I am plagued by worry these days.

I know that Christ commands us to Not Worry. I read a hint that praying for others can be a remedy for worry. I do pray for others. I pray through my “snatch list” in the morning, and as people cross my path during the day I pray for them—sometimes over and over.

My cousin is sick. I pray for her to get better every time she comes to mind, which is often.

I pray for my children and my grandchildren.

Something else that combats worry is counting blessings. It may be way below zero in temperatures this week, but today the sun is shining and after this bitterly cold week we may be seeing warmer days. I see pictures of spring on social media. Blossoms in Japan, sunny beaches in the Mediterranean, green grass in the south! It’s not even close to being spring this week here.

But it is sunny.

Gandalf is fading away. Our hearts are broken. Cherie and I cry. We just don’t want to bring him in to be put to sleep. We want to hope that he can win this game against liver malfunction. Our vet diagnosed liver disease, but he told us that it would be extremely difficult to figure out why Gandalf has it, and costly, and there would be little chance of recovery even with a diagnosis.

But miracles. We still can pray for miracles.

I’m complaining more than counting here, today.

Someone told me that my septic mound system may need complete replacement. They only last about 30 years, and that is how old my system is.

Remember that I’ve just waterproofed the basement, rerouted the drainage, replaced the pipe under the house—–I’ve trouble-shot so many things already.

And yet I just love to live here in this beautiful “hollow,” nestled under the highest point in Hennepin County.

It is worth it to repair and make this place habitable. When I am gone it will be sold, and whenever sold it must be in good condition.

For now my cozy fireplace is on, the sun is streaming in, and I am thankful for being warm. I’m thankful for my sweet Corgi, my Rat Terrier, my cats. All lend warmth and comfort.

I’m thankful for music! I’m thankful for my church. I’m thankful for books and art supplies and yarn and needles to knit!

I’m thankful for the lakes and fields and forests that I love to see and walk through, swim in.

I’m thankful for health. I love to be mobile, to swim, to breathe deeply and move around freely.

I’m thankful for God’s provision! Jehovah Jirah, the LORD provides! He has never let me down.

I’m thankful for friends, family, my mom, my kids, my grandkids. How lovely they all are, how blessed I am.

I’m thankful for safety and peace, knowing full well that God’s plan is unfolding steadily, day by day, with His people in positions of leadership and service for Good and for Evil.

I am thankful for Jesus. I couldn’t live without Him.

Come quickly, Lord! MARANATHA!

In this world you will have trouble. That’s a truth universally known. Jesus tells us to take heart, though, and we must obey.

It’s a week of hearts. Valentine’s Day is Friday, and the kids at school are primed for the parties. I’m subbing in music and there are some cute songs modified to celebrate the holiday. Third grade is performing them, and they really enjoy singing them.

I’ve had trouble, though. Could use your prayers.

My septic system froze this past weekend, ahead of the really sub zero temps we are having right now, for an extended time.

I was told I will probably have to wait until late spring/summer for the system to thaw out. Ya.

Until then I can periodically pump out the tanks. Very costly. The gray water gets hauled away instead of flowing into the mound.

We are scrimping around here. It’s like camping, sort of: paper plates, short showers, careful usage of water that is draining into the system. It’s just a “pain-in-the-neck.”

I’m so thankful for a furnace that can combat these arctic temperatures. This house is needing a complete overhaul, apparently.

The new little room under the front step of the house (the one that was completely not accessible before the basement waterproofing people came) is just part of my ongoing “adventure” in home repair and upkeep. “Little surprises” are becoming normal.

Life is hard.

But in acceptance lies peace.

I learned that many years ago when I lost my fourth child to miscarriage, when another tragedy struck simultaneously. I recall being paralyzed with pain and horror, sadness.

In acceptance lies peace.

I learned that from a book by Hannah Hurnard. She wrote a pair of books, “Hinds Feet on High Places,” and “Mountains of Spices.” I love those books. I grew up reading them several times. I should probably revisit them soon.

God is good all the time. It may seem like things are falling apart. God holds the master strings, the tape, the glue, the screws and bolts, nails and fasteners. Perhaps I cannot see which things He is using at a given time, but I trust I will see a bigger picture when I am with Him someday.

It’s Valentine’s Day —-week.

I made a chocolate cake. I had some and froze the rest of it. Do you ever get hungry for chocolate cake? Brian used to love it with a glass of cold fresh milk.

I’m spending my Valentine Week with some sweet memories.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

MARANATHA!

