We’ve all heard the old adage that there are two sides to every story, and a classic trial brings that point out vividly. I’ve served on three juries in the past – one guilty, one given a lesser settlement than desired, and one not guilty. It’s an honor to be selected to sit with peers to carefully review and ponder the facts of the case as presented by the respective attorneys, and to be responsible for the right verdict. Certainly, some have abused the trial-by-jury system and condemned tru
There is One who walked this earth long ago, who shared this life, and who felt the same emotions we do… the One who walks this road beside us still. One who understands our fears and anxieties, telling us to come and bring all our cares to Him, to rest in His peace.
I suspect we tend to think of our Lord’s journey on this earth as one which was just as perfect as He was. We have the ability to look backward with Scripture in hand and see that Jesus’ three years of ministry were anyth
Sometimes we hold onto the pain from hurts long ago... holding tight to a grudge. It doesn’t do anyone any good, least of all us. It’s quite likely the other person has no clue why we might be upset at them.
Life is full of hurts and offenses… some are made accidentally without realizing we’ve done the offending, while at other times we intentionally get even with someone for the pain they’ve caused us. Oh, what a vicious cycle!
Then there is the pain and guilt we feel for our offens
There is no greater prayer than The Lord’s Prayer. Actually, it’s the perfect prayer… from Jesus Himself, given to His disciples as part of His great Sermon on the Mount.
Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and
During the season of Lent, we tend to reflect a little more intently on Christ’s mission and sacrifice for us. Since He gave so much in giving His life to redeem us, it seems we could easily give up even a little for Him. Though the traditional idea of giving up something for Lent has not been something I have done, my friend and distant cousin, Carolyn, got me thinking more deeply about the season of Lent.
A few years ago, as Carolyn read her “Catholic Weekly” magazine with its daily d
Wisdom... that value within our heart and soul which helps guide our steps on this path called life. An entity more precious than gold. Lady Wisdom’s knowledge often comes from experience, by learning and gaining insight the hard way… you know, those mistakes that can either break or make us. She brings a common sense, discernment, shrewdness… an innate understanding of what’s right and wrong. But this sound judgment can be lacking when we become distracted or enticed by what seems so right,
Little lambs are so soft, cuddly and cute! In my mid-teens, my siblings and I were given a lamb which I promptly named “Lambie.” Very original, huh?! It was only intended until something better came to mind, but nothing ever did. She was a twin, abandoned by her mother and given to us by our cousin, Robert, from his flock. I didn’t know the breed, but she had light gray wool with a black face and black legs. Recently, one of my students who absolutely loves goats and sheep, and knows all t
Sometimes our best inspiration comes from the most unlikely place! With the admonition to be “in the world, but not of it,” we find ourselves living out our faith foundation among the world around us (Romans 12:2). After 6th grade graduation from Passaic (Pine Street) Christian School in New Jersey, my Dad felt it was time to live out my faith by attending public junior high. Despite the culture shock, I learned invaluable lessons.
Yet, I think we tend to compartmentalize “church/faith”
Blessed Are You… The Beatitudes, Jesus’ words of blessings to all who seek Him. They give us guidance on qualities of spiritual life that we should strive to live out daily. In effect, they are the reverse of what the world might consider valuable assets.
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He told the crowds who were listening that they should “watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them… A good t
What is love? We say “I love you!” to our family and friends … but we also say we love a book, a movie, a car, a new outfit, our pets. Is love found in endless glowing words of romantic emotion or selfless acts to please another? What makes love tick? It’s the minutes between the anniversaries that make the memories special. Writing for our 44th anniversary in 2018, I thought this poem and reflection would be fitting for Valentine’s Day this Friday.
My husband used to write me special
What our thoughts focus on tends to tell us where our heart resides. We may focus on our loved ones, our hobbies, fun and games with friends, climbing the corporate ladder, earning a vast estate, and collecting things… reminding me of the popular saying, “The one with the most toys wins.”
Don’t get me wrong. These are not, in and of themselves, inherently wrong. Instead, it’s the how and why behind that which we focus on. I’m no different than anyone else. I like my “things” – especial
Often, it’s in learning to accept the difficulties we face in life that we find healing peace. Yesterday being the second anniversary of Ed’s passing into eternal glory, I thought I’d repost this blog. We are not always healed of our illnesses or disabilities just because we pray for such. I treasure knowing Ed was made perfectly whole in his heavenly home… in God’s perfect will and timing.
Early one morning several years ago, before heading to another of Ed’s many appts, I stood on the dec
Today is National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. And this story is very close to my heart because someone I dearly loved would not have lived among us if the recommended abortion had taken place.
