Kelly Wilson Mize
About the Author

Kelly Wilson Mize is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, writer, and educator–with a personal mission to encourage. She has authored hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions for both children and adults. Published credits include LifeWay, Focus on the Family, Group Publishing, Adams Media, BroadStreet Publishing, and Bethany House.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
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  1. “. . . look around for blessings you may have temporarily forgotten.”
    This phrase hit home this morning, Kelly. It’s so good of God to bless us with reminders of His grace, and when we go through life half blind, we miss the blessing. I want to be a woman looking around.

  2. Thank you for sharing this devotional. It sure hit home for me this morning. My word of the year is Praise and this devotional cemented even more my need to give thanks and praise God no matter what.

  3. Sweet testimony of His provision of peace in the midst of uncertainty. Love how beautifully thanksgiving threads itself throughout His plans for our stories. — PTL for the health of your children. 🙂 Thank you for sharing, Kelly.

  4. Wow! How beautiful that the Lord allowed your kids to grow and prosper!! Awesome!! Thank you for sharing the story of how you were able to experience God’s peace! I want to look out for His blessings too 🙂 !

  5. Oh my, what a powerful story! Thank you for opening up and sharing something so real and painful and allowing us to peek in and see God’s provision of peace…and His beautiful plans for your family. God bless you, Kelly.

  6. Thank you Kelly so much for sharing your story! Definitely needed to read this, this morning.

  7. Thankyou Kelly. This was a reminder to be thankful everyday no matter what. I too went through miracles with my son. He was a premie not expected to ever make it out of hospital. When he did i was told hed never walk and be retarded. He is deaf and has cerebral palsy but that dont stop him.To this day he is a smart young man at 36 years old. He travels everywhere on his own. He is my blessing everyday.

  8. Kelly, your devotional was right on time for me today. I am dealing with a chronic digestive disorder that is zapping my strength and spirit. In a few minutes, I’m going to fall to my knees and present my requests to my Lord with THANKSGIVING! < I needed this sweet reminder. Thank you! Praise God from Whom all Blessings flow!

    • Thank God that HIS timing is perfect! Praying for your strength and healing, Lara. Your attitude is inspiring! ❤️

  9. I received thre same verse from God when my 26 month old was diagnosed with her first brain tumor. His emphasis for me was on be anxious for nothing — without adding an “unless”. Unless you’re child has a brain tumor.

    My daughter did survive that tumor to the amazement of doctors. But she went to “hug Jesus” at 4 with her second tumor. During both times I received unbelievable peace from God. He is faithful.

    • Susan – my heart breaks for you and the loss of your daughter. I’m amazed that you even have the strength to write about this. Your faith in God is inspiring.

      ♥ Christine Marie

    • Susan, your story brings tears to my eyes, and your faith is such an inspiration. May God continue to grant you His strength and peace. ❤️

    • Susan,
      I am deeply sorry for your loss, and pray that you continue to find comfort in the Lord.
      Blessings,
      Penny

  10. God is with us! What a miraculous story. I work on the thanksgiving for Him everyday and accept His Peace no matter what is going on.
    My heart is so full reading this to know and feel your son is alive and well. Xo

  11. Kelly, your words and story reminded me of the message in One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Your words, “a grateful heart is vital because it is the gateway to peace,” not only paint a beautiful picture but a life-changing truth. Thank you (sneaking in thanksgiving here!) for the reminder to make the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving even when, maybe especially when, it feels like a sacrifice.

  12. Wow! I really enjoyed reading your post. It brought me joy and peace. 🙂 I love how God’s understanding and power is so much greater than any doctor. In a different way, but similar to your experience, my Grandma was told that her daughter(my aunt) would not live past a certain age, like 2 years old, but she is now in her 50’s.
    Your post also reminds me to be thankful. Thankfulness really helps. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
    Have a thankful day!!:)

    • Thanks so much, MaryMargaret! Hope your day has been one filled with thanksgiving! ❤️

  13. Kelly – thank you so much for these words of encouragement today. A grateful heart is vital because it is the gateway to peace. I’ve been repeating this over and over. Such WISDOM!!

    Be Blessed,
    Christine Marie

  14. I truly believe gratitude is the path to peace! In the present moment there is always something to be thankful for. My son has a diagnosis that is not as dire as that doctor made your son’s seem, but it is going to affect him the rest of his life and it’s all unknown how it will play out. Sometimes I find myself thanking God for this sorrow so I can fully embrace that how he created him is good and on purpose. Thank you for sharing your story, I’m praising the Lord that your story turned out much differently than expected.

