Thankful for the Homeland

A few days before the 250th celebration of America's Independence Day, I joined in with friends in the singing of patriotic songs.  My heart filled with gratitude as we sang America the Beautiful, My Country Tis of Thee,  The Star-Spangled Banner, and others. 

As we sang This Land is Your Land, my mind flashed back to the days when my third grade students and I sang those lyrics. At that time, in the late 60s and early 70s, I had never seen -- and neither had they -- the places mentioned in the song. But since then, I have been blessed to see many of them, including the Redwood Forest, the Gulf Stream waters, the golden valleys (in California and in Yellowstone National Park), and ribbons of highway visible for miles in places like Montana.

Since singing those songs and re-living memories, I've often had thoughts like these: Thank You, God, for choosing America as a homeland for me. It is, indeed, a wonderful one. Not a perfect one, but definitely a wonderful land filled with breathtaking beauty and unparalleled freedom.

His Life

 

On Palm Sunday, a friend texted me the inspirational graphic shown here. It prompted me to re-read chapters 21-28 in the Gospel of Matthew, which tell how Jesus spent the last week of His life. I was struck afresh at how focused He stayed while knowing death awaited Him.

On Sunday of what is now known as Holy Week, excited crowds lined the road and cheered as He approached the city. But their euphoria and loyalty faded before Thursday. Key leaders who had rejected Him continued to do and say things that turned that fickle crowd against Him and led to His arrest and crucifixion.

Despite the chaos, Jesus chose to stay visible rather than hide out. For example, He went to the temple that Monday. And when He saw people buying and selling, Jesus became so angry that they had made His Father’s house “a den of thieves” that He turned over the tables of the "money changers." 

Even as people plotted against Him, He continued to teach His disciples, to weep over Jerusalem, to spend quality time with those closest to Him, and to pray for them (and for you and me), as well as for Himself. 

During that week, one of His closest disciples betrayed Him.

 Another one denied even knowing Him. 

He was falsely accused. 

The crowd clamored for the release of a known criminal instead of Him, the sinless Son of God. 

He was taunted, tortured, and humiliated. 

As He suffered unimaginable agony, while also feeling forsaken by God, He prayed, “Father, forgive them. They do not understand what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

As I reflected on how He lived and how He died — fully obedient to the Father, fully willing to give His life so that others may come into a right relationship with God — I thanked God for Jesus. 

I also pondered this question: How closely does my life align with His?

Whatever the Season

 Excerpted from a column written in 2012 and published in the Chapel Hill News and Views magazine.

After the chilly, dreary days of winter, we long for spring, for signs of new life, for splashes of color, for warmer temperatures so that we can end our hibernation and get out and about once again.

We long for the time when we can say, “… the winter is past, and the rain is over and gone. The flowers are springing up, and the time of singing birds has come … The fig trees are budding, and the grapevines are in blossom. How delicious they smell! Yes, spring is here!” (Song of Songs, 2:11-13a.)

But sometimes we feel stuck in one season — in life, as well as in nature — don’t we? For example, children often feel they’ll be children forever! They long to grow up and do the things big people do. Likewise, people who are battling an illness may see no end to that season.

Whenever we’re feeling stuck, it’s good to remind ourselves of this truth: “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest … A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance … ” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4).

Although we like some seasons better than others, we benefit from experiencing a variety of seasons and cycles, else the Creator wouldn’t have designed them. In fact, we need the harshness and bleakness of winter in order to appreciate the warmth and beauty of spring. As 17^th century poet Anne Bradstreet pointed out, “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”

So … whatever time, whatever season, we find ourselves in, especially if we’re feeling stuck in it, let’s follow David’s example and humbly say to God, “My times are in thy hand …” (Psalm 31:15, KJV).

 Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quoted is from the New Living Translation.

 

While growing up in rural North Georgia, I knew a bit about my local area but naïvely assumed that people and places in the larger world were similar to those in my world.

But after graduating from high school, I moved from the mountains to attend college in the central portion of Georgia that had a very different landscape. Later, my husband and I traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and a few of the Caribbean islands. As we also vicariously traveled around the world through print and audiovisual media, and then the Internet, I gained a greater understanding of what the world is like. To my astonishment, it is so much larger and so much more diverse than the small area where I was born.

