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
Hope
Wars and Rumors of War
Oh God. We have strayed so far from the garden where we walked and talked with you in the cool of the evening. Where you fellowshipped with us face to face. Where you shared your heart with us and for us. Where we were open with you and without secrets. Where we rejoiced in your … Continue reading Wars and Rumors of War
New Hope
Forsythia is waving her wild hair in the breeze and the cherry trees are following her lead. The pears are mostly changed out of their lacy white gowns into their green dresses to join in the dance. All shades of tulips are showing their faces to the warmth of the sun. All around is a … Continue reading New Hope
Dear Christ Followers
Dear Christ Followers, Our streets are burning with the fire of grief. There is a deep sorrow which has ripped open a wound that has never healed properly. It is raw and gapping and exposed. In ancient days, there would have been the tearing of clothes, there would have been sackcloth and ashes. There would … Continue reading Dear Christ Followers
Just Up Ahead
Just up ahead is the light at the end of the tunnel. It seems so close, but then it feels so far. It’s one of those optical illusions, like when you are at the beach and you decide to walk to a distant pier, only to realize, after walking what seems like forever, it is … Continue reading Just Up Ahead
Awake, Awake!
Awake, awake! Stay awake at all times, praying for strength. I am pouring out a deposit in this time of waiting. Will you receive it? The strength you need. The eyes to see. The heart of joy. The place of rest. A deposit to be withdrawn in the days to come. A deposit of compassion. … Continue reading Awake, Awake!
Warm and Fuzzy Christmas
I have always loved Christmas. For me, as a child, it was a magical time. Lights, presents, caroling, friends, shows, music, family… all of it, just made me feel warm and fuzzy. As I grew up, I continued to love the warm and fuzzy parts of the season and tried to pass them along to … Continue reading Warm and Fuzzy Christmas
Silent Night, Holy Night
In the wee hours of the morning, I sit in the light of the Christmas tree. There are no presents underneath. My manger scene is undisturbed. The stockings are empty. I could have slept for hours more, yet somehow my body is programed that on this morning I should be up. The dog’s snoring is … Continue reading Silent Night, Holy Night
Guest Blog: Hope is a Four-letter Word
As told by Bill Gunnin Hope is a four-letter word. Most people think of it as a positive word, a word that looks forward. For me, with my head injury, it is a word that makes me sick. A tormenting word, which never works out for me. Most of the time the feeling I have … Continue reading Guest Blog: Hope is a Four-letter Word
Heartsick
Hopelessness-a state of being without hope. There is something rising up. It is crying out with a loud voice. It is the sound of pain. It is the expression of deep wounds that are festering. It is brokenness, manifested by anger. If hope deferred makes the heart sick, then our country is heartsick. We … Continue reading Heartsick
Michelle's Mosaic 