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…
There are many parts of gardening that I enjoy. I have a large box of seed packets—some are seeds I have saved, and some are ones I have purchased. In April I start plants indoors, and watch for a sprout to appear. One year I was pleased with a tomato…
During our lifetime we may experience criticism. The best criticism is constructive. It may come from a supervisor at work, a close friend or a spouse. I have experienced marriage as a refining influence. I am blessed to have a good marriage. My husband and I are both better people…
The first books I read by Rhys Bowen were the Molly Murphy mysteries. Molly, an Irish immigrant, becomes an investigator in New York City at the beginning of the 20th century. I have read every book in the series except the newly released one, Vanished in the Crowd, by Rhys and her…
A special joy in springtime is watching the plants leaf out, and flower. I enjoy walking around the backyard, observing the daily growth. The gooseberry bush has little berries, but it will be a while before they are ripe. When I make applesauce, I will add gooseberries to the apples.…
Sunshine and rain help my garden to grow. We have had sunny days and some rain, but I have been watering the new plants. They need tending. Friendships also need tending. Kindness and words of encouragement are a blessing in a relationship. I have been thinking about a book my…