In the Bible two kings offer two women anything, up to half of their kingdom. What were their choices? The book of Mark records the imprisonment of John the Baptist and how the wife of Herod wanted him put to death. An opportunity for her wish came during a banquet.…
The Joy Challenge by Randy Frazee Reading a chapter from this devotional book each morning has provided a good start to my day. The chapter begins with a verse from Paul’s letter to the Philippians and provides a principle to live by. Here are some principles that were especially meaningful…
In the current time, it is challenging for young people to find jobs. I am grateful that three of my grandchildren had summer jobs, and now they will be returning to high school and college. I remember my jobs during high school. One summer I was a mother’s helper for…
The roses are blooming a second time. I picked this rose with such a lovely scent and a few more flowers for a vase. I picked off two Japanese beetles from the rose bush. I am pleased, because overall, I have seen just a few beetles. In years past I…
When I was growing up, my family made trips to Toronto, Canada. My father was asked to meet with some Finnish families as a part of ministry. We became friends with these families. They had immigrated to Canada from Finland. They were unable to settle in the U.S. because the…
When the Apricots Bloom by Gina WilkersonThis novel is set in Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s regime. The author spent 10 years in Iraq and writes from her experience. It is hard to be a woman in Iraq. Secrets and political pressure to be informants create a crisis for three women.…
Sometimes at night I think about past failures, frustrations, missed opportunities to show kindness, my regrets. Like all people, I am a sinner. The Bible explains God’s great love for all people. . . . the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there…
Last Saturday my daughter and I went on a garden walk sponsored by a garden club. We visited five homes with elaborately kept gardens. After hard work the home owners had achieved a theme for their garden. We saw cottage gardens, a garden focused on native plants, a garden with…
Recently I read a book about immigrants in America and their pursuit of faith. My thoughts turned to my family’s story. My paternal great-grandparents and my maternal grandparents were immigrants from Finland. They settled in northern Michigan and participated in the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church. My parents returned to the…
In the summer, Friday mornings have a special vibe. I grab my cup of coffee and head out the door to the Farmer’s Market. At the market people of all ages, children, and women pushing strollers are visiting the booths. I have some favorite stops. At the organic farmer I…