BeanSpired Editions

Snow blankets the branches and flowers of a dogwood tree.

Maybe you're facing a problem, old or new, that has you frozen in your tracks or pacing in your bunker. Maybe you've tried giving it (or yourself) time, but found yourself growing stagnant. Or maybe, as overwhelmed as you feel at the thought of moving forward, waiting it out simply isn't an option. But how do we get moving? How do we live – really live – in the face of our nemeses?

A silver-gray horse wearing riding gear and a lead rope and carrying a rider stands facing the viewer at an angle. We can see only part of them: the horse's nose, chest, left side, upper legs, and a section of tail, and the rider's left lower leg and foot. They're standing in a sandy arena.

Horse Homilies, Tough Times

Hanging On for the Long Haul

November 24, 2020September 30, 2024 Megan Bean

Some things are worth persevering for. In fact, most worthwhile pursuits require perseverance. And there are cases in which perseverance pays off.

Bright yellow sunflowers on tall stalks turn their faces upward toward a cloudless, deep blue sky.

Gospel, Life

Looking to the Son

October 27, 2020September 27, 2024 Megan Bean

This is more than positive thinking. It's even more than counting our blessings. It isn't just admiring good things; it’s looking through the goodness to its Source. And it's committing to seeking that Source with our entire selves, all our lives, no matter what we go through.

Tree branches laden with white flowers reach into a blue sky with gauzy white clouds.

Relationships

The Root of All Virtue

September 28, 2020September 30, 2024 Megan Bean

You'd be surprised how many other important qualities and experiences worth having hinge on this one attitude.

A heart made with red-painted horseshoes lies on mulch amidst Black-eyed Susans.

Horse Homilies, Tough Times

Something New

August 28, 2020September 30, 2024 Megan Bean

Maybe you've felt similarly in seasons of major change. Maybe you've stood on the line between familiar and foreign territory and wondered: How do I handle the newness? How can I possibly move forward from endings into beginnings?

Two large luggage bags lie on a carpeted floor.

God, Life

God’s Belongings

July 24, 2020October 1, 2024 Megan Bean

What does a life owned by God look like?

Two small exercise weights sit in the middle of a yoga mat.

Life

Faith That Works

June 30, 2020October 1, 2024 Megan Bean

The Christian life is so much more than that one decision followed by a waiting game until eternity gets here. Faith is so much more an idea, a ticket we tote around until we get to Heaven’s gate and present it for admittance.

A tortoiseshell cat lies on a wood floor, looking out through the glass of a storm door.

God, Gospel

Prodigal

May 8, 2020October 28, 2024 Megan Bean

Prodigals – human as well as animal – don’t always look the way we expect. They might not strike us as bitter, rebellious, or unstable. Their inner struggles don’t always show in their attitude or actions. Yet they still wander. They still need restoration. And, whatever their driftings, God is more than willing to give it.