Exodus 33:14 says, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve taken some road trips in my day where I was plumb worn out before I even got out of the driveway. Life can feel like that sometimes—like we’re packing up every worry, every burden, and every “what if” into the trunk and hitting the gas with no idea where we’re headed.

But here’s the good news, straight from the mouth of the Almighty: you’re not going alone.

God says, “My presence will go with you,” and that’s better than your mama’s cooking, your favorite recliner, and Saturday afternoon naps all rolled into one. When God rides shotgun, you don’t have to white-knuckle the steering wheel. You can breathe, unclench, and—get this—rest.

Life isn’t about running harder, it’s about learning to trust deeper. God’s presence doesn’t just walk with us—it steadies our feet and quiets our soul.

So today, whether you’re climbing a mountain or just trying to get out of bed, know this: He’s with you. You can rest—not because the road is easy, but because the Driver knows exactly where He’s going.

Let go, lean in, and ride on.

Living for the Glory of God!

Back when I was growing up, Mama had a rule about supper time—whatever landed on your plate, you ate it with gratitude. No fussin’, no complainin’, just appreciation for the blessing before you. And let me tell you, when Aunt Judy showed up with her vegetable soup, it was a real test of faith, because back then I would rather have a mayonnaise sandwich. 

That reminds me of 1 Corinthians 10:31—“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Now, Paul wasn’t just talking about supper time. He was reminding us that every little thing we do—whether we’re working, resting, laughing, or even enduring Aunt Judy’s vegetable soup as a kid—ought to point back to the goodness of God.

See, life isn’t just about the big, grand gestures. It’s about the small, everyday moments done with the right heart. Holding a door open, showing kindness to the cashier, loving folks even when they get on your last nerve—when you do those things with a heart full of God’s love, that’s worship.

So, whatever you do today—whether you’re working hard, drinking coffee, or just trying to survive rush-hour traffic—do it with joy, with love, and with the kind of gratitude that makes folks wonder what’s different about you. Because when we live like that, we are not just making our days better—we’re pointing folks straight to Jesus.

Sitting on the porch, I found myself with a Catch 22 cigar in one hand and a glass of ice cold lemonade in the other, pondering life’s curious twists and turns. This smoke, like a good Southern story, doesn’t rush to reveal itself; it takes its time with a slow burn with a twist at the end.

The first puff hit me like a splash of humor from from a favorite comedian—smooth and comforting, yet with a bit of a bite that lets you know it’s not playing around. The wrapper is a dark, oily brown, reminding me of the deep thoughts some stoic philosopher might have had while staring out over the expanse of life. It’s earthy, with hints of leather and a whisper of spice, reminding us that life, much like a good cigar, should be savored, not rushed.

As I worked my way through, the flavors began to evolve. There’s a complexity here that could only be appreciated by someone who knows the value of a good story—a little bit of nuttiness, a dash of coffee, and a subtle sweetness that lingers like a fond memory. It’s the kind of cigar that makes you sit back, put your feet up, and think about where you’ve been and where you’re going.

By the time I got to the final third, I realized this Catch 22 had more to say than I initially thought. Just like life’s toughest moments, it gets richer and more intense the longer you hang in there. And just when you think you’ve figured it all out, it throws in a little twist—a reminder that life is full of surprises, and that’s what makes it worth living.

So, if you’re looking for a smoke that’ll make you think, laugh, and maybe even cry a little, the Catch 22 is your cigar. It’s a story worth telling, a journey worth taking, and in the end, it’s one you won’t soon forget.

-MJHarvell