Columns
Obituaries
February 06 ,2025
Carl Kok, 71, of Zeeland, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
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Carl Kok
Carl Kok, 71, of Zeeland, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
Carl’s family immigrated from The Netherlands when he was 3. He was raised in Holland and graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1971. Carl founded Kok’s Woodgoods in 1985 with his wife Sally, and he retired in 2007. In retirement, Carl enjoyed spending time in his woodworking shop at home building boats.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sally; children and grandchildren, Theo and Heather Kok (Jacqueline), Ben and Leslie Kok (Carsten), and Abby and Chris Wolters (Cole and Mia); siblings, Dia and Paul Kik, Winnie Arends, and Mike and Jill Kok; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jack and Mary Kalmink, and Nancy and Paul Vryhof; and his beloved dog Buddy.
A funeral service will be held today, Thursday, Feb. 6, at 1 p.m. at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.
Janice Plasman
Janice Plasman, 71, of Zeeland, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.
Janice was born on Oct. 22, 1953 to Rev. Walter and Edene Hofman. She worked at Tennant for many years throughout her life. It was also the place where she met her husband, Dave Plasman. She had a great sense of humor and was a generous and loving mom and sister. She was fun-loving and will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Walter and Edene Hofman; daughter, Erin Schierbeek; husband, Dave Plasman; and John Schierbeek, the father of her children.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Schierbeek; brother, John and Mary Hofman; brother, Jim and Mary Hofman; brother, Tom and Nancy Hofman; nieces, nephews and extended family.
No services were planned.
Memorial contributions in Janice’s honor may be given to the Leukemia Research Foundation at leukemiarf.org.
Mary Van Heuvelen
Mary Ann Van Heuvelen, 82, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.
Mary was born on Aug. 11, 1942, to Ray and Florence Van Heuvelen. She was a lifelong resident of Holland. She graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1960 and attended Calvin College. Her career spanned 43 years and was spent working at Holland Furnace, Lear Siegler-Home Division and Magna Donnelly, where she retired from.
Mary was a lifelong member of Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church where she taught Calvinettes/GEMS and also served on various church committees. She considered it her mission to send cards and notes of encouragement to members and staff of the church.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother, Raymond Junior Van Heuvelen; brother-in-law, Ken Strickland; nephews, Kevin Cook and Bryan Cook; and great-nephew William Harthorn.
Mary is survived by her sisters, Elaine Strickland, Kathy (Don) Cook, and Linda (Steve) Harthorn; sister-in-law Denise Van Heuvelen; several nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces.
Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 3, at Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 259 Central Ave., Holland with Rev. Chad Steenwyk officiating. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Benjamin’s Hope at benjaminshope.net and Hospice of Holland at hollandhospice.org.
Barbara Neisler
Barbara I. Neisler, 86, of Zeeland, passed away on Jan. 29, 2025.
Barbara grew up in Hamtramck and attended Cass Tech High School in Detroit, just across the street from the old Tiger Stadium. She became a Detroit Tigers fan at a young age and carried this legacy throughout life, sharing it with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also shared her love of baseball by working the concession stand at Little League games for her grandchildren’s teams.
After raising all of her children in Long Beach, Calif., Barbara eventually moved back to Michigan many years later to be closer to family.
Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry Gobble, and siblings Charles Thompson, Ann Johnson and Richard Thompson.
She is survived by children, Gerald Thompson, Patricia (Eddie) Ybarra, Pamala Neisler (Kevin Lang), and Rogena (Robert) Zuverink; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Allwyn Thompson, Robert Thompson, Donald Thompson and Marilyn Kucker.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
Elsa Essink
Elsa Rose Essink, 83, of Zeeland, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 at Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital.
Elsa was born in Holland to John and Esther (Kragt) Van Den Berge and was a lifelong resident of the area.
Growing up on the family farm where the 16th Street Meijer is now located, Elsa at an early age was no stranger to hard work. The fourth-born of five children, she had her share of chores to do daily. A reward for hard work, she would enjoy time with her horse Pal, who she would show at 4-H Club.
