The Old Sort and Stack

“I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:28‬ ‭ We all have them. Burdens, I mean. Some are larger than others. Some are a more awkward shape, or heavier, or harder to carry. Some need to be carted around for weeks or months at a time. Still others must be carried for a

Breaking Point

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭ This tree had a breaking point. Years ago – many, by the looks of things –

Peacemakers

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:9‬ ‭ I’m sure you’ve had the chance to observe human nature, whether from afar or a-close. Ahem. Sorry. I couldn’t resist. Anyway, I’m sure you’ve noticed something about peace. Like, that it’s rather unnatural. Think about it. I

So the Shame Won’t Stick

“No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭25:3‬ ‭ It was – well, sticky. Seriously sticky. The kind of sticky where a paper towel just moves it around and makes the whole thing worse. Even a warm cloth seemed

A Mouthful of Honey

“Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭ Drat. I’d miscalculated. Again. Sigh. “Sorry, everyone. I’ve run out of papers. Looks like I didn’t copy enough. I just need to pop out and copy more. I’ll be right back.” I turned to leave, paper in hand, when

Seeing Stars

“The sun has one kind of glory, while the moon and stars each have another kind. And even the stars differ from each other in their glory.”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:41‬ ‭ I’m seeing stars. Do you see them, too? These lovely sedums are blooming their hearts out right now. I have six different kinds, and each

Three Cheers for Tired Mamas!

“It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world.”‭‭John‬ ‭16:21‬ Ah, motherhood. It’s just like this verse implies – it started with anguish, and then gets swallowed up with moments of joy.

Warts and All

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭ We all have ‘em. Warts, I mean. (Well, if not physical warts, moral ones for sure.) Not a one of us can stake a reasonably believable claim to perfection in this life. Which

Nature’s Maternity Ward

“Who is the mother of the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?”‭‭Job‬ ‭38:29‬ Mother Nature. We hear that term a lot, right? Which is why these words in Job are so interesting. See, God is replying to Job’s questions. Job had a lot of questions. He had lost his possessions, his

Give Big

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. ””‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:38‬ ‭ *question overheard in every neighbourhood in North America this time of year* Well,