Heavenly Hope

“We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 6:18-20 (MSG)

Do you have hope?

We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

It’s not the same hope as, “I hope the weather is good.”, “I hope my team wins.”, or “I hope things go well.” IT’S DEEPER THAN THAT.

Faith makes me reflect on past miracleshope keeps me clinging to Jesus with both hands for what’s to come. HOPE is what motivates me to continue to share the light and love with others who are suffering. HOPE keeps me grounded on truth. HOPE keeps me praising God even in troubled times. Are you expecting the worst or the BEST?

Many names in history came to mind when I thought of people with hope. From missionaries to presidents, scientists to prisoners, athletes to every day heroes next door–how do people overcome troubling and tough times with hope?

The devastation in Texas spurred so many emotions (and discussions). Also, questions, anger, and uncertainties. In a world that is easily divided, how is solidarity achieved? We can agree that the loss of life is horrific. Situations in which we can relate cause a common grief. What about tomorrow? Will the grief turn to hope? hard-heartedness? cynicism?

I’ve watched story after story of faith-filled individuals hanging on to hope. There was a clip of a tearful dad sharing how his daughter was swept away from their van. He watched her swiftly float away on her back, singing her favorite praise song. He was grieving. Yet, he shared hope.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

Helen Keller

I can’t imagine the grief of trying to move forward after these horrific losses. It’s easy to ask, “Why God?” His ways are above me and although I don’t understand the mysteries, I still have hope. I CLING TO IT. It comes from a power higher than me, friends. It’s a peace that passes all understanding. As another blogger shared, it’s the “eye” in the storm–the center where Christ resides.

“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”-Nelson Mandela

Let’s share the hope of the goodness that can be found in the NOW and in the future. Do you believe in an eternity of a renewed Earth and complete restoration? Have you experienced moments and miracles that have strengthened your faith and “thickened” your rope of hope?

You are no saint,’ says the devil. Well, if I am not, I am a sinner, and Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Sink or swim, I go to Him; other hope, I have none.

Charles Spurgeon

“My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth.” -Abraham Lincoln

“There is no hope for any of us until we confess our helplessness. Then we are in a position to receive grace.” -Elisabeth Elliot

“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Romans 12:12

My heart and prayers are with those who suffer with loss. My heart aches for those who don’t have hope for the promised future. Could we agree that the world needs more love, kindness, and generosity? I sure …HOPE.

Do you know how loved you are?❣️

Hope has a name…Jesus. 💚

Have HOPE. Keep the faith, friends. 💚


Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓

These last few weeks have provided much soul-searching (along with wonderful memories!). I’d like to dedicate today’s “Hope” post to a fellow friend who passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7th, 2025. Steph Hruby was a beacon of hope and light. Her attitude and resilience were contagious. Her 5 year journey with NET cancer connected many of us to her–we will forever be impacted by her grace, wisdom, and zest for life (and laughter!). My continued prayers for her husband and two daughters and many family members and friends. To all who have suffered loss–may the hope and promises of God settle in your soul. I pray that you invite Jesus into your grieving; know that you are not alone.

My infection is better and continued treatment will keep the lesions and cancer stable (I have HOPE!). My hair is gone–but NOT my hope! I’m blessed beyond measure to be here.

I’m sending love, light, and laughter. Thank you for being part of my journey. Let’s keep hiking with hope (even if our steps are slower, fewer, or sometimes, painful). ❣️


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Life Sentence

If faith were a felony, I’d be imprisoned for life.

Lock me up, Lord.

My cancer isn’t a death sentence. It’s a …

life sentence. 🩵

Cover of “Goodness of God”

Do you know how loved you are? No matter what.

Have faith 🩵

 

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Faith-filled Finale

“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.”

Robert Frost-“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

Tears fell like rain. This wasn’t goodbye. “See you later!” My body and brain were bushed. The quiet and I met in a special place. At that intersection, where my heart, mind, and soul collide, Jesus was there. “Thank you for another year to celebrate your birth with those I love. Thank you for the gift of …you.” All the gifts were opened. Everything else… the love of my family, weight of the diagnosis, aches in my bones, the shifting “rides” of pain & glucose levels, curiosity of new learned health facts, stacks of mail, hundreds of emails, looming responsibilities,…was still wrapped.

