Broken Did you know doctors will break bones on purpose to correct inconsistent growth? It’s the same concept as gardeners pruning trees and bushes, intentionally guiding the growth of the plant by focused breaking. Even
Read moreAuthor: Christy Bass Adams
Pruning on Purpose
All the plant people are scouring websites for seeds and watching their favorite videos on best gardening practices. On warmer days, they are outside, readying flowerbeds and garden areas. They can hardly wait to sink
Read moreThe Toilet Papered Bathroom
My house temporarily housed nine extra people—seven middle school boys and two adult leaders. We hosted them while they participated in our church’s youth weekend, Disciple Now. The chaos and noise got a bit overwhelming
Read moreIdols From Egypt
The Israelite Egypt What began as Joseph inviting his brothers and their families to move to Egypt during the famine, turned into the Israelites being enslaved many years later. They lived among the Egyptians, but
Read moreThe God of Through
The Red Sea “And the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left.” Exodus 14:22 (CSB) They only knew oppression.
Read moreA Tuxedo for a Third Grader
My youngest son, Daniel, was named Mr. Third Grade. His excitement bubbled over as he told me about riding on a float in the parade. Then he said I had to buy him a tuxedo
Read moreWhen Idalia Came to Town
Madison, Florida is a small dot on the map. Four stoplights. Around 20,000 in our whole county. We aren’t anything fancy but we are the perfect picture of small-town America. We still cover our hearts
Read moreAll or Nothing
All Moderation has never been my thing. When I was learning to juggle, I spent hours, days, and weeks perfecting the pitch and catch sequence with balls, hacky-sacks, fruits, and even eggs. No matter how
Read moreWhen We Don’t Have the Answer
I’ve thought through cute little topics to write about this month, but I haven’t been feeling all that cutesy. A sister church asked me to lead a retreat in the fall about when life gives
Read morePeace on My River
The air, frigid and howling, stirred the Yukon River. We watched from inside the main hall, anxiously anticipating the arrival of the rest of our crew. Sideways, sleet-like rain left streaks on the panes as
Read more