Search Results

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?

Tommi and Liisa Kinnunen | Shepherd's Voice 2021 February/March - Home and Family Article -- In life, we take many things for granted. We expect tomorrow to come as usual. We may not give much thought to the things that God does for us. He loves us so much that He wants us to have everything we need for our daily lives. In this time we are living, we might wonder whether God is still caring for us. We may wonder if we or a loved one might get sick, or how long the pandemic might last. Maybe you’ve wondered when life will go back to normal, or does God remember our country’s leaders. So many questions can weigh on our minds that we may become fearful. Especially in times like this, we are encouraged to turn to God’s Word to find comfort and peace. He knows the worries we have. He knew what we would experience in life even before the world was formed (Isaiah 46:10). The Bible reminds us of how there is a purpose for all things (Eccl. 3:1–8). This includes this time of pandemic and other current issues in our countries. We can simply trust that God’s ways and understanding are far above ours. Often, we want answers, and in looking for them we easily forget what the Bible teaches us. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). The wilderness journey is a good picture of our life of faith here in this world. That journey happened when long ago the Israelites left Egypt and set out for the promised land. Just as we experience today, the Israelites were faced with many difficulties along the way. There were times when they felt that God had forgotten them. We can read about how their trials were for a purpose, known only to God. They had to be reminded to simply trust in God’s wisdom. We can read about how God did not forget them. He cared for them to the end of the journey and gave them the promised land of Canaan, just as He had promised. God always cares for His children, even today. The believers from biblical times were no different than we are today. We don’t always understand current events and happenings, but God does, and He has allowed them. He wants us to trust in Him even when we do not understand. He will care for us through every trial and worry. We can trust in God’s Word and in His care. Even when we don’t understand everything, we can feel the joy of believing! God’s gospel message gives us strength to believe in His grace, truth and undying love for us. ‍ Things to Visit About: 1. How did Jesus remind His disciples about God’s care? (Matt. 6) 2. What things do we often take for granted? 3. God’s grace contains His given gifts that we do not deserve. To whom does God extend His grace? (Matt. 5:45) What is our greatest gift of grace? (Matt. 1:21) 4. How does God care for you? ‍

The Voice of Zion October 2021 - Home and Family Articles -- If you close your eyes and imagine heaven, what do you see? Do you see roads paved with gold and serene landscapes? Do you see mansions and angels? The Bible refers to heaven in several places and we sing of heaven in our songs and hymns of Zion, but none of us really know the full extent of its beauty and peace! Thoughts of Heaven James Moll | The Voice of Zion October 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Stop! Before you read past this first paragraph, look away or close your eyes. Visualize heaven. Take your time. Each one of us has some perception of heaven. Of course, we have been influenced by scripture portions, songs, artists and discussions. Yet, the fact of the matter is that we simply don’t know. Why do we not know? Apostle Paul writes: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Cor. 2:9). Juhani Uljas repeats this in a different way: “Scripture speaks much about the reality of eternal life, but little about what eternal life is like” (The Treasure Hidden in a Field, LLC, 2003). In John 14:2, Jesus tells His disciples, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” However, He did not describe the mansions, nor did He give other descriptions even though He had come to earth from heaven and would have been the perfect authority. When I was given the task to create a summer services presentation on “Heaven,” I had no idea how to proceed. In fact, even now years later, I do not feel any more prepared to write about heaven. I suspect most can relate to my sentiments. How well did you visualize heaven and what would you have to say about the topic? Over the years I have occasionally been asked to repeat the presentation. When I ask people to describe heaven, most audiences relate more of how they expect to feel in heaven: they are joyful, serene, calm and happy as they sing praises, without sorrow or tears. Most descriptions include clouds, streets of gold, musical instruments, green pastures and the like. Some people picture being in a setting associated with their memories of beautiful places, such as a seaside or mountain scene. Of course, no human who died and went to heaven has returned to describe it. The poet Niilo Rauhala comments, “So little we speak of heaven.” The verses of one song relate about the indescribable wonder of heaven. “No tongue its beauty tells” and the verses speak about eternal life, no tears, and “God has a joy prepared which mortal ear has never heard nor mortal vision shared, which never pierced a mortal breast, by mortal lips was ne’er expressed” (SHZ 586). However, the children’s song 448 speaks specifically of treasures in heaven. The song relates of golden crowns, white