It was our first Chinese New Year in Taiwan. Everything took us by surprise. The incense, the fireworks, the cleansing of homes, businesses, and cemeteries. But, most interesting were the banners across every outer door. Calligraphed on strips of red paper, these rhythmic blessings were affixed in triplicate — one over the door frame, and one on each side. …
“Hope Must Be Greater than Fear”
My husband, Mark, has agreed to finish up my short series regarding our daughter’s accident. Pull up a chair as he walks you through this crisis from a male perspective. You’ll be glad you did. ———————- “After the initial shock of the accident subsided, a new wave of terror came slamming into my world. What steps do I take now …
Terrorists and Tyrants
Dear Mentor, It seems that the news from around the world continues to spiral downward. From reports of Middle Eastern atrocities, the Ukraine crisis, the Ebola virus and the abduction of schoolgirls in Nigeria, I am so sickened by it that I swing between intense anxiety and turning a blind eye. I feel so ineffective and guilty for …
Do You Feel Inadequate?
My precious child, Are you okay? Are you feeling like the least in My Kingdom? It’s okay. I knew this would come up. Thinking of you, I’ve already addressed this issue. “The one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he…” (Matthew 11:11). Remember who I was speaking of? John the Baptist. …
When It’s Really, Really Dark
Paula was one of my best friends in college. We met because she needed a ride across town. You see, I had a little car. And Paula had her guide dog, Lena. I must admit that in the first few months of our friendship, Paula’s blindness was far more of a handicap for me than it was for …
Help for a Heavy Heart
Several weeks ago, we started looking at prayer together. If you read the initial posting, you will remember that when I compiled selected prayer verses, I found them all to be about Truth. Now let’s do more than just talk about prayer. Let’s truly intercede for someone. Who do you know that needs a firm dose of Truth in …
Exposure to the Son
My son-in-law was born with a slight case of jaundice. Of course, I didn’t know him at the time, but you find out these things as you spend time with the “in-laws”. Annette tells me that the hospital allowed them to come home, but that Matt was on a strict regimen of daily sunshine. Evidently, they were to put …
Shining or Shellacked?
Exiting the lacquerware workshop, I had a much greater appreciation for the art than upon arrival. When I’d entered, all I could see were bowls and boxes – some black, some red – all begging for purchase. But as I passed the showroom and entered into the studio rooms, I began to understand the time spent on each …
Diggin’ In
For some time now, we’ve been grappling together with how His strength works in our abject weakness. Let’s do another truth mediation, okay? Now if you haven’t done one of these with us before, here’s how it works. I’ll give you highlights of Greek meanings behind a particular verse. You mediate on these, allowing His …
Lean into Your Need
All week long, we have heard from individuals who have persevered under trials. Today is no exception. You have already come to love Carrie Vipperman. She guest blogged with Hungry For More earlier in the year. Join her today as she gives us some practical how-to’s during weakness. ———————————– …