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Darren Hendrickson, on behalf of the LLC Home and Family Committee | The Voice of Zion September 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Contained in the topic of Health and Wellbeing we find physical health, mental health and spiritual health. We can consider the health and wellbeing of an individual, but also of the family unit. What keeps a family unit healthy? There can be differing opinions and ideas on how to preserve health and promote wellbeing. In the past year there has been a trend toward uncompromising opinions on these. This can try peace and freedom among believers. In many of these practical matters, we can abstain from a view that alienates others. Rather, we want to support, share thoughts where needed and above all ease the trials of others where we are able. Matters of health can cause anxiety and worry. Much is beyond our control. When we trust God and accept that He is in control, we gain perspective. The prophet Isaiah records the following words, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:9). We do not know why illness might beset one person and not another, but God does know. The Home and Family Committee’s intention with these articles is to discuss health and wellbeing from the perspective of believers, finding comfort in God’s Holy Spirit, though our phases of life and our experiences vary. Everyone seeks contentment with our place in life, doing what we can to prevent illness, make healthcare decisions, facing trials and being aware of others’ needs. All of us can look toward that place, our eternal home in heaven, where we no longer worry about illness and suffering. ‍ Can Stress or Anxiety Be Treated? Amber Huhta | The Voice of Zion September 2021 - Home and Family Article -- As I opened my email, I saw the request: “Would you be willing to write an article for the Voice of Zion? The subject is wellbeing.” I wondered how they knew what I had just been through this past year or how my life has been in general. I believe God guides them when they asked for writers, and now I sit here feeling inadequate yet hopeful that God will bless my words. Stress has been in the forefront of my life for many, many years. It has been present for as long as I can remember. A few years ago, one of my coping mechanisms for stress was to try to control every bit of my life that I possibly could – even the parts that I now know I could not control, like my friends’ feelings. As the responsibility of adulthood weighed upon me life began to get hard. I was constantly worrying about what other people thought. Surely if I could do everything in my power to please people, I would be happy – right? If I ran myself ragged, I would feel calm and accomplished at the end of the day. If I kept saying yes to people’s requests, I would find peace. These are not healthy thoughts, actions or feelings, and they had begun to consume me. This past year I realized that I no longer knew how to cope with the anxious feelings that were increasingly part of my daily life. God had guided me through many different friendships to see that asking for professional help was the next step. This isn’t something that works for everyone and is not a cure-all answer but was one that I thought might help me. Speaking with a therapist has greatly reduced my stress levels and I have been learning healthy ways to deal with stressful situations. These are a few: I create a list of three to five things that I want to get done each day and stick to the list. I give myself grace if I do not complete everything on that list and try again the next day. When I find myself worrying about what other people think, I gently tell myself I have absolutely no control over that. I also use an app called Calm that guides me through daily meditation. These are not habits that I follow as consistently as I would like – but isn’t that life? We try our hardest and give ourselves grace when the road gets bumpy. Even in this, our heavenly Father knows His own and will never leave us, not even the weakest one. ‍ Caring for Children's Wellbeing Suzanne Pitkanen | The Voice of Zion September 2021 - Home and Family Article -- As a teacher in a 3rd grade class, I find enjoyment and challenge in caring for each child’s social and emotional wellbeing. My education and teaching experience have been in both special education and elementary education, and I have been able to teach students with a wide range of backgrounds. I have often reflected on the fact that each child is unique and is created by God. This has been a great comfort and reminder to me throughout the joys and challenges of teaching. It has been an important reminder for me that each child is God’s creation no matter what their background or family life is. My personality is not necessarily full of patience, but I have been able to learn strategies and tools to help me work with children in a variety of situations. As a teacher, it is very beneficial for me to build a personal connection with each child. My goal is to learn things about each child that might be their personal interests, their strengths, or something about their family. When a child feels that somebody knows something personal about them and cares about them, they feel like they belong. This builds a connection and trust between adults and children and helps when behavior is unexpected or challenging. A child blurts out, lashes out, yells, stomps away, shuts down. What is our first response as adults? I know what mine is. My first reaction is to show the child who is the boss. I am annoyed and prone to yelling. But, there are ways to train our adult brains to calm down and think: “What is the child communicating?” Children’s outbursts – both positive and negative – are a form of communication. It’s not always easy to be patient with unexpected loud or physical responses or refusal to comply. What can we, as adults, do to help these children feel calm and able to participate? In school, we work on mindfulness activities such as deep breathing and simple exercises to calm our bodies and minds during the school day. These activities are for everyone – we all can benefit from calming exercises! Some children need a quiet space where they can take a break for a few minutes to calm down. Other children benefit from keeping their hands busy with small fidgets or manipulatives, so that their brains can focus. Quiet and calming music can also be very soothing. One of my students’ favorite exercises is finger-breathing. You can try it too! Hold up one hand and trace each finger with the other hand. As each finger is traced in an upward motion – breathe in, and with each downward motion – breathe out. Searching online for mindfulness activities will provide a plethora of other useful ideas! We teach mindfulness activities at school and give space for them during the school day. We also work with children to use these strategies when they feel upset, stressed, anxious or need to move. I have also learned to use these calming strategies myself when working with children who have physical or emotional outbursts. Sometimes the response that children need from adults is opposite to how we might naturally respond. In fact, in my experiences with troubled students, I have learned to ask them if they need a hug. It is sometimes surprising to realize that a child is looking for love and care when their lashing out or non-compliant behavior can make us feel frustrated or annoyed. Children from all kinds of backgrounds – from believing and unbelieving homes – can be affected by many things in their lives. Sometimes neglect or traumatic experiences of all kinds can cause emotional or physical responses that appear as unexpected or challenging behavior. Children may also experience learning differences, disabilities or disorders that affect their learning, responses, and social interactions. Some common examples are autism spectrum disorders, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety. We cannot always see these disabilities or know what type of experiences a child may have had. We might, however, notice a child’s behavior or response at school, in social situations, at church events, Sunday school or camp activities. Can these strategies be used at home or during church activities? We all do some of these when we ask children to fold their hands and pray together with us. Still, if a child needs more time and attention in the area of finding calmness, mindfulness activities are quite simple and can be used in most situations. It is important that these activities are discussed and learned in a calm situation so that they can be better utilized in a situation when behavior may become challenging. If you are a Sunday school, Day Circle, Bible class teacher or working at camp, it would be good to build connections with and between the children in your class or group. In addition, it’s pretty quick and easy to fit in some deep breaths at the beginning or middle of a lesson. In our homes, we may have discovered that each of the children and adults in our home have different personalities and unique responses to different situations. It is important for children to feel like someone knows something special about them and that they are important part of the family. We also know that children may have outbursts or unpleasant responses in different situations. Perhaps they are anxious, need quiet time, or need some physical exercise. Sometimes a quick break with some breathing exercises can help diffuse frustration or anger. Sometimes kids need a hug or maybe their conscience is weighed down by sin and they need to hear the gospel of the forgiveness of sins preached to them. Each of us is unique. We have family and life experiences that are unique. As believers, we can feel like we have many things in common, and yet, we also have our own singular personalities, families, and experiences. Adults’ responses to challenging situations may be filled with fatigue and impatience; however, we can learn strategies and ways to keep calm and help a child’s wellbeing. And as believers, we also have a treasure. We can ask for and preach the gospel to cleanse the conscience and put sin away. We can be refreshed and try again. ‍ Contentment, a Gift from God Sarah Sorvala | The Voice of Zion September 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Contentment is personal, a response to our given situation. No other person or thing can make someone feel content. In my life, I have had times of dark, heavy discontentment and also beautiful blessings of contentment. If you, dear reader, look back over your life, you likely recall moments of happiness as well as darker moments. I have felt that God allows struggles as well as great joy and happiness so that can see His guiding hand in our lives. Each person finds contentment in a personal way. For me, when I begin to look into another person’s life, it can make me feel unworthy. I start to feel like a horrible mother, wife and homemaker. The devil is so cunning, whispering lies into my ear. God has given His children the gospel, a powerful comfort and reassurance. During my times of heavy doubt and discontentment, I prayed that God would give me strength to ask for my discontentment to be forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious blood. This prayer was answered. God gives gifts to every person and we don’t always see our own gifts. We can pray that God would give us the gift of contentment for this moment, each day. The songwriter expresses this beautifully: “Contentment I ask you to grant for today, the work that You gave me, make precious, I pray” (SHZ 411:3). We lived in a very small, cozy home in Michigan for thirteen years. God richly blessed our life even though we didn’t have much space. Living there, we made many believing friendships. We were very happy to a roof over our heads. Nevertheless, I was sometimes discontent. During winter months, I felt as though the walls were closing in. The kids’ winter clothes cluttered the entrance floor. Boots and soggy mittens lined along the furnace vents. These dark cloudy days spoiled my spirits. During those times, I would take myself away from the clutter, daily chores and overwhelming thoughts. I sat on the chair with a pile of books and read to my children. They were happy and content sitting in my lap or next to me, which in turn helped assuage my thoughts of discontentment. When we moved to Arizona, we were able to move into a bigger home. I can today look back and feel thankfulness that God preserved us in faith and blessed us with a home with more space. God richly blesses us in His time. He has given you and me what we need in our life right now. If only we could always be thankful for what we have and don’t have! We are all in different stations of life. Wherever we are, contentment is a gift from God. May God give us strength and contentment in our daily duties as we journey to our heavenly goal. Once in heaven, we will have full contentment: “From all lips is joy resounding, time with sorrow is no more, as the tree of life is yielding full contentment evermore” (SHZ 589:5). ‍ Medical Care Is a Blessing Becky Randall | The Voice of Zion September 2021 - Home and Family Article -- In a parable, Jesus told about a wounded man, on the verge of death, who was helped by a passerby, a Samaritan. The Samaritan treated the wounds with oil and wine and then brought the wounded one to an inn for further care. The parable speaks of wounds in the person’s body and their treatment but also contains a picture of spiritual care for the wounds of sin. God’s children have two types of inns where they can receive care. The kingdom of God is an inn that provides the spiritual care that we need through the oil of the Spirit and the wine of the gospel. We also have those inns to which we can turn when we have wounds or difficult health matters that need care. Many times in my life, I have felt grateful for medical care. I watched our grandson, a premature newborn, grow into a healthy toddler after spending about 125 days of his life in the NICU, shedding wires and tubes along the way. Then, over the course of years as a parent, we received advice and reassurance from our pediatrician during well visits as our children grew. In addition, I made countless trips to our pediatrician with typical childhood illnesses and to the emergency room to have broken bones set and sutures placed. I’ve spent nights in the hospital for surgical intervention of a ruptured appendix, help with breathing during RSV, or for IV fluids when Rotavirus still plagued children in the early spring. When traveling in a developing country, I was struck by the difference in availability of medical care. Here in industrialized nations, we have not had to wonder what to do if we have sudden onset of chest pain. When an ambulance rolls in the hospital doors, a patient is quickly taken to the cath lab to have stents placed, if the need is indicated. Someone injured in a car accident is treated with expertise based on standards of care established by the medical community. Protocols are developed based on study outcomes and they strive for improved treatments. While the treatments are imperfect and are provided by faulty human beings, the systematic evaluation and development of treatment protocols have had positive outcomes overall. Healthcare Is as Old as Humanity Luke is described in the