For many years I worked as a childbirth nurse. Early on in my career I had to clarify my position on life. In 1973 I was in my first job—a labor and delivery unit in a busy hospital. The hospital was associated with a University Medical School. I don’t think…
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Words We Need to Hear
No one anticipated the brutal attack on Israel by Hamas. How did they break through Israel’s high tech security measures? I listen to the news for short periods of time. It is almost too much to take in. Yet, I am reminded that Jesus spoke about events that we should…
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Calendula: A Flower and a Herb
Last week it was a treat to see trees in many shades of color in Upper Michigan. I was also delighted to see some flowers still in bloom—roses and calendula. Calendula is sunshine bright It is also a useful herb. The dried petals of the flower have been called poor…
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The Beauty Still to Come
The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse into God’s plans for his people. John’s vision has symbols and metaphors, but all point to God’s finished work. I am in my second year of study in Revelation. In the book of Hebrews, the author writes about the role of priests.…
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Children, Families and Israel
Over the past week I encountered Israel in a documentary movie and a book. Our small group went to see Route 60: The Biblical Highway. Although my husband and I have been to Israel and visited places from the southern tip of Israel to the northern edge, we saw some…
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Elderberries for a Healthy Fall
The elderberry bushes in my yard have been harvested. I have canned elderberry juice for the winter, and I have berries in the freezer. Elderberry bushes have a long history of use. The flower heads in early summer are beautiful. The flowers can be used to make a cordial that…
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A March for Children
The Bible has been my guide throughout life. The Psalms provide comfort during times of grief. The Proverbs offer instruction. The gospels, written by Matthew, Mark Luke and John show the life and way of Jesus. All the books in the Bible teach about God’s desire for us. I am…
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When Zucchini is Abundant: A Recipe
My mother often had a garden, and my grandmother managed a subsistence farm. So, I am following family tradition with a summer garden. This year the zucchini plant has been producing squash regularly. One zucchini grew to an enormous size while we were on vacation. I was explaining to a…
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Perfect Love
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 On the evening before Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated perfect love. Over the past week I have read and reread chapter 17 in the gospel of John. After the last supper…
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What We Didn’t Know
Mothers want to do what is right for their children. Sometimes the right thing is not clear. Sometimes important information is not available. As a mom and a nurse with a B.S.N., I did not question the childhood vaccine schedule until I worked with a group of doctors who raised…