Elsa graduated from Holland Christian High School and worked as a waitress at various restaurants, including downtown Holland favorites such as Pietro’s, 8th Street Grille and Hops. She absolutely loved downtown Holland - from the connections she made with many business owners and restaurant guests, to the beautiful flowers and architecture that make 8th Street unique.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Willard and John Van Den Berge; brother-in-law, Robert Vandenberg; brother-in-law, Dale Aalderink; sister-in-law, Margaret Abma; sister-in-law, Becky Essink; and brother-in-law, Robert Essink.
Elsa is survived by her husband, Herschel of Zeeland; son Chad, and daughter-in-law, Jacki Williams; daughter, Jennifer (Joel) Pyle; grandchildren, Garak Postma, Kasidy (Maxwell) Byers and Katelyn Kuzmanko; siblings, Gus (Jean) Van Den Berge, Karen Van Den Berge and Lyla Vandenberg; in-laws, Ruth Aalderink, Floyd (Sheila) Essink, Ron (Kim) Essink, and Wayne Essink.
A memorial celebration of Elsa’s life is being planned for the spring, to honor her life in her favorite season as the flowers bloom.
Rick Foss
Rick L. Foss, 64, passed away unexpectedly at home in West Olive on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. He believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior and is now in his heavenly home.
Rick enjoyed working on vehicles and fixing most anything. He also enjoyed cooking, gardening, spending time outdoors and with animals. He loved his family and his only daughter Samantha. They shared an amazing love bond.
Preceding him in death were his father, Terry Foss, and sister, Brenda Zimonich.
Rick is survived by his daughter, Samantha Foss and her longtime partner, Joe Maxwell; mother, Arlene Foss; brother, Bruce Foss; brother-in-law Mark Zimonich; along with nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Harlem Reformed Church, 6854 144th Ave., Holland. Interment was in Olive Township Cemetery.
Oma Tubergan
Oma Tubergan, 91, of Holland, passed away Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.
Oma was born in Harlan County, Ky. on Jan. 14, 1934 to Radford and Ethel Daniels. She married Henry Tubergan, the love of her life, in Holland. They celebrated 50 years of marriage prior to Henry’s passing in 2020.
She was a longtime member of South Olive Christian Reformed Church, and former member of Pine Creek CRC. Oma worked for Baker Furniture, where she laid gold leaf, and enjoyed spending weekends at Silver Lake.
She is survived by her brothers, Herman Daniels and Levi Daniels; sister, Dorothy Stewart; special nieces, Liz (Chris) Vogel and Lorri (Ross) Meeuwsen; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
A service to celebrate Oma’s life was held Friday, Jan. 31 at South Olive Christian Reformed Church. Burial was in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
Marcia DeHaan
Marcia Ann DeHaan, 90, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Jan. 24, 2025.
Marcia was born on May 13, 1934 to John and Kathryn De Graaf in Holland, where she lived her entire life. After graduating from Holland Christian High School, she worked as an office secretary for Hart & Cooley.
She began dating her husband, Peter, after he returned from the Korean War and they married on Aug. 13, 1954. Marcia’s life was full of travel and adventure. For many years, Marcia followed her husband on the road as he delivered buses and motor homes across the country for Holland Motor Homes. Marcia would drive the “chase car” that would bring them back home after a delivery.
Marcia and Peter were members of South Olive Christian Reformed Church.
Marcia is preceded in death by her father, John De Graaf; stepfather, James Klomparens; mother, Kathryn Klomparens; sister, Geneva; brother, Ted; and son-in-law Robert Bonczyk. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Peter J. DeHaan; children, Michael (Kris) DeHaan, Marc (Darlene) DeHaan and Michelle Bonczyk; six grandchildren and their spouses; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held for Marcia’s immediate family on Friday, Jan. 31 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Emilia Copple
Emilia Grace Copple, beloved child of the King, infant daughter of Braden and Whitney (Maas) Copple, was born into her eternal home on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital. She was loved and adored on this earth for 25 weeks before she was born and is now loved and adored in heaven forever.