Bible as “the beloved physician.” Jesus referred to physicians and medicine and used sickness as a metaphor for sin. When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with the publicans He said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” (Matt. 9:12). Before and since those New Testament days, science and medicine are always evolving, driven by changes in society. Interventions have changed based on research that carefully follows the scientific method. Technology has also changed because of scientific advancements. Consider that MRI scanners were rare when I first started working in a hospital. Now, if I suspect that one of my patients has a brain mass, I request an MRI and have the results within hours. Even antibiotics are new in the scope of time. Penicillin didn’t exist for my grandparents as it wasn’t in use until the 1940s. Today, we have vastly expanded medications at our disposal that can treat more virulent microorganisms in targeted ways. As a result, people die less often from infections today than they did in the past. God Guides in Illness and Healing Through rigorous study and God’s blessing these practices and treatments have come to pass and can continue. It is good to thank our heavenly Father for providing opportunity and ability for people to study medicine and for providing resources for medical interventions and disease prevention. There are times when we are faced with illness or health decisions that are frightening. Trusting in God and His blessing comforts and can help ground our decisions when we feel our life is out of control. We can turn to medical providers with questions and weigh their recommendations through the Holy Spirit. We can seek specialists when they are recommended. These might include psychiatry or therapy for mental health conditions or nephrologists, cardiologists, or other specialists for medical conditions. Visiting about a difficult treatment decision with another believer in the light of God’s Word can be helpful. No individual has perfect understanding. Yet, when we approach our health decisions humbly and pray for guidance, God will help. Thankful for God’s Gifts In all these questions we can see God’s blessings and trust in Him. Even as I write this, intense research continues, and medical practices develop as a result. Recent events in our lives illustrate how recommendations change based on available data. Thankfully we don’t have to understand the complexities of each new medical development. God provides the knowledge and means for research to take place. He knows our needs. Even so, there can be conflicting opinions on health. This can lead to anxiety and fear in society and may even lead to a turning away from God. These controversies also affect believers and have the danger of rising to a point that they cloud living faith. May we nonetheless support each other, visiting with mutual respect and humility, encouraging each other to thank for those blessings God places before us, and putting sin and doubt away with the gospel. As instructed in Scripture, we can trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding (Prov. 3:4,5). We cannot be thankful enough for the gift of health. Nor can we be thankful enough for the gift of medical care and science that God provides. Trusting in God and His blessings is comforting and relieves us of fear when we feel lack of control over illness that affects us. When our approach to science and medicine is with humility and prayer and our discussions around these topics are edifying, we can support and strengthen one another on the road to heaven. ‍ ‍Becky Randall, PA-C is a hospitalist PA working for CentraCare at the St. Cloud Hospital. She is a member of the Elk River congregation. Mindfulness Can Help with Stress Mindfulness Can Help With Stress Joella Korpi | The Voice of Zion September 2021 - Home and Family Article -- I have recently graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner. As part of my education, I did my doctoral project on the use of mindfulness meditation to decrease stress and anxiety. Our health and wellbeing are so important! Wellbeing can be defined as the state of being comfortable, happy, and healthy. Too often in our rushed lives we do not set aside time for our personal wellbeing. As stress accumulates in our life it may take a toll on our health. So, what is mindfulness mediation and how can it help? To be mindful is to pay attention in a certain way during the present moment, or more simply put “to be present in the moment.” Mindfulness is used to improve coping and emotional wellbeing. To practice mindfulness, relax your body, clear your mind, and make yourself aware of what is happening around you and inside of you. While doing this, focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths in through your nose and breathe out long and slowly through your mouth. Try to keep your mind clear, but if a thought or feeling comes up, just acknowledge what you are feeling and continue to relax and focus on your breathing. A fun way to do this is to be mindful of your five senses. Notice what you see, hear, smell, feel, and even taste. The real question is, how does one incorporate this activity into the hustle and bustle of daily life? This practice can be done anywhere at any time, even without the deep breathing component. For example, it is easy to be mindful of your senses. Consider you are walking with your children to the park; take notice of what you see around you. Notice the wildflowers on the side of the road, hear the birds singing and the wind blowing through the trees, and feel the sun shining on your back. Enjoy the refreshing taste of water from your water bottle. Doing this will help you enjoy the moment rather than stress about what you need to do when you get home. Perhaps you are rocking the baby to sleep in the evening. Turn the diffuser on or burn a candle with a relaxing scent. Play some waterfall sounds or some peaceful music. As you are rocking the baby, you can focus on your breathing. While you take a deep breath in, sit more upright. As you breathe out, allow your body to relax. Be mindful of what is going on around you. Notice that comforting scent. Allow yourself to only focus on the smell or to only notice the waterfall sounds playing in the background for a moment. For those that work outside the home, keep yourself in the moment and avoid the auto-pilot drive to work. Notice the road signs, different cars, and scenery on your way. Focus on your breathing as you drive. This may reduce the racing thoughts and anxiety that tend to build up when you think of the task list that awaits you at work. Mindfulness meditation is a useful practice for improving personal wellbeing. Our emotional and mental wellness are just as important as physical health. Activities such as mindfulness meditation may help to maintain balance in all areas of wellbeing and promote optimal health. ‍ Moderation for Health and Wellbeing Evan and Maria Loukusa | The Voice of Zion September 2021 - Home and Family Article -- What does healthy living in moderation mean? Perhaps it means eating nourishing foods and being moderately active. Maybe minding stress levels and avoiding substances play a role. For many, moderation might include a relaxing visit with family and friends. Most health professionals agree that a great deal of illness in America would disappear if we would all live moderately by the above examples. In recent times, making healthy choices can be overwhelming and stressful, considering the amount of information available. There are many different opinions, many of them from professionals, and there is much distrust. Certain topics are controversial, and even believers are susceptible to the polarization that can occur within the realm of health and wellness. The devil knows our human tendencies and will do anything to break the love between believers. However, we can pray for God’s guidance. It is important to love and support our fellow travelers; we have the same goal of heaven. Beware of the danger of pursuing health too strongly and taking your gaze from the heavenly destination. This is moderation. God has created us in His own image. In our DNA is written the ability to fight off infections, heal wounds and recover from illness. We continuously discover more about God’s creation – recent evidence has shown that our behaviors can actually turn genes on and off, preventing or unmasking disease. It is respectful to care for our marvelous bodies by remembering the rule of all things in moderation. Paul writes to the Corinthians that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, instructing them to avoid fornication and “glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Col. 6:19). Healthy living can also include specific preventive measures. Evidence shows that colon cancer screening prevents the suffering and early death associated with a cancer detected too late. But, at family gatherings, we avoid criticizing those who eschew colonoscopies and other preventative screenings – this too is moderation. For those that are interested in moving their health in a positive direction, the following steps have benefitted us: • Get more vegetables on your fork and move towards minimally processed foods. • Appreciate the social health blessings that come with the close relationships within God’s kingdom! Since moving to Michigan last year, Evan has enjoyed regular sauna visits with his father-in-law. We discuss daily events, life’s challenges, and forgive each other’s shortcomings. This ritual can be a wonderful way to care for family relationships. Both young and old benefit from social relationships with people of all ages and from many walks of life. • Be active. As a mother of young children, Maria no longer takes physical and mental health for granted as she might have when she had only herself to care for. With young ones demanding our time and attention around the clock, it can be difficult for caregivers to prioritize their own health. However, many find energy and patience for children when they have time away. In her training, Maria learned the importance of starting small and keeping things simple. For example, when beginning an exercise program, it might help to start with daily walks rather than a gym membership. • Be mindful of social media use. It is so easy to feel inadequate when comparing ourselves to the lives we see on social media. We may wonder, Why do I have so many bad days? Why don’t I fit into my clothes? Why don’t I have the energy to deal with my toddlers? Why don’t I have a successful business going? when others seem to be doing it all and doing it well. We know that we are only seeing one side of reality when we scroll through these images, but these thoughts can still bother us at a subconscious level. God created us all exactly as He saw fit. We are all given different gifts, different passions, different bodies, and we are all made to be unique individuals. For our health, a break from social media often works best. • Pay attention to what drives behaviors. In our hectic society, it is tempting to cut corners on a stressful day and, for example, choose food that is filling rather than nourishing. We cannot avoid stress, but we can use strategies to be less vulnerable to it: mindfulness, cognitive re-framing, and reducing stressful situations as much as possible can be helpful. If emotions drive behaviors, a counselor or coach may be a valuable resource. “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Gen. 2:15). From man’s first steps on this earth, we received instruction to care for God’s creation work. Each day allows time to care for our bodies – a beautiful part of God’s creation. We can do this trusting that our heavenly Father hears our prayers for health and healing. ‍ Discussion Points 1. How does discontentment impact our mental and physical wellbeing? 2. How can feelings of discontent trigger problem-solving? 3. What are ways that mindfulness can help us deal with anxiety? 4. How can comparing life situations foster either negative emotions or positive appreciation for one’s own situation? 5. What can we do to help ourselves notice the small joys in life? 6. If lack of resources cause anxiety or discontent, how can others notice and share? ‍

The Voice of Zion August 2021 - Home and Family Articles -- Being an entrepreneur brings many possibilities – along with challenges, demands and pressures. We can think of faith as a compass that gives us direction in decision-making. As in all areas of life, we can be thankful for the God-given gifts and opportunities that we utilize to earn a living and contribute to building our communities and society as a whole. The heavenly Father allows ventures to succeed according to His will. On these pages, believing entrepreneurs share their thoughts on the ethics and values that guide them in their daily calling and the worth of being involved in one’s community. In Real Estate, Personal Values Matter Sarina Siljander | The Voice of Zion August 2021 - Home and Family Article -- I am nearing the one-year mark of my career as a real estate agent. But I haven’t waited until this point to reflect on how the year has gone – I have marveled every step of the way. These steps, though imperfect, have pursued honest and ethical business practices. The real estate industry had intrigued me for several years, yet it wasn’t until last year that things lined up and my career began. I work with a team, and this team supports each other. In the real estate service industry, we market ourselves. You hire me to assist you with the purchase or sale of your home. I want to provide the best service I can. I have found that this “best service I can” is good enough and God blesses as He determines. In this current housing market, though, it would be easy to try tactics beyond the accepted business strategies that are backed by ethics and values. When we understand things happen for a reason, no matter what we think we can do about it, why wouldn’t we just peacefully accept outcomes? Even in real estate we can see it. With the current hot seller’s market, homes are selling so quickly it is hard to be patient. “Perhaps it’s not time to buy a house,” I often hear. That might be the case, but that will be shown with time also. Even in cases where there were multiple offers, we have had offers accepted that definitely were not the best offer in hand. One of my clients missed the opportunity to buy a home not only the first time, nor the second. Then, a few weeks past hearing we weren’t the offer chosen we received a call asking if we were still interested in the home. It was meant to be, is the only thing we could determine. In this market, it is easy to see unethical interactions happening where truthful statements aren’t being made. It is unfortunate to see, and it could be easy for any competing realtor to fight back is some way. Still, we believe and pursue ethical business practices such as honest representation and statements. I think it better to pursue each interaction with the values we live by because at the end of the day, I take myself home. I spend some time alone and eventually put myself to sleep. I want to be content with how my behaviors that day have reflected who I am as a person and who I am as a believer. We want to be obedient and work hard as God instructs. At the same time, we are also human and we rationalize. Our minds