My topic this month is about how we can stay afloat when our boat seems to be sinking.

Ever since our daughter suffered a stroke nearly two years ago, things have often felt like we’ve been riding on a boat in rough waters. Many prayers went up for our daughter, and I’m happy to say that she’s made a lot of progress and is back teaching music to elementary school children.

About a year after our daughter’s stroke, her oldest daughter had complications and nearly lost her life while giving birth to her baby girl, who was born seven weeks early. Now, almost a year later, our granddaughter and her little girl are both doing well.

Last summer, it was my turn to rock the boat. While at a family reunion in Pennsylvania, I fell and broke my left arm. I was fitted for a brace and had to wear it for ten weeks. Even after I was allowed to take the brace off, the broken bone had only partially healed. Now, 6 months from returning home with a broken arm, I’m still seeing a physical therapist to hopefully regain my range of motion and lessen the pain and swelling. How thankful I am that I can still type and continue to write novels.

More recently, my husband was hospitalized with some heart issues. It’s been a physical and emotional journey for us, and there have been times when I’ve felt like our boat that had been rocking for two years, was beginning to sink. But with the support of family and friends, along with lots of prayer and time spent in God’s Word, we have managed to stay afloat. Several Scriptures have helped us rise above the turbulent waters. One in particular spoke to my heart recently. It’s found in Galatians 6:9 (KJV): “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

How about you? Do you have a favorite Bible verse that’s helped you stay afloat during difficult times? If so, please feel free to share it with your comments.

With the year 2025 lying before us, I am sure that many people have made New Year’s resolutions. Some might be dreading or fearful of the days ahead, while others are filled with a sense of hope for the future. I can’t speak for anyone except myself, but my hope is in Jesus. Therefore, I look forward to serving the Lord in the New Year and keeping Him at the center of my life. This fact alone offers me hope as I look forward to the future.

There are many verses found in the Bible that refer to looking toward the future with hope. Here is one of my favorite scriptures on the topic of hope: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV). When a person faces uncertainties or difficulties this verse serves as a reminder that God’s in control and He has a special purpose for my life.

How are you feeling about the year 2025? Are there any favorite Bible verses that bring you hope about the future?

At Christmastime, there are no decorated trees or blinking lights adorning Amish people’s homes. They do, however, make special cookies and candies as part of the holiday activity. Some Amish will string the Christmas cards they receive around a room in their home, or may set out some candles and greenery. On Christmas Eve, the school children put on a program for their friends and family at the schoolhouse, where they share poems, recitations, and songs. The scholars will often exchange gifts with others in their class. On Christmas morning, the Amish gather with their families for devotions, and then the children open their gifts. In the afternoon the Amish get together for a big family meal. If Christmas Day falls near the end of the week, some church districts will hold their services on Christmas morning instead of the usual Sunday service.

What kind of traditions do you celebrate around or on the Christmas holiday?