Dwelling in the land.

Abiding in the Vine.

Adorning the Gospel.

Those are all phrases from three of my favorite passages of Scripture.

Maybe “favorite” is a strong word?

More accurately, they are phrases from verses that the Lord has brought me back to time and again as I’ve made efforts to walk with Him in places I didn’t necessarily want to.

Here they are in full…

Dwell.

Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37: 3-4

When others seem to have better, easier lives.  When I’m frustrated or jealous. When I’m asked to live in a place that doesn’t feel like home. When I’m tempted to escape.  To be complacent. To run away. He brings Psalm 37 to mind every single time. Stay. Remain. Be faithful. Delight in Him.

Abide.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15: 4-5

Self-sufficiency is an illusion, I know, but I still attempt it on a regular basis. It’s such a ridiculous picture – a cluster of grapes striving to achieve maturity on its own when prematurely cut from the vine. Real accomplishment and growth are achieved through staying connected to the source of life. It’s a truth He’s still working to teach me.

and lastly,

Adorn.

Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

Titus 2:9-10

Several years ago, I led a Bible study on the book of Titus. I learned so much. These instructions given to bondslaves come after similar ones given to men and then to women. After each group is addressed, a reason is given as to why they should follow the unique requests: so that the word of God will not be dishonored…so that the opponent will be put to shame….and finally, so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. 

Not only do I love the idea of adorning the doctrine of God, the gospel – making it beautiful, emphasizing it, highlighting it – but I treasure the fact that my work at home, and in my family, and with younger women in my church brings attention to the salvation Jesus offers.

So, there you have it. The reason behind the name. The overarching themes of my walk with God.

May I dwell contentedly, abide faithfully, and adorn the truth beautifully by His strength and grace.

Thanks for joining me on that journey.