Compelled by love...

For Christ's love compels us,
because we are convinced that one died for all,
and therefore all died.

2 Corinthians 5:14

This verse became very meaningful to me last summer as I was preparing to teach Bible study during Cross Camp, our summer camp for students. I wanted then, as I want now, to be motivated, driven, compelled, controlled by Christ's love!
(Memory verse for second half of May!)

Growth...

This is a beautiful time to be on the farm...
things change so quickly...
Here's the corn in April...

and now in May...



April...
and in May...


My favorite turnrow in late March...


...and just the other day...

Yep...it's beautiful. And I'm thankful...

Dearly loved...

These are interesting days. We've been busy on the farm all week, rolling irrigation pipe across our corn fields in anticipation of dry days ahead. My part of the work is fairly simple - drive a tractor approximately 1.2 miles per hour across bumpy rows while the guys guide the plastic polypipe into the trenches dug by the tractor, securing it in place with clods of dirt. (I admit it - sometimes I sing the "Green Acres" theme song at the top of my lungs while doing this!) But, for the most part, my mind has time to freely roam - and roam it has!

I've been completely obsessed this week with the Compassion Bloggers - a team of fantastic writers who are in India to love on children and families and increase awareness of the fantastic work of Compassion International. I've cried over each post - these stories are heartbreaking, life-affirming, perspective-shifting - you name it! If you dare, check out my new friend Pete Wilson, or catch up with Angie or Melissa. Warning - you will be moved!

Meanwhile - it's MAY 1st!!! Which means it's time for a new Scripture to memorize! Here's mine for the next two weeks:

Therefore, as God's chosen people,
holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

I'm praying for a deepened understanding of the love of God - the love He's poured into my life and how I am to love Him, and how that is supposed to affect the way I love others. And as we race forward toward my daughter's wedding day (June 13th!) I want to be less concerned with things like a "mother of the bride" dress and more concerned with clothing myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience! Lord, please! Make it so!

And, just because I think they are so wonderful and adorable, let me share a link to just a few fantastic photos of the happy couple!
God bless!