by Elaine Olsen | Mar 4, 2014 | a quick word, conviction, courage, hunger
“You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming themselves. –John 18:17-18...
by Elaine Olsen | Feb 5, 2014 | conviction, courage, faith, Holy Spirit, pilgrimage, provision, trust, words, writing
When I get to the end of all of this, when I reach the other side of the struggle that’s been weighing so heavily upon me, what do I want to see happen? This is the question I keep asking myself. It’s the question that keeps me awake at night and barely functioning...
by Elaine Olsen | Oct 8, 2013 | courage, creation, freedom, peace, prayer, rest
From where I’m sitting this morning, I see the witness of the changing season. The tree that hedges my bedroom window is beginning to sharpen in color, while surrendering a leaf to the wind every few minutes. I could stare at it for hours. What rich beauty there is in...
by Elaine Olsen | Sep 23, 2013 | cancer, cancer volume 4, church life, courage, kingdom, ministry life, obedience, silence, words, writing
“Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors.” (2 Kings 19:30-31) ~~~~ I attached the purple ribbon to my mailbox as a reminder to myself: A...
by Elaine Olsen | Aug 20, 2013 | courage, faith, God's Word, Lessons from the Lunchroom, living God's truth, persecution, prayer, strength, suffering, surrender
I listen to their voices as they herald their morning choruses. Songs of faith. Melodies written in antiquity, yet music still breathing the living witness of God. I hear them recite their morning verses. Words of faith. Scripture written in antiquity, yet...
by Elaine Olsen | Apr 11, 2013 | courage, desert dwelling, evil, faith, living God's truth, ministry life, packing up, right words; right timing, strength, trust
A couple of nights ago, I called my older boys and offered them this caution: “Be on guard, sons. Apparently our family is now Satan’s new, favorite chew-toy.” The next morning, my mother called with a similar warning: “Elaine, I’ve been standing here in front of the...
