Six years ago a dear friend died just before Christmas. My husband and I had watched him battle cancer (two different kinds) for over two years. It was hard to see him slowly lose the battle. He fought hard and he never lost his courage or his great sense of humor. His family asked my […]
According to the National Retail Federation, a group that compiles information about consumer spending for major American holidays and events, an estimated 165.3 million people will shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. They break the numbers down like this: 39.6 million will shop on Thanksgiving day 114.6 million will shop on Black Friday 66.6 […]
Growing up in church many times I heard the story of Abraham as told in Genesis. This man who is referred to as “the friend of God” is also held up as a great example of faith. Regarded by the Jewish people as their forefather through his son Isaac, he is also revered by the […]
It’s Friday – time again for a post on the old church hymns. This week as I thought about what song to write one very old hymn came to mind. So I ask – What picture do you see when you think of God? From reading the Bible I have found some unusual pictures. A […]
And just like that – Santa is gone for another year. But Jesus remains all year long. His gifts are year-round. Santa comes but once a year; Jesus is an ever-present help; Santa fills your stocking with goodies; Jesus supplies all your needs. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited; Jesus stands at your door and […]
My youngest granddaughter spent Saturday night with us while Mom and Dad celebrated their anniversary. She always seems to have a hard time going to sleep. I’m not sure if her brain will just not shut down so she can sleep or if she keeps her brain going to avoid sleep. After reading books and […]
At this time of the year we turn to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to read the Christmas story. Each Gospel gives us a different aspect of the birth of Jesus. Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the King. He starts his Gospel with the genealogy of Jesus showing his descent from Abraham, the founder […]
December was not a good month for me. It started off with a terrible head cold. My poor nose suffered from constant blowing. When the cold was over, I had three to four days that were good – and then I got Covid. Of course, being a good wife, I shared it with my husband. […]
At this time of the year we turn to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to read the Christmas story. Each Gospel gives us a different aspect of the birth of Jesus. Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the King. He starts his Gospel with the genealogy of Jesus showing his descent from Abraham, the founder […]
I love the old Christmas carols that I grew up singing and listening to on the radio and at church. But a couple of trees ago a new carol was written. To me, it is one of the best conveyors of the Christmas story. Hope Has a Name. Hope you enjoy it! Today most of […]
As we hear a lot of debate now about whether or not we are/we should be a Christian nation, I would like to share the words of The Rev. Joseph Farnes, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Boise. I think he gives us much to consider. “But let’s ask a question: What would a […]
One of the earliest carols written in North America is a song we never sing. Most of us have probably never even heard of it. It was written by John de Brebeuf, a Jesuit missionary to the Huron Indians. Brebeuf, along with a group of Jesuits, lived with the Hurons in what is now modern-day […]
Sticks and stones may break my bones But words can never harm me Growing up I heard this little rhyme many times. It was said to encourage those who were being bullied or harassed by others. However, this message is simply not true. Words have such power. Power to encourage, power to put down. Power […]
We have lived in Michigan for eleven months and I am surprised at how many of the towns in this state we have visited. Each one has only added to my love of this state. The latest town we visited was Manistee. Located between Ludington and Frankfort Michigan we made this our base as we […]
