Dear Son, You're Getting Married-Making A Covenant That Really Takes Three

inside of my body

Could a bond be closer than that?

A bond I call the heart-cord.

A mother gives life to the body through food and life to the soul through words.

"Could a bond be closer than that?"

Will

I will.

Remember this: Love is an act of the will.

Jesus is pure love and

He is the Perfect Covenant-Keeper.

In the midst of my heart-cutting and struggling to let go,

Love is the willingness to cut in order to give life.

And love, if it is anything, it is giving.

cutting cords to give way to new life

love gives

Love is powerful!

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The Greatest Story

By Kathy Schwanke • February 27, 2025

Everyone Needs To Know And Be Able To Defend God's Good News

Christmas 2024

By Kathy Schwanke • December 26, 2024

A Hard Year Past

Arise And Shine

By Kathy Schwanke • July 11, 2024

. . . for though the righteous fall seven times, they will rise again . . . (Proverbs 24:16)

🌟 “Was there a moment, known only to God, when all the stars held their breath, when the galaxies paused in their dance for a fraction of a second, and the word, who had called it all into being, went with all his love into the womb of a young girl, and the universe started to breathe again, and the ancient harmonies resumed their song, and the angels clapped their hands for joy?” ~Madeline L’Engle

No one has ever seen God: if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. — 1 John 4:12 God is made known through our loving one another through the thick and thin, the happy and hard, the light and dark . . . it’s best done through healed hearts. Our active loving is an attempt to offer healing to one another. To hand light to the dark. To apply balm to the wound. To comfort the dejected. It looks different in each situation and requires a close connection with the God of love. Love is a verb. What makes you feel most loved? How do you show love?

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. — Romans 12:10

Advent He is coming! He first came into the quiet dark, a Seed. He is coming again!! He will come in next, in glorious fire, as a King!

If our peace depends upon anything other than the Prince of Peace, we have an idol. What determines your peace? A circumstance? A person? 🌟 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. — Psalm 37:3-9

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19

Knees To The Earth Our Evy has a stride—even in early childhood, personality is visible. (Have I told you how delightful being a granny is?!) And the holidays have me all nostalgic over things—maybe it’s turning 60. Probably both. Living in “the now”—in “these times” of blurred borderlines, dark deception, and hard relational walls—while looking back at what has been and thinking of what forges a person and a family and a nation over time . . . I’m valuing my childhood in a big family on a farm. It was both hard and good. All the work with a little play. Among many daily chores, shoveling manure (not what we called it) and being in the barn until 9:30 at night lends to a humble view of self. In my case, I often felt a sense of inferiority that has required diligent opposition with truth as an adult. Being up early and out late and all the necessary in-betweenness of farming teaches work-ethic, diligence, and a measure of self-denial. I specifically recall making an attitude adjustment, realizing that instead of procrastinating getting out to “do chores” after school, which only aggravated mom more—and I didn’t like it when you could tell she was at her wits end—I realized one day that procrastination was only serving misery. So, after that, @ 4:30 I just got ready and went out. 4:30 chores was when we got everything ready for the milking after supper. (Clean stalls, spread fresh crushed lime on the walkway, feed cows and calves, and play with kittens.) My two kids tasted farm life, but not so demanding, and now our grands with a few animals, gardens and chores. Since the hell of 2020, more families are putting “boots to earth”. Valuing self-sustaining practices and character development in their children, family unity and community. And those, I think, are the things that push back the darkness. They humble us and help us value what we’ve lost that have eroded the good boundaries and lent to relational walls. History proves that affluence and success of a people lends to pride and like the law of gravity, pride leads to a fall. And we’ve all been hanging in the balance, wondering how things are going to land for us here—knees to the earth.

Our little victor! Our 2 month old, Declan had a rough start, but he’s flourishing now. Praise God! We had us a little nap together. 🤎 We gave thanks with half of our family today. (And took us a full family photo.) It was warm and wonderful and yummy. Also, it’s my (very many) birthday today. Having a phone call from my boy Ethan with a birthday song from all his wild and wonderfully noisy household was a great start to the day. And it closed out with a call from my brother—these days, having an actual phone call is golden. I am so blessed! 🌟

Thank You, God, for Your amazing grace and Your steadfast love. Thank You for my friends and family. Thank you for life, and breath and water and bread. Thank You for sustaining and training, for healing and dealing with our often fickle feelings. Thank You for Your word, and the Word that gives Light to our hearts and Life to our souls. Thank You for Your bountiful gifts. You supply our every need and so many of our desires! Thank You for Your beautiful world filled with Your overflowing message of lavish love. Thank you for sunshine and rain, laughter and the pain that keeps us humbly aware of our frailty and our need for You. Lord, You are so good! Bless my friends and family today to see You and know You and love You—which is the best gift of them all. The God of Heaven wants to be known and loved by measly me. 🌟 Happy Thanksgiving, beloveds! 🤎

