When You Smother
I absolutely destroyed the precious rose cutting I had been propagating. In my attempts to make warm, moist, greenhouse conditions, I covered the planted cutting with a large glass jar. For days and days, this worked, and I saw evidence of new growth. At last my “pink social climber” climbing rose would parent enough cuttings […]
Speaking Their Language
As I recently read Acts 2:5-12, I discovered an encouraging new perspective on the Holy Spirit: He enabled people to understand spiritual truth in their own language. I think differently about what this could mean in a broader sense. We read this about the arrival of the Holy Spirt at Pentecost. Now there were staying […]
Alert on the Path
On a hike today, we realize we’re surrounded by poison ivy. That’s one thing. Next, we see what looks like some kind of baby poisonous snake. Finally, another snake slithers by my feet. It’s a path of dangers today. We stay alert on the path. Later, we scrub our arms and legs of poison ivy […]
More News from Nature
It seems it’s my year for finding marvelous things in nature. The baby woodpecker has returned mornings and evenings to visit us from his perch in the winterberry bush. The garden cat, of course, now won’t make his rounds during those times. I’ll keep him inside so he doesn’t terrorize this bird. Meanwhile, I discover […]
A Precious Little Garden Visit
I walked outside to the backyard to check on my blackberries and raspberries. I wanted to ensure my “scare tape” was working. As I circled the yard, I noticed a small bird hopping my way with a determined look on his face. So I sat down in the grass to watch him. He kept hopping. […]
The Arrival Platter
Do you remember the Warm Welcome and the after school snack platters? Well, we also firmly believe in the “Arrival Platter” for anyone coming to visit our home, especially if they’ve traveled far. The Arrival Platter: fresh fruit, cheese, nuts, crackers, pickles, olives, hummus–anything for quick refreshment and munching as people greet one another and […]
What to Say and How to Say It
I love this little moment in John 49-50 as Jesus talks about Himself and the Father. He writes, “For I did not speak on my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I […]
Life in Christ
This morning as I read the book of John, I felt so refreshed in my faith in Jesus. In fact, the book of John is a great place to start if you are new to reading the Bible or just beginning your faith journey. I love the clarity and beauty in this book. I highlighted […]
Happy Little Bean Blossoms
Encouragement from Psalm 143 for Hopeless Places
This morning, I reflected on Psalm 143 and the cry of David when he feels hopeless and depressed. It’s written from a cave where David must hide from the murderous Saul. Imagine David’s fear, discomfort, and sense of feeling trapped. Imagine all he’s lost from those days of shepherding sheep as a boy. Did he […]