In the book of Genesis, chapter 18, there is a wonderful story about Abraham and Sarah. We find Abraham, at this point an old man, hanging out under the oak trees. Three strangers walk up out of nowhere, and for all he knows they’re enemies. But he jumps up, invites them to stay, has their […]
I have a friend who has battled depression over the years, and she tells me that every day, without fail, she writes in her gratitude journal. Every day without fail, she lists 10 things that she’s thankful for. Not generic things—not just: Oh, I’m thankful for friends and family—but much more specific: I’m thankful for […]
Some time ago, I heard a great story about the St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. At that time, they were seeking a new president and received over one hundred resumes. The search committee narrowed the list to five extremely qualified candidates. Someone then came up with a brilliant idea. They decided they […]
For many years, my friend Roger Tompkins would take a walk through his neighborhood. As he would walk, he would pray. This was a big part of his prayer life, and I imagine the exercise would clear his mind and open his heart. In one of my seminary classes, we were invited to take a […]
In Psalm 119, the Psalmist prays, “With my whole heart I seek you… I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways…” The people who wrote the Psalms believed that God instructs, God teaches, God leads. If we believe this, then we accept that there is a sense of guidance, of […]
Author Sue Monk Kidd once told a story about when her daughter was small and got the seemingly small part of the Bethlehem star in a Christmas play. After her first rehearsal, she burst through the door with her costume, a five-pointed star lined in shiny gold tinsel designed to drape over her like a […]
Today a special word of thanks to those of you who have supported Dial Hope Financially. Several donors have generously offered to match all gifts dollar for dollar now – through the end of the year. No limit on the match! If you are able to participate, please go to our website for donation opportunities: www.dialhope.org. In […]
At one point in his ministry, the disciples ask Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Jesus responded, “When you pray, pray like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” Today we call this the “Lord’s Prayer,” or the “Our Father” in the Catholic tradition. In any case, as an aspect of this prayer, […]
Today a special word of thanks to those of you who have supported Dial Hope Financially. Several donors have generously offered to match all gifts dollar for dollar now – through the end of the year. No limit on the match! If you are able to participate, please go to our website for donation opportunities: www.dialhope.org. Many […]
Isaiah 40:1-11 One of the defining events of the Old Testament is exile. Somewhere around 580 BCE, the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon. I can only imagine the trauma of seeing your home and city destroyed. I can only imagine the heartache of losing everything and having to start over. And so it is […]
