. That doesn’t mean the path isn’t unfamiliar or even a little scary. It just means we don’t walk it alone.

This morning was a good reminder for me: even when I can’t see what’s ahead, He already knows the way. And I suppose that’s what faith really is, trusting that the God who made the trail is the same God who’s walking it beside me.

If you’re facing something unfamiliar right now, I hope this verse reminds you of the same thing it reminded me of today: you’re not forsaken. He’s guiding you, step by step

Where in your life do you feel like you’re walking down an unfamiliar path right now?

How might God be bringing light to that situation, even if it feels uncertain?

What “rough places” in your journey can you trust Him to smooth out?

“Lord, thank You for promising to guide me even when I feel blind or unsure of the path ahead. Help me to trust You with each step, believing that You will bring light to my darkness and smooth out the rough places. Remind me that I am never forsaken, because You are always with me. Amen.”

The post Unfamiliar Paths and God’s Promise appeared first on The Buca Blog.

This morning, my reading took me to a story I’ve heard plenty of times, the one in Matthew 14:22–36 where Peter steps out of the boat and actually walks on water.

In a nutshell, here’s what happened:
The disciples are out in the middle of the lake, the wind’s going wild, and suddenly Jesus comes walking toward them on the water. Peter says, “If it’s really you, tell me to come.” Jesus says, “Come.” And Peter steps out, literally walking on the water, until the waves and wind start looking a little too real. Doubt creeps in, he sinks, and Jesus pulls him back up.


Here’s my take on this:
So many times in life, opportunities are staring me right in the face, but I’ve passed them up or put them in the back burner, not because they weren’t good, but because I second-guessed myself. Sometimes it’s doubt. Sometimes I tell myself I don’t have time. Sometimes I think maybe there’s something better waiting. And if I’m honest, sometimes it’s just that I’m worried about what other people might think if I actually went for it.

—–

And here’s the thing and it’s a big thing and one that I catch myself doing too often, worrying about what other people think is one of the best ways to stay stuck in the boat. We get so hung up on this, whether it’s a spouse, a family member or relative, a friend, it even a co-worker. This topic should probably be saved for another blog post… So let’s move on.

—-

What this story reminds me:

There’s never going to be a “perfect” time.

You almost never feel fully ready before you start.

The voices in your head (and sometimes from other people) will always try to talk you out of it.

Failure isn’t the enemy, sitting still is.

—

Maybe you’ve got something right now that’s been sitting in the back of your mind. A decision you’ve been putting off. A conversation you’ve avoided. An idea you’ve pushed aside because the timing, the money, or the confidence isn’t there yet.

The reality? That “perfect moment” you’re waiting for might never come. And the longer you stay in the boat, the easier it is to convince yourself that the leap isn’t worth it.

—

My challenge for today:
Write down one thing you’ve been delaying. Then take one step, however small, toward it. Make the call. Do the research. Send the email. Whatever it is, just move.

Because the regret of wondering “what if” will always weigh more than the risk of finding out.

The post Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out Anyway appeared first on The Buca Blog.

This morning during my devotional time, I was drawn to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, a passage that stopped me in my tracks and made me reflect not only on my personal struggles, but also on how I’ve viewed weakness for much of my life.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”.   2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

Paul’s words are raw and honest. He doesn’t cover up his pain or his problems. In fact, he leans into them. And not just that, he boasts about them.

Why?

Because he’s learned that it’s in those very moments, those moments of hardship, insult, difficulty, and inadequacy—that Christ’s power is most visible, most alive, most at work.

That message hit home for me.

Like Paul, I’ve experienced times where I didn’t feel strong. Times I didn’t feel good enough. Times when meeting goals seemed out of reach, or when criticism stung more than I let on. But Paul reminds us that these are not the moments we should be ashamed of or try to hide. These are the moments when we are most dependent on Christ, and in that dependence, we are most empowered by Him.

Earlier in this chapter, Paul writes about a mysterious “thorn in the flesh”, a burden he pleaded with God to take away. But instead of removing it, God gave him something even greater: grace.

“My grace is sufficient for you.”

It’s a reminder that we’re not called to be perfect, self-reliant, or always in control. We’re called to trust. To allow Christ’s strength to show up where our own ends. That’s where confidence is born—not from striving harder, but from surrendering deeper.

