Month: June 2026

Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown usin allowing us to be called “children of God”—and that is not just what we are called, but what we are.Our heredity on the Godward side is no mere figure of speech—which explains why the world will no more recognize us than it recognized Christ.1 John…

I can go for a long time without thinking deeply about God’s love. When the sun is shining and all is as I want it to be, I pray my gratitude and go my merry way. But God deserves, more than that, because He is more, He is greater, than His gifts. And not to…

 For I am the Lord your Godwho takes hold of your right handand says to you, Do not fear;I will help you.Isaiah 41:13 NIV *** Each morning when I wake I say,“I place my hand in God’s today;”I know He’ll walk close by my sideMy every wandering step to guide. He leads me with the tenderest careWhen paths…

Outside our window, two dignified Canada geese sauntered past. Behind them, almost as an afterthought, stumbled one small, fluffy gosling. Just the one. Following the parents. Both parents. Who were raising their baby. Even though there was only the one. My first thought was, “Those poor geese! Only one gosling! How discouraging!” But they didn’t…

In the backyard of the home where I grew up and where I raised my children stood an American Elm tree. It was one of the last of its kind, untouched by Dutch Elm Disease. It shaded the house and yard all summer long. But every spring it sent out thousands of seeds. As long…

A garden-plot of sunny hoursGod gives me when I wake,And I can make it bright with flowersAll day for his dear sake. Red roses, if my heart is sweetWith love for all my own;And heart’s-ease springing at my feetFor every kindness shown. And shining, sunny marigold,If I am brave and bright;And lilies, for the thoughts…

The Lord gives his people strength.    The Lord blesses them with peace.Psalm 29:11 NLT *** In the Bible, shalom [peace] means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight–a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed,a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonderas its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom…

Unlike houses which tend toward decay, gardens strain toward life. If left to itself, a garden will burst forth enthusiastically. Plants will sprout and flower seemingly overnight, especially the ones we consider weeds. Even given less than ideal conditions, plants will grow and take over an area. That is how it was created to be:…

But the godly shall flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own garden and are under his personal care. Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green.Psalm 92:12-14 Living Bible *** Our souls cannot be forced to grow, but…

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.But…