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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Why Didn’t I Take the Shot?
Our family’s experience with vaccines goes back a number of years. As we struggled with health problems, I prayed for God’s guidance in supporting my children’s health. Here is my story. Like every mother I have pursued health for my children. They all received childhood vaccines, but were prone to…
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Christmas, Grandchildren and Books
We were blessed to have all ten grandchildren with us to celebrate Christmas. It was noisy but full of family joy. On Christmas Eve we all went to church together–my daughters and their families, my son and his family. We listened to portions of Old Testament scripture pointing to the…
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The Shepherds Came
As we celebrate Christmas, the wonder of God’s plan still amazes. God sent his Son to a human family. God designed the family and He affirmed it. The angels announced the birth of a Savior to shepherds watching their flocks, and gave them a sign. The shepherds went to Bethlehem,…
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The Ending is Good
It has been a number of years since I sat in the Michigan stadium in Ann Arbor, but I still follow the football team of my alma mater. Last Saturday the game was tense. The Wolverines were losing to Illinois when I set the TV to record the remainder of…
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Giving Thanks in November
Thanksgiving is coming. As I shop and make plans for preparing special dishes (the cornbread dressing everyone loves), I’m giving thanks for . . . Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community .
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Repairing Our Communication
This morning I went to the post office and the farmer’s market. The main road on my way is still under repair, being resurfaced. One lane is shut down and it slows down the flow of traffic. But the end result will be an improvement. My thoughts turn to communication…
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Book Review: In a Far-off Land
When I attended the Law and Life Summit at a conference center this summer, I discovered that the Catholic Writer’s Guild was also meeting. The Guild sessions were open to Law and Life attendees, so I joined a couple offerings. Stephanee Landsem was presenting at one of the sessions. I…
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Berry Picking in Northern Michigan
The forests and fields in northern Michigan demonstrate the abundant creativity in nature, designed by God. There are trees—pine and deciduous—ferns, wildflowers and berries. My sister and I spent a week in the Upper Peninsula. We hiked. We picked apples and berries. Thimbleberries are abundant in the Keweenaw (the peak…
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The Church Clap at Camp
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…