That process of exploration and learning reminds me of connecting-the-dots puzzles. The more dots you connect, the more recognizable the big picture becomes. In like manner, I started where I was born and moved on from the familiar "here" to one astonishing "there" after another. The people groups and places I’m continuing to learn about have been there for a long time, despite my lack of awareness. Such gradual illumination fills me with ever-increasing wonder.

Similarly, the Gospel story has been slowly, yet consistently, revealed to me. As a child, and for many years later, I knew little about the Bible, which contains the stories of the triune God and His dealings with all the diverse people living in the physical world He created, as well as how we will live in the hereafter — in the world He also has created and over which He will reign forevermore.

But through the years, I’ve been privileged to learn more of the Gospel story. For example, just recently, I listened as Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth connected even more of the dots in the Gospel story. 

 https://www.reviveourhearts.com/podcast/revive-our-hearts/the-incomparable-incarnate-christ/

Yes, there is more, so much more, to His story than the familiar stories and songs and dramatizations of the birth of Christ on which we focus on at Christmastime. Although that awesome portion of His life is an essential part of the story, it is not the true beginning of His life. He, like God the Father, has always existed and will always exist. Thus, there’s more, so much more, to the story of who He was, who He is, and who He will always be.

Since I’m eager to learn more and more about Him and believe more deeply and confidently in all that He is and does, I benefit from reading the entire Bible, which contains the larger story. As I read and reflect on various passages, including one of the apostle Paul’s prayers that’s found in the first chapter of the book of Ephesians, I receive insights to include in my prayers. For example:

I bow before You -- the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory __ and humbly ask You to give me a spirit of wisdom and of revelation that will provide true and ever-increasing knowledge of Jesus. I ask You to continue to enlighten my heart, so that I will know more and more about You and about the glorious hope and abundant riches Your boundless power and grace give to those who believe in Jesus.

I make these requests not only for myself but also for others. Enable us to know You, the triune God, more and more fully so that we might truly love You and worship You with glad and grateful hearts, always eager to share with others what we have come to know and believe about You.

Journey On!

 When I see a road or path, it may cause me to wonder where it leads. It may beckon me. Or it may cause me to say, "No way am I going there!"  

I’ve taken dozens of photographs of roads and paths. One of my favorite images is this one I took while hiking in the Grand Teton National Park. 

As I look at the images I’ve captured through the years, I often think about other kinds of roads we have to journey on—the difficult roads of life that none of us want to travel on. For example: Disease Drive. Cripple Court. Ruin Road. Shame Street. Bitter Boulevard. Agony Avenue. Dead End Street. Despair Drive. Poverty Court. 

As we travel through life, we certainly don't want to leave Easy Street. Yet, few, if any, of us can avoid Heartbreak Highway. The best thing to do while on that route is to relax, as much as possible, and enjoy that part of the journey as best we can, confident that our Heavenly Father knows where we are and stays close by all the time, loving us, encouraging us, guiding us along that difficult stretch of road. Although Heartbreak Highway has no mileage signs, our Father knows how long the route is. He also knows where the road leads and all the places we'll pass through. We will get to the right destination eventually if we don't take a wrong exit.

If we say, “I hate this road! I don’t want to travel on it anymore!” we must keep on traveling, while keeping an eye out for “pleasant spots” along the way. And every road, even a tough one, has some of them. Right?

For example, when we’re struggling with things that frighten us or threaten to overwhelm us, we may receive encouragement from family and friends who stand with us in the difficulty. We may also learn valuable lessons, such as learning to recognize the people and things in life that are truly important and to cherish them all the more. 

So...when the road is difficult, as it surely will be from time to time, let’s journey on, grateful for whatever blessings are along the way and for the assurance we feel when our Father says to us, "Don't be afraid. I am with you.* I know exactly where you are now and where I’m leading you. Just trust Me.”

*Isaiah 43:5

©2025 by Johnnie Ann Gaskill,

Create!

