At Brush Springs, we often share stories about horses, projects, and the beauty of nature. But every so often, there’s a deeper story to tell—one about faith, growth, and the quiet ways God moves in our lives. Maybe it’s the hum of Easter approaching, but I can feel my spirit moving, seeking—stirred by love.
This reflection began with a Sunday school lesson by Bill Putman, a deacon at Heritage Church this week—and the five truths to finding joy. I wrote them down, not knowing how deeply they would connect to the path I’ve been walking:
- This trial is to prove my faith
- Fellowship with Christ
- Being set free – Renewed
- Focus on the reality of a protected future
- Promised honor – the Bema Seat
Life Has a Way of Making Spiritual Truths Personal
I tend to completely invest my thinking into certain things—which, to be honest, drives my husband a little nuts. Whether it’s planning, processing, or trying to figure out all the angles, he’ll often say, “You think way too much.” Half the time, I start at the end of a story and work my way backward—so he’s totally confused. Even my old coach used to joke, “That’s what you get for thinking!” But that’s me—I go all in.
Still… that Sunday school lesson stirred something in me—especially around the idea of freedom, and what it truly means. To be honest, I don’t always feel free from the grief life has brought. But through this reflection, I realized:
Freedom isn’t a feeling.
It’s a daily act of letting go.
It’s a way of living that chooses trust, truth, and healing—again and again.
A Glimpse of God’s Protection
I also thought about an accident while driving to work. It was the morning after a snowfall. Our large truck slid on an icy bridge, and in those few seconds, I feared going off the edge. Then the truck stopped sliding—but a semi-truck struck me nearly head-on.
And yet… I walked away without a bruise.
I was heartbroken that our truck—something Cory had taken such good care of for so many years—was totaled. When I called him, the first thing I said was, “I’m so sorry I wrecked our truck.” And of course, true to who he is, the first thing he said was that he was just thankful I was okay. The semi also had to be towed, and I’m so grateful the other driver wasn’t hurt either.
At that moment, watching the semi locked on and sliding toward me felt like more than just an accident. It felt like everything that’s ever tried to undo me was bearing down on me again. But now, looking back, I see it clearly: I am protected. And God is not done with me.
What These 5 Truths Mean to Me:
- This trial is to prove my faith.
Every storm, every betrayal—none of it was wasted.
My faith and my life aren’t being chipped away.
They’re being sculpted. - In humility, I found fellowship with Christ.
Pain brought me sorrow.
But in that space, I can be closest to Jesus, on my knees in humility.
They were glimpses of what Jesus went through. - Being set free. Renewed.
Freedom isn’t a feeling—it’s a way of living.
Every time I choose truth over fear,
forgiveness over bitterness, hope over despair,
I am walking in freedom, and God is renewing me. - My future is protected.
My life is in God’s hands.
And He’s not finished with me. - God will honor this journey.
Every quiet act of faith and every step—He sees it all.
One day, I will stand before Christ at the Bema Seat, and He promises to call it good.
“We share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” – Romans 8:17
Beauty in the Valley
As I’ve sat with these five truths from Bill’s lesson—and finally finished my “processing,” ha-ha—they’ve become more like a hymn or a vigil, planted in my heart and woven into the land here at Brush Springs.
A Psalm from Brush Springs
These truths live
in the stormy nights of trial,
in the quiet sorrows of the valley where I find Jesus,
in the sound of the spring flowing my fears away, renewing me,
in the joyful colors of a sunrise that promises I am in God’s hands,
and in the bald eagle soaring above,
gifting a feather—a promise, He will honor me.
Let this be my hymn.
A Final Note for Easter
As this Easter approaches, I give much thanks to the One who walked the hardest path for us—an inspiration of so much love, the One who meets me in the valley.
Wishing you a joyful Easter season.
With love and peace,
~Melody
For Context: The picture at the top was taken a few years ago here. Also, this story isn’t meant to serve as advice—just a creative space and an outlet to share pieces of my faith and life as they unfold.
Brush Springs Stables 