Hope Undeterred

Sometimes words don't come easily. Like when someone asks me how I'm doing. My brain races trying to catch tumbleweed thoughts in my head that my heart blows elsewhere. They become out of reach somehow. Fast. Scared to answer wrong, I choose silence instead. If I feel hopeful, maybe I shouldn't? What's normal in a chaotic state? What should or shouldn't I feel?? Numb. I feel numb. I feel sad. But I can still smile. I still have hope for the future. Not all is dark, black, sullied or soiled. The sun's rays peak through. Grace's wings carry me. Should I let them? I feel guilty. Sometimes. All emotions jumbled together like vegetables in a stew....

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The Only One

The Macy's salesperson approaches me, "May I help you find something?" I quietly answer, "I'm looking for a black skirt." I reluctantly grab two sizes, one will fit, but both will feel uncomfortable. I don't wear black very often. I'm a white-wearer person. I have no choice. The funeral is tomorrow. I must face what I don't want to face, his face. Lying all still and silent. Unmoved. They say one makes 5,000 choices a day. I have many to make and none of them seem right. Everything seems wrong and the world looms dark like tar and my new black skirt. I open the dressing room door, "How do I look?" I ask my sister-in-law who smiles and answers,...

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The Red Sea Rules

This summer I've joined a Bible study called "The Red Sea Rules" (by Robert J. Morgan) with other women struggling with some area in their life. My issue right now is my husband's health. He has been feeling unwell for about six months now. What makes it even more frustrating is the doctors can't figure out exactly what's wrong. This study has been helping me focus on "10 God-given strategies for difficult times" and I wanted to share them with you. If you aren't experiencing a difficult situation right now,  maybe you know someone who is. Or hold tight to these rules next time you feel boxed in with no where to turn. Remember God parted...

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Storage Secrets

In the town where I was raised, our family relocated like nomadic gypsies. While we lived in the same small berg for 14 years, we moved five times, an average of 2.8 years in each abode. We didn’t allow much time to let the grass grow before we set our sights on new digs. I’m not certain the reasons behind all these moves from one end of town to the other. I don’t think we were run out of neighborhoods for too many dandelions or breaking a noise ordinance. We certainly didn't display our appliances on the front porch. It’s not like my parents had 17 annoying children harassing the neighbors, either. Three is a pretty normal number,...

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A Holy Life Leads to a Happy Life

My former Bible study leaders used to  describe JOY using this acronymn: J-esus, O-thers, Y-ou. In our world today it seems most people focus on themselves FIRST, others SECOND and Jesus LAST. That's totally backwards from what the Bible teaches. Maybe that's why some of us walk around carrying the world on our shoulders. That's not God's loving desire for us. Recently I read an article listing the 15 things we need to give up in order to live a happier life. I liked what was listed, but I wanted to give it a more Biblical slant, so I commented and added Scripture to support each point. 1. Give up your need to...

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Don't Give Up

My daughter planted three seeds. Two of which sprouted within the week she planted them. The last tiny pot showed no signs of growth for two weeks. I had just decided it was a dud, a failure. Then today my hope grew... Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather crop if we don't give up. Galatians 6:9 N...

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Guest Writer: Sandee Milhouse

written by Sandee Milhouse “I wouldn‘t wait until Monday, it may be too late,” I heard at the other end of the phone from the Hospice nurse. My grandfather, who I have always called “Papa” with the deepest adoration, was dying. On the second day of December, I flew to FL to be with him, hoping I would make it in time and have the honor of being with him at the very moment he passed away. I was anxious to get there and once I arrived, I was compelled by my love for him to stay by his side as often as possible. I was antsy when family would drag me away to share a meal or when I‘d leave his room to get a sandwich at the Hospice café....

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The Lion, My Savior

Recently, I watched for the second time the newest Disney version of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Aslan, the Lion and allegorical representation of Jesus, captivated me. He displayed an uncommon kindness and gentleness yet every silent lion-step he took exhibited mighty power and ultimate supremacy--Aslan was a force not to be reckoned with. For those of you who have seen the movie or read the book, you know the story. I must, however, share a magnificent moment for me from this allegory. Edmund, the boy who betrays everyone to satisfy his fleshly desires, is accused of being...

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Being Holy

A few weeks ago, a group of women were examining the topic of “holiness” in our study, The Fitting Room, by Kelly Minter. This word drums up all sorts of images in our minds. Some picture monks or nuns in their holy habits, the Amish who have separated themselves from the rest of society, some super spiritual saint, or perhaps a legalistic upbringing. This word doesn’t fill us with the warm fuzzies like “love”, “joy”, or “peace”. In fact in our discussion, one woman commented, “I struggle with a word that means “set apart”. It’s like I think I’m better than everyone else.”  And yet, God tells us to be holy as he is holy (1 Peter 1:16)....

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