The campers were hopping spinning and clapping. The bright colors of their tie-dyed shirts danced with their movements. They were performing the “church clap” for parents and grandparents at the closing ceremony of a week at camp. The energy of the preteens and teenagers was a joy to watch. My daughter had invited me to… Continue reading The Church Clap at Camp
Category: Family
It’s Not By Chance
This past week we read and discussed Psalm 139 in our women’s Bible Study. We marveled at God’s knowledge of us, our thoughts and actions. Whatever our circumstance, God is there! God knows our beginning. Our life is not by chance. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I… Continue reading It’s Not By Chance
Canning Berries: Memories of Mom
As I canned cherries and gooseberries this summer, I thought of my mother. She had stimulated my interest in canning. We had made and canned thimbleberry jam together. It was a family project to pick and clean the wild berries. Gooseberries have stems and “pig tales” (the remainder of the flower). They also have a… Continue reading Canning Berries: Memories of Mom
Aware and Giving Thanks
God is so good. He created a wonderful world with flowers, fruit and vegetables. The first home for humans was a garden. And the Lord planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. Genesis 2:8 God designed the family. Therefore a man shall leave his father… Continue reading Aware and Giving Thanks
Family Time in Michigan
Almost every year, beginning in my childhood, I have spent time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan—usually in summer or fall. It is a beautiful place! I have memories of fishing with my Dad and my brother. The fish were cleaned and served for dinner or sometimes breakfast. Over the years we have picked strawberries,… Continue reading Family Time in Michigan
A Story About a Father’s Love
Edith Pargeter (pen name is Ellis Peters) wrote a series of mysteries that look back on the history of England. The novels are set during the period of civil war, 1135 to 1154. King Steven was being challenged by Empress Maud for the throne. The main character, Brother Cadfael, is a monk at the Benedictine… Continue reading A Story About a Father’s Love
When a Disease Isn’t Healed
My son wasn’t healed—not physically. Steven was treated for leukemia, first with chemotherapy and then with a bone marrow transplant. He relapsed, and we were informed that he was terminally ill. In the last weeks of his life, my faith was threatened. Did I still believe? Did I trust God’s love? I needed the faith… Continue reading When a Disease Isn’t Healed
A Story About Family: Finding Dorothy
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts is a well-researched historical novel. It is a story about family and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I have seen the movie but have never read L. Frank Baum’s book, which is a central narrative in the novel. Letts’ novel features Matilda Joslyn Gage, heavily involved in the suffrage movement,… Continue reading A Story About Family: Finding Dorothy
What Should We do When Change is All Around?
Our world, our country is changing at a fast pace. Many of the boundaries for healthy living are being discarded. It more important than ever to keep God’s word fresh in our mind, to teach it to our children and grandchildren. God’s desire for us is good but we must know his Word. The Lord… Continue reading What Should We do When Change is All Around?
Beginning the Day with Morning Coffee
In 2016 I wrote a blog post commemorating our anniversary (and our morning coffee). I was brought back six years as I read the post. Since then changes have taken place. My mother and brother have both passed away. I am no longer travelling to Michigan every other month. They are at rest. Our family has… Continue reading Beginning the Day with Morning Coffee