Blueberries & Abundance

I liken the abundance of life to the blueberry bush. Quite some time ago now we bought several blueberry bushes to plant in our yard. The blueberry needs a companion. You can't just plant one, the blueberry needs to cross-pollinate. It needs a partner bush. Like our lives we can't go alone, we need the company of others in order to grow and produce meaningful fruit. Through our lives this need for a companion is met, a spouse, a brother, sister, mother, father, cousin, co-worker or friend. The people we need to grow are out there for us.

FamilyThe Judge FamilyAugust 4, 2018Family, Blueberries, Growth, Gardening, Faith, Family Time, FruitComment

Family & Strawberries

At times we may sound like a broken record. Yes, we love living in the South, and we'll continue to make sure that it's well known. Living here hasn't only introduced us to knew places and new faces, it's introduced us, and really more me, to a very deep rooted concept. Which is this: The importance of family can never be underestimated and each member of the family should be cherished.

FamilyThe Judge FamilyMay 9, 2018Family, Southern Living, Strawberry, Strawberry PickingComment

Advent: The True King

Advent Guest Post: Christ came in the flesh and dwelt among us. Although the creator of the world is the true King, he came not with pomp and majesty but in the complete humility and helplessness of a baby. He came in a lowly stable. He came that I would have eternal life. In this fact, I can have great joy in preparing for Christmas Day.

Family, HomeThe Judge FamilyDecember 23, 2017Advent, Christmas, Morning Prayer, Traditions, FamilyComment

Advent: The Light in the Darkness

As I step to the Christ candle on the Advent wreath, I light my candle, share the light with the ushers, and watch as the light travels along the rows, and gradually fills the room with light as we sing “Silent Night, Holy Night.” It gives me joy in a way I can hardly describe, to see the faces of dear friends and strangers light up as we sing. There is so much darkness in the world, and I need the reminder, that Jesus, God with us, the light of the world, has come and will come again, and that the darkness will not win.

Family, HomeThe Judge FamilyDecember 12, 2017Advent, Light, Savior, Jesus, Light in Darkness, Family, Tradition, HolidayComment

Advent: Longing for a Savior

Guest Post by Susie Walrond:

In a world where our attention is jerked around by media, it's crucial for me to be intentional about knowing Jesus and making Him known both in my home and to the world. I want my children, and my grandchildren, to understand that we--all people--are the reason He came. The reason He's here and coming again. Advent.

Home, FamilyThe Judge FamilyDecember 6, 2017Advent, Adoption, Family, Tradition, Christmas, Savior, HolidayComment

On baby bellies and works of art

She couldn't take her eyes off of it. After a good rub, she looked up at me with a smile that could melt the hardest heart, affectionately patting her tummy over and over. I sat there watching her...and it struck me as both beautiful and sad. She looked at that little belly with the purest heart, knowing that it was hers -- a masterpiece. I couldn't help but wonder if we all start out that way -- in love with the design and creation of our Father -- round bellies and all. And then I wondered, at what point do our affections for His work of art -- Me and You-- turn into self-loathing?

Family, BeautyThe Judge FamilyAugust 21, 2017Family, Beauty, Babies, Devotional, Ann Voskamp, Self Worth Comments