Category Archives: Christian Living

Tough Transitions

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Doc Arnett

While I don’t know of a good way to lose a loved one to death, some are certainly worse than others. In all cases, God’s grace and mercy sustain us. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Death & Dying, Family, Spiritual Contemplation, suffering | Tagged cancer, comfort, death, dying, faith, grief, hope, life, loss, love, protracted suffering, tragedy, trauma | Comments Off

Thriving on the Dung Pile

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Doc Arnett

Weeds growing on a dry muck heap develop impressive roots systems to not just survive, but thrive.

God can turn manure into humus… Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Metaphysical Reflection, Spiritual Contemplation, suffering | Tagged acceptance, compost, garden, gardening, humus, manure, nature, nourishment, providence, provision, roots, suffering, thriving, vegetables | Comments Off

Of Mud and Thunder

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Doc Arnett

Transplanting small clumps of grass with a thunderstorm approaching triggers reflections on the need for strong roots in true sustenance. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Farming, Nature, Poetic Contemplations, Poetry, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged crabgrass, dirt, erosion, fence, fencepost, grass, horse paddock, transplanting grass | Comments Off

Beauty from Scars

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Doc Arnett

Just as “scars” on a tree can transform into incredibly beautiful grain patterns, God may use our wounds to create the beauty of His image within us. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged beauty, burl, burled grain, burled wood, compassion, empathy, faith, grace, healing, humility, injuries, scars, wounds | Comments Off

Heavy Construction

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Doc Arnett

It takes a lot of work to cut through stone to build a new road. And to cut through the layers of sin and stubbornness in order to build a new life. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged changing your life, Cynthiana, foundation, Highway 62, negative emotions, renewal, repentance, road construction, sin, US-62 | Comments Off

Old Roofs, Old Men… and Younger Ones

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Doc Arnett

And old roof that needed replacing and a sixteen-year-old grandson willing to help replace it… made for some mighty good memory making! Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Family, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged barn roof, family, grandson, hard work, help, home, John Arnett, Johnny Arnett, roofing, shingles, summer roofing, tearing off old roof | Comments Off

Have Bullet, Will Travel

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Doc Arnett

An act of random kindness on a Missouri highway leads to a short story about a unique nickname: “Bullet.” Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged entertaining angels unawares, hitchhiker, kindness, Missouri, MO-13, strangers | 1 Comment

A recent four-mile mud run at age 71 reminded me that though the flesh gets weaker as we get older, our soul & spirit grow ever stronger… especially with a “healthy diet and proper exercise!” Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Exercise, Spiritual Contemplation, Sports | Tagged athlete, christianity, Conquer the Gauntlet, exercise, fruit of the Spirit, gaining strength, getting older, Mud Run, spiritual exercise | Comments Off

Halfway There

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Doc Arnett

Reaching the halfway mile marker on a four-mile mudrun brought a surge of encouragement. Knowing I was halfway there reassured me that I could reach the finish line. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Metaphysical Reflection, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged American Ninja Warrior, building relationships, challenges, Conquer the Gauntlet, cross country, CTG, encouragement, fitness, Mud Run, obstacle challenge race, obstacles, Ozarks, racing, running, school year, teaching, training | Comments Off

Picking Strawberries on the First Wednesday in June

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Doc Arnett

A flush crop of strawberries and a couple of neighbors transform a dull evening into a bright time of simple sharing. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Devotions, Christian Living, Farming, food, Gardening, Nature, Poetic Contemplations, Poetry, Relationships, Spiritual Contemplation | Tagged childhood memories, Doniphan County KS, Matt Boos, neighbors, ripe berries, sharing, spring, strawberries | Comments Off