What time is it? The atmosphere feels spiritually charged—like the fires of Luke 1-2, in the Christmas story. Jesus came to visit our planet to plant the Seed in our soil to grow a church. 🌟Zechariah and Elizabeth birth the final OT prophet when they’re far beyond child-bearing years. 🌟Young Mary says yes. 🌟Joseph too. 🌟God comes. 🌟Jesus is born in a trough in a barn on a silent night. 🌟The lowly and the wise “go see” and worship. Those not watching go on “business as usual”—they knew God was going to break in, but hardly cared to watch. Even the layover of the wise men asking where Messiah would be born failed to move them to “go see” for themselves. Their hearts so dull. Dreary. Sleeping. Apathetic. I sit with this word from Romans—roll it around in my mind and pray it for us— Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. — Romans 12:11 What is the opposite of apathy, passivity, and complacency? Zeal and fervor and ENGAGEMENT. There are so many exhortations in scripture to stay engaged. Watch. Be diligent. Make every effort. Be sober-minded. Hold fast to the Word. Pay attention. And the verse following: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. — Romans 12:12 Our engagement is this: being active in our hearing and our trusting and our praying. Peter writes, “PAY ATTENTION TO PROPHECY.” 🕊️ And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. — 2 Peter 1:19-21 The dawning light is prophesied in Isaiah 9:2,6 (in comments)

Advent The King is coming! Watch for Him!

Advent … reminds us of what comes from God … the 🌟Light🌟 of the world. Spirit of God, open my eyes to see! Thank You for Jesus coming— To set this captive free! #Jesus #advent2024 #kathyschwankemeditations #streamsinthewilderness

These two disagreed on the way the game was played. So, they consulted the rule book together. I think we can learn from this. 🧎🏻‍♂️‍➡️📖 🧎🏻‍♂️

Oooooooooh—Ona!! How wonderful, our first granddaughter—you are the perfect combination of delight and sass, sweet and silly, smiles and serious. You can (almost) wrestle your big brother (he mostly goes easy on you) and take care of the others. 💁🏼‍♀️ You are kind, kookie, cooperative and downright cute. I’m so grateful for the time we get to spend together! I love you and thank God for you! Happy Birthday Ona! 💝🌟

I dwell with the Prince of Peace. 🕊️ Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. — Psalm 118:4-9 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!” — Psalm 118:15-16

Ida … aka Smida (her dad’s combo of “smiley Ida”) 😁 What a delightful girl God gave us six years ago. Most often, Ida rolls with whatever—she’s game to go and smiles doing it. She also doesn’t mind enduring the process of waiting for nail polish to dry and getting alllll the cookies baked and frosted. She loves all things sparkly and pretty and also taking a spin on the ATV. My dad world have described her as “good natured” because she’s so pleasant to have around. Happy Birthday, dear Ida! We love you tons!

Such a delightful night. @mikedonehey is fun and funny and deep and wise. It’s quite special when wonderful people visit and bless smalltown, USA!! Thank you, Mike!

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them. O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great. May the LORD give you increase, you and your children! May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth! The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man. The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD! — Psalm 115:1-18

Fear is an indicator. What we do with fear when it’s here has IMPACT on our own hearts, and also on the temperature of our environment. We have two choices in our response to fear: 1. React in fight or flight. Both of those reactions, as we can see in the verbs, are divisive. 2. React with faith and hope in God who is always good and can do what we can’t imagine. Read this good news! Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised! The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD! When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion. The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back? O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water. — Psalm 113:1 - 114:8

🌟 Fear or faith. Love or hate. Despair or hope. Grab the rope! Life or death. Drown or breath. Friend or foe. Grab ahold! Dark or light. Day or night. Gripe or praise. Hand, raise! Give or take. Trip or raise. Harm or help. Oh, be well!! Be well, O soul, Put your faith In the miracle— Jesus, The Light of the world Is here!

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor. The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish! — Psalm 112:1-10

