Choosing anger or joy? Find out that we don't have to accept or give into the lie that we have to be perfect to receive Jesus' and Father God's approval. ...The truth is I am whole and righteous because Jesus paid it all. I heard, "So when Satan reminds you that you failed, you remind him that I have paid for it all." ~Jesus Continue reading

June 6, 2019: The 75th Anniversary of D-Day June 6, 1944, changed the course of history. The courage and bravery of the Allied Forces began the liberation of Europe. Appropriately, the anniversary of this momentous day was celebrated by dignitaries and veterans from across the world. 97-year old veteran, Tom Rice, parachuted into Normandy again, as he had 75 years ago—then as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division. D-Day set me free! Why does D-Day matter to so much to me? I was set free, albeit indirectly as I was born almost two decades after the end... Continue reading

Thank you Billy Graham… remembering a life well-lived A legacy in my life: From Amsterdam to San Jose, CA to Redmond, WA Billy Graham has had a profound impact on my life. It started with my father just after World War II in the Netherlands. My dad had found Jesus through the Salvation Army during the war but needed assurance of faith. He attended the 1954 Billy Graham Crusade in Amsterdam. Billy Graham changed my father's life. As the Netherlands became post-Christian church attendance and faith changed. Luckily for me, both my parents believed and imparted their faith to my... Continue reading

Supporting families of drug addicts, addicts and friends What is True Hope Community? We are a recovery community of families of addicts, people struggling with addiction, as well as their friends and loved ones. We are a safe and welcoming place offering support and community. We meet in a 45... Continue reading

Too much to do can lead to worry, even fear. Jesus commands the winds and the waves. He tells us to Fear Not. Continue reading

Fear nothing except God. Don't be afraid of God but fear Him. What does that mean? Truly fearing God removes all other fear. Fear not. Continue reading

God Himself is the gift. His Presence is our great reward. With Him we will be blessed and Fear Not. Continue reading

God is our true reward yet so often I choose more sleep over more time with the Lord. Without God my fears increase. With Him, Fear Not! Continue reading

Choosing trust not fear. Sharing about the path through trials to victory trusting God one step at a time. Continue reading

FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. Are your circumstances feeding your fears? There's an antidote. Fear Not! Continue reading

Fear for fun? Love to be scared on Halloween? Not me. Here's another installment in the Fear Not series. Continue reading

Anxiety affects over 40 million American adults annually. Add to that those of us who just have fear. Can we escape fear and fear not? There is hope. Continue reading

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28, NKJV Saying goodbye I love New Year's! Celebrating the start of a new year continues to rank as one of my favorite times of the year. The fresh start feels great. However, this time the importance of remembering the "old year" occurred to me. God is the God of every day: Past, present and future. He reminded me to remember what He accomplished, allowed and provided in 2016. Often, in my eagerness to... Continue reading

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.'” Mark 1:3, NKJV It’s almost Christmas… Christmas. Some love it, others dread it. Some started early and completed their Christmas preparations and shopping weeks or months ago. Others live for the last-minute rush. Some love the minimalist approach while others deck the halls and everything to the utmost. However, no matter your preference, approach or attitude, preparing for Christmas involves time, energy and focus…usually leading to stress! When I look around, the evidence of Christmas rapidly approaching appears everywhere. People scurry around... Continue reading

So many weeds... Last Saturday I spent a long overdue six hours in the garden. Not just over the winter but much of last year I neglected to keep us with the ever present weeds. As I sat on the dirt weeding all around me I pondered about weeds. At times I talked to God about weeds...after all he must have made them. But why? "God, Why do we need weeds?" (Same question goes for mosquitoes!) Have you thought about this too? I continued asking questions: "Why do weeds grow prolifically and plants struggle under the same conditions? Why do... Continue reading

