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. Let's join Paul in viewing this life as a race we are running to successfully pass the baton of faith to the next generation. THEREFORE WE [...]
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. [...]
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! Is it necessary to see resolution before we are able to rejoice? How [...]
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. 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 that [...]
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 [...]
Following a disaster or critical incident, medical and mental health professionals typically do triage by making observations and asking questions referred to as a MENTAL STATUS EXAM. The usual questions are: (1) What is your name? (2) What is the date or time? Or Who is the president? (3) Where are you? (4) What just [...]
Whatever our particular hardship or concern in this season, prayer is our means of accessing God. How can we not wonder about the forces bombarding our nation? Is our sin reaping its own reward, or is our nation under attack by the enemy of our souls? Aren’t violence, division, fear, and pride some of his [...]
LAZZIE CAT Our family was once the recipient of a rescued cat. Her startle reflex validated the report that she had been abused, but most of the time she just slept. She was a beautiful Calico—white with large areas of black interspersed with orange all over her body. As pretty as she was, [...]