In addition to her parents, Emi Grace is survived by her grandparents, Phil and Janell Maas, Heather Engelsma, Samuel Copple; great-grandparents, Mike and Brenda Engelsma, William and Ellen Copple, Bernie and Elly Maas; aunts Sable Maas and Katie Copple; uncles TJ Maas, Mitchell Copple, Tyler Copple, Drew Copple, and Ethan Copple; and many extended family members.
Emi Grace was preceded in death by her great grandparents, Alan and Gloria VanBemmel, and her infant cousin, Brynn Ruth Key. A family graveside service was held at Beaverdam Cemetery.
Egbert Bareman
Egbert Gerald Bareman, 93, of Holland, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at American House retirement home.
Bert was employed by Herman Miller in Holland for more than 40 years, many of which he served as the quality manager. He was an active member of Intersection Ministries church and shared his faith and joy in Christ with many.
He had a passion for golf, playing in leagues for many years. He was also an avid Tigers fan and made sure to watch every game he could. After retiring in 1992, he and his wife Alma spent many winters in Florida and frequently enjoyed traveling on cruises to various destinations. They also enjoyed many years as residents of Sandy Pines Resort in Hopkins.
Bert was preceded in death by his wife, Alma, in 2011. He is survived by his sons, Gary (Beth) Bareman and Dennis Bareman; grandsons, Nicholas (Bree) Bareman and Michael Bareman; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Weston Bareman; sister, Lorraine Eding; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 3 at Intersection Ministries, 945 136th Ave. Holland. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Ichabod
February 06 ,2025
There is a story told in 1 Samuel 4 about the defeat of Israel by the
Philistines. They had sent out the Ark of the Covenant with the army,
thinking it would give them special favor with God and that He would
guarantee their defeat of the Philistines.
:
By Jerry D. Ousley
There is a story told in 1 Samuel 4 about the defeat of Israel by the Philistines. They had sent out the Ark of the Covenant with the army, thinking it would give them special favor with God and that He would guarantee their defeat of the Philistines.
But that didn’t happen. You see, they had gone out without seeking God. They were defeated and Eli, the high priest and judge of Israel at the time, fell over backwards when he got the news of the capture of the ark and because he was a very heavy man, he died. His sons, who were bearing the Ark of the Covenant, were also killed in the battle. One of his sons was named Phinehas.
As Eli lay dead on the ground, when the wife of Phinehas heard that her husband was dead, being great with child, she immediately went into labor and gave birth right then and there. In the process of the birth, she also died. They appropriately named her baby Ichabod, which means “no glory” or “the glory has departed.” How would you like to go through life with that hanging over your head?
For this message I want to do something I rarely do. I’m going to take that out of context a bit for the sake of the point I feel led to make. Can you imagine going through public school with a name like Ichabod? I can hear the nicknames already. “Hey, there goes Ichy!” or “Look, it’s Sticky Ichy!” Imagine that you were either very skinny or very fat. Now the name becomes Ichy Bod!
I can identify with that because growing up in school I was very skinny. I heard all the names and was teased in about every way you could imagine. But now I’m fat!
As a young man I could eat. I have almost always loved to eat! In fact, early in my marriage with my deceased wife, Debbie, we had some friends that we formed a gospel group with. After practices and sometimes after we’d go singing somewhere, we’d stop to eat. My friend would tease me saying, “you must have a hollow leg.” He said that because I could eat most people under the table and never gain a pound.
But that didn’t last forever. When I hit 40, I began paying for all those years that I ate without gaining weight. It seemed that all I had to do was think about food and I gained 10 pounds.
Because I had spent some time in the Army, we lost contact with our friends for a few years. We later re-established our relationship and we met for dinner one Sunday. He took one look at me and I had no problem reading the look on his face. Without him saying a word, I answered his question, “My hollow leg filled up!”
I can talk about myself having an icky body, but I wouldn’t put any-one else down. You see, some folks have a large body because of a gland disorder or some other physical problem that is beyond their control. Others, due to health concerns, are forced to take medicines that unfortunately, result in weight gain.
I can’t claim either of those excuses. I have an icky body simply because I made very bad choices in life. I like food and I chose to overeat instead of controlling my habits.
