The Shield of Faith

Here we are, 3 days before Christmas. It does not seem possible! Am I the only one? Where does time go? How has it been a year already? Luke tells us that Elizabeth gave birth to a baby boy and that her neighbors and relatives celebrated with her. We also know they called the baby Zachariah, after his father, but on the 8th day mom intervened: “No. He is to be called John.” Dad agreed and it was at this time that Zachariah’s tongue was loosed, and he was once again able to ta

Mary had just told the angel Gabriel that she understood the assignment. Gabriel had shared with Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Highest would overshadow her. She knew she would give birth to the Holy One. She understood her Baby was the Son of God. But that was not the only good news Gabriel brought to Mary. He asked her, “Did you know your cousin Elizabeth, your elderly cousin, is six months pregnant?!” Everyone is wondering, HOW is this

One of my favorite Christmas songs is Mary Did You Know. It came to my attention about 7 or 8 years ago when my dear friend Denise...

Do you have any idea how many times I have said to people, “God promises not to give us more than we can handle”? Any guesses? How could you know? I don’t even know! It was always offered as a promised comfort during a trial in their life, even mine. But is that true? Let’s consider for just a moment, hypothetically speaking, what if I have completely twisted 1 Corinthians 10:13? What if I was wrong? (Spoiler Alert: I was) Let’s look at the text. “No temptation has overtaken

It was 2002 when the original animated movie ‘Ice Age’ came out. I know this because my grandson Warren was about 2 years old, and we watched this movie together, more than once. (How can that be over 20 years ago?!) That little boy is now a 22-year-old man attending college in Corvallis! I saw him just this past weekend when he was in town. He drove out to my house, and we had a wonderful visit on Sunday. Those are special times! But back to the movie. In the opening minutes

It was September 1997. Labor Day Weekend. I was in Jubilee Park in Cave Junction, Oregon for the Annual Lion’s Club Labor Day Festival. I was representing the radio station I worked for at the time. It was a lot of fun! Can I just say, there is nothing quite like a small-town festival weekend! There is always Tuff Truck Racing, a Tarzan swing, and a greased pole climb. You will find rides for the kids to enjoy, nightly concerts, daily talent contests, baseball tournament, cor

My mom lives on the Oregon coast, in close proximity to Newport, Oregon. Newport is home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe...

I heard an interesting fact that prompted today’s writing, but first let me ask you; are you familiar with Ozone? According to NASA, Ozone is a relatively unstable molecule made up of three atoms of oxygen. Although it represents only a tiny fraction of the atmosphere, ozone is crucial for life on Earth. Most ozone resides in the stratosphere, where it acts as a shield to protect Earth's surface from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. With a weakening of this shield, we

How many passwords do you think you have? How many times have you had to change a password because you forgot your existing password? According to one NordPass study, the average person has 100 passwords. There are now computer programs to help you manage and remember your many passwords and codes. I know when I log into my email, if I am off by one digit, one numeral, one symbol, I cannot gain access to my mail. If I don’t capitalize that one letter, I am not getting in. If

Here we are seven days into December. This month always brings a lot of expectations. It is the month of gift-making and gift-shopping. Tree-hunting and seasonal-decorating. For many, there will be a gift-exchange at work and gift-giving Christmas Eve in the home of a friend or other family member. As your family grows over the years, so does the amount of expectation! It’s a lot of pressure. It’s enough to make a person go broke financially! There have been years, in the pas

I have recently acquired a “first”. The box they came in measures 4”x4”. Inside that a black case measuring 2”x 2 ½“ and inside that, nestled in a form-fitting type of Styrofoam, are two ear-buds. There are colorful, flashing LED lights too. Ear buds. That’s a funny name, isn’t it? Ear buds have only been around for the last few decades, or have they? Believe it or not earbuds have a history going back to the 1800’s! Well, sort of. Starting back in 1850, one of the first in-e

I am learning something about myself. I have always considered myself a “people-pleaser”. Not in the negative connotation that is so...

I’ve mentioned this before but isn’t it great how you can read a Bible text you have read before, perhaps many times before, and suddenly...

My parents made sure I was surrounded with learning. From reading, writing, nature, God, stories and books on record, I have very fond...

I was watching a program recently on The Johnstown Flood. Over 2,000 people were killed when a dam broke, sweeping away entire villages....

My desktop calendar for this morning reads, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in...

Are you familiar with Booker T. Washington? If you answered, “He is famous for the song Green Onions”, you would be incorrect. That would...

I have received and sent several Thanksgiving greetings so far this morning and it got me to thinking... Am I truly thankful every day of...

Why is there a P in pneumonia? Where is there a P in Psalm? Why is there a K in knuckles? And why on earth is there a T in Tsunami?...

Am I enough for you? These words penetrate my heart as I hear the Father whisper this question in my ear. It’s not a question asked with...