If we know Jesus and believe in Him as our Lord and Savior, may these words comfort and encourage us: I am the resurrection I am the way I am the truth I am here with you always Nothing is too hard for me I was there in the dark with you. I felt your fear, your shame, your anger, your guilt, your frustration your deep sadness, your confusion, your depression. I was angry for you. I am life I am victorious I can do all things I know you I am here I am Thank you Jesus! Continue reading

In January 2015, I wrote a post entitled, "God keeps his promises exactly…in his time." At that time God hadn't delivered on some key promises for a much loved family member. We were waiting on God to bring him back into a relationship with Jesus—and with it into freedom from bondage. Sometimes we wondered if it would ever happen. God is THE ultimate promise keeper. In February, our dear family member turned his life over to Jesus—surrendering to Jesus not just as his Savior but also as his Lord. We were thrilled. However, the road ahead continued to be challenging.... Continue reading

Still, I know that God lives - the One who gives me back my life - and eventually he'll take his stand on earth. And I'll see him ... [I will] see God myself, with my very own eyes. Oh, how I long for that day! Job 19: 25-27 Saying "Goodbye" Yesterday (October 10, 2015), I officiated my father-in-law's memorial at Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church. Pastor Matthew Burns hosted us with warmth, care and generosity. The memorial was a family affair. Aunts and uncles, cousins, second cousins and in-laws came to support my husband Fred and his brother Harold,... Continue reading

A passionate canine encounter Belle the Boxer lathered our guest with love. She attempts to kiss those she likes. It's adorable and annoying. Max the Mastiff mix always tries to jump in, with an emphasis on jump. Max's participation and presence triggers Belle's jealousy. She worms herself in between Max and our guest(s). She gets swept up by jealousy and loses her natural joy. This happened again today. Our guest, a dog lover, embraced the canine attention with gusto. I appreciate people who can handle Belle and Max, our assertive people lovers! Although I was glad about the positive response... Continue reading

"The state of Washington has a high quality of life and great economic prospects, but people aren't that happy at work," Niu said. "We rank #30 out of all the states we track." Satisfaction at Work Recently, King 5 News did a story on people's happiness at work. King 5 quoted the TinyPulse survey and workers aren't too happy. Surprisingly, Washington State ranks 30th. What does this mean? Can we be happy at work? Gallup's research shows that in the United States about 30% of workers are engaged at work. Most workers go to work but don't love it. Gallup's... Continue reading

Today Billy Graham turns 97! Happy Birthday, Billy. May God bless you today and always. Thank you! Billy Graham is the epitome of integrity—both in life and as a Christian. He loves God, has served faithfully, is leaving a great legacy, and through it all has remained humble. His ministry affected me! In 1981, Billy held a crusade in San Jose, California at Spartan Stadium. My husband, Fred, and I went. My mom sang in the choir during the services. I was already a Christian but did not fully understand what being "saved" really meant. After Billy's talk, the choir... Continue reading

Can you hear the song in your head as you read the title of this post? You probably know it was used as the theme song for the TV Show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation for 15 years. And on September 27, 2015, CBS aired the series finale. The question, "Who are you?", in the case of the CSI TV show, was about discovering the identity of the victim or the criminal. It was a clever choice for a theme song. Yet the question, "Who are you? Who, who, who, who?" is pertinent to all of us. Do we know who... Continue reading

My parents worked for KLM. That's how they met. We traveled a lot when my sister and I were kids…we love this fantastic airline. Now they're doing something innovative and adorable to help their passengers. Go KLM! I love this KLM Lost & Found Video and I love KLM! Thank you for years of great memories. Continue reading

Continue reading

When we are at the worst times of our lives, when we are battling with something, or struggles, whatever it may be, when we are at our highest point as well, when things are going really well, we want somebody to comfort us and be there for us and to say, 'Well done.' That's Jesus! Russell Wilson I'm sure Jesus is smiling on him and saying, "Well done!" Russell you make us proud as you always point to God and give him the glory. May God bless you as you serve him. Go Hawks! Continue reading