Tag Archives: Hope

And Proven Character, Hope

For years I have been puzzled by the logic of this sequence in Romans 5:3. Here Paul lists what a right response to tribulations will bring: And not only this, but we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings … Continue reading

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Turtle Rapture

In my neighborhood rocks are regularly used to landscape yards, but as I looked out my window, one of the rocks moved slowly down my neighbor’s driveway. I walked across the street to get a look at this suburban miracle … Continue reading

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In the Land of the Living

Because of multiple tragedies barging into my life and stumbling over each other, I have clung to the promises of God like a drowning man after a shipwreck. In the process, I have recognized that most of God’s promises, certainly … Continue reading

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It’s All About You

As heretical as it may sound, hearing God say, “It’s all about you” was liberating. For Christians, there are probably a dozen different ways that God’s relationship with us is not “all about us.” But in one profound way, it … Continue reading

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Winter Visions

The second big snow covers the ground, and it was ten below last night. We moved here in July, so this is our first Kansas winter. At these temperatures, frostbite is a real danger, especially when the chill factor gets … Continue reading

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Faramir and Hope

A line spoken by Faramir, in The Lord of Rings, pierced my heart and grief. Although full of Christian truths and values, The Lord of the Rings is not, Tolkien insists, a Christian allegory. Middle earth is perhaps best understood … Continue reading

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The Wounded Healer: Limping into 2024

How do we help others heal when we are deeply wounded? Where do we find the strength and the heart to help others when our own wounds still cry out? I think the longer one has lived the more likely … Continue reading

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Climb, Climb, Up Sunshine Mountain

The blessings of God are fresh every morning, but these days so is the grief. Teckla and I are sorting out stuff and hauling things to the dump, so every day we come across things that belonged to Peter: clothes, … Continue reading

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Failing Peter

In my last post I said Teckla and I had failed Peter in many ways. A couple of people kindly insisted we hadn’t, so I think I should clarify. Some may think this sense of failure is the guilt parents … Continue reading

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Deep Waters

The older I get, the more I love (and perhaps need) this story about fishing (Luke 5:3—8). Peter, James, and John had been fishing all night with no luck. They had taken their nets out of the boats and spread … Continue reading

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