I can’t get enough of this fern!

I’ve mentioned before that it usually sits on my front porch during the summer. I bring the fern in mid-October when it gets too cold for it to be outside. It’s never done so well in the house as it has this year. Every morning, I sit in my chair in the corner of my living room and look at this fern with the sun shining on it. Even if it’s cloudy, which is often the case in northeast Ohio, the light will shine through the fronds that are hanging down around the bottom.

I think I can draw some correlations between this fern and myself this winter. While it has been a very hard season for our family, I can see that there are parts of me that are growing and thriving. The fern is healthy because I have watered it and made sure it has gotten enough of the right kind of light. While I am sitting, drinking in this fern and the light, I open my Bible and let the Living Water flow into my heart. I let His light shine into my life.

So, light and water. Everything you need for growth!

How much Light and Water are you letting into your life everyday? I guarantee, it’s worth it! Even a few verses will be a balm to your soul.

Our pastor spoke Sunday morning on II Corinthians 6:3-13. It was a sermon that I needed to hear. I was sick three weeks out of four in February. I’m still recuperating. There have been quite a few changes in relationships in my extended family which have required more work and lots of schedule changes in my week. My kids will start high school next year (still home school) which requires quite a bit of pre-planning. I am feeling a bit depleted.

Our life is so much more than these things that deplete us. It is a spiritual race that needs to be run well.

I reread the passage of scripture from the sermon and pulled out a few nuggets. (I wish I had taken notes during the sermon! I usually do.)

3 Ways to Endure When You Are Feeling Depleted

1.) Remember, we are not weak or defenseless. v. 7. We have the power of God on our side!

2.) Rejoice v. 10. Remember His goodness, His power, and His Grace! Praise Him!

3.) Remember that we possess everything! v.10 Christ died for us! He rose again! He redeemed us and called us by name! Isn’t that what Easter is all about?

Oh, how I want to endure well! Oh, how I want my life to bring glory to His name!

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I want to add a little note about the fern in this picture. It is more than five years old. It usually sits on my front porch in an old white wicker chair. Every year, I bring it into the house for the winter. Usually, by March, it is down to five or so scraggly fronds. This year, it looks more lush than it did in October when I brought it inside. What’s the difference? I watered it more than I have in the past. I cared for it more than I have in the past. It is enduring well.

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I hope that you have seen Him here. I hope that these photos offered you a little bit of respite. Thank you for reading. I pray that you will have a beautiful day!