“Even broken seasons carry seeds of hope waiting to grow.” Sandi
Faith. Hope. Love
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV).
When our family moved to Chelsea, three generations had a hand in building our barn—my husband, his father, and our son. A local sawmill cut the wood for us, and even though our son was just a little boy at the time, he worked alongside his dad and grandfather, hammering nails and learning the value of hard work. Today, that barn stands as a testament to our family’s labor and love.
Through the years, the barn has withstood storms. At times, the tin roof rattled with the force of strong winds but was held securely because of the way it was constructed. Because of the storms, the wood changed and became weathered. Our barn took on a timeless beauty.
In 2016, when we added a workshop to the side of the barn, we carefully removed and preserved some of the original barn wood. Later, that old weathered wood found a new purpose—it became the frame for a special photograph.
The photo inside that frame was of a gladiolus blooming in our Bird Garden, a space designed by our oldest granddaughter. It is a place of peace and beauty for me, but especially during my treatments and recovery from breast cancer in 2018. I am thankful to say, “I am a survivor!”
In 2019, we donated the framed print to our local Winn-Dixie (we sure miss our store!) as part of a raffle they sponsored for Breast Cancer Awareness. I don’t know who won the print, but I hope they know they have a true “one of a kind.”
Through the breast cancer journey, I learned a great deal about nutrition and the importance of caring for our bodies. I firmly believe that health is deeply connected to what we eat, how we manage stress, and exercise.
But more than anything, leaning into the Word of God and grasping the full meaning of His promises carried me through those difficult times. The hope we have in Christ can carry anyone through their challenges. Through Him, we can all be survivors no matter the outcome or how the world defines our journey. In Christ, we have hope because of our living Lord.
When we feel broken, useless, or like “old weathered barn wood,” God takes what we offer Him and turns it into something beautiful. Our lives have purpose in His hands. Our journey becomes a mission guided by His plan. He takes our brokenness and transforms it into a testimony that helps others. He makes all things new—even old, weathered barn wood.
#breastcancerawareness #Iamasurvivor
Reflective Questions
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What “old wood” in your life—memories, lessons, or hardships—might God be reshaping into something new?
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How has hope taken root in the quiet, unexpected places of your journey?
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In what ways can you pass down a legacy of faith, hope, and love to the next generation?
Where Do We Go From Here?
Let us live with intentional gratitude, seeing God’s fingerprints in both the broken and the beautiful. Let us nurture our bodies with care, our spirits with prayer, and our hearts with compassion. The story is not over—old weathered wood will find new purpose.
A Call to Prayer
Gracious Lord, thank You for the strength that springs from faith, the courage that rises through hope, and the tenderness that abides in love. Teach us to see Your handiwork in the weathered places of our lives, and to honor each season with gratitude. Renew our bodies, minds, and spirits, that we may walk in health and harmony with Your will. Bless those enduring illness or uncertainty today—surround them with Your peace. May our lives frame the beauty of Your grace for generations to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV).
Follow the link to my bookshop where you will see details about my book, Promises & Prayers, a devotional journey exploring the promises of God and His faithfulness during the cancer journey. It is God’s Word for you today if you are going through any type of circumstance that causes your heart to tremble and your knees shake with doubt.
Enjoy this song, Shelter Me (Elohim Songs: Andy Huynh). Close your eyes and meditate on the presence of Jesus, where the cares of this world fade away.
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“God takes what we offer Him and turns it into something beautiful.” I’ve found this to be true over and over again. It is the offering, the act of faith, that He honors. Wonderful words.
Terri, you are so right. The act of faith is what He honors. Love you my friend.
Thanks for the encouragement from this story. I feel like that old barn today, weathered, holding on in the storms, but surviving. Your stories are shinning lights for encouraging those going through the storms of life.
Praying for you my friend. I know you will come through these current storms “weathered” in such a beautiful way to encourage others. Your study, Perserverance in Adversity, in the “Come As a Child” series on your website clearly shows the path David took in times of trouble. https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/perseverance-in-adversity/
I love this story. Thank you for sharing about the barn, the weathered wood reused to frame the beautiful photo. What a beautiful example of how God uses whatever we go through. I want to be “weathered wood” in His Hand!
Janice, thank you. I too want to always be “weathered wood” in His Hand!
What a wonderful story of God holding us through any storm. We might show some weathering but He always has more use for us. Sandi. You are so right, the story is not over
Thank you Marilyn. He always has more use for us and it never ceases to amaze me how God works in our lives when we think we are “too weathered!”
How much I needed this today, to be reminded that we are held securely in the hand of God. Thank you for sharing your journey in such a warm and inviting way that helps me remember that no matter how “weathered” my life becomes, He has a purpose for me. Thank you!
Caroline, thank you for reading and commenting. “Weathered” is beautiful!