robes, harps, and streets made of gold. There is a fountain of life with streams of comfort flowing. In heaven there is eternal light and anthems of praise. We are also familiar with song of Zion 587, which enthusiastically resounds with, “Joy, joy, joy” bursting forth from an innumerable throng of singers! I imagine that all angels will be granted perfect singing voices, voices that will never tire. Do you now have a clearer picture of heaven? Personally, after thinking about this subject, it feels as though the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. Most discussions have centered around the desire of people one day to be able to rejoice eternally in heaven. I never hear of the alternative, of a desire for eternal torment. Moreover, I have never met anyone who didn’t express the expectation of arriving one day on heaven’s shores. And I have heard stories from both believers and others who relate of angels coming to take a loved one at the moment of death, and of being drawn towards a bright light. The martyr Stephen saw “the heavens opened, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56) but not heaven itself. How can our limited human understanding begin to grasp something that is far beyond human experience: something that is so perfect, and something that begins but never ends? Who can grasp eternity or infinity? How did our God create everything from nothing with His Word only? Reason is limited. We can only see faintly with eyes of faith. Apostle Paul says, “For now we see through a glass, darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12). We have often been reassured of the pathway to the destination. The bloody footprints of our Redeemer mark the way. Former saints have traveled that narrow way; our escorts today help us keep our feet on the old paths, the tried-and-true way. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Heaven waits for all who remain believing and endeavoring in faith to the destination. Even if we neither understand nor see, by faith we have a sure hope of one day experiencing the bliss of heaven. Our vision will be clear. Heaven of Grace, Heaven of Glory Matthew Keranen | The Voice of Zion October 2021 - Home and Family Article -- In sermons and in writings I have encountered the phrases “heaven of grace” and “heaven of glory.” I wanted to know more about what these terms mean, especially when juxtaposed. So I turned to my friend, our congregation’s pastor Jouko Haapsaari for insight. Here is an excerpt from our text message exchange. Matt: Jouko, we sometimes hear people speak of a heaven of grace. What do we mean when we speak of this? Jouko: Isn’t it interesting that the Bible says Apostle Paul was “caught up to the third heaven,” as he writes in 2 Cor. 12:2. And in the Lord’s Prayer in Finnish we read “Our Father, who are in heavens.” Note the plural. So, the concept of heaven is deeper than we think. Matt: That is interesting. Also, in English we sometimes say “the heavens,” and maybe to some that’s a poetic way of saying the sky or “the skies.” But in the King James version of the Bible it mentions “heavens” such as in Deut. 10:14. “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.” Jouko: God is mightier than we think. And why wouldn’t He be? Matt: Yes, He is. I ponder the heaven of glory. What is that exactly? Jouko: I remember some old ministers preached about heaven on earth – in God’s kingdom. They said that the descriptions of heaven, for example in Revelations, refer to God’s kingdom as the heaven of glory. The beauty of God’s kingdom can only be seen by one who is already therein. Also, I think that the heaven of glory is the goal of faith, eternity there where God is. It is those mansions that Jesus promised to prepare for His own, in John 14:2. Matt: It will indeed be glorious. Grace will no longer be needed in eternity, right? Jouko: I remember hearing about faith, hope and love, that in heaven faith will change to seeing, and hope to eternal bliss; neither faith nor hope will any longer be needed. Only love will make it all the way to heaven. Grace won’t be needed either because there we will no longer have temptations or sin! What a wonderful place. Matt: That is such a wonderful thought to hold on to: no more temptations or sin. Jouko: Indeed. Here we are tempted and must battle daily for our crown. Matt: But while grace is yet needed, we are – or we can be – in the heaven of grace. I’m not sure if this is a saying that everyone knows about. How would you explain this concept to, for example, a confirmation student? Or to someone who has just received the grace to repent of unbelief? Jouko: Grace as a concept means unmerited goodness from God. When a person is in the heaven of grace, he or she is under the protection of God’s grace. The most wonderful gift from God is the forgiveness of all sins that we can enjoy every day; it is unlimited even to the biggest sinner. God is good! Matt: So, thinking of what a young one might wonder about this, are we in the heaven of grace at all times? Jouko: The Bible mentions “standing in God’s grace” only twice (Rom. 5:2 and 1 Pet. 5:12), but it is enough. Every Word from God’s mouth will stand forever. Matt: Who is standing in God’s grace? Is that us? Jouko: Yes, it is us. God’s children sure have a reason to wonder and be thankful for it. Sometimes we try to think in our human way what the heaven of glory will be like. Have you ever thought about it and how do you imagine it will be? Or have you heard others describing it? Matt: It will be like an unending dream, complete rest and happiness. Nothing uncomfortable or pressing. No worrisome thoughts. But even these words feel lacking in capturing what I wish to express. One thing I think of is how Finnish people write in death announcements, “jälleennäkemisen ihanassa toivossa,” which means “clinging to the wonderful hope of seeing each other again.” That makes me think maybe we’ll know our loved ones who also inherit heaven’s home. