Hope-Full Living

The thin, gray-haired man who stepped gingerly off the treadmill was a mere shadow of my former gym buddy. Six years ago, Bob was a tall, vigorous runner, with treadmill times that put me to shame. Today he cautioned, “Getting older is harder than expected.” That’s not the message I wanted to hear. After all, advertisements show older adults whacking the pickle ball and non-profits highlight 80-ye...

The skydiver stood at the open door of the aircraft as it moved into position. It was his first jump, and he was understandably nervous. He checked his parachute and asked his flight instructor: “Is this thing really going to work?” The instructor smiled and shouted into the wind: “There’s only one way to find out.” Life is full of those “first time jumps.” We jump into a career not knowing whethe...

When I visited an older member, I noticed that she had a calendar with a plus (+) on each box. I asked her about this, and she replied, “People sometimes draw Xs through the boxes of their calendar, but I decided to give a plus to each day to show God is encouraging me to pray for others. I also write their name in the box.” I looked again and said, “You know, these pluses also look like crosses....

Two women are talking. A young child runs up to one and tugs at her clothes, seeking attention. Does the woman ignore her? Shush her? Or does she pause the conversation and turn to the child? When someone turns to another, it signals they are ready to engage. In the verse above, God invites us to turn to Him. He frequently reminds us to return (re-turn) to Him (Nehemiah 1:9; Joel 2:12). When we tu...

Now that I am retired, I find I have ample time for daily devotions. I love hearing God speak through His God- breathed words. The scriptures are indeed living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Staying close to God is essential for a holy walk with Him. Those who are no longer able to read, can access audio recordings of...

Childhood Saturday mornings were crammed with expectations repeatedly fulfilled when the first “wild west” adventure burst onto the screen. Then, as the final credits rolled, I raced outdoors, intent on restoring justice. Sadly, my wish to do so, astride my new pony, never materialized. Scriptures affirm countless expectations: surviving a night among lions (Daniel 6:31); following a star to salva...

When was the last time you were overwhelmed, and your heart was breaking? Were you overwhelmed due to grief or loss? A financial issue? Health problems? Feeling sad or worried? Regardless of the situation, everyone experiences overwhelming life experiences leading to a broken heart. When life situations overwhelm us, we may feel broken and hopeless. We may think no one cares. However, our best fri...

Is there life after baseball? Professional athletes sometimes struggle to answer that question as they leave the national stage. But those whose achievements formerly drove headlines aren’t the only ones who must shift as they enter a new season of life. An ex-CEO might slip into making executive decisions when choosing a family dental plan. An ex-teacher might apply critical thinking to daily dec...

No one gladly signs up for suffering. Yet many of us have endured seasons of suffering, me included. In the season of your suffering, it can be hard to see that God is using it to grow your character. We don’t often think of suffering producing hope. However, when we are in our lowest places, we must turn our faces upward to the Lord, in whom we can find the hope we are seeking. As we endure suffe...

When we come across a difficult situation, like what medical plan should I choose, where do we go to find the answer? We might go to a friend, our computer, or a counselor. But where did Jesus go when He was facing death? He turned first to His Father. Because in the Father, we have hope. No matter what the problem is, our Father invites us to pray. Jeremiah 42:3 says, “... that the Lord your God...

God’s gift of wealth arrives in many forms — time, health, hope, relationships, life lessons, and tangible resources. Spending a moment in awe of a vibrant sunset, the touch of a loved one, or the melding flavors of a favorite dish shows God our appreciation for the riches He bestows. Each breath, every kindness, all earthly comforts and conveniences, even a dramatic situation that gives us greate...

Recently a thirty-something friend of mine had her second miscarriage. Shattered expectations and hopelessness swirled in my head for them ... again! The mental and physical gymnastics she and her husband went through to become pregnant a second time — only to lose another precious little one — was overwhelming and rendered us all speechless. What could God be doing? We couldn’t see through our si...

Through most of life’s seasons, my days have been filled with non-stop schedules and goals to be accomplished before bedtime. In addition, thoughts and concerns often race through my mind. Was I truly content? In my older years, I have discovered the need for regular naps after lunch. When I awake, God gives me a peaceful gratitude for His countless gifts of protection, salvation, and opportunitie...