It was in the fall of 2022 that I got to a church service/event for those grieving, invited by my friend, in the wake of my dad’s passing. Of course, I was also grieving my husband’s unexpected death, my brother and sister-in-law’s tragic death, my family disunity, and the many pressing issues that I was seeking to navigate at that time.

The service was meaningful. I was so stiff with grief, but something opened in me that night and I cried. There was an offer of prayer for individuals at the service, and I went to the person who was praying.

Her prayer for me was sweet and comforting, but the words I remembered her praying over me were “love, beauty, and peace.” Striking words for one who is grieving.

I let those words swirl in my mind and decided to pray them as blessings for my new year, 2023.

So began a journey.

That year I was always piqued to see where those words showed up in my life. It became a real blessing. I looked for beauty. I found it so many places, and I saw it as a blessing and gift from God.

I sought peace and found it, as I faced my trials and tribulations of doing life alone.

I saw love in my life, whether it was from a pet, one of my children, a friend, or God. I remembered the love I had experienced. Love was a hard one. When you are lonely for your mate you feel the absence of it. That becomes the prevailing outlook. Love was a bit of a challenge to see that year.

I chose three words for 2024: Balance, Boundaries, and Health. That’s a whole blog post, perhaps, again, as I look back at the year from January. I need to scroll down to see where these words appeared last year. More later?

But for 2025 I’ve settled on service, purpose, and faith.

It’s the end of January, and I am looking for these words and ideas of them. I find them constantly. I want purpose, I want to be of more service, and I want my faith to grow. I may be old, but there is still time to see these things in my daily life.

Walking with Jesus is a journey, an adventure, an opportunity.

So, today I will see my purpose. I hope to be of service, and I want to spend time with my Lord.

Faith, Service, Purpose.

MARANATHA!

For the past four years my interests have centered on China. I’ve been asked “why?” so many times, so I’m going to list my reasons. This is a rather personal post, so it may only interest those of you who took the time to ask me.

There are many people from China who relocated here in Minnesota years ago. My family connected with several of them.

My best friend was an MK in China.

Since 1999 my husband and I hosted dozens of Chinese students at our home, including one very special young man who refers to me as his American mom.

In my Master’s Degree studies I had a Hmong professor who was excellent. He piqued my interest in East Asia. I took a class about NGO’s in Asia with him.

After my husband died I went through a time when I wanted to be as far away from “here” as possible: China.

I started reading about China. I started learning the history of China.

I was connected to an NGO named “Tai Initiative” through friends and pursued a COO position with that organization. During Covid this fizzled, but it still exists and it was part of my education.

I began Chinese language studies.

I began to attend a Chinese/International Bible Study in my area.

I spent more time at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts which has a premier collection of Asian artifacts.

I realized the strength and power of China, its huge population, its blossoming society, deep culture, and its role politically and spiritually.

I became aware of my own prejudices regarding China, and my views began to change, perhaps along with China itself.

Ed and Cherie started learning Japanese and Korean, respectively, while I began my Chinese studies. We had the Asian language trifecta!

I continue to become closer to several Chinese students living here in Minneapolis.

China is worth understanding deeply. It is a world power with a vast history and a strong people. There is much to admire in their fastidious devotion to respect and tradition.

Despite the Communist Revolution, China is on track to be the most Christian nation in the world. More devout Christians live in China than in any other country, including the USA. This, in turn, blesses this vast country.

Despite the Three Self Movement Chinese Christians who truly know Christ are thriving under persecution.

Chinese society is evolving at a pace that astounds. Scholars and politicians cannot keep up with the changes occurring monthly/weekly/daily in this huge land. Communism is the official form of government but capitalism reigns. Money multiplies with a billion people as the market.

Persecution is a reality.

Ancient Eastern Religions (including ancestor worship) are significant influences on Chinese culture, despite Communist Atheism.

These are things I’ve come to know through studying China. I am fascinated.

I look forward to a visit there soon, and plans are brewing.

The landscape of China is amazing, with scenic spots everywhere. Climate variation, as well, colors the country.

Yes, there is a Serpent. He gets his way in this culture. It’s very obvious.

But God is greater. God really loves the Chinese people. Their language shows evidence of The One True God throughout. They are not far from His heart.

I’m so thankful for all the seeds sown by Gladys Aylward and Hudson Taylor, other pioneer missionaries to China. Their work has taken root and is producing great fruit.

It’s amazing to be interested in this vast thing called China.

I’ve been blessed.

Mild weather continues for Minnesota, but the temps have been chilly. A dusting of snow came yesterday and it made for slick intersections on the way to school today.

