Message from the Red Planet

5/11/2026

Matthew 5:14-15 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house."

A few nights ago, our son showed us a sci-fi movie from 1952, Now if you have ever seen one of these classic B-movies, you would know they are fun, very campy, and have pretty thin plots; at least that is my experience. Earlier in the day, we had been having some robust faith conversations as we often do. This time, it was about the metaphysical on a spiritual plane. We even watched a documentary with the same topic. 

As we settled in for the 90-minute movie, we had no idea what was ahead. Our son did, however, and he was silently curious about what our reactions would be. By the time the credits were rolling, we both sat in silence just gob smacked. 

Now, even though I am fairly certain most of you who read this will never watch Red Planet Mars, I still want to give the customary spoiler alert message. Warning: please do not read any further if you plan on seeing the above titled movie, as I will be discussing details of the film. 😉

In summary, the movie is about a pair of married scientists who are trying to contact Mars. When the film begins, the couple are with a group of colleagues that have discovered there is water on the planet, and it is clearly being used for some unknown purpose. This leads them to believe there must be life on Mars, and if so, they will try to make first contact. The couple has a lab at their home in California that is outfitted with a special device for sending messages to Mars. It was based on a design by a Nazi who conducted human experimentation during the war, for which he was imprisoned. 

There is a cold war element to this film too, as the Russians have given said scientist an outpost in the Andes to use his own device for the same purpose. There is a scene where the outpost is directly under a large statue of Jesus. The only cue he has given to where his location is they must to find Christ before they can find him. Foreshadowing, you ask???

The movie then goes into the couple receiving messages from Mars about how advanced their civilization is with their resources; this causes global fear and market collapse because the communiques are being shared with the world. While the fear is at its height, new and different messages start coming through that are directly out of the Bible. These are also shared, and as fear subsides, a faith revival sweeps across the entire world, even in communist Russia. There as scenes of the Russian people being martyred for their faith. So powerful! The theme is so bold and clear: the only way to be free from fear and have peace and new life is though Christ. AMAZING! 

After processing what we had just experienced for a bit, our family had a robust conversation. Sometimes you experience something unexpected that inspires and moves you, and Red Planet Mars was certainly that for me. 

Many current reviews I looked up were very negative, however, not about the acting or the premise about alien contact, but about the heavy-handed religious message. The power of this film was, sadly, lost on these individuals. It is so unlike when I was young and most families attended church on Sunday (or at least respected those who did). Unfortunately, our culture now is so divided. People either love the Lord or don't. In our media, there are strong, angry voices of the latter group. 

So, where does that leave me and other believers who are largely timid and quiet in the world we all must maneuver in today? What am I doing to share the truth of the Gospel with my neighbors or people I encounter? Is trying to live Biblically enough in an angry, broken, and hurting world? Are actions enough? How will anyone know I am a disciple of the Most High if I do not bravely and boldly claim it to be so? Isn't that exactly what the Biblical followers of Jesus did? They were willing to die for the truth of the Gospel, and I have trouble even having someone look at me funny for doing so. But I must ask myself, my discomfort comes at what cost? It is nothing less than eternal life with Christ or eternal separation from Him. A high cost indeed. 

 

Leading with Humility and Grace

4/30/2026

James 1:19 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."

My husband had a very stressful day yesterday. His job is high stress in general, but there were so many battles happening during his day, and his frustration was mounting with each difficult answer and interaction. At one point, he needed to check with his doctor's office about a scheduling question. The woman who works in this position is not very kind; I have actually experienced her brusqueness as well. 

His question was a valid one, but it was met with this woman's usual curt reply. Well, my kind and amiable hubby was gassed out, and he met her unprofessional response with his last ounce of frustration. As he recounted the interaction to me and our son later on in the evening, his level of frustration was still firmly in place, as were his feelings of justification in his pushback. This was understandable, albeit shocking to his small audience. He clearly was having a really difficult day. 

This afternoon, we had a brief phone conversation while he was having lunch. He recounted his morning to me, which included a follow-up call to the doctor's office. He took care of the business end of the conversation and then he apologized to the scheduler. I was somewhat taken aback, touched, and very pleased. He had every right to complain as he did the day before, but the Holy Spirit took hold of him and had his conversation instead be seasoned with salt and full of light. 

Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

The schedular herself did not apologize for her poor reaction, but she did soften and the conversation was much lighter and respectful. Leading with grace and speaking in a way that honors Jesus is what we, as believers, are called to do. We are supposed to treat other as we would like to be treated and even love our enemies. Too often, I know this is also true for me, we act more like the world and less like people saved by grace. We fall into self-protection and self-righteousness instead of extending grace. The more we are able to do so, the greater the impact on others. We can only do this, however, if we are attempting to stay in a vertical disposition daily. It is only when we remain open to the Holy Spirit's leading that we can be in the world, but not of it. 

John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease."

This short verse is so powerful, and it has become a prayer for me. It helps me keep that all-important vertical focus and helps keep my spirit open to His leading. I will always be a work in progress, but I am not alone, for He will never leave me or forsake me. 

For Dan

4/20/2026

Proverbs 3:3-4 "Let love and faithfulness never leave you;                                                                                  bind them around your neck,                                                                                                      write them on the tablet of your heart.                                                                                        Then you will win favor and a good name                                                                                  in the sight of God and man."

Many of you will remember the film Dead Poet's Society. If you have not seen it, I would highly recommend that you do. The late great Robin Williams plays John Keating, a beloved teacher of a prestigious and highly competitive boy's school. He introduces a group of his students to the clandestine society that he and his fellow students used to attend when he was there, hence the title of the movie. (Spoiler Alert) After a horrible tragedy that is tied to his influence over said group, he gets dismissed from his position. In the final scene of the film another teacher tries to return the boys to the prior levels of conformity the school requires. Brazenly, each boy in turn stands atop his desk and repeats, "Oh Captain, My Captain" from the Walt Whitman poem about the author's grief over Lincoln's assassination and a tribute to his leadership. That quote has rung in my ears the past several weeks except the version I hear is Oh Pastor, My Pastor.   

How do you honor a man who has meant so much to so many people? A minister who dedicated his entire life to service and spreading the Gospel. A shepherd who did not hold his flock at arm's length but embraced each member as his brother and sister in Christ. A gifted musician with a voice as smooth as silk. An intellectual who was well read and well-traveled. A teacher who made scripture accessible, interesting, and alive. A storyteller who had as many amusing anecdotes as he did heartfelt tales. A jokester with a lightning fast and dry wit. A counselor who listened with love, compassion, and never judgement. An advisor who celebrated each birth and officiated at each death. A gentleman who could connect with even the quirkiest kid or adult. A friend who would meet you exactly where you were in life with warmth and comfort. A man who loved Batman, animals, music, movies, his friends, his church, his family, his pups, his dear wife, and the Lord. A man who reminded the church body every Sunday, "You Are Loved." How do you find the words to truly express how much such a man meant to every life he touched? 

Pastor Dan, you have been a faithful servant of the Most High, a compassionate and strong leader, and a dear friend. So, I say in honor of you with immense respect and deep gratitude... Oh Pastor, My Pastor!

Until we meet again in Paradise...

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am a life that was changed

Thank you, for giving to the Lord

I am so glad you gave.

 (Ray Boltz)

As Season of Loss

4/11/2026

Psalm 38:14 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

(It was a rough day yesterday and this is also a rough topic, so I am posting a day late. My apologies to the few of you who read my ramblings.) 

I first experienced a deep loss in my senior year of high school, when my father died in an automobile accident. Having him home when I left for school that morning to never return again was an unimaginable and untenable time in my life, and the life of our family. Shock, deep sorrow, and an all-consuming grief took hold and stayed for a long time. There are still tender areas in my soul that are affected all these decades later. I have never stopped missing him, but I would argue that is true for everyone that has lost someone they love. It is honestly the most difficult thing any of us will ever live through, and yet we survive what feels, at the time, unsurvivable. 

Those first few days and weeks are like walking through a dense cloud or heavy mist. Everything seems fuzzy and difficult to process; even the simplest of conversations can be utterly taxing and exhausting. Actions often become robotic as you move though the agony of planning and having people come to give their condolences. Unfortunately, at least as it was with my family, after a couple of weeks people tend to go back to their lives and you are left alone, still grieving and trying to piece together a life. My mother used to ask how the world could still be turning without my father. How would anything be normal ever again? The fact is, you have to lean into a new normal, and that takes time. 

