Our newest spring edition. Snapped a quick photo while Mama was out and about.

The wisteria is blooming again. All winter, those vines looked lifeless—twisted, gray, and bare, clinging to trees that seemed to have nothing left to give. If you didn’t know better, you might think they were dead. Forgotten. Finished. But now, almost suddenly, they burst forth. Clusters of deep royal purple spill down like waterfalls of color. What once looked empty is now overflowing. What appeared dead is now undeniably alive. And isn’t that just like what Christ does? There are seasons in our lives where everything feels stripped away. Dreams look dormant. Faith feels quiet. Hope seems buried beneath the cold weight of waiting. From the outside—and sometimes even on the inside—it can feel like nothing is happening. But God is never absent in the barren seasons. Just like the wisteria, something is happening beneath the surface. Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” Rebirth is not just a future promise—it’s a present reality. Through Christ, what feels dead in us can live again. Hearts can be restored. Purpose can be renewed. Joy can return. And just like those vines, new life doesn’t come timidly—it comes abundantly. The beauty of wisteria isn’t just that it blooms. It’s where it blooms. Out of what looked lifeless. Out of what seemed finished. Out of what others might have written off. That’s the Gospel. Jesus didn’t come for the already flourishing—He came for what was broken, lost, and seemingly beyond repair. And through His death and resurrection, He proved that life can spring forth from death in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. So if you’re in a season that feels like winter… hold on. Spring is closer than it seems. God is working in ways you cannot yet see. And when He brings it forth, it will not be small—it will be full, rich, and undeniable. Just like the wisteria. Prayer Lord Jesus, Thank You for being the God of new life. Thank You that even when things in my life feel dry, empty, or broken, You are still at work beneath the surface. Help me to trust You in the waiting seasons, when I cannot see what You are doing.

Key Scripture (NLT): “Be still, and know that I am God!” — Psalm 46:10 The city was alive in a way it hadn’t been in years. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, people lined the streets, waving palm branches, shouting His name, celebrating what they believed would be their moment of deliverance. It looked like a victory parade, full of energy and expectation, and yet beneath the surface, something much deeper was unfolding. Jesus knew what the crowd did not—that this week would not end with a crown of gold, but with a crown of thorns. As the days moved forward, the pace didn’t slow down. He taught in the temple, confronted those who had turned worship into profit, and spoke truth that stirred both hope and anger. Everywhere He went, people were pulling at Him—some desperate to be healed, others desperate to silence Him. The weight of it all pressed in, yet He never seemed rushed in His spirit. Even as everything around Him accelerated, there was a steady surrender within Him. Then came the quiet of the upper room, where He sat with His disciples, breaking bread, knowing it would be His last meal with them before the cross. There was a tenderness in that moment, a pause in the middle of the storm, as He washed their feet and spoke of love, even knowing betrayal was already in motion. And just when it seemed the night could not grow heavier, He walked into the garden, where the noise of the crowds faded and the reality of the cross came into full view. There, in the stillness, He prayed with such intensity that it revealed both His humanity and His complete trust in the Father. And still, the world did not stop moving. Soldiers arrived. Chains were placed on His hands. Accusations were shouted. The crowd that once praised Him now demanded His death. The movement of the week carried Him all the way to the cross, where time itself seemed to pause as He gave His life. Then, after the silence of the tomb, came the morning that changed everything, when the stone was rolled away and the risen King stepped out in victory.

Today I’m getting my oil changed and my car inspected. It’s something we all have to do—routine maintenance to keep things running the way they should. If we ignore it long enough, problems start to build up. The engine wears down, performance drops, and eventually… something breaks. It got me thinking—how often do we treat our spiritual life the same way? Just like a car, our walk with Christ needs consistent maintenance. The oil in a car keeps everything moving smoothly. Without it, friction builds, parts grind, and damage happens. In our lives, time with God—prayer, reading His Word, and being in His presence—is like that oil. It keeps our hearts soft, our minds clear, and our spirit aligned with Him. Psalm 119:105 (NLT) says: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Without that guidance, we start drifting. We may not notice it right away, just like you don’t always notice your oil getting dirty—but over time, it affects everything. Then there’s the inspection. When your car gets inspected, it’s not just about what’s working—it’s about catching what isn’t before it becomes a bigger issue. In the same way, we need to allow God to examine our hearts. 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT) says: “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves.” That means asking hard questions: Am I still growing? Am I spending time with God daily? Is my life reflecting Christ? Maintenance isn’t glamorous—but it’s necessary. You don’t wait until your engine fails to change the oil. And we shouldn’t wait until life falls apart to reconnect with God. A strong walk with Christ isn’t built in crisis—it’s built in consistency. Prayer: Lord, thank You for reminding me today how important it is to take care of what You’ve entrusted to me—not just my responsibilities, but my relationship with You. Help me to stay consistent in prayer, in Your Word, and in seeking Your presence. Search my heart and reveal anything that needs to be corrected or strengthened. Keep me aligned with Your will, and help me not to neglect the daily maintenance of my faith. I want to walk closely with You, every single day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We all have chores. Take out the trash. Sweep the floor. Vacuum the rug. Make the bed. Wash the laundry. Daily and weekly rhythms that keep life from falling into chaos. If I’m honest, I’m not the greatest housekeeper. I’m thankful my wife helps keep me straight. Tonight, I found myself doing laundry—not something I always stay on top of—and as I stood there, I started thinking… All these little tasks help maintain the house. They keep things running. They create order. But even more than that—it’s God who keeps us running. We may manage the house, but God manages the life inside it. The Bible reminds us: “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” — Psalm 127:1 (NLT) We can sweep floors and fold clothes, but only God sustains our strength, our breath, and our purpose. Think about it—God has His own “workforce.” Not in the way we think of chores, but in how He actively works in and through our lives. The Holy Spirit guides us (John 16:13) Angels minister and protect (Hebrews 1:14) His Word cleanses and renews us (Ephesians 5:26) His grace sustains us daily (2 Corinthians 12:9) While we’re focused on maintaining the visible—our homes, our routines—God is maintaining the invisible: our hearts, our faith, our direction. Even in something as simple as doing laundry, there’s a reminder: Just like we clean what’s dirty and restore what’s been worn… God is constantly at work renewing us. “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along right paths…” — Psalm 23:3 (NLT) So yes, do the chores. Be faithful in the small things. But don’t forget—the true Keeper of the house… is the Lord. Prayer Father, Thank You for being the One who sustains my life. Even when I’m focused on the small, everyday tasks, remind me that You are working behind the scenes, holding everything together. Help me to be faithful in the little things, while trusting You with the greater things. Cleanse my heart just like I clean my home. Renew my spirit, guide my steps, and keep me aligned with Your purpose.