by Elaine Olsen | Jul 23, 2017 | courage, evil, faith, fellowship with God, prayer, rest, strength, surrender
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” Those are the words chiseled into the marble sarcophagus that holds the body of an unidentified military veteran from WWI. In addition, two other unidentified soldiers from WWII and the Korean War are...
by Elaine Olsen | Jun 22, 2014 | blessing, cancer volume 4, church life, dad, Holy Spirit, kingdom, living God's truth, ministry life, pilgrimage, strength, truth, words, worship
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” -1 Cor. 3:6-7 Today was watering day at Ebenezer UMC. I took my watering can and applied it heartily to the...
by Elaine Olsen | Feb 25, 2014 | a quick word, artistry, cancer, creation, strength
A Cherry Blossom in full bloom greeted me on my way into Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center this afternoon. Fitting that it should be there, waiting on me. I think God knew I needed its witness. Just two weeks ago, an ice storm wreaked havoc on our community. The only...
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...
by Elaine Olsen | Oct 11, 2012 | Beyond Cancer's Scars (the story behind the story), cancer, cancer volume 4, creation, pilgrimage, strength, trust
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” –Eccl. 3:1 The changing seasons. A new one is arriving to replace the old. Fall has always been my preference. Color. Coolness. Breezes and releases. The heat of summer is being swept away...
