by Merita Atherly Engen | Aug 22, 2014 | Belonging, Forgiving, God of Our Ultimates, Kind, Peaceful, Points of Light, Shining on God's Character
Chaos in a Midwestern town. Desperation in the mountains of Iraq. Fear in an Amish community. A politician in Kenya who calls himself Christian wants a law that stones humans of differing sexuality. It may seem odd, but what comes to mind as I read the posts and watch...
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 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 | 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...
