Where’s the Beef? Finding Substance in a World of Spiritual Fast Food vs. Soul Food

June 9, 2026May 5, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Cheeseburger with lettuce, cheddar cheese, ketchup, French fries, and a glass of water — Image generated via AI.

The question “Where’s the beef?” started as a joke, but it’s become a surprisingly sharp spiritual mirror. In a world full of noise, slogans, and surface‑level inspiration, it’s fair to ask whether the things we consume—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—actually nourish us.

Because let’s be honest: a lot of what passes for “spirituality” today is like a beautifully wrapped burger with almost nothing inside. It looks good, it photographs well, it might even go viral, but when you bite into it… there’s not much there.

So the question becomes: Where’s the substance? Where’s the depth? Where’s the nourishment for the soul?

The Hunger Beneath the Question

When someone asks, “Where’s the beef?” spiritually, they’re really saying:

I want something real
I want something that changes me
I want something that feeds the parts of me I don’t show the world
I want truth, not just aesthetics

That hunger is ancient. Every tradition, every culture, every seeker has felt it. It’s the inner tug that says, there must be more than this.

The Illusion of Fullness

Modern spirituality often gives us:

Pretty quotes without practice
Rituals without meaning
Community without connection
“Love and light” without honesty
Positivity that avoids pain instead of healing it

It’s like eating cotton candy when what you really need is a meal. Sweet, colorful, fun—but it dissolves the moment you touch it.

The Real Beef: Depth, Practice, Presence

Substance shows up in quieter places:

In the discipline of showing up for yourself when no one is watching
In the courage to face your own shadows
In the humility to admit you don’t have all the answers
In the stillness where you finally hear your own soul speak
In the compassion that costs you something

Spiritual “beef” isn’t flashy. It’s not always Instagrammable. It’s the slow-cooked stuff—patience, integrity, forgiveness, truth-telling, inner work. It’s the meal that actually fills you.

How to Tell If Something Has Substance

Does it make you more grounded?
Does it make you more honest?
Does it make you more compassionate?
Does it help you grow, not just feel good?
Does it stay with you after the moment passes?

If the answer is yes, you’ve found something worth keeping.

The Spiritual Twist: The Beef Might Be Inside You

Here’s the part people don’t always want to hear:
Sometimes the question isn’t “Where’s the beef out there?”
It’s “Where’s the beef in me?”

Am I showing up with depth?
Am I living what I say I believe?
Am I nourishing others, or just decorating my life with spiritual language?
Am I feeding my soul, or just scrolling for inspiration?

The real substance often comes from the quiet, unglamorous work of becoming who God wants you to be. Do individuals see substance in me? Do they see the calm they desire but find it out of reach? Do they see God?

So… Where’s the Beef?

It’s in the spiritual practices that stretch you.
It’s in the truths of God’s word that challenge you.
It’s in the moments that humble you.
It’s in the love for others that costs you something.
It’s in the courage to be real in a world obsessed with appearances.

And most of all, it’s in the part of you that refuses to settle for a life that looks full but feels empty. Spending time with God is where the beef really is. Talking to him daily in real conversations. Sharing with him your concerns and your needs, even though He already knows them.

Unique Abilities

June 5, 2026May 5, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Climber standing at Mount Everest summit with prayer flags and summit sign — Seeing from new heights. (Image generated via AI.)

Living with a disability can be a journey filled with challenges, but it’s also a path that can reveal extraordinary strength, resilience, and creativity. Overcoming a disability doesn’t mean erasing it—it means finding ways to thrive while embracing your unique abilities.

1. Acceptance as the First Step
True progress begins with self-acceptance. This isn’t about giving up—it’s about acknowledging your reality without shame. Acceptance allows you to focus your energy on solutions rather than resistance. It’s the foundation for building confidence and self-worth.

2. Building a Support Network
No one overcomes challenges alone. Friends, family, mentors, therapists, and support groups can provide emotional encouragement, practical help, and a sense of belonging. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your potential can make all the difference.