easily think, “When I tried a little harder, I received a greater reward.” This is not wrong of itself. It is when we forget that God gave the increase that we veer off the path. I have peace when I remember that God guides my life. Proverbs 16:9 instructs about taking the steps but God guiding them: “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” When I trust that God is in control, what is left for me to do is to care for those things He has given and trust that the path I am on is not of my work alone. My faith centers me. I know I take the steps, but I pray that God guides my path. My prayer is that which can be found in Psalm 17:5: “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” ‍ When Nobody Is Looking Peter Hill, as told to Matthew Keranen | The Voice of Zion August 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is full of forests. These forests are a renewable natural resource that have been utilized by generations of settlers in this area. Peter Hill of Negaunee, Michigan, is a logger. He owns and runs Hill Logging, Inc., which harvests and manages forests for landowners. Peter specializes in selective cutting and cultivating forests to maintain their value in the long term. ‍ Managing a forest is like managing a garden. You pluck ripe trees just like you pluck a ripe tomato. Whether you grow tomatoes or apples or beans, you want quality, which means removing the weeds. It’s the same in a forest: the weeds there are poor-quality trees that are of little value. We weed the forest like we weed a garden; there’s always weeds popping up. We cultivate good, healthy trees, and we remove the weed trees. In managing a forest, we want to maintain the highest-quality forest. Landowners rely on me to manage the long-term value, the long-term prospects of their forest land. And the way we do that is by careful selection of trees, so that we’re growing quality trees. It wouldn’t be hard, however, to high-grade the forest, which means harvesting only the valuable trees and leaving behind those of little value. Not all landowners are well-versed in forest management; they don’t know what’s of value and what isn’t. I could get more revenue in the short-term and leave a poorer forest behind. It’s common to find forests that have been high-graded, with not much value intact. I see it all the time, for example when I’m looking for timber, or if a landowner calls me for a consultation on what to do with their forest. Sometimes it’s not worth it to do anything, since there’s no value there. I choose not to work this way, though, because it does not align with my sense of integrity. Integrity is one of the most important values in running a business. There are other ways too in which I could manage timber and get a better return for myself, and my customers may not know better. Honestly, most of them are landowners that are not in the timber business. So they mainly rely on me to develop a plan for their forests. If I were to high-grade their land, they may not know the difference. It is integrity that guides me to manage forests to the best of my ability, to cultivate them properly and upkeep future value. Running a business, I’m trying to survive every day. Logging and forest management is not an easy business. I have to maintain the bottom line, preferably with a profit margin. It is often difficult to even reach the break-even point. I would say in one way I’m hungry for money, as other entrepreneurs are, since it takes a lot of it to pay the bills every month. Yet, I would not want to have to cheat customers to survive. As mentioned, it wouldn’t be too hard. I sell landowners’ timber to mills, who pay me for what they buy. The landowners rely on me to give them their share of the proceeds. Since this money goes through my pocket first, the landowners rely on my honesty and integrity to get their fair share. Without belaboring the point, there are many ways throughout this process where one could misrepresent what is harvested and sold, and how much the sale yielded. But I want to act as a believer does and pay the landowner what they’re entitled to. I feel it’s necessary to have a certain level of integrity to stay in business. Without integrity, my reputation would suffer and eventually no one would want to do business with me. As a business owner, it boils down to what you are willing to do or how far you are willing to go to make your bottom line look good. I sell timber to mills and other places and sometimes it feels like they’re squeezing every penny out of me to make their bottom line better. It would be easy for me to get bitter about this, but it’s part of business dealings. If the bottom line is all you care about, you’re going to act accordingly. It requires sacrifices to grow and succeed and make money. The higher you aim, the greater the sacrifice, whether that is time, reputation, relationships, or other things. We all make choices in this regard. Personally, I make the choices I do because I have a vested interest in maintaining this business in the long run. After I harvest a forest, I can work with that same client again 12–15 years later. I have recently returned to forests I’ve managed a dozen or more years ago and found a healthy forest, ready for harvest. To me this is very satisfying, and I know I’ve done the right thing by upkeeping the value of the landowner’s property. How I act on a daily basis is also a matter of conscience: a good motto to follow is to do what’s right when no one is looking. Act like a Christian when no one can see what you’re doing. After all, God knows. We all must answer to our Creator. In my business, reputation is very important. Most of my business comes to me through word-of-mouth. Landowners are willing to work with me because of what they’ve heard from others. Overall I have been satisfied with how my career has gone. There have been times of difficult trials, but when we have placed trust in God, He has blessed us sufficiently; there has always been enough work to feed, clothe and shelter my family. I get to do what I have a passion for. I can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation around me every day. My work is that which God ordained: to harvest and replenish. I try to remain thankful for the opportunities God has blessed me with. I want to pass my values on to my children as well. I encourage them to work hard and be successful in their chosen career. The oldest ones are just entering adulthood. If they have a passion for this business, I will teach them all I can. If not, that’s fine too. I will remind them to work hard and to be honest in what they do, to act like a Christian when no one is looking. I guess my values as an entrepreneur are not different than those of any other believer. Volunteerism Reflects Values Kevin Ylioja | The Voice of Zion August 2021 - Home and Family Article -- We are in the world but not of the world (John 17:16). We have heard this statement, based on John’s writing, said many times. And we agree that it is so. As we travel in God’s kingdom – striving to keep faith and a good conscience, there are many activities in the world with which we do not want to be associated. Our interaction with the people of the world is important though. Our light of faith shines to them even if we don’t confess it with words. This is true especially in small communities. Because I know my neighbors and friends so well, I have felt the need to participate in community activities that do not harm my faith life. Community tasks need community members to assist and serve. There are many associations within our communities that can use the services of a volunteer. I have found it fulfilling to serve in some of these capacities over the years. I have also been able to form lasting relationships for both my personal and business life. I found it especially rewarding to spend time on the school community council. To me it was a productive time of creating some understanding between the school and the congregation. We had a couple of meetings at the church with school officials and parents where many topics were discussed. The teachers and the director of education were happy with the input they got at that time and said it helped them to better understand how we believe. The relationship between the believers and the school was strengthened. Just this one example shows how our involvement can be so important. There are other capacities that a believer can freely take part in our communities. Volunteering to sit on a board of directors for our local municipal council can also be very beneficial in strengthening ties. Local co-ops have boards that can use help. Here in our communities the local fire departments are all volunteer. Not only are we helping with a good cause, but it is also useful to learn about fire control. These interactions have deepened friendship and trust between me and other community members. I have sometimes got the feeling of resentment from some community members if we do not do our part in these capacities. Why might that be? “We are in the world but not of the world” and it’s the “in the world” part that asks us to take the time and energy to help where we can. Volunteering in the community is one way to show love for our neighbors. ‍ Discussion Points 1. Our values denote what is important to us. How we spend our time reflects these values. Discuss. 2. What can we do when our values are clearly out-of-line? 3. How does the gospel help us keep our values in order?

Jennifer Jurmu | Shepherd's Voice August/September 2021 - Home and Family Article -- What do you think of when you think of an angel? Maybe you think of wings, a halo on the head and a long dress? While it’s true that angels are heavenly beings, angels can also be friends or family. Sometimes an angel is your friend that comes to give you a hug when you are sad. They will ask you if you want to go play with them. An angel is someone who preaches the gospel to you in Jesus’ name and precious blood. Have there been angels in your life? An angel can also be called an escort which is a fancy word for someone who goes somewhere with you so that you feel safe. We are on a journey to heaven and our escorts help us get there by reminding us to listen to our mom and dad, by showing us the right way to behave, by asking us what is wrong when we are sad, by giving us hugs, by including us when they see us by ourselves and by standing by our side when someone is not being nice. Most important, though, is that escort-angels tell us that our sins are forgiven. The gospel helps us get to heaven. ‍ How Can Children Help Other Children? • Be a friend! Greet other children and talk to them whether you know them or not. • Include someone who is by themselves or looks lonely or lost. If you don’t know them, introduce yourself. If you already know them, ask them to join you. Ask how they are doing and what’s new with them. • Play a game with someone. Here’s one idea: Write a list of six fun things to do together. Roll a die and do the thing that corresponds with the number on the die. • If you see something that looks like an argument or an uncomfortable situation, ask what’s going on. Ask if you can help somehow, or if you should find an adult to help. • Teach someone something new. Or ask them to teach you something new. • If someone has chores, ask if you can help with the chores. • Ask someone what their favorite song is. Sing the song together. • If you are feeling restless or sorrowful or bad about something, you can ask someone to bless you with the gospel. Things to visit about: 1. Have you seen an angel? Has anyone? 2. Who has asked you why you are sad? 3. Has anyone given you hugs when you’re hurt? 4. Have you heard forgiveness preached in your home? ‍

Adrian Pirness | Shepherd's Voice June/July 2021 - Home and Family Article -- If we look back in history, we can find out that the word minister comes from Latin and it means “a servant.” In the following interview, Adrian Pirness, LLC Mission Director, tells about ministers. Why do we have ministers? We know God’s written Word is found in the Bible. We understand that the key that opens God’s Word is the Holy Spirit. God speaks to us in this time through the spoken Word. We hear the spoken Word when we go to services and listen to the sermons. How do we get ministers? Throughout time, God has called servants – ministers – to serve the congregation. Read more about this on page 3. Who gets to be a minister? In God’s kingdom, we understand that God calls men to serve in the duty of being a minister. People themselves do not try to become ministers. In some places, it is possible to study theology and through these studies, God may call a student to become an ordained minister. If God calls one to serve, we accept it and we understand that it is good. God knows what gifts He has given, and He knows how to use these gifts to meet the congregation’s needs. When men are asked to serve, all that is required is that they speak how they believe, and that they have a believing heart and want to care for their faith. How does a minister know what to say? The congregation prays and the minister also prays that God who knows all things would give the words that are necessary for a particular sermon, for this moment in time, and for these listeners. A minister can also prepare by reading articles written about the Bible text, or by listening to sermons kept before on that text and topic. Above all, we trust that God will give the words we need. Is it scary to go in front of lots of people to talk? A minister feels his own lackings and may wonder how God would be able to speak through me. So it is not even the size of the group of listeners that might make one fearful, but rather one’s own doubts. It can make the minister feel very humble and small. How can a minister serve when he feels lacking or fearful? The brothers and sisters in faith, the congregation gathered there join in praying that God would open His Word. And the minister can also feel these prayers. These prayers, and also the songs sung before services, comfort and support the minister and give him strength to speak. Why does the minister start the service with a prayer? When we pray, we share thoughts and hopes with God. At services, the whole congregation can join in praying. We quieten our hearts and pray to God that He would speak to us through the minister. The minister sometimes asks God for a service blessing. This means that we ask God to care for and comfort all listeners, and that God’s children would be reminded that we are on the way to heaven. We pray that God would feed us through His Word, that He would give what we need for our life and faith. Why does the minister ask for a blessing? When a minister is serving, God speaks to the congregation, and He also speaks to the minister directly. The minister may feel his own sinfulness and doubts. Then he wants to hear the gospel, the message that his sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious blood. This most important message is also said to the listeners. They too, however they find themselves, have permission to believe their sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood! Things to Visit About: 1. Why does the minister read a Bible text at the beginning of the sermon? 2. What kinds of things do ministers talk about in their sermons? 3. How can we help support those brothers who serve as ministers in our congregation?

