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Bent But Not Broken: 5 Ways to Grow Resilience
A solitary tree stands like a sentry in our backyard stretching upward into the sky. It marks the entrance to the holler leading up to the natural spring feeding water to our home. Although only a common tulip poplar, this tree has a distinctive feature not easily noticed in the tall grass. The base of…
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Celebrating a Different Kind of Freedom
This year’s Independence holiday reminds me how thankful I am every day for the freedoms afforded me in America. It’s important to recognize that our rights are not entitlements, but gifts paid forward by the sacrifices of our forefathers. We must never take them for granted. For as we’ve witnessed in other parts of the…
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Don’t Let the Gray Hair Fool You
Don’t let the gray hair fool you. Even though I joined the ranks of senior citizens some time ago, I haven’t allowed it to deter me. And neither have a good number of my peers. We are a force to be reckoned with yet also a massive movement for good. While it is true that…
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God’s Grace Is Never Stagnant
The Jordan river in Israel flows into the Sea of Galilee then moves southward until it ends in the Dead Sea. It enters and leaves the Sea of Galilee, vibrant and full of life. Fishermen are still seen on the shores of the lake, as in Jesus’ time on earth, harvesting the tilapia that thrive there. In contrast, when the Jordan…
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Memorial Day: A Time to Remember
Memorial Day is a time to remember. On this day we focus our thoughts on those who gave their lives to give us our freedom. Indeed, these are dear memories of selflessness and sacrifice. Many fought and never returned home. However, those who did make it back to their loved ones often carry with them…
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Walking With God: A Powerful Partnership
Hiking is my passion. Over my lifetime, I’ve found that nothing calms my soul like a trek through the forest. The scent of pine and the chatter of birds within the trees draw me into a holy communion with the Lord. Nature is His tabernacle. It’s in these wild places—not within the walls of a…
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Planting New Seeds When the Old Don’t Sprout
I’m a bit of a gardening nut. When the days get longer and temps start to rise, I’m excited to put my hands in the soil again. I watch anxiously for the seed I placed in the ground to emerge as tiny plants. But, if nothing comes up, I’m in a dilemma. Should I be…
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To Swarm or Not to Swarm? That is the Question
The first time I experienced a swarm of bees, I was filled with both awe and terror. Awe as I witnessed the massive bee tornado encompassing my entire backyard. And terror as I watched a hive I’d spent so much effort trying to maintain, readying itself to leave. What causes bees to swarm or not…
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Hope When Life Throws You Roadblocks
It’s difficult to maintain hope when life throws you roadblocks. This is especially true when one obstacle after another litters your path. Sometimes these situations only act as speedbumps. But at other times, they’re a massive rockslide blocking your way. How do you keep a positive attitude when these roadblocks make any forward movement impossible?…
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Seeking Out and Sustaining a Healthy Dose of Awe
When was the last time a life experience instilled in you a healthy dose of awe? If you’re like me, either mundane tasks or sensationalized information overload compose most of your day. It’s no surprise we’re left wrung out and weary by the end of the week. We resort to stimulating our brain by scrolling…
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A Reflection of His Glory
I’ve heard it said that we Christians should be like the moon in that it doesn’t emit light of its own but reflects the light of the sun. Similar to a face in a mirror—we are not God but a reflection of his glory. What light we carry in us is from God: the divine spark. When…
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Love: The Other Four-Letter Word
In the English language, we use the word love to convey a multitude of meanings. I can say “I love my cup of coffee” and “I love my grandchildren” in the same conversation. Yet the value I place on the objects of my love is completely different. With so much division and hate in our…
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Listening for God’s Voice Within a Noisy World
A cacophony of voices speak over and around us. It’s difficult to sort through all the noise packed within our busy lives. Social media influencers, newscasters, and politicians all vie for our rapt attention. But how are we to discern truth in the midst of this chaos? Is listening for God’s voice within a noisy…
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A Keeper of Bees (And Other Illusions of Grandeur)
I fancy myself as a keeper of bees. On any given sunny day, you may see me in my protective gear with veil heading to the bee yard to care for my hives. Inspecting the frames. Feeding the bees. Treating for mites. Putting on additional boxes. My duties vary depending on the season, but my…
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Looking for Something More in the New Year
Are you looking for something more in the new year? I think most of us are in one way or another. This past year has been a rough one both personally and globally for many. I can’t say I’m sad to see 2024 go. Between health-related issues and hurricanes, it’s been quite the challenge. Yet,…
