How Is It With Your Soil?

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
written by Rev. Leah Quarles

This past Saturday, a group of 24 women gathered for a half-day women’s retreat. We spent the day with Honey Bee Home at Windmill Ranch in Cave Creek. It’s a wonderful hidden gem just a 12-minute drive from Pinnacle. We gathered in their outdoor classroom to slow down and connect—with nature, with each other, and with God. 

Together we read Jesus’ comforting words, reminding us how God provides. “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you?” And then to drive this further, how we spend the morning amongst the wildflower beds. The owner shared a bit about each flower and then invited us to gather wildflowers to our heart’s desire. Equipped with clippers and a bucket, we went to town. I could physically sense our moods shift—from the hurried rush to arrive on time to slowing down and really savoring the time we had amongst the flowers. Admiring poppies and delphinium. Smelling orange, mint, and lavender. 

After the most perfect lunch complete with tea (in real china!) and scones outside under the shade of palo verde trees, we gathered once more in the classroom to consider the question: How is it with your soil? Below, I’ll share the questions with you for your own ponderings and reflection. This is worth doing–for Jesus reminds us that soil quality matters. And we are invited to learn from creation—to learn a bit about how our soil might need nourishing and diversity in order to be the most fruitful of places–ready to receive the seeds God’s Spirit wants to plant within our lives. 

1. Does anything need to go to the compost pile? What needs to die? 

● What in your life might need to be released? 

● Is there something you’re holding onto that is depleting your soil? 

(Ex: expectations, resentment, busyness, perfectionism.) 

2. Soil needs water and nourishment 

● Where are you feeling dry or depleted? 

● What actually nourishes you spiritually—not just what fills your schedule?

(Ex:Prayer, rest, community, silence, Scripture, creativity.) 

3. Diversity creates resilience 

● Is your life overly narrow or over-controlled? 

● Where might God be inviting more balance, variety, or support? 

(Ex: Different rhythms, relationships, or ways of connecting with God, with community?)

4. Harmony takes time 

● Where are you impatient with your own growth? 

● What if God is working slowly, beneath the surface?

A Prayer for Good Soil 
God of growth and renewal, 
You know the condition of our soil. 
Where we are dry, bring water. 
Where we are crowded, bring space. 
Where something needs to be released, give us courage to let it go.
And where new life is waiting to break through, give us patience.
Grow in us what only you can grow. 
Amen.