PERSPECTIVE React or Rest Our peace and perspective comes when we draw near to God in our warfare and learn to depend upon his love and grace. It’s friendship with the Lord that frees us to be in the Lord‘s peace in the midst of the storms of life. Getting God‘s perspective on everything brings ultimate rest. Moses, Joseph, Rahab, Joshua, Nehemiah, Samuel, David, Elijah, Isaiah, Mary, Joseph, Peter, Paul, James, John and all the rest lived victoriously because they held fast to God‘s perspective. They trusted God‘s promises. They align their thoughts with God‘s. Keeping God in sight is the higher view on life. There are at least two metaphors for this: 1. in the eye of the storm 2. in the faith zone (we live in the troposphere where there are disturbances—the faith zone is the higher altitude: the stratosphere has little to no turbulence) Reacting as opposed to Resting: * Pharaoh reacted, Moses rested. * Saul reacted, David rested. * Cain reacted, Abel rested. If a child of God reacts in the flesh, God will discipline us into learning to rest in his hand. * Moses reacted, God disciplined him in the wilderness, then Moses rested. * Zechariah reacted, God disciplined him, then he rested. * Martha reacted, Mary rested. Martha learned to rest instead of react. React is control. Rest is surrender. To grow in trust, to grow in rest, we need to see where we react and discern the reason we don’t trust. Then, renounce our fear and our propensity to control and pray for Jesus to help us rest in his love. We walk by faith and not by sight. (The aim is: We rest. We do not react.) FAITH: * has eyes set on eternity * relies on God’s word * is above the world’s fray * yields temporal comfort for eternal treasure * has eternal eyes * has spiritual eyes * has Jesus’s eyes * trusts and obeys This word was inspired in part by a post by my brother Tom Stolz, and my reading this morning of Hebrews 11.

Read the prophets. They warn. Over and over and over. “Turn from sin to God so you may be saved.” Reading the prophets can feel exhausting. But they illuminate the LOVE and enduring PATIENCE of God who DOES NOT WANT TO JUDGE, but wants to welcome the sinner HOME. The wages of sin is death (eternal separation from God and all that is good) but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Choose LIFE. Repent and turn to Jesus. (And I don’t mean the humanist, feminist, progressive Jesus who doesn’t require your holiness—he ain’t the savior, he’s just a pet.) #JesusSaves #JesusisKing

Dang. Cute kitty award! Confession: I wanted to steal a kitty tonight. 😅

Gooooorgeous day for loading firewood 🪵 ☀️🍂🌾

Pensive. Fun. Adventuresome—content to be in the background because it’s less work, but willing when you ask him. Parker is the one who always sees to it that I get a hug. He’s got a quiet sweetness and his head can be hard as rock—he’s willing with a will … sweetness with a stand … and charming with a chip. He’s kind of all-around fun to hang out with—especially one-on-one, which, as one might imagine is a rare opportunity. Happy Birthday, Parker. Twelve years ago, we are so thankful God blessed us with you! 💙

A word to the fearful: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. — Proverbs 3:5-8 The Prince of Peace is here. 🕊️

Bittersweet. I read this today: One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet. — Proverbs 27:7 We live in a spiritual universe. We live in a post-Christian (secular-minded) culture. This is a recipe for spiritual blindness—meaning people can’t SEE reality. Jesus came to the earth, Light of the world—it’s in His light that we see light. It is scripture (word) + revelation (Spirit) that enables the blind to see what it is we truly need. Our political circumstances are a spiritual reality. The powers and principalities ruling in the Heavenly realms are at war. Satan against God. Evil against good. If we fail to SEE this reality, we are pawns of the darkness and respond out of FEAR—acting against brotherly love and aiding the darkness. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 If you are feeling fear … if you are feeling contempt for anyone … I plead with you, turn to Jesus, light of the world, lover of your soul, and be free! Set others free! #stopthefear #liveloved #livelove #loveoneanother

Dear Family of God, We know 2 Chronicles 7:14–but DO WE DO IT?!! How often do we gather to pray for God’s help and blessings to come to earth? We must pray now more than ever that God will reveal our sin, help us to turn from it, forgive our sin and only then will He heal our land. 🙏🏼🕊️ We’ve neglected our duty. We’ve let ungodly attitudes cloud our hearts. Let’s repent of our criticism, pride, cynicism, bitterness, selfishness, jealousy, gluttony, materialism, sensuality, enmity, rivalry, dissensions, idolatry, sorcery, fits of anger, fear of man, celebrity worship, and most especially our prayerlessness. #besalty #shinethelight #beholy #lovesincerely

El Shaddai— One of God’s names meaning “breasty one” or “all sufficient” — One year ago today we were at this concert listening to a favorite musician and teacher sing a favorite song. Today I pray to the All Sufficient God: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. — Matthew 6:9-13 For YOURS is the Kingdom and the power and the glory FOREVER. AMEN!

Elliot is a master builder — his patience is tested not only in being a middle brother, but with a granddad that lives to antagonize. Then, our precious baby Declan — 🩵 — born into a rambunctious sweet den of men.

The reason some things are hard to explain to some people.

Girl time 🩵💜

Frosty morning. Ida sleepover. 💕

The book of Hebrews is full of fire. Read these synonyms for EXHORT: admonish advise beseech call upon caution encourage enjoin incite goad insist plead press pressure prick prompt propel spur stimulate persuade preach prod bid counsel egg on [note this is what we are supposed to do for each other daily]!! More exhortation: Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. — Hebrews 2:1 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. — Hebrews 3:12-19 Exhort one another to trust and obey. Because, as you know, there is no other way—

Darkness—is the absence of LIGHT. Lord God, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. — Psalm 139:12 ☀️ I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. — Isaiah 8:17-18 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. — Isaiah 9:2 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. — Isaiah 9:6-7 Lord God, may Your children be faithful and shine bright.

