Lessons in Spiritual Growth (and two winners)!

Lessons in Spiritual Growth

A series of seedlings perch on the kitchen cupboard—their slender tendrils arching toward the light. Tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and radishes stand alongside thready zinnias and Shasta daisies.

I’ve never from seed indoors and feel a bit maternal toward the fragile starter plants. Fighting against the odds for survival given Colorado’s barely-above-freezing spring temperatures, precipitous summer weather, and a yard teeming with hungry squirrels, I look forward to coaxing my small garden toward health and abundance.

Our Father, the master Gardener, tends to us like a backyard greenskeeper who watches over her seedlings. In the same way that I’ve nourished my young plants, God cultivates our spirits in the rich soil of His word—encouraging growth through the selected pruning of that which hinders a fruitful harvest. He knows the conditions under which we will thrive, protects us during life’s storms, and rejoices in a bountiful in-gathering.

In what ways is God pruning your life this week? How is He protecting you as you experience unpredictable circumstances?

Scripture for Reflection

John 15:5-8 (NKJV)

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Four Favorite Photos

The Winners Are…

This month’s winners are (drumroll, please) Theresa D. and Cora V. who shared great series ideas. Thank you, ladies! Please respond to this email with your home address and I will make a trip to the post office.

Ebooks for You!

Searching for an action-packed thrill ride or a twisty whodunnit?? I’ve got a few recommendations.

• Jumping into Fire by Ellis Summers

  Melissa has been jumping out of planes and fighting fires for years. Now she's questioning if she wants to continue risking her life to make up for a teenage decision that's haunting her.   Logan has been anti-social since losing his wife in a school shooting. To most, he's a beloved figure but there's someone who holds a grudge.   Can Melissa and Logan fight all the fires raging around them?      

• Dare You to Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch

  When her FBI agent father is framed for murder, Kylene is forced to move in with her grandfather, back to the small town that turned its back on her, and the boy who betrayed her. All Ky cares about is clearing her father’s name, but someone won’t let her forget the photo scandal that drove her away two years ago. As the threats gain momentum, Ky finds an unlikely ally in the annoyingly attractive rookie FBI agent sent to keep an eye on her.

• Goodfellowe House by Persia Walker

  Lanie Price is a tough-talking 1920s reporter with a bruised and battle-scarred but ultimately loving heart. She's willing to go anywhere, talk to anyone, to get her story.

  When a grieving woman asks Lanie to dedicate her column to the long-unsolved mystery of her sister's disappearance, Lanie can't say no. She starts asking questions—the hard kind, the right kind, but of the wrong kind of people.  And it could get her killed.

• You can also view more than seventy other books here or another group of twenty here. Happy reading!

From the Bookshelf

When expectant mother Amy Scout steps up to care for her missing friend's bookstore, a handsome Sgt. Jackson Locke arrives in the small mountain town to investigate the woman's disappearance. Sparks fly as Sgt. Locke attempts to maintain a professional distance. Then, Amy's life is threatened. Can Amy trust the mysterious officer and his canine companion? Will the threats on her life end the same way as Gemma's?

An action-oriented read with a redemptive storyline, Cold Case Tracker is a great book to read at the beach or anywhere else you want to unwind.

My Articles from Around the Web

Where Does Jesus Say 'I Am the Bread of Life' in Scripture?

The yeasty scent of dough prompted thoughts of a warm slice of goodness topped with butter, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation of the first taste of my mother’s homemade treat.

A universal food, every culture depends upon bread for sustenance. Jesus once used the metaphor of this critical food source to emphasize His divinity when He proclaimed, “I am the bread of life.” But what does this mean?

What Had Jesus Done Before Saying “I Am the Bread of Life”?

Before uttering the words, “I am the bread of life,” Jesus demonstrated His divine power. As the gospel of Matthew tells us, “. . . Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” (Matthew 4:23 NKJV). The small towns of Galilee were buzzing at the news of Christ’s power.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

All in the Family

My oldest son, daughter-in-love, and the baby moved out of state a few weeks ago. My college-aged kiddos live at home (which translates as eat here occasionally) and another son is preparing to move out. Life has changed dramatically. I’m no longer raising littles or advising uncertain teens and feel a bit adrift.

What’s your best advice for empty nest(esque) moms?

Praying God blesses you as your roots in Christ deepen and flourish.

Peace and grace,

Tammy