Words of Hope: Ambition

I have been wrestling with the word ambition. The definition of it makes it more complex. In some definitions it says ambition means “aspiration, intention, goal and aim.” These are worthy words. In another definition, ambition is defined as...

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Words of Hope: Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is not my favorite in terms of beauty. The water is brown, much of the city is worn down and the tree in our Spokane backyard is prettier than the entire urban sprawl. We call it “uglyhoma...

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Words of Hope: Culture Wars

I have frustration at the hypocrisy and moralism of certain forms of Christianity in America’s extreme right. Men measuring the skirts of young girls and calling these young women sinners is appalling. On the other hand, I am frustrated...

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Words of Hope: Fiery Furnace

My youngest child Bella and I only have a few months left together before she launches off to college and a brand-new life. We do a devotional together each day. One day I bring the topic, the other day...

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Words of Hope: Losing My Head

My husband Shann and I had a bit of a spat in Oklahoma City after our daughter's junior recital. After all the planning, there was an issue with the video recording of the event. The sound worked but her...

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Words of Hope: Banquet Table

My dad deeply loved Psalm 23. He meditated on it often. As I read C.S. Lewis's Reflections on the Psalms, he brings attention to something I haven't considered. He (God) prepares a table for me in the presence of my...

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Words of Hope: On Writing Words of Hope

A very sweet friend took me to lunch. She has been so kind in sending encouragement after a Words of Hope message she resonated with. As we met for lunch, she asked me about the writing process. For me, writing Words of...

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Words of Hope: An Elegant Question

During date night, Shann asked me an elegant question. In the metaphor of sowing and reaping, he asked what two seeds I am thankful I am planting in my life. The seeds that I need to plant every day...

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Words of Hope: Worth the Pain

I have been missing Dad so much lately. I walked by a neighborhood bench where he liked to sit and pray and shocked myself by bursting into tears. They came without warning. A friend of mine who was one...

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Words of Hope: A + B = C

In math, A + B normally should equal C. In life, the same should happen. A loving home will produce loving kids. However, this is not always the case. Dad and I often talked about the psychological and spiritual...

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