And just like that. Faded glory, Autumn’s story. Make way for Soil’s restoration. Clear the ground— Life rebound. We’ll have another Go around. An old song echoes My soul sings— Purify my heart Let me be as gold and precious silver Purify my heart Let me be as gold, pure gold Refiner’s fire, My heart’s one desire Is to be holy Set apart for You, Lord I choose to be holy Set apart for You, my Master Ready to do Your will Purify my heart Cleanse me from within And make me holy Purify my heart Cleanse me from my sin, deep within Refiner’s fire My heart’s one desire Is to be holy Set apart for You, Lord I choose to be holy Set apart for You, my Master Ready to do Your will Refiner’s fire My heart’s one desire Is to be holy Set apart for You, Lord I choose to be holy Set apart for You, my Master Ready to do Your will.

Did you ever stop to consider where you focus your attention and the impact your focus has on your heart? Is it not true that in our fast paced world, we rarely stop to think? Are we living largely in a world REACTING from un-tended hearts? “Just trying to get by”? We don’t even ask ourselves or one another, “what do you fear?” Is that the reason for such vitriol and division? I read a rant the other day on social media due to decimation of the political sign in the man’s yard. He resorted to name calling, lumping all his political opponents in the guilt of the destruction of his sign. Being angry over destruction of your personal property is not wrong—but slinging contempt from your lips for a large group of people for the act of one is equally destructive. You’ve just done to others what you hate having been done to you. We forget that our words are as destructive as fists. Both parties are guilty of destruction with words. Destroying a sign is a sign of destructive words flowing out of un-tended hearts. Many Americans have rejected God, and in so doing have rejected Life and Love and Liberty—and caring for each other. “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks,” Jesus tells us. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. — Proverbs 18:21 Underlying any contempt [for your political opponent or any opponent] is fear. We are largely living under a cloud of fear in America. So, to whoever would listen to these words, I challenge you to ask yourself and others the simple question: “What do you fear?” And then, “What can I actually do to alleviate or eliminate the fear?” The answer is not “throw another punch” by decimating a sign or punching your opponents with words. It’s coming to understand that God who IS love and life and liberty is actually in control of the universe and our greatest superpower in having a peaceful and secure life is in humility and trust. Isn’t that what we all fear losing? “the good life”? Who can give us a good life? Our fists?Our words? When we let God be God, then we will lay down our weapons of mass destruction and let love flow from our lips.

Glimpses of glory—that is what learning and practicing and engaging our eyes and ears and hands brings forth.

A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. — Psalm 100:1-5

The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! The LORD is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he! The King in his might loves justice. You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the LORD our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he! Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them. In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them; they kept his testimonies and the statute that he gave them. O LORD our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings. Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy! — Psalm 99:1-9

Nothing is truer. What a day.

🥕👩🏼‍🌾 I finally got after them yesterday—yes I did leave my carrots in the hard ground until October 24th(!) Kayla came and together we washed, diced, blanched and froze them for our winter soups. Yum! #praisegodfromwhomallblessingsflow

Ego. Desire. Selfishness. Pride. We can make life so complex because we are so prone to pride. Would that a spirit of humility fall upon our land, our homes, our hearts—hearts would soften … eyes would be opened …relationships would be restored … grace would allow love again. 👇🏼 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Humans Will want to manage your behavior. God wants your heart. And if your behavior is wrong when you WANT to be doing right—He doesn’t condemn you for getting it wrong, He invites you in. “Let Me do this through you—human help [your effort] is no help at all.” “Let’s DO this. Together.”

Little by little. Day by day. We learn our bent is to disobey. Only those who care to say: “Forgive me LORD, I disobey.” Will find the mercy to be free And live their life in eternity. If you fail to see you’re frail You’ll find yourself in eternal jail.

My friend said it. And we all laughed at the truth of it. I keep sharing it, and it gathers the laugh, and I hope increases faith that WE CAN DO THIS Christian life! She also said she pictures it like this: —I’ve got my armor on and I walk down this gravel road [called today]. There are people along the way throwing rocks at me. I get home at the end of the day, and . . . I’m unscathed.— God IS the armor. Nothing can get past Him—so PUT HIM ON and go kick some butt!

