104 Years Ago

One-hundred and four years ago my grandpa was born. Only a few months ago he left this earth to join Jesus and many of his family and friends in heaven. It is good to remember his life even when we can no longer celebrate his birthday with him.



At age 95, Grandpa still enjoyed rowing on the lake while his youngest son rode along.



Grandpa grew up farming with horses but kept up with the times and was still driving huge tractors into his 80s (or maybe his 90s?) to help his three sons who carried on the calling to farm.



At age 27 he married his longtime sweetheart. Since they shared the same birthday (three years apart) we had the fun of a double-birthday party every year.



They raised 5 amazing children (the youngest, who was not born at this point, is in the first photo). My mom is the girl in Grandma's arms.

I am so thankful for this family!

Into a Sick Chamber

Here are some interesting thoughts from a fictional pastor, penned by a real-life pastor:

"I had found that it was quite possible to be sympathetic with those of my flock who were ill without putting on a long face when I went to see them. 

"Of course, I do not mean that I could, or that it was desirable that I should, look cheerful when any were in great pain or mental distress. But in ordinary conditions of illness a cheerful countenance is as a message of all’s well, which may surely be carried into a sick chamber by the man who believes that the heart of a loving Father is at the centre of things, that he is light all about the darkness, and that he will not only bring good out of evil at last, but will be with the sufferer all the time, making endurance possible, and pain tolerable. 

"There are a thousand alleviations that people do not often think of, coming from God himself."

From The Seaboard Parish by George MacDonald

In the Hands of a Merciful God

When I ran across President Andrew Jackson one day, I just had to get my picture taken with him! After all, I was reading his biography, The Life of Andrew Jackson edited by John S. Jenkins, A.M.

How about a brief book review on this President's Day in the year 2020?

You may, as I used to, only remember that this president of the USA (born 1767, died 1845) had a fiery temper and was known for his duels or for being impeached. But this biography, while not glossing over his faults, also shows a man of great courage, determination, and perseverance in extreme trials, unflinching character while standing for what was right, and compassion and sacrificial help toward the helpless and hurting - even among his "enemies."

Jackson's life had a tumultuous beginning, including his entering the battles of the Revolutionary War by his teens, spending time as a prisoner of war, and emerging from the conflict orphaned and brotherless. The time spent squandering his inheritance like the "prodigal son" was ended without even the consolation of a family to receive him home again. Yet Jackson's determination to make up for his lost education shows not only in his subsequent positions of leadership, but also in the excerpts of his writings and speeches.

By the end of his life, the General could say with confidence that he was "in the hands of a merciful God."

"I have full confidence in His goodness and mercy. My lamp of life is nearly out, and the last glimmer is come. I am ready to depart when called. 

"The Bible is true. The principles and statues of that holy book have been the rule of my life, and I have tried to conform to its spirit as near as possible. Upon that sacred volume I rest my hope of eternal salvation, through the merits and blood of our blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." 

photo of portrait in the public domain

For the Lonely

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ

you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake." 

Philippians 1:29

Not Only... But Also

Not only love but also loneliness - Yes, even so

What though the nearest may not ever know

All that in this must be,

That being a secret between Thee and me, Thou knowest.

And it cannot work me ill,

Being Thy will;

And by and by

Thou wilt satisfy.

But unknown years stand up and stare at me.

The sun beats hot;

I look around for shelter, find it not.

Companion me;

Be shelter, Lord, to me!

O let Thy shadow be

As the cool starlit night - in noonday - unto me.

by Amy Carmichael

Garden Soups for Every Season

Summer soups

Autumn soups

Winter soups

And it has been so long since spring that I cannot find any soup pictures from then!

Tea Harvest

This summer's harvest of tea herbs is serving us well in the cold of wintertime.

Lemon balm and Chamomile blend beautifully.

Peppermint (or chocolate mint) and lemon balm