We often look at the Beatitudes as a moral code. We see it as an ideal that no one can really live up to. Perhaps it is a goal that we strive to achieve so that God will grant us entrance to heaven some day. As we head into another presidential campaign, we see politicians […]

There is a popular Christmas song that many love and it gets a lot of air time at the holiday season.  I love it too, especially the line that says “When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.” But I have to ask myself as I listen to this song, do […]

After visiting Flint, Michigan on a recent trip, my husband and I traveled on to one of the most interesting little towns – Frankenmuth.  Known as “Little Bavaria” the sign welcoming us gave a feel for what was to come as we explored the town.  Its Bavarian-style architecture highlights its German roots. On of the […]

A rich young ruler came to Jesus with an important question: “What can I do to inherit eternal life?” Depending on what religious background you come from, there could be different answers. Some religions reject the very idea of “eternal life” and believe your spirit will live on in some form or another and that […]

In the fall of 2002 I was diagnosed with an advanced and very aggressive cancer.  Hearing my doctors words, “The odds are not in your favor,” I realized I was heading into the battle of my life. Would I live or would I die? Facing your own mortality changes the way you look at the […]

During my marriage to my pastor husband, I have kept scrapbooks of our many years in ministry.  Looking through the scrapbooks tonight I came across the pages from when my husband retired as pastor.  (This was his first retirement.  He came out of retirement twice – once to serve with me as worship pastors, once […]

Today my husband and I visited an old friend to say goodbye.  In the final stages of cancer it appears he only has a few more weeks to live.  This friend was first my husband’s friend.  They met when my husband stopped at a restaurant owned by this man.  The restaurant was halfway between our […]

via Daily Prompt: Someday How often we say we will do something “someday.”  Especially at this time of year we make New Year resolutions that starting the first of this year I am going to actually do those things I keep saying I will do “someday.” Unfortunately someday seems to never come. Because I seldom […]

Recently I shared in Words to Build a Life On  how I have found the Bible a source of strength and hope in difficult times. As I begin a new year, I have been thinking about those verses that have been so meaningful to me. John 3:16 – For this is how God loved the […]

After posting from my notes on James 1 last week, I decided to continue to share these notes. Practice what you preach. Don’t just say with the lips, practice with the life. Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk. Or, as my father used to say, “Your actions speak so loud I can’t […]

Every year the small town where I live has a Chalk Art Event.  Local business owners sponsor an artist who designs a chalk drawing on the sidewalk in front of their stores. The small downtown turns into a great combination of chalk art, live music, food vendors and community engagement.  It’s a great way to […]

Years ago my father sometimes held revivals in small churches in southern Illinois.  Many of the churches either had no piano player (this was before the era of drums and guitars in worship) or a very untalented player.  Since he felt music was important for sharing the gospel, he came up with a solution. He […]

At this time of year as we plan our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, we need to remember not everyone has the resources we do.  I am reposting an article on (Check source below) Some items are in high demand at the food bank and you may not realize it. Because they aren’t essentials, the staff […]

A few years ago my husband and I took our granddaughter to a park by the Mississippi River near our house to feed the ducks.  Although she was only four years old she quickly realized we were only a few blocks from the John Deere Pavilion.  She loves this place with all the many tractors […]