Hope-Full Living

It seems Jesus was interested in bread. Many times, He taught using bread and the leavening process to make it. Luke 13:21 explains how the kingdom grows; a few believers can affect a large community when working to follow Jesus. Paul also emphasizes bread; he taught that we are new, unleavened bread in Christ, who has sacrificed Himself for our sin and made us new creations (1 Corinthians 5:7). According to Google, sourdough starter is a special form of organisms — a leavening community — called SCOBY: symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. I think of the smaller amount of yeast in my sourdough starter. Bacteria dominate the starter, and when fed, grows the yeast. As my starter is the leaven for every loaf baked, we, through our Lord Jesus, bring His fragrance to our community where God has placed us in this season of life.

There is strength in number — sometimes. Some species of lemmings migrate in massive numbers. Should they reach the sea, the momentum of the mass pushes many to their deaths. As many as 1.5 million wildebeests migrate yearly. When crossing crocodile-laden rivers, the more animals, the less likely any single one will be killed. But for many to be saved, some will die. Our fellowship, our strength, is not in many, or some, but in One. One Christ is enough. One death was enough. Our faithful God calls us into fellowship with Jesus in His death and resurrection. Since we are one in Christ, we are gathered into the community of shared fellowship through Jesus.Our strength is in One — Jesus. Through the One, we are one in Him. Our fellowship is in Christ and so with one another. He is our true strength.

Younger people may find it humorous when we seniors converse about our aches and ills. But we know all too well what it’s like when some body part is not functioning properly or is hurting.But perhaps that puts us in the best position to understand St. Paul’s analogy of the church as a human body. If each of us is a part of the Body of Christ, we understand the loss when someone no longer can contribute to the community.  We can celebrate that the Body of Christ is one that doesn’t wear out. It continually grows and builds itself up. All of its parts, seniors included, contribute to that growth, not by our physical labor, but by our connection to the Body’s head, Jesus, and by our love for each other and those around us.

During the summer we usually endure at least one power outage. Sometimes the power is gone for a few hours, but sometimes there’s no power for several days.Thank God we don’t have any power outages with Him! Jesus is the Light, and the Light shines continuously! One time Jesus experienced a power outage. He was dying on the cross, and there was darkness for three hours (Matthew 27:45). Jesus died, but God raised Him from the dead. From then on, Jesus shined in the darkness with His forgiveness. This is Good News for us because we often suffer spiritual power outages when we turn away from God. So when we gather, we can share how Jesus supplies power for our power outages!

Our neighbors are the households near our home. Our neighbors are also the dozens without homes in an encampment about a mile away. Our neighbors are the healthcare providers that we regularly visit. Our neighbors are those who benefit from the Salvation Army and community pantry services. Our neighbors are Muslims who live in Kyrgyzstan, where my nephew’s family serves as missionaries.Who are your neighbors? How do you find them? Use your Biblical GPS:Give generously to organizations that serve your neighbors.Pray fervently for courage and wisdom to reach out with the Good News. Serve your neighbors by volunteering as you are able.

I had the privilege and blessing to spend a lot of time around my Christian grandparents on both sides of my family. My grandparents were full of wisdom, but none of them were people of many words. They let their actions do the talking. The best way they did that was by being diligent in worship and making it a priority. If I stayed over at their house on a Saturday, we would go to church on Sunday morning. No doubt about it. If there was work to do on the farm on Sunday, it would wait until after church. Thankfully, there was always an early service, so this was possible. The best way you can grandparent your grandkids is by being an example to them. They maybe won’t listen much to what you say, but they will most certainly remember what you do and how you do it. Worship with diligence and joy!

Competition drew me to sports. I enjoyed competing in a supervised environment that ensured fair play and safety. The life lessons that I learned proved helpful. I was once on a basketball team in the ninth grade. An opponent committed a foul. He had knocked a teammate of mine to the floor. Thus, we were awarded two free throws. As we lined up for them, the boy who had committed the foul extended his hand to help my teammate up. “That’s sportsmanship,” I thought to myself. I also learned that, like God, a referee is always watching. Christ taught us to abide by His rules. Those who do so demonstrate character and ethics. They can also help ensure peace in society. We all fail when it comes to keeping the rules of the game, yet we have a Savior who kept the rules, and helps us up when we fall.

