The history of The United States of America is complicated because people are complicated. This nation was birthed on an idea...and more than an idea...truths: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty … Continue reading Happy Birthday, America
Author: MFranseen
"I do not sit down at my desk to put into verse something that is already clear in my mind. If it were clear in my mind, I should have no incentive or need to write about it. We do not write in order to be understood; we write in order to understand." C.S. Lewis
Christians, Let’s Stop Being Careless With Our Words
In Proverbs 6:16-19, we are given a list of seven things God hates. This list is not exhaustive, but it is a nice summary. I want to look at two of the things mentioned in regards to what we say and share on social media. a lying tongue a false witness Lying is mentioned twice … Continue reading Christians, Let’s Stop Being Careless With Our Words
The Grace Of God In The Love Of A Dog
In loving memory, 2011-2020 It’s a silly thing the way we love our dogs. We blubber over them, talk to them (often in ridiculous voices), kiss them, let them kiss us, and even let them sleep in our beds. We recently said goodbye to our nine-year-old Shih Tzu named Luke (a.k.a. Lukie or Lukie … Continue reading The Grace Of God In The Love Of A Dog
We Will All Die, But We Will Not All Perish
My neighbor recently died. Almost an entire century passed from the moment he took his first breath until the moment he took his last. God gave him a long life. I had just visited him and his wife the week before. When I stopped by, he was dressed up preparing to head to an appointment. … Continue reading We Will All Die, But We Will Not All Perish
You Cannot Have Jesus And Your Own Way, Too
Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will … Continue reading You Cannot Have Jesus And Your Own Way, Too
Will It Be A Happy New Year?
“Happy New Year!” It’s the refrain repeated across social media, among friends and family, and even offered to total strangers as one year rolls into the next. We long to be happy and live in a happy world. We wish it for ourselves and for those we love. A new year feels like a new … Continue reading Will It Be A Happy New Year?
If You’re Hurting, Christmas Is For You
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 A holiday such as Christmas can be particularly difficult following a deep loss, heavy grief, stinging disappointment, or season of struggle. There are gifts to purchase and wrap, parties to attend, cards to mail, … Continue reading If You’re Hurting, Christmas Is For You
God Came To Man
God Came to Man Marcella Franseen O blessed wretch am I! For me, God came to die. Holy baby born of Mary, My sin to one day carry. No palatial room for He Who spoke the world to be. Only a manger for His bed Where lowly animals have fed. O the thorny crown … Continue reading God Came To Man
Three Ways To Grow In Contentment In A Disappointing World
Do you want great wealth? 1 Timothy tells us great wealth doesn't come from adding more money or material possessions to our lives, but in living for God and being content. As Christians, I think we understand the call to live godly lives, even if we struggle to do so consistently, but contentment seems to … Continue reading Three Ways To Grow In Contentment In A Disappointing World
Good Works: The Breath Of Faith (James 2:14-26)
What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you … Continue reading Good Works: The Breath Of Faith (James 2:14-26)
