It is a complicated time in our country. I want to be gracious and patient, but . . . In the middle of the afternoon on a rainy Wednesday, I went to the post office. I expected few people would be there and my errand would be quick, but there…
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Why I am Resisting, in Pursuit of Health
The leaves are changing color, flames of red and gold. The fall roses are still blooming in northern Michigan. God has inscribed color and beauty on earth. The design of the earth and its seasons, the design of all creatures, the design of the human body comes from God, our…
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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…
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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.…
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Herbs in the Garden: Nourishment and Remedies
Springtime brings warmer weather, more sunshine, blossoms on the trees and the beginning of a parade of flowers. One of my favorite activities is planting seeds and watching them germinate. Only God can package life in a tiny seed! A couple years ago I planted nettle seeds—a herb that I…
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A Little Return to Normalcy
My husband and I will attend a football game at the high school tonight. Each marching band member is permitted two guests at the game. Our grandson and granddaughter will be playing trumpet and flute. It is a bit of a return to normal. The past year has been hard…
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The First Weeks with a Newborn Infant: 10 Recommendations
Childbirth can be exhausting. There are ways to prepare for this time period and ways to reduce stress during the first few weeks after giving birth. In the final weeks of pregnancy stock up on basic household needs and staple items (like we have been doing through the pandemic). During…
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Birth During the Pandemic
Yesterday I listened to a couple take about their birth experience. They had planned to have a home birth. Having had the experience of assisting at home births, I thought their choice was good—especially during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the mom needed to be transferred to the hospital after many hours…
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Quercetin: A Flavonoid in Onions
Onions are a staple in my kitchen. If I am frying a portion of salmon. I like to have sauteed onions in the pan. Onions add flavor to almost every kind of meat. I place onions in the cavity of a chicken or a turkey before roasting. I have a…
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Herbs in My Bay Window
During the summer I have a bounty of fresh herbs. Sage, chives, oregano, mint, lavender and lemon balm are perennials in my yard. Sometimes thyme survives the winter and it comes back for a second or third season. Each summer I plant dill and basil. I am fortunate to have…