Via Dolorosa
The Stations of the Cross – The Passion Week took on a whole new meaning since going to Israel! I walked the streets where Jesus carried my sin to Golgotha. We started at the top of the Mt. of Olives near Bethany. We walked to the Garden of Gethsemane and then up the Ascent to…
Moving – Friends – Grateful
Today as I write this I am in the middle of a move, which I feel like I have been in the middle of for 3 or more months. Every 10 years or so in our married life we have moved. This is 10.5 but it still fits in the rhythm. For me, I think…
Ground Hog Day! Candlemas Day!
The prestigious prognosticator, Punxatawny Phil, saw his shadow today, which means we have 6 more weeks of Winter! Even though I am certain that the weather and the seasons (especially in the calendarically challenged state of California) have nothing to do with a rodent and his shadow, I am so glad that this winter has…
Lessons from the Holy Land
Tel Arad When Moses led the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan, the King of Arad picked a fight with the Hebrews and lost (Numbers 21:1-3). This triumph also represented God’s grace to the Hebrews in light of an earlier defeat they suffered there as a result of their lack of faith (Numbers 14:45).…
Remembrance Stones from Israel
Ebenezer stones of Remembrance: Galilee: Areamos Topos – listen Arbel- busy but never hurried or savor solitude Capernaum – Follow Me Qatzrin – Household of Faith Tabgha – feed my sheep Caesarea Philippi – who do you say I am Tell Dan – faith is not convenient Shephelah: Azekah – play to your strengths Beth…
Lessons from Israel
In April 2016, the Student Ministry team were invited to join GTI tours through Hume Lake to go to Israel on a Pastor’s trip. Several of our team, Tim Hummel, Kelsey Crowe, Christina Marandola, Lacey Anderson and myself decided to go. We signed up, saved our pennies and prepared through study and prayer. What an…
Life as Thank You 55
Laureen, In honor of your birthday last week and as a gift to one of my favorite gifts, I thought I would tell you how thankful I am for you. We have been sisters now for over 36 years. I am grateful for our relationship that has been an encouragement for most of my life.…
The Best Gifts Ever
Recently, at a Christmas party, I was asked about the best gifts I have ever given and the best ones I have gotten. I have been given more than my fair share over the years and since one of my love languages is gift giving, I had to think long and hard about this. I…
Life as Thank You 54
Sarah Noelle. It is your birthday this week! And I wanted to tell you how grateful I am that you are my niece. I am so proud of you; you are smart and talented and genuine. Even more than that I am grateful that you have chosen to lean into God every day and are…
Life as Thank You 53
Wil & Lorraine – This year I made the commitment to write weekly thank you notes to let people know how grateful I am that they are in my life. I decided to write to the 2 of you together, because almost everything comes out with your names hyphenated together. I know the danger in…