Last week my sister and I spent several days in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We stayed in a house that was seven miles from the nearest small town. Lake Superior was just a little further away. One night I woke up at 4 a.m. and happened to look out…
After our son died, the eleventh chapter of the gospel of John became a great comfort. Martha and Mary struggled with their emotions after the death of Lazarus. Both sisters said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11: 21 & 32 Jesus saw…
In the Bible two kings offer two women anything, up to half of their kingdom. What were their choices? The book of Mark records the imprisonment of John the Baptist and how the wife of Herod wanted him put to death. An opportunity for her wish came during a banquet.…
The Joy Challenge by Randy Frazee Reading a chapter from this devotional book each morning has provided a good start to my day. The chapter begins with a verse from Paul’s letter to the Philippians and provides a principle to live by. Here are some principles that were especially meaningful…
In the current time, it is challenging for young people to find jobs. I am grateful that three of my grandchildren had summer jobs, and now they will be returning to high school and college. I remember my jobs during high school. One summer I was a mother’s helper for…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…