Deborah A. Goshorn-Stenger

Small flowers that grew to overflow onto the sidewalk drew my attention one Summer day. What do we learn spiritually from this scene? What might the Lord want to overflow from us? More of His Spirit gifts, His love, His heart into our world? What qualities would your friends, co-workers, and family report as overflowing from you?

I've watched these lilies grow from bud to full bloom over a couple of weeks. One evening, the sun set upon them just so, to demonstrate God's majesty in all of creation. Are you amazed by the wonders that He forms daily?

Wildflowers bloom in the foreground. Cattle graze in a verdant lush pasture. The setting was quiet, idyllic. Here, the Spirit spoke: “You can come to Me and find rest, safety, and the tranquility which your soul desires. I am Your pastureland. Come and be still with Me, the Lord Your God.”

Proverbs 31 has long been an esteemed Bible passage to describe a woman after God's heart. But as I was meditating and praying on morning, I realized that these same qualities can be found in a Godly man. Let's trace this passage in a fresh way, which can open our eyes to following Christ wholeheartedly.

Dandelions have a simple beauty and lessons to teach us. Learn how changing your perspective from "seeing them as weeds to seeing them as seeds" can transform your view of growing in your faith, putting down roots, and having the tenacity to stand for Christ.

I have always treasured what I like to call "rock flowers." What are they? Plant life that grows and thrives in unlikely places with little or no soil, yet sends down roots to grow and be beautiful. Life is sometimes difficult, and it requires perseverance to follow Christ, obey Him, and become deeply rooted. Are you a rock-flower? Beautiful even during times of pain to reflect the Son?

Spring flowers begin to overflow as the days grow warmer. Soon, vegetable gardens will be yielding in abundance. Can joy, love, and God's goodness be likened to these--overflowing from our hearts to be shared?

We found goats frolicking in a field of buttercups. Their joy was obvious, and they made me think that this is what the Lord wants for our lives. How do we discover or live this way? By seeing (and trusting in) God's care and provision for us and by knowing we are blessed by His grace, peace, and gift of redemption.

Mother's Day is a beautiful time to honor the ladies in our lives. Whether we have a Grandmother, Mom, Auntie, or dear Friend--let's celebrate each one as a gift from God. As for our example of how to be a God-fearing woman, Proverbs 31 offers great goals and encouragement from Scripture! A woman after His heart is a crown to her family, friends, and God's kingdom!

If you have flowerbeds, you know weeds are a constant battle. In fact, you often must "uncover" old leaves and debris to allow new growth and plant life to flourish. The same is true in our walk with the Lord. Come, dig into the Word to discover what He wants to make come alive in you!

Wildflowers bloomed and stretched as far as the eye could see. They were sewn in beauty. I loved this image as an analogy for sowing God's righteousness. What seeds are you planting to develop roots of faith, kindness, and His grace?

Eyes filled with tears Psalm 56:8-11 says , “You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one in your book. 9 The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know: God is for me! 10-11 I am trusting God—oh, praise his promises (TLB)!” The Father saw the tears of Jesus and counted them as precious at Lazarus’ death, in the Garden of Ge

The butterfly must fight to be free of the cocoon. With one more beat of its wings, it's free. This is a great analogy for Jesus' resurrection, and our gift of eternal life when we surrender our heart and life to the Lord. The gift of God's grace is a miracle. Have you been transformed?

Enter the scene of the resurrection from Mary's point of view. Read the Biblical accounts and reflect upon the sweet miracle which is Jesus' love personified. Then, rest in the truth that this same power and grace is available to you today.

How can a carved stone image portraying Jesus’ surrender at Gethsemane demonstrate His resurrection power to our hearts?

How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings ... " is a beautiful image of God's love for His chosen people (Israel and His Gentile sons/daughters). Have you been "adopted" into His kingdom through forgiveness, faith, and by His grace?

We are told that when Jesus was informed that Lazarus had died, He wept. What can we learn from this simple action of the Lord's divine and human nature? How do these draw us into His love?

Our Easter Lily appeared to "cry." How can this simple image invite us into the story of anointing—of Mary's fragrant offering and Jesus' love for us? How can tears and the promises about them held in the lines of Scripture bring us encouragement as we celebrate during this Easter Season?