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? My grandparents for example. Or my sister who only lived a short moment. Oh, how I’d love to see them and know them. Jouko: I agree. How good it will be to meet those, who we have missed here after their time was over. It also feels so comforting to think that I won’t feel temptations of sin, and only love prevails. Matt: So, while we await our eternal life in heaven, in the heaven of glory, we have this wonderful gift of the heaven of grace here on earth. When through God’s goodness, we taste God’s grace and a foretaste of heaven. That is what heaven of grace means: through grace we are given a foretaste of heaven. Jouko: Exactly so, and that is why believers in biblical times compared this heaven of grace – God’s kingdom – to a golden candlestick, without any fault or blemish. God’s grace is so wonderful and perfect that it is the closest we can come to heaven while yet here on earth. ‍ So Little We Speak of Heaven Niilo Rauhala, ‍Translation: Editors | The Voice of Zion October 2021 - Home and Family Poem -- So little we speak of heaven. Our eyes press shut, darkness fills the room. Children of prayers lie yet awake, not playing together – night’s blanket enfolds unbearably warm. So little we speak of heaven, though the glow of evening is like the arm of daylight yet extended toward us. ‍ Niin vähän me puhumme taivaasta. Silmämme painuvat kiinni, pimeä täyttää huoneen. Huokauksen lapset valvovat, eivät leiki keskenään – yön peitto kääriytyy tuskanlämmin. Niin vähän me puhumme taivaasta, vaikka illan kajo on kuin päivän käsivarsi yhä ojentunut meitä kohti. ‍ ‍Discussion Points 1. What is your idea of heaven? What is the basis of this idea? 2. We learn that in heaven “faith will be changed to seeing.” What will we see? 3. What in your personal experience prepares you for heaven? What causes you to yearn for heaven? 4. If it happens as people say, that we will have a joyous reunion on heaven’s shore, who will you see first? Or will we recognize loved ones that have gone before? 5. What is the rest of the righteous? 6. Will we become angels when we die? 7. Read 1 Thess. 4:16,17. Discuss. 8. What can we learn about heaven from the story of Lazarus’ death?

The Voice of Zion November 2021 - Home and Family Articles -- Most of us will admit that we are tired and forgetful when it comes to prayer. But isn’t prayer an expression and exercise of our personal faith, that brings with it comfort and calm? Prayer is in itself a worship practice and an acknowledgement that God truly is the Giver and Creator of all things. This month’s theme and the articles on this page seek to remind us that God hears the prayers of His children and He will answer them in His time and way. A Father’s Lord’s Prayer Brent Herrala | The Voice of Zion November 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Perhaps you are a busy mother or father as I am, with hectic days and chaotic evenings. Home life is busy, work is endless, and the days seem to end just as fast as they have started. Perhaps the children’s energy has exceeded yours, and you were left at the end of the day feeling grumpy and short-tempered. Does this picture describe your situation? Has the daily toil of life left you feeling tired and exhausted? Soon the day has come to an end, and the children have gathered on our laps and around us to pause and fold their little hands. ‍ Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. ‍ Dear father, give me a moment to pause. Give me a moment to consider You, from whom these blessings come. Help me to teach my young ones to hold You close and cherish Your holy name. ‍ Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. ‍ God, You know how busy a parent’s life is. Keep us close to Your kingdom. Keep our children close to Your kingdom as well. Guide them through childhood according to Your will. Let me trust in Your guidance and wisdom with raising our children. ‍ Give us this day our daily bread. ‍ The days are long, the work can be hard. Inspire me to do what Your will is to provide, and give that which You find necessary in the task of upbringing my children. Help me remind that all these things in life which You have given have come from Your loving hands. ‍ Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. ‍ It seems the day did not slip by without my becoming short with the kids. It seems I spent much time prodding them to help with chores around the house, breaking up spats over silly things, or getting after them for doing this or doing that. Help me to forgive, and give me the wisdom to teach to forgive and to ask for forgiveness as well, remembering that I am the example which is set before them. Keep the desire for the gospel close to our hearts. ‍ Lead us not into temptation. ‍ Father, satan works tirelessly to entice us all into sin. Give us strength to shield ourselves from the temptations that press upon us. Help me teach the children to utilize the power of prayer and of the gospel to help protect them from those specific temptations that press on