GTS Life

12/25/2025

This season, we celebrate the greatest gift of all, Jesus, and the hope, healing, and new life He brings. May your Christmas be filled with peace, joy, and the assurance that God is at work, bringing growth, restoration, and purpose unto the world, and into your heart.

Merry Christmas!
-Caleb, Genevieve, Ethan & Carter

12/04/2025

12/02/2025

Ever been in a moment where your mind won’t settle? Where the “what-ifs,” the fears, and the thoughts you never asked for keep knocking on the door?

Philippians 4 gives us hope for that battle.

We don’t have to let every anxious thought take up space. We don’t have to invite worry in and let it sit at the table. God offers us an exchange:

Your anxiety for His peace, your chaos for His calm, your spiraling thoughts for His steady presence.

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

You don’t have to fight that battle alone. Bring every anxious thought to Him — with honesty and with gratitude — and let His peace stand guard over your heart today.

11/27/2025

🧡 Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! 🧡

Today, we just want to pause and say: Thank you—truly. We thank God for the gift of you.

Your prayers, encouragement, generosity, and friendship have carried us this year in ways you may not even realize. Because you’ve chosen to pray, support, and give, we’ve been able to invest in young adults, partner with churches, and point people to Jesus—here in the U.S., in Europe, and beyond.

When we sit around our table today and thank God for His blessings, you are on that list.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” —James 1:17
And you are one of those gifts to us.

🍁 A Thanksgiving Blessing for You 🍁

We’re praying that today your home is filled with:
• The peace of Christ
• Joyful, grace-filled conversation
• Laughter that lightens the heart
• And a deep sense of God’s nearness—especially in any hard or complicated places this year has held

With love and gratitude,
Caleb, Genevieve, Ethan & Carter 🧡

11/25/2025

As we enter Thanksgiving week, I’ve been reflecting on how often Scripture connects gratitude with strength and joy—not just good manners.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18

That verse doesn’t say for all circumstances, but in all circumstances. Life is messy. Some of us are stepping into this week full of joy; others are carrying exhaustion, worry, or grief. Yet right in the middle of it all, God invites us into gratitude.

Gratitude doesn’t deny hardship—it gently lifts our eyes from what’s missing to the God who is present and faithful.

When we pause to notice God’s goodness:
• Our hearts soften
• Anxiety loosens its grip
• Our eyes open to how God is already at work

Gratitude reminds us:
• We are not alone
• We are deeply cared for
• God’s faithfulness hasn’t failed us yet—and won’t now

🍂 A Simple Thanksgiving Week Practice
Try the “3 x 3 Gratitude Practice” each day until Thanksgiving:

1️⃣ Three things about God you’re thankful for
2️⃣ Three people you’re thankful for
3️⃣ Three small gifts from the last 24 hours

If you’re spending the holiday with others, share a few together. It’s a powerful way to reflect on God’s goodness and speak encouragement over one another.

Wishing you a week filled with gratitude, peace, and God’s faithful presence. 🍁

10/27/2025

Do you ever feel unqualified for what God is asking you to do? If so, you’re not alone.

God usually doesn’t wait for us to be fully ready—He only asks us to be willing. But He does say, "I will be with you.” – Exodus 3:12

Where might God be calling you to step out, even though you don’t feel ready? What would change if you trusted that His presence is your qualification?

Check out the full BLOG post here 👇
https://www.gtslife.org/post/when-you-don-t-feel-qualified

10/24/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by all that needs to get done? Remember—God never calls you without also giving you the strength and grace to walk it out. Rest isn’t weakness; it’s worship.

Read “When Plans Feel Overwhelming, Trust the One Who Called You” by Caleb Elrod.

Some days, the to-do list feels impossible. The needs are endless, time is short, and the weight of responsibility presses down like a heavy backpack. We’ve all been there—trying to hold everything together while feeling like we’re coming apart. In the rush of serving, leading, parenting, or b...

04/27/2025

We left the Family Retreat early to make sure we had one more Sunday with our “home” congregation before heading home. Saying goodbye was hard, but Lord willing it really was just a “see you next time!”

Thank you to the Vicenza church community who accepted us as family the moment we walked through the door. We love you, and Lord willing we’ll see you again.

04/26/2025

Sometimes you just need to pull away from the world and gather with God’s people. The Family Retreat in Fermo was a time to renew, refresh, and revitalize the soul. We were honored to be a part!

04/22/2025

Episode 3: God’s Promptings, with Carter

04/18/2025

We wish we had more time. Our schedule only allowed for one Sunday with our church family in Verona. We’re thankful for the opportunity and the new friendships made!

“The Jews thought Jesus entered Jerusalem to overtake the government and become king, but he entered on a donkey, not a war horse. He went to the cross as a humble servant so he could take his rightful place as our Heavenly King.” - Caleb

04/07/2025

Episode 2: Be Prepared, with Ethan