This doesn’t mean we stop trying or stop caring. It means we stop measuring our worth by our weakness. We stop letting our struggles define us. Instead, we let them become the very platform for God’s power to shine through.

—

Reflect:

What weakness have you been trying to hide or fix in your own strength?

Where might Christ be inviting you to lean on Him more fully?

How can your struggle become your story of strength?

—

Today, I’m choosing to see my weaknesses in a new light.
Not as liabilities, but as opportunities.
Not as something to cover up, but as places where Christ is working in me, refining me, strengthening me.
When I let go of trying to be enough in my own power, I create space for His power to take over.

And that, I believe, is the true source of confidence—not what I can do, but what He can do in me.

The post When Weakness Becomes Strength: Learning to Lean on Christ appeared first on The Buca Blog.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4

This morning, my devotional centered around one simple but powerful idea: letting go. The verse it pointed me to was Ecclesiastes 3:4, and it hit home for me. As I kept reading through the rest of the chapter, something became very clear; God really has made a time for everything. That includes feeling.

Now, I’ll be honest; emotions aren’t the easiest thing for me! If you know me, you know I’m more of a thinker than a feeler. Somewhere along the way, I’d say it started on my childhood, I started treating emotions like something to manage or control rather than something to accept. After all, it was something I saw growing up, not just from my family and friends but from the community I was raised in.  But today, I was reminded that feelings are a part of God’s design. They’re not a problem to fix, they’re a gift to embrace. That concept has often been difficult for me to understand.

Ecclesiastes tells us there’s a time for all of it: the joy and the sorrow, the laughter and the tears. There’s even a time to dance,  something I never do but should do more of, metaphorically or literally. Maybe you can relate. If you’re like me and in that middle stretch of life, emotions can start to feel a little more complicated. We carry responsibilities, regrets, memories, and hopes and sometimes all at once.

But what if part of maturity and faith is learning to let go of the idea that we always need to keep it together?

What if tears don’t mean we’re weak, but honest?
What if laughter isn’t an escape, but healing?
What if mourning is a path to deeper peace?
And what if dancing even just in our spirit is how we step into the joy God designed for us?

Although it’s been a difficult journey to understand my emotions and the emotions of the people I love and live with, I’m learning that it’s okay to let my emotions show up without judgment. I don’t have to hide them or push them away. God isn’t thrown off by my sadness or discomfort. And I don’t have to be either.

So today, I’m choosing to lean into Ecclesiastes 3:4. I’m asking God to help me be present in whatever season I’m in, to laugh without guilt, to cry without shame, to mourn with hope, and maybe even dance a little more freely.

Wherever you are today, whatever you’re feeling, let it be. God made time for this too.

—

A Simple Prayer for You and I

Father, thank You for reminding me that You created time for every season — even the ones I struggle with. Help me stop resisting the emotions You placed in me. Teach me how to feel without fear, to let go without shame, and to trust You with what I don’t fully understand. Whether I’m weeping or laughing, mourning or dancing, help me know You’re with me through it all. Amen.

The post Letting Go: Making Peace with Our God-Given Emotions appeared first on The Buca Blog.

“We have become his poetry, a recreated people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it.”
— Ephesians 2:10 (TPT)

Sometimes I find myself wondering:
Why do I let fear or laziness hold me back?
Why do I stay sitting when I know God is calling me to stand and move?
Why, even knowing God is with me, do I still hesitate to fully embrace my role as a husband, father, and leader?

Maybe you’ve asked yourself similar questions.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s masterpiece; His “poetry” in motion. We weren’t made to drift through life aimlessly or to let comfort and fear paralyze us. We were designed for good works, planned for a destiny filled with adventure, challenge, and meaning.

You were created for passion.
You were created for action.
You were created to feel deeply and live purposefully.

Yet so often, life tries to lull us into a false sense of security; the easy chair, the comfortable routine, the endless distractions that require nothing from us. And little by little, we lose touch with the fire God placed inside us. We stop pursuing, and we start coasting.

