Birch Trees, Blessings, and a Strong Husband

Today we relocated a couple of birch trees on our property. Somehow, these little trees sprouted from the birch in our backyard and made their way all the way to the front ditch, a sweet surprise we first noticed this spring.

We decided to move them to the east side of our land to line up with the mature birch that stands tall and strong, planted years ago by our dear friend Jan, the same Jan who planted the apple tree from my afternoon snack. She’s now with Jesus, but her fingerprints are still all over this property. Every tree she planted feels like a quiet reminder of her care and God’s provision. When we moved in nine years ago, that birch felt like a smile from Heaven. I’d always dreamed of having one, their white bark, their gentle way of swaying in the wind. And there it was, waiting for me when we signed the papers on this little slice of green acres. What a gift from God.

🌳As we worked to move the trees, I couldn’t help but marvel at the strength of my husband. I tried to be his helper, but I’ll admit, I was no match for him! The ground was tough, filled with rocks and roots, and I could hardly get my shovel to budge. Then came Keith, strong and steady, cutting through the hard ground with ease. Later, I picked up the ax he’d been using and realized just how heavy it was. It reminded me how God made us so wonderfully different. My husband’s strength, physical, mental, and spiritual, is something I deeply admire. His faith doesn’t waver. It’s strong and grounded, much like those birch trees we love so much. Someone at church this morning shared how their faith was planted and inspired by their in-laws, and I couldn’t help but think of my father-in-law and Keith. Their steady walk with the Lord has shaped my own in ways I can’t even describe. Where would my life be without the encouragement, inspiration, and quiet leadership of my faithful husband? God truly knew what I needed.

“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’"

~Genesis 2:18

Just as Jan’s trees continue to grow and bless us years after she’s gone, our faith, when planted, watered, and rooted in God, has a way of spreading life far beyond what we can see. A Little Reflection Take a moment to think:

🌱Who planted seeds of faith in your life?

💪🏻How are you nurturing those roots today?

🌳Are there ways you can pass that faith on, through your words, your home, or your steady presence?

A Simple Prayer

“Lord, thank You for the people who planted faith in my heart, for their example, their words, and their love. Help me to be faithful in nurturing what You’ve started in me. Strengthen my faith, my marriage, and my roots in You. Let my life bear fruit that blesses others long after I’m gone. Amen.

A Sweet Note from the Garden

This afternoon’s snack felt extra special. 🍎 I used one of the crisp, tart Harrelson apples from our tree, an old Minnesota classic that holds a lot of heart. My Grandma Millie also had this type of apple tree, so it’s always been special to me. This tree was planted years ago by our dear friend Jan, who’s now in heaven. I think of her every time I harvest or enjoy the beauty she planted around this place.

We’ve loved our “Little Green Acres” for nine years now, and it still feels like a gift. 🌳

Recipe:

• 1 crisp Harrelson apple, sliced

• ½ cup cottage cheese

• 1 tbsp natural peanut butter

• 1 tsp coconut flakes

• 1 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips

• 1 tbsp pecans

Simple, satisfying, and full of good fuel.

Approximate Nutrition:

• Calories: 400

• Protein: 20g

• Fiber: 9g

Grateful for good food, good memories, and the hands that sowed seeds before us. 

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