It’s Time to Deadhead

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”‭‭John‬ ‭15:2‬ ‭ It’s time. Pruners in hand, I walk the garden paths, watching for patches like this lovely clump of blue Veronica. There’s a lot of deadheading to do.

A Little Roughed Up

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.”‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭ I bought sandpaper. Okay. So what? I know you’re wondering about the significance of buying sandpaper. Well, it’s the novelty of it. Sandpaper just isn’t something I normally buy. But I have

Fasciation Factor

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.”‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭ Do you notice anything? Look closer. A little closer… See it? A fasciated flower! (Don’t look at me so blankly. Y’all know I’m getting to the explanation.) This plant is a spike

Long Live the Crumbs!

“Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:1‬ ‭ Ever been in on a good bickering? I have. Awwww-kward! You can feel your toes scrunch up inside your socks. It’s like snaggly fingernails grating down a chalkboard. You don’t know where to look or what to do and

With a Big Smile

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:30‬ ‭ You gotta love kids and their zest for life. I mean, who else would cheer when they see a bug? Fist bump when they reach a higher bar on the playground for the first time? Shriek with joy when

The Rules of Hide and Seek

“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. ”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32:7‬ ‭ Ready or not, here I come! I’m sure we’ve all experienced the thrill of a good old fashioned round of ‘Hide and Seek’. The Seeker counts loudly while giggles erupt and curtains swish and

The Great Recycling Project

“Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.”‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭ The three Rs. They are drilled into us. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. It’s a way of helping us to deal with a harsh reality – just by living,

The Ultimate Avenger

“For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭9:12‬ ‭ This verse hit me like a ton of bricks today. Ouch. For some reason, just reading it dredged up the most traumatic experience of my life – and I realized I wasn’t finished grieving

When Third Winter Has You By the Throat

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you…”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:5-6‬ ‭ Even those familiar with Third Winter can’t help but be frosted by it. Seriously. The sun

Let Me Count the Ways

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭ Admirable. As in, something to admire. Something worth looking at. Something that has earned our respect, like