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Her Name Means Forsaken: Her Story Illustrates Redemption

Genesis 16:1-13 and Genesis 21:1-20 bring us face to face with an Old Testament relationship disaster. We get front row seats to watch circumstantial loneliness manifest-and become a platform for poor decision-making. Enter our main character: Hagar. Hagar is an Egyptian slave and Sarah’s rival. She didn’t have a voice as a slave, so she…… Continue reading Her Name Means Forsaken: Her Story Illustrates Redemption

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Protect Your Valuables

I was making Andrew’s bed while answering many inquires about each item I placed on his bed.  I had just finished an extensive dissertation about how the mattress protector-which I was also recalling was ridiculously expensive-would keep his bed from absorbing any accidents, spills, etc-thereby avoiding a stinky aroma.  The conversation was beyond his three years, and coincidentally he… Continue reading Protect Your Valuables

Christian Living · Encouragement · Faith

Are You Forcing a Blessing?

One never knows what chance treasure these easy unconscious rollers may toss-up, on the smooth white sand of the conscious mind, what perfectly rounded stone, what rare shell from the ocean floor…but it must not be sought for or-heaven forbid!-dug for. No, no dredging of the sea bottom here. That would defeat one’s purpose. The…… Continue reading Are You Forcing a Blessing?

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Regeneration

Christina DiMari captivated me with her memoir Ocean Star. It was a tough read, but honest and authentic. After reading, I couldn’t help but be enamored with starfish, the scientific process of regeneration, the need to be connected to our source of life, and our need for others. Regeneration is the restoration or new growth…… Continue reading Regeneration

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I’m Just Not Flexible By Nature

Have you ever heard of the resiliency of reeds?  In the midst of incredible storms, raging winds and unrelenting rain-reeds survive to see another day. Why do reeds survive strong winds and raging storms?  Reeds were created to bend and sway when the winds blow.  Sometimes they are blown hard enough to touch the ground. …… Continue reading I’m Just Not Flexible By Nature

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A Lesson I Learned From Julia

I LOVE bacon. I could eat it with/for every meal. Yet somehow I had never heard of blanched bacon. On a recent trip to the public library I picked up the ever-intimidating Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. As I flipped through the massive cooking “bible” I couldn’t help but stop on…… Continue reading A Lesson I Learned From Julia

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Even if it is Risky

Over the course of a few years, I’ve been blessed to encounter an assortment of women. There is nothing more delightful than meeting and hearing the story of a fellow sojourner. Three left a lasting impression-thus significantly impacting my journey.Woman number one: A nameless woman resting in a wheelchair at church. Brain cancer had robbed…… Continue reading Even if it is Risky

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Holding On

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) When I think of holding on, it is usually directly linked to something. I tell my children to “hold on” when turning a corner quickly and I imply that they need to hold on to something that…… Continue reading Holding On