The message I want to relate to you is that many times we feel like life has dealt us a bad hand, when in reality, in most situations, our misfortune is a result of our poor choices.
This goes for spiritual matters too. We make bad choices, then wonder why God hasn’t done more for us. We choose to not do the work and expect miracles.
There’s an old story, which some of you may have heard, but it goes like this:
A man was stranded in the desert. His vehicle had broken down, so he set out for his destination on foot. After several miles in the hot, sweltering sun, he became desperate. He prayed, “God, please get me out of here. I believe you are a God of miracles, and you can help me.” He wanted to stand in faith so on he trudged.
In a bit, a man on a camel came by. “Sir, do you need a ride?” Not wanting to let God down in a lack of faith, he politely said, “No thanks. God is going to get me out of here.”
After a while longer, as he was beginning to faint in the brutal sun, a man in a Jeep came by. “Sir,” he asked, “Can I help you?” Still hanging on in faith the man answered, “Thanks, but no thanks. God is going to take care of me.”
Finally, a man in a helicopter flew over and spotting the man walking in the hot sand, he landed and asked, “Sir, let me give you a ride.” Once again, the man responded, “No, thank you. God is going to take care of me.”
After a few more hours the man, desperate and confused prayed, “God, I just can’t understand why you are letting me down like this.” To which God responded, “Man, I sent you a camel, a Jeep and a helicopter. What more do you want?”
Sometimes we are like that. We refuse the obvious, wanting God to take care of our bad decisions. He will forgive our sin and save our souls. But sometimes we just have to see what He has already provided, and do what God’s common sense tells us.
Someone once said, “God owns the cattle of a thousand hills, but sometimes if we want one we have to go up and drive it down ourselves.”
—————
Jerry D. Ousley is the author of “Soul Challenge”, “Soul Journey”, “Ordeal”, “The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional” and his first novel “The Shoe Tree.” Newer books include “Finality” and “Dividing God's Church.” Visit our website at spiritbread.com to download these and more completely free of charge.
There is a story told in 1 Samuel 4 about the defeat of Israel by the Philistines. They had sent out the Ark of the Covenant with the army, thinking it would give them special favor with God and that He would guarantee their defeat of the Philistines.
But that didn’t happen. You see, they had gone out without seeking God. They were defeated and Eli, the high priest and judge of Israel at the time, fell over backwards when he got the news of the capture of the ark and because he was a very heavy man, he died. His sons, who were bearing the Ark of the Covenant, were also killed in the battle. One of his sons was named Phinehas.
As Eli lay dead on the ground, when the wife of Phinehas heard that her husband was dead, being great with child, she immediately went into labor and gave birth right then and there. In the process of the birth, she also died. They appropriately named her baby Ichabod, which means “no glory” or “the glory has departed.” How would you like to go through life with that hanging over your head?
For this message I want to do something I rarely do. I’m going to take that out of context a bit for the sake of the point I feel led to make. Can you imagine going through public school with a name like Ichabod? I can hear the nicknames already. “Hey, there goes Ichy!” or “Look, it’s Sticky Ichy!” Imagine that you were either very skinny or very fat. Now the name becomes Ichy Bod!
I can identify with that because growing up in school I was very skinny. I heard all the names and was teased in about every way you could imagine. But now I’m fat!
As a young man I could eat. I have almost always loved to eat! In fact, early in my marriage with my deceased wife, Debbie, we had some friends that we formed a gospel group with. After practices and sometimes after we’d go singing somewhere, we’d stop to eat. My friend would tease me saying, “you must have a hollow leg.” He said that because I could eat most people under the table and never gain a pound.
But that didn’t last forever. When I hit 40, I began paying for all those years that I ate without gaining weight. It seemed that all I had to do was think about food and I gained 10 pounds.
Because I had spent some time in the Army, we lost contact with our friends for a few years. We later re-established our relationship and we met for dinner one Sunday. He took one look at me and I had no problem reading the look on his face. Without him saying a word, I answered his question, “My hollow leg filled up!”
