O Come! O Come!
Throughout the Advent season, I’m reflecting on some of those whom I’ve been blessed to know who serve as reminders–both in their living, as well as in their dying–of Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth so long ago. (Last week’s was about my dear friend…
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…
An Imperishable Beauty
“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (I Peter 4:4—ESV). Walking side by side with her father in the October sunshine, the princess stooped…
Who’s My Neighbor? (Finale)
And a woman named Martha welcomed [Jesus] into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened … (Luke 10:38b-39–ESV). Pondering the protagonist from Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan might cause one to take pause, ask–…
Who’s My Neighbor? (Part 3)
“What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8–ESV)? I didn’t know Barbara Searight well. Didn’t really know her husband Richard at all. Sad to say–after all, they’re our neighbors….
Who’s My Neighbor? (Part 2)
… [Wanting] to justify himself … [Expert] asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29–NIV). Our next door neighbor is moving. Anyone want to be our neighbor? Come and check it out. I sure hope someone we like moves in! You can fix your…
Who’s My Neighbor? (Part 1)
[The expert of the law] answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you…
Thank You for Making Him Real!
[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men … (Ecclesiastes 3:11a–NIV). Born in Minnesota on August 26, 1921, Doris Koskela Heikkinen was a lover of people. She was a lover of people, however, because she was first…