What My County Needs

If you’d have asked me two weeks ago what my county needs, I’d have said, “A Target, a Panera, and a Starbucks.” Sometimes life sails along smoothly and deceives me into thinking my deepest needs are for clearance clothing and Caramel Macchiatos.

But today my heart is heavy because of two devastating recent events that have reminded me that I and we are deeply needy—and for things that money can’t buy and a barista can’t pour into a cup. Two weeks ago a well-known, respected, and good couple in our community was arrested for allegedly abusing the children they adopted from another country. Several days ago a gunman opened fire at a local industry, killing several, wounding many, and terrifying many more.

I know people who are close to both of these tragic situations, but I don’t pretend to know the depth of their horror, confusion, and pain. Certainly times like these call into question the people we thought we knew and perhaps even more the God who allowed this. If You’re good, how could You let this happen? Why?

As valid as these questions are, our deepest need is not for answers. What, then? Love? Community? What we need most isn’t a what at all but rather a Who. We need Jesus. Jesus is not a Christian cop-out, a grand delusion for our comfort, a genie in a bottle, or a legendary moral teacher. He is a real person, He is alive, He is God, He is in control, and He is the only true hope for a broken world.

Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? I don’t know. This will never make sense to me this side of heaven. But you know what else doesn’t make sense? God loved us while we were spitting in His face and sent Jesus to take part in the human experience. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t and was murdered for our guilt. God brought Him back to life, and now He’s offered to us the unfathomable gift of grace—a relationship with Him, hope, help, comfort, purpose, and eternal life when we die. He is so good to give us this grace, and He has been good to me personally in a million other ways as I’ve journeyed with Him. So I choose to trust Him for salvation and for all the other things that don’t make sense.

Jesus will not take a Magic Eraser to your pain, but He does understand, and He will walk with you through it, comforting you and never leaving you. He loves you, He died for you, and He wants to be with you for the joys and heartaches of your life—no matter who you are or what you’ve done. My words are honest but imperfect, so I’d love it if you’d go from here to the pages of the Bible because it’s flawless. The book of John is a great place to start. Jesus will meet you there.

“God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10

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Farm Women Blogs

Several weeks ago I tagged along with an aunt-in-law and two cousins-in-law to a Women Managing the Farm conference. We enjoyed keynote presentations on the inspiring history of Kansas farm women and how to engage the culture-wide conversation on GMO's and other hot topics in ag in a way that diffuses conflict rather than escalates it. Other highlights included breakout sessions on cattle handling techniques that use less muscle, vision-planning for the farm, and marketing to millennial consumers.

The conference gave me an unexpected treat in connecting me with four amazing women who farm in Kansas and are telling their stories through blogs. I'm loving their content, and I think you will too. Won't you check them out?

Willow Springs Farm

Hannah is a first-generation farmer who produces quality grass-fed beef from her cattle operation near the Flint Hills.

Tales of A Kansas Farm Mom

Nicole shares about everything from farming with kids to recipes to a feature I particularly enjoy called "Flat Aggie."

Farming Grace Daily

Julie's honest and encouraging voice is refreshing as she weaves together farm life, faith, and everything in between.

Chef Alli's Farm Fresh Kitchen

Alli is on a mission to help people understand where their food comes from, and her recipes are both delicious and practical.

Let me know what you think of my new friends, and happy reading!

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5 Facts for the 5 Feelings of February

It’s February, month of the heart. When I reflect on the state of my heart during past Februaries, I see high highs, low lows, and everything in between. Whether due to a romantic relationship (or lack thereof) or simply life’s circumstances, my feelings generally fit into one of five categories: fabulous, fine, fickle, fragile, and fed up. This motley crew has made for an emotional roller coaster that has sent me running to solid ground for facts, truth to steady my reeling feelings. God’s Word has much to say about the heart, and its principles have been a lifeline for me. You may even see yourself here and find comfort in facts that are greater than feelings.

Feeling: Fabulous

Fact: “You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent.” (Psalm 30:11-12a)

God loves us so much! His ultimate gift of love to us is salvation through Jesus, but frequently He goes the extra mile to display His affection through good things that happen in our lives. If you’re in this spot, remember that He’s the source of the joy you’re feeling, thank Him, and enjoy the moment! Do something to memorialize it too--take pictures, write in a journal, etc.--so you can remember God's goodness to you the next time you're not feeling so fabulous. Tell someone else about it too! Your story is powerful and could have a huge impact on a discouraged friend.

Feeling: Fine

Fact: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

“Fine” is often the answer we give to people who ask how we’re doing when we don't want to discuss how we're really doing. We might be feeling pretty good, or we might be feeling pretty bad, but sometimes we prefer to live in a state of numbness rather than address our true situation. God is not the Authenticity Police, but He does care deeply about your heart because He knows it affects everything you do. Give your heart some self-care by reading the Word thoughtfully, prayerfully, and introspectively; it will meet you right where you are.

Feeling: Fickle

Fact: “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1)

God knows that we can be fickle, and He’s not phased by how frequently we change our minds. Take comfort in the fact that He is sovereign—over your heart, the heart of the guy you'd like to call you, the heart of your boss from whom you'd like a promotion, and the heart of the estranged relative with whom you'd like to be reconciled. It’s not always clear why God does what He does, but He can certainly be trusted because He is good. So commit your heart and all the others about which you're concerned into His capable hands and rest.

Feeling: Fragile

Fact: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

Sometimes pain leaves us in a place of vulnerability; we don’t want to put ourselves out there, and we don’t dare hope because we can’t bear to get hurt again. Fortunately, we don’t have to muster the strength to go on because we can lean on God’s strength. He is our portion, meaning He is exactly enough for us. Tell Him how you're feeling, and ask Him to help you to draw on His strength.

Feeling: Fed Up

Fact: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Feeling frustrated because nothing is going like you thought it would? Instead of focusing on making things happen and getting what you want, cultivate your relationship with God. As you do so, He may not drop everything you want right into your lap like a genie in a bottle, but He will change your desires to match His desires for you, and then He’ll fulfill them. By the way, many of the desires that we have--for husbands, fulfilling careers, children, financial stability--were given to us by God. He wants to refine us so our hearts will be ready to receive His gifts and give Him glory for them.

The Word contains many more truths about the heart and facts that speak to every variety of feeling. No matter where you are on the wide continuum, I hope this February finds you in possession of all the truth you need.

How are you feeling this February? What fact is giving you comfort, whether one of these or something else?

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