"Along with the practical instruction about diligence in work, I find an application for the care of my soul. The thistles of self-interest grow naturally within me, while the fruit that pleases God requires constant weeding and watering through prayer, confession, and obedience to the Lord. Without these, the soil of my heart will become choked with the thorns of trivial pursuits and greed.

“Keep your heart with all diligence,” Solomon wrote, “for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). That requires constant care. —David C. McCasland

One little sin, what harm can it do?
Give it free reign and soon there are two.
Then sinful deeds and habits ensue—
Guard well your thoughts, lest they control you. —DJD" Our Daily Bread

Weeds. I've been pulling weeds lately in the landscaping. But there are so many left in my heart. Across our street is a house that once was a gloriously built Victorian abode. But it has suffered from lack of care. Boards are falling down, paint chipping, weeds growing up, roof sagging. It's been vacant for a long time. Recently, our town buckled down on the state of vacant houses and now the owner is sprucing it up a bit. Painting the 3 pinks scheme to solid white. Lawn maintenance. But it still doesn't look lived in. Our house has been neglected for awhile, too. With babies, travel, and lots of other more pressing things to do, it hasn't been our priority. It looks lived in, but not loved. Is it fair to say that when we ourselves have obvious sins (gluttony, pride, immodesty, laziness, etc), people look at us and realize that we don't feel loved? Sure, we may have lots of loved ones, but do we FEEL loved? A Christian who doesn't believe with all their heart that the Lord loves them and cares about every aspect of their existence is more likely to face this issue. When I am feeling selfish and self-loathing, lazy, and trapped in sin, I start snacking a lot, spending more time at the computer, and tuning the Lord out. I feel glazed over today, Father. I know You love me, but do I FEEL it without doubt? Do I sense Your Presence? Do I REALLY believe that You care about not only how I spend my future, but how I spend my MINUTES? Sometimes it's hard to remember that.

Thank You for the good report we received today from M's endoscopy. Thank You for the interest in our house from church friends. It reminds me that You can take care of things even as beautifully and simply as that! You are all-powerful, capable of more than I can imagine, and nothing is too difficult for You!

AH, LORD GOD

Ah, Lord God, thou has made the heavens and the earth
by Thy great power.
Ah, Lord God, thou has made the heavens and the earth
by Thine outstretched arm.
Nothing is too difficult for Thee.
Nothing is too difficult for Thee.
Great and mighty God (clap, clap),
Great in counsel and mighty in deed.
Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing,
Nothing is too difficult for Thee.