Words of Hope: Compelled by fear or love?

I read about a twin separated from her sister for years. Her grandmother lost her in a crowded market in Korea when she was quite young. Though her family searched for her, they never found her. She had contracted...

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Words of Hope: The Psalm 1 Tree

I recently asked what is bringing someone joy lately, and he responded by learning about trees. He said with all the latest advances in forestry, so much is being learned about trees no one knew before. In the past,...

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Words of Hope: Building a Loving Home

When Shann and I had three daughters, we imagined a home full of love and joy for one another. How could we make this dream a reality? We wanted sisters who felt total devotion and support for each other...

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Words of Hope: Revelation

I read a statement, “Zealous judgment closes us off from revelation.” This statement would have immediately caused me to pick up the phone and call my Dad. “Hey, Dad,” I would say, “Let me read you a statement and...

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Words of Hope: Celebration of Life

My Dad’s celebration of life is nearing. I look forward to honoring the life of my Dad. Dad loved parties because he loved people. He delighted in each person and remembered the names of campers who attended camp years...

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Words of Hope: Where Your Treasure Is

A huge table in the center of our kitchen seats twelve people comfortably. This table is the focal point of our home, a place to eat, play, and write. Covered with marks, gouges, chips, and in one place, a...

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Words of Hope: Moralism or Morality

I am reading about the form versus the formless. Dad and I discussed this often. He had a big journey in his life toward understanding this concept. It is the movement out of formalized moralism into true morality. Formal...

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Words of Hope: Praying for Others

Prayer always amazes me. I can fall in love with praying and get discouraged because my prayers don’t “turn out” the way I want. I know that prayer is not my tool for changing things but God’s way of...

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Words of Hope: A Barometer of Health

Dad believed one of the most telling ways for us to observe if we love well was to examine the quality of our relationships. Relationships reveal how we love one another. In these relationships, an excellent barometer of health...

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Words of Hope: Ego Dying

One thing I have been marveling at since my father’s death is the realization of grief. I feel I am awakening into the color of grief as distinguishable from despair, loneliness, and anguish. All these emotions had much the...

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