Life Renewal Institute, Berrien Springs, MI (2026)

10/11/2026

CHROMOSOMES: The Tiny Packages That Help Shape Our Characteristics

A simple look at how DNA, genes, and chromosomes influence the characters and traits we see in living things.

What Are Chromosomes?
Chromosomes are thread-like structures found inside the nucleus of most cells. They are made of DNA, which acts like an instruction manual for the body. Instead of floating around loosely, DNA is carefully wrapped and organized into chromosomes so cells can store, copy, and pass on genetic information.

How Genes Fit In
A gene is a smaller section of DNA found on a chromosome. Each gene carries instructions for a specific job, often by guiding the body to make proteins. These proteins help build cells, control body processes, and influence traits such as hair color, eye color, blood type, or even the ability to digest certain foods.

From Chromosomes to Character
In biology, a character is an inherited feature, such as flower color in pea plants or earlobe shape in humans. A trait is the specific version of that character, such as purple flowers instead of white flowers, or attached earlobes instead of free-hanging earlobes. Chromosomes carry the genes that help determine which traits appear.

Why We Look Like Our Families
Humans usually have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. One chromosome in each pair comes from the mother, and the other comes from the father. This is why children often share traits with both parents but are not the same as either one. Each person receives a unique mix of genetic instructions. To say that we are fearfully and wonderfully made would be the exact opposite of a hyperbole!

When God designed the human at the beginning of time, He fashioned internal organs like heart, kidneys, liver, intestines, etc. This article’s topic goes deeper and more surface. Which is it, you might ask. It is about how chromosomes develop character – our thoughts and feelings.

Now combine what you have already read here with life experiences. Relationships, Harsh or abusive treatment, sadness, depression or loss, and you have a combination that can create misery. Think about your personal life experiences; earliest relationships with parents and other family members. Are your memories love-filled happy ones? Do you have an intimate love relationship with God, the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit? Those relationships bring joy, fulfillment and happiness.

So, here is another recommendation for you - Examine yourselves, and determine what is needed in your life, and then “Go for It” with determination. You have the DNA, the Chromosomes necessary. You have a brain – I know because you are reading this article. Always, God be with you as you do so!

Lovingly,

Nancy

P.S. Just a bit more science

Dominant and Recessive Traits
Some traits follow simple inheritance patterns. A dominant trait may show up even if a person inherits only one copy of the gene version for that trait. A recessive trait usually appears only when a person inherits two matching recessive versions. However, many human traits are more complex and are influenced by several genes as well as the environment.

Examples of Inherited Characters
Eye color and hair color
Blood type
Dimples or no dimples
Attached or free-hanging earlobes
Some inherited health risks

The Big Idea
Chromosomes are important because they carry DNA instructions that help shape inherited characters. Genes on chromosomes influence traits, and those traits make each organism unique. While chromosomes do not decide everything about a person or living thing, they provide the biological starting point for many of the characteristics we notice.

10/09/2026

A Fluffy Tale

My husband and I were in Russia on a lecture tour; perhaps 20 years ago. We had an appointment for several lectures. At the third lecture, a woman came to speak to me.

She had limited ability to speak in English, and I could not speak in the Russian language. I feared we would be at a speech impasse, but . . .

In her hands, she carried a small brown paper bag. Out of the bag, she removed the thickest and brightest pair of socks I had ever seen. They were two shades of orange with a thin strip of light beige. She pointed to the beige strip and said, “My dog’s tail.” I was flabbergasted! Again, she spoke, “For you, thank you.”

With a wide mouth I stared at her and finally decided to thank her. I hugged her warmly and she hugged me back. My eyes were filled with tears, perhaps they ran down my cheeks too.

I have had them hidden in a very safe place ever since. They remind me of a precious and sometimes overwhelmingly wonderful time when my Ron was still living, and we traveled extensively to teach – wonderful memories!

