Hope Harbor

It's good to remember important dates and significant events in our lives. This past week were a few valuable anniversaries that are meaningful to me.  My mother was in my thoughts because it would have been her birthday. Even though this year marks the time when I have lived more years of my life without her than I had the privilege of enjoying her (She died when I was 27), I still miss her. On a happier note, one of my brothers had a birthday yesterday  This week was also the anniversary of when I met Tanner my beloved canine companion. In some ways it is hard to believe that it has already been two years that Tanner and I have been together, and on the other hand I can hardly imagine my life without that loveable service dog. In honor of my anniversary of being matched with Tanner and in celebration of the joy he brings to me I thought I'd share one of my favorite photos of him: Isn't he handsome? !  . As I've reflected on the importance of remembering what

Those of us who have had medical issues have spent quite a bit of time in waiting rooms. We wait to see the doctor. We wait for blood work to be drawn. We wait to have scans or Xrays. And then we wait for the results. I have often mused that perhaps there is a good reason we are called "patients". I have a friend who has endured challenges that have caused her considerable pain and restricted mobility for a long time. She has also struggled with a stubborn wound in her foot that will not heal and has become infected repeatedly. After countless hours in waiting rooms and undergoing surgeries and other troublesome treatments, my friend has made the difficult decision to follow the advice of her physician and have a portion of her foot amputated in order to prevent further damage. Would a miraculous healing been welcome? Definitely. However, this dear woman sincerely told God "Not my will, but Yours be done." She is an excellent example of trusting in the integrity a

Today's date 1010/10 reminded me of the phrase perfect ten. In the Olympics the judges score the performance of the athletes on a rigid rating scale. I have watched many  skaters and gymnasts striving for the rarely achieved 10 poimts from everyone on the judging panel. Uncommon? Yes. Impossible? No. I can still recall the amazement of watching a 14 year old gymnast from Romania execute a flawless routine in the summer of 1976 and become the first ever to win a gold medal after earning a perfect score of 10. Jesus instructs His disciples to be perfect. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48 New International Version) Such an admonition can indeed seem daunting. If we look only at our weaknesses and often glaring imperfections, we could become disheartened at the command to pursue perfection. Thankfully, God's perfect love casts away fear. Through the perfect work of our Savior we receive what we need. He grants the grace that is essential

Psalm 135:5 (New International Version) 5 I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. I've had this song Our God is Greater on my heart recently. In fact 2 different days I woke up with the chorus repeatiing in my mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc The lyrics glorify God and inspire faith. It made me think how impurtant it is to truly believe that we have an awesome God. My heart was stirred to worship as I pondered His power and grandeur. I was struck with the thought that not only is the God who loves us great, He is greater. We could be facing gigantic problems, but God's grace is greater. We might have huge financial difficulties but God's ability to supply all of our needs is greater. We may be carrying a hravy weight of loneliness and fear but God's love is greater - perfect love that casts away fear. I was in a play once and I played the role of fear - a miserable character shipped wrecked and lost on a deserte