He has come and is coming – A devotional for Advent
Its' been on my heart to put a devotional together for Advent for some time. I toyed a bit with the idea last year. So, this year I got serious…
Three years and then they locked the door
Jesus spent three years with his disciples. Can you imagine the ministry He had with them? First, He called them, and for the most part, they all left everything they…
It was good
When we first landed in Africa in 1987, the wonder of our surroundings took our breath away. The setting was picturesque. We lived on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika,…
My career in banking
Early in life, as I tried to find my way, I decided to apply for a job as a bank teller. I'm not quite sure what possessed me to think…
Supposing will cost you
“I suppose I can do this.” This was my initial thought when I first went to make mayonnaise. My dream was to have a sandwich with mayonnaise. And I was…
I’m very good at packing
I am very good at packing. While I have some degrees and certificates, I think I must be better at packing than anything else. I know how to pack for…
Remember me
For a bit of background, this poem was written in June 2002 when I visited Finland with my mother. I am a first generation American, born to Finnish parents who…
Tom on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, 1987
One more time
It hasn’t been longSince I last heard your crying to be fed in the nightAnd I held you close, rocking you til you sleptHolding you for hours in my armsSeems…
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The school of storms and Fish: how to reach Ninevah
At the start of every New Year, words like "resolutions" and "vision" make an appearance. Plenty of books, articles, and sermons are available on how to set goals and realize…
Take words
“Take words with you, and return to the Lord, say to Him, ‘Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.’” Hosea 14:2…