How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of [her] who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns” (Isaiah 52:7 ESV)

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life (Galatians 6:4-5 The Message)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of [her] who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns” (Isaiah 52:7 ESV)

Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God–the source of all my joy. I will praise you… O God, my God! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God (Psalm 43:3-5 NLT)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (I Peter 2:9 ESV)

“… will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?” (2 Corinthians 3:8 NIV)

She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you (Proverbs 4:9)

It happened when the Judean sky just outside Bethlehem was awash with stars, dotting an indigo canvas.

She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37b–ESV)

That’s what many are feeling here in western North Carolina.

After all, several years ago, a flood devastated much of our county–washing away homes, hopes, and dreams.

Even taking lives.

With the threat of Hurricane Helene, many are buckling down, boarding up, and praying hard–

That’s what many are feeling here in western North Carolina.

After all, several years ago, a flood devastated much of our county–washing away homes, hopes, and dreams.

Even taking lives.

With the threat of Hurricane Helene, many are buckling down, boarding up, and praying hard–

Late in the afternoon of a chilly day in February, two gentlemen were sitting alone…

“…[give] thanks always and for every circumstance, thanking God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:20)

“You will go out in joy and be led forth with peace…” (Isaiah 55:12a NIV)

Sweet Mother Mary– Labored Life for all the world, Rose daughter to Son.

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven… Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11a NLT)

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10 NKJV)

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9

“I believe [Mary Magdalene’s] simple, graceful impact is to remind us of the power of following Jesus…” (Graceful Influence, Lori Roeleveld, p. 131)

The yellow buds of forsythia serve to remind us—spring is coming in all its glory. It doesn’t wait until the threat of winter’s passed but, rather, blossoms with courage, then braves cold nights which will surely come.