I can talk about myself having an icky body, but I wouldn’t put any-one else down. You see, some folks have a large body because of a gland disorder or some other physical problem that is beyond their control. Others, due to health concerns, are forced to take medicines that unfortunately, result in weight gain.
I can’t claim either of those excuses. I have an icky body simply because I made very bad choices in life. I like food and I chose to overeat instead of controlling my habits.
The message I want to relate to you is that many times we feel like life has dealt us a bad hand, when in reality, in most situations, our misfortune is a result of our poor choices.
This goes for spiritual matters too. We make bad choices, then wonder why God hasn’t done more for us. We choose to not do the work and expect miracles.
There’s an old story, which some of you may have heard, but it goes like this:
A man was stranded in the desert. His vehicle had broken down, so he set out for his destination on foot. After several miles in the hot, sweltering sun, he became desperate. He prayed, “God, please get me out of here. I believe you are a God of miracles, and you can help me.” He wanted to stand in faith so on he trudged.
In a bit, a man on a camel came by. “Sir, do you need a ride?” Not wanting to let God down in a lack of faith, he politely said, “No thanks. God is going to get me out of here.”
After a while longer, as he was beginning to faint in the brutal sun, a man in a Jeep came by. “Sir,” he asked, “Can I help you?” Still hanging on in faith the man answered, “Thanks, but no thanks. God is going to take care of me.”
Finally, a man in a helicopter flew over and spotting the man walking in the hot sand, he landed and asked, “Sir, let me give you a ride.” Once again, the man responded, “No, thank you. God is going to take care of me.”
After a few more hours the man, desperate and confused prayed, “God, I just can’t understand why you are letting me down like this.” To which God responded, “Man, I sent you a camel, a Jeep and a helicopter. What more do you want?”
Sometimes we are like that. We refuse the obvious, wanting God to take care of our bad decisions. He will forgive our sin and save our souls. But sometimes we just have to see what He has already provided, and do what God’s common sense tells us.
Someone once said, “God owns the cattle of a thousand hills, but sometimes if we want one we have to go up and drive it down ourselves.”
—————
Jerry D. Ousley is the author of “Soul Challenge”, “Soul Journey”, “Ordeal”, “The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional” and his first novel “The Shoe Tree.” Newer books include “Finality” and “Dividing God's Church.” Visit our website at spiritbread.com to download these and more completely free of charge.
Repent and Believe
February 06 ,2025
Read: Mark 1:14-20
“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (v. 15 NIV)
:
“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (v. 15 NIV)
By Stan Mast
Read: Mark 1:14-20
“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (v. 15 NIV)
With volitional doubt - doubt based on a stubborn refusal to give in to God’s will for life - the means by which Jesus overcomes our unbelief is a strong call to repent and believe. More facts don’t help this kind of doubt, because information isn’t the issue. The issue is choice.
I have an old friend who revels in his doubt. He is a seasoned believer, a lifelong member of the church, but he has chosen to doubt because he likes the feeling of liberation, of walking on the wild side, of being different. He doesn’t need more information. He needs to decide that simple, childlike faith in Jesus is better than his cherished doubt. He needs to repent of his chosen doubt.
My friend wouldn’t agree, but the issue for him is a refusal to believe the message Jesus always preached. “The kingdom of God has come near.” Jesus meant that it was near in himself. “I am the king of all things, including your life.” If my friend would cry, “Jesus, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” I suspect that Jesus would reply, “I’d love to. Now, repent and make me Lord of your mind and your will. Bend your knee to me.”
Do it now. “The time has come!” Repent and believe the good news that Jesus is King.
As you pray, use the words of the hymn, “Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.” (“Have Thine Own Way”)
Rev. Stan Mast is a retired pastor, who served four churches in the West and Midwest regions of the United States.
This devotional is reprinted by permission from Words of Hope. To receive Words of Hope’s daily meditation, and learn more about their international ministry, please visit woh.org.
“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (v. 15 NIV)
With volitional doubt - doubt based on a stubborn refusal to give in to God’s will for life - the means by which Jesus overcomes our unbelief is a strong call to repent and believe. More facts don’t help this kind of doubt, because information isn’t the issue. The issue is choice.
