• Faith

    A Path of Peace and Joy

    In the past few years my husband and I have read through the whole Bible twice. During dinner we listen to some chapters recorded on CDs. And then we read additional chapters out loud to each other. We see how God reached out to men and women. We see God’s…

  • Faith - Flowers - Gardening - Nature

    The Right Time

    The lilacs are in bloom! Usually they bloom in May, but this year they are early. The trees and bushes are leafing out and perennial plants are emerging from the soil. I am looking forward to planting the garden. I have tomato plants, plus some herbs and flowers, that I…

  • Faith

    Remnants, Grafts and Restoration

    When I am in a fabric/crafts store, I sometimes look through the remnants of fabric. Recently I found a remnant of cloth just the right color. I wanted to repair a torn and fraying fabric. If you look closely, you can see the strip of fabric that is a patch…

  • Faith - Family - Flowers - Nature

    The Wonder of Heaven and Earth

    During a recent trip to Galveston, Texas, our family enjoyed time on the beach. The young ones walked into the crashing waves, riding the waves. I was content to listen to the rhythm of the waves while sea gulls and pelicans made designs in the sky, traveling in groups. We…

  • Faith - Family - Grandparents

    College Years and Spiritual Growth

    During my college years at the University of Michigan I regularly attended church and participated in Bible studies. I valued the relationships that I had through church and Intervarsity. Along with a roommate I attended a Bible study led by former missionaries to China. It was a time period to…

  • Book Reviews - Faith - Recipes - Women

    Characters, Settings and Recipes

    In this Lenten season my husband and I are reading a devotion each evening from 40 Lives in 40 Days: Experiencing God’s Grace through the Bible’s Most Compelling Characters by John MacArthur. On Sunday mornings we have a class discussing the devotions. Other books have taken me around the world. I have…

  • Faith - Gardening - Herbs

    Sunshine and Love

    The plants in my bay window thrive with sunshine and care. Some plants need to be watered twice a week. Recently one of my rosemary plants had a powdery fungus and I treated it with neem oil. I moved it closer to the window for brighter light. I am delighted…

  • Faith - Grandparents - Parenting

    Benediction

    On Sunday mornings we meet in a gymnasium for church. We sing hymns and listen to scripture readings. We greet each other. People share concerns and we pray. Our pastor gives a sermon, a lesson from the Bible. We sing a closing him and then pastor gives a benediction, quoting…

  • Book Reviews - Faith

    Wise Words in Three Books

    In the books I have read recently, characters have shared bits of wisdom. I enjoy novels and especially if there are good insights about life. Here is an example from each book. The Winds Further West by Alexander McCall Smith. Usually, the books I pick by Alexander McCall Smith are…