The Voice of Zion May 2021 - Home and Family Articles -- For the Home and Family section this month, the publications department asked writers what things in their lives bring joy – faith, home, family, their pastimes or workplace? In turn, we received heartfelt articles that described how they find joy, beautiful sentiments of contentment though service and fellowship in God’s kingdom. However, along with these articles, another message arrived in our inbox – that joy, even the joy of believing can be stolen by acts of ostracism, discrimination and bullying, even within a congregation. This Home and Family page reflects those contradictory images of life as believers: we are both sinners and believers whose sins are forgiven. We have included articles, an anonymous letter, and questions for discussion. Our wish is that these articles will help us all understand that in this journey we have responsibilities to care for others, we are escorts. In this task we have both our good intentions, our weaknesses and the power of the gospel. May God help us in this as He has in the past. God's Kingdom Is a Source of Joy Tom Skoog | The Voice of Zion May 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Joy is a word worth contemplating. There are many blessings in my life that bring joy. I have been able to pursue many of my dreams and it seems that the few that I have left are not so important anymore. What seems to be important is hanging on to faith that I have been gifted with from my childhood. It seems a matter of prayer that I, and those close to me would be preserved in faith, that we would maintain the hope of meeting one day in heaven. Therefore, it seems that joy for me is precious, when I can live in the shelter of the kingdom of God, living of grace under the reassurance of the redeeming gospel. I understand by faith that my earthly home is a temporary place. If I endeavor to stay in the middle of the flock, I can securely get to the destination of heaven. I am thankful for the unity of God’s kingdom. The work that is happening is truly amazing. The gifts that God has given to do the work are abundant. It is humbling to see the candlestick of visitation moving to the uttermost parts of the earth. Vast amounts of God’s work are being done over the internet. This is being done in so many forms: songs, programs, sermons, Bible classes, Sunday school, etc. The world is churning like a storm. The wind is blowing. Yet, inside God’s kingdom there is righteousness, peace and joy. It is a safe place. The last two verses of SHZ 208 remind me of the Holy Spirit which is only found in God’s kingdom. When I sing it, it brings me great, comforting joy. The Holy Spirit calls and gathers and by the spoken gospel gives new birth. This Spirit never teaches errors, it makes His church the ground of truth on earth.... The end of this verse and the beginning of the next are remarkable. They speak of “trusting hearts.” The last line of verse 5 refers to living faith as trusting: “...in hearts He makes to trust what they have heard.” Do children have trusting hearts? Peter hopes that we would be as newborn babes, desiring the sincere milk of the Word. He advises to lay aside “all malice, all guile, hypocrisies, envies and evil speaking” (1 Pet. 2:1–2). The last verse also speaks of trust: These trusting hearts make up His kingdom wherein the only living hope is found; The Spirit holds this flock in union, And here the hearts of men are loosed and bound. I find it a source of joy, that the kingdom of God on earth is like a building, built with earthly stones, faulty, poor and sinful. Nevertheless, Peter describes these stones as “lively stones, which are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:5). Paul says the house of God is “the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). I pray to God that He would continue to reveal the preciousness of God’s kingdom to me and my loved ones. Here trusting hearts can be content to sit on the green grass at the feet of the Good Shepherd, be in subjection to one another, and taste the graciousness of God. Then, as the poet Niilo Rauhala assures us in the final line of SHZ 208, “And when the Lord shall resurrect the dead He’ll bring His flock unto himself! Amen.” Joy Is Serving Perry Simonson | The Voice of Zion May 2021 - Home and Family Article -- My experiences serving in the congregation have brought joy in each phase of life. In my youth, I assisted my parents in janitorial duties and helped with various church construction projects. One of the more memorable projects was assisting in building the Cokato church. This project was an opportunity to get to know other congregation members whom I had previously not known so well. I looked forward to spending my evenings and Saturdays helping in whatever way I was asked. It also was an opportunity to learn new skills. Sometimes we don’t realize all the skills we may have, if we don’t have an opportunity to use them. As I’ve grown older, duties in the congregation have changed. I now have duties as a service director, Bible class teacher, and assisting with the congregation’s bookkeeping. When I was asked if I could take on these new duties, I had doubts on whether I would be able to fulfill the needs of the congregation. Many questions swirled in my mind. Would I be able to put together Bible class lessons, or would I have enough time to help with bookkeeping? I’ve found the need to put my trust in God and that He will bless. Each duty in a congregation has its own blessings and serves the congregation in its own way. Each one of us has our own God-given gifts that we are able use in serving our brothers and sisters in faith. If we’re asked to serve in the congregation, we can accept the duty and give it our best effort. We all know that many hands make the workload light. God’s Word reminds us: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). Often when we are asked to serve in the congregation, the blessings are greater than any of the inconveniences we encounter in serving. If we do our duties willingly and cheerfully, God will bless the work. Ostracism Hinders Joy Sandra Pylvainen | The Voice of Zion May 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Many young people struggle to fit in with their age group, whether at school or at church. This struggle is a part of growing up and integral to self-identity and character development. As we move toward adulthood, it is essential that we discover who we are, what we stand for, and what we will not stand for. In this, young believers want to find friends who share values and interests that coincide with their own, both at school and at church. But what happens when a middle-schooler cannot find friends in their congregation? What about teenage years without a believing friend? This situation can make other areas of personal growth and development even harder. This situation can also cause a teen to feel forsaken, even though we know that a believer is never truly alone. Still, a depressed or sorrowful teen may feel that the love in God’s congregation does not extend to them, especially if love given by the Holy Spirit is not felt from peers. If a situation of being friendless continues, those left alone may feel ostracized and unlovable. Then the joy of believing may be elusive or concealed by a cloak of depression. In these situations, we pray as the Psalmist “lead me beside the still waters and restore my soul.” The lone individual can pray and trust that God will provide comfort. Also, we pray that parents, teachers and camp directors, all of us, will be given the thoughts and hearts to diligently prepare for camps and events, always planning to introduce all children to each other, create activities that promote bonding and sharing, and that we ourselves will exhibit God’s love to all children, seeking the loner, the reticent, the out-of-towner, or the one who has no cousins nearby – whether or not the child is from a believing home. May we teach our children in love that a group, even if two people, have the ability to invite the one left alone. Joy of the believer is also the joy of belonging and showing others that they can belong. We can all reach out to someone who is alone, feels left out, or is not included. If at first they are hesitant to join our group, we can patiently ask again and show that we do want them along. Showing this love is a fruit of faith, and the joy of believing is the feeling that “my cup overfloweth.” *Ostracize: to exclude from a group by common consent. Anonymous Letter, March 2021 Name Withheld | The Voice of Zion May 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Subject: How Do We Treat Others? Dear Voice of Zion Publications Staff, My mother’s heart is aching. Other moms across American Zion also have the same aching hearts. We are concerned about how our children treat each other, especially around the ages of eleven-twelve through sixteen-seventeen. Kids are being ostracized in the middle-school years and then also in the teen years – if they are not “cool” enough. Parents like me want and need this issue to be discussed in truth and in love. Would it be appropriate to address this in Voice of Zion articles, in Sunday School lessons, and at camps? The pain and trauma from ostracism can be deep and long-lasting. One teenage boy asked, “Why is it that when I’m at school or the store people are more kind to me than at services?” We need each other. Kids need each other. Love needs to be extended to others outside of our friend groups or even our extended family groups. God’s Peace, A Concerned Parent An Elders' Joy Verna Jacobson | The Voice of Zion May 2021 - Home and Family Article -- “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17). Along life’s way of varied challenges are moments of pure joy. First in my life, of all the joys I have known, is the joy of being a child of God and knowing that my sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious blood. I can now look back to my years as a child in the kingdom of children, and I see they included many rich experiences. All stages of life offer joy. Many, many memories of these joys come to mind, but some memories come back with love that warms my heart. I recall those days when we were raising our children, trying to teach them in the way they should go: the simple ABCs of living faith. I think of teaching them that when they offend these matters should be taken care of with the gospel, asking for their sins to be forgiven. Bedtime was always so beautiful for us, especially when the children, down to the littlest one, would come running to ask for their sins forgiven, then with happiness run to bed. I also remember how much joy there was when a new baby was brought home from the hospital. There was so much love to share towards that little one from everyone in the family! My arms still ache to cuddle and feel that newborn baby. If you were blessed to be a mother, you may know that great joy. The joy as an elder is just a little different. We have gone to school, graduated, maybe gone to college, worked and perhaps retired, maybe married and had children who have grown up and gone their own way. There is then a change to your life. It can be quiet, and sometimes lonely. There is still that joy of memories you have when you worked outside the home. But now you have slowed down your pace of life. Days are silent without the hustle and bustle of raising children and all that comes with it. This is when joy takes on a quiet and reflective mood. This time of life allows other choices that bring joy. Some may decide to travel, others choose hobbies – baking, which is my joy to this day, gardening, crafting, volunteering, grandparenting, carpentry and so many more. Depending on gifts, retirees can find joy in helping at camps, giving presentations, maintaining the church building and maintaining their own homes. Health issues may arise, but still at the end of the day a weak prayer rises from deep within as we fold our hands and pray to God. The prayer is beautifully expressed in SHZ 490, that He will carry us to that joyous homeland shore where we can sing songs of praise forevermore! Remember me, dear Father, in my declining years; With sin I still must battle; I oft have pain and fears, You are my staff and stay, oh carry me, I pray. As when I was an infant, and cast me not away. Oh Jesus, I am feeble, and powerless in all; I sigh beneath my burdens; my faith is weak and small; My strength of youth is gone; oh leave me not alone; when health and senses fail me, may angels lead me home. When near the hour of parting I weaken ev’ry day. O gracious Holy Spirit, on my behalf You pray. I soon will be undressed of my corrupted flesh! Oh, take me home to heaven, to everlasting rest. Joy and Friendship with Ida Carol Tiffany | The Voice of Zion May 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Are all our friends of similar age and do they have similar life experiences? Sharing a similar age and having similar life experiences can be the basis of friendship. However, having friends of all ages can bring special joy to our lives. When I was a college student, just having graduated from high school, I had a special believing friend much older than I was, Ida Leppa. After my high school graduation, I moved to Esko, Minnesota to attend college in Duluth. At the time, there was a small believing congregation in Esko. Since the congregation was small, about twenty members when I moved there, it was easy to become friends with everyone of all ages. I was busy with my studies, but I still craved believing friends and having connections with a congregation. Ida was a believing woman, retired, widowed, and living alone in a home in Cloquet, a town about five miles from Esko. Ida was friendly and took interest in everyone and their lives, regardless of age. She thoroughly enjoyed the company of other believers and loved to have believers visit in her home. Ida invited me over for coffee and Sunday lunches. These lunches were a delight as Ida was a talented cook. I would often worry about eating too much because everything tasted so good. However, Ida would advise, “If we’re blessed with good food, we should eat.” During our visits, Ida was always interested in my life and how everything, including my studies, were going for me. She also shared about her life, her joys, her struggles and experiences. As a young adult it felt warm and comforting to share about the way and the journey with this older believer. It brought me joy to know that this older sister was believing the same way I endeavored to believe. Often, we preached the gospel to each other. Ida freely shared her life experiences with me. She had lost family members to previous heresies which caused her sorrow. However, Ida found joy in believing day to day. She eagerly attended any services in our area and entertained visiting believers. If she had believers from other localities visiting, she would often invite me to join them. Ida was an artist. She shared the background to each of her paintings with me. Ida also wrote a hymn, which is SHZ 288, “The Blood of Christ is Far More Dear.” Along with Ida, I also made another lifelong friend, Ida’s daughter Pauline Leppamaki. While I lived in Esko, Pauline moved back to live in Cloquet. Even after I moved from Esko, I maintained my close friendship with Ida and Pauline as they moved to Menahga, Minnesota and then to Brainerd, Minnesota. Thinking about Ida makes me lonesome for her and other dear older believing friends from the Esko congregation that have gone to “…the place prepared for me where I shall praise the Holy Lamb whose blood has set me free” (SHZ 288:7). Discussion Questions: 1. What is joy? How is it different from contentment? 2. What is special about the joy found in God’s kingdom? 3. If joy is a fruit of personal faith, why would ostracism or bullying prevent another from feeling joy? 4. If you have prevented someone from feeling joy at camp or church, how can you restore the joy? 5. In everyday life, what kind of pastimes give you joy? What about your family members?

