Recently, I attended an event where I sat at a table with several older women. Lovely women—all of them. Accomplished and happy within their retirement status. But as they began the recital of their health challenges, I realized I was the only one at the table with my original hips and knees. Thank you, God […]
Hope Comes Full Circle Read More »
“Do not let your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). The Amplified version describes this ‘troubling’ as being ‘distressed, agitated, fearful, disturbed, intimidated, or unsettled.’ Quite a list of troubling adjectives. And sometimes, each of them describes how I feel. The real problem comes when they all bundle together to make a giant troubled heart. We
Hope in the ‘Let Not’ Read More »
As my son deposited his first check from a ‘real’ job, I encouraged him to give some away. “Even if you think you don’t have enough to spare, give anyway. You’ll discover God’s math is different from our math. He can make money multiply out of nothing.” Through the years, I have underscored this principle
Hope’s Interpretation Read More »
A good friend recently reminded me to check out Philippians 4:6. Those of us who have lived a lifetime of faith-walking sometimes forget the most elemental principles. We need to be reminded—and often—of how to continue growing as disciples, even if we are now at the point of discipling others. The section I focused on
Hope in Thanksgiving Prayers Read More »
‘Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines. Though the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food. Though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls . . . ’ (Habakkuk 3:17 Amplified). Sometimes we think
A fist of fear pummeled my soul. I was startled by its intensity and for several moments — forgot to breathe. Started to feel dizzy. Finally gulped draughts of fresh air. Why the fear? A doctor visit was imminent. One of those visits that might be serious or only slightly serious — depending on the
Hope Offers Support Read More »
Psalm 37 has long been a favorite passage. Outlined and highlighted in various versions of my Bibles. A familiar place to reflect on the variety of its meanings. This year I returned often to verse seven and found a three-step formula to ease me through the cold gloom. A stairway opened toward Hope. Be Still.
Three Steps to Hope Read More »
My deck umbrella waves in the slight April wind as I ponder in its shade. God has granted a beautiful spring morning. A time for reflection. So beautiful outside yet not so lovely within. Every stinkin’ day for several weeks, some type of something has gone wrong. It seems as if my life is shadowed
Hope Searches for a Song Read More »
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we focus on gifts, decorations, activities, and family gatherings. Many denominations make Christmas the most ‘wonderful time of the year.’ Yet for Jesus followers, our focus should be that empty tomb. The Lenten season leads up to the hosannas of Palm Sunday, the tragedy of Good Friday, and
Hope Within the Emptiness Read More »
Throughout history, man’s inhumanity to man has manifested in various ways: the Trail of Tears, the Holocaust, and brutal executions such as crucifixion. We sometimes glorify the cross as a beautiful symbol. Symmetrical. A lovely collection of cross décor on our walls. Jewelry we wear to show what we believe. Decals on the car. But