Hope Harbor

The seasons of my life are passing so swiftly. I am keenly aware of this lately. It’s been more than 4 months since my last blog post. The one before that was in the heart of winter following a major blizzard. Now here we are in the heat of summer. Reviewing my blog and seeing that photo of my house covered with snow caused me to reflect upon on how quickly time passes. I ponder how, just as natural seasons usher in changes in weather and climate, we experience seasons in our lives that foster changes in our circumstances or surroundings. There are even those precious seasons of life designed to promote changes within our very being itself. Though the calendar has indicated winter ended some time ago, I’m afraid there has been a bit of a chill in my soul that has lingered well into the spring and summer. I’ve encountered a few storms in my journey that I did not weather with as much trust and steadfastness as God’s faithfulness deserves. While I value a sunny disposition, hone...

Some things are difficult to define and challenging to explain. Joy is like that for me. I believe it is vital and indeed a precious gift. but how do you describe it? I am raising the question here because I am facing that daunting task. I have taken on the assignment of presenting a session to children at my church on the topic of joy. I am considering as an outline: • What is joy? • Who can have it? • How do you get it? • Why is it important? Following is an attempt to briefly expound on the key points: • What is joy? As I mentioned, it is not easy to describe joy. In fact even a great apostle who authored much of the New Testament stated that joy was beyond his capacity to express. 1 Peter 1:8 (New American Standard Bible) 8and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, We can be assured that joy is not dependent on circumstances. It is a gift that...

We have been in the midst of quite severe winter weather - frigid temperatures, blustery winds and enormous amounts of snowfall. The blizzard of 2011 dumped in excess of 20 inches of snow on the Chicago area. This was combined with fierce winds resulted in huge snow drifts. Moving about has been virtually impossible. Despite this meteorlogical mess, or perhaps because of it, I have experienced many blessings. God used my dear friends as He often does, to meet my needs in the midst of inclement weather related challenges. After it had snowed heavily for most of the previous day, and throughout the night, I got up the other day to discover a literal snow barricade at my  back door. Since the snow was higher than Tanner is tall, it was impossible for him to get outside. He was probably quite uncomfortable with a full bladder, and we were both more than a little distressed by the predicament. I called a dear friend who often provides assistance to me and asked if she coul...

God cares about orphans. Psalm 82:3 New American Standard Bible Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. He has put it on the hearts of many of His followers to have concern for orphans too. It pleases God that those who have a genuine relationship with Him meet the needs of the poor and those who have noone to care for them. James 1:27 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to)visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by)the world. I am privileged to know many who deeply care about orphans throughout the world. Several friends either have become adoptive parents , or know that it is part of God's plan for them to bring orphans into their families. Two young couples with whom I am acquainted are actively and personally involved in the adoption process. One couple completed the adoption of a precious little boy from Ethiopia. The oth...

There are already advertisements intended to motivate people to shop for gifts for Valentine's Day. As is the case with many holidays the true meaning of Valentine’s Day seems to have been lost. In fact, I used to not like Valentine’s Day at all. There has been such an emphasis on Romance, flowers, candy and the mythical chubby creature with an arrow. I felt it really didn’t apply to me. As a single woman, I felt left out of the celebration of Valentine’s Day until I learned about its history and true meaning. St Valentine was a godly man with a deep faith. He was committed to God and sincerely loved people. He would frequently send messages of encouragement written on red paper to believers who were being persecuted for their faith. That was probably the origin of our custom of sending “Valentine” cards as expression of our affection. St Valentine eventually paid the ultimate sacrifice being a willing substitute for another young believer. He allowed himself to be martyred in h...

"Haste makes waste" is a well-known saying attributed to the statesman and inventor Ben Franklin. We probably all have heard stories about a driver who took a "short cut" that took them on a round about journey which caused the trip to be long and difficult before arriving at their intended destination. I had an instance this week that reminded me of the potential consequences of carelessness. Many in the church I attend are involved in the production of an excellent theatrical play with a profound message. I have a small role as an "extra" in a medical scene. I also am trying to help with research and making phone calls. One of my duties is to remind cast members of their scheduled practices. Yesterday, I was trying to be "efficient' in my efforts to notify people of their designated rehearsal sessions, so I decided to rely on my memory rather that shuffling through the pages of the list of phone numbers, schedule, and cast roster. Regrettabl...

As our nation commemorates the  life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the famous  " I Have a Dream " speech this civil rights leader delivered decades ago comes to mind. Here is an excerpt from the speech Dr. King made in 1963: I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I h...