15 years ago today my mother—Marjorie Jo Loomis Dubert—"graduated to glory" (1928–2010). In her remembrance, I’m sharing a talk she gave in October, 1984 to her colleagues about her experience of raising children in Papua New Guinea.
Trust
The Lord Bares His Strong Arm
I love WWII posters depicting Rosie the Riveter baring her strong arm. I applaud the women who rolled up their sleeves and got to work to help the troops on the front lines. Isaiah also refers to God way. He previously used the metaphor of his righteous right hand. Now he speaks about the arm of the Lord.
Our Burden-Bearing God
What burdens are you carrying today? An ill child? Financial need? Deteriorating health? Diminishing capacity? Loneliness? Indecision? Losing someone you love? Failed mentors? Injustice? Growth of wickedness? Isaiah warns that trusting in anything other than God will only increase those burdens making them even more burdensome.
Wait On the Lord for Renewed Strength
Have you ever complained to God, as the people of Judah did when they were exiled in a foreign land? I have. Isaiah’s answer is: Behold your God. Wait on him for renewed strength.
Remember God Is With Us
The nation of Judah faced an impending invasion from two neighboring nations. This threat left them shaking like the trees in the forest in a windstorm. So King Ahaz made an alliance with an even larger nation—Assyria—rather than run to the Holy One, God Almighty. Then God gave Ahaz and Judah a promise, a sign, a reminder that he had not abandoned them and they should rely on him alone.
Wise Words From My Mom
My mom was a keeper (pun intended). She kept documents, notes, calendars, prayer letters, cards—anything she thought important. On this thirteen anniversary of her graduation to glory, I share some of my mother’s wise words.
Risk vs. Safety, Fear vs. Trust
I received my Covid-19 vaccines with mixed emotions. Grateful for some form of protection while aware that absolute immunity is not guaranteed. Concerned about the possibility that I subjected myself to unnecessary risk, yet heartened by the prospect of mitigating it.
The Certainty of Change
Why is it when everything is nearly perfect, it always changes? My nearly perfect pastor resigned last week. Of course, I know as a man he's not perfect, and I didn't even know him personally, but the church's mix of style, doctrine, leadership and preaching was nearly perfect for me. This feeling isn't new. I've … Continue reading The Certainty of Change
Pondered Treasures 