Category Archives: Uncategorized

Water for Life

Posted on July 16, 2026 by dtopliff

In Judaism, a mikveh (or sometimes mikvah) is a ritual bath for purification and cleansing to prepare worshippers or suppliants to enter the temple. The name means “collection of water.” The water must come from a natural source such as … Continue reading →

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The dreaded challenge of bikeriding the 39th Street hill

Posted on June 18, 2026 by dtopliff

Sometimes life is like being 11- or 12-years-old and bikeriding down our town’s dreaded 39th Street hill as a rite of passage. Those brave enough to try stayed on and rode down the steep hill at top speed or joined … Continue reading →

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It’s better to eat than to be eaten

Posted on May 21, 2026 by dtopliff

In my Washington State elementary school we studied a variety of flora, fauna, and world scenes that I longed to see in person. Through the years, I’ve been blessed to see and experience many and even written books on some. … Continue reading →

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Multiplied Bread

Posted on April 16, 2026 by dtopliff

by Delores Topliff Reality changed what I planned to write this month. I spend spring and summer each year on a farm in central Minnesota and the remaining time in NE Mississippi. Years earlier, I raised my sons in northwestern … Continue reading →

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Safety is a person, not a location.

Posted on March 19, 2026 by dtopliff

When we awake any morning, we don’t know what the day will bring. February 28th, it meant the US and Israel made preemptive strikes to end the Iranian regime. I have a friend from Iran whose family fled as refugees. … Continue reading →

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The Greatest Love of All

Posted on February 19, 2026 by dtopliff

The original “Valentine” was a Catholic priest during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudius passed a law that soldiers could not marry during their military service so they would not be distracted. However, Valentine secretly performed weddings when … Continue reading →

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February Faith: Finding God in the Quiet

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Author Mary Alford

February is a quiet month. The celebrations are over, spring still feels far away, and life slows beneath gray skies and cold days. It’s an in-between season—and often, that’s where God does some of His deepest work. Scripture reminds us … Continue reading →

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Stories That Strengthen Faith and Shape the Heart

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Author Mary Alford

In a world overflowing with noise, opinions, and constant distractions, reading remains one of the quiet, powerful ways we can slow down and reflect. For many Christians, reading isn’t simply entertainment—it’s a chance to pause, to consider deeper truths, and … Continue reading →

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Learning to Rest

Posted on January 15, 2026 by dtopliff

I was a hardworking eager beaver in college when my advisor said I was working too hard and ordered me to take a PE class. I chose Beginning Downhill Skiing that spent Saturdays on beautiful Mount Baker in Washington state. … Continue reading →

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When Christmas Ends, the Work Begins

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Author Mary Alford

“When the song of the angels is stilled…” Those familiar words come from Howard Thurman, whose poem The Work of Christmas has quietly challenged believers for generations. Not because it’s loud or dramatic—but because it’s true. Christmas does not end … Continue reading →

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O Holy Night: When Heaven Met Earth in the Darkest Hour

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Author Mary Alford

There are Christmas carols we sing out of tradition—and then there are carols that stop us mid-breath. O Holy Night is one of those rare hymns. From its first line, it pulls us into a quiet, starlit moment when heaven … Continue reading →

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The 365 Days of Christmas – Delores Topliff

Posted on December 18, 2025 by dtopliff

It’s that time of year when we sing Christmas carols, and our hearts turn to the amazing eternal gift of God’s son sent to Bethlehem’s manger to redeem all who will receive and believe on His name. This year, instead … Continue reading →

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Jesus: The Promise Fulfilled

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Author Mary Alford

A Reflection on Prophecy, Hope, and the Faithfulness of God One of the most beautiful threads woven throughout Scripture is this: God keeps His promises. From Genesis to Revelation, every chapter, every symbol, every whisper of hope points toward a … Continue reading →

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A Heart of Gratitude: Reflections for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2025 by Author Mary Alford

As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving—whether in a bustling house filled with family, or in the quiet peace of home—it’s a beautiful opportunity to pause and remember the goodness of God. Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday; it’s a … Continue reading →

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Something to rest on …

Posted on November 20, 2025 by dtopliff

Mahalia Jackson, the “Queen of Gospel,”was orphaned in early childhood and raised by an aunt. They lived next door to a church in New Orleans where she first heard gospel music. She also heard blues singers but remained a devoted … Continue reading →

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