What mattered most?

Grasping love like my trekking pole, I loyally laced my boots for an end-of-the-year hike . “God, comfort those who suffered loss. Surround my family and friends with your love and grace. Rekindle the flame of faith in those who doubt. Work a miracle in those who count you out.”

YOU matter. When I pass you on the trail, I see you. Angry? Hurt? Happy? Sad? Rich? Poor? Hopeless? Mad? No matter how you feel, here’s a fact–you are loved.

Happy 2025, dear friends. Keep the faith!

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For more information about NET cancer, visit LACNETS!

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Beloved Babe

He wasn’t just any baby. This beloved babe, born of a virgin, came to love like no other. Live like no other. Forgive like no other. Die like no other—because he rose like no other. And like no other, he will come again. What did this beloved babe do to change the scope of my hope? How has he updated my lens of love and posture of praise? How does his life and death give me…freedom? Why do I celebrate Christmas?

How do you celebrate this season? How is it different from your childhood memories?

Childhood Christmas’s meant church cantatas, family gatherings, school plays, parades, caroling, hot chocolate, and a booming “Ho, ho, ho” from my Dad! What’s mantled in my memories? The sounds of Christmas songs, the feel of cheer and chilly air, and the car rides to my grandparents. Some soul-sniffing provides the smells of Christmas, too!

Ah, the Savior’s birth stirs my senses!

Traditions continued as I grew. As I’d celebrate the birth of Christ with my own family, some traditions continued, and new ones were created. Reading the Nativity story, seeing Christmas lights, and watching movies made the season magical. As I grew older, the birth of the beloved babe was often overshadowed by other “Christmasy” outings. Why was there an emphasis placed on performance and activities? Standards. They had to be met everywhere—school, home, and every other area of life. Standards snuffed out the significance of this beloved babe’s sacrifice. The sights, sounds, and smells became…standardized. Is that what the beloved babe intended?

The rigidity of religiosity, adoration in activity, and praise through performance set me up for…failure. Is that what the beloved babe intended?

“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27

The beloved babe, surrounded by the humblest of people in a lowly setting, intended life to be lived…free. Our beloved babe, (fully God, fully man) became the Prince of Peace and King of Kings. Skimming the surface, or standardized celebrations, poorly represent my faith-filled freedom.

Doctrine doesn’t define and society’s standards can’t satisfy.This love was made real in surrender. The candles I’ve lit this Advent season represent the relationship I cherish with this beloved babe. “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” sing out of my soul! My heart’s longing was ONLY fulfilled through the freedom found from this beloved babe. He’s with me as I “run” free in the woods (just like a child!). He’s beside me when I’m in line at the store. He’s holding my hand at the infusion center. He’s beside me when I’m helping a student. When I’m lying awake at night, HE is there. Ah, freedom. HE is the hope, peace, joy, and love of my soul.

How can I convince others that this BELOVED BABE came to TAKE AWAY your frustrations and burdens? His tears and blood, from a manger in a cave,… to an old wooden cross,… were shed FOR YOU and for me. His gift of peace is a treasure! I choose to not waste his sacrifice by stressing over things that I can’t control. Or that don’t matter.

Fear failed when this beloved babe was born. He grew to be the man I cherish. The Savior I accepted. And the Holy Spirit who indwells IN me.

Do you REALLY KNOW how loved you are? Are you frustrated or faith-filled? Is your life performance-based or grown by grace? Do you feel trapped or free? I PRAY you experience the heart-changing, soul-shifting, and freedom-finding true gift of Christmas.

This beloved babe, Jesus Christ, is the most precious gift I’ve ever received. It’s not about perfection or performance, it’s about your heart and humanity. Will you please accept this free gift? Do you know how loved you are?

Merry Christmas, dear friends. May the gift of Christmas give hope, peace, joy, and love. ❣️🎄

Happy Birthday, Jesus! 🎶❣️

Have faith 🤍

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