Life Renewal Institute, Berrien Springs, MI (2026)

09/01/2026

A Lump of Clay

Over six decades ago I was given an incredible privilege for an elective in High School. We were allowed to choose one class in the art department, and for whatever reason, I chose pottery. The department had 2 potter’s wheels, a huge built-in kiln, and a kind and knowledgeable teacher. Our teacher taught us how to make things by rolling clay into ropes and then to construct them into an object. I had in my cupboard for a long time, a jam jar with cover to remind me of something I made in my youth and still wish I could do today and wish I’d been able to do through the years. She also taught us how to use the wheel by linking our two thumbs together, form an object out of a lump of clay.

I am reminded of an old 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.”

William Penn once wrote in his book, Fruits of an Active Life, page 425, “True Godliness does not turn men out of the world but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavors to mend it.”

In one of my favorite books, The Spirit of Gentleness, by Judith Lechman, a dear friend of mine, are written these words on page 22.

“When we let go of the illusion that we somehow are in control, we can begin to end the blocking we do through denial and avoidance. Until we put to death the false beliefs we hold about our powerfulness, we cannot walk in the openness of a new life in the Spirit.”

In the biblical book of Matthew, we read about the time right after Jesus’ baptism, when He was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness, where he fasted for 40 days and nights. In his hungry and somewhat weakened condition, Satan came to tempt Him on the three points on which he tempts us – appetite, power and possessions. You can read about it in Matthew , Chapter 4, verses 4 – 11.

Reading again in Judy Lechman’s book, she writes:

“We are asked to die many deaths after our baptism, with each death related to the central one of self.” Ibid, pg, 22

Then we are split, of two minds. Our old self is not dead, it still exists within us, and so does God’s spirit. The more we choose, through God’s grace – His unmerited, divine assistance for our redemption and our sanctification (being made holy,) grace is increasingly more active in us. As we open our hearts to receive, to be molded by Him into the form He would have us to take – like His son, Jesus, the more that self is replaced by the indwelling Christ.

Back to the potter’s wheel. Clay is literally thrown on to the center of the potter’s wheel – just a lump of brown, workableness that looks like nothing but mud, which it is. See yourself as that lump of clay, and Christ as the potter. He has in mind exactly what He wants to create – or perhaps I should say, recreate. Sometimes He needs to pound us a bit until we are pliable enough to begin forming the clay into what He envisions. Does He see you as a vessel fit for holding him? Does He see you formed into a piece of empty elbow macaroni through whom His spirit, His love, gentleness and kindness can flow to others. Remember when that macaroni is stuffed with cheese (self) then nothing of great value can flow through us.

Now, here’s the catch; sometimes our stubborn selves do not like the molding process, and we choose to fight it. Just like clay, sometimes we must go through another go-around. The clay must be made into a lump again. Water may need to be added – just what you and I will have to endure to become of moldable consistency again (teachable) again. Does His work in us ever end? Will we have to be brought down for yet another lesson? Chances that in the process of making us into a beautiful object that He can use to bless others, we will have to submit to another lesson, maybe several or numerous times.

Will we ever be completely perfect – just like Jesus? Not of our own power, but just as the clay on the potter’s wheel needs the touch of the Master’s hand, so do we. The more open and teachable we become, the more of self that is removed, the more we allow Christ to dwell within, the more of a light, a blessing and benefit to others we will become.

Is there any help along the way?

That’s what grace is! He will provide what we need to become what he sees we are. His word, the Bible has incredible lessons for us, if we will read and apply to ourselves what we are reading.

Fellowship with others in the same process as we can share what has been a blessing, thus encouraging us to do the same for them. This type of fellowship is the best¸ the most productive for us and others. Even if only two or three gather in His name, He is there to teach and comfort.

Ministers of the gospel can help us along the way. Getting to know our pastor and His family can help to point us toward more pliability and teachableness.

Jesus is ALWAYS available. He answers your phone calls to Him all the time and always has an answer. Whether or not we like the answer is irrelevant. Just know that He hears and provides you with endurance and the comfort of His love.

Potter’s clay may not be readily available to us, but forms of play-doh are available at WalMart. The more it works in the warmth of your hand, the more pliable it becomes. Sounds like Jesus and us, doesn’t it, as the warmth of His love continues to make us into what He designed? Try it – it’s a good object lesson to remind you that you are in the process of being molded.