3. Adapting and Innovating
Overcoming a disability often means finding new ways to do things—whether that’s using assistive technology, modifying your environment, or developing alternative skills. Adaptation is not a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to human ingenuity.

4. Cultivating Resilience
Resilience is the ability to keep going despite setbacks. It’s built through patience, persistence, and self-compassion. Every small victory—whether it’s mastering a new skill or simply getting through a tough day—strengthens your ability to face the next challenge.

5. Advocating for Yourself
Learning to speak up for your needs is empowering. Whether it’s requesting accommodations at work, seeking accessible spaces, or educating others, self-advocacy ensures your voice is heard and your rights are respected.

6. Finding Purpose Beyond Limitations
Many people discover that their disability shapes their passions and purpose. Some become advocates, artists, entrepreneurs, or educators—using their experiences to inspire and help others. Purpose fuels motivation and transforms obstacles into opportunities.

Final Thought:
Overcoming a disability is not about “fixing” yourself—it’s about embracing who you are, finding ways to live fully, and refusing to let limitations define your worth. The journey is deeply personal, but it’s also a reminder of the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

Two individuals who have overcome:

Nick Vujicic
He was born in 1982 in Melbourne, Australia, with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare condition in which he was born without arms and legs.

Despite this, Nick has become one of the world’s most recognized inspirational speakers, sharing his story of overcoming adversity, embracing life, and living with purpose. He uses his single partial foot — which he calls his “chicken drumstick” — to walk, jump, write, type, swim, surf, and skateboard.

Nick founded Life Without Limbs, a ministry dedicated to spreading hope and encouraging people to live without limits, nickvministries.org. His speeches focus on resilience, faith, and the power of a positive mindset, often drawing from his own experiences with bullying, depression, and self-doubt.

He has appeared on major media outlets, starred in films, and authored bestselling books such as Life Without Limits, Unstoppable, and Be the Hands and Feet. His message resonates globally, inspiring audiences in corporate events, schools, faith gatherings, and leadership summits. In short, the motivational speaker without arms or legs is Nick Vujicic, whose life story and speaking engagements have made him a symbol of perseverance and hope.

Erik Weihenmayer
Born September 23, 1968, in Princeton, New Jersey, Weihenmayer became blind at age 13 due to juvenile retinoschisis. Despite this, he pursued rock climbing, wrestling, and eventually mountaineering, becoming an accomplished adventurer.

On May 25, 2001, Weihenmayer made history as the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. His Everest climb was part of a larger journey to complete the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each continent), which he achieved in 2002, becoming one of only 150 mountaineers to do so. In 2008, he also climbed Carstensz Pyramid, completing the Eight Summits.

Weihenmayer’s accomplishments earned him a Time magazine cover story in 2001 and global recognition as a symbol of overcoming adversity. He co-founded No Barriers, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people of all abilities break through challenges and live a “No Barriers Life.”

Today, Weihenmayer is a sought-after motivational speaker, author, and educator, sharing his story to inspire audiences to embrace challenges, build resilience, and pursue their goals.

Making Friends at Church: A Practical, Warm‑Hearted Guide

June 2, 2026May 5, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Small stone church with wooden doors, stained glass windows, and a cross on top — Image generated via AI.

The short version: you make friends at church the same way you make friends anywhere else—by showing up consistently, being genuinely curious about people, and giving relationships time to grow—but church adds a unique advantage: you’re already walking into a room full of people who share values, rhythms, and a desire for community. That’s a head start most social spaces don’t offer.

Show up consistently

Friendship grows out of repeated, low‑pressure interactions. If you only attend sporadically, every Sunday feels like starting from scratch. When you show up consistently:

People begin to recognize you
You naturally fall into conversations
You stop feeling like a visitor and start feeling like part of the rhythm

Consistency is the soil in which friendships grow.