Things burn all around, affecting some of us terribly. I have family that evacuated from the fires in California. They are okay, and I’m praying their home is also fine.

This week I’ve been subbing, being quiet, wrapping up holiday stuff. School started the day after the new year, so there was a relatively short break.

Artificial Intelligence has been on my mind lately. I determined to sound off a bit on this subject weeks ago, as I affirm ideas in my own mind even I as jot them down here on Corgi Hollows.

Danger! Warning! Things may not be as they seem!

I have virtually checked out of mainstream media. At the hotel we tune in the weather channel, so I see weather patterns more than anything while I’m there.

I don’t use the television in my home much. Cherie and I watch an old DVD once in a while. I can get PBS on it (I think) but I usually don’t watch television.

I read the headlines on a conservative site, Lucianne, once or twice a week. Apple News also give headlines.

Basically I am “off grid” when it comes to news.

Why?

I know how hyped the lifestyle of a news junkie can be. One can stress one’s self out over the daily feed of headers.

Add to the mix artificially manufactured information and you have the danger of real stress.

Recently someone I know learned a bit of news that was not true. The information was very believable. She completely believed it. It took some time to ferret out the truth, but the danger had been real. She’d been taken in by artificial intelligence.

Christians seem to be more easy to persuade. We trust people pretty easily. We want to believe the best about people. We trust each other because we know we are accountable to God Himself.

If information comes from a “Christian” source we tend to believe it.

What a prime opportunity for an evil one to exploit!

I write this as a warning to myself more than anyone. We, in the end-times prophecy community, are watchers. We observe the course of history and measure it against a Biblical guideline. It is absolutely clear that the conditions for a one-world government under an anti-Christ are present.

It is absolutely clear that Jesus IS coming again, and probably soon.

As many preachers have said; WATCH ISRAEL!

We see the ebb and flow of nations that either condemn or condone Israel.

Is God’s Word true?

God keeps His promises. I choose to believe that Scripture is God’s inerrant Word. Too many people have abandoned this premise. People I really thought would never drift from this truth!

The mocking of those of us who still believe is effective, and many have succumbed. It’s hard to stand against the intelligentsia elite who regularly undermine the authority of Scripture.

But they are only wise in their own eyes.

God’s Word is true, and those of us who “simplistically believe” it are far better off than those who parse away the clear teachings of the Lord.

Give me simplicity! I’ll be simplistic for all my days, trusting Scripture over a theologian and his/her interpretations.

This is an avenue of safety regarding artificial intelligence as well. A solid (and simple) worldview will clear up a whole lot of confusion.

I’m starting this year with three words of blessing: Purpose, Service, and Faith. I pray these words for myself everyday as I pray my “snatch list.” (Jude 23)

I want to cultivate these things in my life in 2025. January has started, and getting a heavy diet of Scripture each day has already begun for me. Out of this comes direction and understanding.

I do not claim any deep or profound truths. I claim Jesus who is the truth. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Jesus said this—-according to Scripture.

I’ll believe it. I’m a simple soul.

Jesus is coming soon.

MARANATHA!

A lovely day has dawned, and we are to celebrate Jesus today.

I’ve been texting Christmas greetings around the world this morning, and my heart thrills that even if Christmas has a secular bent I see rejoicing, and the reason we rejoice is really because God is with us, Emmanuel, Messiah coming as a baby.

It’s wonderful to celebrate.

I realize that many (most) of the world sees Christmas as an excuse for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Cake, presents, a tree lit up with color and baubles—expectation, joy, peace on earth.

But in that distraction there is a baby.

For unto us a child is born, a son is given, and His name shall be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, Prince of Peace.

Powerful.

There is snow on the ground and balmy temps. It’s a setting at Corgi Hollows that is perfect for a romp in the field with the dogs. Cherie has lit the log fire. I’m in my spot by the gas fire (you know where I sit if you’ve visited Corgi Hollows!) Yuki is on on my lap with the chromebook.

She is always seeking warmth with her short fur. Corwyn has a thick coat, so although she loves laptime she gets overheated easily.

Yuki snuggles for hours.

The Swedish potato sausage that I bought at Engebretson’s in Minneapolis will go in the oven shortly. Ed made dozens of Swedish meatballs, our own special recipe with allspice and garlic, cloves and apple. They are addicting.

Grandma is tasked with making the rice pudding—hiding an almond for the first one to open a present tonight.

We keep the Scandinavian tradition of celebrating on Christmas Eve.

