All Articles For Laning, Margaret

Throughout generations, God’s people have placed their trust in His unwavering covenant promises. Undeserving though we are, He promises to be a God to us and to our children. With thankful hearts we praise Him, “Yea, I have a goodly heritage” (Ps. 16:6). Even in seasons of corporate spiritual decline, He remains faithful. In such times He raises believers to care for the church with courage and sacrificial love. Their faith rises above earthly circumstances, not trusting in human strength, but in God and His infallible Word. One such occasion occurred approximately 3,500 years ago in ancient Egypt.… All was...

wife, mother, and grandmother in the Protestant Reformed Churches If you see a child reaching over a fence with a fist full of tall grass, you might guess a horse is on the other side. How delightful it is when that beautiful, sure-footed animal trots over, large observant eyes, ears pointed forward inquisitively, nostrils flared. The young child squeals with delight, hurling the grass over. The horse backs away, tosses its head, and paws the earth; its muscular neck quivers and twitches; it shakes its mane. A loud whistle, the kind made with two fingers, pierces the air from the...

Mrs. Margaret Laning, wife, mother, and grandmother in the Protestant Reformed Churches   Do you speak aloud to yourself? Perhaps those closest to you can answer that. I remember times when my grandmother single-handedly carried on a solo conversation. She swept her patio as I played nearby; her quiet instruction, admonitions, and chuckles were intriguing. I was somewhat accustomed to this with my mother because the apple does not fall far from the tree. Sure enough, my sisters and I chattered while alone, too, often in front of the bathroom mirror. Not until marriage did I realize that not everyone...

Mrs. Margaret Laning, wife, mother, and grandmother in the Protestant Reformed Churches   The book of Ruth is a brief gem that lends itself to reading aloud with your family, even in one sitting. Infallible and inerrant just like all of Scripture, it is a true story. It is about a Moabitess convert who trusted in Israel’s Jehovah, with all the components of an enthralling story—tragedy, hope, romance, suspense, courage, and faithful heroes. A seemingly impossible story, Ruth causes us to focus on an unlikely ancestress of King David and the King of kings, Jesus Christ. What good can come...

Are you having any difficulty communicating with your teenager? Do you hear a lot of truncated, unclear sentences? Maybe you tried hearing aids only to find they do not solve your problem. Well, look no further! “Mumble Unjumble” is here to help! This cuttingedge translator app will make the most muffled mumbling discernible. Consider this for example: “Canhamburgerout?” Within seconds your translation reads, “Can I hang out?” Or, “Nuttneats” quickly deciphers, “There’s nothing to eat.” “Candybarcar?” instantly appears, “Can I borrow the car?” Gone will be the days when you say, “I can’t hear you.” Or, “What did you say?”...

“We lift up our child in prayer, Lord. Help us, for we  do not know what to do. Our child is walking in sin,  will not meet to talk with us about it, and is listening to  and giving in to spiritual enemies. We cry out for Thy  mercy. Thou alone hast power to change the heart….” Such is a prayer of Christian parents who have a wayward  child. Who else can set such a one free? “Bring  thy son hither…. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit,  and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father”  (Luke 9:41-42)....

Dalton is my friend, though he never talks to me. Perhaps I should qualify that statement. Once in a while he says, “Skid loader.” Usually he holds up his necktie and gives me a big smile. He might like ties as much as skid loaders. Even so, they make great conversation openers. Hard to miss, built like a linebacker with boundless enthusiasm to connect with others, he has landed a soft spot with everyone at church. Dalton is special, but that is not what makes him really special. Dalton is blessed to have been raised by his loving Christian parents...

Long before John Deere or Case International Harvester, there was a tribulum. A tribulum was an ancient, wooden threshing board studded with sharp flint. On the threshing floor the tribulum was dragged around and around over the harvested grain. With repeated strikes and beatings the kernel and chaff would separate, leaving the precious grain ready to gather and store. Related to the word “tribulum” is the Latin verb tribulare, meaning “to oppress” or “afflict.” From these words we get our word “tribulation.” Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation…” (John 16:33). We think of oppression, affliction, beating, and...

It does not take long for a new mother to notice her work is never done. There are so many needs. There are diapers to change, feeding and burping the baby, giving baths, cooking, cleaning, washing laundry, ironing, fixing things that break, running errands, potty training, wiping noses…whatever the need is, and then some, as more children are added to the family. Perhaps a young mother’s most shocking realization is that the bulk of her work is routine and unglamorous. How do you, dear Christian mother, like doing those unpaid, lowly, menial tasks to meet the needs of others? Though...

“Let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice.” Song of Solomon 2:14 There are many interpretations on the Song of Solomon, yet most would agree it contains lovely communication between a bridegroom and his bride. The two sing one another’s praise. They speak with love and respect. Their speech involves sharing personal thoughts, including inmost longings, in safety. There is mutual trust. This level of communication is a giving of oneself, a way of saying, “I want to know you and I want you to know me.” There are no substitutes for heart to heart talks in marriage....