Hidden Cobwebs
Cleaning the chapels here in Wales is no easy feat. Honestly, it's downright frustrating at times! These old buildings seem to be home to a multitude of spiders that spin their webs day after day, resulting in a scene that resembles something from a scary movie, with elaborate cobwebs stretched across every surface. Every. Single. Surface.
The trickiest part about cleaning is that you can only see the webs when the light hits them just right. And since we have so little sunlight in Wales (let me tell you, the sun is a rare and precious commodity here), you can think you've gotten them all, only to have a ray of sunshine stream through the window and illuminate an elaborate web in the very area you just cleaned. I was literally standing there with my duster, feeling quite proud of myself, when suddenly the sun decided to make an appearance and reveal my failure. There, right where I'd just cleaned, was a massive cobweb I'd completely missed.
Tasting God’s Word, Not Just Checking Boxes
Yup, I've been guilty of it. I sit down with my Bible and reading plan, determined to knock out my chapters for the day. I glance at the clock, calculate how much time I have, and speed-read through the passages like I'm cramming for a test. Check, check, check. Done. Box ticked. Gold star earned. But when I close my Bible, I can't remember a single thing I just read.
Sound familiar?
There's a surge of Bible reading happening right now. Millions of people are starting 2026 with the intention of reading Scripture more faithfully. Bible sales rose 11% in 2025, with more than 18 million Bibles sold. Weekly Bible reading is at its highest level in 15 years. This is wonderful news! But I'm concerned that maybe we've turned Bible reading into another item on our to-do list instead of what it truly is: an invitation to encounter the Living God.
Faithful Frolicking
Wales is a dog-friendly place, and our small town is no exception. So, it’s not unusual to see people out walking their dogs at all times of the day. What is uncommon, however, is one particular dog, who is the talk of the town. The rumor is that the dog was born smack in the middle of the lambing season on a local farm and learned to "walk" by imitating and frolicking with those sprightly spring lambs. Can’t you picture the gleeful puppy bounding along beside them?
Well, whether fact or fiction, the dog has a unique gait. Rather than a standard walk, this canine companion essentially HOPS everywhere he goes! It's honestly one of the most hilarious things I’ve ever seen.
Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms, Part 6
As we navigate the storms of life, it's essential to remember that just because we face trials doesn't mean we're out of God's will. The disciples were exactly where Jesus had commanded them to be, yet they encountered a tempestuous sea.
The story also highlights the significance of trusting God's character and promises when we can't see Him working. Often, Jesus operates behind the scenes, diligently working all things for our good and His glory.
Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms, Part 5
Peter, displaying extraordinary faith, steps out of the boat in the midst of a raging storm and starts walking toward Jesus. It's a powerful image of unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Peter's eyes are fixed on Jesus, and he advances fearlessly.
But then, something happens that often affects us, too. The storm distracts Peter. Just as we sometimes decide to trust God and stay focused on Him amidst life's trials, we get distracted when the storm intensifies, drags on, or when we're weary. It's a common human response to the challenges we face.