Loss can take many forms in our lives. Sometimes it is a death, but it can also be your health, a relationship, a job, a home, a plan for your life, or even a dream. These are just some of the areas of loss that we all experience throughout our lives. Sometimes you can see it coming and try to prepare yourself, and sometimes you can't. 

My family and I are experiencing a loss right now of a different type. It's about a lack of knowledge for years and years, about something profound and immensely important that would have been transformative and changed the course of all of our lives. When you struggle greatly, without a known cause, you are always trying to discover the why. After the enlightening moment, when the answer finally comes, and you learn the underlying reason, you have to work on processing difficult and critical information. Then, you are injected into a steep learning curve while experiencing extreme burnout. The ultimate result, however, is a loss of both time and a fullness of life. With this also comes a grieving for what could have been, if only we had known. Wrapped up with the grief is regret and guilt; a burning desire to rewind the tape or turn back the hands of time. Alas, this is never an option.

So, where do we go in times when loss overwhelms us? Some reach for a substance to dull their emotions. This can take the form of alcohol, drugs, or even food. Some throw themselves into less destructive endeavors like shopping, exercising, or hobbies to distract from their current reality. Some seek out the company of others for comfort and become dependent or promiscuous. These are just a few ways people try to cope, however, and there are certainly vastly more. 

I, like many, sought answers through faith. I wanted to understand how I could have lost my dad so young and find the why of it all. What eventually happened is a journey of discovery. I started asking questions, reading scripture, and journaling. I began to develop a deeper understanding of the fall of man and the broken world that resulted in disobeying God. I also began to truly understand that we sinful creatures can be covered with the gift of Christ's grace. It has been a long and winding road, as it is with many believers, but I am so grateful that out of deep loss came a deeper faith and a deeper trust in my heavenly Father.

It is easy to become weary in times of trusted silence, when answers don't come or when it is "no", but it is these times when we need to lean into our faith and on our loving heavenly Father even more. Seasons of loss will always come, but we have a merciful Savior Who will never leave us or forsake us. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  

A Question of Boundaries

3/30/2026

1 John 1:8 "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and truth is not in us."

I am currently teaching about setting healthy boundaries in my woman's Sunday school class. Usually (and this has been true of my class so far as well), the lessons talk about setting boundaries when it comes to others. These are the people who may be leading us down a dangerous path, hurting us emotionally or physically, or even trying to confuse Biblical truth. It is often difficult, especially for believers, to put up healthy boundaries because it feels as if it requires us to cut people out of our lives, or at the very least, greatly limiting our interactions with them. How can we do that when we are called to love our enemies? Lines can certainly get blurred, and we may willingly stay on the "crazy cycle" for a long time. 

This evening, the thought about boundaries kind of flipped for me. What if some of our emotional boundary settings were placed around ourselves? What would that look like? Would inward boundary setting have a reciprocal effect with outward boundary setting? If I have a certain personal conduct that is nonnegotiable, like many of us do, and I unabashedly and without reservation put those things forward in my relationships, would it change an unhealthy imbalance? If I truly put others before myself, but within the context of a Biblical love instead of what the worlds demands of me, how would my relationships look? After all, love does require boundaries, even when it is unconditional. I know that seems paradoxical, but true love protects and instructs, doesn't it? 

When He walked the earth, Jesus interacted with and loved the people considered to be unclean or sinful, but He did so in truth. He charged those people to "sin no more". (John 8:11) It was a strict and clear boundary, and it changed them. The religious leaders of His day were horrified at this behavior, but that did not matter to Jesus. He loved everyone, even those that society deemed unworthy, and He held that personal boundary unto death. Even the act of His ultimate sacrifice was not to place a boundary around those who betrayed Him, but to save them; to save us. That is love in its purest form. 

So, I think I am going to have to ponder this notion further and pray about it too. Are external and internal boundaries symbiotic? 

To be continued...

Even Nature Seems to Be Weeping

 

3/20/2026

Psalm 34:15 "The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are toward their cry."

