• Faith

    Words of Gentleness

    During the years of Jesus ministry on earth there was political turmoil—not so different from our world today. There was division among the Jews: Pharisees, Sadducees, zealots and followers of Jesus. And they were ruled by the Romans.  Jesus didn’t offer a political solution. He was focused on turning the…

  • Faith - Prayer

    The Gospel in Guatemala

    After completing a year of employment as a nurse in a Detroit hospital I went on a mission trip. I served as a guest helper for Wycliffe Bible translators in Guatemala. I went to a little village, two hours or more from Guatemala City. The village of Cubulco was surrounded…

  • Faith - Flowers - Nature

    Celebrating Springtime

    Green is the color of spring time. The snow is melting and snowdrops are raising their white petals to the sun. I am looking forward to tulips and daffodils. I give thanks for the seasons and all that God has created in nature. In the soil, below the surface, plants…

  • Faith - Marriage

    A Path of Peace and Joy

    My husband and I are committed to reading through the Bible in one year. We have a schedule of texts that our pastor provided. We read out loud to each other, two selections in the morning and two selections in the evening. Currently we are reading a chapter from Exodus…

  • Children - Faith - Family

    We Need to Sing

    Prayer and Bible study are ways to be observant of our faith. Singing hymns is another way. On Christmas Eve we could not attend an indoor church service. Our family—our children and grandchildren—met in a church parking lot with others. We were standing outside, and it was freezing cold. We…

  • Children - Faith - Prayer

    Any Truth in Fairy Tales?

    Many fairy tales begin with once upon a time. It is interesting that these children’s stories can include suffering and waiting.  Cinderella was treated harshly by her stepmother and stepsisters. When the fairy godmother makes a way for her to go to the Prince’s ball, she has to leave at…

  • Faith

    Sunrise and Refreshed Faith

    The first chapter of Luke provides the only details about Elizabeth and Zechariah, the parents of John the Baptist. They are described as righteous and blameless. Elizabeth is barren. The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah in the temple and astonishes him with the announcement that he will have a son. Because he is…

  • Faith - Prayer

    A Divided Country: How Do We Fix it?

    We can’t fix ourselves. We know that. The Bible explains our situation and our nature. My husband and I are following a plan to read through the Bible in a year. We are reading about the faith and failures of people. The problem of sin. God promises to send a…

  • Faith - Family - Prayer

    Faith and Hope for 2021

    On New Year’s Eve I wrote the following words. As 2020 slips into sunset, I look forward with hope that the new year will bring a revival of faith, renewed health and joy. And yet, just a few days in, the pandemic continues and the political tension is increasing. I…

  • Faith - Family

    Mom at Rest: December 14, 2020

    For the past few years Mom was a resident in Porter Hills nursing home. Her memory and physical mobility were declining. And then the pandemic came and visits were restricted. Mom was alone more and placed on hospice care. We were grateful when in person visits were allowed once more.…