"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
Back in 1990 Allan Metcalf, a professor at MacMurry College, came up with the idea of a “Word of the Year”. In a nut shell, as he reflected on Time Magazine having a “Person of the Year”, he only thought it fair and fun to have a word that would encapsulate each year, as well.... Continue Reading →
I love reading books and I am so thankful for those that write them and impart wisdom to us as they teach us what they have first been taught by God. There are so many paths God takes His children down for His glory and their sanctification…and yet, at some point, we walk the same... Continue Reading →
As Christmas quickly approaches, I’ve been thinking about Mary and thanking the Lord for her example. This is a gal like any of us; most likely living days filled with ordinary routine. Of course, a wedding was in the near future and the anticipation of that must have brought lightness to her feet and pitter-patters... Continue Reading →
I’m incredibly thankful to live in South Dakota. I never thought I would say that, but I have and will continue to praise the Lord for the gift of the state we live in. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m talking about the state and not the people. My heart has, of course, been incredibly... Continue Reading →
Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday, it is an expression of gratitude. It’s not just something we do, it’s who we are to be. It is a word that shapes character, reveals the heart and colors our every word and action. In all our conduct, we either display a spirit of joyful thanksgiving or discontented grumbling. ... 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 →
I was in the middle of reading Leviticus. I was in the middle of all the commands about bodily fluids. Yep, you know what I am talking about. It's kinda gross, kinda gritty, and kinda awkward; but it also shows the incredible care of God to address every issue possible. It shows His desire for... 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 →
There is this tree down the street from our home that started turning beautiful shades of fall colors…back in August. I remember doing a double take when I noticed the green giving way to patches of yellow and orange, eventually culminating in spectacular shades of red. The colors were beautiful but my mind was still... Continue Reading →
"The word of the Lord came to me: I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations. But I protested, "Oh no, Lord God! Look, I don't know how to speak since I am [only] a youth." Then the Lord said... Continue Reading →
Just the Clay 