I can think of several personal "FINISH LINES" in my life . . . meeting Dan after a six thousand mile road trip on my own . . . walking across the George Fox stage to receive my Masters Degree . . . completing a fifty mile bike ride around Portland, Oregon with grandson Dakota, [...]
1.ARE YOU & YOUR PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE END OF THIS LIFE? Or, do you avoid thinking of death? Our American culture endorses the beauty and energy of youth, but fails to welcome the gift of long life or the perspective of the elderly. Ageism is real. Contemplating the end of one’s physical existence is [...]
Long life is a tremendous gift of God, but the fourth quarter can be painful. Hebrews 12:1-2 offers encouragement in imagery that is quite symbolic of HERITAGE OF HOPE. HOH leadership sees this life as a race we are running to successfully pass the baton of faith to the next generation. THEREFORE WE ALSO, SINCE [...]
A native Californian, the highlight of my childhood summers was camping in beautiful Yosemite. Later, I served in the Peace Corps with one trunk and learned to make-do pretty much anywhere. My husband Dan traveled Europe carrying only a backpack. With five kiddos, our camping equipment expanded to include a rather large tent affectionately known [...]
I want Christmas to be about Jesus' birthday, O' Holy Night, the second chapter of Luke, and the humble human beginnings of our Messiah and Savior. He is the gift that matters, the gift that changes everything, our gift of HOPE. Given our profit-driven shopping season, however, it can be quite a challenge to focus [...]
As we know so well, some seasons of this life are more difficult and much more challenging than others. Today is painful for many, so please join me in pondering the first two verses in Hebrews 12. Consistently, the leadership team of Heritage of Hope visualizes this life as a race in which we are [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
HOPE is much more than a positive attitude dusted over our plans for the day or the year 2021. It is better represented by the seemingly delicate pansies we plant in the fall that not only endure the harshness of winter, they bloom! Coming from our relationship with Jesus Christ, HOPE IS AN INNER KNOWING [...]
FATHER GOD, WE ASK . . . that we may humble ourselves under your mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6). You are our Creator God, the true Ruler of this Universe. We thank you for the gift of choice you have given to us (Rev. 3:20, Matt. 23:37). We choose You. WE ASK that You reign [...]
