• Childbirth - Children - Family

    Seasons and Life: Gifts from God

    Have you heard this nursery rhyme?  Monday’s child is fair of faceTuesday’s child is full of graceWednesday’s child is full of woeThursday’s child has far to goFriday’s child is loving and givingSaturday’s child works hard for his livingAnd the child that is born on the Sabbath dayIs bonny and blithe,…

  • Family - Health - Parenting

    The Art of Disagreeing

    When my daughter was in grade school, she had a class that involved critical thinking. She was encouraged to think through problems. When controversies occur, we need this kind of skill. As a parent I have tried set an example of working through the issues our family has faced. It…

  • Family - Health

    Hope for Recovery

    As the pandemic recedes, the tide going out slowly, I hope for recovery in many areas of life. Renewed care and compassion for the elderly. The last eight months of my mother’s life were increasingly isolated due to pandemic restrictions. I am glad that she knew Jesus as her Savior.…

  • 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…

  • 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.…

  • Faith - Family - Herbs

    Giving Thanks in 2020

    Thanksgiving was different this year. We exchanged dishes with my daughter’s family but enjoyed the meal in our separate homes. My granddaughter made a delicious bundt cake and dinner rolls. Another granddaughter made the cranberry sauce. I made my traditional cornbread stuffing. We all had a wonderful meal. In the…

  • Family

    The Year My Vote Was Denied

    During my childhood I was aware of elections and political jingles. My parents voted in every election. It was a citizen’s duty. The first year I was eligible to vote (1972) Richard Nixon was running against George McGovern. I had registered to vote in Ann Arbor—where I lived as a…