🔥 This quote! “I have noticed that wherever there has been a faithful following of the Lord in a consecrated soul, several things have inevitably followed, sooner or later . Meekness and quietness of spirit become in time the characteristics of the daily life. A submissive acceptance of the will of God, as it comes in the hourly events of each day; pliability in the hands of God to do or to suffer all the good pleasure of his will; sweetness under provocation; calmness in the midst of turmoil and bustle; yieldingness to the wishes of others, and an insensibility to slights and affronts; absence of worry or anxiety; deliverance from care and fear; —all these, and many similar graces, are invariably found to be the natural outward development of that inward life which is hid with Christ in God.” ~Hannah W. Smith

Chronicles of a Sunday afternoon in October— We meander eastward past charming farms, over winding creeks, through turning trees for hay. Backtracking a bit brought us to Mains Crossing Ave and a trip down memory lane. My soul, tender from weeks of drinking in and pouring out words to women; serving my King—serving them—enriched myself by the privilege of being both recipient and purveyor of the Lord Jesus’s precious help and hospitality. We rolled past our (Bittersweet Farm) where we raised our kids and I had a gift shop—now unkept and overgrown, and I felt grief amidst gladness for what is far past. I’d just mentioned to friends the wild ride we’ve been on these past 15 years since the wedding on that farm— 6+9+3 moves, one more wedding, 12 babies, multiple job changes. I’d wondered aloud what it’s actually like to have the same home and the same job for the whole journey . . . I know, I grew up on a farm and rarely left home except to go to school! And then I became a Schwanke. I digress. Further down the road, we pass D.D. Kennedy park—the one I ran through and biked past the years we had on Bridget Lake Lane—and we passed the lake—tears came for there. Loss of my dad, our grandson, and my lake-view, my home and people and time. I felt such a deep longing—heartache, gratefulness, nostalgia—what was it? Lord, why is my yearning such a deep burning? And in a second I knew—the longing is for Home. All that I miss: Home. All that I’ve lived and loved fervently: Home. All that I long for: Home And the message I preached Saturday in my church was suddenly aflame as the Oaks we’d been wowed by—HOME!! HOME!! Jesus is it! And I understood the deep longing for all things lived in joy and loved in the past, all things lost will be found and all the beauty and wholeness I so deeply long for—long to hold onto now and forever—will be!!! One Day when faith finally becomes sight and I go Home to Him who is my Home in Heaven. Oh, may this glory-ache never subside which keeps me burning here to press on plowing ground and planting seeds and pulling weeds in this cursed ground—the joy set before me; Promise of Home.

It’s been a dream on my heart for a long time to host a Gather & Grow event (a day conference for women) and today, by the grace of God, with a lot of planning and help from sisters, we did the thing! Watch for the next one in the spring! I’m so humbled and grateful for the women who taught workshops, served food, greeted the girls, shared wisdom on the panel, and those who led us in worship. We had such a great day! WORKSHOPS: BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT with Jo Kiel Jo is certified in Color Me Beautiful. She uses the expanded twelve palette color analysis system to give you tools to recognize which colors best compliment your natural coloring and beauty while also teaching you about the inner beauty of having a relationship with Jesus. PERSONALITY INSIGHTS: Understanding Yourself & Others with Mary Schussman A person’s temperament is a God-given behavioral predisposition that’s present at birth. As this temperament combines with life experiences and training, the personality emerges. Learning a person’s “bent” toward a personality type may make understanding them easier. SERVING AT THE TABLE & SNACKING WITH INTENTION with Meredith Oman Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. As a teacher and health coach wanting to help us steward our health, Meredith will give you practical and healthy tips for meals, on-the-go snacks, and balanced nutrition. Live demo and discussion included. THE PROFOUND POWER OF DOODLING: Listening with Your Eyes and Pen with Kathy Schwanke As a doodler, journaler and avid note-taker, Kathy has found the research to be true: doodling can enhance concentration and memory retention. In this workshop you will learn the impact of the combination of your pen and your hearing and you will get to practice “listening with your eyes and your pen.”

It’s hard to find a photo of him without a baby in his arm or surrounded by a gaggle of Nelson boys! What gifts are on the other side of a daughter’s wedding, all sweet surprises and wonderful blessings! Today we celebrate you! Amiable, helpful, fun, adventurous, and a grill master!! Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Bittersweet~ Beauty in the dying … leaves 🍂 leaving trees. Tender breeze and wilder winds—autumn hues blanket forest floor. Man and boy make preparation for winter’s snow— Glory compels me out the door— Inhale air … hear leaves … see fall … away.

When the darkness closes in— When we feel forgotten, forsaken— When we grope for hope— God is still lovingly near and promises to bring us through the Valley of the Shadow— and on the other side we will find we’ve received treasures in the darkness that we could never have found in a life void of trouble. Keep. Moving. Toward. The Light.

though these are days of great trial— Behold, He comes!

Jesus said the world would hate His followers—but we should be of good cheer—because the gates of hell will not prevail. One of the marks of a true Christian is that the world hates them as the world hated Jesus—because the darkness hates the light. See to it that you are in the Light and you will be raised up above this world with Jesus. As long as you have breath, you’re invited to “take and eat” of His eternal food.