Yesterday, my husband noticed an unusual icicle hanging from one of the small branches of the large maple tree in our front yard. It was a colder day after several wonderfully mild days. All of the snow that fell over the winter has melted, as well as all the icicles hanging from various surfaces.  

This interesting icicle, which was a fairly good size, was cloudy, not crystal clear like what we are used to. It also smelled sweet. So cool. A couple days before, my husband had broken a small branch off of this tree for our pup to play with. We surmised looking at it that it was the maple sap running out and freezing as it dripped. The conditions were just right for this unusual happening. We snapped it off and our pup had a wonderful time breaking it up and chewing at it. 

This morning, another smaller icicle had formed, and because of the bright sun warming the air, it was dripping. I stood and watched each sparkling bead break free for longer than I ever imagined I would. Between the bright blue sky and the sun sparkling on these tiny droplets, I was entranced. 

While experiencing this lovely moment, I got an upsetting text from a dear friend who has been going through an unimaginably difficult time. All of a sudden, my tree went from dripping jewels in the sunlight to weeping. In that moment, all of the trials that those I love are going through, and all that our world is currently experiencing, came crashing down. I stood there, feeling so helpless, knowing there is little to nothing I can do about any of it. 

Being powerless is so hard, and many of us presently feel the weight of that truth. Even we, as believers in an almighty and gracious God, get very weary sometimes. It all just seems so big, and we are so small. 

So, what do we do with this kind of heaviness? How do we keep from falling into despair? The only thing we can do is search the Scriptures, make sure our armor is secure, and pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. We must cling to the truth that Christ is on the throne of Heaven, and He will ultimately win every war. He will heal the sick, even if it is not this side of Heaven. He will renew hearts that turn to Him. He will restore families and relationships if we call on His name, repent, yield fully to his authority, and accept freely His saving grace. 

During these difficult times, dear reader, keep going vertical the best you can. I will do my best to as well. Gather with fellow believers and worship our Lord on Sundays (or Saturdays if that is your tradition). Be there for those around you who need encouragement and lend a helping hand if you are able. 

Remember always...You Are Loved. 

Weary Struggling Fragile

3/10/2026

Jeremiah 31:25 "For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish."

I have had a rough couple of days, mostly being concerned for others. Being HIGHLY empathetic can be both a blessing and a curse sometimes. This also does not help my struggle with OCD. Any time I am very emotional is exactly when the evil one attacks and my triggers start popping off. This evening, I am trying to ride the wave in (that's the term I use for not giving into the compulsion part of the disease I have). It's not that I don't have any defenses at all, of course, but by the end of the day they are wearing thin.

I have two very important support people in my life who help me though these difficult times. Today, one is traveling and the other did not sleep a wink last night, although the latter did try and helped me not give in or give up. It dawned on me how important it is for all of us to have those people in our lives that are there for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Those people who step into our hard times or mess no matter the cost. To have such people is truly a blessing. 

When my mind can get to a place where it stops racing, even for just a minute, I start thinking about trust. You see, OCD is all about controlling the environment around you, and if that cannot be achieved, there is a tilting. Just like when the pinball game "tilts". 

Via Google: "Pinball machines tilt in order to protect the machine from being abused. The tilt sensor is regulated in such a manner that it will only be triggered when pressure is applied to the machine."

Boy, do I get that. The creator of the game placed a special mechanism inside for protection. A tilt ends the game. My Creator places in me a mechanism that is vastly more protective: the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. My internal connector is there not to stop me but to keep me moving forward. Yet, I still allow myself to be shaken by evil one's attack. He wants nothing more than to see me tilt so I will be ineffective and stuck in fear. It is a constant daily battle for my soul. 

All of us experience some kind of struggle, although it takes different forms and has different triggers. There are people whose fight is very obvious when other people's battle may not be. We ALL, however, need our reliable and loving individuals to help us though those difficult times. We need, above all, to trust in a living and loving Savior. He is my way, my truth, and my life.  

So, though I am currently a weary warrior, I will fragilely lean into prayer and on God. I am so thankful that I can. As I sit here writing, I can hear that still small voice in my spirit saying, "Do you trust Me?" 

Yes, Lord. Forever. For always. And no matter what.