Category Archives: Devils Lake Journal

Accidental Lent, On Purpose Resurrection

Listen HERE Some years, I am very intentional about how I will grow closer to Jesus during the Lenten season. I make elaborate plans about what I will fast from and which devotionals I will read. Perhaps the memories of celebrating Lent during my Catholic school days impress me with the importance of being satisfiedContinue reading “Accidental Lent, On Purpose Resurrection”

Planting Abiding Seeds

It is almost time to decide which seeds to buy for our garden. I want to take my time in choosing because I almost always make mistakes. One year, I bought round zucchini seeds (Round zucchini are the worst kind of squash and only fit for pigs), and last year, I bought pole beans insteadContinue reading “Planting Abiding Seeds”

Deconstructed

Our pigs have torn one wall off of their only shelter. The chickens are just about as bad, having picked the insulation out of one side of the chicken house. The cow continually breaks the hay ring so she can lay on her food and peer witlessly at the unused bedding in the barn. NorthContinue reading “Deconstructed”

Tables in the Wilderness

This week, the Lord asked me to do something that I did not want to do. First, I tried the docile Moses approach of offering excuses: “I don’t feel well.” “What if bad stuff happens?” “What if it’s haaaaaard?” The Lord told me the same thing He told Moses. “My name is not the What-If.Continue reading “Tables in the Wilderness”

Reaching Out

Sitting beside the deathbed, I noticed that the last efforts of the woman were to reach out her hand.  Was she reaching for water? prayer beads? a photograph?  Her reach was unwearying. I took her hand. She squeezed mine and then was able to rest. It reminded me of my children when they were small.Continue reading “Reaching Out”

Correct Formula for Volume

It was a typical Tuesday.  I was doing math with my fifth grader. When I am teaching my children, I try to give them my undivided attention. Church business, ministry things, laundry, and bills take a back seat.  It was a good thing they did on Tuesday because math needed my full, focused attention.  “AContinue reading “Correct Formula for Volume”

Here Hovering

It’s 3:30am on Sunday, and I am awake. The phone has buzzed several times, and I know it is darkness calling. Saturday night is attack time for the enemy. The Father of lies saves his best ones for Saturday nights to try to pollute the chance of Sunday morning resurrection. Sickness, sin, death, and theContinue reading “Here Hovering”

Back to the Ark

Since we were going to be driving across the country anyway, my children, my adventurous mom, and I decided to visit The Ark Encounter in Kentucky. We had visited several years ago, but we were excited to build on our knowledge. I have a particular interest in the pitch Noah used to cover the ark,Continue reading “Back to the Ark”

Not Invited

I was recently summoned for my first tour of jury duty. I would have been excited except I wasn’t at home to get the notice in time. You don’t just wiggle out of a summons. You are mandated to answer. I called the courthouse and was graciously allowed to serve at a different time. IContinue reading “Not Invited”