As a child Santa Claus was not a part of our household. That’s how I was raised. I guess it was somewhat unique, but my memories are of a Christmas Day with little fanfare, but basking in the lingering warmth of the evening before.

My family celebrated Jesus. Christmas was really about Jesus all along for us. The music of Christmas worshiped Him, told of Him, evoked deep praise in our hearts and minds.

So today is filled with food preparation. I will finally wrap presents for my five grandchildren. (Why do I always wrap presents on Christmas Eve?!)

I love hearing from you. Merry Christmas, dear friends! I send you love, and wish you joy and peace, beauty and laughter, health and blessings this season of wonder.

You are loved.

God is really taking good care of me. I testify to His provision and His goodness.

I still want to make some suggestions of how to bless a widow you may know of. There are those moments when “normal stuff” can be daunting to a widow with waning physical strength.

Recently Cherie and I needed to change an iron water filter in our system. It needs to be done every four months or so. We puzzled and strained over it before we (she) got it unscrewed and replaced. Victory!

Sometimes there’s a piece of something missing somewhere and it just needs a handyman’s touch.

Usually our needs have to do with plumbing, but I’ve had a guy from church check my tires. I often fear things that could go wrong with one of our vehicles. I try to keep them up and take them to the car care people regularly. Still, stuff happens…

If I lived in a community where all the maintenance was provided I’d probably be better off, but I am loath to leave my home and my family here.

Think about ways you can bless a widow in your acquaintance. I’m sure you know one. She will probably not be quick to ask for help. No one wants to be a pest. She probably has something a handy person could help with.

Speaking from experience.

BTW I am blessed by my five wonderful children, and their willingness to show up when I am desperate. I just share the thoughts of vulnerability that crop up in my thinking at times, and I know my widowed sisterhood shares these concerns.

It’s Christmas. Think of blessing her.

It was about a month ago when I woke up feeling sort of sad and needing a hug. I said to God, “You know, we humans need a hug every once in awhile.”

Ed had mentioned to me awhile back that “studies show humans need 13 hugs a day for optimal mental health.”

Well, that ain’t happening with Miss Corgi.

ANYWAY

God has a keen sense of humor.

Recently I picked up one of my Bible Study friends for supper. She is a researcher at the University.

She got into the truck with a big fat bag.

“I have something for you. It’s been hanging in my closet for two years. It’s from China. I will never wear it. I feel like a polar bear when I put it on.”

A beautiful furry coat was gifted to me. I tried to dissuade her from giving me such a beautiful garment. I said we’d shop for the right outfit for her to wear it with…That she should show courage to be a polar bear….

I have the coat. I have worn it since!

I look like a polar bear and EVERYONE wants to hug me!!!

The ladies at the dentist office yesterday just sang out, “Can I hug you?!”

“Yes! Of course!” Ha ha ha ha !!!!

So far only a few strangers have asked to hug me.

Mostly it’s people I do know.

My friend is missing out. God is laughing.

Give me a hug!

As I’ve written, the holidays are somewhat “off” this year with the house repair project. Since Christmas is sort of an emotional season, (candles, memories, sweets, scents, tastes, music, lights, gifts!) we are all affected by the circumstances around us more deeply.

Add grief and conflict to the mix and you have emotional gunpowder.

So the challenge—is to find peace and contentment in the middle of this storm of emotion.

In the middle of a worship song last Sunday the Lord gave me an image. It came right out of the blue, but it was so obviously a sweet thought from Him.

A bird. It had just hit the window and was still stunned. It was cupped in my hand. I was filled with compassion for it, hopeful for its recovery, hoping it wasn’t injured beyond healing.

And then I felt that I was that bird, held cupped in the Lord’s hands.

Of course He knows the end of the story. I do too, sort of. He wins. I belong to Him, so I win too.

But this is a moment of recovery and peace, sheltered in His care. Still stunned. Safe.

This Christmas will have that feel—-still stunned, but safe.

The four years that have just passed for me are like slamming against a glass window pane, falling helplessly to the stony ground below, checking my wings for escape.

The Lord heard my thump and came and lifted me safely. His compassion and even love for me came through.

Don’t you feel that tug at your heart when you see that poor little bird? How much more does God see us lovingly?

Perhaps it is still hard to believe that God really loves and cares for us, but His Word affirms that. I struggle with feeling loved.

The image of the bird in hand gave me a sense of warmth and reassurance. If I can care for a tiny creature, God can care for me, too.

Life is hard. Trouble is a given. Death and loss, conflict and pain are all a part of this existence. I’ve felt it all deeply, struggled to see it in a correct light of discipline, punishment and circumstance.