A few weeks ago, I was to do the Children’s story at church. In a large black, zippered bag, I took those treasures with me. When the appropriate time came, I sat with the children, told the story, and pulled out the socks. The children sat there with mouths wide open, reminiscent of my wide-open mouth when I was given the socks in Russia. Each one touched the beige stripe gently, feeling its softness. One child asked if she had to cut off the dog’s tail to make the socks. I explained it was simply the FUR on the dog’s fluffy tail that she had removed and then knitted into those socks.

When the church service was over, I was asked by adult members numerous times to pull those socks out of my bag. The adults wanted to see and touch the soft beige stripe too. They were amazed, and this began a conversation with women about how she had done the knitting. I could only guess.

Love and gratefulness move people to do many loving things. Children draw pictures for their moms and dads, Grandmas, and Grandpas. Heartwarming stories abound, even in this dangerous world today, of people who do kind things for others. It doesn’t take much effort to express God’s love, especially when we are loved by our own Heavenly Father. The admonition “Be kind one to another” is repeatedly found in Scripture.

Let’s do at least one thing for someone this week. In so doing we are following the love and example of Jesus.

With my love,

Nancy

10/07/2026

PATIENCE

The Bible lists “Patience as one of the Gifts of the Spirit.” Someone, don’t know who, was quoted as saying: “Lord, give me patience and I want it right now.” Of course, that statement shows how desperately the one who said it, really needs Patience.

Have you ever found yourself to be impatient over the slightest things? I certainly have! Trying to unscrew a cap off a water bottle, trying to write a Blog, and having difficulty choosing the correct word, zipping up a Ziploc bag, cleaning food out of your teeth? You could probably add it to this list.

As a parent, do you find it troubling when your highchair bound toddler decides to paint whatever is nearby with his food? Or maybe when your cat uses your living room rug as his litter box? Or when the wind extricates your raked autumn leaves into a whirlwind? Or perhaps you see someone you judge to be a “no good bum”, waving a sign as you pass by, asking for money?

I’ll have to be honest. As a parent it was easy, too easy, for me to not have needed patience with my daughters. Oh, how I regret my perfectionist ways, disallowing my children to be normal children!

So, what are we talking about here?

Billy Graham wrote: “Patience is the transcendent radiance of a loving and tender heart, which in its dealings with those around it, looks kindly and graciously upon it. Patience graciously, compassionately and with understanding judges the faults of others without unjust criticism. Patience also includes perseverance – the ability to bear up under weariness, strain and persecution when doing the work of the Lord.”

Bishop Horne, (1776-1780) was Vice Chancelor of the University of Oxford, an academic and a soldier. He wrote: “Patience is the guardian of faith, the preserver of peace, the cherisher of love, the teacher of humility. Patience governs the flesh, strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride: she bridles the tongue, restrains the hand, tramples upon temptations, endures persecution, consummates martyrdom.”

A quote from Henry Ward Beecher reads: “There is no such thing as preaching patience to a people unless the sermon is so long that they have to practice it while they hear.”

Evelyn Hunderhill wrote: “Patience with our own self is a duty for Christians and the only real humility. For it means patience with a growing creature whom God has taken in hand and whose completion He will affect in His own time and in His own way.”

Stuart Hamblen wrote: “Lord, to wait down on my knees
Till in your own good time You answer my pleas
Teach me not to rely on what others do
But to wait in prayer for an answer from You.
Stuart Hamlen was a musician and writer.

Washington Gladden wrote the hymn “Oh Master Let Me Walk with Thee.” third stanza reads:

“Teach me Thy patience still with Thee

In closer, dearer company. In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,

In trust that triumphs over wrong.”

Charles {Chuck} Swindoll said, “You must do the most difficult thing for compassion to do.”

Tall orders, right? But you know, our Savior had to do the most difficult thing because of His love, His compassion for us – suffer on the Cross. Isn’t it the least we can do to be patient, for His sake and the sake of ourselves and others”

May God grant us His patience while He helps us develop ours!

