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 | 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...
