Cultivating what matters

It seems like almost overnight the trees have started to bud and plants are pushing up through the soil—spring is here, and gardening season is in full swing!

Now picture this: you’re holding two seeds, but you can only plant one. One grows quickly and with little effort, but it produces fruit that’s bitter and ugly. The other takes time, care, and consistent attention—but it grows into something beautiful and delicious. Which one would you choose to plant, nurture, and grow?

In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul talks about two kinds of fruit that our lives can produce: the fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. When Paul refers to “the flesh,” he’s talking about the desires and impulses that pull us away from God—things like bitterness, impatience, selfishness, chaos, and self-indulgence. These things may come naturally, but they don’t lead to the kind of life God wants for us.

But here’s the good news: when we belong to Jesus, He gives us His Holy Spirit. And with the Spirit’s help, we can begin to say “no” to those harmful patterns and “yes” to the kind of life that reflects God’s character.

Paul writes:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
—Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)

The Spirit empowers us to choose love over hate, peace over chaos, patience over frustration. Instead of reacting in our own strength, we begin to respond with grace and self-control.

The fruit we produce tells a story. It shows whether we’re following the pull of the flesh or being led by the Spirit.

Take a moment to reflect: what kind of fruit is growing in your life right now? Are you seeing signs of love, joy, and kindness—or do you notice bitterness, anger, or selfishness taking root?

Ask the Holy Spirit to gently show you what needs to be cleared away. Then let God do the transforming work—shaping your heart, your mindset, and your actions so you can grow the kind of fruit that blesses you and everyone around you.

The glue that hold us together

Last Sunday, we took time to honour moms and the remarkable women who shape our lives. Whether through a kind word, a steady presence, or an unshakable faith, these women often carry more than we know—and sometimes more than seems possible.

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying more than you can handle?

You're not alone.

In Matthew 1:21, we meet Mary. She’s a teenage girl—engaged, unexpectedly pregnant, and facing the kind of public scrutiny most of us can only imagine. And then an angel appears to her fiancé, Joseph, saying:
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
No pressure, right?

But here’s the beautiful thing—before Jesus ever walked on water, healed the sick, or conquered death, He was simply a baby in someone’s arms. Mary held Him. Rocked Him to sleep. Whispered His name before the world ever knew its power. She carried the Savior—and in doing so, shows us something extraordinary about strength, faith, and love.

Did you know that the Hebrew word for mother carries a hidden meaning?

According to the Ancient Hebrew Research Center, the word is made up of two symbols:
Aleph – a picture of an ox head, meaning strength.
Mem – a symbol for water, often associated with life or chaos.

Put together, they form a word that literally means “strong water.” Why is this significant?

In ancient times, the Hebrews made glue by boiling animal skins in water. As the skins broke down, a thick film rose to the top. That film—called strong water—was used as a binding agent. Glue. Something that holds things together.

The Hebrew word for mother isn’t just about biology—it’s about being the one who binds, who holds, who keeps things from falling apart.

That’s a powerful image. And not just for moms. Because whether you're a parent or not, you’ve likely found yourself in a season where you're holding it all together—for your family, your friends, your job, your community.

But let’s be honest—being the glue can be exhausting. The weight of responsibility, of worry, of just keeping everything from unraveling—it’s a lot.

So here’s your next step:
Whatever you're holding together right now—name it. Say it out loud. Then invite Jesus into that space. Ask Him to hold you together.

Because the Savior Mary once carried is the same Savior who now carries you.

You are the ONE!

You Are the One Jesus Loves
John 3:16 | Luke 15 | 1 John 4:8-10

Have you ever believed God loves the world—but wondered if He could truly love you?

It’s easy to accept that God is love, that God sent Jesus for “the world.” But when we know our own regrets, our doubts, our secrets—it can be hard to believe that love applies personally.

But here’s the truth: You are the one Jesus loves.

St. Augustine once wrote, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” That’s not just poetic—it’s scriptural. In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one that’s lost. And when he finds it? He rejoices. That’s the kind of love God has for you.

John, the disciple once known as a fiery “Son of Thunder,” became the apostle of love—not because he cleaned up his act, but because Jesus loved him as he was. Over time, John came to refer to himself not by his past, but by his identity: “the one Jesus loved.” You can too.

God’s love isn’t something we earn. It’s who God is. “God is love” (1 John 4:8). And God, the Father, proved that love by sending His Son—not when we had it all together, but while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

So, whatever your story—whether you feel unworthy, broken, or far from God—know this: Jesus sees you. He came for you. He died for you. He rose for you.

You are not forgotten. You are not disqualified. You are not too far gone.
You are the one Jesus loves.

Say it today, and let it sink deep into your heart:
I am the one Jesus loves.