by Merita Atherly Engen | Aug 14, 2014 | Points of Light
(Written years ago, because God knew in this week of travel I would need a story to share today.) God showed himself this morning, when I least expected it—in the middle of Caleb’s routine worship time. It has happened before, yet glimpsing God anew is like a surprise...
by Merita Atherly Engen | Aug 7, 2014 | God of Our Ultimates, Grief, Points of Light, Shining on God's Character, Timely
“Rosey can barely walk, Mom.” My sixteen year old son gently picked up his cat and carried her down the hall to her litter box. “Yesterday she seemed slower, but you’re right. She’s definitely struggling. She’s old, Son. Older than you.” We’ve known this day was...
by Merita Atherly Engen | Jul 31, 2014 | God of Our Ultimates, Points of Light, Salvation, Saving, Shining on God's Character
Early Teens: My church school teacher cleared his throat and adjusted his tie. The class hushed. “Everyone turn in your sermon notes.” I passed mine to the front. “So, this week’s sermon was about God’s unconditional love that caused Jesus to die for our sins, but...
by Merita Atherly Engen | Jul 24, 2014 | Points of Light
My baby daughter is getting married. I want to sing her that song. I want to bless her with those words, but I’ll cry. I know I’ll cry. Lyn’s thoughts swirled in and out like the ocean’s tide that welcomed her every morning on her drive to work. This morning, the...
by Merita Atherly Engen | Jul 17, 2014 | Failings, God of Our Ultimates, Joyful, Points of Light, Praiseworthy, Shining on God's Character
“I want to praise you without restraint, but my joy has not yet been released. Why, God, Why?” Tears, the only evidence of release, flowed free and full like the words of her longing. “I sense my joy, deep down. What is keeping it there?” Beside her, two godly women...
by Merita Atherly Engen | Jul 10, 2014 | Fatherly, Good, Kind, Loving, Points of Light, Shining on God's Character
“Fear not, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” – Jesus Christ (Luke 12:32) Once upon a time, living somewhere between the Kingdom of Competition and the Kingdom of Compassion, there was a five-year old, brown-eyed...
by Merita Atherly Engen | Jul 3, 2014 | Fatherly, Healer, Points of Light, Shining on God's Character
“And the God of grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” — I Peter 5:6-11 (NIV) Whenever my toddler son needed...
by Merita Atherly Engen | Jun 26, 2014 | Death, God of Our Ultimates, Points of Light, Respectful, Shining on God's Character
“People aren’t stamped with an expiration date.” The oncologist’s kind eyes and graying temples coaxed me into belief. “Prognosis for Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer: Three to four months.” My previous web search contradicted. I kept the contradiction to myself and...
by Merita Atherly Engen | Jun 19, 2014 | Faithful, God of Our Ultimates, Grief, In Sickness, Points of Light, Praiseworthy, Shining on God's Character, Survival, Timely
2009 August The red glow of Judie’s digital clock beside her bed read 1:00 AM. Thoughts tumbled around in her brain like shells in a rough surf. Keith’s rhythmic breathing told her he had finally drifted off. Only a few hours had passed since her husband had come home...
by Merita Atherly Engen | Jun 12, 2014 | Failings, Forgiving, God of Our Ultimates, Joyful, Points of Light, Praiseworthy, Relationships, Shining on God's Character
“When you’re up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams,”(click to listen) The lyrics drummed inside my head. Yep, many of my dreams have been shattered. I often feel overwhelmed. “Why don’t we keep a praise list,” the man I had idolized...