them. ‍ Deliver us from evil. ‍ Keep the often-appearing evil thoughts and deeds away. Give me the strength I need to face the evil in my daily calling. Protect these children from the wickedness we see and hear in the world around us. ‍ After evening prayers, the kids’ minds turn to the next step in bedtime routine. Sometimes one recounts something of the day which they wish to share prior to sleep. Sometimes, the post-prayer conversation turns immediately to wandering thoughts, or some temporal item that has lingered in their mind. Nevertheless, they are left with an impression that Mom or Dad wants to pause with them in prayer. The gospel is preached with each child, and a peace falls over the bedroom as kids crawl into beds and drift off to sleep. As difficult as it can be to take the time to pause around the Lord’s Prayer and Benediction for a few moments with the kids each night, it is good to use these powerful, God-provided prayers to teach and reinforce the most important matter in life – to put sin away and keep faith and a clean conscience. We remember that the Lord’s Prayer is referred to as the “perfect prayer” and contains everything that we ought to pray for. I encourage you, as we’ve tried to do as parents, to end the day with the children in prayer and preaching the gospel! Even in this effort we can turn to our Father in prayer and ask for renewed strength and resolve. ‍ ‍ For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. ‍ God, you are most powerful. You are in control and know exactly what I can and cannot handle. You know just what I need, and you provide strength for each day. Let me remember this as I provide for and raise these children. Amen. ‍ ‍ Prayer Carries Me Sandra Hall | The Voice of Zion November 2021 - Home and Family Article -- Prayer has always been a part of a believer’s life of faith. For some reason, we tend to turn to prayer in times of trial. I remember praying to God as a little girl, that my mom would be happy and that my dad would repent and come back into our lives. I kept that prayer in my heart when my parents were alive. God doesn’t always grant every wish we pray for. Life experiences have helped me learn that living in sin will eventually cause one to lose their precious faith and much unhappiness will befall you. My mother was an obedient servant and strived to keep faith as the most important matter in her life. Despite her heavy burdens, she remained faithful, and God blessed her life. She was blessed with believing children, good health, a strong mind, a good work ethic and an outgoing personality. She lived a long life and had a happy retirement. For that, I will be forever grateful. As I grew into adulthood God gave me various trials, and I recognized that some were similar to my mother’s trials. Mother often told me, “Don’t depend just on one friend; have many friends. You never know when you might lose that one friend.” Throughout her life, I witnessed how she lost friends to natural death and to heresy. She was able to pick herself up and make new friends. Another time in my life, I was faced with a difficult pregnancy. At first, I prayed to God, that if this baby were to be born severely handicapped, please take him home. My baby was born full-term looking beautiful and healthy! But inside, he was severely handicapped. I told God, I changed my mind! I want this baby! But that was not to be. The doctors could not save our baby. Sometimes, we don’t know what to pray for. In time, I learned to accept God’s plan. The doctor had told me that as long as my baby is attached to the umbilical cord, he will grow and thrive. But as soon as the umbilical cord is cut off, he cannot breathe and cannot live. The lesson I learned from that trial is this: if we remain attached to God’s kingdom, we will be loved and cared for and thrive. When we remove ourselves and go a different path, faith withers and dies, just like a branch removed from its tree. Another painful trial came after the passing of my father. It dredged up painful memories that I thought I had buried. I realized that as much as I yearned for that fatherly figure in my life, I never got it. I had to fervently pray to God to help me out of this black hole. Again, God saw fit to answer my prayers. My believing spouse was there for me, I had precious believing friends to lean on, and God gave me many children to keep my life full and happy. The dark clouds lifted, and life felt busy and fun. But then storm clouds started brewing. Spiritual confusion descended upon us. My footsteps became heavy and my eyes of faith began to dim. I felt lost and deserted. Why couldn’t I see clearly and hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? Many nights I cried out in anguish, “Dear God, show me the right path! I need to hear and feel the Holy Spirit, and to know that I am still a child of God.” I began listening to online sermons. I poured out my heart to a friend and asked for that precious gospel for all my doubts, fears, and wrong understandings. I felt great comfort, but still many questions, doubts and fears lingered. I continued to pray for peace for my troubled heart. On a beautiful sunny day, basking in God’s nature and listening to an online sermon, God answered my prayer! He opened my heart to the beautiful soothing Word of God revealed through the Holy Spirit in that sermon! I cried out to my husband, “I get it! I can hear!” The whole way home, I listened to sermons and rejoiced when my spirit said, “Amen!” Despite the blessings I can see