This contribution was written by dr. Elisabeth Leembruggen The 37th Psalm identifies how stress can affect our body, mind and spirit. We know that stress and mental fatigue has long-term implication for our health. “Over time, continued strain on [the] body from routine stress may contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses, as well as mental disorders like depression or anxiety” (NIH). Mental health literature is…
Faith Thoughts are sent in by Dr Elisabeth Leembruggen from Holy Trinity Utrecht. In Numbers 13, Moses sent Caleb & Joshua—and a leader from each ancestral tribe—to spy out the Promised Land. Two of the 12 returned with a glowing report; they came back with evidence that the promised land was indeed filled with milk, honey, and fruits in abundance. And they carried the evidence with them on poles for all to see. How then…
Faith Thoughts are sent in by Dr Elisabeth Leembruggen from Holy Trinity Utrecht. It hung there. I did need it and it was on sale. This high tech, 21st century wonder, cost more than average. It was a good deal by any reckoning. I debated, perhaps too long. What were pros? What were the cons? Did I really need this? Was I just buying another ‘unnecessary thing’ to clutter the cupboards? In the end, having weighed…
We find ourselves at the evaluation stage, halfway between what was and what is to come. Life, of course, is this very issue. We are born, in between we live, then we die. We live at the junction between life and death. At this midway-point, we make our decisions day to day, year to year. Our lives have been shaped by our past; are continuously moulded in the present for what we will become in…
It’s the new year. We often begin this period with resolutions, looking to create the ‘new me’, to change circumstances in our lives. Our desires, built upon our “Goede voornemens”, are sincere longings for transformation.
Faith Thoughts are sent in by Dr. Elisabeth Leembruggen from Holy Trinity Utrecht. It is the time of year in many cultures in which we give thanks. Some cultures create national holidays for the occasion: Thanksgiving Day in Canada & America. Other days are informal such as the five Australian harvest festivals which are celebrated throughout the Continent which include Lavender, Hops, Appel & Grape festivals. In Europe, we have Dutch and German harvest festivals…
Faith Thoughts are sent in by Dr Elisabeth Leembruggen from Holy Trinity Utrecht “I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11) We live in a land of expats. Most expats have chosen to “remove themselves from their homelands” as the OED puts it. The expat life is largely a life of choice—for love of that special…
Faith Thoughts are sent in by Dr Elisabeth Leembruggen from Holy Trinity Utrecht. Though the fig tree does not blossom, there are no grapes on the vines, the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food; though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls: YET will I rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Lord my God is my strength* The Northern…
Faith Thoughts are sent in by Dr Elisabeth Leembruggen from Holy Trinity Utrecht. Some through the water, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood. Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song. George A Young, 1903 As a youngster, I thought little of these words or their meaning as I heard Nan singing this tune in the kitchen. To be young (in the main) is to live a…