God be with you as you work your “clay” reminding you to allow the molding process in your life.

Lovingly,

Nancy

08/23/2026

A TOUCH OF LOVE

Have you ever been touched by someone displaying love and/or compassion? It felt good, didn't it?
Why is touch important? Here is what the scientific community agrees upon.
In a newborn, touch regulates temperature, heart rate, breathing, reduces crying, enhances growth, and provides emotional security. Breast feeding also provides the hearing of mother's heartbeat and the warmth of cuddling.
In orphanages, where minimal touch is given, children suffer stunted growth and developmental delays. There is the emotional component as well, as a child interprets that there is something wrong with me that nobody cares.
The brain interprets gentle touch as pleasant; it releases OXYTOCIN to stimulate the brain's reward center, reduces anxiety, and increases the body's own pain tolerance. It promotes trust and enhances social bonding. Is it an essential component for encompassing well-being? I surely would say so!
Undoubtedly, Jesus knew this and used gentle touch as He ministered here on earth. Let's look at that:

Luke 5:13 - Jesus touches a l***r, one with the vilest disease of the time.
Luke 6:10 - Jesus provides healing as He touches a withered hand.
Luke 7:14 - Jesus touches the coffin of a dead man and he arose.
Luke 7:38 - Jesus comforted by the touch of Mary Magdelene and her anointing of Him with oil.
Luke 8:46 - Jesus touched by woman with an issue of blood & she was healed. Jesus felt her touch and "perceived power going out from Me"
Luke 8:54 -Synagogue ruler's daughter dead. Jesus took her hand and she arose.
Luke 10:34 - Good Samaritan who bandaged and cared for wounded man.
Luke 13:13 - Jesus touched a woman who was "bent over."
Luke 18:16 - Jesus touches & blesses little children.
Luke 19:5 - Jesus touches & dines with Zaccheus, the tax collector.

Do you notice that all these accounts are written in the Biblical book of Luke? He was, after all, a physician who witnessed every healing.

There is so much evidence, Biblical and scientific, proclaiming the virtues of touch. Back when I could afford it, I would get a massage, and that touch was so beneficial to an aching neck and back. Even now, when a worker here touches me, helps me shower or is just extra friendly, that touch means the world to me.

Let's reach out and touch one another this week. You will be glad you did!

Lovingly, unfortunately without physical touch,

Nancy

08/21/2026

ENDLESS LOVE

Recently, a book was given to my library that has provided increased encouragement and utter joy. It tells the difference between the typical “do good and obey, or else” Christian theology and the substantial amount of one-way love provided in Scripture. When Jesus was upon this earth, he not only spoke of love, but He also demonstrated it. His daily interactions with his disciples projected his overwhelming love. And on the cross, tortured, spat upon and abused, He gave his life to save those who crucified him – and that’s all of us. Our rejection of his Law of love, breaks His heart.

As He taught in Galilee and other places, he decried the Sadducees and pharisees who tended to shove the law down people’s throats. There is a difference between their laws and “The Law” given to Moses on Mount Sanai. Jesus said he came to magnify the Law, not to destroy it. Even today, that Law has consequences for those who refuse to obey it! But our loving Lord forgives even the vilest offender. “Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow” See Isaiah 1: 18-19.

This text might be frightening. James 2:10 states “For whosoever shall keep the whole, and yet stumble in one point, He is guilty of all. The Law is found are found in Deuteronomy 5:6-21 and in Exodus 20:2-17. Old Testament, yet relevant today. Even today’s court system uses the 10 Commandments as criteria for judgement and sentencing of those who ignore and break one of those Laws. So, what does this have to do with love? Everything.

The “one-way love of God” meets us in our failures. Our failures make His love more glorious. He does not chastise, he forgives, he gives, he promises. The value of our life rests upon God’s infinite, incomprehensible, unconditional love for us, not our love for him. His grace enables our faith, and our faith circularly enables his grace – the unmerited, divine assurance of our redemption and salvation. He lavishes us with grace to guarantee our eternal home in heaven with him. He gives all so that we can have all.

We have the privilege of responding to his love, his grace, with nothing to lose. Let’s do it today – this moment!

