“Why did we come here?" I thought. Of all the places our study tour group had visited in Israel, none had affected me like this archeological tell at Dan, the site of an ancient altar. The atmosphere seemed oppressive. I did not want to be there. Site of the ancient altar at Dan What made…
The Marvelous Life of a Queen and the Children of the King
Unexpectedly, I’ve teared up several times in the last eight days over the death of Queen Elizabeth II. This brave and honorable lady touched lives here “across the pond” in America and around the world. Of course, she was imperfect, but known to set anyone at ease; fun-loving, yet serious about the things that mattered.…
Could I Be More Grateful ? — My Reflection in the Garden of Gethsemane
Like the olive treeAncient branches knotted, fused —Your will one with that of the Father.Branches twisted, pierced through.Soon Your sinews, muscles would strain, contorted,Flesh torn.Yet You chose to meet Your betrayerWent willingly, boundYou who spread out a universeTo declare Your glory.Now Your glory shoneFrom obedience to deathOn a cross of wood.Fulfilling all things,Righteous Branch,You burst…
Can You Make a Choice to Stay in the Joy?
Phrases etched in my memory nearly 40 years ago came back to me again recently: “…como propuso en su corazón…porque Dios ama al dador alegre.” In the small church I attended in Cuernavaca, Mexico, we quoted the verse these phrases come from every Sunday before the offering was taken. With my dear church friend Amparo…
Once an Alien, One May Wonder —Always an Alien?
Have you ever been an alien? I have — a registered, certified alien. There may be reason to doubt, but, no, not the extra-terrestrial kind. As a single American for four years in Mexico, and as a wife, then mother, for 28 years in the Philippines, I was a resident alien. I needed to continually…
Should I Settle for Cheap Happiness, or Is There Something Better?
Have you taken these easy routes to cheap happiness, as I have? The one-more-cookie comfort for sadness or loneliness? The momentary satisfaction of venting your feelings before praying them through? The brief "fun" of getting away with procrastination or toying with unhealthy thoughts? The mindless enjoyment of scrolling, scrolling, scrolling? Our struggles against ungodly choices…
The Ultimate Companion on Our Journey of Faith
That glazed look on some of us during/after one of our long journeys to the Philippines, 1997. How are you this new year? Shaken? Discouraged? Hopeful but tired? Lift up your heart with me to our wise and compassionate Companion on this pilgrimage through life. In four decades as a gospel worker, a long eye-blink…
I Grieved the Missed Opportunity When the Store Burned
What? Our grocery store had burned down the night before? I was shocked, and not just by the news. The worst part for me was that I had been there the previous day. I had felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit to talk with the cashier about knowing Jesus. For some reason I avoided…
What Kind of Music Do I Want to Play?
Don’t do this at your home! Coming distractedly down our uncarpeted tile stairs some years ago, I missed a few of the last steps and fell, painfully spraining my ankle. The good thing about the situation was the first thing out of my mouth. “Thank You, Lord!” I sang out. I was surprised and happy…
What Was He Created For? The Tale of the Young Nobleman
Far away in the Limmerey Isles, a young man grew up happy and carefree. He had become feudal lord in place of his noble father (for his parents had given him full control of their lands while on a distant quest), and he was much heralded in the villages that were part of his domain.…
The Nearness of God 