I love spring! It's so exciting to see the new life appearing after 5-6 months of our Midwest winters. I'm always amazed at the strength and brilliance of the tiniest of flowers that emerge so powerfully through the coldest and darkest of soils. What a beautiful reminder of the hope we can all cling to when we feel we don't have a voice, when our circumstances are too dark, when we are frozen, entrapped, alone. Yet, the One in charge is indeed in charge. He can bring every situation into victory … [Read more...]

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a … [Read more...]

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character;  and character, hope.  Romans 5:3-4 The old barns tell a story from an era long ago. Withstood the harsh realities of rain and wind and snow. Stored hay and grain and leather for stock that worked the land. Through storms and scorching sun, it always could withstand. Seen generations of men pass through big double doors As sweat from working sun to sun flowed … [Read more...]

I could probably write an entire book on "little things" that my sweet son does or says. Colten is my sensitive gentle giant and always amazes me by how much he considers and thinks of others. This is a picture from last fall, a giant pumpkin he bought for me for an early birthday present for me in October. The leaves he brought me the following day (because he knows how I LOVE all the colors of fall). Maybe this isn't a big thing but we sit on 20 acres of leaves and one could most … [Read more...]