But here’s the good news: God hasn’t changed His mind about you.
He still calls you His masterpiece.
He still believes in the destiny He dreamed up for you before you were even born.
He still offers you His strength, His courage, and His Spirit to lead you into the life you were meant to live.

Whether you’re a man called to lead your family with courage or a woman called to shine your light in a weary world, God designed you for more than just surviving; He designed you to thrive.

Today, we don’t have to be perfect.
We don’t have to have it all figured out.
We simply need to say, “God, I’m willing. I want to move. I want to feel again. I want to live with passion and purpose.”

It’s time to get out of the easy chair.

It’s time to face our responsibilities, not as burdens, but as adventures God has invited us into.

It’s time to be men and women of action, courage, and deep feeling; because the world desperately needs to see the poetry of God written in our lives.

So let’s stop asking, “Why don’t I try harder?”
And start declaring, “Today, I choose to rise.”

You were created for this.
You were made for more.
And God is with you every step of the way.

The post Created for More: Stepping Into Passion, Action, and Feeling appeared first on The Buca Blog.

For the past several months, I was having intermittent issues with my truck not wanting to start. At first, it was just a hesitation, but over time it got worse. I noticed something else too—a leak underneath the engine, and fluid was getting all over the starter.

At first glance, I assumed it was oil, maybe leaking from the oil drain plug and somehow making its way upward to the starter. I replaced the oil drain plug with a new one, hoping that would solve it. But the leak continued, and the starter just kept getting more and more saturated.

Eventually, I decided it was time to get a professional opinion, so I took the truck to my local mechanic. Turns out, the leak wasn’t oil at all—it was coolant. A rusty coolant line running to the turbocharger had developed a slow leak, and coolant was dripping straight down onto the starter. That explained the corrosion and the trouble starting. Months of exposure to coolant had likely damaged the starter beyond repair.

So, I decided to replace the starter on my 2013 Ford F-150 XLT EcoBoost myself. Here’s how I did it:

Steps to Replacing the Starter on a 2013 Ford F-150 XLT EcoBoost

1. Disconnect the Battery
I started by popping the hood and disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery. Safety first—always isolate the electrical system before working on components like the starter.

2. Lift the Truck
I jacked up the front passenger side of the truck high enough to work comfortably underneath. I used a jack stand under the frame just in case the jack failed. Don’t ever skip this step—safety is everything.

3. Disconnect the Starter Cables
Once I was safely under the truck, I used a 13mm box-end wrench to loosen the nut on the large battery cable connected to the starter. After breaking it loose, I could turn it off the rest of the way by hand.
Then, I used a 10mm wrench to remove the smaller wire.

4. Remove the Mounting Bolts
There are two bolts holding the starter in place. The top one is a bit tricky due to limited space. I used a 13mm deep socket and a ratchet. I didn’t remove it completely at first—just loosened it to help hold the starter steady while I worked on the lower bolt.
The lower mounting bolt also holds a transmission line bracket in place. I removed that bracket using a 10mm wrench before taking out the bolt with a 13mm wrench.

5. Remove the Starter
With both bolts removed, the starter slid out. You have to shift it slightly forward to clear the flywheel housing, but then it comes right out.

6. Install the New Starter
Installing the new one was mostly the reverse of removal. Getting the new starter in place was straightforward. The tricky part? Tightening the nuts on the battery cables—my large fingers made it nearly impossible. Luckily, my 12-year-old son stepped in and helped get those nuts started. Teamwork makes the dream work! The starter I used, I purchased on Amazon right here. It worked out great and I highly recommend it for the quality and price.

_{**As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.}

Final Thoughts
It turns out the real issue wasn’t electrical or oil-related, but a coolant leak that slowly destroyed the starter. I’m glad I finally got it diagnosed properly. Replacing the starter wasn’t too bad overall, just required some patience (and small hands!). If you’re having similar symptoms, don’t ignore leaks—it could save you a lot of time and money down the road.

The post Replacing the Starter on My 2013 Ford F-150 XLT EcoBoost – My Experience appeared first on The Buca Blog.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Have you ever read this verse and thought, “Why don’t I feel powerful, loving, or self-disciplined?” If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with fear, self-doubt, and moments of weakness. Even though we know God has given us His Spirit, walking in His power can feel like an uphill battle.

