“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down,that it will sprout again,and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.”Job 14:7 Every year the wisteria, tangled in the brush on the other side of the railroad tracks, disappears into its winter dormancy and sprouts again in spring. And, every year, I forget and wonder how it can survive the cold, stark dreariness of winter to make it ...
Continue ReadingFinding a Smile in the Hard Places
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13 Sometimes, if you’re persistent and look diligently and deeply into a person’s eyes, you might find a smile behind what appears to be a rock solid, hardened heart. Everyone has a smile in them, but they’re often hard to see. After the last few years, I thought smiles might be going ...
Continue ReadingResting in Nature’s Nurturing
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:he leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul;he leadeth me in the paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 There is something quite restful and tranquil about being in nature and it’s such a joy to be able to stop and soak in its nurturing qualities this season. I’m so thankful ...
Continue ReadingTaking Time to Reflect, Pray & Smell the Flowers
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 God instructs us to pray without ceasing to pray. He doesn’t say we are to pray without taking a break or ceasing from our labors. Please excuse me as I take this month to stop and reflect on where I’m at with my goals and responsibilities, pray for burdens on my heart, and take time to get outside and smell some flowers. Thank you. Bring It ...
Continue ReadingDreaming of Spring Gardens
"For as the earth bringeth forth her bud,and as the garden causeth the thingsthat are sown in it to spring forth;so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praiseto spring forth before all the nations." Isaiah 61:11 Excuse my natural giddiness. I’ve been dreaming of my spring gardens and caught spring fever. It came on all of a sudden, when the sun popped out and broke through the gray winter ...
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