In the meantime

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay,   to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.   We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;   always carrying in the body the death of Jesus , so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.   So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, I believed, and so I spoke, we also believe, and so we also speak,  Knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.   For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of...

Some of you may be wondering why I can’t seem to get off this subject.  Let me tell you why miscarriage comes up every so often: The dynamics of a miscarriage and every other kind of infant loss mark you in a way like very few things in life do.  It was a real baby, made in God's image, no matter how small, no matter how undeveloped.  There is an unexplainable emotional connection, particularly for the mom.  Many times the grieving is a private affair, with few people even aware of what has happened. And those are just a few of the most obvious dynamics that make infant loss so hard.... For me, this has been a season of silent sorrow unlike anything else I’ve experienced. It has only been very recently that I’m finally beginning to feel like I’m no longer incredibly vulnerable and a bundle of emotions.  I think I am slowly starting to move on. It has also been a season of growth that wouldn’t have happened except...

Check out this helpful list of  18 Things to Pray for Your Church .   I don't know about you, but I sure am thankful for the Body of Christ!  I appreciate the reminder to be specifically praying for the local body of believers that we gather with each week.

Can't get this song out of my head...

We live in a broken world.  All around us we see those we care about going through sickness and pain, death and sorrow, wrongs and injustices.  We ourselves experience it as well.  There’s no way around it: life is hard.  No matter how closely we walk with God and love Him, there will be bumps along the way that will threaten to shake our faith.  Or when we see those around us feeling the effects of this sin-cursed world, we wonder if there will ever be an end to it all.  I’m thankful that we can know the end of it all and that we don’t have to be overcome by the storms of life.  I’m thankful that there is more to life than merely this life, for it is the hope of what is to come that gives us strength to press on.  I’m thankful that we can celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection.  If Christ hadn’t died and risen again, we really would be living in a dark and hopeless world—the pain and suffering...

We called it “the mayonnaise-vinegar dressing” and it was “Dad’s recipe.”  And then he taught me how to make it: you dump a little of this and a bit of that and mix it together. After he taught me, it was always my responsibility to make it whenever we needed some.  As I dumped and poured each time I made it, I came up with the proportions to guarantee success each time. (Although I confess that I mostly just dump and pour anyway!) Now, it has almost become the go-to dressing (next to Ranch, that is!) for all sorts of things: grilled chicken salad, normal salad, taco salad, and burritos. (It is absolutely yummy on Mexican food!)  Anyway, I almost always have a dish of it in the fridge…and it stays good for…well…a long time! Here’s what you do to make it: Mix together equal portions of mayonnaise and sugar (i.e. 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sugar.) Add up to 1/2-portion of vinegar or to taste (i.e. up to 1/4 cup vinegar.)  That’s it! If you...

The other day was one of those days that practically begged to have a bowl of soup for supper: the snow was falling and there was no sign of it stopping; the fire was blazing in our wood stove; and the next day was our day off… All together, it felt like a yummy bowl of soup and a movie was the cozy winter thing to do.  You know what I’m talking about. If I hadn’t already had something planned for supper, I totally would have made some Borscht and biscuits. Borscht, or German Cabbage Soup, is a simple soup with something about it that just shouts “Comfort Food.”  I don’t know how or why.  It just does. So don’t let the cabbage scare you off! 1-2 Chicken breasts, cut in chunks 1 onion, diced 1/2 head of cabbage, finely chopped 2-3 carrots, chopped 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained 2 cups broth (you may need more, depending on how soupy you like your soup!) 1-2 teaspoons parsley, dill, or any other spices that sound good. ...