There is … A devil who deceives. A spiritual war for the souls of men. A war against the Redeemed. A devil who rules those who’ve not yet been rescued. A Savior inviting all to be saved. ✝️ A Victor inviting all into victory. A righteous Judge. A Day of holy vengeance ahead. A new earth in the future. A returning righteous King. Eternal Life for all who love Him. “Behold, I [Jesus] stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” — Revelation 3:20-22

I stole this adorable photo of my nephew’s wife and baby—I can hardly stand how cute this is. Also, happy 2nd anniversary Jason and Alex! 🤎🧡💛

Bennett and his buddy Holden went to a dance last night. With a bunch of lovely girls. Wild—how is he old enough?! 😍

God is love. God is light. God is good. God made beauty. God gave you senses to enjoy all God made. Imagine not being able to see, hear, taste, touch or smell. Thank God!

Bennett— Little did we know your biggest role in life would be “big brother” and after that, “grandpa’s helper” —and you excel at both. You are a creative, fun, man-boy in motion. Your mind constantly concocting, your ideas and passions spilling forth to anyone within earshot. And this year you’ve been engaged on mission for the Lord through @childevangelism … and in serving your team in @traillife …and building a boat that floats with your own two hands!! How we treasure you! And marvel that you are 14!! Happy Birthday Bennett!

“We are dependent upon God for even our sense of worth as individuals. Our uniqueness and dignity are rooted in our creation in the image of God. Our value is not tied to wealth, status, accomplishments, or position. It is a gift.” Richard J. Foster

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your 🔥work of faith and 🔥labor of love and 🔥steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 🔥Faith without works is dead. 🔥True love labors—enduring patiently. 🔥Hope holds fast to God’s promises assured that He keeps His word. Now, these things remain: Faith Hope Love—and the greatest of these is LOVE.

Inhale delight—this captivating day spent well—rejuvenation. . . . #outdoors #fall #autumninwisconsin #mowinoctober #octoberhike #dayslikethese

While the nations are suffering, I hiked our trails today and prayed so much. The weather was fine for this attire. Sunshine and oxygen ministered life to me. 🕊🙌🏼 What I really want to tell you today is how important it is that we read the words of the prophets! This is how we SEE God and what He is doing on the earth! Today’s reading was in Jeremiah 12:1-14:10 (My paraphrases below are in quotes) 12–Jeremiah is wondering—asking God why the way of the wicked prospers. (1) God answers, saying in verse 5, “Be spiritually minded.” “To compete with horses is impossible for a man. But, by the Spirit nothing I call you to do will be impossible.” (And we know Elijah outran a chariot!) And: “They are tools in My hand.” (7) EVEN NOW WHAT LANDS ARE EXPERIENCING IS IN GOD’S HANDS. Pray the nations will turn to Him! Jeremiah 13– God tells Jeremiah to get himself a loincloth. Wear it. Then bury it. Then retrieve it and observe its rot. “This is a sign for My people of My people: “I brought you so close, we were so intimately connected—but you’ve turned away and are rotten.” 13:12-14 Wrath is coming. 13:15-27 God calls for HEARING and HUMBLING. Says, essentially, “when you fail to listen to Me and heed My voice—your darkness will get darker.” 18-19 All the high-ups are being demoted. Humbling is here. “Your unfaithfulness is costing you. You’re going to suffer because you’ve forgotten Me and trusted in lies.” 14:1-6 Judah is mourning her losses. Verse 7 is the start of a prayer. This is evidence that the pressure is humbling them. The Lord denies their request, knowing their hearts are still far from Him. “DON’T PRAY FOR THE WELFARE OF THIS PEOPLE. I aim to consume them.” (14:11-12) God knows what He is doing. We don’t, but we know He is good and wise and working all things toward His beautiful purposes. How hard it is to live in this present darkness, seeing the power of it trapping, blinding, and killing them—but how wonderful that we SEE and that we have God and all the HOPE of His promises and of eternal FREEDOM from the darkness! We pray: Lord, push the darkness back. Revive us, O Lord, that we will receive Your mercy.

Hear and give ear; be not proud, for the LORD has spoken. Give glory to the LORD your God before he brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the twilight mountains, and while you look for light he turns it into gloom and makes it deep darkness. But if you will not listen, my soul will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive. — Jeremiah 13:15-17

🌻 Are you a foolish bird? 🌻 Are you a wise bird? Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the LORD: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. 🌻 Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field,🥒 and they cannot speak; they have to be carried,🪵 for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you. They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood! Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz. They are the work of the craftsman and of the hands of the goldsmith; their clothing is violet and purple; they are all the work of skilled men. But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation. — Jeremiah 10:1-10

Amos, willful and wonderful—he woos and wins the hearts of all—and then gets what he wants. This happens more easily when there are older siblings to do your bidding. You’re a little man with a leisurely strut and we couldn’t love you more when your eyes twinkle a mischievous smile or when you tease us by crossing your arms and furrowing your brow. Happy Birthday little man! 🩵

Questions. Is anything more detrimental than a lie? Is anything more refreshing than the truth?

