a hand holding a red Japanese maple leaf
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Plant with Hope

I am now in my forties. For many years, I said that while my “ideal self” gardened, my real self never did. I’m not sure exactly what held me up. A few moves, worries about critters eating stuff, and probably more than a little intimidation fueled by inexperience. But this year, I finally did it….

An open Bible on a woman's lap
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Troubling Texts Can Become Trusted Truths

I looked at the caller ID and was both surprised and thrilled to see the name of an old friend with whom I had attended church and Bible studies years ago. Ann and I had never been best friends or even close friends, but I always admired her humor, her insight, her compassion, and her…

A trail through a forest
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Four Obstacles to Growth

Perched on my kitchen barstool, eyes fixed on my laptop screen, I opened a Word document and prepared to write. But social media beckoned, Come see what your friends are doing. Advertisements enticed, Come see what’s on sale. Click bait urged, Stop and read this article. An hour later, my Word doc was still blank….

Transformation in Christ
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Encountering Opposition to Transformation in Christ

When I was a child, my mom created the most wonderful Rainbow Brite costume for me. I don’t remember much about that Halloween, but I do remember how I felt. That costume was incredible. I remember feeling special, well-dressed, and proud of what I had transformed into as I wandered up and down the street,…