“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” —Matthew 13:8 NIV There are seasons when we blame ourselves for the emptiness of a field. We look at the bare ground before us and wonder whether we worked hard enough. Perhaps we should have
When the Soil Cannot Hold the Seed Read Post »
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” —Proverbs 12:10 NIV Animals are woven throughout the story of Scripture. They appear in the garden, where Adam was entrusted with naming them. They entered the ark under God’s protection. They rested on the Sabbath, received consideration under God’s law, and were included in His covenant
Caring for What God Calls His Own Read Post »
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV Yesterday, a storm came rolling over the mountains. Rain poured against the tin roof so loudly that it filled the whole house with its drumming. Thunder rumbled through the sky. Lightning struck around us, and the wind twisted through the trees,
Where the Tree Fell Read Post »
Today was extremely hot, but the weeds had gotten so tall that I finally gave in and climbed onto the riding mower. The blazing sun beat down on everything around me, and by the time I reached the last section of the yard, I was more than ready to be finished. As I mowed, birds
When God Sets the Water Right in Front of Us Read Post »
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11 NIV There have been days when I felt like I was walking down a dark path without knowing what was waiting around the next bend. Fear whispered that I wasn’t strong enough. Worry tried to
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42 NIV There are moments in life when we pray for God to change our circumstances, remove our pain, or open a different door. We ask Him to heal the diagnosis, restore the relationship, provide the
Not My Will, But Yours Read Post »
When the summer heat started climbing into the 90s, I knew our little home needed some help staying cool. Our house is just under 700 square feet, and until recently we were constantly running two window air conditioners just to stay comfortable. The living room unit struggled to keep up, and the bedroom air conditioner
Is the Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner Worth It? My Honest Review After One Month Read Post »
“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV Have you ever felt like your heart was ready to go, but your body simply couldn’t keep up? Maybe you remember the days when you could work in the garden for hours, take long walks, or
When Your Spirit Wants to Run Read Post »
“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” Proverbs 15:16 NIV Have you ever noticed how easy it is to compare our homes to the ones we see online? Spotless countertops. Perfectly folded blankets. Fresh flowers on every table. Not a single toy, dish, or piece of mail in
A Peaceful Home Isn’t a Perfect Home Read Post »
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 NIV Have you ever noticed how much your feet hurt when you first start walking barefoot? Every little pebble feels sharp. Twigs make you stop in your tracks, and even a gravel driveway seems impossible to cross. Your feet are simply too sensitive because they’ve