    • Thank you, Jen! I am praying right now that you will experience God’s peace amidst your son’s diagnosis. God bless you and your family! ❤️

  15. Kelly,
    I was so relieved for you that all ended well. Thankful for all the hard times that God has seen me through, and it’s helped me appreciate the good ones even more. Thank-you so much for sharing from your heart with us today…
    Blessings to all,
    Penny

  16. Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing your heart! God has used your words to encourage me spiritually.❤️

  17. Thankfulness is coupled with surrender to the will of God. When we can truly rest and trust in Him and be thankful for the blessings despite what the circumstances might deliver, WOW, what great peace that brings!! Have had this myself in many difficult situations.

  18. I belong to a prayer board. I have seen lots of baby miracles, but one little boy passed last week, he was two, his mother pregnant with a sister, I know you can have peace about someone being in heaven, but it is within our grasp to fight for life, it is fragile and precious, and Jesus died to give it in abundance.

    • May that family feel the peace of God in a supernatural way. Saying a prayer for them now. ❤️

  19. Miss Kelly,

    I had goose bumps the entire way through your story… Thank you for sharing the story our Heavenly Father is writing through you. Absolutely amazing. Your genuine, strength and faith truly touched my heart and brought me so much encouragement. Thank you again. May God bless you and your beautiful family as long as you seek Him.

    This side of Heaven,
    Summer Rae

    • Summer! Your sweet encouragement brought tears to my eyes. May God bless you richly! ❤️

  20. I was SO relieved to read that your children lived. When I first saw the post in my inbox, I actually whispered a prayer for you! There is a Psalm that talks about thanksgiving preparing us for God’s salvation. (Psa 50v23). I totally agree with you. But I fail in doing it faithfully, yikes! Another warrior mom-blogger is Ann Voskamp who has written tomes about gratitude, from every perceivable angle. You will like her if you don’t already know her and her writing. Blessings from Singapore!

    • Thank you, Jenni! I’m going to look up Psalm 50:23 today! Thank you for your sweet encouragement. So excited to hear from Singapore. God bless you! ❤️

  21. Kelly,

    I often look for blessings God graciously sends. The blessings-both big and small-are written on a list that I can add to & look at anytime. This life is hard & full of trials. Some trials are so hard that we just cry out to God. We can have true peace even in the midst of trials. Pray with thanksgiving-reminding ourselves what God has done for us. Also hiding scripture in your heart to recall is important. They both help to give us a sense of peace & calm in the midst of storms. God answers all prayers His way & in His timing. So glad your son lived & you got a daughter also.

    Blessings 🙂

  22. Honestly thank you!! I need this right now where I am x gratitude and prayer with thanksgiving!!! I need Gods peace to calm my mind xxx

  23. Wow wow wow, what an amazing story. The with Thanksgiving part reminded me of a time I had with God about a year after my mum died (I was in my early 22). He asked me to thank Him!!!! After a bit of a battle and many tears I did. It bought amazing peace a little bit of understanding. I still don’t completely get why. But that’s not my business. I would love her here still, but she isn’t and that hurts, she’s never met my husband or children and they’ve never met her. However God is bigger and He can and will give peace in all kinds of terrible situations one day we may understand or not. Thank you for sharing your story is incredible and your witness of peace a fantastic reminder and encouragement.

    • Thank you, Anna, for your encouraging comment. I love hearing about the experiences of others that confirm The miraculous truth of God’s word. Peace to you, today! ❤️

  24. Dear Kelly, I am so grateful for this post. Thank you for sharing it! Even though your heart was being ripped out of your chest all those years ago, I imagine that the joy of discovering God’s absolute and perfect faithfulness has never left you. I have been a believer since I was a child, but this past year at the age of 54, I experienced sadness and grief like I have not ever had to journey through before, ever. I had to let go of a precious loved one, due to a separation, and impending divorce. It literally broke my heart. I had to cling to God’s promises in a way that I’ve never experienced before, and He showed me such comfort and healing, moment by moment. And then the unexpected miracle, that is still blowing my mind. Our kids are reconciling, and the son-in-law that I thought I had to let go of, is being given back to our family. We are still in some of the hard part as they journey forward, but I know for a fact I have learned a deeper understanding of God’s perfect love and provision–not because of the outcome–but because he held my broken heart in His precious hands, and kept my every tear in a jar–and He treasured my heartache– And reminded me of every true thing I had forgotten. I praise His name!

    • Thanks so much for sharing this, Val. ‘Moment by moment’ is exactly right. Grateful for God’s faithfulness in your life and your willingness to encourage others by sharing it. ❤️