I see you, friend. I hear that you’re curious if raw milk is all it’s cracked up to be. Does it really work or is it too good to be true? How do I know? Because I know you’re reading! Many of you had additional questions about my last article and wanted to hear more. Every week, I hear the most amazing raw milk stories. I could write a book with the hundreds of ways I’ve … [Read more...]
The Butterfly… Jesus is Alive!!! He is Risen!!!
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish Churches: Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) Pictured here is a colorful butterfly depicted in stained glass on the front door of the Preston United Methodist Church. The butterfly is a powerful symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It portrays the power of new life and that Jesus has … [Read more...]
Showing Up and Shining in the Show Me State
I didn’t go to St. Joseph, Mo., because Missouri loves company. I drove along the edges of things, and the weather was kind enough that I didn’t pack any puffy clothing. I joined people who live in a constant state of Missouri to watch basketball while increasing both my joy and my stress levels. Watching a granddaughter who is nothing short of outstanding is joyous, but it … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project The Hope for Spring
By Siri Corson Today the boughs of branches nod. The wood ducks in the water bob. The sunkissed barren brush does sway, But March was not always this way. Back in time (or twelve months past) Our land was gripped in arctic blast. An empty land devoid of color All life and joy the winter smothered. As … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Two Bronze Beasts, Two Men Named Mons
The Norwegian coat of arms features an upright, yellow lion, wearing a crown and wielding an axe. Recognizing the Norwegian heritage of Spring Grove, that lion would be a fitting source of the school nickname, the Spring Grove Lions. But “au contraire,” which in French means “to the contrary.” There is a 50-50 chance that the original namesake bronze lion came from France. … [Read more...]
The Challenges of Holy Week
By Pastor Nissa Peterson Chatfield and Root Prairie Lutheran Churches At the beginning of Holy Week, the church prepares to experience the stories of Jesus’ walk to the cross. These stories can be really uncomfortable to experience. For those of us with young children, we wonder how our kids might be scared by the stories, and ask really hard questions that we don’t … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Booming Brewing, Organized Opposition
Second of a series It was long a familiar landmark for automobile traffic between Hokah and La Crescent on Highway 16 before it was torn down in 1954. The building originally housed one of the most successful breweries in Minnesota. The Root River Brewery was founded in Hokah Township by Joseph Pfeffer, Jr. in 1858, the same year he and his son immigrated from … [Read more...]
Nuisance Insects Appearing in Homes
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension, Preston and Caledonia The warmer than usual temper-atures this winter has led to a prolonged season of nuisance insects. These insects include cluster flies, box elder bugs, sowbugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles and more. Fortunately, these insects are harmless, although they can be annoying, especially when many of … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
With highs near 50 and the sun in the sky, it can be hard to believe it is March in Minnesota. If you’re not a fan of Minnesota winters, the higher temps and lack of snow this winter is appealing. You might even think that the lack of snow has made our roads safer. Unfortunately, the effect on traffic safety is not always what people think. We’re seeing an alarming spike in … [Read more...]
Wondrous Love
By Pastor Pam Seebach Harmony, Mabel, and Newburg United Methodist Churches The dictionary defines “wondrous” as inspiring a feeling of wonder or delight. When I think about the season of Lent, I can find wonder, but I do not find delight as I consider Jesus’ last days or weeks on earth. Spoiler alert: Jesus dies! but then he is resurrected! There is an American folk … [Read more...]