I have an old friend who revels in his doubt. He is a seasoned believer, a lifelong member of the church, but he has chosen to doubt because he likes the feeling of liberation, of walking on the wild side, of being different. He doesn’t need more information. He needs to decide that simple, childlike faith in Jesus is better than his cherished doubt. He needs to repent of his chosen doubt.
My friend wouldn’t agree, but the issue for him is a refusal to believe the message Jesus always preached. “The kingdom of God has come near.” Jesus meant that it was near in himself. “I am the king of all things, including your life.” If my friend would cry, “Jesus, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” I suspect that Jesus would reply, “I’d love to. Now, repent and make me Lord of your mind and your will. Bend your knee to me.”
Do it now. “The time has come!” Repent and believe the good news that Jesus is King.
As you pray, use the words of the hymn, “Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.” (“Have Thine Own Way”)
Rev. Stan Mast is a retired pastor, who served four churches in the West and Midwest regions of the United States.
This devotional is reprinted by permission from Words of Hope. To receive Words of Hope’s daily meditation, and learn more about their international ministry, please visit woh.org.
Faith Works: Evidence of Absence or Absence of Evidence
January 30 ,2025
In my shuttling back and forth between Ohio and Indiana these last few
years, there's a spot alongside Interstate 70 that keeps me wondering.
:
In my shuttling back and forth between Ohio and Indiana these last few years, there's a spot alongside Interstate 70 that keeps me wondering.
It's right around the 78-mile marker, north of London, Ohio and west of the Little Darby Creek, but looking west across the Deer Creek drainage.
There are some 20 oaks and catalpas in a grove, set around plot with a barn towards the back of it, to the east of the road and cluster of tall trees.
Clearly there was a farmhouse, a pretty substantial one at that, in the middle of those tall trees. It had to still be standing there in Madison County in 1960, maybe even 1970, since the interstate gently bends around that parcel adjoining the right of way. Not much, but enough to suggest the original designers avoided the extra cost of purchasing and demolishing a private home by going just south of it.
Yet the land shows no marks today, other than the outline of the trees and the presence of the outbuilding which would have been well behind the home. It's been gone awhile. Perhaps some local historical society or old maps could tell me more, but I haven't gone that far yet.
Once I did take an exit, and drove around by way of a small town that would have been a few miles south of the farmhouse I imagine, up to the gate, and I walked back just for a quick loop around under the trees, which were even
taller than I'd imagined in my mile-a-minute passage past them.
Why do I keep idly wondering about this distant, somewhat isolated spot? Other than passing it often enough to keep the curiosity fresh?
Matters of loss and absence have obviously been on my mind in recent years; there's also an echo of a book and film which color in some imagined details here, "A Thousand Acres," by Jane Smiley. If you know the work, my mullings may well make more sense to you than for others. It's a story that's not my own, to be sure, but issues of how memory loss and dementia can mark and bend a family are front and center in this modern retelling of "King Lear" set in Iowa or Illinois (the latter where the movie was filmed, on land I know somewhat).
In that story, a spoiler alert, but at the end there is a grand old farmhouse that is ultimately torn down, and the land merged into a corporate mega-farm. Only a few old tall trees remain to mark a home for generations of farmers.
So I wonder about the generations who lived there by what would become an interstate highway. Possibly a widow found she no longer wanted to live in a house with traffic day and night a few hundred yards away, and the children had no interest in farming. That's a simple story, but reality has a way of being much more complex. There is a story there, and I don't know it, I just sense the presence of a complex story as I pass that clump of trees.
Homes are torn down, churches close, businesses end their run, and the locations change in function and purpose, each with different marks left behind which few can read clearly. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever," with a promise that goodness endures, while evil passes away and is dissolved.
It's a promise we need to hear, and hold onto. Bad news seems to leave all the permanent marks, while love and goodness appear to wash away all too quickly.
1 John 5 says there is a record in heaven, a truth that endures. May it be so.
Jeff Gill is a writer, storyteller, and preacher; email him at knapsack77@gmail.com, or follow @Knapsack77 on Threads or Bluesky.
