Someone recently asked me, “What do you do to find rest?” My oxymoron reply, “I have to intentionally work to find rest.” Except for the times when life throws me in bed with an illness or unresolved grief, I have to plan for rest. My strong work ethic was forged on the family farm where […]
Hope Searches for Rest Read More »
Words pour out of me—a torrent of expression and emotion. Stories, articles, journal rantings, blog posts. Revisions three or four times, then a sending of the results to editors, publishers, agents. This writing is how I process grief. How I find my way through the valley and back to life. Future joy is hidden within
In her best-selling book, Moving On, Sarah Ban Breathnach lists the seven senses. The usual five we know: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. But then she adds Knowledge and Wonder. Knowledge is self-explanatory, except when we experience that special knowing based on intuition and spiritual electricity. A working definition of ‘wonder’ is “Surprise mingled
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 »
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 »
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 »
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
We do not focus a great deal of theology on the humanity of Jesus. Yet we know he lived and died as a human being. The television series, The Chosen, has brought more of the human physical and emotional characteristics of Jesus to the forefront. Maybe this series has become so popular because we needed
Hope in the Humanity Read More »