This summer looks different in so many ways, both in the world around us and in the walls of the church. We usually offer programs for children at both campuses and VBS or other summer programs. But this year the rooms on both campuses are silent. The laughter and singing isn’t there right now, but it will be again in the near future.

Spring has always been a time for planting seeds and preparing the soil for gardens.  Our family had a vegetable garden and each year we made sure that it was planted by Good Friday. I am not sure if that was just a tradition passed down through the family or if it was tied to the Farmer’s Almanac, but it was what we did each and every year. Gardens and their bounty form a big part of my the summer memories. Cucumber and mayonnaise sandwiches on white bread or tomato sandwiches so juicy that you had to eat them standing over the kitchen sink were a daily occurrence that marked those summer months. Recently my brother began his days of quarantine by tilling up his side yard to plant an enormous garden. Sports had ended because of Covid-19, so his favorite pastime had come to an abrupt and disappointing halt. He took this time to go back to his roots and be a gardener once again. Growing up, he was constantly outside digging in the dirt and playing with the metal John Deere tractors in our backyard. I remember once he created a mini-farm by our pump house using his toy tractors. He marked off neat rows, planted corn seeds and created an irrigation system for his miniature field. He was in his element then and now, because farming and gardening is in his DNA. Actually, gardening in all of our DNA.

In this time of isolation and social distancing, let us draw closer to the Lord and strengthen our times of prayer. And

The days are different now. Slower. Quieter. A stillness seems to be all around. I have been on my porch much of

Fear is constantly in front of us daily. This truly is nothing new, but it is certainly heightened with the global spread

The Maker of the Universe loves you so much that He calls you His sons and His daughters. Let that sink in. The Creator of heaven and earth who made the stars, molded the mountains and filled the ocean – is absolutely crazy about you.

I have never been one for keeping a steady, consistent journal. But I am a pack rat, and hesitate to throw away anything that may have meaning some day.

Trust. It’s something we’re called to do even when it’s beyond our comprehension and in the midst of our darkest seasons. Trust in

As we are about to begin a new decade and a new year, this is the time that we often set goals