It's right around the 78-mile marker, north of London, Ohio and west of the Little Darby Creek, but looking west across the Deer Creek drainage.
There are some 20 oaks and catalpas in a grove, set around plot with a barn towards the back of it, to the east of the road and cluster of tall trees.
Clearly there was a farmhouse, a pretty substantial one at that, in the middle of those tall trees. It had to still be standing there in Madison County in 1960, maybe even 1970, since the interstate gently bends around that parcel adjoining the right of way. Not much, but enough to suggest the original designers avoided the extra cost of purchasing and demolishing a private home by going just south of it.
Yet the land shows no marks today, other than the outline of the trees and the presence of the outbuilding which would have been well behind the home. It's been gone awhile. Perhaps some local historical society or old maps could tell me more, but I haven't gone that far yet.
Once I did take an exit, and drove around by way of a small town that would have been a few miles south of the farmhouse I imagine, up to the gate, and I walked back just for a quick loop around under the trees, which were even
taller than I'd imagined in my mile-a-minute passage past them.
Why do I keep idly wondering about this distant, somewhat isolated spot? Other than passing it often enough to keep the curiosity fresh?
Matters of loss and absence have obviously been on my mind in recent years; there's also an echo of a book and film which color in some imagined details here, "A Thousand Acres," by Jane Smiley. If you know the work, my mullings may well make more sense to you than for others. It's a story that's not my own, to be sure, but issues of how memory loss and dementia can mark and bend a family are front and center in this modern retelling of "King Lear" set in Iowa or Illinois (the latter where the movie was filmed, on land I know somewhat).
In that story, a spoiler alert, but at the end there is a grand old farmhouse that is ultimately torn down, and the land merged into a corporate mega-farm. Only a few old tall trees remain to mark a home for generations of farmers.
So I wonder about the generations who lived there by what would become an interstate highway. Possibly a widow found she no longer wanted to live in a house with traffic day and night a few hundred yards away, and the children had no interest in farming. That's a simple story, but reality has a way of being much more complex. There is a story there, and I don't know it, I just sense the presence of a complex story as I pass that clump of trees.
Homes are torn down, churches close, businesses end their run, and the locations change in function and purpose, each with different marks left behind which few can read clearly. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever," with a promise that goodness endures, while evil passes away and is dissolved.
It's a promise we need to hear, and hold onto. Bad news seems to leave all the permanent marks, while love and goodness appear to wash away all too quickly.
1 John 5 says there is a record in heaven, a truth that endures. May it be so.
Jeff Gill is a writer, storyteller, and preacher; email him at knapsack77@gmail.com, or follow @Knapsack77 on Threads or Bluesky.
This Mountain
January 30 ,2025
The mountain in Matthew 5:1 became a place of profound encounter with Jesus.
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By JK Woodall
The mountain in Matthew 5:1 became a place of profound encounter with Jesus.
The crowds arrived carrying heavy burdens — illness, grief, loneliness, and unseen wounds. Many traveled long distances, driven by faith that they would find healing. Their journey, marked by determination, mirrored Jesus’ own 40 days of testing in the wilderness where He prepared to bear humanity's brokenness.
Jesus saw the crowds, looking beyond their physical conditions to the deeper struggles in their hearts. His compassion was unwavering. As He ascended the mountain He welcomed all, bringing healing to the afflicted and equipping His disciples for the challenges to come.
The mountain hosted two groups: the afflicted and the called disciples. The afflicted sought relief, bringing their stories of pain, while the disciples learned to embrace the compassion that would define their ministry.
Jesus began His teaching with the Beatitudes, proclaiming: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 NIV). His words transformed the mountain into a sanctuary of hope and renewal.
This mountain symbolizes transformation for all who come in faith. It reminds us that Jesus sees us, even in a crowd, and meets us with healing and purpose. Whether afflicted or called, we all must journey to this mountain, trusting that Jesus will restore and set us free.
The mountain in Matthew 5:1 became a place of profound encounter with Jesus.