Jason Grangroth | The Voice of Zion April 2021 - Home and Family Article -- A quiet splash sounded off to my left and then another. I turned quickly, scanning the water’s depths; I was just able to pick out the dorsal fin of a fish gliding through the water just below the surface. Moments before, it had sipped a small insect off the top of the water. Peering through the evening shadows that now lay across the crystal-clear water, I watched as a handful of bugs skittered along the surface. Those must be the bugs the fish are eating, I thought to myself. I pulled out my little fly tackle box and began to sort through the imitation flies I had carried along. It was the summer of 1996, and I had joined my cousin on a backpacking trip to the Rocky Mountains of Idaho. Our adventure was about six days of hiking and camping at a couple of different lakes along the way. The lakes no doubt were full of fish; now we just had to figure out how to catch them. After tying a small black and gold colored fly to my tippet, my attention quickly went back to the water, scanning for a fish, more than likely a cutthroat trout. It wasn’t long before I glimpsed another fish as it broke the water with its nose to sip in its food. I flipped my flyrod in its direction and landed the fly on the water. Now with a little luck I’d catch its attention. Suddenly, as I stared in that direction a fish nose crested the surface and swallowed up the fly. Fish on! Yes, I have always enjoyed fishing. It has allowed me to take my mind off the busyness of life. Many of the places I have been fishing are remote or well off the beaten path. There it is peaceful and I’m content – an irreplaceable feeling while being fully immersed in the depths of nature. This must be like heaven, I would often think! I would marvel, while standing on a lake’s shore or on a mountain, at the sheer beauty of God’s creation. And at times in nature, a prayer would come to mind: Thank You, God, for this beautiful place and all that You have provided. Oh, Look at the Bird Maria Wuollet | The Voice of Zion April 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Oh, look at the bird on the branch of the tree; its singing is always so lovely. It opens its mouth to thank God Almighty; no cares weigh its mind, it sings freely; in singing it thanks its Creator. (SHZ 341) The familiar song about the “bird on the branch of the tree” resounds in my head and has a special place in my heart. As I look back, I recollect memories of growing up in Ecuador and my present life in Arizona, and from these I can see how my relationship with nature helps me to feel God’s care in so many aspects along my pathway. I grew up in Ecuador, a small country in South America – right in the middle of the world and a tropical paradise of biodiversity. I loved the lush green leaves everywhere. And my parents’ colorful flowers in the planters alongside of our house were delightful to smell and admire. Most memorable were the fruits of all kinds that would grow quickly in the tropical climate. As a family, we often travelled to the highlands where it was cold but so colorful as well. One of my most vivid memories is the road leading to Riobamba, the town where my parents were born and raised. The mountains appear covered in giant quilts of all shades of green, yellow and golden colors. My heart would race in excitement just gazing at that pretty landscape of green fields. Often, my dad and mom would stop on the side of the road to contemplate the beauty of the sight. There they would teach me to identify and name the grains and vegetables growing in each field that covered the high and low mountains. Sometimes we would travel to Baños, the gateway to the jungle or Amazon entrance. The nature there was breathtaking with many waterfalls and lush vegetation. While listening to the chorus of birds in the rainforest, I heard their beautiful song of thanks to God. I grew up loving my little country of Ecuador, and I even began to dream of becoming a tour guide and traveling around the country, taking tourists all over to show and teach them about the beauty of our country. Yet, God knows our lives better than we do, and He had different plans for me. He gifted me a believing husband, who took me to a very different land where I would have never imagined living. I moved to Arizona in November and my life changed. Newly arrived in Arizona, I looked out the car window and saw lots of reddish-brown land. I asked my husband, “Where are the leaves of the trees?” Here, in this desert climate, most plants had thorns, and, to me, looked dead. But spring came and nature took on a different look. Yellow flowers started to fill the trees; pink, purple, bright red and white flowers bloomed from cacti along the roads and along the path where we went for walks around the desert. I couldn’t stop often enough to capture the beauty in pictures. The towering saguaros amazed me, and while living in Tucson, Arizona, we made many picnic trips with our children to explore the desert and watch the giant cacti bloom in the late spring. The picnics and the walks in the desert were full of bird song, bringing me so much peace. They sounded happy and cheerful, which made me smile. This reminded me that if God takes care of them, He will certainly take care of me. Time has passed and I have learned to love Arizona’s desert beauty. One of the summer highlights is the monsoon storms in the desert. Our family loves to watch those and sometimes we even drive towards the rain cloud in the distant desert. Even at home, after every rain as the sun peeks out I tell the kids to go look outside in the sky for a rainbow. It’s lovely! Arizona feels like home. It amazes me how God placed me in such a different place, yet He offers beauty no matter where we might be. We have traveled around this beautiful country and have witnessed God’s hand in nature. He teaches me that we can put our trust in Him, that He will take care of us each and every day of our lives. As a little girl, the song 341 “Oh, Look at the Bird” spoke to my heart. I thought and thought about how birds handle things. Still today, how I pray to be like that little bird in the song, without worries about what tomorrow will bring, knowing that He will always be caring for us. I am fortunate to witness God’s creation each day; it reminds of the many blessings of beauty and care He bestows to me wherever I may live. Like a bird, I can put my trust in Him, and having my sins forgiven, I can remain in His precious flock. Back to Nature Deanna Byman | The Voice of Zion April 2021 - Home and Family Article -- When I was a kid I was told to go play outside, just like most other kids back then. I spent hours upon hours outside, playing in the long grass in our field, gazing at the clouds, and just being part of nature. These were formative hours spent forgetting the cares of the day and recharging my zest for life. Recently, I made a decision and a real effort to be more active in nature and to reclaim that childlike appreciation for the outdoors. My adult life had gotten busy and without even realizing it, my days have been increasingly consumed with work and mundane tasks indoors. I have found myself craving those hours in the fresh air where my mind can wander and process the day’s events and my body can move and rejuvenate. Luckily I live in an area where I have many different opportunities within an hour or two, snowcapped mountains and wooded lakes, endless ocean, dry, beautiful high deserts and moist, thick, cool rainforests. One activity that I really am drawn to is hiking. While hiking I am able to get away from modern conveniences, seeing the land stretched out before my eyes, and the hard effort put into hiking make the whole experience rewarding to me. As a high schooler I summited Mt. St. Helens. This spring I made a goal to summit the mountain again. In preparation for my goal to climb Mt. St. Helen’s, I trained by walking hills around my hometown, hoping to make the climb more enjoyable and less challenging. As the date for the hike got closer some preparations needed to be made, alarms set early, clothes laid out, lunch or snack packed along with plenty of water and a first aid kit. The Day of the Hike Finally Arrives “Beep, Beep,” my alarm goes off. With a little anticipation and excitement, I wake up to a dark, early morning, pull on clothes and hiking shoes, eat a warm bowl of oatmeal, blueberries and almonds and hop in my car to drive to the trailhead. “Good Morning, God’s Peace,” rings clear in the mountain air. With dim light glowing on the edges of the horizon, my companions and I start picking our way up the trail, over logs, steps, roots and hills of rocks. While hiking, one has ample time to think, gazing at nature all around, moss growing on logs, huge piles of rocks, sandy steep hills. I often find myself humming various songs and hymns of Zion. A repeat occurrence is SHZ 524, “I’m amazed at God’s creation, when I see the birds in flight, when the clouds above are passing, when I see a star-filled night.” These words voice my amazement at the world around me and how all of nature was created. While hiking Mt. St. Helens, I ponder about this trail, how it leads through forest, then rocks, then sand and snow. All these natural elements together make the mountain. From a distance, the mountain looks huge and unattainable, but each obstacle is faced, overcome and the top is reached. I find that whenever my trail is steep, I can pray to overcome each obstacle. If I keep faith, I will sometime reach the distant, beautiful mountain top: heaven. ‍ In the Grand Canyon: A Wilderness Journey Doug Karvonen | The Voice of Zion April 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Arizona’s Grand Canyon is a wonder of the natural world. Carved by the Colorado River, this steep canyon runs 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, exposing layered bands of red rock – a stunning sight at any time, but incredible at sunrise and sunset. In November of 2012, I, along with nine other believers spent three days in the Grand Canyon. We hiked eleven miles down into the canyon, enjoyed a day of rest at the bottom, and then hiked back out of the canyon along a six-mile trail. Throughout the hike into the canyon, even though our leader had hiked the trail years before, we lost our way. The trail was not frequented and therefore was not well marked. Often, our leaders would realize that they had taken a wrong turn. When that happened, they would call back to us asking if we knew where the trail was. Then we would have to search the trail for our wrong turn. At times we would have to send scouts ahead to see where the true trail was. The actual trail was marked with cairns, rockpiles that have been piled by those who have gone before to mark a trail. When they located these, we knew we were on the right trail. There were numerous times that this happened in this eleven-mile trip. As the day progressed, my feet and knees became sore and tender. I could not go at the same speed that I had earlier in the hike. Some of my travel partners did not want to leave me behind, for fear that I would lose my way. Others went ahead to find a campsite at the river. Darkness descended on us before we got to the river. For the final distance, we relied on our headlamps to light the way, so we would not stumble and fall. Similar to our wilderness journey in the canyon, our faith life in God’s Kingdom needs the support of our fellow brothers and sisters. They can help us stay on the narrow pathway so that we do not become lost and lose this living faith. In the Grand Canyon, we had times when there was a disagreement about which direction to take when the path diverged. When we disagreed, we would send scouts ahead to find the true way. When the scouts located the cairns, we knew which way we would go. In this way, we were following the way that was already traveled, the old pathway. We today in our life of faith need to follow the old way, and we need escorts on this journey to guide us. Trav’ling in this wilderness I often sigh, or the clouds of darkness hide my home on high. But when Jesus through His Spirit comforts me, then the dark clouds scatter and, behold, I see. (SHZ 575) Discussion Questions: 1. Discuss the benefits of spending extended time in nature whether in the garden or in a remote outdoor location. 2. What do we learn from hobbies like gardening, animal care or bird-watching? 3. What does God’s Word say about caring for the environment? 4. How has science helped us care for the environment in the past? 5. Discuss the perspectives of faith vs. science. Are these perspectives in opposition?

