As I write this, early morning sunshine streams through my sailboat’s pilothouse windows. Sailor-Man has already left for our ministry office, and I am alone. All is quiet but for the sound of birds chirping. Theirs is a happy song, and it lifts my spirits. It reminds me of — “Therefore I tell you, do… [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: gratitude
Why Our Morning Thoughts Matter
What are the first thoughts that come to mind when you wake up? Here’s a multiple-choice quiz: It’s morning again. My to-do list is a mile long; I don’t know where to begin. Good morning, Lord. Thank You for the gift of a new day. Our thoughts shape our beliefs which in turn influence… [ read more ]
Splashes of Beauty Amidst the Mess
On a trip to Kathmandu several years ago, a friend and I walked down a narrow dirt lane in a residential neighborhood. We skirted potholes and dodged piles of broken red bricks. The road was an eyesore, to say the least. Then we came to a T-intersection, and that’s when we saw it:… [ read more ]
How’s Your Heart Today?
I wish I could chat with each of you over a cup of coffee or tea and hear your answer to this question: “How’s your heart today?” Are you feeling like you’ve been through the wringer? Like you’ve been doing battle too long? Like your faith has been stretched as far as it… [ read more ]
How to Remain Hope-filled and Thankful
Numerous articles about giving thanks have appeared in my inbox this week. So have articles that speak to COVID fatigue and weariness, especially in light of increased restrictions. Illness, isolation, financial stress, increased domestic violence, and loss have taken a toll. We’re all wondering when this will end, and we’re all wishing it will end… [ read more ]
You Matter to an Amazing God
Sailor-Man and I are anchored at Thetis Island as I write this, grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the coastal waters once more. We weren’t sure we’d have another chance this year after our engine failure in August, but he figured out the issue and made the repairs. One of the things I… [ read more ]
3 Ways to Wait Well
The pandemic has canceled our overseas ministry travels this year. I’ll be honest—I don’t miss the challenges that go hand-in-hand with international travel. Especially the waiting. A couple of years ago, a flight to Slovakia topped all. The trip began in Vancouver. While waiting at the gate for our flight to Toronto, I… [ read more ]
3 Keys to Hope When You Don’t Know How the Story Ends
When we read a story, we have a distinct advantage over the characters involved: We know how it ends. As the protagonists struggle with various conflicts, we want to cheer them on: “Hang in there—you’re going to be okay.” Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery when he was about seventeen years old. Later, his… [ read more ]
Reflecting on God’s Goodness
After a wonderfully crazy-busy summer, I’m sitting in the cockpit of our boat-home, sipping coffee and soaking in the sunshine. As I do so, I’m reflecting on the many demonstrations of God’s goodness over the past eight weeks. says, “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one… [ read more ]
3 Truths to Overcome Envy
A multi-million dollar yacht docked nearby for a couple of days last week. The moment I saw its massive windows and large back deck complete with lounging chairs, this thought popped into my head: Wow – it must be nice to be wealthy enough to afford that toy. Imagine how much space there is… [ read more ]
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