Oh, love that will not let me go
I rest my weary soul in Thee
I give Thee back the love I owe,
That in Thine Ocean depths’
Its flow may richer, fuller be.
Oh, Light that follows all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to Thee,
I give Thee back the Golden rays,
That in its light may lead to endless days.

Lovingly,

Nancy

08/16/2026

BANDONED BUT NEVER ALONE

Have you ever felt like an orphan? Do you recall stories of children who languished in orphanages? Stories abound of those who longed for attention, for love, for someone to care. Some children have been lined up at a train station platform, to be examined for defects and passed by because they were not good enough. Perhaps their teeth were crooked or rotting or those looking to adopt were fearful of lice in their scalp. These are passed by, discarded like rubbish. So back on the train to who knows where. Will there be yet another rejection?

Never good enough is reminiscent of how many people feel when it comes to salvation. They try and try as if something they perform will get them God’s love and acceptance. Yet the harder they try, as the old saying goes, “the behinder they get.” They ask the question, what amount of perfection will it take to get acceptance from another person or from God? Of course, God asks of us to be kind and loving, to display His characteristics to others, but ought we to exhaust ourselves in trying to prove that we are worthy of God’s acceptance? That battle will never end. Many children find themselves adopted only temporarily. Some mistake or misbehavior gets them sent away to another home, where again they find themselves on trial. Utter rebellion on the part of these children or teens sometimes occurs, and yet in special homes there are adoptive parents who are courageous enough to endure the rebellion until the child or teen finds that the parent’s love draws them to the parents and eventually to Jesus. That is how it is with most of us. We long to be loved, we long to be saved, but our behavior often dreams up thoughts that we’ll never make it. The bible tells us that ALL have sinned and come short of the glory, or goodness and mercy of God, but Jesus continues calling us to himself. What a blessing and a joy!

In chapter eight of the biblical book of Romans, we read: “There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Verses 1-4.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to be the sacrifice for our sinfulness. John 3:16. Picture Jesus on the cross – a crown of thorns on his head, his arms outstretched and driven with nails, naked, and His feet driven with nails too. This was and is God’s sacrifice for you and for me and for all those who believe on His name. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and though shalt be saved, and thine house,” scripture tells us.

How then do we live according to the Spirit? Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Call me, melt me, mold me and fill me. Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place. Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace, Thou art welcome in this place (my heart). The Good Lord reminds us to live with the Spirit of love and acceptance that Jesus gave us, and even in our sinful state we reside in the heart of God. His acceptance and dying love are beyond our comprehension. Thinking about His never-failing love reminds me repeatedly as the words come to mind.

There is an old hymn that reminds us that we belong to God. “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchased of God. Born of His spirit and washed in his blood. Did you understand the word “heir” in that hymn? An heir is one who is related to or befriended by another and receives the gift of inheritance. Thus, never orphaned. Oh, how my heart and mind have been transformed since my sweet husband’s death. Yes, there are precious children, two daughters both with very busy lives, and two great sons-in-law (more like sons), and they are adored by me. There are precious friends here where I live, and they are helpful. Are there frustrations in my life? Yes, of course, but mostly friends continue to bless and make suggestions in my home of forteen months. However, by far, my relationship with Jesus is my greatest comfort on an hourly and daily basis.

Orphaned by my husband’s death yes, but NEVER alone!

Nancy

08/13/2026

A CONTROVERSY

It was the time of World War 11. My father was shipped overseas and saw many atrocities that he recalled in glowing detail. I would say that's a horrible memory to carry in one's mind and heart for the rest of life! In addition to painful recollections, he experienced his own pain during that time as well. Also, his son Jimmy, was born and died while he was in Europe, due to a hospital accident. Major traumas!
Dad was a Sabbath observing Master Sergeant, who longed for Sabbaths off duty so he could worship while in the trenches. That request was made known to the Commander, who summoned him for an interview.

In the interview room, there were three others present along with the Commander. One was a Catholic priest. Another a Jewish rabbi and a Protestant minister. Dad was asked to explain why he want that one day a week off.
Dad pulled out the little Bible he kept in his uniform and began to explain the Scriptures relating to the Sabbath. He showed the clergy, the Biblical book of Genesis, the story of creation, where it is recorded that God worked those six days and then he rested on day seven.
He also "blessed and sanctified" that day and He rested. The 10 Commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai also corroborates in Exodus Chapter 20:1-17 and in Deuteronomy 5:6-21, with all 10 Commandments listed.
When Jesus walked this earth, He taught His disciples and others the importance of observing all 10 Commandments.