Beth Simonson | Shepherd's Voice April/May 2021 - Home and Family Article -- In the title of this writing, we see the phrase, “Holy Word.” Do you know what is meant by “Holy Word?” It is God’s Word. God has given us His Word in the books of the Bible. In the Bible, God teaches us how to live our lives as believers and how we can one day go to heaven’s home. The next words in our title above is “our Sun.” The word “Sun” has a capital “S” because this is also another meaning for God’s Word. “Our Sun” shines on us and gives us power to believe, just like the sun in the sky has power to keep us warm. God’s Word, our Sun, can spread over all people and warm their hearts, if we believe in Him and His saving gospel. The power or strength of our Sun – God’s Word – is felt when we gather at services and listen to what God has to say to us. We also feel the power of God when we visit with other believers. This is the bond of the Holy Spirit. Hearing the forgiveness of all our sins gives us power to continue believing. We need this power of the “Sun” day by day, week after week. If this power does not shine on us continually, we can get cold. Then if sin is not put away, we can become dark and not want to believe in God’s Word. We personally have felt the power of God’s Word during the pandemic. We have not been able to gather as a large congregation during the state restrictions. We have chosen to stay home and listen to online services. We feel the power of God in our own small home congregation. The power of God’s Word, “our Sun,” is felt as we listen to speakers from all over the continent. We feel the bond of the Spirit through this modern technology. We have heard the precious gospel preached and comforting words for ones who are lonely or alone in their homes. We feel the warm Sun of grace reach us even when we are not able to gather as a congregation. We have also experienced the power of God’s Word through our many believing escorts in the trials of poor health. Through the loving support of many friends who have come to visit, lent a helping hand, or who have remembered us in prayer, we have felt God’s powerful presence. Our escorts are like heavenly angels, shining their God-given light and giving us strength to continue in faith and to keep trusting that God is with us. Things to Visit About: 1. When has God’s Word felt most powerful in your life? 2. What has caused God’s Word to feel weak or cold in your life? 3. What has helped you to keep “our Sun” shining for you day by day?

The Voice of Zion March 2021 - Home and Family Articles -- Traditions such as Easter customs help humans mark the passing of time. We can recall what we did as individuals or as a family on Easters of the past and invoke the meaningful thoughts and feelings that surrounded the service or the family meal. This issue, we asked contributing writers to recount past Easters, some from decades ago, and some from last Easter. You may relate to the writers’ memories with memories of your own. Easter 2020, An Unusual Year for a Familiar Celebration Kevin Moll | The Voice of Zion March 2021 - Home and Family Article -- In our home we look forward to Easter with joy and anticipation. Usually, the cold Minnesota winter is giving way to warm spring air and it feels like our attitudes are brightening with the weather. Often there is a Passion Week or Easter presentation in Sunday school and evening services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Easter Sunday morning is full of excitement and candy bags. Then we wash sticky hands and faces and put on Sunday best clothes. The commotion and repeated calls that “Moll’s bus is leaving in 15 minutes” are forgotten when we are lined up on the church bench. There we are reminded of the great victory of our Lord and Savior. Last year, this normal routine was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minnesota governor had made a shelter-in-place order that restricted gathering to “flatten the curve.” This meant we would pause our church services. At the time, many things were unknown, and we were anxious and startled by the sudden changes in our routines. How would this Easter be? We knew that we would be at home for services, listening online. I was scheduled to serve on Maundy Thursday evening, so we felt fortunate that we were able to go to church that night, even during the shelter-in-place order. It felt strange to be in church with only a few essential workers there to assist with the recording and to play organ and sing. But once the service started and we heard God’s Word, it brought comfort and felt somewhat normal. Good Friday evening, we sat at home and attended services online, happy that there was such a thing as the internet, and we could be reassured by God’s Word in a time of uncertainty. Easter morning our routine of the candy bag hunt was paused while we watched a video that the LLC had published. “Risen Is Our Sun in Victory” filled the living room with song and we blinked back tears to better see the many faces of familiar believing friends who sang for the recording. When would we be able to get together again? we wondered. Next was an online Sunday school lesson that covered the events of Passion Week. It felt good to be reminded of the love that Jesus has for us. He paid dearly for our sins. After online services, our traditional ham dinner was eaten from great grandma’s “nice” dishes. Hannah was careful not to get any food on her best teal dress. We were thankful that we were able to, for the most part, forget about the turmoil outside our door and throughout the world. We had a secure place where we could celebrate Easter and peacefully keep many of our familiar traditions. ‍ How We Observe Good Friday Maria Loukusa | The Voice of Zion March 2021 - Home and Family Articles -- In reflecting on Good Friday, both Dan Rintamaki and Margaret Oja express thankfulness that in these times they can observe the church holiday by attending services. Dan and Margaret, brother and sister, grew up in Ishpeming, Michigan in a believing home. When they were growing up, their family observed Good Friday as they did the Sabbath. “We did our daily chores, but aside from that, we didn’t work,” recalls Margaret. Dan remembers that it was important to his mother that they pause on all church holidays such as St. Stephen's Day and Ascension Day as well. In those years, Good Friday was also acknowledged in the community, with businesses closing from noon to 3 o’clock to allow for church services. Although they observed Good Friday at home, Dan and Margaret remember that there were not always services held in Ishpeming. Dan recalls that in the 1960s and early 1970s, there was a lenient spirit, and services may not have occurred as regularly as they do today. After the heresy in 1974, the siblings remember that there were always services scheduled for Good Friday, for which they have been thankful. They remember singing “The Hour in Gethsemane” at services (now SHZ 97), and also have fond memories of SHZ 107, “Easter Is Our Day of Great Festivity,” later in the weekend on Easter Sunday. In the years raising children with his wife Marilyn, Dan remembers often traveling for Easter weekend. In those days, children had the week before Easter off of school, and Dan’s work often allowed for time off as well. The family traveled to the Detroit area several times in the 1960s to visit family for the weekend. Dan especially remembers that in 1962, a Finnish speaker named Hannes Kamula spoke at Easter services in Detroit during an eight-month speaking tour. As a young man, Dan would not have imagined that twenty-four years later, he would be staying with Hannes and his family during his own 1986 speaking trip to Finland! In later years, the Rintamaki family would also travel to the Minneapolis area to visit believing family for Easter. After the heresy, there would often be ministers from other areas serving the Upper Michigan area for Easter weekend, speaking in both Pelkie and Ishpeming. In the years that they did not travel, Dan’s children remember attending Good Friday services in the neighboring congregation of Pelkie, as the visiting minister would usually be speaking there. When asked if any specific songs came to mind in thinking of Good Friday, Dan mentioned, “Voice of the Blood of Jesus.” Although it isn’t necessarily a Good Friday or Easter song, it emphasizes the blood of Christ, which He shed for us on that day. For Dan, this blood represents the love of Christ, which is what Good Friday means to him: From Jesus’ wounds is flowing this blood that calls to all. Where Jesus’ blood is preaching, the throne of grace is found: It gushes forth from Zion unto eternal life; the cup of joy o’erflowing dispels distress and strife (SHZ 190:4). ‍ Discussion Questions: 1. Easter’s meaning is of utmost significance for believers – how does the unbelieving world view Easter? 2. What can we do to prepare our hearts for Easter and its solemn message? 3. Discuss the significant events of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. 4. After reading the two articles about Easters past, share your childhood Easter memory or a special memory from last year’s Passion week. ‍

Elaine Nikula | The Voice of Zion January 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer. – Romans 12:12 Today, I hold on to hope like a precious gem, because I lived through times when hope faded. I suffered for years with chronic fatigue. Imagine doing the washing, cooking, shopping and cleaning and giving eleven children time and attention when all you want to do is take another nap. It was thirty years before I saw a change for the better in energy. It was discouraging to say the least. I cried into my pillow at times, wondering if I would ever find my way out of the molasses of fatigue. My despair over unbelieving loved ones also left me stuck in sadness. I needed time to grieve, but eventually it became an unpleasant place to be, and I knew that I did not want to live there. By God’s grace and an encouraging husband, I put away sad thoughts and began to count my blessings. It did not come quickly. I slowly shifted my thinking, reminding myself there is always hope for those who left faith. One Can Always Hope How important it is to hope! Hope is a powerful force in the world. Not only do we feel its uplifting effects very intimately, but it can mean the difference between survival or not. It takes hope to hang on with your fingernails when you are falling over a cliff. Doctors who must give patients poor prognoses attempt to leave those patients with hope. Patients who hope may experience better outcomes. Is it always easy to hope? The world around us, with continuous updates on civil unrest, pandemic statistics and moral deterioration, can cause anxiety and fear. There is much we cannot control, and feelings of hopelessness for the future can overwhelm. It’s refreshing to turn off the news and social media and turn on hopeful songs of Zion or sermons that feed our soul. Hope Can Feel Impossible Nonetheless, it can be difficult to be hopeful. Sometimes hope can feel impossible. Depression, addiction and other illnesses can affect one’s ability to hope. It can feel that one is locked behind a door without a key. It is a dark tunnel that sucks out confidence, motivation and happiness. Sufferers cannot see a way out. It may require therapies under the guidance of healthcare professionals to once again open the door to joy and hope. Hope thrives in soil that is watered with happy, encouraging thoughts and actions. The shift to positive thinking provides the foundation of hope. We can strive to create the atmosphere in our home and life by what we think, say and do. Start at Home If we wish to cultivate a hopeful atmosphere in the world, we need to start at home. A home with a spirit of hope is a delightful place. Children are sensitive to whether adults project a positive or gloomy demeanor. Parents are mirrors to their children. What do children see when the family faces disobedient teens or a financial crisis, for example? Is the reaction anger, bitterness, blame and despair? Or would children learn to live in hope if parents reacted with uplifting words? What kind of difference could it make if parents and children together lifted their sorrow to God in prayer? Prayer is communication to God of one’s hopes; prayer seems futile without hope. After all, hope requires trust in something or someone outside of oneself. