Soon after my wife and I purchased our first home, I tilled the entire backyard. It was a pretty good size. “You tilled the ENTIRE backyard,” my wife asked. “Well, yeah,” I said, “Now I won’t have to mow it.” “But you’ll have to weed it,” she quipped right back. And so amidst a lot of weeding over the years, I come to find there are quite a few parallels to taking care of a garden and life with God. When I was really young my dad had kept a garden, mostly to keep the grocery

With lovely flowers strown, But one straight, narrow pathway That was not overgrown. And to this beauteous garden He brought mankind to live, And said: ‘To you, my children, These lovely flowers I give. Prune ye my vines and fig trees, With care my flowerets tend, But keep the pathway open Your home is at the end.’ Then came another master, Who did not love mankind , And planted on the pathway Gold flowers for them to find. And mankind saw the bright flowers, That, glitt’ri

On January 20, 1961, in his inaugural address, our 35th president, John F. Kennedy, delivered this unforgettable charge: "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." The president's speech reminds us that we are to live as contributors to society, not just consumers. As Believers, one of the greatest things we can do for our country is to pray. Paul wrote to his spiritual son, Timothy: "I urge, then, first of al

This Fourth of July, America commemorates its “Supercentennial” anniversary—marking 250 years of being one nation under God. Throughout Scripture, the Lord often instructs His people to remember His acts of salvation, faithfulness, and provision (see Deuteronomy 4:9; Psalm 77:11). As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I believe it is only fitting for us to reflect on the blessings of America’s legacy and the sacrifices that made those blessings possible. Two and a half ce

Patriotism often stirs strong emotions and deep pride in a country’s heritage and values. It shapes how people see themselves and their place within a nation. But beyond feelings, patriotism plays a crucial role in building national unity and strengthening a shared identity. Understanding this impact helps us appreciate why patriotism matters in everyday life and how it influences societies. A national flag waving in the wind symbolizing unity and pride How Patriotism Builds