A Return to Spring

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” (Song 2:11-12)

After a hard winter, signs of spring are finally beginning to appear here in Oklahoma. Birds chirp, squirrels run through the yard, and bees buzz and flit from flower to flower. As the temperatures rise and the world around me reawakens, I feel joy bloom in my heart and new energy come back into my body. This is the beauty of spring: it brings new beginnings, not only in nature, but in our own lives. Continue reading “A Return to Spring”

How I Became a Reader of Nonfiction

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to read. However, I haven’t always loved reading nonfiction. As a teenager, I tried to read spiritual growth books, but the few I picked out had messages that seemed to be written for other people. For many years after that, I avoided reading nonfiction, including spiritual growth books.

A few years ago, I noticed a tremendous surge in the number of spiritual growth books on the market, and I decided I was ready to try the genre again. I carefully chose the books I felt I could best apply to my life. Continue reading “How I Became a Reader of Nonfiction”

Growing During the Easter Season

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” (Ps 119:37)

The Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, reflection, and penance that leads to the celebration of Easter Sunday. Lent represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry. Continue reading “Growing During the Easter Season”

A Dog’s Confidence

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Tim 1:7)

Lilly, my Yorkie, pranced across the living room floor, turning her head this way and that to show off the pretty bow the groomer had put next to her ear. She had a happy doggy smile on her face as she turned in circles in front of my parents. They oohed and aahed over her, and she rolled over so they could rub her belly. Then, she jumped on the couch and looked at us as if to say, “I know I look good. Thanks for noticing.” Continue reading “A Dog’s Confidence”