>The literary fingers of the Psalms feel the pulse of the human heart.I have never liked to designate a favorite scripture passage because I love too many to narrow my choice to one. And different scriptures speak more eloquently during different circumstances. But if I were forced to pick a favorite Psalm, it would be … Continue reading >Our Dwelling Place, Psalm 90

>A mission effort that initially showed much promise has been discontinued. Bellingham URC recently decided that its church planting work the Gig Harbor area of Washington would end on November 9.Although a number of reasons led to the decision, the two biggest factors were lack of finances and loss of core group members to another … Continue reading >Gig Harbor effort dies before planting

> The newly organized United Covenant Reformed Church in the Philippines (UCRCP) celebrated its first ordination service on Sunday, September 19, 2010, when Rev. Vic Bernales was ordained as the minister for United Covenant Reformed Church in Davao City.“As far as I know, Rev. Bernales is the first minister ordained by a confessional Reformed church … Continue reading >Rev. Vic Bernales ordained in Philippines

>Late yesterday afternoon I ran into the Christian book store to find an anniversary card for my husband. It's our anniversary today and, yes, I had waited until the last minute.I had just found the anniversary section and hadn't even picked up one of the "To Husband" cards when I heard someone enter the store."May … Continue reading >Happy Anniversary!

>Just a quick post to let readers know that I have been busy with family and work commitments, but that I hope to post more Synod reports and get back to regular blogging soon.Stay tuned!

>For the first time in over a month, I opened a timecard document today! That implies my intention to actually do some work.

>The cardinal rule of blogging is to regularly post entries. The erratic blogger is sure to lose readers, so bloggers are encouraged to post at least two or three times each week.When I first began blogging, I decided to try to post regularly. I also promised myself that I wouldn't be a complaining blogger who … Continue reading >Breaking the Silence

>What fun to be a grandma during Tulip Time!Here's a picture of Grandpa Mathes (my husband, David) holding our fourth grandson, Layton Sponsler on Thursday afternoon.Here's the Sponsler family at home, all ready for Tulip Time.And the Sponsler family strolling in the park.And a popular tourist attraction, my grandson, Layton!And here's a Dutch mom and … Continue reading >Tulip Time pictures

>It's Tulip Time in Pella.That means the weather can be either stifling hot and sunny or crazy cold and windy. Yesterday and so far today, it's the latter.Thursday's weather, however, was pleasant: mild temperatures and sun. I went uptown briefly with my daughter and her month-old grandson.Yesterday that grandson, Layton, was a star. His dad … Continue reading >Tulip Festival

>The journaling reflections I regularly (if not daily) record are saved on my computer under a file called "Honeysuckle," for the honeysuckle plant outside my office window. There are two windows in my office: a double set on what is roughly the west side (which is behind me when I sit at the computer) and … Continue reading >Honeysuckle