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13). Does Hope Guarantee Results? Despite the power of hope, it does not offer guarantees. No matter how fiercely we hope, there is no assurance that God will grant our desires. God knows exactly what we need, and that is not always what we think. Thus we pray, “Thy will be done.” Nonetheless, hope is one thing that others cannot take away from us. If all else is gone, hope can carry us through the darkest times. Today, I face new challenges, but I’m grateful for those experiences that have given me a hopeful spirit. Hope is a bird that lifts its voice in song at the hint of dawn. It adds a happy sparkle in life. It’s fun to reminisce about the past, but it’s exciting to dream and plan for the future. Martin Luther stated, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” The Special Hope of a Child of God How wonderful it is to hope as a child of God! How comforting it is to trust that our almighty God is in control. When we continue putting sin away in the living gospel of forgiveness in Jesus’ name and blood, we stand in God’s grace having a beautiful hope of heaven. The enemy of souls, however, often preaches a sermon of hopelessness: “it isn’t worth it. You can’t make it. You will never get to heaven.” We might begin to believe these hopeless sermons, but remember: satan has lied from the very beginning. Hope is present even if we don’t see it. If you find yourself doubting or without hope, be assured that God’s promises are true. As children of God, we can look ahead with contentment, joy and peace…and a powerful hope that anchors our souls to God’s living congregation and carries us home. We can remember, as did the writer to the Hebrews, that hope has been set before us, “hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Heb. 6:19). Addiction: Learning to Cope and to Hope Leanne Niemela | The Voice of Zion January 2021 - Home and Family Article -- The disease of addiction has caused me to lose the husband I knew and my children their father as they knew him. When we began to recognize that we were dealing with addiction, a professional laid out the treatment plan and the work involved in recovering. He said it took about five years of solid recovery work for someone with addiction to be completely healthy again. I remember thinking: not us. We love each other! How could this break our home and our marriage? Love has not been enough to save my marriage and family from addiction. Addiction Is a Disease I have since learned that addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder of the brain that impacts behavior and choices. The substance that is used affects the reward circuitry of the brain, causing a release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which produces a pleasurable feeling. This causes the individual to want more and repeat the behavior. Initially, an individual has made a choice to use drugs or alcohol or to engage in another addictive behavior. Once the reward circuit is activated, the addiction cycle begins and the behavior in question no longer becomes a choice, but rather a compulsion or obsession. This causes addiction to be recognized medically as a brain disorder. No one gets to choose how their body responds to using a substance or addictive behavior, and no one chooses to suffer from addiction. Learning about the disease of addiction has helped relieve sorrow, hopelessness and fear. It helps to know that no one chooses to destroy their life through drugs or other addictions. It has helped me depersonalize the choices that have been made and instead view them as symptoms of the disease of addiction. Sources of Hope Educating myself has offered hope; I have learned that while addiction is not curable, it is completely treatable. Many people with addictions have learned to manage their disorder through self-care, self-awareness, therapy and group support and gone on to live healthy and happy lives. Knowing this gives me hope, and it drives a desire to stay connected to my husband, to remind him of things his addiction has convinced him he is not worthy of. God’s Word also provides hope. The thirteenth verse of 1 Corinthians 10 teaches, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God promises to help provide a way out of difficulties and to give strength to endure the battles we face. Healthy, Helpful Ways Support groups help by teaching healthy ways to cope, how to be a healthy support for the loved one with an addiction, and helpful ways to communicate. This support comes from people who have been impacted by their loved ones’ addiction. I have learned that family can positively influence when a person’s recovery is activated, so that has made it important to learn as much as I can. My loved one is still alive, even though the person he has become is no longer familiar. The thought that he might never recover, or that he might never be in our lives again or that his addiction could cause him to lose his life all cause great grief. Only the willing heart of the one who is addicted – with the help of God – can bring one back from the depths of addiction. It brings peace when I remember that God’s ways are above my ways. He knows and sees all. He will continue to care for me, even if addiction creates a permanent hole where my loved one used to be. Psalms 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Fellowship and Forgiveness Ward off Doubts It has been helpful to be among the believers during this trial. Addiction is complex and it involves behaviors that are so easy for the family to take personally or to get angry over. It has been important for me to be in the fellowship of family and friends and to attend services as often as I can. I find that when I do not do this, I am most vulnerable to doubts and temptations and start questioning God regarding the purpose of my pain. There the devil finds me at my weakest. God has blessed me with a loving family and with friends that carry my family and me in love. This is the greatest blessing of all: they can forgive my sins and doubts. Without their love and forgiveness, it would be difficult to find reason for joy and to trust that God will continue to provide strength and to care for me. Psalms 34:15 brings much comfort: “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” Carried by Prayer Shari Byman | The Voice of Zion January 2021 - Home and Family Article -- In April 2020, my mom and dad were on the road, trucking in Texas. A sibling told me mom and dad were not feeling well. I called my dad to ask how he was doing. He told me both he and my mom were not feeling so well, but that he would probably feel better in the morning. We ended the call with God’s peace, but I was left with a feeling that something wasn’t right – I sensed my parents were very ill. I believe that God guided me to ask my dad to call for an ambulance. They were far away from other believers and since COVID was spreading, I felt it would be better if they got evaluated at a hospital. My dad went to the hospital, and my mom stayed in the truck as she felt she was not as sick as dad. A believing friend heard about the situation and contacted someone she knew near Plano, Texas, to bring my mom necessities and food to make it through her quarantine. My dad was diagnosed with COVID-19 on April 20 and immediately began treatment. However, his health continued to worsen. He was put on a ventilator, and the healthcare staff did not think he would survive. Through lying in a prone position and receiving a plasma treatment, my dad was carried by the prayers of believers and began the slow, uphill journey of recovery. During my dad’s hospitalization, none of us were allowed to visit him due to COVID regulations. He was brought to rehab alone also. He dreamed of seeing his family, and he wanted to be outside, watching the ocean waves. My mom recovered quickly at home in Arizona, and she was eventually allowed to visit my dad through a window. This helped him recover even faster. When he was allowed one visitor, my mom finally got to see my dad in person. After a harrowing trip back to Arizona, which included an emergency stop at a hospital in New Mexico, my dad was finally able to come home. Through a period of physical therapy, my dad gained his strength back, a day at a time. It is difficult when a family member far away becomes so ill. I felt heavy sadness when we could not be with my parents and comfort them and each other in person. However, we truly felt the love of God’s kingdom – the helping hands of angels. We have been uplifted by the prayers of other that have given us strength to continue each day. We will never forget the love and support we received from God’s kingdom. Two Months in Texas Clint Makela | The Voice of Zion January 2021 - Home and Family Article -- In April, I was on the job driving truck, and my wife Alice was with me. As we drove toward Dallas, Texas, I started feeling like a flu was coming on. In Dallas, I started feeling very sick. I don’t remember much of that part of the trip, but somehow I was able to deliver the load. I made it to the truck stop in Terrel, Texas There I asked Alice to call the ambulance because I felt like I was going to pass out. In the ambulance, I drifted in and out of consciousness. Little did I know that I would stay in Texas for two months with COVID. I remember that I saw myself lying there and I wondered why I hadn’t died yet. Then, I saw a small light glowing next to me, so I knew I was still alive. I could feel then that God was with me. When I awoke from the coma, the nurses said, “Welcome back!” The doctor told me I’d been so sick he didn’t think I could survive. This reminded me how fragile life is and how quickly one’s life can be taken. It’s been a long road to recovery, and I’m feeling pretty good now. Thank you all for your prayers. Quite the Journey Alice Makela | The Voice of Zion January 2021 - Home and Family Article -- After my husband Clint was admitted to the hospital on April 20, I was flooded with emotions. He suffered so much, and he had great struggles with his oxygen levels. Clint was placed in a Rotoprone bed in the hope that it would help him breathe better. He was rotated onto his stomach quite often. A plasma treatment was suggested, and we gave consent. Around the fifth day of his hospitalization, his oxygen levels were down to 50 percent, and he was still sedated and prone. Doctors ordered another dose of plasma treatment. Clint's labs started improving. Hopelessness ran through me. Due to COVID restrictions, I could not be by his bedside, and that was so hard. I just prayed to God that Clint would pull through. On April 29, Clint started showing signs of improvement. They tried weaning him off the ventilator, and he breathed on his own for thirty minutes. Over the next days, he progressed to two-hour trials of breathing without the ventilator. On May 7, he was taken off the ventilator altogether. As days went by, Clint grew stronger. On May 26, I was able to visit him in Texas. I visited him through a window, talking to him on the phone. He was transferred to a rehabilitation center on June 1. He stayed there two weeks and regained his ability to walk and breathe. He was released on June 15, and we were soon homeward bound. Clint has progressed very slowly, but he is home now. God has heard everyone’s prayers. We give thanks to God for bringing Clint back to us. It’s been quite the journey. Two anonymous letters reflect hope for their children who have left faith. Name Withheld | The Voice of Zion January 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Because I Love You My dear child, because I love you, I write to you. Narrow is the way which leadeth unto life. – Matt. 7:14 I am sorrowful for your sake over what you have given up. You have chosen the broad way. God gave you special gifts. He gave you the gift of life. He gave you the gift of faith. He gave you a conscience. He gave you a believing home and taught you how to remain in faith. He taught you how to wash the sin away. So many blessings. Dear child, your mother bore all of you, the family that God planned. You children showed such love for each other. You learned prayers, you heard the same teachings, you all attended services. You heard the gospel, and you were all part of our small home congregation. God’s Word teaches us that this life will one day end. There will not be time to ask for forgiveness, as the end will come in the twinkling of an eye. There will be two in the field, one shall be taken and the other left. Jesus said, I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. We want to have our name in the Book of Life so we can go to heaven with Jesus. The broad way is the way of unbelief. The fruits of faith are not present there; they are only found in God’s kingdom. Love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith. My dear child, God loves you. He offers grace and forgiveness. Remember the Father’s house, and today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart. The