Get Connected

A church service is beautiful, but it’s not built for deep connection. Smaller environments are where friendships actually form:

Small groups or Bible studies
Volunteer teams
Choir or worship team
Young adult groups, men’s/women’s groups, or interest-based meetups

These settings give you repeated contact with the same people, which is the secret ingredient to friendship. You don’t need to be outgoing; you just need to be intentional. A few simple openers go a long way:

“How long have you been coming here?”
“What brought you to this church?”
“Are you part of any groups here?”
“I’m new—any tips for getting connected?”

People at church are usually relieved when someone else breaks the ice.

A common mistake is trying to present yourself well. But people connect more deeply when they feel seen, not when they’re seeing your highlight reel. Ask questions. Listen well. Remember small details. Curiosity is magnetic.

Volunteer—It’s the Friendship Shortcut

Serving puts you shoulder‑to‑shoulder with people, which is one of the easiest ways to bond. Whether you’re greeting at the door, helping with kids, running slides, or stacking chairs, you’re building shared experiences. And shared experiences create connection.

Say Yes to the Small Invitations

Church friendships often start with tiny moments:

“Want to grab coffee after service?”
“We’re going to lunch—want to join?”
“A few of us are meeting Wednesday night if you want to come.”

Say yes more often than you say no. You don’t have to commit to everything, but openness accelerates connection.

Let Yourself Be Known (Gradually)

You don’t need to spill your life story, but friendships deepen when you share a little bit of your real self:

What you’re excited about
What you’re struggling with
What you’re hoping to find in community

People respond to authenticity. It permits them to be real, too.

Give It Time—Friendship Isn’t Instant

Church can sometimes feel like everyone already has their circle. But most people are more open to new friendships than they appear. It just takes time for trust and familiarity to build.

Keep showing up. Keep initiating small conversations. Keep being patient with the process. Get there early and stay 10 to 15 minutes after the service. If you’re not the first one in line at the restaurant, it will be okay.

Friendships formed slowly tend to last.

The Real Secret

The real secret to making friends at church is this: don’t wait to be welcomed—be the one who welcomes. When you shift from “I hope someone talks to me” to “I’m going to make someone else feel at home,” everything changes. You become the kind of person people naturally gravitate toward.

Our pastor talked about this last Sunday. He uses the acronym “G.A.S.”

Give
Attend
Serve

Price Check!

May 29, 2026May 5, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Self-checkout kiosk with touchscreen, card reader, and groceries at checkout station in grocery store — Image generated via AI.

It’s a phrase we usually hear echoing through a grocery store, a tiny interruption in the hum of everyday life. Someone at the register pauses, lifts an item, and calls out for clarity. “What’s the cost of this thing I’m about to take home?”

But lately, I’ve been thinking about how often we move through our days without doing our own internal price checks. We pick up habits, commitments, relationships, beliefs, and expectations the way we toss items into a shopping cart—quickly, automatically, sometimes because they were on the endcap display of our culture or upbringing. And only later do we realize we never asked the most important question:

What is this costing me?

The spiritual “receipt” we rarely look at.

Every choice has a price, not in a punitive way, but in a simple, energetic exchange.

Peace has a price.
Growth has a price.
Avoidance has a price.
Authenticity has a price.
Even joy has a price—usually the willingness to be present enough to notice it.

The trouble is, we often pay without noticing the transaction. We trade our time for approval. We trade our boundaries for temporary comfort. We trade our intuition for someone else’s expectations. And then we wonder why we feel spiritually overdrawn.

Take a moment and imagine your life as a checkout lane. Everything you’ve said yes to—every role, every responsibility, every belief—sits on the conveyor belt.

If a cosmic cashier held up each one and asked, “Price check!”, what would you say?

That grudge you’ve been carrying—what’s it costing you?
That dream you keep postponing—what’s the price of waiting?
That version of yourself you’ve outgrown—how much energy does it drain to keep wearing it?
That peace you crave—what small, brave choices would it require?

Sometimes the price is worth it. Sometimes it’s not. The point isn’t to judge yourself. The point is to notice.

When you start doing regular price checks, something shifts.
You stop sleepwalking through your choices.
You stop paying for things you don’t actually want.
You stop assuming everything in your cart belongs to you.

