While continuing through the one year Bible, I am now in the book of Acts. Chapters 6 & 7 record events in Stephen’s life and death. The violence is both startling and tragic. Stephen was a man of faith, chosen to administer help for widows. First he was accused and…
As I spend time gardening, I am thankful for the wonderful variety of plants and bushes that God has provided for our enjoyment and nourishment. My love of berries might be due to my Finnish heritage. So many different kinds of berries grow in Finland, wild and cultivated. The strawberries…
On Wednesdays I meet with several women on zoom. We are studying the Psalms, reading a few during the week and meditating on them. We meet to discuss each Psalm and then spend time praying together. The Psalms tell the story of human life. There is joy and sorrow, conflict…
The birth rate in the United States and other countries is declining and has fallen below replacement. Healthy families are the foundation of a healthy country. It is also concerning that childbirth is becoming more dependent on technology. In 2018 I wrote a blog post about childbirth, past and present.…
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! Psalm 36:7
Twice this week I have been reminded about gardens, farmers’ markets and community. I am reading the book, Home Fires, by Julie Summers. Summers has researched and described the work of the Women’s Institute during World War II. Women in villages and towns throughout England formed groups to take care…
The Bible record of Esther, Queen of Persia, is full of drama. The Persian Empire was vast, extending from Egypt and Anatolia (Turkey) to the border of India. Esther ascended to royalty in an unusual way. A familial Bible quote is: And who knows whether you have not come to the…
He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. Psalm 104:19 The weather has warmed and the trees are in blossom. The robins and cardinals visit my yard, while the rabbits munch on grass. The squirrels are busy doing acrobatic exercises in the trees and on…
Today is called Good Friday, but it was also day of incredible suffering. Jesus, who was without sin, was crucified for our sake. At church this evening, our Pastor read from the 23rd chapter of Luke. This chapter records eye witness accounts of the crucifixion. And when they came to the…
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 During the years that my son battled leukemia the Psalms were a comfort and a guide for me. I found permission to cry out to God with my questions and my pain. I kept praying, kept communicating with the Lord…