My son wasn’t healed—not physically. Steven was treated for leukemia, first with chemotherapy and then with a bone marrow transplant. He relapsed, and we were informed that he was terminally ill. In the last weeks of his life, my faith was threatened. Did I still believe? Did I trust God’s love? I needed the faith… Continue reading When a Disease Isn’t Healed
Tag: The Church
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?
Giving an Encouraging Word
Talent: characteristic feature, aptitude or disposition of a person; the natural endowments of a person Words matter. They can encourage or deter creative pursuits. I still remember two elementary school teachers that I had. The orchestra teacher told me that I had no musical ability and discouraged me from attempting to play the violin. (I… Continue reading Giving an Encouraging Word
The Church: A Place for Spiritual Growth
In the Old Testament of the Bible we see how God guided the Israelites through the tabernacle with Moses speaking for him. God demonstrated his desire to speak to his people and teach them how to live in peace. And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the… Continue reading The Church: A Place for Spiritual Growth
Imperfect Families
The Bible has stories about families. Our pastor reminded us that some of the stories show the dysfunction in families (Genesis 27 and 28). In the account of Esau and Jacob, the lies that were told when Jacob received the blessing of his father Isaac demonstrated the divide between family members. Jacob deceived his father… Continue reading Imperfect Families
When the News is Bad
Newspapers have been running stories about the sexual abuse by priests in the Catholic Church. The Chicago Tribune has had a series of articles about sexual abuse at Willow Creek Church. The lead article in the current issue of World Magazine addresses sexual abuse in Protestant churches. It is all around us. It is grievous… Continue reading When the News is Bad
When the Church Responds to Foster Care Needs
On most Fridays I join the challenge to write for five minutes on a prompt given by Kate Motaung. Visit this inspiring community by clicking here. Today’s prompt is: PROVIDE My children are grown and married. Currently we are taking care of my daughter’s children while she and her husband attend a seminar and celebrate… Continue reading When the Church Responds to Foster Care Needs