You begin to ask:
Is this aligned with who God is shaping me to be?
Is this nourishing my soul or depleting it?
Is this what God wants for me?

And the beautiful thing is, you can always put something back.
You can always choose differently.
You can always walk out of the store lighter than you walked in.

Here’s the quiet truth:
Your life is the sum of what you’re willing to pay. Can you afford it? Will you eventually have to get a loan from God? Or have him wipe out the debt via his Son, Jesus? This is not something to rush by or to take lightly.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or spiritually cluttered, pause for a moment. Lift the thought, the habit, the relationship, the belief—and whisper to yourself: Price check.

The Heart of a Good Bride

May 26, 2026April 25, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Bride in white lace wedding dress holding bouquet walking down flower-decorated aisle. — Image generated via AI.

June is coming up. A lot of weddings happen in that month. My first one did. It’s probably because it’s the beginning of summer, and the weather is typically nice. So, I raise the question, “What makes a good bride?”

A good bride isn’t defined by perfection or Pinterest boards—it’s about grace, humor, and heart. She’s the woman who remembers that marriage is a partnership, not a performance, and who knows that love matters more than linen colors. A good bride is kind, grounded, and self‑aware. She understands that the wedding is one day, but the marriage is a lifetime. According to relationship experts, qualities like empathy, communication, and teamwork are what truly strengthen a marriage. She’s also authentic. A good bride doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not. She knows that vulnerability is not weakness, it’s the glue that keeps love real.

Modern marriage coaches emphasize that a good bride values independence and mutual respect. She’s not losing herself in the process of becoming “Mrs.” but rather expanding her identity to include partnership. She’s confident enough to make decisions yet humble enough to admit when she’s wrong. She also brings a growth mindset—understanding that marriage isn’t about finding someone perfect but about building something beautiful together. When challenges arise, she doesn’t panic; she pivots. She learns, adapts, and keeps choosing love even when it’s hard.

A good bride radiates joy and gratitude. She celebrates the people who helped her get there, the family, and the friends. She’s also thoughtful and understanding, paying attention to the small things that make others feel valued. Whether it’s thanking her vendors or comforting a nervous bridesmaid, she spreads calm in the chaos. A good bride isn’t measured by how flawless her dress looks or how perfectly timed her vows are. She’s measured by how she treats people, how she handles pressure, and how she loves. She’s the woman who can laugh through the rain, dance through the nerves, and say “I do” with a heart full of grace.

The above description is about the qualities that make a good bride. After someone accepts Jesus, they become “the bride of Christ.” One might ask, “Am I displaying the qualities that make me a good bride for Jesus?” Do others witness grace, love, humility, empathy, and good communication? Are you authentic?

I’m sure Jesus desires a bride who is worthy of wearing white. But the good news is this: even if you are not perfect yet, his forgiveness of your sins and wrongdoings can make you white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) When you are about to marry into the family of God, you should realize you are now representing the family. “Never go against the family!” Don Vito Corleone

Your name will change. And the name of the Lord is Holy. The Lord’s name is described as holy, and believers are called to honor it. For instance, 1 Peter 1:16 states, “You shall be holy.” Reflecting the expectation that followers of God should also strive for holiness in their lives.

So, keep in mind the family you are marrying into. Represent it well, and always show forth the love of God that the whole kingdom is built on.

Are You Salty?

May 22, 2026April 21, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Salt-encrusted statue of a robed figure standing on a hill with a fiery, smoke-filled city in the background — A statue resembling a salt-covered figure stands overlooking a burning city in a desert landscape. (Image generated via AI.)

The story of Lot’s wife, though brief, is one of the most sobering moments in Scripture. Found in Genesis 19 and later referenced by Jesus in Luke 17:32 with the simple but piercing command, “Remember Lot’s wife,” her fate stands as a warning that transcends time and culture.

A Brief Look at the Story

Lot and his family were living in Sodom, a city steeped in corruption and moral decay. God, in His mercy, sent angels to rescue them before judgment fell. The instructions were clear: “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back.”

