When I was a young boy, I had a favorite tree. It stood in the front corner of our yard, south side, close to the culvert next to the highway. Its low branches made it
Read moreTag: hope
A Hard-Learned Lesson
“Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you” (Proverbs 2:11 NIV). Head down, shoulders shaking, and tears flowing, this was not the Uncle Leonard we knew. Years of poor choices still showed in the
Read moreI Want a Do-Over!
“I want a do-over.” How many times did you say that as a child? Or hear a friend toss that out on the playground? Too often, when a game or a situation isn’t turning out
Read moreThe Promise of Winter
The chilling winds have brought no snow this year. Our mountain home thrives on upwards of fifty inches of snow a year, but days of sun and warmth have grown monotonous as we search the
Read moreMy Christmas Wish for You
I wish you peace. I often speak about my father as if he were the best dad a girl could ever have. However, as he approached the end of his life, his faith and integrity
Read moreGift most desired
Colorful lights, tinsel, wreaths, garlands, and bows. Must be Christmas time. Fond memories from my youth flood my mind sporadically throughout the days leading up to Christmas day. Everything about the season speaks the message
Read moreRiding a Roller Coaster in the Middle of a Storm
“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” So begins Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities. My husband and I can say the same about the past eighteen years. After
Read moreMy Times Are in His Hands—Hope in a Hurting World
My times are in your hands… Psalm 31:15 “My times are in your hands…” All week, these words played through my mind to the tune of an old hymn by William F. Lloyd. Then I discovered
Read moreHow Cultivating Patience Makes Us Stronger
How to cultivate patience? I’m sure you’ve heard your mother, sister, or best friend say, “Have Patience. This too shall pass.” Yep. I thought so. The first thing that usually comes to my mind is
Read moreStaying Positive in a Negative World
We’ve all seen them — those people who smile through the worst storm, encourage others when life kicks them in the teeth, and always respond, “Great,” when asked, “How are you?” How do they do
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