It is during the hard seasons of life that one finds out what kind of a god one has. I want to go on record as saying that the God of the Bible, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is Faithful and True. He is able to give comfort and peace in the midst of …
HE CAME from the bosom of the Father to the bosom of a woman. He became Son of man that we might become sons of God. He came from heaven where the rivers never freeze, winds never blow, frosts never chill the air, flowers never fade and no one is ever sick – no undertakers …
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 At Christmas time each year, Manfred always takes the children off into the woods …
Our last Christmas tree with Hans was cut in mid-December 2015. Usually, the spruces stay fresh and last well into January, sometimes sprouting new growth and even shedding pollen in the house. Manfred ordinarily cuts the tree and the children haul it home on a sled. But this time last year, Manfred’s knee was giving …
I can truthfully say, with a hurting, but thankful heart, that the Lord is preserving me through this trial. I stand softened and malleable to his loving hand as He bathes my raw wounds with His love. I experience a heightened sensitivity to his presence in the depths of my pain. I believe I am …
Death is not the enemy, for it has been conquered by the Lord Jesus Christ. He rose the third day, defeating death forever. Death cannot keep me from Hans. No, death will reunite me with him. And distance is not the real enemy, either. Hans’ body, though inanimate, is here with us at home, buried …
Hans spent most of his life right here at home in the house he grew up in. Of course he went places and did things. He spent his first birthday in California while we were down there visiting family. But other than that he never left the state of Alaska. He never “got his own …
Our Lord is good. He is merciful. He is righteous. Let's thank Him. † 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 1 Chronicles …
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:14-15 Every prayer I have ever uttered …
Fear. It is a feeling you get in the pit of your stomach. An intense uneasiness. An acute sense of dread. Like, when you turn around in a store and your toddler has disappeared momentarily into the depths of a clothes rack. Or, when Josef came into the house that October day to tell me …
Hans always made a point of thanking me whenever I helped him out. I believe he thanked me after almost every meal I cooked for him. Every pizza was "the best pizza ever." Often, after asking me to assist him in some way, he would say, “I hope this doesn’t cause you more work”. And …
Of the many beautiful flowers that were given for Hans’ memorial service, only one is still alive and thriving in our home, an orchid, with its one big showy cluster of purple flowers at the end of a long vine-like stem. After we brought it home from the service, wrapped in plastic to protect it …
"… I am quite certain I will see Hans again." Our son, Hans, like all of us, had his faults. He was a sinner, as we all are. Romans 3:23 1 John 1:8 Romans 3:10 However, Hans was saved - he was a Christian - one who has placed his trust in Jesus Christ alone …
Though written by me in the voice of our son Josef, who has Down syndrome, the following piece was intended as a thank-you from myself to Hans for all his help in caring for his younger brother. Each member of our family contributes to meeting Josef’s needs and I wanted to thank Hans, in writing, …
Originally published October 15, 2016 In these past nine months since Hans drove to the highway, I have dreamed of him only once. I had this dream shortly after he left us and it was very brief. In my dream, Sunday worship had just concluded and Hans was standing with a group of men outside …
You Can Trust Him. 