>The frigid day beganwith an overcast skyof indiscriminate huethat blended intoa vague horizon.Except for tinygreen mile markers,it was likedriving insidea grayscale pic.The day endedwith a cold sunsinking througha Pantone paletteof purple layerswhile trappedin icy crystalslike light insidean Orange Julius.© Glenda Mathes

>When one is raised in the context of regular corporate worship and daily family devotions, it becomes all too easy to think about sin in a vague way and simply pray, "Forgive our sins," without being struck by the serious nature of each personal sin.Some years ago, I realized that genuine repentance can occur only … Continue reading >Recognizing and Repenting

>For years my motto has been, "No more pets and I mean it."After raising four children and dealing with their motley assortment of fish, newts, rabbits, gerbils, finches, cats, and dogs (one of which was hopelessly incontinent), I'd felt I'd had enough of pets to last a lifetime.But lately Ariel's little Yorkypoo, Layla, has made … Continue reading >Libby

>There was a time when I thought it was exciting to be part of the political process in Iowa. But that was before dozens of political calls, the last dozen of which have interupted my work just today.I will be thankful when the caucuses are over!

>I can't help feeling a bit of elation to say farewell to another year. Not because it's been a more difficult year than previous ones (it hasn't), but because every year--indeed, every day--that passes brings us closer to the day of our Lord!I decided some years ago that making New Year's resolutions was not very … Continue reading >So long, 2007!

>With two major ice storms since the first of December, we've had plenty of opportunity to marvel at the beauty of creation. Dave and I took some pictures one evening last week in Pella's Central Park.And I took some the first morning the sun shone last week. It was beautiful, but Dave has also had … Continue reading >Ice Pix

>Yesterday we had another lovely snowfall. Few pleasures in life are more enjoyable than sitting in a warm house, watching birds at the deck feeders while fluffy white flakes fall. It is especially enjoyable when you know that your family members are safe. The beauty of the red cardinals in the white snow pierces the … Continue reading >So Much Depends

>Our first snow fell the day before Thanksgiving, covering the bleak November landscape with a beautiful blanket of pure white.The first snowfall, making November's mud and grime appear pristine, always reminds me of Christ's atoning sacrifice that makes believers appear whiter than snow in God's eyes. But Christ does more than simply cover up the … Continue reading >Nival Reflections and Narnia

>My brain is in a state of post-wedding numbness. At church on Sunday, I talked to another mother whose daughter had married on Saturday and we agreed that we felt like survivors; we also agreed that we would take a Tylenol PM that night!A good night's rest certainly helps one think more clearly, but I … Continue reading >Post-Wedding Reflections

>It's been a big week! I bought a house for one kid and married off another!On Wednesday, I bought a house on behalf of our son, Kirk, who was in Chicago on business. He didn't see the house until late Friday afternoon. I was relieved to hear him say, "I love it; I can't wait … Continue reading >One Busy Week