Words of Hope: Beyond Crisis 

I have been thinking about how crisis reveals truth. What does difficulty show about the underlying fabric of a home, marriage, business, or nation?  When pressure mounts and life becomes hard, and all essentials are stripped away, what do...

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Words of Hope:  Where Truth Dwells 

One statement that has been thrilling my mind is this, “The natural habitat for truth is human conversation.”    How we speak to others reveals how we live. So powerful!   It’s a truth my dad understood, he said that our conversations are...

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Words of Hope: Reclamation Instead of Regret  

I have been considering how regret is a stronger emotion than gratitude. Regret can overrun our desire for gratitude. It can invade our thoughts and interrupt our thankfulness.   Like anything wild and deadly, it must be managed consistently, persistently, and...

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Words of Hope: The Healing Power of Praise 

I read recently that gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. It counteracts against the four most toxic emotions: envy, bitterness, regret, and depression. I think about my dad and his deep struggle with depression at times in his...

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Words of Hope: Are you listening? God is speaking. 

We had a staff meditation on Psalm 4 and Philippians 4:4-8. These are some of my favorite memory verses. I am always surprised by the demands of the Psalmist, which is David in this case. He says, “Answer me...

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Words of Hope: Meditation on the Cross 

A friend of mine posted on Facebook a description of the physical suffering of Jesus on the cross. I never realized the loss of blood is why water poured from his side. The Roman soldier who witnessed Christ’s death...

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Words of Hope: Living and Active  

Dad and I would discuss why Bible classes in Christian schools and colleges were often the worst classes, boring, uninspired, didactic, and lacking. I think about this in my own life. How perhaps some of my worst conversations with my daughters...

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Words of Hope: Turning  

We have had a vibrant fall this year. As the chlorophyll dissipates from the leaves, their true colors are revealed. The color deepens with the warm days and crisp nights. If the weather is too rainy or the frost...

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Words of Hope: Naming 

I have a few friends having babies soon and one of the fun parts is to learn the name. It’s amazing how children live into a name.   It’s a creative act to name a child. Beyond the power of a...

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Words of Hope: Effusive Love  

I drove by a sign that said, "God uses us to love people.”  I have felt tremendously loved by others. My mom and dad loved me with an all-encompassing, deeply powerful love. It was so healing. They loved me for...

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