While shopping at the local Dollar Tree store, I spotted the mug that is now in the photo shown here. I liked its message ("Live life in full bloom") and the delicate flowers surrounding it. I bought it, along with a packet of small styrofoam blocks and a handful of assorted silk flowers. 

As I arranged the flowers (and then photographed my creation), I thought, This is so much fun--and so relaxing. Indeed, whether I’m arranging flowers, rearranging decorative items on a table, photographing various subjects, experimenting with a new recipe, designing greeting cards in Canva, writing, etc., I feel so content--and alive. That makes me wonder, Why don’t I exercise my God-given creativity more often?

If that’s true of you, let’s make sure we do at least one creative thing every day. Since we are made in the image of God,* who is the awesome Creator, we’ve been endowed with the desire and the ability to create. Let’s exercise that gift! Doing so can be done on a shoestring budget—or even for free! Therefore, we have no excuse for not creating, do we?

*Genesis 1:27

Time to Say, "Thank You!"

 

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day, I heard a simple yet stirring sermon that began with the verse at the bottom of the card I created and placed here. God used those words, written by the apostle Paul centuries ago and included in the sermon, to prompt me to feel even more thankful for the blessings that have been abundantly and freely showered upon me.

I have a thankful heart, truly I do. And I am quick to express my gratitude to the giver--and to gladly reciprocate when possible. But as I listened to the sermon and pondered the words, I thought of how often I fail to thank God, first and foremost, for all the blessings, tangible and intangible. Were it not for Him, I would not even have life, not to mention the countless blessings He has sent and continues to send. 

As I reflect on who He is and on His goodness to me, I thank Him. Then, as my mind floods with memories of people He has sent into my life bringing blessings galore, I thank Him for each one. To further express my gratitude, I plan to text them this card along with a personal note of thanks. I won't be able to thank everyone, of course. But I hope those I can contact will be encouraged to know that I am thankful for them and for their gift(s) that greatly impacted my life and brought much joy. 

Do you need to thank God--and others--for the blessings they have given to you?

Note: If you'd like to download the card and use it, feel free to do so. It is my gift to you.

Today

 One morning as I talked by phone with my daughter, she said, “What do you have planned for today?”

“Nothing is on my calendar, but I will do many things.” After mentioning several of them, I added, “It feels good to have an open day and not have to hurry, hurry, hurry.”

After the conversation ended, I remembered this poem I had read earlier that morning:

 

Today

So here hath been dawning

Another blue Day;

Think wilt thou let it

Slip useless away.

 

Out of Eternity

This new Day is born;

Into Eternity,

At night, will return.

 

Behold it aforetime

No eye ever did:

So soon it forever

From all eyes is hid.

 

Here hath been dawning

Another blue Day:

Think wilt thou let it

Slip useless away.

~ Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish essayist, historian and philosopher (1795-1881)

 

Although the language is outdated and the punctuation rather odd, his probing question is relevant today--and every day. Will we, dear reader, let God's gift of this new day "slip useless away"? Or will we thank God for it and use it in ways that please and honor Him and bless others?

Designed by Johnnie Ann Gaskill

After the Dark Times

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas and Louisiana in August 2017, causing catastrophic flooding and more than 100 deaths. The category 4 devasting hurricane meandered over eastern Texas for four days, dumping three to five feet of water in many areas. In its wake, more than 100 people died. Hundreds of thousands of homes were flooded. More than 17,000 people were rescued. 30,000 people were displaced.

As the storm approached, Kathy and John decided not to leave their home (where they had lived for 30 years) because John’s emphysema and a heart condition and Kathy’s recent knee replacement surgery made it hard for them to get around. But when it became obvious that they needed to get out of their house, it was too late.

They watched helplessly as the water rose inside their home.

When the water finally receded, the house was a mess and needed extensive repairs.

An insurance adjustor walking down the street of abandoned houses noticed a debris pile in front of Kathy and John’s house. Even though it was the only indication that someone might be living there, he knocked on the door.

After learning about their situation, he contacted a non-profit organization that partners with community groups to build and rehabilitate homes for people in need.

Everything except the brick was rebuilt. The house now has a new roof, siding, bathroom, drywall, kitchen island and cabinets, etc. Kathy had the privilege of choosing the colors.