gospel can wash away the greatest sin of unbelief. Because I love you, Father Open Letter to My Child Dear loved one, How I loved having you home this Christmas, your smile warming our home again! Although this Christmas holiday was difficult with the pandemic restrictions, I was glad you decided to come and be part of the family pod again. As you return to your apartment, please know that our thoughts are with you every day. Among the rush of cooking and wrapping, it was great to talk with you. However, there are some things that didn’t get said. I wish to say them here, in this open letter, hoping that any child who has left faith may read this and know that mom loves you and will always love you. Someday, you will chance to read this and know that your mom wrote this to you, each wayward child from a loving mother. First of all, I am sorry that when you told me that you no longer believe, I talked about my sadness. Of course, I was sad and I still am sad, but this decision impacts you most. It is you I should have focused on, not my pain nor any other family member's hurt feelings. I also insinuated that you made a hasty decision and were swept away by friends. This was not fair to you, and I am sorry. My response to you was my own emotional release. It was human, sure, but as a parent I should also regard your feelings and respect your decision. You are certainly sad too, since leaving faith is a major departure from your home life and church environment. You probably feel a bit homeless, and maybe you feel depressed too. Still, it was right to tell us the truth. It was honest. Honesty is a central principle of your upbringing and of the moral code that sustains a coherent society. Dad and I appreciate that you follow this principle. We also strive to respect your choice, which was probably made over a period of time and hours of contemplation. I need you to know that no matter what decision you made or will make in the future, I love you. You were given to us by God and your life has been and will always be a blessing to us. You have delighted us with your love and generous personality. That will never change. I wish for you to find happiness. I want you to succeed in your chosen career, to have friends, perhaps a spouse and children. If you have children, I want to be a loving grandparent to your children. Those wishes are firm and honest from me to you. You know that this same love I have for you extends even into my prayers to God on your behalf. I pray for your safety, success, happiness in this life. Because you know me so well and you have known faith, you understand that I will continue to pray that God will call you back to His kingdom. As a parent, I will always be waiting for that return, and I long to bless you. Even this issue is in God's hands. Loving you always, Mom Discussion Questions 1. What do you hope for in life? 2. What things in life have dimmed your hope? What has helped restore a hopeful outlook? What do trials of life teach us about the power of hope? 3. How has God shown you that He knows what you need in this life? 4. How can we approach and encourage one who seems to have lost hope? What are good things to say to this person? What should we avoid saying? 5. How can we foster a hopeful atmosphere among our family and in our home? 6. How does God remind us that He is our hope?

John Stewart | The Voice of Zion February 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Spring is the time of year that especially brings hope and brightness. After winter’s shorter, darker days have faded, the transition to warmer, longer days with green bursting buds can move the heart to joy over the future. Easter is approaching! Even before spring has fully arrived, many people’s thoughts awaken to the joy of sowing flower and vegetable seeds in a home garden. Early spring with its damp, cool soil and milder air is also the best time of year to plant most berry bushes and saplings. I vividly recall a feeling of special excitement and anticipation when we, for the first time, had planted seeds in a newly tilled garden plot at home. Raising fruits and vegetables was an exciting idea for our small, growing family. We worked the soil, raised small beds, added fertilizer, and covered the seeds with a dusting of soft dirt. We finally sprayed a gentle mist of water over the rows to ensure some moisture reached the seeds. Fairly early the next morning I hurried out to the garden, hoping – almost expecting – to see small sprigs of green growth pushing through the soil. Of course, even under close examination I could see that nothing had changed on the garden bed overnight. Each subsequent day I inspected the beds. The days turned into a week... then longer. I began to feel impatient and a little disappointed. Did the seeds fail? Had I done something wrong or forgotten something? Did the seeds need more water? In terms of gardening, I learned to be patient. As a miracle in God’s creation, seeds will gradually germinate and thrive under the right conditions. Planted seeds require moisture and good soil, the right blend of nutrients, suitable temperatures, and light. Our life of faith can be seen in the image of the seeds and garden: the light is our Lord Jesus, the nutrients are as the gentle care of the wholesome Word of God, while the warmth can be seen as the love of God through our escorts on the way. The water is the life-giving gospel. In our lives and journey of faith we experience many things that require patience and time. Family life in particular can pull on parents such that we often need to pause and pray for patience. Older travelers have reminded us that when events in life press us and impatience is near, it is good to consider the immediate situation in longer terms. The Old Testament poet wrote: “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Eccl. 7:8). When we pause and consider how immense God’s patience and grace have been for each of us, it becomes easier to be patient not only with our children, but also with others we relate to in life. Contentment is closely related to patience. Prayerful patience helps foster contentment. Apostle Paul reminded Timothy: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6). Apostle Peter exhorted the believers: “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:5–8). Even in the face of our journey faults, the life-giving water of the gospel, the essence of which is the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood, remains our source of strength on the way. When we consider the travelers who, by the grace of God, have already passed from this life and reached the reward it is good to recall the encouragement of the writer to the Hebrews: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). Contentment and Patience in Life: Forgiveness, Pausing Social Media, and Soothing Music Emily Pirness | The Voice of Zion February 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Contentment is watching my little family happily play outside, read books or just be together. Discontentment is comparing my life to other people’s, an activity that causes me to forget my own blessings. As a mother, it’s not always easy to be content. There are sleepless nights, crying children, possibly sick children. There are days that it seems like the only thing going on is fighting between siblings. There are days where I think of other moms, how they have the appearance of perfection, while here, my life feels like we’re merely surviving. On the other hand, there are also days where life feels wonderful. The kids are happy, we have lots of togetherness and there’s lots of love. These are days of contentment. Patience can sometimes be hard to come by, especially when the kids will not listen and there’s just too much noise, too much activity. I’ve always thought that I’m not a patient mother, but I have been surprising myself. With time, it gets better. I find that I listen to my kids more, even if they’ve said mom’s name repeatedly. And I have forgiveness, a healing and encouragement when those impatient times come. For me, it seems that forgiveness for impatience can also help grow patience. Patience isn’t only hard to come by as a mother. During this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been hard to be patient, especially as of late. Living in Canada, I’m far from my family. I’ve been very content living here, and I’ve been very blessed. The current times, though, have been tough when I can’t see all my family. Still, I do try to remember that God has given me my spouse and children. For this I can be so thankful. In seeking patience and contentment, I have looked for helpful strategies. I’ve recently quit using social media. I was becoming discontent when I spent time looking at others’ lives. I saw how other people live and their lives seemed so perfect. Of course, I know this isn’t so. Still, removing social media from my life has been a positive and helpful move on my part. Now, I can just pay attention to my own little life and appreciate all God has given me. Music has also been part of my self-care. Song number 411 from Songs and Hymns of Zion has spoken often to me. Verse three provides a prayer for personal patience: “Contentment I ask You to grant for today, the work that You gave me, make precious, I pray.” This part of the song has always been close to me. When I was single I sang this song all the time, both aloud and in my mental soundtrack. Today, I turn to this song and find that it has a different meaning. These songs comfort us no matter our walk in life. When we strive to stay close to God, He will provide contentment and patience. ‍ What Has Brought Contentment? Elida Holmstrom | The Voice of Zion February 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Is everything okay with you? Are you feeling content and happy with things in your life? These are questions many have been asked at some time in their lives. It hasn’t been any different for me. According to the Oxford Dictionary, contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction, drawn from being at ease with one’s situation, body and mind. What is patience? Oxford Dictionary defines this as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. Both of these traits go hand in hand throughout life. If one is discontented in any aspect of his or her life, impatience isn’t far behind. But how does one find contentment in his or her life, especially in the times we live today? For me, keeping things simple and not looking too far in the future has helped. I also try to not compare myself to friends, family members or others in my walk of life. It’s not always an easy thing to do. Living alone in a rural community, away from other believers has been difficult and lonely at times. I have often wondered, Have I been forgotten? Why doesn’t anyone come and visit? Several years ago, I became quite unhappy and worried about the future. This combined with financial difficulties, caused me to start having minor anxiety attacks. With the help of medication, and by finding acceptance, peace of mind and happiness, I found contentment, joy and thankfulness with God’s care and love towards me. Reaching out to friends in faith, visiting and relating my personal psalm was a great help as well. One song of Zion that has been a comfort is song 411 “Have mercy, dear Jesus, for strait is the way,” especially verse three. “Contentment I ask You to grant for today, the work that You gave me, make precious, I pray. Give strength to abandon all sinning and strife, and guide by Your mercy my journey of life.” This song often comes to mind and is my humble prayer to my heavenly Father that He will guide and protect until journey’s end. God’s Word gives loving comfort, reminding us that all we need for contentment is food and clothing. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Tim. 6:6–8). Then, with physical needs met, we can seek comfort for our souls by asking for the gospel. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). Keeping faith as most important in our life and putting sin away as it attaches is the easiest way to find true peace and contentment and patience to walk the narrow pathway that leads to heaven’s home. ‍ ‍Discussion Points 1. What does patience look like? Think of a person you would say is patient and describe his or her patient behavior. 2. How does impatience impact our lives? How does impatience impact others? 3. Why is patience so important to faith? 4. After reading the articles in this section, list all of the strategies other believers use to practice and develop their patience. Which ones might you try? 5. How are patience and contentment related? To what extent are they the same thing?