Our first brother was born this day—what a fun and sweet gift God gave our family. Happy Birthday, Jim (Jimmy to your sisters!) I love you! 😘

SUCH a fun event!! Fall Fashion, Skincare, Color Analysis, Natural Health, Hair Care, Faith in Jesus, and SISTERHOOD!! #FindingThePearlInYOU

a baby and three boy’s birthdays and food and fun and laughter. again!

Autumn & All Sweater Weather Fall Apple Crisp & Pumpkin Bread Cosmos and Zinnias A Blooming Rose Welcome Home Sunflowers & Bittersweet Porch Rockers Turning Trees & Cattails Tall

manipulation noun [ C or U ] US /məˌnɪp.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ UK /məˌnɪp.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ manipulation noun [C or U] (INFLUENCE) controlling someone or something to your own advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly the action of manipulating something in a skillful manner We live in a world that requires wisdom. We need to know that we should not tolerate manipulation. (Notes to you in the first five slides) And we need to admit when we are using manipulation. (Notes to you in the last two slides)

Janie … missing you.

I keep marveling at the apostle Paul’s selfless love for God’s people. Asking for a heart willing to die to myself as his was: yielded. And Timothy, his son in the faith, is like him, described here: For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. — Philippians 2:20-21

Whataweekend!!! Baby Declan was born Thursday night. (I got home at 2:30am)— Spent Friday-Sunday serving and praying with women at Arrowhead Bible Camp— Asked for a photo from the other camping family— God is good!

Arrowhead Bible Camp adventures— This is my third time speaking here. It’s like home. Here, I see God. He’s awesome!

He’s 3!! Happy Birthday Maxwell aka Maxy Wally—you are a tornado with a twinkle! Speaking fluidly since before you turned one—adventurous, adorable, cautious and completely risky in the same bod—sweet and fun, tender and rambunctious. What a treasure you are!! 🩵

Stellar September Days

LOVE— “Love is a well-reasoned concern for the good of all.” ~Dallas Willard “Love does not have tunnel-vision. If I bring the needy into my home and destroy my own family in the process, I am driven by something other than love.” ~Richard Foster [Freedom of Simplicity]

Be kind. Be tenderhearted. Forgive one another. It’s the least you should do.

The definition of ridiculousness: (and delusional!) Who fashions a god or casts an idol that is profitable for nothing? — Isaiah 44:10 He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. Then it becomes fuel for a man. He takes a part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Also he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it. Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!” And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!” They know not, nor do they discern, for he has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their hearts, so that they cannot understand. No one considers, nor is there knowledge or discernment to say, “Half of it I burned in the fire; I also baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and have eaten. And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?” He feeds on ashes; a deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” — Isaiah 44:14-20 Such are those who do not trust and obey God.

🌻🌻🌻 I bought the big glorious bucket of sunflowers. Opened the back to show the mom and the little sugar plum and the mini tornado decided to snuggle in—just two of the treasured eternal flowers in our garden. Sugar Plum picked the tiny bouquet for me and insisted I take it home. She greeted me with a smile at the kitchen sink today. I raise my hands in praise for the grace of it all—God’s lavish goodness is in the gift of grands. I read in Richard Foster’s “Freedom of Simplicity” today: “We have no independent existence, no self-sustaining ability. All we are and all we possess is derived.” All is grace. All are gifts. Therefore all of life is to be lived in thanksgiving and praise of the Blessed Giver. Who can create dirt? Who gave the seed? Who made the body? And who made you and me?

Glory of autumn in WI. Late blooms, cool weather, gentle breeze, and sparkling water. 🧡🤎🍂🍃🍁☀️🌻

The question is often asked: “If your God is so good, why did He kill so many people in the Old Testament?” In short, it’s the wrong question when any one of us takes a good look at our heart on any given day. (Mine tends toward self-preservation, self-pity and pride; those things I couldn’t kill without the Holy Spirit of God inside me to help me say “no!” to my self.) The better question is “Why does a holy God let anyone live?” “Why did God even bother to make man?” [because God is love!] And further, “Why did He give His only Son to ransom us?” [because He so loved us!] If you know enough scripture to know there was a flood 🌊(Noah’s day, God saved the only family who honored and obeyed Him.) and a fire ☄️ (Sodom, God saved the only family, minus a wife, who had a praying uncle.) Then you should have observed His great patience and mercy in waiting and warning through His prophets, and giving time for ALL blatantly evil people to repent and be saved. Salvation from wrath is our need. God met our need through sending a baby to Bethlehem, House of Bread, to purchase our freedom. Take and eat. Jesus is our grace in the fall.