The estimated cost of the repairs was $75-80,000. Yet, the homeowners only paid what they received from their insurance company and/or FEMA.

Reflecting on that awful experience, Kathy said, “I pinch myself all the time about this house. I would never have believed this could happen.” With tear-filled eyes, she said, “Even if this is our last Christmas together, it will be in a beautiful house.”

Only hours before I read that story, a friend had texted me this message: “Some of the darkest paths will lead you to the brightest places.”

Later that same day, a friend encouraged me with these words: “Some of our hardest trials lead to places of greatest blessing.”

Indeed!

Connection

Around 7:30 one morning, I walked outside my house and paused a moment on the driveway before beginning my daily walk. Like the doe I wrote about in the previous blog post, I needed to make sure no danger was lurking nearby.  

Much to my surprise, when I looked to my right, I saw the right rear flank of a deer, but the rest of its body was hidden by scuppernong vines. I readied my cell phone camera and then coughed softly, hoping the slight noise would startle the deer just enough to cause it to reposition itself but not enough to make it bolt. My tactic worked.

The deer backed up a bit in order to see the source and location of the noise.                                                                                                                    

I gasped with delight, not fear, when I saw a young buck. He stood stone still while I snapped a couple of photos. After I lowered my phone, we continued to make eye contact with each other for several seconds before he fled toward his home in the woods.

As I began my walk, I continued to feel the joy of that momentary connection. I thanked God for it—and the photos! I remembered that God wants all His creation to live in harmony. But since sin entered the world ages and ages ago and disrupted the peace and harmony and replaced it with antagonism, the creatures experience only rare and fleeting moments of connectedness (and trust!) that God desires to be the norm.

Innumerable reversals will occur one future day when God sets all things right. The prophet Isaiah mentioned many of them, including these:

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,

The leopard shall die down with the young goat,

The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;

And a little child shall lead them….

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,

For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD

As the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 11:6-9, NKJV

 

It’s hard to imagine such peace and harmony, such absence of fear and danger and aggression, isn’t it?

But all those miracles, and countless others, will happen when God says the time is right. Until then, I relish even brief moments of connection.

The Doe and I

In Your presence is fulness of joy; 

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

Psalm 16:11 

 

The doe emerges from the edge of the woods and pauses before she ventures onto my lawn. After turning her head to the left and to the right to assess the safety of the space, she steps cautiously onto the grass. Still alert for possible danger, she strolls toward the pear tree so laden with fruit that one of the branches has fallen off and now lies on the ground. After she nibbles on a green pear, she wanders around the perimeter of the backyard in search of clover and other treats. 

As I watch her, I wonder, Why is she alone? Where are the other does that frequented the yard this time last year? Have they moved elsewhere? Or been killed on the highway? Does she have a fawn that’s too young to venture into the yard?

I hope she does, for I so enjoy seeing young ones grow up and slowly learn how to live in the adult world. And I want her to have a relationship that brings her joy. 

I sense a kindred spirit with the doe. I, too, am alone since my husband passed away six months ago. I, too, am learning to engage in self-care while also making careful decisions about how best to proceed in my current situation. Like the doe, I dare to venture alone into a wider world but then return to the spaces that feel more familiar—and less frightening. After I’ve spent time in seclusion, I summon courage to emerge again to experience the pleasures outside my four walls.  

If the doe and I could converse with each other, perhaps we’d discuss strategies we’re using to ease the ache of aloneness. I’d assure her that God is my Maker and Sustainer—and hers—and that He knows what we need. I’d also tell her that being in close relationship with Him brings me joy despite the loneliness in my heart.

Although she can't understand words, I’d also click on this link, and together we’d listen to the song, Your Presence, Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zEiiZi2DKk 

Meaningful Memorials

In celebration of Memorial Day, American flags line streets in towns large and small. Flags wave proudly on the grounds of public buildings. Flags flap on residential lawns in response to gentle breezes. Small flags border a huge, raised bed near the front entrance to a nursing home near my house. 