Yet, as they escaped, Lot’s wife looked back—and instantly became a pillar of salt. The text doesn’t tell us her name, but her action speaks volumes. That backward glance wasn’t just curiosity—it revealed a heart still tethered to what God was calling her to leave behind.

Why Did She Look Back?

Her glance was more than a physical act; it was a spiritual one. It suggested:

Attachment to the past – She couldn’t fully let go of the life, possessions, and relationships she had in Sodom.
Distrust in God’s plan – Looking back implied doubt that what lay ahead could be better than what she was leaving.
Divided loyalty – Her heart was split between obedience to God and longing for the world she knew.

The Warning for Us Today

Jesus’ reminder to “Remember Lot’s wife” is not about ancient history—it’s about the condition of our hearts right now.

Don’t cling to what God is calling you to leave.

Whether it’s a toxic relationship, a harmful habit, or a mindset rooted in fear, holding on will only hinder your freedom.

Trust God’s future more than your past.

The unknown can be scary, but God’s promises are always better than the comfort of familiar chains.

Guard against spiritual complacency.

It’s easy to start strong in faith but drift back toward old patterns. Keep your eyes fixed forward, on Christ.

Living With a Forward Focus

Lot’s wife teaches us that obedience is not just about starting the journey—it’s about finishing it with our hearts fully surrendered. The Christian walk is a forward-moving call. Paul echoes this in Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…”

Reflection Question:

What “Sodom” in your life is God asking you to leave behind without looking back?

(In my humble opinion, I think God used fire to destroy Sodom because the city was filled with individuals who had aids. Anyway, just something to think about.)

When Your Creativity is Only a Spark

May 19, 2026May 5, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Hand holding windproof lighter producing bright sparks — Image generated via AI.

Let’s be honest — creativity is a lot like that one friend who says, “I’ll be there in five minutes” and then shows up three hours later with a smoothie and no explanation. You love them, but you can’t rely on them to be on time.

So, what do you do when your creative flame is more like a broken lighter? Here’s my totally serious, not-at-all-questionable advice:

1. Bribe Your Brain
Some people meditate. Others journal. I personally offer my brain snacks in exchange for ideas. “Come on, brain, give me one good concept and I’ll get you a cookie.” It works about 40% of the time, which is better than my gym attendance rate.

2. Lower the Bar (Like… Really Low)
If you can’t think of a masterpiece, think of a piece. Write a sentence. Draw a stick figure. Hum a tune that sounds suspiciously like the elevator music at your dentist’s office. Creativity loves low-pressure environments — it’s basically a cat.

3. Steal From Yourself
Go back to your old work. That half-finished poem from 2018? That doodle of a potato with sunglasses? Gold. You’re not recycling — you’re upcycling.

4. Pretend You’re a Genius
Walk around your house narrating your life like you’re an eccentric artist in a documentary. “Here we see the visionary at work, pouring coffee with the precision of a Renaissance master.” You’ll either feel inspired or mildly ridiculous, which is still a win.

5. Accept That Weird is Wonderful
Sometimes your “brilliant” idea will be a story about a detective who’s also a raccoon. That’s fine. The world needs more raccoon detectives.

Final Thought:
Creativity isn’t about waiting for lightning to strike — it’s about dancing in the drizzle with a colander on your head and calling it performance art.

One of my favorite things about being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)is being able to create. To turn a blank page into the world’s most impressive blog post or a touching, moving story. I first discovered that I perhaps had some talent when my first wife asked me to write a story about how the “Secret Sister Club” got started. She had just been asked to manage the group at our church.

I wrote a story in about twenty minutes. She thought it was good enough to read the next day at church. When she went on stage to read the story, I was manning the soundboard. As she got deeper into the story, I began hearing sniffling around the sanctuary. Then I witnessed some women wiping tears. I thought, Hmm. I may have something here.

