"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." 2 Corinthians 4:7
A little over a week ago, I was asked to share some words of encouragement at the bridal shower of a dear gal in our church. As is the case whenever I study to share, my own heart was challenged, encouraged and blessed. Almost a quarter of a century into married life, and I am... Continue Reading →
Summer brings many memories to the forefront of my mind and some of my favorite pastimes involved water. Whether a pool, lake or the beach…these places all brought refreshment and fun on those hot, lazy days. There were times of diving right in or assuming the cannonball position that soaked everyone standing around, but I’d... Continue Reading →
“A mixed crowd also went up with them…”. Exodus 12:38 In reading through the Old Testament again this year, I am continually struck with how much I do not know. I read, I observe, I look at commentaries, I meditate….and then I forget. No wonder Paul calls us to renew our minds. I need my... Continue Reading →
"You always have the poor with you, and you can do good for them whenever you want, but you do not always have Me. She has done what she could...." Mark 14:7-8a You are probably familiar with the setting in which Jesus spoke these words. While Jesus was reclining at the table of the home... Continue Reading →
It happened. Covid is no longer a stranger to the Pichura Family. I certainly wouldn’t call it a friend, though. Normally, I seek to be hospitable but I’d much rather kick Covid to the curb. But, alas, it’s here to stay for more days than I'd prefer. We are now part of the statistics. We... Continue Reading →
It’s a strange world here in South Dakota. One month from our last day of summer, we had our first snowstorm. And, just like that, we seem to have closed the door on fall, as well. I am thankful for the month of autumn we had, though. Watching a tree’s leaves change color really is... Continue Reading →
It’s amazing how we so easily compare ourselves with others. Our gaze is so quick to rest on the horizon and ignore the vertical, our true reality. It is so easy to look around at others, and yet we have to fight hard to look up to the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Discontentment... Continue Reading →
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the “Art of Conversation” and a few things I thought were important to think about as we converse and build relationships with others, specifically believers. Yet, a lot of us spend the majority of our days interacting with those that are not saved, that are not “in... Continue Reading →
I am a huge fan of friendships. HUGE FAN! God did not create us to be little islands living life on our own with "Jesus and Me" as our motto. When He saved us, He placed us into His family and we became part of the Bride of Christ...His church. The church is made up... Continue Reading →
I think it’s safe to say that for the majority of us, during these past four months, we’ve had far less conversations than we had a year ago during the same time. The very definition of quarantine implies a level of isolation and we have all felt this to one degree or another throughout the... Continue Reading →
Just the Clay 