The Joy of a Hope and Faith-Filled Child
Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Last Sunday the theme was HOPE, and today, the second lit candle on the Advent Wreath represents FAITH! And for a little personal emphasis, those hope and faith themes are so appropriate today because it’s my hope-filled and faith-filled daughter’s birthday! Oh how thrilled I was 50 years…
Being a Messenger of Hope
Being a Messenger of HopeOn this first Sunday of Advent, we celebrate HOPE — the great expectation that something good is on its way — by lighting the first candle (the HOPE candle) on the Advent wreath. Advent means a coming or arrival, especially of something or someone extremely important. In biblical terms we speak…
Thanksgiving? Advent? Christmas? Bah Humbug!!
erfection. But, you may be one saying “Pleassse, no more Thanksgiving talk! No more cozy family photos.” I know not everyone can join the thanks-giving bandwagon! You may be one not-so-invested in the holidays when it seems everyone else gets their holly-jolly-selves on! They’re cheerful, happy, all caught up in their blessing moods while you…
Getting Rid of a Glass Half Empty Attitude
I raised a couple of teenagers and have helped take care of those grown-up teenagers’.teenagers. I know well that they go through all spectrums of emotions at any given time. One day they’re optimistic and in a good mood. The next day they can have sour attitudes that sour up a room like a big…
When God’s Plans are Way Better than Ours
In 1986, we moved to Canada on a ministry mission. It was a 100% faith-venture for all of us, including my mom. We had no idea what the future would hold, but we knew Who held our future. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good…
Keep Doing Good — Harvest Time Up Ahead!
This blog inspiration is brought to us today by our good friend and mentor, St. Paul. His words are filled with hope for those of us who have been on the “do-good” tractor — planting and planting, and we’ve been wondering if it has been worth it. Oh, but then comes Paul’s firey voice cheering…
No Pain is Wasted
Most of my posts are from my own personal life experiences. St. Paul said, in 2 Corinthians 1:4 “That you may be comforted with the same comfort that I have been comforted with.” And, indeed, it is MY utmost desire to comfort others with the same comfort that I have been comforted with during my…
I’m Walking on Sunshine — Even in the Rain
Last week my daughter and I were at Panera Bread having a great time of “girl talk”. The sun was shining brightly when we went in, but all of a sudden we could see the winds blowing fiercely, dark clouds looming and then a torrential downpour of rain came. Yay! We needed that rain! Here…
What Difference Does a Hamburger Make?
My oncology nurse friend is all about bringing sunshine into the world. What a joy it must be for her patients who face a riveting cancer diagnosis. Her bright light intersects their darkness with hope. In addition to her nursing job, she is also a volunteer at a charitable organization that is truly a “back-up…
Lord, Please Make Me a Fountain — Not a Drain
I had an “aha” moment as I was adding water to the base of my children’s fountain. In these hot temperatures, the water evaporates quickly so it requires an occasional fill-up. I started thinking about how to be an unstoppable fountain of life and not a drain. Putting it into “people terms” – it’s striving…