grace – BeanSpired Editions

A planner lies open on a granite countertop. The month shown is February 2023.

God, Tough Times

When God’s Timing Seems Terrible

January 27, 2023 Megan Bean

In the face of loss, where and how can we find the providence of a loving, sovereign God?

An empty mug sits on a rough wooden tabletop.

Life, Writing

When Our Best Isn’t Enough

November 22, 2022 Megan Bean

The end of our capability doesn't have to be the end of our story. In fact, by the grace and power of God, it can be a beginning.

A Bible lies open in the seat of a power wheelchair in an outdoor setting. Fallen leaves in the grass indicate it's autumn.

Disability & Rare Disease, God

When the Bible Meets Disability

October 28, 2022 Megan Bean

How we view disability and treat those who live with it matter. And, as with every other life topic or ethical question, our best guide is the Bible . . . All our best intentions and attempts at inclusion will miss the mark unless they grow from and by biblical truths.

The green heart-shaped leaves of an Eastern Redbud tree fill most of the photo. The closest are mere inches from the camera. Some leaves are in sunlight, others in full or partial shade. A few bits of blue sky show though the canopy of leaves. The leafy branches cast shadows on the grass below.

God

A Love That’s Easily Pleased

July 29, 2022July 29, 2022 Megan Bean

When we truly, deeply love someone, we’re easily pleased with their gifts. They could give us a rock and we’d treasure it—because it’s from them. If their heart’s in it, our heart responds. I wondered: How pleased am I with what God gives me? What does that say about our relationship? And how does He respond to what I offer Him?

Old fallen maple leaves cover the ground, almost completely obscuring the grass. The leaves are dry and brown, with pale undersides.

God, Life

Coming Unburied

February 25, 2022June 2, 2022 Megan Bean

What do you do with the stuff that can't and won't stay buried, yet is still undeniably not what you wanted in your life?

A large-print Bible sits on a wooden table with a cloth runner. The Bible is open to Psalms 22-24 (CSB). On top of it sit a pencil and greeting card. The card's cover displays simple, colorful drawings of flowers.

Relationships, Tough Times

Sharing Faith

November 24, 2021June 1, 2022 Megan Bean

God is our ultimate Source of faith. But often He provides it through other people.

Four sunflowers of varying sizes open in the golden sunlight. The two nearest appear to be inches from the camera. The bright yellow flowers stand out against the green plants of the surrounding field.

Gospel

Redeemed in Full

October 27, 2021June 1, 2022 Megan Bean

Have you ever questioned whether you're redeemable? Have you nourished hope for an abundant, meaningful life, only to see it decimated by your own sin or failure? Have you looked at the remains and felt sure that, even if something new were to sprout, nothing could ever bloom?

God, Gospel

Prodigal

May 8, 2020June 2, 2022 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.

God, Gospel

The Way Back Home

April 10, 2020June 2, 2022 Megan Bean

Jesus owed His life to no one.

Yet He chose to give it up. Because it was the only way to truly bring us and the entire creation "home".

Disability & Rare Disease, Tough Times

Not Even Rare Disease

February 28, 2020June 1, 2022 Megan Bean

We don’t know just how long and wide and high and deep God’s love for us is until we’ve seen it go with us through suffering – and then conquer pain and death.