But here’s the truth: God’s Spirit is already within us, equipping us with power, love, and self-discipline. The challenge isn’t that we lack these attributes, but that we often forget to access them. So how do we live in the reality of 2 Timothy 1:7?

1. Recognizing Fear for What It Is

Fear often disguises itself as caution, insecurity, or hesitation. But God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear! When we recognize fear creeping in, we must remind ourselves that it doesn’t come from God. Instead of entertaining it, we can reject it and replace it with faith.

2. Leaning Into God’s Power

God’s power isn’t something we generate on our own—it comes from Him. When we feel weak, we need to remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Relying on God’s power means praying for His help, stepping out in faith even when we feel inadequate, and trusting that He will sustain us.

3. Choosing Love Over Fear

Fear and love cannot coexist. When fear grips us, it often makes us focus inward—on our inadequacies, our failures, or our worries. Love, however, turns our focus outward. When we shift our mindset to love—loving God, loving others, and even loving ourselves as God does—we push fear aside and step into God’s purpose.

4. Practicing Self-Discipline Daily

Self-discipline isn’t just about willpower; it’s about aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s truth. When we make time for prayer, reading Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with encouragement, we strengthen the discipline to walk in God’s Spirit. Every small step of faith builds spiritual endurance.

Encouragement for Today

If you don’t feel powerful, loving, or self-disciplined today, take heart—you’re not alone. But remember, these attributes aren’t feelings; they are gifts from the Holy Spirit. Even when you feel weak, God’s Spirit within you is strong. Keep stepping forward in faith, and over time, you’ll see His power at work in your life.

So, take a deep breath. Let go of fear. Trust in the Spirit that God has given you. He is with you, always.

The post Living in the Strength of 2 Timothy 1:7 appeared first on The Buca Blog.

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Have you ever felt stuck? Like no matter how much you want to move forward, life feels like it’s at a standstill? You have dreams, but you don’t know how to make them happen. You have goals, but motivation seems out of reach. If that sounds familiar, here’s some good news: you have everything you need to start right now.

Proverbs 28:19 reminds us that those who work their land—who put in effort, stay focused, and refuse to give up—will have plenty. Not just enough. Not barely getting by. Plenty.

So what’s your “land”? Maybe it’s your job, your family, your talents, or the dream God has placed in your heart. Whatever it is, you are called to work it, nurture it, and watch it grow.

1. You Have What It Takes

It’s easy to look at others and think they have more opportunities, more resources, or more talent. But God has already given you what you need to take the next step. Don’t focus on what you don’t have—focus on what you do have and start there.

Remember, a farmer doesn’t wait for perfect weather to plant seeds. He works his land in the season he’s in. Your season is now.

2. Small Steps Lead to Big Results

Sometimes we get overwhelmed thinking about how far we have to go. But success isn’t built in a day—it’s built in daily choices.

Want to get in shape? Start with a 10-minute walk.

Want to grow spiritually? Read one chapter of the Bible today.

Want to start a business? Research your idea for 30 minutes.


Every small action adds up. If you stay consistent, you will see growth.

3. Avoid the Traps of Distraction

Proverbs 28:19 warns that those who chase “worthless pursuits” will end up empty-handed. That doesn’t mean you can’t rest or enjoy life, but it’s a reminder not to waste time on things that don’t truly matter.

Scrolling endlessly on your phone, putting off responsibilities, and waiting for “someday” won’t get you where you want to be. But when you focus on what God has put in front of you, He will bless your work.

4. God Blesses Diligence

God doesn’t expect perfection—He asks for faithfulness. When you show up, put in effort, and trust Him with the results, He will open doors you never expected.

Think of all the people in the Bible who saw blessings from their work:

Noah built the ark before there was ever a drop of rain.

David tended sheep before he became king.

Ruth worked in the fields before she found favor.


Your hard work is not in vain. Keep going. Keep planting. Keep trusting. The harvest will come.

5. The Best Time to Start is Now

Today is the perfect day to start. Not next week. Not when you feel ready. Right now.

What’s one step you can take today?

What’s one distraction you can remove?

What’s one way you can trust God with your work?


Work your land. Stay faithful. And watch how God provides. Your season of plenty is coming.

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