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 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…
When I was growing up, my family made trips to Toronto, Canada. My father was asked to meet with some Finnish families as a part of ministry. We became friends with these families. They had immigrated to Canada from Finland. They were unable to settle in the U.S. because the…
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…
There are many parts of gardening that I enjoy. I have a large box of seed packets—some are seeds I have saved, and some are ones I have purchased. In April I start plants indoors, and watch for a sprout to appear. One year I was pleased with a tomato…
A special joy in springtime is watching the plants leaf out, and flower. I enjoy walking around the backyard, observing the daily growth. The gooseberry bush has little berries, but it will be a while before they are ripe. When I make applesauce, I will add gooseberries to the apples.…
Recently I read An Untamed Land, a novel by Lauraine Snelling. The story follows two families that immigrated to the United States from Norway with the goal of acquiring a homestead. The work of clearing land, establishing a home and managing to find the food and resources to survive was terribly…
Recently I watched a documentary about Alexander Hamilton, learning about his contribution to our country and the tragic death of his son, as well as his own untimely death. When I noticed the book, My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, at the library, I picked it up. It…
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…
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…