This week, I found myself in the horse pasture, gathering apples. Our horses are blessed to have a couple of apple trees and one peach tree in their little pasture, and we are blessed that they don't eat them all. Apple picking was not high on my teenage children's list this beautiful September day. Wishing […]
Shadow loves our walks up the road, but she is happiest when we leave the leash behind. The moment I unclip it, she bounds forward with ears flying, tail wagging, and eyes sparkling with joy. She runs, circles back, runs again, stopping only long enough to look at me as if to say, “Isn’t this […]
A few years ago, I had a season when weakness seemed to stalk me. I felt unsuccessful and drained—spiritually, mentally, and physically. The project I was working on had demanded all my creative energy and left me raw. I had put myself "out there," fully exposed and vulnerable, and yet the work wasn't finished. In […]
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man sat by the road, begging. He heard the crowd going by and asked what it meant. “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him. He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” — Luke 18:35–38 When Jesus stopped and asked the blind man, […]
In the summertime, my horse Emmett has two great loves: fresh watermelon and his fly mask. Yes—his fly mask. As odd as it may sound, Emmett knows it’s a gift. He doesn’t resist it; in fact, he seems to welcome it, especially when the heat rises and the flies swarm. With his dark coloring, he’s […]
I awoke from another night of lost sleep. Our little farmhouse was still, except for my movement toward the coffee pot and the cat eyes watching me. They were tracking my every move, anticipating that I'd soon be headed for the stash of canned salmon. After a long night of waiting, they would each be […]
What are you waiting on the Lord for? Perhaps it's guidance, good news, a job, a provision of some kind, or reconciliation with a loved one. Are you finding that difficult? Waiting well can be so hard. I’ve been waiting on the Lord for months for a sense of closure on an issue that is […]
"For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." -Isaiah 57:15 […]
We weave thick vines in and out of and around our circular, amateur base to create a decorative ball. Soon, solar lights will be added to make it a visible yard ornament for the dark fall and winter nights that stretch ahead of us. It seems to be an illustration of our friendship. By now, […]
Do you ever feel ashamed or disappointed that you have lacked faith or confidence in God…or even doubted Him? Our doubts, lack of trust, or weak faith may tempt us to think our faith isn’t strong enough. Let’s look at some scripture passages that might encourage us – even if our faith feels small today. […]
Advent Joy isn’t shallow or sentimental—it is rooted in the appearing of Christ. When Scripture speaks of Christ being manifested, it means that God has made Himself clearly seen, known, and encountered in order to save. “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation…” — Titus 2:11, ESV The Child in the manger is the […]
Where do you long for Christ’s Peace to enter your story this week? Or have you given up hope for that? Perhaps it would be good for you and me to remember Jesus' words about the kind of peace He gives. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the […]