Recently Finished reading: Rose Guide to End-Times Prophecy by Timothy Paul Jones 📚I’m grateful for the author’s attempts to be even-handed, and to highlight points to appreciation in each perspective. Still, it covers too much for most lay readers, and not enough for an in-depth assessment.

A narrow dirt path meanders through a lush forest carpeted with small, light purple wildflowers. The trees, mostly leafless with some budding green leaves, create a canopy above the flowers. The scene feels serene and natural, with a mix of earthy tones and the vibrant purple of the flowers contrasting with the fresh green of the undergrowth.

This is an old photo from back when digital cameras weren’t great. Still, looking at it always makes me think of spring. I’m ready for the weekend rains to pass so we can go hiking again. 📷

Finished reading: The Essential Means of Grace by Paul Washer 📚 This short little book is a very readable and practical overview. I’ll be recommending this and buying copies to give away.

A snake with a mottled gray and brown pattern blends into its rocky surroundings. It is coiled among various sized stones, providing effective camouflage. The textured scales of the snake are visibly detailed.

The kids found this guy in the dry creek bed where we stopped for lunch on our hike. He was cold and barely moving. Back at home we consulted a book of local snake species and think it was a pigmy rattlesnake. 📷 🐍

A close-up of a branch with clusters of small, vibrant pink flowers. The background shows a blurred view of a forest. The overall scene is tranquil, indicating early spring. Close-up of a white dogwood flower with four petals and a cluster of small green buds at the center. The petals have a slightly pinkish tinge near the edges. The background shows blurred branches and brownish foliage. A close-up of a tree branch adorned with clusters of small, bright pink flowers. The branch is prominent in the foreground, while the background features a blurred view of greenery and forest floor. Some new yellow-green leaves can be seen emerging on the branch. The overall scene gives a sense of springtime in a wooded area.

A few of the abundant spring blossoms from yesterday’s hike. 📷

Finished reading: The Preeminent Christ by Paul Washer 📚

I’m always thankful to read a primer on essential doctrine that is devotional rather than dry and stirs the heart to worship. A bonus is the wealth of hand-selected quotes on the subject from throughout church history.

Finished reading: Finally Free by Heath Lambert 📚 This is one of the best books I’ve read on this topic—full of practical help and solid biblical wisdom, which is often missing from similar books. It will be one of the first books I recommend going forward.

Finished reading: Your God Is Too Small by J.B. Phillips 📚 While I had a few minor criticisms this was, over all, stirring and thought provoking. A worthwhile read for both believers and skeptics.

Finished reading: Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls by Coleman Ford & Shawn Wilhite 📚 The book was slow to click for me; however, I enjoyed the later chapters more. In all, it’s a worthwhile read for the many nuggets of pastoral wisdom, and a good intro to the benefits of reading the Fathers.

The view from the front porch tonight—cold but beautiful. 📸

A large tree with bare branches stands in the foreground of a snowy landscape during sunset. The sun is partially hidden by the tree, casting a warm golden glow across the scene. Shadows stretch across the snow-covered ground. In the distance, other trees and a barn are visible against the colorful sky.