Tag Archives: hope

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 →

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I’m Home

Posted on March 15, 2016 by rstaples2013

After driving for 30 hours over a span of 7 days my critically ill friend visually soaked in the desert of southern Nevada and simply said, “I’m home.” This friend, who I genuinely embrace as my BFF, has suffered unrelentingly … Continue reading →

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Throwing a Red Flag

Posted on January 29, 2016 by rstaples2013

The line between excitement and anxiety is thin when watching a -football game. All of that changes if we are watching a recording of this same game now knowing the final score. Let’s consider this scene: Our team is behind … Continue reading →

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Footprints in Chaos

Posted on December 22, 2015 by rstaples2013

Many of us love to pray or sing “Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus.” What we aren’t as quick to acknowledge is our expectation that the Jesus we see be accompanied by comfort, order and tranquility. Those … Continue reading →

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Are Bare Trees Happy?

Posted on October 21, 2015 by rstaples2013

In conversation with an older friend, I heard her say, “The trees are losing their leaves.” She continued, “I love it. They are so happy to not have to hold the weight of all those green leaves.” Because I have … Continue reading →

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People Pass Me on the Trail

Posted on May 22, 2015 by rstaples2013

That is what happens when your body ages I wonder why we try so hard to convince others and ourselves that this is not true. Why are anti-aging creams, oils, and even surgery so popular? My husband’s mother once told … Continue reading →

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Weakened by Joy

Posted on February 15, 2015 by rstaples2013

I found myself so overcome with joy this week that I was too weak to pray. My thoughts went to the teaching in Romans where we learn that the Holy Spirit helps us. It says that the Spirit intercedes for … Continue reading →

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Why is Grief so Lonely?

Posted on January 22, 2015 by rstaples2013

It is often true that people rally around a grieving person. There are probably rare times when a person is so the center of attention as at the memorial service of a loved one. Yet, neither the well-meaning crowd nor … Continue reading →

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Crushing Disappointment

Posted on November 27, 2014 by rstaples2013

The inside story of how one person expressed thanksgiving with faith through aging eyes. In planning for this holiday, this friend decided to reject the anticipated disappointment that has been the trend on Holidays and trust that this one will … Continue reading →

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Footsteps in the Sea

Posted on May 28, 2014 by rstaples2013

Faith through aging eyes encounters God when He plants His footsteps in the sea. We have precious memoires of being able to track the God we love and trust. We are eager to tell of the times when His interventions … Continue reading →

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