Truth Treasures – May 2026

Welcome to Truth Treasures,, a monthly post where I feature goodness from around the web which I hope will be helpful to you, as well as some personal tidbits, and other treasures. I pray you will be blessed and God will be glorified. Feel free to pass it along!

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Reflections & Life Through My {Camera} Lens

Recently, I paused my 10-chapters-per-day reading plan to linger long in the book of James (I have Glenna Marshall to thank for that). The truths I’ve learned seem to pair well with some of my favorite images I took one lovely evening last week while on a boat ride with my husband. He fished, I tagged along to photograph the scenery.

1. “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials…” James 1:2

It’s hard to make sense of some of the trials that come our way. Sometimes they come from nowhere and leave us staggering, dizzy, confused—like Job. Our minds swirl in chaotic, fearful rhythms unable to comprehend what is happening as we ask “Why?!” In those times, where do we go, dear Christian? Where should we go and what should we do? James reminded me of the one thing that is needed—seeking the Lord in his Word and prayer.

2. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith…” James 1:5-6a

Do you remember when Peter walked on the water toward Jesus? (Matt. 14:22-33) As long as Peter fixed his gaze on Jesus, he stayed on top of the water. When he focused on the circumstances, fear overtook him and he sank. “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” (Matt. 14:30) When difficulties come my way, my automatic response is panic and fear. Jesus says to us all, “Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31)

Our perspective begins to change when we pray in faith through our difficulties. As we trust in the Lord, our focus widens and becomes more grounded. Our fears still and peace settles in. Where we’re looking, and the lens we’re peering through, make all the difference.

3. “And let perseverance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:4

‘Let’ is a small word packed with deep meaning. It implies surrender, humility, and relinquishing control to God. My natural bent is toward none of these. You?

On the right side of image above there is a partially completed beaver dam. If construction continues, the beaver will soon have a quiet, stilled pool to dwell securely within. I’m a lot like that beaver. I like peace and comfort all wrapped up in safe boundaries. But quiet waters become stagnant; they’re dying, travelling nowhere, and offer only foul smelling bacteria and slime to its inhabitants. In order to be life giving, water must move and be churned up. It must be cast over rocks to be revitalized and oxygenated.

Trials do the same for us. As we’re cast upon various rocks of difficulty, we are forced from our stagnant comfort zones, and transformed more and more into the image of Christ. It is for our good that we ‘let’ perseverance have its perfect work in us, trusting that the Giver of good gifts knows exactly what we need.

4. “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.” James 1:18

The silver maple flower—first fruits of a bounty yet to come. Soon there will be a harvest of flourishing leaves and new branches which will house and protect birds, provide shade for fish, clean the air. Then, a multitude of seeds will be scattered by the wind and the critters, ensuring another generation of silver maples. A bountiful harvest is coming and this meager flower is just the first fruits. Dear believer, we too are a kind of first fruits. Remember, a glorious bounty awaits: a resurrected body and eternal life. Now, we see dimly, but one day we shall see him face to face. Amen!

5. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

Hold steady, dear one. The day is drawing nigh.

Reading Nook:

• Bible Study by Glenna Marshall
• The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett

A Children’s Book:

• Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney

Around the Web:

• ‘Deny Yourself’ Has No Age Limit – Kristin Couch. I qualify for the Wednesday seniors discount at the grocery store; my name is no longer Mom, but Mimi; another birthday hides just around the corner, reminding me that I’m not as young as I used to be. I appreciated the reminder in this article that Scripture calls us older women to a high standard and responsibility.
• AI Is Coming For Your Systematic Theology – Tim Challies. A helpful article on the problem of AI authorship, and tips to avoid the trap. I’ve seen AI authored books advertised in my social media feed, mostly “Bible curriculum books” for elementary teachers. How kind of the algorithms to think of me, but I’ll stick to authentic curriculum full of gospel meat, written by men and women who prayed much and labored well for the glory of God.

In Case You Missed It: Posts from Mays Past

• Comfort When You Least Expect It

A Favorite Quote:

Heidelberg Catechism Q.1: What is your only comfort in life and death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Thank you for spending time here! Feel free to say ‘Hi’ in the comments and let me know you were here!