How do we prepare for severe weather in Minnesota? We go to the store. I brought the necessities home and carried them from the attached garage, through the entryway, and into the kitchen because it’s conveniently located. I grew up taking a similar path, except the garage was a shed located a respectful distance from the house. My wife was going through old church … [Read more...]
Are You the Adventurous Type?
By Pastor Bridget Sheely Co-Pastor of Prairieland Parish Are you ready for an adventure? If you were asked today to drop everything, trust in the Lord and believe that He will guide you down a new path and take you on a journey that will change your life would you be willing to take that first step? As Jesus walked along the beach one ordinary day, he met some fishermen … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – The Most Exciting Times: Chicks, Root Beer and Threshing Days
Part four of a series Little Willie rushed into the house, excitedly exclaiming, “Mother, I just saw a man making a horse! Mother told him that was not possible. Willie replied, Well, anyway, I just saw him tacking on the feet!” Sister Agnes Hafner included many jokes when publishing her recollections of growing up on a Houston County Farm in the early 1930s. She noted … [Read more...]
Fresh Off the Farm: Look Out – Pregnant Lady Coming Through
Lately, nothing is safe around me. I’ve entered a feral nesting stage with the due date of our fifth child fast approaching. Somehow my trash bags can’t fill up fast enough, and I hear reports from my niece like, “Auntie Liz is throwing everything away!!” Yes, yes I am. So glad you noticed. Why? They say nesting is a result of hormone changes in pregnancy. I believe it, … [Read more...]
I Was Sorry To Hear About Their Troubles
I read a newspaper from front to back. Except for one thing. When should I read them – before or after I read the funny pages? I’m referring to the obituaries. Not all newspapers carry the funnies, which simplifies my decision. The comics make me laugh, and laughter is the best medicine. I learned early on that laughter is good for the soul, unless I did it … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – Sundays, Wash Days and School Days
Part three of a series The Pastor wrote to his bishop, “I am sorry to tell you about the death of my wife. Can you arrange to send me a substitute for the weekend?” Sister Mary Hafner included many jokes when she published her collection of childhood reminiscences. During the early 1930s, there was a predictable weekly rhythm to life on farms in Houston … [Read more...]
God’s Good Gifts
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) It was a glorious autumn morning. It was early in the day. I was greeted by a beautiful surprise. As I drove down my driveway, I was greeted by a doe deer who stood next to the road. I turned off the engine and let my pickup coast … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project – Teen Stress is Taken Less Seriously Than Adult Stress
By Savanah Huffman When the topic of stress is brought up, people usually think of adults. Adults get stressed over jobs, bills, and responsibilities, and that stress is almost always taken seriously. Teen stress is often brushed off as “just being dramatic” or “part of growing up.” Many adults believe that because teenagers are younger and have fewer responsibilities, their … [Read more...]
Thyme & Again – Embracing Winter Blues
By Angela Denstad Time and again, when winter fully settles into these post-holiday doldrums, people are restless. Or they want nothing but rest. They’re either bored, or they’re overwhelmed. They’re trying to make a fresh start, but resolution meets resistance; artificial society yammers at breakneck speed while the entire natural world insists on a time of … [Read more...]
Chipmunk Cereal Dreamin’ on Such a Winter’s Day
I searched behind the sofa cushions for bitcoin. We were going grocery shopping. Old Man Winter had covered the roads with butter, but they were passable. I parked the car and joined the happy throng in search of victuals. We had a list for guidance and filled the shopping cart with the things we needed. My wife needed to consult with the pharmacy about our new … [Read more...]