OUR PRAYER ON ELECTION DAY
OUR KING: You are our Creator God, the true ruler of this universe, the King of Kings. Father, please call us, your people, to humility before You. Give us ears to hear You that we may humble ourselves under your mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6). We thank you for the gift of choice you have [...]
HONOR OR AGEISM IN LEOTA’S GARDEN?
What began as a Victory Garden during WWII became an escape, even a refuge, for a young mother living with her German in-laws while her husband was away at war. Because her father-in-law had a heavy German accent, he could not find work. Consequently, Leota became the breadwinner of the household, while her mother-in-law tended [...]
3 WAYS TO DECLUTTER THE EMPTY NEST
A not-so-empty EMPTY NEST can be chaotic, overwhelming and depressing. What do we do with a lifetime accumulation of possessions that are no longer needed? Host a garage sale? Create a man cave or a craft room? Move? Where does one begin? Is there a recommended system? I offer you 3 ways to declutter the [...]
4 GIFTS ONLY YOU CAN GIVE
Uncle Jerry: PBY Pilot YOUR FAMILY HISTORY is a gift only you can give. One generation may mock another for keeping money under the mattress or saving cottage cheese cartons . . . until they hear how their great-grandparents survived bank closures and the shortages of the Great Depression. Nieces and nephews, children, and [...]
WHEN AND WHY MIGHT WE MOURN?
WE MOURN FOLLOWING A DEATH. Even the peace of those who have released their loved ones in faith is marked by the pain of loss. Thankfully, this grief is recognized and expected. This expectation helps us extend grace to folks who are struggling to function at all and to children who typically act out. Sadly, [...]
Rejoicing on Credit, HIS Credit
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10b). When we are pumped up from delightful worship, it is easy to experience this strength. If we feel grieved, overwhelmed, or angry . . . not so much! How do we grab hold of His strength in that dark place? Can [...]
THE REAL BUCKET LIST
“THE BUCKET LIST” is a comedy-drama about two terminally ill men who meet while sharing a hospital room. Morgan Freeman plays a family man who typically put his own desires on the back burner. In contrast, Jack Nicholson’s role is that of a self-centered, wealthy health-care tycoon. As they come to terms with the end [...]
THE LAST THINGS WE TALK ABOUT
HERITAGE OF HOPE has long been encouraged by Libby Boatwright--the author of a recently released and informative book—THE LAST THINGS WE TALK ABOUT: Your Guide to End of Life Transitions. Libby’s professional experience as a Certified Financial Planner, a Pastor, and a Chaplain uniquely qualifies her to address end of life transitions with extensive knowledge [...]
FINISHING THIS LIFE WELL
A DAY OF CELEBRATION: Yesterday was such a good day. Why? My husband and I attended the funeral of his 97-year-old aunt. Again, Why was that such a good day? Aunt Niva finished this life well. Her funeral was the joyful celebration of a long life lived well. When I commented to one of her [...]
CAPTURING INTIMACY BY SHARING STORIES
You may know how uncomfortable it is to try and carry both sides of a conversation. Such was the dilemma I faced with my maternal grandmother, Mimi. As she lost more and more of her vision, her world was shrinking. Although she was receiving excellent care in a small group home, her health was declining [...]