Grinning in joyful expectation, I joined the crowd and began cheering for the Medieval Jousters. Full of good-natured dramatics and artful choreography, the horses and actors performed with expert showmanship. But suddenly they introduced a startling plot twist. The evil knight powerfully defeated the noble one. And the crowd around me let out a delighted…
According to a recent survey, eighty-six percent of people ages thirteen to thirty-eight want to be an influencer. By definition, an influencer makes money by promoting products and services on their social media accounts. As this trend has grown, we now identify four levels of influencers based on the number of their followers: Nano Influencers…
I wish life came with its own remote control. So often in the past weeks and months, my heart has longed to “go back”. Go back to a time when life felt safe and full of hope and promise. Maybe you can relate. When life hurts, we often look back with nostalgia to easier times….
I still remember laughing with my young students as we read The Emperor’s New Clothes. Entertaining and engaging, this classic fairy tale from Hans Christian Anderson always pleased my young crowd. (If you are unfamiliar with the tale, you can read it here.) We couldn’t help but chuckle as the vain emperor fell for the…
After spending a week cleaning and sprucing our house in preparation of its sale, we put it on the market. Within three days we had three strong offers. One potential buyer offered to pay an amount well above our asking price ~ in cash. An offer too good to refuse. But even as we signed…
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) From the first time I read this verse on a wedding invitation, I loved it. Its words eloquently express God’s heart toward us….
What did you dream of becoming when you were a child? My answer may surprise you. I dreamed of becoming the President of the United States. Even at a young age I wanted my life to be important. Serving as the president seemed the best way. While I no longer entertain thoughts of the presidency,…
Some promises seem too good to be true. Consider the following example: Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 NIV) During the years of waiting for a husband (you can read about this here), people often quoted this Scripture to encourage me. The underlying logic…
God has a funny way of reminding us of the truths we teach. Immediately after I published my last blog post on anchored hopes, something I hoped for did not materialize. God knew I needed that lesson to process the coming disappointment. Not every specific hope we have ties directly to a promise from God….