It’s ongoing. When I’ve figured it out I will let you know. (As if I could!)

But today I see God’s sweetness.

Gandalf and Topi have some health concerns. Topi has a respiratory thing, Gandalf a cyst that is irritated. We are praying for recovery, and a visit to the vet is happening today. Predicate continues to age. She is a wisp of her former self, yet still active and feisty. We think she is about 17 years old now (human years :)).

The pups are fine, thankfully.

Mild weather continues this week after an icy weekend. Someone was hired at the hotel so I need not work every weekend after this month. Working everyday except Sunday is the lot of many humans, but it does have its toll on life!

I’m old. I am not quite up to it. There’s laundry and chores that pile up at home when I work that much! Preparing for Christmas also takes so much time, so that isn’t happening much this year. Cherie is disappointed, but she is caught up in her university finals. That assuages.

There have been moments of fun, despite the busy schedule of teaching and “hoteliering.”

The trip last week, eating out with my mom and my niece, seeing my Bible Study people, lunching with our newlywed friends, coffee on Saturday with Ed, a brief celebration of Jim’s birthday—! Those three Christmas concerts I got to still ring in my mind. I pack my days early to late!

We fit in these moments, and I am thankful for the joy they bring. I’m thankful for friends and dear ones. How blessed I feel!

Margaret delivered a plate of beautiful cookies. Christmas time treats. Your beautiful cards are arriving daily. I am so blessed. Will I have time to address my own cards to you? That is a question.

I see your cards as gifts. News of you. Thank you.

Looking for Jesus!

MARANATHA

Actually it’s only around zero, but it makes the house creak and the fire feels good. These dark mornings can only be endured through a sense of cozy.

This was a good week of family and adventure.

I visited family in Iowa, drove north to see the Runestone Park in Kensington, and spent a day of quiet at home. The Silverado performed wonderfully, and I am so grateful for my truck. The snow crystals played on the pavement as I drove up U.S. Highway 71 for half the state of Minnesota.

One of my emails is ushwy71@gmail.com. Perhaps that is odd, but I have a deep connection to that highway. I’ve traveled it completely, north to south, in this country. I’ve lived along it, by it, been connected to it my whole life.

My great grandparents settled in a town on Highway 71, Windom, MN. My dad bought land up north near it for a cabin.

I lived down in Louisiana close to this highway.

My husband’s family lives in a town on Highway 71.

It seems like I’m tied to it for life.

Even though the Kensington Runestone is closer to Alexandria, MN than Sauk Center (on Highway 71) it’s relatively close to it.

I was on a research trip to see the place where the Runestone was found. I’ve been to the museum in Alexandria, but I’d not been able to get to the actual farmstead where the stone was found before this week.

Since I’ve been illustrating a storybook about the stone I thought I should see the lay of the land where it was unearthed.

The bitter cold kept me from hiking around the park, but I took a few photos and peered in the windows of the beautiful structure that’s been built there. Clearly there are many other people that take exceptional interest in this fascinating piece of history.

I left the park with determination to revisit on a warmer day.

I’m still glad I went.

The nature of traveling in bitter cold does things to your mind. As I ventured further northwards I had thoughts of turning back—even as I came with miles of my goal! Granted, I was by myself in unknown territory, something I rarely am.

I felt super adventurous.

Anyway, I high-tailed it home on Interstate 94, blasted through St. Cloud with thoughts of my regrets about my Master’s Degree—which I almost completed at St. Cloud State two years ago.

Back home to a warm fire, cozy cats and two pups who were happy to snuggle.

Blessings.

Cherie had her last day of class this week for the semester. Finals next week.

The house feels a bit like Christmas with a tree of apples and oranges, nuts and gingerbread. No tree this year. The basement trumped that.

We will still celebrate, fellowship with friends and family, and contemplate the Dear Savior’s Birth.

On Sunday I went to two musical events: The Singers, and a Messiah Sing-a-Long. What a lovely time of year to soak in the beautiful Christmas music!

As I drove north on Highway 71 I was again touched by the beauty of the land; rich fields, hollows and hills, remarkable spots like petroglyphs and parks, Rivers and valleys, picture perfect farms, vistas that stretch for miles. What a beautiful place!

The skies were perfect, too, with wispy gray clouds, light blue above, sunny rays. The moon appeared too.

Friendly folk who raised a hand from the steering wheel to greet me as we met —-

This is Minnesota, after all.

I’m off to school—to teach art for the day.

The scenes of my adventure will play in my mind. Blessings.

MARANATHA!