The crowds arrived carrying heavy burdens — illness, grief, loneliness, and unseen wounds. Many traveled long distances, driven by faith that they would find healing. Their journey, marked by determination, mirrored Jesus’ own 40 days of testing in the wilderness where He prepared to bear humanity's brokenness.
Jesus saw the crowds, looking beyond their physical conditions to the deeper struggles in their hearts. His compassion was unwavering. As He ascended the mountain He welcomed all, bringing healing to the afflicted and equipping His disciples for the challenges to come.
The mountain hosted two groups: the afflicted and the called disciples. The afflicted sought relief, bringing their stories of pain, while the disciples learned to embrace the compassion that would define their ministry.
Jesus began His teaching with the Beatitudes, proclaiming: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 NIV). His words transformed the mountain into a sanctuary of hope and renewal.
This mountain symbolizes transformation for all who come in faith. It reminds us that Jesus sees us, even in a crowd, and meets us with healing and purpose. Whether afflicted or called, we all must journey to this mountain, trusting that Jesus will restore and set us free.
What Is Doubt?
January 30 ,2025
Read: Matthew 26:36-46
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (v. 39 NIV)
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“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (v. 39 NIV)
By Stan Mast
Read: Matthew 26:36-46
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (v. 39 NIV)
The root idea of doubt is being divided. To doubt is to have a divided mind, a mind that is torn between belief and unbelief. Thomas was of one mind about Jesus’s identity: “My Lord and my God!” The crowd around the cross was of one mind about the falseness of Jesus’s claims. In contrast, doubt is being of two minds about Jesus. Is that what we see on the mountaintop in Matthew 28?
G.?K. Chesterton thought that Jesus experienced doubt in Gethsemane because of how he prayed. But that’s not how Jesus described his mind. He spoke of sorrow and trouble, of being overwhelmed and in anguish. Jesus was afraid. What we call doubt is sometimes fear. The horror of what is happening doesn’t divide our minds. It sends them reeling in fear.
Other times what feels like doubt is simply questioning. Read the story of Job carefully and you won’t find that he doubted God. But he surely had some challenging questions for God. Job didn’t have doubt wavering between faith and unbelief. He had faith seeking understanding.
That may explain these disciples, and us. Even though they believed in Jesus as Lord and God, they may still have been filled with questions about what had happened and with fear about what would happen. Sometimes, we don’t have a double mind as much as a troubled mind or a searching mind.
As you pray, ask God to search your heart, and help you know yourself.
Rev. Stan Mast is a retired pastor, who served four churches in the West and Midwest. This devotional is reprinted by permission from Words of Hope. To receive Words of Hope's daily meditation, and learn about their international ministry, please visit woh.org.
Read: Matthew 26:36-46
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (v. 39 NIV)
The root idea of doubt is being divided. To doubt is to have a divided mind, a mind that is torn between belief and unbelief. Thomas was of one mind about Jesus’s identity: “My Lord and my God!” The crowd around the cross was of one mind about the falseness of Jesus’s claims. In contrast, doubt is being of two minds about Jesus. Is that what we see on the mountaintop in Matthew 28?
G.?K. Chesterton thought that Jesus experienced doubt in Gethsemane because of how he prayed. But that’s not how Jesus described his mind. He spoke of sorrow and trouble, of being overwhelmed and in anguish. Jesus was afraid. What we call doubt is sometimes fear. The horror of what is happening doesn’t divide our minds. It sends them reeling in fear.
Other times what feels like doubt is simply questioning. Read the story of Job carefully and you won’t find that he doubted God. But he surely had some challenging questions for God. Job didn’t have doubt wavering between faith and unbelief. He had faith seeking understanding.
That may explain these disciples, and us. Even though they believed in Jesus as Lord and God, they may still have been filled with questions about what had happened and with fear about what would happen. Sometimes, we don’t have a double mind as much as a troubled mind or a searching mind.
As you pray, ask God to search your heart, and help you know yourself.
Rev. Stan Mast is a retired pastor, who served four churches in the West and Midwest. This devotional is reprinted by permission from Words of Hope. To receive Words of Hope's daily meditation, and learn about their international ministry, please visit woh.org.
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