When we moved to another state before the year was up, without telling me, she revealed to the women that I had made the whole story up. Later, women were coming up to me and hitting me, or pinching my arm, all while saying, “Very funny, Mark. I believed that was a true story.”

I love writing and am blessed to have time to do it. I do my best knowing I’m not the most talented writer, and I certainly haven’t made a lot of money doing it, but still, it brings me a lot of joy. Especially in those few moments when someone says to me, “Hey, I read your latest blog and it ministered to me.”

One thing that gets my creative juices flowing is watching an extremely well-written movie, but those are few and far between. That is when I will tap into the most creative being I know, God! I mean, who else could have thought of over 53,000 different ways to creep me out by being a spider? It’s not funny! Stop laughing! But asking God for inspiration works. And my best works are the ones when his Spirit was hovering while I wrote them. Of course, I give him the credit and the glory. So, grab something out of the kitchen to snack on, get yourself into your workroom, and let the creativity flow.

Anointed Oil

May 15, 2026April 20, 2026 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Her discovery became a battleground. Her faith broke barriers. Her courage inspired a nation. I live about five miles from where her story took place. Her name is Sarah Rector. If you have never heard of her, you’re not alone; a lot of people haven’t.

Sarah was born on March 3, 1902, as a young black girl living in Oklahoma. Under the Treaty of 1866, due to birthright as a Black grandchild of Creek Indians born before the American Civil War, she received an allotment of land. It was discovered to be oil-rich and produced over US$300 (equivalent to $10,400 in 2025) per day, so she was known as the “Richest Colored Girl in the World.”

April and I watched the movie the other day, written about her life. It was very good and moving. Sarah cared about people. Her family, as well as others, but one of her main focuses was on God and pleasing him. Her mother recognized this and once said to her, “God gave you gifts, the only sin is not to use ’em.”

Sarah was smart and gave a lot of credit to one of her teachers. One of those who truly cared about her students and wasn’t just doing a job. The movie portrayed how Sarah interacted with God’s favorite project: people. She wound up going into the business of getting the oil out of the ground with Bert, a driller. One oil company was trying to cheat Sarah out of the land where the oil resided underneath. When their schemes didn’t work, they even proceeded to kill her. The company even tried to use Bert to get what they wanted. He was tempted to go along with them.

One day, Sarah looked intently at Bert and said, “The land is worth more than money and more than oil. It’s about your soul.” Bert was stunned. He saw at that moment how much Sarah cared. He replied, “You told me things about my soul. Ain’ nobody ever done that for me.” He was so moved; he wound up doing the right thing by Sarah.

Life keeps us so busy, yet we need to be looking at individuals and investing in them. We need to go deeper with them and not just keep things on a surface level. True riches will never be discovered at that level. But drilling down into their life, sometimes deeper than anyone else ever has done so, takes time, patience, and perhaps an anointing to know when a risk is worth it. Let’s be praying and asking God for such an anointing to know who is ready for a strike (like an oil strike) in God’s kingdom. For in his kingdom are riches like no one has ever seen.

As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor]. 1 Pt. 4:10 (AMPC)

For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for ^[a]selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. Gal. 5:13 (AMPC)

If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Phi. 2:3-4 (MSG)

The Art of Walmart Speed Shopping:

May 12, 2026May 5, 2026 / Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Shopping cart filled with pasta and canned goods in supermarket aisle — Image generated via AI.

Let’s be honest, shopping at Walmart can feel like running a marathon you didn’t train for, except the finish line is a self-checkout machine that keeps yelling, “Please place item in the bagging area.” But fear not, my fellow deal-seekers. I’ve cracked the code for the most efficient (and slightly ridiculous) way to conquer Walmart like a pro (or your local store).

Step 1: The Parking Lot Power Play
Forget circling for the “perfect” spot. Park near the cart return. Why? Because after your shopping sprint, you’ll thank yourself for not dragging a cart across three zip codes. Bonus: You can use the cart return as a landmark when you inevitably forget where you parked.

