HOPE

Hang Onto Possible Endings

Resurrection’s Freedom

This may be my favorite kindergartner's response to the writing prompt, "Dear Jesus, Thank you for dying for my sin of..." I'm pretty sure this student was thinking about classroom behavior and the need for self-control, but it got me thinking about my behavior and my need as well. Self-control lays the foundation for healthy choices, and not just the eating and drinking kind. What we watch, what we think and say, what we fear, and even what we regret can all spin out of control if we have ... continue reading...

Lust for Food

It's hard to admit. I am a glutton.  I have a lust for food. I abuse food. Not in the traditional, well-known, textbook  kind of ways you may be familiar with. I do not hate my body or fear gaining weight; anorexia and bulimia are not things I struggle with. I think I love my body too much;  giving in to it's every craving. I do not binge and purge. I binge and then feel defeated. If you are thin, you may look at me and think, "Yes, you are  overweight." If you are not, you ... continue reading...

The Gift of Hope

Breathlessly I waited as the door to our family room opened to what I hoped would be Christmas heaven. Old enough to remember the splendor of the prior Christmas, I was expecting more of the same. Someone would play Santa and pass out the presents as we piled them high around us. Part of the fun was watching each other open presents; eagerly anticipating what wonderful gift might be in each beautifully wrapped package. With one swift motion, the door opened. Instead of beautifully wrapped ... continue reading...

Time to start Thanksliving

Thanksgiving is over but the challenge of thanksliving has just begun. What if instead of packing a grateful spirit away with the Thanksgiving decorations, we hung it up with the Christmas ones, then kept it out for the New Year? Imagine how practicing the art of living thankful could change our perspective and our lives. Instead of anger rising up at the mess we've discovered, we thank God for the child who made it      Instead of road rage overtaking our good sense,  we thank God for ... continue reading...

Sacrifice brings Freedom

I woke up with these words in my mind, "Sacrifice brings freedom."  I was struck by the word sacrifice. Usually I thank Veterans for their service. Today I will thank them for their sacrifice. I find myself reflecting on freedom; both in America and the freedom I have  in Christ. Both freedoms enjoyed and lived out  because of another's sacrifice. I am grateful to live in the land of the free because of the brave. Words aren't adequate to express my depth of feeling for the freedom I have in ... continue reading...