Bloom with Jesus!

  I still remember the phone call I received from my sister while on vacation several years ago. She called to inform me that our nephew Heath had embezzled money from the family farm to support his addiction to prescription narcotics. Though many of us were suspicious or even knew there was a problem, we ignored the signs. We did not realize how horrible his addiction had become. Now several years later, if you ask Heath about this day, he will describe it as the best and worst day of his life. The fall—The moment Heath’s world crashed down as the truth was revealed. Since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit there has been sin in the world. You and I are no exception. Though it seemed Heath’s sin was huge at the time, we all fall short of the glory of God. As the day unfolded Heath was given two options. He could leave the family farm and admit himself to rehab, or he could face criminal charges. With the unbelievable grace shown to him, he wept a sigh of relief. His drug addicti...

  Your Branches We recently visited De Leon Springs state park in Florida. It was a beautiful setting with a natural spring and many huge old trees filled with moss. It was relaxing to take a walk through the trees, see the wild azaleas in bloom, and just sit on a bench and soak in the sunshine. Unfortunately, you weren’t in Florida with me, but hopefully you can relate by the picture of the trees covered with moss. How are your branches? Do you feel as if they are bending down under a heavy load of moss? Before I left Ohio, I felt like the tree in the picture. My branches were bending under a heavy load. Nothing specific, just everyday life and busyness. Fortunately, some R&R and sunshine has restored my body and I feel like some of the moss has been removed. Thankfully the Son-shine has also renewed my soul this past week. We can either prune our branches or God will do it for us! What I mean is, where are your priorities. Is Jesus part of your day-to-day routine? We can eith...