During the past couple weeks I was going through my book shelves and found a book that I had picked up at a resale shop. The Galileans: A Novel of Mary Magdalene was written by Dr. Frank Slaughter and published in 1953. But I never read it. It was time…
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Gardens and Families
The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:12 The hyacinths are blooming and I notice their scent when I walk outside. The…
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The Next Generation: the Children
A couple weeks ago I went on a road trip with my sisters. We drove to Kansas to visit my daughter and her family. My grandchildren were on spring break, giving us time together. We visited the Wichita Art Museum because the museum had a children’s program for the week…
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The Promise of Spring
The snowdrops by the door lift upward, sweet and pure, their delicate bells; and soon in the calm blaze of noon, by lowly window-sills will laugh the daffodils! Celia Thaxter (1836 – 1894) The snowdrops and crocuses are blooming in my yard. The cherry tree is still barren but soon it…
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Joy Beyond Grief
Many years ago, I received a small blue book in the mail. On the cover page is a little note. In memory of Steven. A Lamaze instructor, a colleague of mine, sent the book after my son passed away. The title of the book is Heaven, and it was written by…
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Tending the Family
Family relationships are a vital part of our life. The fifth and sixth chapters of Ephesians focuses on the family. Chapter five begins with Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love . . . In our human, imperfect nature we have problems in family relationships. We make…
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A Healing Event
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17a Jesus healed many people during his ministry on earth. In the eighth chapter of Matthew the healing of a leper, the Centurion’s son, Peter’s mother-in-law and two demon possessed men are recorded.…
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Life Lessons from Jordan Peterson
Have you ever gone to a presentation when the audience gave a standing ovation when the speaker walked out onto the stage? Have you ever seen a speaker appear wearing a suit that is a golden pumpkin color on his right side and a muted blue on his left side,…
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Finding Joy in Daily Life
The snow outside is bright white and glistening. The thermometer reads 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and yet I am able to take a hot shower in a warm house. It is a blessing! Everyday there are little and significant blessings in our lives when we pause to take notice. I am…
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Beginning the Year in the Word
We have a framed verse from Isaiah on our wall. It is a reminder of the steadfast love of God. Our relationship with God guides us day by day, despite disruptions and chaos in our world. One of the ways that we nurture a relationship with God is through his…