There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 On the evening before Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated perfect love. Over the past week I have read and reread chapter 17 in the gospel of John. After the last supper and after Jesus had explained… Continue reading Perfect Love
Tag: pandemic
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 in our country. We are… Continue reading Repairing Our Communication
The Gift of Children: Grandmother’s Perspective
It is good to pause and give thanks for God’s gifts. I am very blessed to have ten grandchildren. It is a joy to spend time with them, to attend games and concerts. I am also called to help them on a life of faith. Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget… Continue reading The Gift of Children: Grandmother’s Perspective
Seeking Steadfast Faith
On Wednesday mornings I meet with three or four women to study and discuss verses in the book of James. Like so often in the past, we are studying the right book. The message of James is relevant to our current time. Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, for you… Continue reading Seeking Steadfast Faith
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 of labor. Soon after arriving… Continue reading Birth During the Pandemic
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 wake up in the morning… Continue reading Faith and Hope for 2021
Year of Disappointment: An Anchor for the Soul
This year, 2020, might be called the year of disappointment. Everyone has been affected by the pandemic whether it be financially, socially or physically. The politics in our country has been hard to watch. We have flawed men seeking the presidency. The recent revelations of corruption are disheartening. The bias in the media and the… Continue reading Year of Disappointment: An Anchor for the Soul
Why Do We Have the Church?
Jesus said to his disciples: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.” Matthew 18:20 I grew up going to church with my family every Sunday. My parents were members of a Finnish Lutheran Church that was part of an association of Finnish churches. During the summer we sometimes… Continue reading Why Do We Have the Church?
The Right Life-map
This past week I skipped my morning Bible study a couple of days. Instead I read a few articles in the newspaper at the breakfast table. The tension of our current time put my nerves on edge. I felt irritable. I drank more coffee and spent too much time on social media. I pondered the… Continue reading The Right Life-map
Smiles Behind the Mask
Our library is open again! Yesterday I picked out a stack of books and a few DVDs. When I went to the desk to check out, the librarian commented on my stack. “Ah.looks like you are catching up on reading.” And I responded, “Actually I had a couple thicks books on my shelf that I… Continue reading Smiles Behind the Mask