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a spellbinding evocation of biblical life.

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This delicate tree is a wonder. Most of the year,

This delicate tree is a wonder. Most of the year, it is an ordinary green with some hint of red. It blends into a hundred like it in our New England backyards. But come the end of October, when the weather turns cold, by some alchemy of creation its color changes and becomes something indescribable.

Something alive.

Once, when I was walking through a deeply discouraging season, I hit a low point. I couldn’t think of anything hopeful. I felt beaten. Then I looked outside and saw this tree. And somehow that was enough to give me a handhold.

Because I knew how quickly the tree had changed and become something other, I remembered that life has seasons too. And it can turn overnight and become a thing of beauty.

Because I knew God’s design had been working on my tree, I remembered that He was working no less miraculously or meticulously in my own life.

Because I knew this tree had become more beautiful in the harsher colder climate, I remembered that the hard things in life can do the same to our souls. Can prosper us in ways we cannot imagine.

All I had to do was to picture the tree in my mind and my soul quieted.

Sometimes you need just one tiny sliver of truth to remind you of the bigger Truth that guards and guides your life.

So if you are going through a dark season, if it feels like you have no way forward and no hope, pick one thing. One good thing that you can hold on to.

And let it remind you of the greater Truths that still guide and guard your life. That still hold this world together.

I have been gobbling up The Unselected Journals of

I have been gobbling up The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower. I finally had to draw a line in the sand and stop reading at book six, so that I could have something saved for the cold winter months. I feel like I have new best friends, and new enemies to forgive. I am team Islington for those of you who are also reading the series.

Have you picked up this series yet? Highly recommend them if you are looking for something light and lovely.

3 Weeks until The Palace Spy releases into the wor

3 Weeks until The Palace Spy releases into the world! Have you preordered your copy yet?

What’s on my non-fiction writing shelf?

What’s on my non-fiction writing shelf?

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