Smooth seas don't produce skillful sailors.' It's the rought waters that train us to e His disciples. He uses the turbulent times I our lives to prepare us for His purposes-if we'll let Him.

You pray. And you allow the Lord to be your strength. Remember the Lord doesn't give you strength. He is your strength.

I've seen spring come to the orchard every year as far back as I can remember and I've never grown tired of it. Oh, the wonder of it! The outrageous beauty! God didn't have to give us cherry blossoms you know. He didn't have to make apple trees and peach trees burst into flower and fragrance. But God just loves to splurge. He gives us all this magnificence and then, if that isn't enough, He provides fruit from such extravagance.

No terrain is too bleak, no distance too far that it will stop God from rescuing His own.

That's absurd," I said with a little laugh. "Nobody can read too much. That's like saying someone breathes too much.

So often I have felt alone in my journey, yet I've been afraid to let anyone see my fear and weakness.

Besides re-arming myself with joy, I need to know the holes in my defenses, the places where I'm vulnerable and where the enemy has successfully attacked me before.