Special ceremonies have been scheduled throughout the USA. Some desserts served at picnics or other gatherings will feature the red, white, and blue colors found on the American flag. Some towns host Memorial Day parades to commemorate soldiers who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Graves of the fallen have been decorated with flags or wreaths.

Because we live such hectic lives, we need special days, foods, and activities to remind us to remember someone or something too important to forget. That’s been true throughout the centuries. Even in Old Testament times, people were instructed to observe certain days and/or to construct a memorial of some sort to help them recall a person or an event that impacted their lives.

For example, the seventh chapter of the book of 1 Samuel mentions a memorial the prophet Samuel made from a large stone and placed between two towns. Its purpose? To remind all who saw it of how faithfully God had helped them and, by implication, would continue to do so.

Do you take time out of your busy life to observe Memorial Day and other special days, like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day? Do you have objects that trigger memories of important people and events? Do you pause to give thanks for them?

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, 

and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” 

1 Samuel 7:12-13, NKJV

The Gift

Throughout the year, I listen carefully while talking with family and friends. When they say, “I’d love to have…”, I take note of that. Doing so, along with listing those ideas in places I’m sure to see them, helps me choose gifts loved ones will enjoy receiving on a special occasion.

As I reflect on gift-giving, several Scripture passages come to mind. One of my favorites is found in the third chapter of the New Testament book of Acts. As the story opens, Peter and John are on their way to worship at the temple. When they hear a lame man begging for money, they stop. Peter says to him, “I don’t have what you’re asking for, but I do have what you need.”

Then, in the name of Jesus and with His power, Peter commands the man to rise up and walk. Although the man had been lame since birth, he stands up and begins leaping and praising God for the gift given to him, a gift far greater than the money he had been asking for.

Likewise, our Heavenly Father knows what we truly need and will supply it in His time and in His way. For example, because God knew the people of all time needed a Savior, He sent His Son at the time God had planned. (See Galatians 4.) And, oh, the gifts He brought. Not only forgiveness of sins and the right to become children of God and to enjoy Him now and throughout all eternity but also love, peace, joy, and so much more.  

We may think we want whatever is inside beautifully packaged gifts, but we need a Savior far more. And God has given us one.

Let’s praise Him for that awesome Gift—and for His other wonderful gifts too numerous to count.

Sing On!

When I colored the 4" x 6" card that's pictured here, the words Oh, sing to the Lord reminded me of my sweet Mama. From childhood on, I remember that many times throughout the day Mama either sang softly or hummed her favorite Gospel songs as she did household chores, crocheted, or quilted. 

Even as Alzheimer's eroded her memory, she still hummed many of her favorite hymns. Their words encouraged her. They enabled her to worship and praise God. They reminded her of eternal truths, of God's precious promises, of the assurance of His love, of His presence with her...

Mama did what Priscilla J. Owens (born in 1829) says to do:

Sing it softly through the gloom,

When the heart for mercy craves;

Sing in triumph o'er the tomb;

Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

I want to do likewise. Do you?

Blessings

 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

—-James 1:17, NKJV

Don't Give Up!

 Tears filled my eyes as I watched a video a friend had sent me of her one-year-old grandson, who was teetering and tottering as he walked a short distance across a room in his house. I admired his determination to walk on feet and legs that weren’t accustomed to standing and walking.

Unsteady though he was, he was laser-focused on making it to an area that contained some of his toys. That cute little “knee high to a grasshopper” fellow knew what he wanted. He went for it. He tossed aside his doubts and fears. He didn’t criticize himself for not walking confidently and quickly like the adults around him. Nope. He chose to do the best he could do and to move toward what he wanted.

Less than an hour later, while paging through a magazine, I came to an article about the true power of senior dogs. The accompanying pictures touched my heart, one in particular.

It depicted a chihuahua wearing a metal brace that was strapped across his mid-section and extended past his hind legs. The assistive device had wheels and looked as if it weighed about as much as the little dog. The caption said, “Despite their health woes, senior dogs never give up. They adapt and move on with life.” 

That photo brought to mind a brave little dog my son-in-law found after the dog had been seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver. My son-in-law took the dog to the vet.