Jesus is always communicating through common things like water and bread and light to help people possibly see spiritual reality. To see what Jesus is saying requires engaging—with a desire to know and understand—it requires thought and TIME and focus. Most don’t have any interest in hearing Him—they turn away—eyes rolling. They ask for a sign as proof immediately after seeing and experiencing Him feeding 5000+ with 5 loaves of bread. The blind will be blind. Here is the teaching that turned many curious followers away: So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” — John 6:53-58 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. — John 6:60-63 He's saying "I am the fulfillment of the five loaves broken for you to give you life." Eat my words. There were five books in the Torah, which the Jews thought gave them life, but did not—Jesus is the fulfillment of the five books. The five books are the five loaves. 🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞 After the feeding of the 5000 they collected 12 baskets of scraps of bread. One basket for each disciple. Disciples of Jesus carry the fragments of Jesus to the world. We hold the bread of life broken for you. Take, and eat. Chew on what He says and believe Him and you will have eternal life.

Last fall

Life. I’m sliding into third base this fall—I’ll be 60. I’ve been walking with Jesus for 35 years. These two facts enable vista views of life. I’ve been able to hear many stories and observe people’s lives and their outcome. I’ve attended five funerals this year—several were tragic death stories. My sister’s death ended up being from asthma. Dale’s uncle fell in burning coals and was in a burn unit for weeks before he left us. My friend Tami was killed by cancer. My mentor, Mary, of declining health in old age. And my brother-in-law’s father of old age. I heard and/or lived many stories of the significance of each life. We’ve also had weddings and showers and new babies and trips and adventures and we’ve had rodents and hail take out half our garden plants followed by harsh winds that took down mighty oaks. Dale has spent his free time the past three weeks cleaning up and cutting wood. When life gives you lemons 🍋 make lemonade and when winds knock over your oaks make firewood 🪵 The world has dramatically changed since I was a school girl in the 70’s and early 80’s. I didn’t learn about world events and how important it is to live as if every choice matters. I didn’t learn that every thought we allow into our mind has impact on our life. I didn’t understand the impact of one life on multitudes now and the ripple effect it will have. I didn’t get that what we allow into our minds and who we hang out with will impact the course of our life and others. But now I know. Every word we speak. Every decision we make. Every stroke of our pen. Every swipe of our card. Every act of kindness. Every word we receive. Every thought we allow. Every feeling we let lead. Every feeling we rule. Every moment we breathe . . . everything matters. It’s been said we become like the five people we hang out with most. I see this is true. Assess your closest associations wisely. We have been watching many fall. Many who seem like strong leaders suddenly succumb to the quicksand of human desire . . . slipped in slime under the spell of their urges. Reality is sobering. I urge you, live well; Live awake. Read the Bible.

John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:21 Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him. John 14:23 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 1 John 2:3 By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.

My day was half hijacked . . . by joy. This year we have TWO ballerinas 🩷🩵 We talked about a lot of things—politics, angels, facial hair, personality types . . . I got back to it. (On the river—for a few hours till my batteries died.) #life

GRAPE HARVEST TIME! What a fun and gorgeous day to spend with my dear sister-friend Wendy visiting from CO. @redeemedfarm could still use help harvesting if you’re available—give them a call.

Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. We kneel how weak, we rise how full of power. Why therefore should we do ourselves this wrong, Or others – that we are not always strong, That we are ever overborne with care, That we should ever weak or heartless be, Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer, And joy and strength and courage are with Thee? R.C. Trench

Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38 ✝️

Cuttin it up with granddad.

She knows Him. She pursues Him. She trusts Him more than any other. Because He alone is perfect. #Jesus I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, that you tell him I am sick with love. What is your beloved more than another beloved, O most beautiful among women? What is your beloved more than another beloved, that you thus adjure us? My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand. His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven. His eyes are like doves beside streams of water, bathed in milk, sitting beside a full pool. His cheeks are like beds of spices, mounds of sweet-smelling herbs. His lips are lilies, dripping liquid myrrh. His arms are rods of gold, set with jewels. His body is polished ivory, bedecked with sapphires. His legs are alabaster columns, set on bases of gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. — Song of Songs 5:8-16

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you. Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you. — Song of Songs 1:2-4 Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves. Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, truly delightful. Our couch is green; the beams of our house are cedar; our rafters are pine. — Song of Songs 1:15-17

Exploring nature together is a gift. #homeschool #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolfamilylife

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. — Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

What kind of storm can do this to a mighty Oak while leaving all the pillows and cushions on my deck, yes, even the patio umbrella untouched? God’s ways are higher than ours, who can know them? And yet and always, we know He is good and has good in mind for us. “Oh, blessed axe of sorrow, which clears a pathway for me to my God by cutting down the thick trees of my earthly comforts.” ~Spurgeon Already we have the blessing of working together to clear the debris—and a large and growing pile of oak for future warmth.

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