The Miracle of Faith: Lessons from John Chapter 6

John Chapter 6 in the Discovering Jesus study has the theme of faith, belief, and the Holy Spirit. I love the story of the little boy who came to hear Jesus with his mama’s packed lunch of 5 barley loaves and two fish. Perhaps the lunch was for him, his siblings, and the father who…

Healing from Apathy: Embrace Spiritual Renewal

“The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.“  — Martin Luther. Two words, “fresh” and “renew,” were consistently expressed yesterday. I’m sure everyone who shared in their designated roles did not talk to each other; however, God chose to have…

Exploring the Multifaceted Nature of Generosity in Faith

Generosity is a multifaceted quality involving the willingness to give or share, often without expecting anything in return. It goes beyond simply providing material possessions and encompasses a broader spirit of giving. It is freely given without conditions, and has positive intentions. Beyond material generosity, it is the ability to empathize, forgive, and offer genuine…

Looking Up

Where do we look for peace, acceptance, or joy? When you stop to ponder this question there are so many ways God has given us to interact with others through relationships and His creations. Oh the joy of nature, and the beauty of the world around us, or the love we experience with friends and…

Mothers and Miracles: Reflecting Christ’s Love

Continuing my reading of my new Bible study, Discovering Jesus, I am trying to see how the Word and His Spirit will guide me through chapter 2 of John. This chapter includes the first miracle, which was performed at a wedding. Jesus turned the water into wine. Jesus also cleared the temple and reminded us…

Finding Hope in Life’s Questions

I truly appreciate a thoughtful, caring question. My friend Kris embodies this beautifully; she has a talent for asking meaningful and introspective questions that allow me to delve deeper into my feelings and thoughts. For instance, when I return from a trip, she doesn’t just ask about my travels in passing. Instead, she genuinely inquires,…

Because He Lives: Finding Joy and Purpose in Life

“Because He Lives” – A Resurrection Sunday Reflection Resurrection Sunday is the day we pause to celebrate the victory of life over death, hope over despair, and love over sin. This morning, my heart swelled as we prepared to sing the cherished hymn “Because He Lives.” The familiar melody and timeless words have been a…

Birds sing dawn will come

Words familiar still Live deep within not followed Birds sing dawn will come (Haiku, by Anna Hebb, 3/2/2025) I was in elementary school when my English teacher taught me how to write a haiku. At a young age, I loved the ability to express my emotions in a 5-7-5 rhythm. I still see the construction…

Making a Manger

Parish and I want to share the specifications for making a manger, whether for any gatherings you may have or for spending time with children and grandchildren. When our children were young, Parish was involved with Noble Warriors, an organization that hosted workshops for dads and their kids to create mangers. This experience was truly…

Reach for His Healing Wings

In the profound finale of Malachi in the Old Testament, we find an echo that reverberates through centuries—the promise of healing and hope embedded in God’s words. Chapter 4 speaks to a time of waiting, 400 years of silence from God, yet it leaves us with a powerful image: the healing in His wings. This…