With the 52nd anniversary of January 1973’s Roe v. Wade abortion decision, I again share the story of a mother-to-be who already had two healthy children, a girl and a boy. This time, she was very ill with her pregnancy. Vomiting frequently, not able to keep much food down, she steadily grew wors
With the arrival of new snow to admire yesterday morning, I was reminded of this poem and reflection written several years ago during a big storm. Within this peaceful blanketing of snow lies the image to me of stillness before God, and contemplation of His goodness, grace and mercy, and blessings to each of us. And my prayer is that you are each blessed in pausing to contemplate the love of God toward each of us on this path called life.
As we gaze out at those white flakes floating down
Watching snow come down Wednesday afternoon, it resembled slushy raindrops that evolved into large flat white flakes that turned into a beautiful white covering Friday morning… and it reminded me of an old familiar hymn from childhood. “Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul; break down every idol, cast out every foe; now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow, now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psa
As this year draws to its conclusion, I began pondering all that I’m thankful for… among the many blessings God has showered on each of us. It’s been a good year of making new friends and appreciating friends from the past, of joining a new-to-me Reformed church group and their band, able to use my aging voice to share a love of singing praise to our Lord, of treasured memories of loved ones who were a special part of our lives for a time, of family who grace our lives with their love and presen
Christmas… the most wonderful time of the year! We all have special memories wrapped up like treasures from holidays past - the smell of fresh pine when just the right tree is brought in and set up, strands of beautiful colored or pure white lights, decorations from gorgeous and fancy to simple and elegant in an array of colors and styles, scrumptious cookies and candy being made with their aromas wafting through the house, busy days of shopping and either making or looking for just the right g
During this holiday season, so many among us struggle with difficulties and losses. They seem to make the holidays harder to face as we perhaps miss the joy once shared with loved ones, struggle with losses from devastating storms, or were given a difficult health diagnosis. Yet, we don’t have to face life’s turmoil alone. There is one who will be at our side - Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He’s the very reason we celebrate Christmas. He brings love to our heart, guides our path, and gives us
I’ve shared this essay previously, part of a speech given at a local women-of-faith retreat. Yet, there are times my heart is lifted up by re-reading words from another time and place… reminding me anew of God’s unfailing love in difficult circumstances. As I wrote in my Christmas letter a year ago, I have felt so blessed by God in so many ways since Ed’s passing.
I’ve also been blessed over the years by visions, words or nudges from God, including after our daughter Jenn passed with a visi
I had a big disappointment as a kid one Christmas, but kept it a secret for decades. I’ve never forgotten that Christmas when I was 5-1/2 years old. We’d left a favorite Marion, NY farm to live in Clifton, NJ, again, the city where I was born. I was a big girl though, walking all by myself several blocks to kindergarten - PS#15 overlooking scenic Weasel Brook Park. My sister and I with our toddler brother loved to visit Grammy and PopPop (our Dad’s parents), and that Christmas was especially
Thanks-Giving Day… a time of reflection, appreciation, gratitude… recalling blessings even among the difficulties of a most unusual year… and memories shared from years past as we recall what touched our hearts deeply… remembering our loved ones who are no longer here among us… recalling extended family gatherings with delicious food and lots of it… endless football games (sorry, not my favorite)… hunting (let’s go!), especially if there’s fresh snow for tracking… all felt with grateful hearts!
I love to sing, always have, since I was a kidlet. In my childhood, it was the old Hymns of Faith whether in Christian elementary school, church, choirs, in the backseat of the car singing with my sister as our family went for a drive, or as she and I sang an occasional duet in church. As a teen, I sang along with old country/western and then rock songs of the early ‘70s on 99.1, the WAAL. Yet, I’ve always enjoyed the old hymns, simply for the truth of the words and the joy of singing, though
I suspect we’ve all heard, “There but for the grace of God go I.” Truth be told, I think we all know how true those words are. This world has so much to offer with its many enticements… and how easy it is for any one of us to be swayed aside… but for the grace and wisdom of God.
I’m thankful to God for preserving me from being enticed to follow a path that seemed so good, so right when young… which, in reality, would lead to destruction. Studying the book of Proverbs is an eye opener.
Life isn’t fair… or so we think. We see nothing but tragedies all around us… wars without end, killing of the innocents and young innocence... while evil seems to freely flourish. We struggle to converse with respect and an understanding of opposing points of view. We sow words of hate and distrust among friends for thinking or believing differently. Disease and death stalk our loved ones. What was once considered morally wrong is readily accepted as right. And we wonder where a loving God
As some of my readers know, yesterday would have been my 50th wedding anniversary. Wanting to do something special to carry the memory forward, I invited another widowed friend to share a few hours at Wayne Myers’ Gardens in North Spencer. (Look them up online.) But Wayne's tour and knowledge is utterly impressive of the ways of our ancestors. He has built numerous buildings including a sluiceway for a waterwheel in a grist mill, a covered bridge, and several other old-appearing outbuildings