Nancy

10/04/2026

FAITHFULNESS

"Great is Thy faithfulness, Oh God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
All I have needed Thy hand has provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me!"

This very well-known hymn of praise and thanksgiving was composed in 1923 by Thomas Obediah Crisholm. He came to Christ at age 27 through the ministry of H.C. Morrison. But Chisholm's health was unstable. However, through ups and downs, he discovered blessings from God every morning. The 3rd Scriptural chapter of Lamentations became precious to him: "His compassions they fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your Faithfulness."
Thomas sent his poem to William M. Runyan, who composed the tune. For several years it found no popularity until heard by Dr. Will Houghton of The Moody Bible Institute, where it became their official theme song. It was sung many times by George Beverly Shea at the Billy Graham crusades. Thomas died in 1960, and until his death was known in his town as having a pleasant demeanor wherever he went. In his lifetime, he wrote 1200 poems and hymns.

Scripture has always been the impetus for many hymns! Consider THE MESSIAH and the many words found in the Word also written in that composition.

Philippians 4:13 is the promise we claimed for what I needed - a child. Married for three years without birth control, I was desperate! We had been told by a very wise pastor, Glenn C**n, that if we claimed the promise and we believed, we would receive. And we did! Our firstborn came 8 months later - a preemie. That same promise was claimed six months later, and sure enough along came our daughter 8 months later. What a joy and answer to "ask, claim and receive! What is Faithfulness; how can it be defined?"

The Greek word: 'PEITHO" means "to persuade."
Corrie Ten Boom wrote "In God's faithfulness lies eternal security."
Billy Graham wrote " Faith is the avenue to salvation. Not intellectual understanding. Not money. Just simple faith. The faith of a mustard seen, so small you can hardly see it. But if you will put that little faith in the person of Jesus, your life will be changed. He will come with supernatural power into y np ,atter how diligently the tempter tries to s***f it.
Madeleine L'Engle wrote: "faith, like prayer, is a gift, a gift of knowing that the light shines in the darkness, of knowing that the light cannot be put out no matter how diligently the tempter tries to s***f it."
Dwight L. Moody wrote: " faith is the chain that links us to every promise of God/"
Charles R. Swindoll wrote "Wisdom comes , , , not by trying to do great things for God . . . but more from being faithful to the small, obscure tasks that few people ever see."
Evelyn Underhill, a British writer wrote these words: "Faith is consecration in overalls. It is the steady, acceptance and performance of the common duty and immediate task without any reference to personal preferences -because it is there to be done and so is a manifestation of the will of God."
Anne Frank wrote in "the Diary of Anne Frank," "whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith Will never perish in misery!"
Max Lucado wrote of a deacon in Colchester, England, who on a very snowy morning was considering staying home from church. He went to find only thirteen people present, without a preacher. He (John Egglen) preached. His sermon lasted only ten minutes. They had a visitor that day, a 13- year-old boy. Deacon Egglen looked straight at the boy and said: "Young man, look to Jesus. Look! Look! Look!" The boy, then a man answered, "I did look, and there and then the cloud on my heart lifted, the darkness rolled away, and at that moment I saw the sun." The boy's name? Charles Hadden Spurgeon, England's prince of preachers.
Charles Hadden Spurgeon wrote: "Christian, take good care of thy faith; for recollect faith is the only way whereby thou canst obtain blessings. If we want blessings, nothing can fetch them down but faith. Faith is the angelic messenger between the soul and the Lord Jesus in glory. Let the faith be withdrawn, and we can neither send up prayer nor receive the answer."

Verse 3 of the song: "Pardon for sin and a peace that endured, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand has provided, great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Our prayer should be, Lord, Let me be always faithful.

With love,

Nancy

10/01/2026

During the Delivery

Finally, the time has come. The long-awaited pregnancy is nearly over. Contractions have squeezed closer together. The pain has become excruciating. The gurney is taken to the Delivery Room. There, the huge light is on. The stirrups are ready, and an OB nurse awaits.

