Did you know that when some succulents are exposed to "stress" (like too much sunlight) they can turn colors of red, pink, orange, and yellow similar to leaves in the fall?

Debra Lee Baldwin states:

"Stressing" a succulent doesn't harm it, but rather enables the plant to show the colors it's capable of. When a succulent is "well stressed," it has turned from green, blue-green or blue-gray to shades of red, orange, yellow, rose or purple.

Stressing happens naturally yet is also an art form. You can stress plants deliberately, but you don't want to overdo it.”

I feel like this is a great metaphor for our human experience.

How can we be 'beautifully stressed' under the weight of life's trials? Offer it up to Jesus and make it meaningful. It is not for nothing.

I made this gorgeous gourd at a friend's house last weekend and I'm absolutely in love with it. Happy I can look at it on my table through the holiday season as a great reminder to always offer it up! ☝️🙏