This advent season we have attended beautiful concerts. Our grandchildren participated in a Christmas program at their church. The fours & fives sang Away in a Manger. Older children read scripture and sang additional Christmas carols. Advent is a time to share the celebration of Christ’s birth with others. I…
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Deep and Time Honored Messages of Hope
In the past few months my husband and I have been worshipping on Sunday mornings with a church plant. We gather in a room of a nearby hotel. The musically talented members of our group lead the singing. Sometimes our singing is accompanied by keyboard, by violin or acapella. We…
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Every Baby is Valuable
My daughter gave me the book, The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved thousands of American Babies. The cover of the book suited the title. The book is an attempt to follow the life and work of a man credited with saving the life of…
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Experiencing the Goodness of Marriage
Thanksgiving is approaching and I have begun some early preparations. Our family has a favorite cornbread dressing, but it is a complicated and time-consuming recipe. I have made it ahead. While in the kitchen I have been thinking about many blessings in my life, especially one. I am thankful for…
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Should We Fear the Measles?
News reports about the measles are appearing in several states including Michigan and New York. The tone of the reports is fearful. It urges everyone to be sure they have been vaccinated . . . unless they were born before 1957. Everyone born before 1957 is assumed to have natural…
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Pray for Our Elected Officials
Whew, the election is over. The mood in our country has been intense. For the first time I went door to door, passing out flyers, in support of my state representative. Now there is time to pause and reflect. People have many different burdens and concerns. Many are hurting. We…
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Finding Moments of Respite
The crazy news cycle and the deep divide in our culture over political policies are emotionally exhausting. The distortion and actual lies about my state rep’s record are upsetting. I know Tom. I need moments of respite. Morning devotions in Proverbs with my husband, prayer and time outside are refreshing.…
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Save the Turtles but Not the Babies
If you go to see the movie, Gosnell: the Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer, you will understand the title of this post. My husband and I saw this movie today. The movie is based on the actual court documents from the trial. It was riveting and held the attention…
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Forgiven, Healed and Redeemed
For the past month I have been studying the book of Leviticus. It is a study of God’s holiness and his plan to redeem mankind. The sacrifices and offerings that God required of Israel point to man’s sin and the need for payment in blood. Sinful man cannot approach God.…
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Praising God During Troublesome Times
This past week I read Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin. It’s a story about three Swedish sisters that immigrate to Chicago. I enjoyed the character development, especially the youngest sister, Sofia. Sofia is tried and tested by circumstances but her faith in God gradually grows. The Bible verses…