along my life’s path, at times my anguish has been great. When loved ones have struggled or denied faith, my pleas to God have become almost unbearable. I cried out to a dear elderly friend, “This pain in my heart! Oh, I pray to God to take away this pain!” She reassured me, “In time, God will ease that pain in your heart.” I had to learn to cling to the meaning of the saying, “Where there’s life, there’s hope.” I look around in God’s kingdom and I see these beautiful escorts that have been there to help fill the holes and missing gaps in my life. Now I look further and I see these battle-worn soldiers, who have lost much but still thrive and survive. And I ponder: how did they do it? How did they get this far? Deep down I know. God has helped me understand this: when we keep our gaze towards heaven, when we strive to keep faith and a clean conscience, when we remain in the love of God’s kingdom, God will carry us to the end of our journey. We have much to be thankful for! I have learned to count my many blessings! I have learned to grasp the goodness of life, yet my utmost prayer remains that I will be granted eternal life in heaven. ‍ My Prayer for Understanding Karen Fuller | The Voice of Zion November 2021 - Home and Family Article -- I have a vivid memory from 6th grade. One day I got off the school bus and broke down in tears on my short walk to the house. I had just learned that a loved one had left faith and I prayed to God, “Even though I am struggling with friendships now, I hope I can always stay believing.” Shortly after my husband and I were married, differences over a certain matter began to appear among believers, and there was much discussion; many were concerned and others were in support of the matter. I didn’t know what was correct or what I should think of all the discussion. My husband and I had many conversations with friends, family members and ministers about faith. During this time my husband understood where the truth was, while I remained confused as to how I believed. After many conversations and hearing one side from my husband and another from some family and loved ones, it came time for me to really recognize how I believe, I could no longer just listen to or follow what my husband had to say or anyone else. Following other people will not get me to heaven. I broke down and realized that I cannot just ignore this matter that has caused such division within God’s kingdom. I needed to go to church and listen to God’s Word. And I needed to pray that I would hear the Spirit and be obedient. I fully realized that faith is personal and I had to believe for myself. I turned to God and prayed again that He would show me where the truth is. It was not long after this that I was having a conversation with a loved one and I turned to her and said, “I just cannot agree with you.” Instantly a weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I then understood how I believe, that I was securely believing as I did when I was a child. I am at peace. God answered the prayer I remember making in 6th grade, a prayer that I had forgotten about for so long. ‍ ‍Questions for Discussion: 1. How has prayer helped you in your life and faith? 2. How can parents teach their children to pray? 3. What can we say to those who feel that God has not answered a prayer? 4. What does the verse on the front cover of this issue mean to you? 5. How can it be true that God will give believers whatever they ask for? ‍

Timo and Minna Hotari | The Voice of Zion January 2022 - Home and Family Article -- For this feature, Timo and Minna Hotari visited with Timo’s parents Mauri and Irmeli Hotari. All are members of the Toronto, Ont., congregation. As we slow the vehicle and turn into the familiar driveway, we reflect on the thoughts that had occupied the whole one-hour drive. Arriving together, we are eager to step out of the car and scurry up to the front door of Timo’s childhood home. It always feels good to come home, return to the safe haven of our parents, Irmeli and Mauri Hotari. The door opens and the joyous gaze and outstretched arms of parents with that comforting, familiar greeting of “God’s peace” quickly banish the worries of why this world can seem filled with confusion and evil. The simple greeting of “God’s peace” actually brings instant peace, we marvel. The warmth of the home, the smell of baking, the table set and the sound of coffee brewing tell us they waited for our company with welcoming hearts. As we settle down to coffee, we find our discussion drifting from everyday topics to our comforting family memories and the old paths. We ask, “Dad, Mom, what comes to mind when we consider “the old paths”? Dad picks up his glasses and opens his Bible. He begins to read from Jeremiah 6:16. “Thus, saith the lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” He instructed us that it is important to travel on the pathway on which the previous saints traveled, because it leads to heaven’s home. It is comforting to know that the same pathway today remains unchanged and it yet leads to heaven. Mom looks up and adds, “Only the gospel keeps us on this narrow way.” We ask Dad and Mom many questions. Here are some of the thoughts they shared with us. How are things different now? When we were young, we had no phones or computers. Perhaps there was more time to visit and share fellowship, life felt much simpler and spare time was used more effectively. People seemed closer to nature and kids spent more time outdoors playing. The rapid advancements in technology