Bloom with Jesus!

My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in the hurricane this week. Many lost their homes, businesses, power, and much more as a result of this horrific storm as it came up the Gulf Coast and swept through the Carolinas. The storm did a great deal of damage across many states with its powerful winds and flooding. The storm had so much force that we had wind gusts in Ohio yesterday. One of those gusts broke a huge limb off of the neighbor's tree. Unfortunately, the limb fell on his car and a piece of equipment he had parked in the driveway. No one was hurt, and it seems so small compared to those in the South who have lost much. We have had stronger winds from thunderstorms earlier this year, so why did the limb suddenly fall? Most of our storms come out of the west, and the trees are used to the wind force from that direction. As they grow, they become stronger, almost as if they are leaning into the storms of life. But the hurricane winds came from the east...

I have had great pleasure watching the deer in the wheat field surrounding our house this spring. They have walked close to the house numerous times. One night, they were standing on our sidewalk and set off our front door camera. A doe and fawn have appeared in our front yard numerous times. I find myself searching for them when I pass a window...especially in the morning and evening. This morning they were along the driveway and the fawn was running along the edge. Just like a child, he never ventured very far knowing his protection was his mother. Wheat harvest is upon us, so the fun of watching the deer will be coming to an end, as they will take cover elsewhere once the wheat is off. Part of me is sad to see them go, but reality is that life changes, and after all farming is our livelihood. I’m sure for the deer there will be a moment of panic when the big green Deere combine rolls into the field. The solace and comfort of their cover will quickly disappear forcing them to head fo...