As a child, when I visited my grandparents, I’d look up toward the carriage and horses figurine on top of the tall Victrola cabinet. Granddaddy would say, “Let’s see what the horses brought you today.” Standing on tiptoe, to my delight, I’d find a pack of chewing gum on the horses’ backs. On each visit, my grandfather met my expectation. As an adult, I’m learning to expect God’s faithfulness in ev...

Learning details about nature can fill me with hope. Our Creator continuously reveals how He has planned our future! We hope He always protects and provides for us. He will surely do it! By studying the lotus plant design, researchers have discovered a way to make starch-based, biodegradable plastic. Others have altered aluminum to mix a non-fading, ultra- lightweight paint with environmental cool...

The SOVIET UNION — June 16, 1963 — 62 years ago today. Valentine Tereshkova, age 26, first woman in space, flew her Soviet spacecraft 48 orbits around the earth before landing safely. For her work she was awarded numerous medals and honors. The world applauds those who have done outstanding things. Works without faith, however, is dead. Many people only seek their own glory and contentment in what...

Reflecting on life with my dad, many things stand out: family camping and boating, singing, attending church, learning right from wrong, how to win and lose gracefully, then later, visits home simply taking walks together. I miss him, and love how he demonstrated the work of leading our family in ways pleasing to the Lord. God’s perfect order in creation meant establishing the family (Genesis 28:1...

The young man and his small daughter sat across from me at an outdoor breakfast event. I did not mean to cry as we talked about our summer experiences, but tears slipped out as I shared a cherished dream that had been torn away at the point of fulfillment. “May I pray with you?” he asked, gently taking my hand. I do not remember his specific words, but I remember his kindness pouring balm on my wo...

Growing up, that question was often used by my mother, intending on correcting me. In reading that scripture again, I expected to find it used more frequently than eight times, and the last time, in Hebrews 10:27 in fearful expectation. You and I are still growing ... still learning, yes, even growing in the knowledge of our Lord and His steadfast love. His steadfast love is mentioned more than 20...

Jesus says to the waves “Peace! Be still.” Maybe He is also saying that to His disciples. “Peace! Be still, I Am here.” As we age, we don’t have to go far to find moments of uncertainty or distress, from dropping a pen you can’t pick up, to being told that after a certain age, “we don’t do surgery on that.” Where in life’s issues can we find contentment and peace? Not in crystals, tea leaves, arom...

Have you ever heard one engaged person say to the other, “You are mine”? It’s a way of saying, “We belong together. We love each other.” Have you ever been to an adoption process in a courtroom? Parents promise to call that child their own. The child has gained a new family. Have you ever seen a baptism? In that moment, God is saying to parents, to sponsors, and especially to the child, “You belon...

As a senior, I have learned the value of spiritual resilience. This ability to be faithful despite adversity allows us to rely on God for help. Being human, we can feel discouraged by challenges. That is when the Devil tempts us to give up on God. Listening to him is like inviting him to visit you and giving him your home address. We can expect God to help us when we trust Him. When we do, we will...

We all like to receive gifts. Our Bible passage mentions each has his own gift. Paul wishes all the gift of belief in Jesus. The Matthew 28 commission “go, share” tells us Jesus is for all. The life, death, and Easter Resurrection of Jesus should permeate our lives. How can we practice relating this “expectation” to the full? How do we carry out that commission? Dr. Luther writes in the 2nd petiti...

Picture this: The room fills with a mighty rush of wind and tongues of fire rest above each person’s head. The power of the Holy Spirit sends these followers of Jesus into the crowds to share this one, true message of hope: No matter who you are, or where you come from, or what you’ve done, God has sent His Son, Jesus, to die and to rise victorious for you. Now it’s our turn: “May the God of hope...

We planned a long retirement with our spouse, but we are widowed. We expected our adult children would live close by, but they relocated miles away. A good friend was offended, and we never hear from her. Hopes and dreams — even what seem like normal life expectations — sometimes don’t materialize. How do we handle, as Proverbs says, “hope deferred”? Psalm 130:5 tells us not to focus on circumstan...