have brought good and bad. The good is that online service broadcasts and God’s Word can be spread throughout the world. The bad is that the number of temptations seems drastically grown and more available. Society as a whole has changed; sin is prevalent, and everything appears to be acceptable. Are there things that haven’t changed? While it seems there isn’t anything in this world that has not changed, the life of believers on the old path hasn’t changed. We can still, under the protection of the law, hold services. We have the freedom to believe. How do you see young people’s lives now? As parents of a large family, we carry our children and their families in prayer every day. They face many trials and temptations on the front lines of God’s kingdom. Cell phones and social media seem to take up much of their day. Pressures from the world and its ways press down on them. But nevertheless, our hearts rejoice to see them sitting willingly at services and singing. What advice would you pass onto the young? Put sin away and keep faith. Remember us elders and share some of your spare time with us. What advice would you pass onto the newly married? Use the gospel. Trust in God’s guidance in all matters. Don’t allow a “his or her master spirit” into your homes but allow Jesus into your homes. What advice would you pass onto parents? Root your children in living faith and suffer to bring the little ones before Jesus. Be content with your portion in life; it will bring you joy. Discuss spiritual matters at home – not just temporal matters with your kids. Spend time with your children; it breeds comfort. Stay on the old paths; you will receive peace and rest. It is important to live our lives according to our faith, which the Holy Spirit reveals in the kingdom of God. As the evening draws to a close, we leave Mom and Dad with hearts full of peace and joy. What a blessing it is to have a believing home, we say. We pray that, with God’s help, our own children may feel the same. An Interview with Wilfred and Estelle Jennifer Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion January 2022 - Home and Family Article -- Tara Simonson of the Outlook, Sask., congregation visited with her grandparents Wilfred and Estelle Haapala from the Dunblane, Sask., congregation. In this article, Tara’s sister Jennifer Waaraniemi from Monticello, Minn., shares parts of the conversation based on Tara’s notes. Tara visited our grandparents Wilfred and Estelle about the theme of this Voice of Zion issue, “The Old Paths.” Grandparents have a wealth of life experience, and we can learn a lot from them. They are a great blessing! Tara asks what comes to her grandparents’ minds when they consider the old paths. “The old path is the one we’ve always followed. There seem to be new paths that come up, but we want to stay on the same path,” they say. When asked how things are different now, Estelle comments that life used to have a slower pace. Travel wasn’t a big thing and everyone stayed closer to home. There weren’t so many services, and visiting others’ homes brought much happiness. “The world is so busy now!” Estelle exclaims. Worldly things seem closer and more accessible than they used to, which is a danger. But it is a blessing to have so many service events and camps to attend. One thing Wilfred and Estelle have noticed is that there is more emphasis on hearing the gospel daily than there used to be. “This is a good thing with the world being that much closer,” Estelle says. Tara wonders aloud whether there are things in life that haven’t changed. Both grandparents reply that the basics of faith have not changed. The closeness and love of the congregation have always been there. It seems that thoughts about COVID and restrictions have tried to divide us, but we all have the same goal. We should always try to stay childlike and believe. “Trust in God; He has promised to look after us,” Wilfred reminds. How nice it is, we realize, to hear advice from our elders. They can look back over years of experience. Here Wilfred and Estelle share thoughts on different stages of life. To a young person: Keep faith and a good conscience. Stay in the love of the congregation as everything we need is found here. To a newlywed couple: Remember to communicate and forgive one another. Nothing is perfect. Marriage needs continual care and work. To new parents: Enjoy your little ones! It can seem there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all you need to do, but as you get older you realize that some of those things aren’t so important. When kids are small, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and not know how you will manage. Now that we are older, we see what a huge blessing our kids and grandkids are. What you wish for: In life there is so much you can wish for, but we have more than we need. God has blessed each of us, and it’s good to be content. Nothing comes from our own hands, and that’s easier to see as we get older. We are so fortunate to be in God’s kingdom. As the world grows evil and restless, we don’t need to be scared. Let us follow the old paths. We have a secure foundation. Questions for Thought and Discussion In your own words, what is meant by “the old paths”? The adjective “old” suggests what about the paths? The phrase comes from Jeremiah 6:6, “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” Who is being spoken to? Who might say, “We will not walk therein”? To what extent is this instruction counterintuitive? To what extent is this instruction logical?