• Book Reviews - Faith - Prayer

    Pause to Pray

    A small group in our church is reading and discussing the book, How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Grieg. Grieg introduces the acronym P.R.A.Y. Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield. Why do we need to pause? Perhaps that is a silly question when we consider our hectic…

  • Faith - Prayer

    Timeless Truth

    The Bible has books that praise God, record His interaction in the world and report the words of Jesus. The Psalms have both praise and lament and I feel that I am in the company of people who have struggled with their faith. The gospel of John gives me a…

  • Childbirth - Midwifery - Prayer - Women

    She Asked Me to Pray

    After working in hospital labor/delivery units for many years, I had the opportunity to join a home birth practice. I attended healthy women in labor at home. During the active phase of labor the doctor or midwife arrived. Approximately ten percent of the women were transferred to the hospital for…

  • Faith - Prayer

    Broken Cisterns

    As I read through the Old Testament of the Bible, the words tell me about God’s holiness and justice. He has made a way for us to dwell with Him. God has given us precepts for living; his laws are good. But it is human nature to disobey.  The prophet…

  • Faith - Prayer

    The Gospel in Guatemala

    After completing a year of employment as a nurse in a Detroit hospital I went on a mission trip. I served as a guest helper for Wycliffe Bible translators in Guatemala. I went to a little village, two hours or more from Guatemala City. The village of Cubulco was surrounded…

  • Children - Faith - Prayer

    Any Truth in Fairy Tales?

    Many fairy tales begin with once upon a time. It is interesting that these children’s stories can include suffering and waiting.  Cinderella was treated harshly by her stepmother and stepsisters. When the fairy godmother makes a way for her to go to the Prince’s ball, she has to leave at…

  • Faith - Prayer

    A Divided Country: How Do We Fix it?

    We can’t fix ourselves. We know that. The Bible explains our situation and our nature. My husband and I are following a plan to read through the Bible in a year. We are reading about the faith and failures of people. The problem of sin. God promises to send a…

  • 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 - Prayer

    Beyond the Sunset

    Beyond the Sunset is a hymn that I remember from childhood. My Dad had a good voice and sang this with joy. Here are the words to the first verse: Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning, When with our Savior heaven is begun, Earth’s toiling ended, O glorious dawning; Beyond…

  • Grandparents - Prayer

    For the Sake of the Children

    The questions about the integrity of the November 3rd election are troubling. I am most concerned for my children and grandchildren. What does the future hold for them? This morning I read a parable recorded in the book of Luke. And he told them a parable to the effect that they…