The first definition of hope in the dictionary is “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” When I think of hope, this is the definition I accept and think of most. It is certainly true during Advent, as we look forward to the coming of the Christ, both back then … Continue reading Defining Hope
Author: michellegunnin
Hope Deferred
To have a discussion of hope we must talk about the elephant in the room. Hope deferred. Hopelessness. The crushing weight of broken expectations. The relationship that didn’t work out. The loss of someone dear. The fractured marriage. The wayward child. The lost career. The illness that took over everything. The huge enormous hole that … Continue reading Hope Deferred
The Days of Advent
The days of advent are upon us. A liturgical season to which I never paid much attention until recently. A season of waiting. A season of anticipation. A season of light in the darkness. There is certainly enough darkness these days to have me looking for some light. It seems overwhelming sometimes, the heaviness of … Continue reading The Days of Advent
Snapshots of Thankfulness
Walking down the gravel road, stirring up the dust with each footfall I was sweating. The heat of the Nicaraguan day had me longing for shade. Our group of Americans, equipped with an interpreter, was on a prayer walk through the barrio. Speaking to the people, spending time with them was our joy. They had … Continue reading Snapshots of Thankfulness
Hibernation
I know humans aren’t considered hibernators, but I think I might be one. When the light darkens because of the dreaded daylight savings time, my body decides if there is less light there will be less work. I feel a pull to the comfy covers of my bed and I don’t want to come out … Continue reading Hibernation
Joy-filled Moments
There are some moments in time which stick in my mind like a movie on a screen. Last weekend will be one of those. My heart was full to overflowing with joy and gratitude, as was my house. My kids came from all their places to celebrate Hannah and Jimmy, Georgia-style. We gathered around the … Continue reading Joy-filled Moments
God Cannot Forget You
When Bill was in the hospital all those years ago, I often wondered what was happening to him spiritually. He was out of his mind, so where was his spirit? When he came around, I asked him what he remembered, curious if he had seen or felt anything from the unseen realm. He didn’t remember … Continue reading God Cannot Forget You
Bye, Bye Bella
Pet ownership does all the marvelous things you would expect, for your kids. They learn responsibility, kindness, and compassion all while having fun. They learn you can’t just play when you feel like it and let things go when you don’t. It teaches them balance between the want-tos and the have-tos in life. I have … Continue reading Bye, Bye Bella
Bucket List
If Mom is the glue of our family, Dad is the bedrock. The foundation on which all the rest of us stand; a role which he has stoically carried his whole life. When the winds of life blow around us, our feet are firmly planted. He has carried us all at one time or another, … Continue reading Bucket List
My Love/Hate Relationship
Since I was a young girl, I have always had a love/hate relationship with my body. It has never been what I wanted it to be. I came into my curves early and when all my friends were shopping the junior department for size 3 or 5, I was in the women’s department looking for … Continue reading My Love/Hate Relationship
Michelle's Mosaic 