I’m in the middle of moving, as we’ve been blessed with a new home. The backyard is filled with pine trees, and as I started dreaming about what to plant—what would be beautiful there—I had to pause and research. I learned about the acidic soil under pine trees (because of the decomposing pine needles), and discovered what would actually thrive in that environment: hostas, azaleas, ferns, even hydrangeas and camellias—a few of the things I love. And though my butterfly bushes (pugsters) might tolerate it, they wouldn't thrive and need another place in the yard to go.

This process made me reflect on my own growth.

Years ago, I would have just bought what looked pretty, planted it with excitement, and then felt discouraged when it didn’t survive. I would’ve blamed myself—“I just don’t have a green thumb.”

Have you ever done that? Have you ever felt discouraged, even blamed yourself, when really… you didn’t take the time to discern… and acknowledge that you didn’t take the time to seek God?

And just to be clear—hearing from God doesn’t have to be complicated.

It often comes as we simply pray and talk to Him, honestly and openly.

The song… and the Word says, “Oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” (based on Philippians 4:6-7)

But this moment isn’t really about gardening or even just sowing and reaping. That’s not what I came to share.. Or rather ask.

The question is this: when was the first time you experienced God?

Not what He said. Not even what you said. But what you experienced.

One of my first publications, The Abiding Grace planner, centers on prayer and hearing God because that was part of a refining work He was doing in me in 2024. But long before I understood any of that, I had an experience that marked me.

Just a thought.... if you remember what you were doing, wearing, or where you were on September 11th 2001, you will likely remember when you experienced God. So just sit and think about it for a moment.
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As a child, I remember sitting in the backseat of my father’s burgundy Buick,

...too short to see out the window unless I climbed up on the armrest. No seatbelt required. It was spring—the dogwood trees were blooming—and we were driving through Kirkwood on the way to church. I remember the smell of Spring. I was wearing white shoes, 6 twists in my hair. I dont think I remember the print on my white dress though. We were at the corner of Warren Street and Boulevard Drive. I starred just above the trees at the blue sky.

And in that small, quiet moment, I began thinking… “I am me. I’m the only one who sees from inside my eyes. I feel like I’m in my body, but also… spirit.” I thought about how many people were in the world, yet no one could be me, and I couldn’t be them. I knew God was in heaven, but I wondered… could He be here too?

And then I felt it: His presence - warm, safe, like a hug, like love, right there in that backseat.

And as if it was audible, that touch said “I am here.”

Strong, powerful, and loving all at the same time.
That moment never left me.

I’ve felt His presence at other times too—like the sunrise after the lowest moment of my life - deep in depression. Having lost all hope, I woke up in the middle of my mess, I felt Him hold me tight and say,

“I’m not done with you yet.”

Stern, firm, powerful, and loving at the same time.

Though its always an honor to hear His voice, I yearn for His presence, and I’m more aware now than ever when I’ve drifted too far. I’m grateful He gave me that early experience, so I would recognize Him throughout my life.

So let me come back to you, my dear friend.

How have YOU experienced God recently?

Take a moment and really think about it. Not the decisions, not the outcomes, not even the words—but His presence. Make a list. Write it down. Think about this past year… and then go further back.

Ask Him in prayer to remind you:

• the quiet moment in the car,
• His peace beside you in a hospital room,
• the strength you felt walking into something hard,
• His comfort as you cried in your bedroom,
• the unexplainable calm in the middle of chaos, uncertainty, and grief,
• the warmth in a moment of worship,
• the reassurance that “everything will be okay” when nothing looked okay.

Can you recall a time? And be honest—did you dismiss that moment? Did the moment feel unfamiliar, so you brushed it off? Did you choose not to receive His love?

When may you have experienced Him earlier in life?

A moment of joy, of peace, of protection, of reassurance you couldn’t explain at the time.

Because the truth is: God has always been there.

Just because you may have recently come into your relationship with Him doesn’t mean He just arrived.

He gave you life. He has always been near.

So as you reflect, write those moments down. Remember them. Carry them with you. And make space to experience Him again.

And as you step into this new season—this spring—make your plans, and plant your plants, and/or as you plant new seeds in your life, don’t just sow…

Sow with God!

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