Deborah A. Goshorn-Stenger

On a crisp Autumn morning, leaves graced by frost stopped me in my tracks. Why? Because each crystal edged each leaf with such detail. The frost brought out the vivid colors of each leaf. If you ever wonder if God is at work--upon the earth or in your life--here's your answer! Look closely and see how He's always creating beauty 24/7. What will you observe today?

Do you have a favorite hiking spot or vista where you sense the nearness and presence of God? I think earth is His gift to us because it's a foretaste (to His sons/daughters) of eternity in His presence.

We had taken a hike that formed a loop. This path also held trees at various stages of growth, from saplings to bent to broken to lightning-struck to cut, with rings showing their age. These trees seemed to echo our experience of life.

A waterfall reminded me of God's grace. From various angles, it washed over the hill with such power. Let the Lord's mercy, hope, and beauty wash over you to bless you and fill you with peace.

Did you know that when a spider builds a web, it weaves and moves at the same time? This could be likened to faith. Faith is not stagnant. Instead, we are placing our trust in the Lord and taking steps to follow where He leads and obey His Word and commands.

The setting of this Cross was lovely. A beautiful day and setting were nothing like Calvary. Yet Jesus' love was displayed at both. As Jesus obeyed the will of the Father, He calls us likewise, to listen and act and follow His Word. Is love your mission?

Creation is God's canvas, a written love story, the most beautiful song, and a display of His glory. Do you see His nature in all of nature? He's been unfolding it with every sunrise before you daily!

I was walking when a simple weed, set against a wood fence, caught my attention. Simplicity is a trait that many of us could benefit from. Our busyness oftentimes gets in the way of even spending time with the Lord. Simply come and commune in His Word and find rest for your soul.

Doug and I have been blessed to live in many places during our marriage and careers. Since moving to Wisconsin more than 8 years ago, one of the things that we most enjoy is the wildflowers. While other states have had them, here, they grow in feet, not inches. They crown God with glory wherever they are planted. Do we, likewise, bow and rise to proclaim Him as King?

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!