Thoughts Along the Journey

Today is the feast day of the archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. If you want to read more about them, check here . Our family prays this prayer every day. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness And snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, oh prince of the heavenly host, Cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits Who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

For blessed is the wood, by which justice cometh. Wisdom 14:7

About fifteen years ago, Dr. James Dobson wrote a book called, "When God Doesn't Make Sense." For some reason, that title is sticking with me today. Because, truthfully, there are seasons in my life (and I'm sure you can concur) that God just doesn't make sense. Personally, this is the situation. Just last night, I was taking a walk in the cool evening. The neighborhood was quiet, but there were occasional noises of children playing and neighbors in conversation. The smell of grill smoke floated through the air. There were people out strolling, walking their dogs, and jogging. It was a beautiful evening. I spent my walk reveling in the beauty of God's creation, humming a hymn we sang in church, and basking in the feeling of peace I had. I even reflected on the fact that it had been several days since the panic and worry had invaded my inner calm. I spent some of the walk thanking God for that gift. I had some moments of rejoicing in the new energy I...

When I was a kid, I would hear adults talk about "Where were you when...?", usually in reference to the day President John F. Kennedy was shot. Since I had not been born, it was really hard for me to grasp the significance of that question and the answers that followed. The day of the assassination attempt on President Reagan, I got a bit of a glimpse into the magnitude of such an event. (I had just come home from school, turned on the TV, and saw the coverage, as the shooting had occurred just moments before.) But nothing prepared me (or anyone else in our country--or world, for that matter) for September 11, 2001. It is etched in my memory forever. We were living in northern Michigan at the time. My husband, who pastored a small church there, had left for Missouri two days before, as he was taking a week-long class down there. That Tuesday morning, I drove our oldest son to school--his second week of kindergarten had just begun. After returning home, I got busy with ...

We sang this hymn this morning at church. The title is "How Can I Keep From Singing." If you're not familiar with it, the hymnal says it is a Quaker hymn attributed to Robert Lowry. In light of yesterday's post , and another post from a few weeks ago, I was just amazed at how perfectly this hymn fit! Verse 1: My life flows on in endless song; above earth's lamentation. I hear the real though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. Verse 2: Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing; It sounds and echoes in my soul; How can I keep from singing? Verse 3: When tyrants tremble, sick with fear, and hear their death knells ringing; When friends rejoice from far and near, how can I keep from singing? Verse 4: The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing. All things are mine since I am his; how can I keep from singing? Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that rock I'm clinging. Since Love is Lord of...

In some of my more reflective moods, I ponder some of the disappointments I have faced in life. What I consider even more deeply, though, is how those disappointments have shaped the woman I have become. The disappointments range from simple childhood issues to life-changing moments as an adult. I'm sure you can relate. Life isn't all rainbows and flowers, is it? One incident that comes to mind occurred while I was in college. I was privileged to participate in three missions trips with our denomination's youth ministry. Each year, we formed a choir, and sang songs we had learned in Spanish. The leader of these trips would choose one of the students to be the choir director. After the first trip, I had entered college as a music major. Prior to the second trip, one of my friends encouraged me: "They'll certainly ask you to be the choir director on this trip. You're a music major, after all!" Honestly, I hadn't even really thought about it. ...

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you... Isaiah 43:1-5a *If you want to read the entire passage, go here .