T.I.M.E.–Take It / Make Eternal
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven … [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of [humans] … (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11–NIV). Time. Is it just me, or does time…
If You Give God’s Girl a Bible
For an opportunity to win a prize (Not a cookie!), please follow the crumbs to the end. ********** There’s a sweet children’s book our littles loved called If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. This story by Laura J. Numeroff tells of a mouse who simply…
Lessons Learned from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
I am both proud and humbled to introduce my guest for this week’s Penning Pansies. Carol is my cousin, but usually we call each other “God sisters.” Her mom was my Grandma Helga’s sister. We share a Finnish heritage, a love for words, and, mostly,…
Letting the Light In
The other day, my girl and I drove to school in gray chill. My heart, too, felt the grip of cold. I turned up Pandora–choosing Hillsong worship, hoping the music would thaw my sullen spirit. I grappled with a grumbling attitude–pointed out several of Allie’s…
2020-Hindsight for Hope in the New Year
Twenty-twenty Hindsight–(n.) seeing clearly, with full understanding, a situation or event only after it has happened. 2020–a really, really hard year; a thing of the past. One can only have twenty-twenty hindsight once he or she has stepped into a new situation. Like stepping over the…
Seth Cook–Joyous Giant
On this third week of Advent, what better time to share some good news that brings great joy? Introducing our friend Seth who–though only 3 feet tall and a mere 25 pounds–was a JOY-GIANT! (Please read to the end to discover a link where you,…
Bethany–Missionary in Birkenstocks
She was most at home in bibs and Birkenstocks. Maybe that’s one reason I felt so kindred to Bethany. Like half a dozen others, Bethany Enloe would enter my room on Thursday afternoons–shake off the dust of an 8th grade school day before kicking off…
When Worry Weighs Heavy and Thankfulness Feels Far
Who doesn’t find joy in the eve of Thanksgiving? Christmas, too, for that matter? In fact, any “eve” of an extra-special day–when expectations are heightened and anticipation lingers? But what happens when expectations aren’t met and the day passes? And what’s one to do as…
Angels Unawares in Union Station
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in your ways (Psalm 91:11). In honor of Veterans Day and to honor my late father-in-law who served in the U.S. Navy–who always LOVED to hear and tell a good story–I’m choosing to share…
How Should We Battle?
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,…