Hope Works: the journey to transformation

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

--Romans 5:3 - 5

I have a strong affection for dragonflies. The semblance of one dangles from my key ring; another is pressed into the blue glass ornament that hangs in my kitchen window, while others are imprinted on my porch cushions. Seeing dragonflies flutter about my flower gardens is a feast for my eyes. So what gave birth to this insect attraction?

The Crown of Life: Persevering in Unprecedented Times

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

—James 1:12

When I think of a crown, I think of a beautiful gem-studded head ornament. I do not think of a deadly virus. However, the coronavirus was given its name because its crown reminded scientists of the corona of the sun. While I first thought the name was ill-fitting, I now see how appropriate it is. A crown worn by a ruler signifies power. In comparison, the coronavirus has been ruling our world, exerting its power over our physical bodies, our businesses, schools, even the doors of our homes. For many of us, it has taken authority over our heart and mind, inciting fear, anxiety, and worry.

Note my perpetual calendar's verse for March 16th,
the day that President Trump launched Slow the Spread

Valentines for the Soul: I AM Here

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

—Genesis 28:15a

“I am in your corner” is a saying that means “I’m here and I support you.” Some might say it means “I’ve got your back.”

“I am in your corner” originated in the sport of boxing, where a fighter’s trainer and assistant are in his corner, there to provide advice between rounds. A trainer can also call off a fight that has potentially life-threatening consequences. 

What if Life Came in Packages? Would You Unwrap Them All?

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

—James 1:2-4

I attended my granddaughter’s school Christmas program on Friday and was delighted by the present parade. Each student was dressed as a present, most of them wearing a cardboard box covered in gift wrap, as was Addison’s costume. Of course, I had to take her picture. Later I thought, What a cute Christmas card that would make if I could get all ten of my grandchildren to wear cardboard gift boxes! They are all certainly gifts to me. Anyone who is blessed with (grand)children would most likely agree, as children bring joy.

The Gift of Addison

What if all of life came to us in packages? The good and the bad. Our spouse, our job, our children, as well as cancer, unemployment, and car accidents. Would you shake the boxes to try to determine what’s inside before opening them? What if you unwrapped one child, would you take a chance and keep unwrapping in hopes of a second, even though you knew you might unwrap a trial instead?

Lifting Weights: How is being weak a good thing?

Lifting Weights: How is being weak a good thing?

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

—2 Corinthians 12:10

Side lateral raises. Even hearing those three words brings pain, let alone actually doing them. Last February I started a regular exercise program that involves toning with hand weights three times a week. I started with 2-pound weights, then moved up to 3-pound weights, and was certainly ready for 4-pound weights months ago. But I had added the hand weights to my Christmas list, so rather than buy them myself I waited to see if I would get them. Sure enough, my daughter and family left them beneath the tree. But instead of 4-pound weights, I got 5-pounders. I tried them out the other day and noticed a big difference from the ones I was used to. I struggled to raise them, especially for the side lateral exercises, which have given me trouble from the get-go. Although not confirmed by a physician, I think I have a slight tear in my left deltoid, the triangular shaped muscle that covers the outer shoulder and uppermost part of the arm. Even though the muscle complains, I press through to lift the weights, knowing “no pain equals no gain.” In order to get stronger and build muscle mass, I must push myself, although sometimes I’d rather call for someone to help me lift the weight. But of course, I know that would defeat the purpose.

White Roses: Can we really be thankful in all circumstances?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

—1 Thessalonians 5:18

It was time to throw out the sad bouquet of pink and white roses, its yellowing leaves falling off and petals turning brown around the edges. I moved the vase to the counter next to the sink and began to lift out the flowers. With a closer look, I noticed that the entire bouquet was not bad. Carefully, I pulled out the good roses, which happened to be white, and placed them in individual vases that I set in various places around my home.

I thought about how sometimes our life situation is like a sad bouquet. Maybe our marriage is falling apart, our health failing, or we’ve experienced the loss of a job or loved one. We wish we could throw out the whole matter. But it is beyond our control. And we wonder, Where is God in all this? Why is He allowing these things to happen when He has the power to stop it?

The Weaning Process: It's good for cows, but is it good for you?

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

—Psalm 30:5b

“What’s that?” I wondered out loud. I turned down the volume on the TV so I could hear what was going on outside. “Cows mooing at 8 PM?” I was puzzled, for cows rarely moo at night. I shrugged and turned my attention back to the TV.

“What’s that?” I rolled over to see the clock. “Cows mooing at 2 AM? That’s really strange,” I thought. Too tired to investigate, I pulled up the covers and went back to sleep.

At 6 AM I blinked my eyes open and stumbled to the coffee pot. I placed the steaming cup on the table and picked up a book. But I couldn’t concentrate on reading because of the cow moo-athon. “What is going on?” Hesitating no longer, I picked up my phone and texted my farmer brother.

His response explained it, “We just weaned some calves.”

“They sure don’t like it!” I texted back.

New Traffic Patterns Ahead

…There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

—1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT

The looming electronic sign, posted at the entrance of the country road I travel regularly on my daily commute, got my attention.

“New traffic pattern on or about 3/31/17,” it warned.

New traffic pattern on this road? I wondered. What changes could they make to this narrow two-mile two-lane road that meanders through the countryside, skirting farmlands, wetlands, and a couple of small housing communities?

With no sight of construction under way, I was perplexed. What changes can be made in a week’s time? 

Thank You for the Walk: Giving thanks for the journey, no matter how dark, no matter how scary

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
—1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

The sun was already low in the sky when my cousin, Debbie, and I set out for our after-work walk on the farm where we grew up. With an eight-year gap in our ages, we didn’t experience childhood as playmates. But for this season in our lives, we are close companions. With both of us being single, it has been nice to have someone to recount the ups and downs of the day with—nicer still to hear her childhood stories and memories of our beloved grandparents.

Both of us are on a quest to slim down, so we walk briskly to shed the pounds, but on this evening I think our pace was more about outlasting the sinking sun. Quickly, we passed the cow pasture, and then paused at the electric fence obstructing our passage to the bay. What now?