The doctor has been called, the pricey but worth it specialist. Everyone hopes or prays that he will arrive in time to usher this newborn into the world.

There is much commotion as Mom is slid to the delivery table. Her feet are pressed into stirrups, and the real fun is about to begin. Forceps are available if needed.

The doctor arrives, gowns, gloves, sits on the stool at the end of the table. He is ready to receive the baby.

The decibels in the atmosphere heighten, as birth Mom is instructed to "Push, Push, Push." If all goes well, that new baby will exit his/her mother's womb with painful joy. And if the baby doesn't come right away, a reason must be determined. Newborn examinations are followed. If necessary, steps are taken to right the child's position. Finally, the arrival of the baby!

Now the question remains, What about the effect, long and short-term, will the new one experience?

We look now at the writings of Dr. Thomas Verny, psychiatrist, as well as those of other researchers and specialists. Verny writes in his book "Pre-Parenting": Maternal feelings and moods are linked to hormones and neuro- transmitters across the placenta. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol prime the growing brain to react in fight or flight mode, even when inappropriate - throughout life. But Maternal emphasis in joy and love bathes the growing brain in feel-good endorphins and neuro-hormones such as Oxytocin, promoting a life-long sense of well-being."

Dr. Cahairat Panthuraamphorn, an obstetrician at the Hua Chiew Hospital in Bangkok, and an expert in birth explains That inside the womb a fetus can hear mother's heartbeat and voice at 72 decibels, feel warmth and gain familiarity with mother. Whereas at birth they hear screaming, phones ringing, the bleep, bleep of the fetal monitor, shouting sounds (push, push) and the loud conversation of the health team. A birth like this is like bringing an individual from a rural setting to New York City with all its traffic and machinery.

These psychological events of birth are charged with emotional and symbolic power. I recall the births of my two children with consternation. WHY? They were both premature, had to live in NICU (neonatal Intensive Care Units) for ten days without the presence and interaction with me. In my opinion, it is God alone who brought them through those traumatic experiences to be as normal as they are today - both happily married professionals.

Both Ron and I were so grateful as we watched them grow and mature! Were there effects of their trauma? No doubt. But again, God has intervened to create the least amount of damage.

If you have someone, a relative or friend who was there, or remembers the circumstances of your birth. Do your best to be open and honest with yourself, because that's when healing happens. What effects have been experienced into your adulthood? God Bless You as you do your research!

Lovingly,

Nancy R

09/26/2026

THE SOLID ROCK

A very dear friend loves rocks. Her yard is full of them. Some are even shaped like hearts. Others just fascinate her. Considering her location, Arizona, they might be beneficial. Dust storms, because of the dryness, happen occasionally, and the rocks perhaps help to keep the dust from choking them.

This morning, one of my hymns of choice is:

“My Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found.

Clad in His righteousness alone; faultless to stand before His throne.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Years ago, my fear was of sinking sand. The kind of sand that sucks you in and from which it is nearly impossible to extricate yourself. I had nightmares about it. That sand can cause your death. No wonder that in scripture, the Lord counsels us to build on the Rock, and that Rock is Jesus Christ.

Not long ago, I read a book which chronicled the cross-country travel of early settlers. Some had traveled from the east coast of the U.S. to California. This was a true account of the obstacles and trials encountered. Angry Native Americans whom they survived only by sharing a trinket or two with them. Strange men, who just wanted their money. Flooded streams and rivers to forge to continue. Sometimes they were waylaid, unable to cross them. Why were these poor souls in this predicament? Because they had been promised gold in California. Having eaten all there was to eat, and trying to feel their oxen and cattle too, they made soup from grass, when grass could be found.

Did they survive? They did! Oh, yes, they were skin and bones upon arrival, but their persistence and faith in God gave them the victory. In flooded streams and rivers, rocks were their salvation. Wouldn’t you rather remain on the Rock rather than search for gold here; until He comes for us? I would!

