We had a lovely afternoon at the Chicago Botanical Garden. The flowers were in bloom in the conservatories. Lovely wreaths adorned the walls. Poinsettias lined the displays and were hanging from the ceiling! A variety of trains were on display as a Christmas exhibit. The miniature trains travel on tracks through scenes of Chicago. Linking… Continue reading Flowers and Wreaths at the Chicago Botanical Garden
Month: December 2015
Healthy Orange Spice Cookies
My mother grew up on a small Finnish farm in Upper Michigan. At Christmas she would remind us that oranges are a special treat. When she was a girl her family had oranges only on Christmas. As a tradition we always received an orange in our Christmas stocking. When I saw a recipe that… Continue reading Healthy Orange Spice Cookies
We went to see Star Wars
Who is your favorite character in Star Wars? When Han Solo and then R2– D2 made their appearance in the new movie the audience gave them a round of applause. The first Star Wars movie came out during the first year of my marriage. I saw it with my husband. The scenes were amazing and we… Continue reading We went to see Star Wars
A Rose, Love and the Savior are in this Old Carol
The violins, piano and voices of the choir gave a beautiful rendition of an old German carol. I was swept away from the news reports and troubles in our community. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Here are the lyrics to this carol, Lo How A Rose: Low, how a rose e’er… Continue reading A Rose, Love and the Savior are in this Old Carol
The Family is Under Attack
The school board in my town met, and the community was invited. The federal government—specifically the Office of Civil Rights— has demanded that a transgender student be given full access to female locker rooms and restrooms. The meeting place, a high school cafeteria, was packed. Seats extended to the back wall and people… Continue reading The Family is Under Attack
A Flower that Survives the Snowstorms
It is December in Illinois, and throughout our neighborhood there are winter decorations. We have a wreath on our door. My display of angels celebrating the birth of Jesus is in our foyer. We have had two snowstorms and to my surprise the calendula flower has two buds. It may still bloom! I love this… Continue reading A Flower that Survives the Snowstorms
Christmas Cards for the Persecuted Church
Do the images of refugees fleeing Syria tug at your heart? Have you seen news reports of churches destroyed in Nigeria, Syria, Iraq and other countries? We are blessed in the United States although the tragedies taking place around the world touch us too. The shootings at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado and… Continue reading Christmas Cards for the Persecuted Church
Did Mary Have a Midwife?
As I sat down to write our annual Christmas letter I was reflecting on gospel accounts by Matthew and Luke. It is apparent that the people of Judea lived in fearful times under Roman rule. Injustice, corruption and violence were common. A young woman lived in Nazareth, north of Judea, during this turbulent time. My… Continue reading Did Mary Have a Midwife?