Step 2: The Cart Selection Olympics
Test your cart before committing. Push it three feet. If it wobbles like a shopping cart on roller skates, ditch it. A squeaky wheel is fine—it’s basically your theme song, but a rogue wheel will ruin your speed record.

Step 3: The Aisle Assassin Strategy
Walmart aisles are like rivers—flow with the current, don’t fight it. If you see a cluster of people debating which brand of peanut butter is “more organic,” execute a swift U-turn and circle back later. Efficiency is about momentum, not peanut purity.

Step 4: The Ninja Grab-and-Go
Know your list. Memorize it. Commit it to your soul. This is not the time for “browsing.” You’re here for milk, bread, and maybe that suspiciously cheap throw blanket you didn’t know you needed.

Step 5: The Checkout Gauntlet
Self-checkout is faster—if you’re ready. Bag like a Tetris champion. Scan like you’re defusing a bomb. And for the love of efficiency, don’t be the person who realizes they forgot eggs after paying.

Step 6: The Grand Exit
Leave with purpose. Don’t get distracted by the clearance aisle on your way out. That’s how “just a quick trip” turns into “I now own a karaoke machine and a 3-foot inflatable flamingo.”

Final Pro Tip:

If you really want to shop at Walmart like a legend, go at 7 a.m. on a Tuesday. The aisles are empty, the shelves are stocked, and the only other shoppers are retirees who will absolutely beat you to the last rotisserie chicken.

You may be thinking Geez, Mark. What does Walmart shopping have to do with the kingdom of God? A lot, really. Our world is telling us, through several media outlets, to buy more. To drive the latest model. To wear the latest fashion, and so on. Do you realize that when you see those “so-called famous people” advertising something, they most likely were given those things to generate sales? Because people think they will be happier with more of the same items that the people they idolize have.

“Fill your shopping cart,” they yell at us. “Get the latest phone, the biggest TV, the coolest car. Can’t afford it? No problem. Put it on credit. Come on, you work hard. You deserve it!” The debt of Americans was 18.3 trillion dollars in the second quarter of 2025! Some are so deep in debt that they cannot afford to be generous. That is sad.

There is a huge difference between a “need” and a “want”. Something I tried to teach my children starting when they were young. I’ll admit, the way items are displayed in the store makes it difficult not to impulse buy. Or to purchase more than only the items on your shopping list, but we must try to resist the temptation. Learn to “tune out” the lies the advertisers tell us. Instead, ask God to help us and to guide us. To help us to “Just say No,” as if shopping has become a drug, and in many ways, it has. Focusing on God can help us “break the habit,” so that we can do our shopping and still be a good steward of what He has given us, being confident that He knows what we have need of (Mat. 6:8) and will provide those things.

A Forgotten Weapon for Believers

May 8, 2026April 20, 2026 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

Person standing on mountain top with arms raised toward sunrise and text Praise to God is a weapon — Image generated via AI.

When you’re up against a struggle, that shatters all your dreams
And your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes
And you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fear
Don’t let the faith you’re standing in seem to disappear

Praise the Lord, He will work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord, for the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him

Now, Satan is a liar, and he wants to make us think
That we are paupers, when he knows himself, we’re children of the King
So lift up the mighty shield of faith, for the battle must be won
We know that Jesus Christ has risen, and the work’s already done

Praise the Lord, He will work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord, for the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him

When you praise God, things begin to happen. Consider 2 Chronicles 20:22. In this passage, Jehoshaphat was facing a great army, and instead of leading his troops into battle, he appointed singers to go out ahead of the army, praising God. And yes, they won the battle.

When “life” happens, you might feel scared, worried, or fearful. Often, your first thought isn’t to praise God. You might eventually think to pray, after your emotions calm down, but to give God praise seems awkward, weird, or unnatural many times. Praise, if anything, affects your heart. It can calm you down and turn your attention to the One, perhaps the only one, who can actually change the circumstances. Praise is a powerful tool or weapon we who believe in God forget about, unfortunately. But now that you know, try it.

“Praise the Lord” song by Russ Taft