Dad explained all that information with everyone listening attentively. The Commander then turned to the clergy and asked, "Gentlemen, what do you say?" all three clergy individually agreed that "What the boy has said is correct.

Looking back as dad told the experience, I remember him mentioning Constantine, who lived in the 300's BC. He explained that because Constantine was a religious man and a powerful leader, he decided to march his army through a river, supposedly baptizing them. When the "baptism" ended, he declared that Sunday was the new day of worship.

Today, churches celebrate Sunday and do so as a memorial to Christ's resurrection. However, the Bible does not instruct that we should worship His resurrection, but that we should worship HIM, the Creator of heaven and earth and the founder of the true Sabbath. The real calendar has never changed.

This is a controversy for sure, and yet the other commandments are acknowledged as binding, even in our Court system. Prisons are filled with those who have not kept the commandments. James 2:10 tells us, " For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet stumble in one point, He is guilty of all." WOW!

Think on these things! Would love to hear your thoughts!

Lovingly,

Nancy

08/10/2026

VALUABLE GIFTS

Picture this. You are five years old, and if your parents had told you about Santa Claus, you are counting the days and minutes until his arrival. The tree in your living room is brightly decorated with several pretty wrapped boxes beneath it. You are itching to open them; they call you to jiggle and shake them trying to guess their content.
The day are creeping toward the unveiling. You believe that his rotund form is going to slide down your chimney, minus soot. You plead with your Mom and Dad to leave milk and cookies for him to enjoy when he arrives.
Mom and Dad tuck you in bed for the night and you can hardly sleep/ You've been told however that you must sleep if you want Santa to come. You have seen a special dolly or truck that you long for, so obediently you close your eyes in sleep.
Do you run downstairs to see if Santa has come, or do you first pounce on your parent's bed to wake them? You decide.

Well, this writing is NOT about Christmas morning at age 5. It IS about the Greatest Gift you have ever received. It doesn't require sleep and belief in Santa, but it does encourage rest, safe in the arms of Jesus.

Lately I have been reading in the book of Romans, one of my favorite accounts in the Bible. Chapters 5 and 6 abound with Good News, much better than Christmas morning. In this blog, I will quote several texts, and then advise you to read, no, study those two chapters every day for a month. Make the time. It's worth it.
Verse 1 of Chapter 5 - "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through whom also we have access by faith into this GRACE in which we stand and rejoice in HOPE of the glory of God."
My Ron used to define GRACE as the unmerited divine assistance of God for the regeneration and sanctification of God. We didn't deserve it. We don't have to be on the "naughty or nice" list; we just need to believe, have faith like the 5-year-olds.
Verse 5 of Chapter 5 - "hope does not disappoint because the LOVE of God has been poured out in our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT who was given to us."
Verse 3 of Chapter 6 - "do you not know that as many of us who were baptized Christ

Nancy

08/02/2026

MUSINGS

TODAY WAS CHURCH DAY FOR ME.

It was a half hour drive to church and another half-hour ride home. Other than the fact that I had a "bellyache," the day was great. Since moving here, it was discovered that there are MANY precious saints at that church! Procuring

My ride home was in a truck - a very nice one, which was quite easy for this old body to climb into. There had been a "Meet and Greet" experience following the service, which offered snacks to hold us over until we could a isn't always easy, as members also have other responsibilities, vacations and illnesses.

When arriving home, I was met by a good friend - a resident here where I live. She wanted to chat with me about her impending move to a different facility - also Assisted Living, but in Melbourne, Florida. She elaborated on the advantages and opportunities at her new residence, and I will have to admit to being a tad jealous. This new place had a menu from which one could choose, activities available including an on-site beauty parlor, restaurant, snack shop, gift shop, and on and on it went. Oh, and there are also freshly baked pastry goods at breakfast. WOW I thought, should I look into this?

