Tag Archives: hope

Dusting off my Faith

Posted on May 22, 2020 by rstaples2013

“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 For me this verse has always had application to people living in another place at another time. Until now… Navigating this pandemic has driven … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Prayers and Devotions, Thoughts and Reflections | Tagged Covid 19, faith, fear, hope, Jesus, Security, Theology | 3 Comments

Then Jesus Danced for Me!

Posted on March 17, 2020 by rstaples2013

(a written account of a recent Sunday Morning worship encounter). _______________________________________________________________ As I entered the sanctuary I knew, deep in my spirit, that this team of dancers who had come to lead our worship service, were themselves encountering God with … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Prayers and Devotions, Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged Encounter with God, gift, grace, hope, miracle, relationship, story, worship | 1 Comment

Marital Status

Posted on September 12, 2019 by rstaples2013

This morning I am pondering the question my adopted granddaughter asked me last night. “Besta, (Norwegian for Grandma) are you still married now that Virgil died?” I hadn’t really thought about it. I answered, “I don’t think so. Then, for … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged being watched, grandchildren, grief, hope, labels, widow | 5 Comments

End of the Third Quarter

Posted on February 3, 2018 by rstaples2013

In a few days I will be 75 years old. Another way to say it is that I am beginning my 76th year. My husband always adds 9 months to his age as he believes life starts at conception. But, … Continue reading →

Posted in Issues, Prayers and Devotions, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged aging, birthday, eternity, God's Voice, hope, intimacy with God, prayer, time | 2 Comments

Packaged So it Will Not Break

Posted on April 8, 2017 by rstaples2013

After a trip to sort the possessions of my friend, who recently died, I returned home and realized I had forgotten one precious item. It is interesting to learn what becomes important when the one who is most important dies. … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged faith, friendship, grief, hope, memories, Security | Leave a comment

That One Wants to Live

Posted on March 17, 2017 by rstaples2013

I was looking up the number to call the Garden Center when I remembered that my friend (86 y/o) who worked at this Garden Center would have the wisdom I needed. This friend is mentally quicker than most of … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayers and Devotions, Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged experience as teacher, foundations, fun friends, growth, hope, impressions, lessons from nature, life, new start, wisdom | Leave a comment

Encountering Jesus on the Street

Posted on March 10, 2017 by rstaples2013

On my journey to know God more intimately I am working on spending the day in ongoing conversation with Him. This morning I said, “I’m not getting out of bed until you say something to me”. My tone was not … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged amazing, Awareness, blessing, Gods creativity, helping, hope, intimacy with God, joy | Leave a comment

Coffee with Memories and Tears

Posted on February 28, 2017 by rstaples2013

Two weeks from today I will be leaving a place that feels like home to me. Not because this is a city with which I have any familiarity. Not even because I have deep personal friendships here. But, because this … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged artist, belonging, death, dreams, friendship, grief, home, hope, love, memories | 2 Comments

Because He Loves Them

Posted on December 19, 2016 by rstaples2013

I know of a young man who is coming to Wisconsin from Houston for Christmas. When he married his beautiful young wife, almost three years ago, he was blessed with two delightful children, as well. The boy is now nine … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories, Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged children, excitement, family, God, Heart of a Child, hope, learning, love, memories, trust | Leave a comment

The Fellowship of Suffering

Posted on November 3, 2016 by rstaples2013

God gives us glimpses into His heart by inviting us in to the fellowship of suffering. Suffering is often a uniquely personal place that defies our known ways of sharing; defies our being understood. Therefore, that which is of itself … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts and Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged Broken Dreams, God, hope, Insights, joy, perspective, suffering, waiting | Leave a comment