Heart Hope by Olga

Did you notice how just for a moment on Monday, August 21 during the eclipse there was no hatred expressed? Instead everyone was mesmerized by the sky. The view of the sun being covered over with darkness was the buzz. From questions about the glasses, where you would be watching, other devices that could be used and the way the leaves were shaped like a crescent....No one had time for hatred for a brief few minutes. Not everyone was able to see the sight in person. My 91 year old mother didn't have the glasses and wouldn't have wanted to view it alone. She couldn't get to the museum where they were having an Eclipse Watching Party so she determined she would just watch it on TV with a better vantage point.  In order to make the best of the lonely situation, mother continued the conversation by saying that even though this once in a lifetime event had occurred, she sees the glory of God each and everyday--when the sun rises, when a flower blooms, when a hummingbird b...

As I left for my morning hike, my husband interjected, "Watch out for the mountain lions." Now that thought had not crossed my mind-bears yes, mountain lions no. Midway up the mountain something caught my eye, not a moving living creature, but a carcass. It was not a fresh recent kill, but had been there for at least one winter.   The dry bones reminded me of a recent conversation with a friend who had confided that she felt dead inside. I don't think she is alone. There are probably many who feel that way, but are just not honest and open enough to admit it. The feeling of death may come from a loss, depression, failure, fear or a plethora of other things, but it is a real feeling. What can be done about it? The thoughts in my mind led me to the passage in Ezekiel 37 where God guides the prophet to a valley filled with dry bones. Through the series of conversations and actions between Ezekiel and God the bones came together and tendons, flesh and skin appeare...

I am fortunate enough to live in a most glorious place--a place where people travel across the world to vacation and play in my backyard. Today was a blue-sky day with mild spring temperatures where you could do just about anything you wanted from skiing to biking and the weather permitted it all. Biking was my choice and my leisurely pace was fast enough to get where I was going, but slow enough to enjoy the surroundings. Apparently, it was not appropriate for an impatient driver. I had heard him screeching through the parking lot as he pulled toward the street, but I continued on for about ten more feet before glancing over my shoulder to turn into our parking garage. The irate driver was on the wrong side of the road passing me by and from what others who watched in amazement said, he was not at all happy with my speed.   After my initial response, I had to laugh and wonder what possibly could have made him so unhappy that a granny riding her bike could ruin his day. ...

Our days are filled with things that are done habitually. We set our alarm to wake up and get started on our important tasks. We brush our teeth without thinking about it. We switch on the morning news because that's what we do each day. We make our coffee or drink our tea. And on and on it goes. Every morning I put on four things--2 rings, my watch and my cross necklace. For years I did this routine mechanically without thinking. These four objects are important to me, my wedding ring, my faith ring, my watch and my cross. Now I take a moment to stop and pray as I get dressed.   Putting on my watch I pray something like this, "Lord thank you for another day; please help me to use it for Your glory. Show me how to use the time that you have given me wisely and help me to be salt and light as I go my way." As I slip on my Wedding Ring I might pray, "Lord thank you for my husband. Be with him today and protect him. Help him to seek You with all his being....

Grumps and I were keeping the kids while the parents were taking a well-deserved break for a couple of days. We would be celebrating New Years with the children and we needed to devise a behavior plan. Each started off with one pea and they would either earn peas for good behavior or have them taken away when they didn't mind. Peas were earned for showering and getting ready for bed first, for turning off the Xbox when told, for showing appreciation for something nice, even for sticking with us like glue. Peas were taken away when they couldn't get along or didn't follow instructions. The system worked because everyone wanted the prize. Most people think that God operates that way with rewards and debits for our behavior and if we have enough rewards at the end of our lives, then we get to go to heaven, the ultimate reward. But I'm so glad I don't have to collect peas or anything else to earn God's favor. There is no ledger sheet or collection jar...

The stockings should be hung by the chimney with care and reindeer landing on the roof instead of dogs (that as a story for another time) but instead my house seems to be in chaos. Yes, I know that Pastor Craig's sermon series this month is entitled White Serenity and it is meant to help us focus on a peaceful, worshipful season. That's what I want, but that is not exactly what I have.  Our condo has been overly crowded with people and packages; wrapping and toys; food and sticky notes all over the floor, placed strategically by a two year. I love every minute, even though it is far from serene.  Focusing on what is really important during this season and the message of hope and salvation that the birth of Jesus brings, can be accomplished even with chaos around. After all, think about the first Christmas.  On the beautiful Christmas cards we see each year, the scene looks picturesque, each participant perfectly placed. However if we stop and think about ...