Miraculously, Buddy survived and appeared happy, even as he limped along for a couple of months before having to have one of his rear legs amputated. For several years, he stayed active. But he finally needed to be carried up and down the steps that led to their backyard where he loved to lie in the lush green grass and bask in the sun while watching the other dogs run and play.

Even as his health deteriorated to the point that the vet said the merciful thing to do was to put the dog down, Buddy remained his sweet, easy-going, cheerful self. As always, he seemed to smile at everyone and to enjoy life, despite being in pain.

As I thought about the little boy walking on wobbly legs, about the dog pictured in the magazine, and about Buddy, I realized they were giving me an example to follow: Carry on, despite your circumstances. Adapt. But don’t give up—no matter how hard you must struggle to get to do what you desire to do and to get to the places you want to go.

Dear Reader, are you dealing with something that you feel is too hard for you? Do you want to curl up and give up instead of keep on going? Please don’t give in to those feelings. 

Your friends and family still need you. Even as you struggle, you can still inspire others to continue on—no matter how hard it is. Those around you need you to show them that it is possible to go on. Then when they encounter difficulties, they will remember and follow the courageous example you set for them.

Let’s resolve to live fully during all the days the Lord gives us. Whether we’re young or old, whether we’re well or weak, whether we’re confident or afraid, let’s move forward, thanking God for the gift of each day, for His presence with us, and for the strength He gives us to deal with whatever challenges we face.

On the Way!

An online merchant sends me a notification that my order has been shipped. In most cases, I also receive a link I can use to track the package. On the day the order is to arrive, I receive another notification that the item is out for delivery.

I like having access to that information. Once I know the item is on its way, my anticipation builds. And when I receive an “out for delivery” notification, I listen for the noise of the delivery truck. I go to the door and thank the delivery person. If I’ve been away from home on delivery day, upon my return, I check the front and side entrances to the house (or the mailbox) to see if the package was delivered.

This morning, I received an “out for delivery” notification. [See photo.] I clicked the link to the tracking information. As I looked at it, I realized afresh that while I’d worked at my tasks and while I’d slept, people had been working day and night to get the item to me. Other people had been involved in the manufacturing and marketing processes before it could be shipped and sent to me. A virtual army of people had been used to provide the item I wanted.

Realizing that so much goes on behind the scenes reminds me to wait patiently for God to act. He knows, even though I don’t, what’s going on and when and how and through whom His answers to prayers will come. And, oh, the joy when His gift arrives.

Landscapes

Even though I don’t tend to use fresh phrases when I write or speak, they delight me. Therefore, I felt intrigued when I discovered one (“the landscape of life”) someone else had written.

Although I hadn't thought about associating the word landscape with life, I suddenly saw the connection. 

Physical Landscapes

Some of the features in a physical landscape are natural—boulders, mountains, bodies of water, cliffs, etc. Others are added by humans. For example, property owners create whatever “look” pleases them (or they can choose to do nothing).

Case in point: when my husband and I vacationed in Arizona several years ago, we noticed striking differences between the green lawns that were as irrigated and well-tended as golf courses and those that were left in their natural desert-like state. The contrast was even more evident when the lawns were adjacent to each other. Each “look” was beautiful and reflected the preferences of the owners.

Life Landscapes

I suppose some folks, when asked to describe the “landscape of their lives,” might use a fresh phrase such as: 

• “My life looks as barren as the desert.” 
• “My life is as bleak as the Arctic in winter.” 
• “My life is as interesting as the rainforest.” 
• “My life is as lush as an island paradise.” 

Whatever the landscape of our life looks like, we can choose to leave it like it is or enhance it, even if we can’t completely change it. How?

There are some things we could do. 

1. Take a close look at what our life currently looks like.
2. Dream a little about what we’d like it to look like.
3. Calculate the cost involved in changing it. Do we want to invest that much? Will the ROI (Return on Investment) be worth it? 
4. If so, then set to work making the changes we envision. 
5. Enjoy the results of our hard work.

But... the BEST PLAN is to ask God to transform the landscape of our lives. After all, He is the one who can do far more than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20), even turn wildernesses into gardens (Isaiah 51:3).

Photo by Johnnie Ann Gaskill.