Are You Forgetting the Main Thing?
Jason's bowls tournament was approaching quickly, and my kitchen had transformed into what resembled a professional bakery. Every surface was dusted with flour, mixing bowls were stacked in the sink, and the sweet smell of baking filled our cottage. My husband had volunteered to handle all the refreshments for the event, bless him, which meant he had been baking all day. (By the way, he's a VERY good cook!)
I was in my office, fingers flying across the keyboard as I worked on my latest book, when I heard a groan from the kitchen that could only mean disaster.
"Oh, for crying out loud!"
The frustration in Jason's voice pulled me from my writing zone. I found him staring at a tray of unbaked scones, his flour-covered hands on his hips.
"What's wrong?"
He pointed at the offending dough. "I forgot the cheese."
The Sunflower’s Dance
Did you know sunflowers can dance?
While they may appear to be standing perfectly still, sunflowers actually make subtle, almost imperceptible movements called circumnutation. And even more remarkable, they grow in patterns that carefully avoid overshadowing their neighbors.
These aren't just plants selfishly stretching toward the light. They're dancing a choreographed routine that allows the entire field to flourish. Each sunflower adjusts its growth direction to prevent casting shadows on nearby plants. The result? Maximum sunlight absorption for the entire community.
This botanical ballet offers a beautiful picture of how the body of Christ is meant to operate.
In Romans 12:10, we're instructed, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." These sunflowers live out this scripture in their own remarkable way, preferring their neighbors by ensuring they receive adequate light.
How often do we, as Christians, position ourselves to cast shadows over our brothers and sisters?
Should Christians Use AI?
I confess, I've been keeping a secret from you all. There's a helper in my office. It's not a person but more of a digital assistant that's been quietly supporting much of what I do in ministry and writing. Yes, I'm talking about AI, and I've been hesitant to mention it because of the vastly different reactions it provokes among Christians.
Some of you might be nodding along, thinking, "It's just technology." Others may be reaching for your Revelation study notes, convinced this is another harbinger of the Antichrist. I understand both perspectives.
When Jason and I first came to Wales, technology was a blessing that kept us connected to family, friends, and supporting churches. Now, AI has become another tool in our missionary toolkit. It helps me create chapel newsletters, organize community events, and even acts as a brainstorming partner in my writing efforts.
Are You an Attractive Christian?
I've noticed something fascinating this week. The rather unremarkable bush outside my bedroom window has undergone a complete transformation. For months, it has been nothing but a green backdrop. Sure, it was pleasant enough, but certainly nothing to write home about. Yet, seemingly overnight, it has erupted into a constellation of delicate white blooms.
What's even more intriguing is the response these blooms have generated. The bush that previously served only as a waiting room for the birds at the feeder has become the hottest gathering spot in the garden. Now, dozens of bees buzz excitedly around each blossom, their enthusiastic hum providing the soundtrack to my mornings. Large fuzzy bumblebees, sleek honey bees, and tiny wild bees that I can hardly identify all crowd the branches in a bustling community of activity.
Packing Praise
I marvel at the mental picture in Exodus 15 after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. Moses leads the people in a song of praise to God for their miraculous deliverance, and then we see something extraordinary:
"And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances." (Exodus 15:20)
Wait a minute. Timbrels? You mean tambourines?
Let's consider the context. The Israelites had fled Egypt in haste. Pharaoh's army was bearing down on them. They were escaping slavery with only what they could carry, presumably just the bare necessities for survival in the wilderness.
Yet somehow, these women had packed tambourines. All of them?
Can you imagine the packing decisions? "Let's see... bread, water, extra sandals... and definitely my tambourine!" It makes me smile to think about it.