But wait a minute - my two wonderful daughters live here in Sebastian where I am. And yes, the food at this facility can often leave much to be desired with an abundance of ham and pork - I eat neither, but one can always substitute or supplement. Tonight I opened and drank a "Boost." That was supper.

I am reminded of what in Scripture, the Apostle Paul had to say. "I have found that whatever state I am therewith to be content." Shouldn't I be? Shouldn't you be?

With love and gratitude,
Nancy

07/28/2026

NEED PRAYER?

Believe it or not, I just finished writing a blog and promptly lost it all! There's been a TV disruption here today, so perhaps that's the culprit. In any case, here we go again - a new blog with the same message.

Scripture admonishes us to prayer continually, and that is an excellent and valuable recommendation. It the middle of today's hubbub, prayer has been constantly in my heart and on my mind!
First off, our laundry returned early this morning. That requires that we sort, fold and hang up some items. Takes a while.
Next, I started contacting Medicare, and that was a joke. No one had the answer to my questionings. They wanted numbers, which I supplied, but kept telling me I had provided the wrong numbers.
Then it was on to Social Security - another conundrum. I filled out multiple forms trying to get a copy of my Social Security Card, which somehow has disappeared from my possession. That has been an all-day pursuit, discovering that they demand answers to many, many questions that I faithfully answered, only to get to the place where they demand my physical presence at their office. I ask you, How is that possible with no driver's license, no car and a $45,00 charge to go anywhere from here?.
I had sent money to the hospital where I had the Carotid Scan, and as yet it had not been received there. PLEASE Jesus!

You might ask how the Scan turned out. Well, after calling the Cardiologists office I was told that the Dr. would call me when he had a chance, otherwise I have an appointment in September. Guess the results aren't too detrimental or I am dying, don't know which.

Didn't anything good happen today? Yes, still I was blessed. My Arizona friends sent me a precious gift received in today's mail. My sister-in-law sent a letter, which I have already answered. Another wonderful friend sent me a gift, and now I have to figure out a way For that to be actuated.

Perhaps you've decided that I need prayer. Because I have openly asked Jesus, Father God and the Holy Spirit to dwell in me, I am certain that His GRACE and MERCY will carry me through, because I believe. His Cross is my guarantee!

Suggestion: Open your heart and mind today for the indwelling Trinity and be blessed!

Gratefully and Lovingly,
Nancy

07/22/2026

NOT MY HOME

This world is not my home
I'm just a-passing through.
My treasures are laid down
Somewhere beyond the blue,
The angels beckon me
From heaven's golden shore,
I don't feel at home
In this world, no more.

An old hymn or maybe a Negro Spiritual, I'm not sure. But its words are oh so true. We live in a day and age when dishonesty, crime and hardship prevail. There isn't a person I know who isn't enduring some hardship.

Today my firstborn daughter and her husband are in court facing the man who murdered their son. How traumatic that must be, so your prayers for them are requested. Received news just today of another couple whose marriage is basically over. Incompatibility or infidelity? Who knows for sure? But we don't know why some marriages seem to be "easy come, easy go." Another sign of the times in which we live. Guess they think that their fears will be assuaged by a different partner, and their life will improve.

Yes, it's true, as Scripture predicts, men's (and) women's) hearts are failing them for fear of what is coming upon the earth. Many young people and even children fear wars, rumors of war. Politics seem untrustworthy, and the TV keeps blaring about the carnage in war-torn countries and the threat of nuclear war around the world and here in America too. Theatres show movies depicting Armageddon, and anxiety is rampant.

Sounds like too much doom and gloom to me. Pathetically, we don't read Scripture enough to know that the world is coming to an end. We know not the day nor the hour, but we do know that Jesus will come soon to claim those who believe that His sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary was sufficient for our sin, if we only believe. He would have us express His love to each other as a demonstration of Christ dwelling in us. Kindness, gentleness, courtesy, forgiveness, are only some of his attributes we should demonstrate.

Revelation 21: 4 reads "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death or sorrow or crying. There shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away."

Let's just abide in Him and allow him access to abide within us. Oh yes, the old hymn says:
Abide with me, Fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide.
When other helper fails and comfort flees,
Help of the helpless, Oh, abide with me.

Let this be our prayer!

In His Grace, mercy, faith and love,
Nancy

Life Renewal Institute

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