Lovingly,

Nancy

09/21/2026

IN THE BEGINNING

Science underscores what Scripture has always taught – our human lives begin at conception. Perhaps even sooner than when husband and wife come together in an intimate exchange. Could it be that in the heart of God, that determination was made even before a mother and father united?

So, what does science have to do with the love relationship between a man and a woman? What constitutes the attraction between male and female? Could that have been determined even before they met?

Here is an example: Yesra ago, Ron and Nancy met in a courtroom the day that Ron was released from a jail cell. Before the jail was a prison where he had spent several years for being “Peck’s Bad Boy.” It was he deal he had concocted with God as a teen on the day after his father had died in his arms. For a boy who had a birth father, a s***m donor only, the longing for a “real father” sent him to make the deal. Sitting under a bridge in his favorite hiding place, he instructed God – “You take my father to heaven, and I’ll take his place in hell.” And so, he came from his seclusion to do just that.

Just over four years later, Ron stood before a judge, and because of good behavior, numerous accomplishments in prison and the giving of his heart to the Lord, Ron was released.

Enter Nancy. I had traveled in a blizzard for good counsel from a pastor and his wife whom I had adored since early childhood. A previous engagement had been cancelled, and I wanted a get-away! The morning after my arrival, I was awakened and invited to attend a court session with my friends. I agreed to attend. It was there that I watched the converted man oof my dreams given his freedom and then the four of us went out to lunch.

Our attraction to each other was immediate! The blonde, blue-eyed man oof my dreams sat across from me and I was totally smitten On that same day he told his birth mother that I was the girl he would marry.

What was the fireworks attraction? Our similar wounds. He needed a mother, and I needed a father. It was like water to a sponge.

Now, could that attraction and what we termed as love create a joy-filled marriage? NO. It took us 12 years to begin our actual peace-making. My memories and his dictated our behaviors. Dr Thomas Verny, a psychiatrist, devoted his career to researching and understanding the effects of those experiences on the life of the child turned adult. Hormones and neurotransmitters travel through the bloodstream and across the placenta to the developing brain of the unborn child. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones prime the brain to fight or flight, even when inappropriate throughout life. Maternal emphasis in joy and love bathe the brain in feel-good hormones. This promotes a life-long sense of well-being.

We are instructed in God’s Word to examine ourselves. This process, while it might take years, even a lifetime, created ah-has and personal understanding, promoting our development and maturation.

Both Ron and I spent years in this process, and since Ron’s death I continue to do so – still learning more. Consider the generations before you. Do your family’s history. Research and begin to understand how the “sins of the fathers” have been passed down to you and accepted as part of your thinking and behaving.

My prayers will be with you as you take this journey.

Lovingly,

Nancy

09/13/2026

SURPRISES

Perhaps there are a few people who do not likes surprises. A surprise birthday, anniversary or retirement party can be overwhelming, yet fun too.
My big surprise came by text message to me today from my youngest daughter. "Mom," she wrote, "Would you like to go to breakfast today?"
Of course I would, but I was scheduled this morning between 9:30 and 10:00 for my shower. She was undaunted. "I'll pick you up in a few minutes and have you back in time for your shower," she insisted. "I am on my way." And so, I quickly dressed and met her at our front door. She arrived looking oh so lovely; we buckled in and off we went.

She took me to a little restaurant called "The Hen House." I have been there before with my other daughter, I believe. But I forgot how enormous their servings are! We sat at a small table and visited after ordering our food - such a joy! We talked about everything under the sun. I shared a picture from my phone of a precious friend, Edna in North Dakota, who will be 106 years old on August 30th. Ron had been a pastor there for several years. My sweet friend Deb sent me Edna's picture, God bless her.

Naomi offered to send flowers to Edna's home on the 30th. She will be thrilled by that surprise, but I am so thrilled that we can send her a gift, thanks to my daughter. Edna and her dear departed husband, Sam, used to entertain Ron and me, and Deb and Doug. She would serve her German Soup and huge sandwiches, and then we'd play UNO. Wonderful friends and joy-filled memories! Receiving that picture of Edna was an unexpected surprise. Thank you, Deb!

