Hope Harbor

Sometines adverse circumstances can bring out the darkness in our hearts. Regrettably that was the case for me this week. Following a late night and distressing morning of plumbing problems, I headed off to a medical appointment at the women's cancer department at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. My transportaton was late so I arrived after my scheduled time. The staff was gracious and fit me in. Because my visit with the doctor was postponed, I missed my return ride. When I called the transit company, the dispatcher informed me that I would need to wait two hours before a vehicle could be availanle to take me home. It would have been nice if I could report that I patiently received that news, considerate of all the other passengers who were also eager to get to their destinations. Not true. Regrettably, I complained about the situation, and rather insistently tried to persuade the transportation representatve that there should be a way to take me home sooner. I was told that...

Isaiah 40:8 (New American Standard Bible) 8The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. Scorching heat and a lack of rain can make things parched and brittle. We have been having sweltering hot temperatures and not much rain in the area where I live. I’ve been spending most of my time lately in the comfort of my air conditioned home. While it is nice to avoid the discomfort of the heat and humidity, I do at times grow weary of staying indoors. Tanner my service dog also seems to be a bit bored from our limited activity. I do try to at least take him for a short walk when the weather is bearable. Recently, on one of our strolls, I noticed how dry and withered the lawns in my neighborhood were becoming. I realized how important it is that living things have water regularly for continued growth. Early in the month, my area had received quite a bit of rain. Despite the showers in previous weeks, the flowers seem to be wilting and the grass is losing its...

Psalm 27:6-8 (New American Standard Bible) 6And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. 7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. 8When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." Sometimes it seems to us that God does not answer our prayers. The key phrase in that statement is seems to us. In our human frailty we often  lack the capacity to discern the wise ways of our all-knowing Heavenly Father. Someone with whom I am acquainted is among the many in this difficult economy who has lost her job. This dear woman has been unemployed for many months. During this time period, she has taken steps of faith and has been a good example of trusting God. She even started a blog Staying in Hope  http://stayinginhope.blogspot.com/  which is devoted to offering ...

Names have great significance. What parents call their children traditionally has been indicative of their hope and belief concerning their destiny. I awoke this morning with the song I Will Change Your Name on my heart. Here's a link to a video if you'd like to watch and listen to the beautiful lyrics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyhsSFT6A5k&feature=related This is more than just a sweet song. It is based on solid Biblical truth. Isaiah 62:2-5 (New American Standard Bible) 2The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the LORD will designate. 3You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem in the hand of your God. 4It will no longer be said to you, "Forsaken," Nor to your land will it any longer be said, "Desolate"; But you will be called, "My delight is in her," And your land, "Married"; For the LORD ...

 I haven't posted on my blog in a while. I've been involved in a number of activities. My church had a retreat in which I participated. I've also been doing some research into the process of publishing as I consider whether to put my writing into print. However busyness is not the main barrier to my blogging. I suspect I may have experienced a case of writer's block. I've been having difficulty identifying topics to share and trouble finding words to communicate. The root cause of my problem with a lack of productivity is uncertain. It could be a touch of anxiety or a bit of lethargy or some combination thereof. As I pondered the reasons for my writing woes, I considered the concept of a "block". The word can refer to something that prevents an action, or it can be a protection from harm. A road block can definitely impede the flow of traffic, but it can also keep an area safe because it might be necessary for repair, or for security in order to apprehend...

Another set of homonyms that can teach life lessons with spiritual significance is sow, sew and so . Children from my church recently planted seeds, in a Vacation Bible School activity in order to have a greater appreciation for the important work of farmers in our nation to provide food for multitudes. This was an important lesson not only about planting and how to sow , but also about hard work and patience as well as trusting God to provide what is needed. In order for crops to grow, a farmer must first sow a seed to give them life. When the proper soil is prepared and the seeds are planted and cared for, they will yield an abundant harvest. The skilled and conscientious farmer needs to cultivate the soil so that his labor will be fruitful. Jesus taught a parable about the necessity to sow in good soil. He explained that the seed represents the Word of God and the soil signifies our hearts. (Read Matthew 13:3-23 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013:...

I mentioned in previous posts that I am intrigued by homonyms. I wrote about a few of these fascinating words which sound the same but have different meanings. I thought of another set of homonyms – feet and feat. Interestingly, the Bible has quite a bit to say about feet. Those who proclaim good news and acknowledge God are said to have “beautiful feet”. Isaiah 52:7 (New American Standard Bible) 7How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Those who know God as their source of strength will have protection and stability as they walk through life in grace. Habakkuk 3:19 (New American Standard Bible) 19The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places. We are also instructed to take the Gospel with us wherever we go as faithful soldiers of Christ. Ephesi...