As a pastor’s kid, the hymn ‘I Have Decided to Follow Jesus’ was just a childhood memory. That is, until I heard Anthony Evans sing it. His version was a tribute to his late mother, and in that moment, God connected our stories. He was honoring his mother with a song, and I was honoring my father with a book. One son’s privilege, another son’s reward. This is the God who weaves our stories of loss into a shared song of purpose.
Ten years ago, I said goodbye to my Dad. Ten years to the day, I had a conversation about hope on the ‘Grief and Happiness’ podcast. If you have ever walked through the valley of the shadow of loss and wondered if there was hope on the other side, this conversation is for you. It’s a beautifully authentic talk about life, death, and the God who redeems our most painful dates. My prayer is that it encourages you to take His hand.
Peace is not a feeling. It’s a declaration. Discover the unshakable truth that allowed Horatio Spafford to write ‘It Is Well’ in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, and how the resurrection is the only anchor for the soul in any storm. This peace, a gift from God, is the only peace that could allow a man to lose his four daughters at sea and still write, ‘It Is Well’.
This morning, a simple question about the status of my soul led to a divine conversation and a project I never planned. On the tenth anniversary of my Dad’s passing, the Holy Spirit reminded me how His grace is made perfect in our weakness. This journey became ‘The Palace Studio,’ a short fireside chat about finding peace in God’s presence, understanding our earthly ‘carrying case,’ and releasing our drivership to the Savior. It’s an invitation to find strength in Christ’s power, just as my Dad wrote in the margins of his Bible.
What happens when sorrow and love become a tsunami? A look at the cross that isn’t gentle, but a Spirit-injected jumper cable that obliterates our ego and demands our soul, our life, our all.
The cross demands two responses: to bow in reverence and to cling for life. Exploring the profound meaning of ‘Tetelestai’ – the debt paid, the sentence served, and the victory won. Discover why the Old Rugged Cross must remain central to our daily walk.
Setup: My youngest sister texted me a playlist link on Easter Sunday while we were at our childhood home visiting Mom and family. She briefly explained the list and some details on the arrangements. I…
Following a meaningful Easter Sunday at my childhood home, I’m sharing the family prayer we offered. A reminder that our faith stands on ‘The Rock’ regardless of shifting winds. But the day didn’t end there. A surprise text from my sister led to a 300-mile journey filled with tears, joy, and a new look at classic lyrics. Here’s a look at our Easter and a preview of the songs that cut straight to my soul. #ClassicHymns coming soon
Pray For Our Leaders For years and years I have prayed for our President and Vice President and our elected officials. As time wore on, I started praying even more specifically for our leaders. The…
“The world is full of stories that aren’t true or are just plain depressing. I wanted to add something different to the mix—true stories about people I love who served the Lord with joy. From childhood memories of fun and freedom to the redeeming hope found in a grandmother’s funeral, this is a reflection on healing through writing and the power of carrying a legacy forward.”
There’s a book that’s sittin’ in your house somewhere that could use some dustin’ off…
For Humankind, Because Charlie’s Blood Is Watering Your Field.
Turning Point
A time at which a decisive change occurs—especially when blood waters the seed of new creation.
Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God…”
These are my favorite four words. If true, Charlie Kirk’s murder was evil—not just chemistry. But there’s more:
Genesis 1:1 declares: Creation is intentional, ordered, solely God’s act. Human dignity is inherent—slavery, abuse, exploitation become sins against a holy God.
Creation has purpose → Ethics, justice, meaning are objective realities (not social constructs). I believe as Charlie did: “The greatest miracle is creation.”
Fertile plain, or level place. Compassionate friend. These are the Biblical meanings of my Aunt’s first and middle name. Aptly named. Aptly trained.
My younger brother passed away 3 years ago today. He would have been with us all yesterday, at Mom’s house. We miss him dearly.
Mother’s Day 2024 May 12 Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! I love you. I always have. Recently, I have thought quite a bit about your family. About our family. The more I think about such things…
The 2010 Flames are made up of players born in 2010 and 2011. They are a U14 Minor 2 team (meaning there is a Minor 1 team ahead of them) in their home organization. I have called this team a development team for years. Yet, every year, this team seems to be a great place for players and families to land. Monday they played a very good team in the Congressional Cup Fall Classic SemiFinal, the Stamford Sharks (U14 Major), and lost, 9-1.
The 2010 Flames battled and found a way to win a tough game against the Delaware Ducks, 4-0.
During the game I was talking with an official for the tournament who was off duty for the game. He was a real nice guy, and we chatted some. He asked me about our team, our team dynamic. I told him how much the kids have had enjoyed playing with this group primarily due to the kids being able to play in all situations, line after line, shorthanded, power play, end of game, etc. installing confidence in the kids from top to bottom no matter how you slice it. I told him that we were fortunate to have a coach, one voice, that just let the kids play.
September 30, 2023 – Five Sunrises There is something special, almost exciting, about being up before the dawn’s early light The day is not promised, but there you are, alive and wide-eyed, still attached…
“Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well-trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely…I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking” – General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander.
Monday morning, the rain fell softly and quietly in its overcast scene. The wet gray scene did not inspire anyone in our home to rise, shine, and hit the ground running.
My day started early with the threat of high heat and then cold front bringing storms and rain. But the morning was gorgeous. The sun climbed and another gift from God had dawned.
When it comes right down to it, no, it doesn’t get easier. We hugged and said our goodbyes. He got in the car to leave and we talked through the open window.
I was up early. I had things to do and miles to cover. But I was blessed to see the sunrise. The last May sunrise of 2023. I took three pictures just a few dozen seconds apart and the colors changed. God’s handiwork never ceases to amaze me.
While sitting in my backyard during the early morning hours this weekend while sipping hot coffee, I took time to pray, to ponder, and to slow down. I slowed down in order to embrace the quality of life I am fortunate to have.
A night of broken sleep led to another cool, early morning. I didn’t rest as well as I wanted to but I was better rested than when I went to sleep the night before. I started moving, and praying along the way, to go forward and go with the flow.
April 14, 2023: I am missing my Dad. It has been seven years. 7 years not here. Dad, I miss you. But, how could I ever question God’s perfect timing. I know you are in your heavenly home and that thought alone makes me smile.
June 12, 2022 ~ Lloyd Alton Peterson
Like so many times before, I get to this space, and the page is blank. I am contending with countless thoughts, but none of them are a beginning. Memories speed past me like pickup trucks would if I were standing still on the shoulder of I-95 between Old Town and Island Falls.
The picture is of fireworks lighting up the night sky. And my mind went to a couple of places.
Then there is also “Firework”, which is a song. It was Katy Perry who sang it something like this…
The other day this verse came across one of the feeds that I do read every day. On that same day, I had conversations with a few different people in different places, at different times,…