Recently, A book was gifted to me entitled "One Way Love." Reading it has been a mind-blowing and inspirational revelation to me. Written by Billy Graham's grandson, whose name is Tullian Tchividjian. This love frees us from having to perform for God's acceptance. This was always my tendency. It speaks of God's amazing grace, of His gift to all mankind. It is a description of the incredible love of God poured out for us all with no strings attached, no performance required.

Does mean we can live however we want, break any laws we choose? Of course not! Everyone is a sinner - the Bible teaches it. However, sin always has consequences. Truth is that Christ sacrificed His life on a cruel cross to show His one-way love and assure us all of salvation - a home with Him for eternity.

Perhaps you can find this book at your library. If you're anything like me, you will want your own copy for underlining and note-making. It is published by David C. Cook. Copyright 1971.

So, I pray that you will agree to this surprise, get a copy of the book, and inhale it!

Lovingly,

Nancy

09/08/2026

Advice From a Cornfield

Thanks to a good friend, I received this story, and thought it so excellent and inspiring that I wanted to pass it on to you.

There was a farmer who grew and sold corn and apparently entered it into a competition for the very best corn. His corn always grew taller and was more popular than other corn from neighboring farmers. His customers always felt that it was superior to other corn they’d tasted. He was the winner of contests every year!

When interviewed, the farmer was asked to what he attributed his high-class corn.

He shared that the wind picks up pollen and swirls it around from one cornfield to another. So, to retain the superiority of his corn, after harvest he would share his seed corn with his neighbors. That way the pollen from all the fields, carried and dropped by the wind, would be unlikely to damage his corn crop. What a lesson!

And yes folk, the better part of wisdom is to share your life as a committed Christian with your neighbors. In so doing, you will impact your friends, family and surrounding neighbors with the grace, kindness, mercy, peace and love that Jesus offers, and in turn, they will commit their lives to Jesus, Then His love will be spread abroad, just like the pollen in the story.

If you, like me happen to live in a tight community, your kindness and thoughtfulness will be that “pollen” to benefit your neighbors. And guess what? When you are changed into the likeness of Christ, it will make a tremendous difference to your children and grandchildren – and your parents if they are still alive. This is SO true!

Lovingly,

Nancy

09/06/2026

A Water Lesson

I have been reading the New Testament book of Matthew. This morning, in the edition entitled “The Message,” chapter 14, verses 22-32. there is the story of doubting Peter who was taught by Jesus Himself, a lesson that it would be well for us, now, long after Peter’s experience and lesson occurred.

While it is not unusual, especially at times of stress, for us to doubt God. Are you there, Lord? Am I being punished for something I did that was against your will for me? Why are all these distressing things happening in my life? It feels like they come to me all the time!

Famous Peter, the Rock (What his name means) saw someone walking toward the boat in the middle of a storm, and he was walking on the water, not swimming in it! The disciples thought He was a ghost at first, but then realized it was Jesus coming toward them.

Excitable sanguine Peter, wanted to walk on water too, so he requested that Jesus bid him to do so. For as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, Peter walked on the water. However, once he took his eyes off Jesus, he started to sink. Of course, Jesus took his hand and lifted him up, just like He does when we are in trouble.

Our issue may not be that we are drowning in a troubled sea, or feeling like we are, but we wonder why Jesus doesn’t perform the same miracle that he did for Peter. My pray, “Lord, I have asked and asked many times for your answer to my troubles.”

I submit to you that you are being answered, but the secret and counsel given is to keep your eyes on Jesus, and TRUST. This is not necessarily a quick and easy solution, but one that is valuable. Stay close to Him by staying in His word, through regular communication with Him, and by going about your days thanking Him for already solving your drowning experience(s). You will look back at the way the Lord has led and protected you in the past and be grateful for what He has accomplished for and in you.

Lovingly,

Nancy

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