So, I missed the #EAB update from #MaineDACF, but since I registered for the event, I was sent the link to the video update. One thing I learned is that #Woodpeckers are #EmeraldAshBorer's natural enemy. But once EAB sets in, it's too much for the woodpeckers to handle. But if it's an early infestation, they *might* be able to control it! Just another reason to #GardenForBirds and #FeedTheBirds in the winter (and my woodpecker friends LOVE the wormy suet I make for them).

Here's a screenshot from the presentation. Also, the term "blonding" mentioned in the image refers to the process of older gray bark falling off an ash tree that has an EAB infestation, leaving behind lighter-colored newer bark.

The full video can be viewed at this link (includes transcript):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ogbMReBx38

#InvasiveSpecies #AshTrees
#SaveTheForests #ProtectTheTrees #ProtectTheSacred #Stewardship #Wabanaki #Basketry #SolarPunkSunday #Biocontrol #MaineTrees #MaineForestryService #MDIFW

Edward Leigh, a member of the Westminster Assembly, warns that “pinching pennies” from mercy doesn’t protect your household—it invites trouble. Citing Proverbs 11, he says hoarding multiplies burdens, while generosity lightens them. It’s almost comic: the tighter the grip, the fuller the calendar. How might mercy actually free you?

#presbyterian #reformedtheology #stewardship #christian

Stewarding the Digital Commons

https://web.brid.gy/r/https://sein.com.au/articles/stewarding-the-digital-commons/

Cultivating Excellence in God’s Garden

As the Day Begins

The morning sun rises with fresh mercies, and with it comes a beautiful invitation: to grow, to develop, to become more of who God created us to be. In 1 Peter 1:3, we read of being “begotten again to a living hope”—a hope that doesn’t sit static but pulses with life and potential. This living hope isn’t merely about our eternal destination; it’s about our daily transformation.

Consider the concert pianist who, despite years of mastery and sold-out performances, still sits at the keyboard each morning to practice scales. Those basic notes, repeated and refined, aren’t a sign of inadequacy but of dedication to excellence. Similarly, the professional athlete who’s won championships still returns to fundamental drills, understanding that greatness isn’t a destination but a daily discipline. This is the picture of our spiritual walk with God. He doesn’t call us to talent or purpose and then abandon us to figure it out alone. Rather, He actively participates in our development, providing opportunities, opening doors, and creating moments for us to discover, practice, and perfect the gifts He’s placed within us.

God’s economy operates on a principle of stewardship and growth. When He plants a seed of talent in your life, He’s not content to let it remain dormant or achieve only mediocre results. He is invested in your excellence—not the world’s definition of success, but the full expression of the potential He designed into you. This means that the writing gift you’ve been given deserves development. The teaching ability requires refinement. The compassion that stirs your heart needs channels for expression and growth. The administrative skills, the creative talents, the ability to encourage—whatever God has given you, He intends to nurture it to maturity.

This divine commitment to our growth is rooted in His character as Father. He doesn’t give us a living hope only to let it languish. Every day presents new opportunities for growth, new challenges that stretch us, new situations that require us to lean into our gifts and trust God’s empowerment. The question isn’t whether God will provide what we need to grow—He will. The question is whether we’ll show up with the humility to keep learning, the discipline to keep practicing, and the faith to keep trusting that He’s making us into our best selves, one day at a time.

Triune Prayer

Almighty God, I come before You this morning with gratitude for the living hope You’ve placed within me. Thank You for not creating me and then leaving me to my own devices, but for actively participating in my growth and development. I confess that sometimes I grow weary of the practice, tired of the fundamentals, impatient with the process of becoming. Forgive me for the times I’ve settled for less than Your best, content with mediocrity when You’ve called me to excellence. This morning, I ask for renewed vision to see the gifts and talents You’ve placed within me, and for the discipline to steward them faithfully. Help me embrace the daily practice of growing in Your grace, knowing that You who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for modeling a life of continual growth and dependence on the Father. Even You, the Son of God, grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. Help me follow Your example of humble submission to the Father’s refining work. Lamb of God, You perfected obedience through what You suffered, and I ask for grace to see my challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for development. When the practice feels tedious, when growth feels slow, when I’m tempted to quit refining my gifts, remind me of Your perseverance. Give me eyes to see the divine appointments You’re arranging, the doors You’re opening, and the moments You’re creating for me to step into greater expressions of the talents You’ve entrusted to me.

Holy Spirit, Comforter and Spirit of Truth, I invite You to be my daily teacher and coach. Guide me into practices that will develop my gifts. Show me areas where I’ve plateaued and need to press forward. Give me wisdom to discern between busy activity and purposeful development. Convict me when I’m lazy or complacent, and encourage me when I feel inadequate or overwhelmed. Fill me with Your power so that my talents aren’t expressed in human strength alone but are infused with divine enabling. Help me remember that excellence in Your kingdom isn’t about performance or acclaim, but about faithful stewardship and the full expression of the unique design You’ve woven into my being.

Thought for the Day

Remember: God doesn’t call you to something without equipping you to excel in it.

For further reflection on stewarding the gifts God has given you, consider this insightful article from Christianity Today: Stewarding Your Spiritual Gifts

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🔊 Thinking about the commons today, and this quote from Mark Herringer keeps coming back to me:

“Commons, for me, is like a forest… Digital Commons is a common good in a similar way. We want to look after it and make sure that others can use it after us.”

Curious how others here think about digital commons 🌍

#DigitalCommons #Commons #Fediverse #OpenWeb #PublicGood #Stewardship #Care