My friends, As I've meditated on these Scriptures from John, I've learned much. Here are some of my "takeaways" from this study. Jesus gives the kind of peace that this world so desperately needs. Philippians 4:7 calls it the peace that passes all understanding.   We are commissioned. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  Church, that’s you. That’s me. The time to move is now. We need the breath of the Holy Spirit upon us. We need to invite the Holy Spirit into our liv

Again, Jesus offers, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And then the Scriptures say that Jesus BREATHED on them and said “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Whoosh! Jesus breathed on them! And just as sure as peace had entered the room with the words of Jesus, so the Holy Spirit landed with a breath! For in a whisper, a breath, the Ruach of the Lord, came the most important of all commissioning. The Holy Spirit. Friends, we need the Holy Spirit in our lives. W

Our journey in this short series continues with John 20:20.  “When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” Did Jesus KNOW His friends would need proof. He had lived among them, they witnessed many miracles, they were His followers. Why do you think Jesus was compelled to show His friends His hands and side? Was this to prove once again, who He was? John says they were glad when they saw the Lord! As if th

In John 20:19., we find the disciples caught in a web of fear. “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews…” RSV Fear of the Jews. Fear because things didn't go as they had planned. The One they were ready to crown as their earthly king had just been crucified. Fear they could be next. Questions racing through their minds. Were they trying to remember the words of Jesus? Wer

Scriptures Set the Stage While I was out to study about forgiveness and learn from Scriptures, Jesus surprised me with so much more! Please read John 20: 19-23. In my Bible, the title for this section is "The Apostles Commissioned." Will you join me as we glean from these verses? We will take a hard look at the words of Jesus and allow them to challenge us. May the Living Word-transform us. In John 20:19, we see the disciples gathered in fear, behind a closed door. They were

I have to admit, this is one holiday that hasn't settled right in my spirit. There really isn't anything one can say to me that will counteract what the Lord is revealing. You know, isn't THAT where we find ourselves? As a Christian, we're accountable to God, not man. So when something isn't settled in our hearts, it's time to search out the truth that God has for us. I have to admit, paganism wasn't really part of my vocabulary, until I met a pagan. He challenged me with sta

Did you know that celebrating Halloween is fairly new to the American culture? Celebrating it in America only goes back about 100 years. It’s pagan roots go back much further-over 2,000 years. According to history.com , the Celts originally celebrated their new year on November 1st. They believed that the evening before was a time when the veil in the spiritual realm was at its thinnest, allowing dead spirits, and ghosts, to wander the earth.  The celebration was known as Sam

A serious election is about to take place in Minnesota, but few will show up, thinking this election is of little importance. If you wonder why education is suffering in Minnesota, it could be due to the fact that Minnesotans are apathetic to grassroots campaigns. According to the *Center of American Progress, CAP, school board members are the largest group of elected officials in our country. The article claims 82,000 folks serve in the important role as a school board memb

Where were you when you learned that Charlie Kirk was assassinated? We were watching The Charlie Kirk Show on Real America's Voice. Jack Posobiec, who was filling in for Charlie, announced shockingly that Charlie had been shot. It wasn't just a news story; it was a moment that would cause our world to shift. I'll never forget the look on his face as Jack offered up a prayer for his friend. You could see the shock, the absolute stunned reaction that would ripple across the wo

I’ve never met Charlie Kirk but I’m often found watching his rallies, debates, and shows. If he was on a stage, I wanted to listen. The man I had grown to love, put the mic down to listen when engaged in conversation. He was authentic, honest and true. So many are sharing their personal connections with Charlie. I've been blessed to see many tributes. He was wise. I’m saddened to see his words being twisted. I’m sure that I’ve watched those shows. When taken in context, he wa

Governor Walz is once again preparing to call a special session at the Capitol. According to Minnesota Right to Life, at the top of the...

It was 1975, the best of times. I was a senior in high school. During my early years, television became a household commodity in our...

In an age where twisted truth is more prevalent than ever, how do we know when we are being deceived - especially in a church? This bold confrontation of deception urges Christians to know their Bibles deeply, to study God’s word first hand, and not blindly trust everything they hear, even when it “sounds good”. When we rely on authors, pastors, podcast hosts, or even celebrities to dictate what is true and good, are we holding it all against scripture to determine fact from

Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis became the target of a school shooting on Wednesday, August 28, 2025. No doubts folks will...

(This is one of my resurrected posts and for my Kayla. You asked. Who knows? Maybe someone else will want these hints.) Years ago, I...

As I waited for my next assignment, I admired her office chair. It was cushy, comfortable, supported in all the right places. Good for her! I thought. And then I remembered my old office chair. As I write this, many of the emotions from nearly 25 years as "just a secretary" at a local high school, overwhelm me. Most of the years were good, but it's the hurtful experiences that have clouded my memories. And yes, admiring my friends chair seemed to bring it all back to me. Plea

Luke 18:35-43 This story starts with the blind man, sitting by the roadside. He is begging. Likely he has done this much of his life....

Recently while traveling out west, we ran into this sign. “RATTLESNAKES HAVE BEEN OBSERVED PLEASE STAY ON SIDEWALKS”. You didn’t have to...

I believe we have an opportunity to be involved in one of the most historical elections in the history of the United States. Even now,...

I came across this story from 2017. Just thought I would share it again. Please enjoy! Carol Lund had just challenged the room of 3000...