Author Archives: Dawn413

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper.” John 15:1 I love beautiful flowers with their vibrant colors, and I love the idea of planting flowers and growing plants. Two years ago, I was determined that it would be the year I planted a garden. I was gung-ho and had theContinue reading “Weeds or Wildflowers?”

“So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 Parenthood is tough work. On the best of days, I can tumble into bed thinking I hopefully got 50% of it right that day, and the other 50%, by theContinue reading “Parenting Perseverance”

“Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 I have had this verse running through my thoughts on repeat lately, trying to captureContinue reading “Jesus Joy”

Then the crowd replied to him, “We have heard from the scripture that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of Man?” John 12:34 “Who is this Son of Man?” Is that not the question that has resonated within ourContinue reading “The Son of Man”

“Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 Forgiveness feels like a double-edged sword sometimes, doesn’t it? I am so aware of my own need for forgiveness from Jesus and from others, yet when the time comes to offer it, I am more than a little inclined to wantContinue reading ““Father, forgive them…””

“I am a stranger on earth.” Psalm 119:19a We all long for a place of belonging. Many may not admit it, some may not even recognize the need exists, but deep down, within each of us, we long for a place to belong. We live in a time where connectedness is supposedly at its apex,Continue reading “The Myth of the Misfit”

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song.” Psalm 28:7 How is it that you can read a verse in Scripture several times and appreciate the words found therein, but, on any given random day,Continue reading “Shielded and Strengthened”

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven–for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47 One of my favorite love stories is found in the Bible. Granted, it is not a typical love story but what a true demonstration of love it depicts. I love aContinue reading “Love Poured Out”

“A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10 Jesus referred to Himself as the good shepherd (see John 10:11,14). Shepherds were responsible for caring for the sheep and for their overall well-being. In Bible times,Continue reading “Abundance Redefined”

“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 I’ll never forget when my oldest child, my daughter, was a newborn. Being a first-time mom, I was exhausted and exhilarated and nervous all at once. I also didn’t know what I didn’t know.Continue reading “Competent in Christ”