Lynn Lilja

Spring is Coming

I spotted him the minute I looked out the living room window this morning—a Red-winged Blackbird. According to naturalist Stan Tekiela,[1] “It is a sure sign of spring when the Red-winged Blackbirds return to the marsh.” It doesn’t feel like spring with temperatures still in the 20s and skies cloudy, but all the snow andContinue reading “Spring is Coming”

Life is Precious

This week on my preferred news podcast, they talked about Sanctity of Life Sunday. On January 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday of January as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. Pastors, churches, and life organizations in the United States use this day to bring awareness to theContinue reading “Life is Precious”

Joyous New Year!

We’ve been saying it and hearing it: “Happy New Year!” It’s what we do. My ministry colleague Janis sent an email that challenged that sentiment. She wrote, “May 2023 be far beyond a “Happy New Year.” May it be a year of joy as we serve Jesus. . .” The difference between happiness and joyContinue reading “Joyous New Year!”