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
Tag: Prayer
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 is important to be educated,… Continue reading The Art of Disagreeing
Lessons from History: Esther, Adams & Jefferson
My days are spent in the garden, in the kitchen and with a book. I begin with Bible study—currently the book of Esther. The drama of King Ahasuerus, Queen Esther, Mordecai and Haman is colorful, frightening and humorous. But I am most struck by the steadfast calm and faith that Mordecai shows. The effect of… Continue reading Lessons from History: Esther, Adams & Jefferson
The Changing Ways of Birth
I was born in Michigan, and so was my mother. My grandmother was born in Finland. My grandmother gave birth to her children at home. My mother gave birth in the hospital during the obstetric practice of twilight sleep and delivery with forceps. I gave birth by cesarean section. As a nurse I worked in… Continue reading The Changing Ways of Birth
How Do We Overcome Fear?
Fear can distract us from a life of faith. In my morning Bible study I have been reading about Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, the city with a temple for God’s presence. The Jews had enemies that did not want them to rebuild the walls. At first these enemies jeered and mocked… Continue reading How Do We Overcome Fear?
Another Day of Stay At Home
Today I woke up to another day of #StayAtHome and a blanket of snow on the ground. The snow continues to fall. Yesterday a tulip was opening to the sun. Today it is bravely standing tall in the snow. During this period of lock down it is just my husband and I at home. Our… Continue reading Another Day of Stay At Home
We Need to Pray Now
My heart aches for our country. This past Tuesday I went to a grocery store at 6:15 am, when the light of sunrise was spreading. It was senior shopping hours. The store opened at 6 am and already many people were there. The tension in the store was palpable. Some people were wearing masks and… Continue reading We Need to Pray Now
A Time for Steadfast Faith
Currently I am studying the book of Ezra with women of my church. We looked at the reason that God allowed Israel’s captivity in Babylon. One reason was their failure to give the land its Sabbath rest. I read about the Sabbath rest that God commanded his people. I have been chewing on this. What… Continue reading A Time for Steadfast Faith
What Do We Tell the Children?
Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my grandchildren. I was happy to join the family for dinner. As we were eating dinner the second grader said, “We might be having world war three.” “Why do you say that?” I asked. “A boy in my class said that.” The granddaughter who is in middle school said,… Continue reading What Do We Tell the Children?
Prayer: the Antidote to Fear
There are times and circumstances that overwhelm with fear. Remember the Bible account of the sudden storm on the Sea of Galilee? A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him saying, “Teacher, is it nothing… Continue reading Prayer: the Antidote to Fear