Fall leavesfaith

The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

Some years, holidays like Thanksgiving are more of a sacrifice than a joy. Even though the horizons blush with promise every morning, and green leaves turn golden and amber as the weather cools, it’s hard to be thankful. At the end of this week in October, little kids will dress up like pirates and princesses gathering candy in their pumpkin …

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faith

7 Scriptures about the Beloved

In 2010 my big sister, my only sibling, and one of my favorite people in the whole world, lost her battle with cancer. Her death did a number on my faith. I couldn’t pray. I couldn’t worship. I went to church, but I couldn’t sing. I wanted nothing to do with the Christian radio stations. I was hurt. Confused. But …

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grief

The Danger of Despair: Why we need hope

Five years ago despair held me hostage. Our entire family was called into a conference room in the hospital. We stood in a big circle facing the doctor who announced the verdict that my sister’s situation was void of hope. On that day I learned how vital hope is to our hearts. You simply can’t live without it. We took …

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cancer, faith, heaven

ihope

  My nose is clogged. My throat throbs, and tears keep getting in my way. The wind outside beating against my windows and the deep darkness, the darkest moment before the sunrise, is symbolic of my grief this morning as I write. I prayed, “Lord, I can’t write these words today…I’ve got to be upbeat and positive. I shouldn’t wear …

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