• Faith - Prayer

    Finding Respite in Scripture

    Recently two friends have raised political issues in the e-mails we exchange. One friend wanted me to read a book about the divisions between Christians caused by their political views, berating conservatives. The other friend wanted me to view the documentary about Christian Nationalism. There is so much happening in…

  • Faith - Family - Finland

    Across the Ocean

    When my grandmother was nineteen years old, she came across the ocean by boat. She made her way to Upper Michigan by train. Two of her brothers had settled there. She left behind her mother, father, sisters and brothers whom she never saw again. She didn’t forget them. She wrote…

  • Faith - Prayer

    Daniel’s Example: A Life of Faith

    People of faith are recorded in the Bible. Currently I am studying Daniel who lived in exile. Despite being separated from Israel and living in Babylon, he kept his faith in God. The 9th chapter of the book of Daniel records that Daniel was reading the words of Jeremiah. He prayed…

  • Faith - Prayer - Women

    Women Who Risk: Book Review

    Tom and Joann Doyle have written a book about the testimony of eight Muslim women. The book provides a window into their life experiences. After each women’s story, the authors provide the text of Joann’s interview with her. Women Who Risk was published in 2021. The setting is Syria, Lebanon,…

  • Christmas - Faith - Prayer

    Remember and Give Thanks

    When I was looking over my list of prayer requests, I realized that some of the requests had already been answered. I thought about the ways that I have seen God at work in my life. It is important to remember, to store up our life experiences of God’s love…

  • Christmas - Faith - Women

    Bethlehem and the Women

    The account in the Bible of Naomi & Ruth and Elizabeth & Mary is a wonderful part of the Christmas story. The friendship of women and the mentoring of young women by older women is apparent. Because of Naomi, Ruth came to Israel. We have a glimpse into their relationship…

  • Faith

    Humility and Thanksgiving

    For the past couple of weeks our small group has been discussing humility. What does humility look like? Throughout scripture we see the character of God alongside human nature. God is the creator and redeemer. He is holy, righteous, just, merciful and loving. In contrast all people have sinned.  We…

  • Faith - Family - Parenting - Prayer

    Branches of the Olive Tree

    For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10 The war in Israel is heartbreaking. The situation is complex. As Christians we need to pay attention and…