Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the lord and not for people. ~ Colossians 3:23 I have some amazing news to share this Labor Day weekend! My great-grandson, Silas, was born on Saturday, September 5th. My husband, James, made a funny joke to his mom about going into labor on Labor Day weekend. As many of us women know, labor is tough, but it’s the most incredible feeling to hold your brand-new baby. Little Silas has a few challenges ahead of him too. He’s a month

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the lord is to be praised. ~ Psalm 113:3 Sunflowers are my absolute favorite fall flowers! They come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny dwarfs to giant giants. Some of these giants can grow up to fourteen feet tall and have blooms that can be as big as a large pumpkin when fully grown! Isn’t that mind-blowing? And guess what? Sunflowers have this amazing ability called heliotropism. As the young sunflowers gro

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 When I was a little girl, my brother and I loved playing in my grandpa’s old Model T. We’d pretend to drive, and our imaginations would take us to amazing places. Next to the old automobile was a patch of poppies. They were lik

I lift up my eyes to the mountains; where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121 1-2 Where are you looking? Is spending time staring down at your phone, laptop, work, and all the things that require your attention, making it difficult to look up? The Psalmist’s words are clear: we are to lift our eyes both physically and spiritually. We are so blessed to reside near the mountains and have no excuse to take time each day t

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Luke 10:19 We reside in the countryside, and this summer has been an invasion of critters and pests. We’ve encountered mice, grasshoppers, ants, wasps, and the other night, we witnessed a scorpion scurry across our patio. A few weeks ago, I spotted a colossal beetle on our back porch. Fortunately, it’s the only one I’ve seen so far. The tiny

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you, a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21 James and I both have hearing issues, which can be a bit tough. Even so, we remind each other how important it is to laugh about it. We even have a funny saying in our home: There are three "loving" words we say to each other all the time. "What'd you say?" For example, if I say, “I didn’t feed the dogs,” he might think I said,

Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Isaiah 6:5 Yesterday, my family and I were fortunate enough to witness a magnificent hawk perched on a shepherd’s hook in our yard. This bird was far more than a common sparrow or hummingbird; it was a sight to behold. We couldn’t resist rushing to the window, pausing everything to admire this

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns ---Philippians 1:6 James and I have been diligently working for years to transform our yard into a breathtaking sanctuary. We’ve planted a diverse array of plants, including grasses, wildflowers, succulents, roses, and vegetables. We’ve even set up garden boxes filled with vibrant flowers and vegetables. Our ultimate goal is t

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. Psalm 33:1-3 My daughter sometimes reminds me of how we used to sing and dance in the kitchen when she was a little girl. Back then, we’d listen to the Christian Radio Station (KJOY). Nowadays, we can listen to music anytime, anywhere. Just turn on the music

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 In 1971, a movement swept across the country, deeply resonating with the hearts of many young people, including me in 1972. It was the Jesus Revolution, and we were often labeled as “Jesus Freaks.” In my opinion, that’s a fitting description for those of us who had a genuine encounter with Christ. We were deeply passionate about our Lord, and our belief was simple: Jesus loves me; He died for me and forgives my

Jesus replies, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Mark 14:62 (This verse is where Jesus definitively answers the Jewish High Priest's question about his identity. The question being, "Are you the Messiah?”) The Chorus of “Days of Elijah,” the final song of last Sunday’s service, isn’t a fairy tale; according to scripture, it’s true. Christ is returning! I’m not going to delve into pre-tribu

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matt 5: 44 - 45 Have you ever wondered how to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us? It’s a tough task, right? I mean, loving my family, church community, and friends is already a challenge. Now, I’m supposed to love those who are mean t

TRINITY SUNDAY (MAY 31ST) ...Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Revelation 4:8 Holy, holy, holy Lord, God Almighty Early in the morning, our song shall rise to Thee Holy, holy, holy Merciful and mighty God in three persons, blessed Trinity Holy, holy, holy Though the darkness hide Thee Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love, and purity Holy, holy, holy Lord

PENTECOST (MAY 24TH)--THANK YOU HOLY SPIRIT! MEMORIAL DAY (MAY 25TH) ---THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY! Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Ephesians 5:14 The Story behind "Awaken Us Today" Awaken Us Today (Lyrics) … From the oceans, through the valleys From the mainland to the shore Let Your Kingdom be awakened In the hearts of men once more Call Your children into freedom Captive souls to liberty Come awaken, Holy Spirit! Com

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrew 12:1-2 Be Thou My Vision (Lyrics) Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naug

But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. ~Luke 24:29 Abide With Me (Lyrics) Abide with me, fast falls the eventide The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide When other helpers fail and comforts flee Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away Change and decay in all around I see O Thou who changest not, a

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. John 11:43-44 Years ago, I taught Sunday School to middle school kids. One Sunday morning, we studied the passage about Lazarus. With parental permission, I took the kids to the cemetery on the hogback. I narrated the story of Lazarus and then instructed them to yell at the graves, “Rise up!” As you

Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 A sign of spring is when I clean the wood-burning stove inside out. Throughout the winter, we use it as our primary source of heat. As part of our routine to keep our home warm, we get up in the night and fan the flame using the billows. Sometimes, we have to rekindle it because we s

Easter celebrations are over, but it’s a good time to reflect on not only the forgiveness of our Lord towards us but also our own forgiveness towards others. Unfortunately, we’ve all been there—suddenly, an unexpected offense strikes, and we may smile outwardly, but deep down, we’re hurt. If we let it simmer, it turns into anger; if we continue down this path, it becomes resentment and bitterness. Unfortunately, this can damage relationships, even if there are no words to ex

He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still with you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and, on the third day, be raised again. Luke 24:6-7 This powerful worship song elevates the name of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the Lamb who was slain and now reigns eternally. Sing along and worship. Draw near to God. In His presence, proclaim: Holy, holy, holy Worthy i