farm patch.

In Genesis 1:29, God said, “‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.'”

From the beginning of time, God created a love affair between man and food. One of nourishment and health. One that he knew would provide us the energy to propel into salvation history and into God’s plan. He saw the things we’d do and create. He saw our need to procreate. And he provided us with the produce we needed to achieve God’s goals for us.

I happen to live within biking distance of the cutest farmer’s market ever, and visit it when I feel compelled to eat something other than a college diet or express some creativity in the kitchen. I love to cook. I love to eat. So the farmer’s market tends to be a regular stop in my day to day life.

Farming is Biblical. 2 Timothy 2:6 says, “It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.” And I guess that’s what I love about Farm Patch. It is full of hardworking, everyday kind of people. People like you and me. People like my family and friends. Walking into Farm Patch is like coming home after a long day of work. You’re immediately surrounded by people who recognize you and want to provide you with the best experience possible. From asking about my day to offering to refill my water bottle if I’m out on my bike, Farm Patch’s employee’s are consistently warm and friendly. Walking through baskets of fresh, Texas grown produce, you consistently find yourself in God’s embrace through the kindness of others.

In Proverbs 7:2, God says, “Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye.” As much as I love the produce at Farm Patch, deep down I know that isn’t what keeps me coming back. What brings me to Farm Patch time after time is the opportunity to experience the gifts God has given us in a calming environment. I’ve heard it said that church does not just exist in a chapel- church is in the world. And I believe that’s true. Constantly finding new places to worship and appreciate God should be something we pride ourselves on. And finding his grace in aspects of our environment where it is not initially apparent should be our goal.

Yesterday, I spent five dollars flat at Farm Patch. Because, let’s be honest, it isn’t the food I go for. It’s the chance to unwind in the presence of God’s creation. Walking through produce lined walls with nothing but some Snicker doodle and White Russian coffee and a stem of purple daisies in my arms, a particular verse came to mind. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard- things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”

Though residing in the world, we find true belonging in God. In his presence and in his word. Luck for us, both are present in every moment of every day if we are willing to pursue them. Banish the restlessness that lives inside your heart and replace it with the perpetual peace that stems from a loving and two-sided relationship with your Heavenly Father. Pursue it where ever you go whether it be in church, at work, or walking through your local favorite. While the feeling of walking out of Farm Patch with a crisp, brown paper bag in my arms at times feels unmatched, that of walking through every minute of every day with God in my heart is a sensation worth fighting for.

Love always,

“Keep me as the apple off the eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” Psalms 17:8

she reads truth- a recommendation.

This week I bought an iPad. Friends, in the age of information we are presented with a million new ways to access the things we used to find strictly in books. As children of Christ, this presents us with opportunity.

Lately, I guess one could say I’ve been in a bit of a spiritual rut. And though I know that this happens to everyone at times, it has the effect on me that it emphasizes my status us a sinner. It brings to light those things that distract me from God. And it illuminates my tendency to choose other things over him.

As much as being in what one might call a spiritual rut is my fault, in some ways it tests my ability to spark my faith and to find ways to fuel that fire God placed inside of me. For me, I know that if something doesn’t work one way approaching it from a different angle or through a different channel can get the cogs moving again.

That’s why today I come bearing news! As much of a communication geek as I am, discovering an incredible God glorifying app today was exactly what I needed. Stop. Right now. Go to the App Store. Whether it be an Apple or Android product. Download the “She Reads Truth” app.

It’s amazing. Sleek, trendy, information bearing, communicative, inspirational and aimed at women (though beneficial to men too). If you’re like me, you may not be into buying apps. Perfect. Because this one is primarily free. Choose your study guide. If you’re looking to avoid fees, try The Bible in a Year, the Hymn selections, The Sermon on the Mount and This is the Bible. I downloaded all six. Pure bliss, my friends. Each plan tells you how many days it takes. They start with the verses they are focusing on each day, then move to a devotional to go along with the verses that was prepared by the author of each study guide.

As you read you have the ability to highlight, save, post, and comment on the information involved in the study guide. That’s right, comment on. As in social media. Meet your new favorite social media. One that allows you to discuss the Bible and Godly ideas with women of faith through your phone, tablet, email, or the organization’s website.

The app itself is well organized with easy to navigate, labeled side tabs. The images in the app are coolly symbolic and primarily nature inspired. Plus! The get all of their amazing, downloadable wallpapers. Spoiler alert, they’re now on all my electronic devices.

Today I started day one of the Hymn study guides. The title? “Come ye, sinners.” Looks like I’ve found a new, on the go spiritual outlet. Hope you join me soon!

the next chapter.

Can you believe you’ve been with me for almost three years now? Sometimes life seems absolutely insane, but in crazy times the best thing to keep in mind is that no matter what happens life keeps moving forward. With graduation less that a year away, that something I find myself thinking a lot. Life keeps moving forward. As incredible as the past few years have been, they’re coming to an end. But I’m only just beginning. As much as trying new things and exploring a new town was wonderful, the thought of having a life with someone else is much more so. The thought of getting married and having a job and starting a family. When I found myself getting sentimental or sad because this chapter is closing, the start of another one keeps my thoughts positive and my heart inspired. I love the prospect of new experiences and ongoing loves. That’s how I think Jesus felt on the cross. Though the end was horrendous, he kept sight of the next chapter. He thought of all the new people he’d have the opportunity to love in death and of all the fresh experiences they’d come to enjoy. And he knew he was saving all those people. He knew he was preserving the right for people he had yet to meet to enjoy his fathers creation as he had intended.