Many years ago, when I was both young in body and courageous in spirit, I would be dropped off at Sunday school, dash to the side door, and run down the stairs into a large room filled with groups of chairs. It was there in that noisy community that the Holy Spirit encouraged my faith. I can still see a flash of a filmstrip about Abraham and, oh yes, the flannelgraph. Nothing high tech about reciting the Catechism together, but the words still echo in my mind and bolster my faith. I still treasure the little plaque with John 3:16 that my Sunday school teacher gave me for Christmas. As members of an ongoing community, let us go forward with a flannelgraph faith — growing one piece at a time, each with a purpose. When the whole scene is done, there is our life, maybe a little lopsided, but designed by God according to His will.

When we read about the Body of Christ, we may think about our own aching joints and health conditions. Do you think, maybe God is talking about an ideal body, not a real one?The Body of Christ, of which all believers are members, is perfect in God’s eyes because He sees the body of the perfect Jesus Christ. Yet, until we meet God face-to-face, we are affected by sinfulness, just like our bodies which ache and become weak.We need to do what our body does when it compensates for illness and injury. When my neighbor hurts, I will sit with her and listen. When I feel down, I reach out to a friend who prays with me. God is the great Healer who gives us the best medicine of all through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.

I don’t drive anymore. My spouse is God’s gift as she drives me around — despite my annoying directions on how to do that the “right” way. (You catch my gist.) I also live my traveling life in a spouse-powered wheelchair while making the rounds to various physicians — dermatologists, neurologists, cardiologists, archaeologists — well, maybe I should see a hyperbolist, too! All have proven helpful, and they are gifts from God. I’m appreciative, surprised, and impressed by the number of people who smile at me or who rush to help me through doors. They, too, are gifts from God — and some don’t even know the good they are doing — they just have the gist of good works. Be sure to smile at the smilers, too. They might just need such encouragement also. You might even lead them on with a “God bless you.”

Have you wanted to encourage someone by helping or supporting them in their need, but you didn’t have any courage to do anything? We can find an example of what to do in the life of Joshua. Moses had died and God commissioned Joshua to take his place. But he had no courage. God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).So what does this mean for you? If God wants to use you to encourage someone, then be assured that God will give you the courage to encourage that person. Be ready to trust that God will carry out His promises for you.

As we age, our bodies remind us of their limits. Strength fades, memory falters, and health brings new challenges. These changes can stir fear and uncertainty. Yet, Scripture assures us that even when our flesh and heart fail, God remains our strength. His care does not diminish with age; His promises grow more precious. Trusting Him means resting in His eternal portion — love that cannot be taken away.Trusting Him means knowing that no change can separate us from His presence.

When Luke wants his readers to know of the church’s numerical growth, he begins with their growing faith. We statistic-obsessed moderns always seem to want to know, “How many?” But the real questions are, “Where’s God working?” and “What’s happening as a result?” Luke reports on Paul and Timothy’s visits to the various churches, and the excitement is evident among the churches. Not surprisingly, numerical growth follows. When the people of God sense the movement of the Spirit in their midst, they want to be part of the adventure more and more. Whether it’s curiosity or the sense that God is working new wonders, we can’t stay away! With talk of struggling missions and closing churches, it’s easy to be discouraged about the numerical future of the church. But where the Gospel strengthens, the Spirit cultivates, and we too will increase “in numbers daily.”

Are you an introvert or extrovert? Extroverts are energized by interacting with others, while introverts reenergize during time alone. No matter how God wired you, you have light to shine through your personality.Extroverts shine light by inviting others into conversation. They are known as warm, encouraging, and cooperative. Introverts shine light by listening well. They are often thoughtful, caring, and wise. Either way you are wired, you have a lot to offer.When we embrace our natural wiring toward introversion or extroversion, we shine light into others’ lives. God both invites and listens. We reflect His glory when we use our unique gifts to honor Him.

In Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s book, “The Wind in the Willows,” every character — Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Mr. Toad — is blessed with the gift of hospitality. The book is charming, full of adventure, good humor, and hospitality. What could be better than being together, welcoming friends, sharing dinners and picnics, and abounding with goodwill? The early Christians knew the gift of hospitality, too, through the unity of the Spirit. Luke described their lives in the book of Acts: “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul … there was not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:32a, 34a). Jesus had told the disciples that He came to bring life — and life abundantly (John 10:10), and the early disciples experienced the abundant life in their togetherness, providing for and forgiving one another. We can, too, as we invite others — and the Lord, Himself — to gather around our tables. Come, Lord Jesus.

Many people today are seeking knowledge about their ancestors. They look at their family tree to feel they belong to something substantial.Through Baptism, we are connected to God’s family tree. Since creation, God has nurtured His children, patiently listened to their prayers, and provided for their needs.Our Father has given us the Bible as an account of His love for His children — our ancestors. Through these examples, we learn that God keeps His promises. Through His Son, Jesus, God forgives us and helps us live as His children. His gift of the Holy Spirit helps us to strengthen our faith and reach out to share His love. Thus, God’s family tree keeps growing new branches.

When I was very young, I once became upset with my mother. "I'm going to run away," I said to her.After a few minutes, my wise mother said in a calm voice, "Can I help you pack?" That surprised me and made me feel even more frustrated. "Where are you going?" she asked me. I did not answer her because I had not thought about that. I then realized how much I would miss my parents, sister, brothers, and friends. I quietly went to my room.We find God through the faith, hope, and love of others who believe in Him. They encourage us and comfort us in our time of need — sometimes in ways that surprise or even frustrate us at first. We accompany each other on our spiritual journey home to Him.

When a choir sings, individual voices blend with others to form a community of voices. The lyrics and sounds are declared and amplified in a way an individual voice cannot. Over the years, I sang in school, church, and community choirs. I was but one voice along with other choir members singing songs and psalms of praise. We together shared the story of Jesus Christ, and the message poured out to the audience or congregation. I often imagined I was like the angels over the fields near Bethlehem who praised God and proclaimed Jesus’ birth. Over the years, God used the song lyrics and words to grow my faith. I pray the faith of those who heard our songs also grew when they listened to the message.

On every piece of American currency today, there are these words: “In God We Trust.” We also see a drawing of one of our former presidents. These four words started to appear on two-cent pieces in 1864. It wasn’t until July 30, 1956, that the phrase became our national motto. The next year, it began to appear on dollar bills. Citizens may wrongly put their trust in one of the figureheads instead of God. The psalmist says, “I put my trust in [God]” (Psalm 56:3b). Unfortunately, some Christians try to keep up with the Joneses. The money we have in our pockets or in a savings account is often tempting to spend on things that can’t help us forever. Psalm 20:7 says that some trust in chariots and horses, but the wise trust in the name of the LORD! Why? The verse above answers why: “my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”

For many years I was active in the local weavers’ guild. When I wove, I often put an extra warp thread in the first and last slot of the reed. (The part of the loom that separates the threads evenly.) The extra thread strengthened the selvages (edges) of the woven fabric. Christians need the strength of being woven together as we face the trials of daily life. We experience fear and loneliness. We feel weighed down by family and health situations. It is at those times that Satan whispers his lies trying to convince us that no one cares about our circumstances, not even God. It is at those times that we most need the fellowship of other Christians. The times when we meet, eat, play, and pray together give us strength. Satan and his lies flee because Jesus promised us that when two or three of us gather, He will be there with us.

Are you close to your spouse, your children, grandchildren, or a dear friend? To be close to loved ones means that relationships have been built over time. To draw close to God requires a sacred and holy relationship. The call to draw near to God is both an invitation and a promise. God will draw near to us as we draw near to Him. What does it mean to draw near to God? It means to draw near to God through worship and prayer. It means to draw near by seeking God’s counsel. It means to enjoy God’s presence during devotions. God will reward you with His presence as you spend time with Him. Your faith is built by daily habits that allow you to connect with God. Drawing near to God helps us to resist the devil, to speak well of others, and to think about eternal things.

We don’t always know when one of God’s helpers is going to appear. Recently I was in a deli, fumbling in my purse for money to pay for my order. A man’s voice behind me said, “I’ll pay for it.” At that moment when I could not get my act together, someone made my day easier. Thank you, God. Experiences like that bolster my faith. Later I found the money tucked inside my purse and gave it to my local church. Acts of kindness remind us that as God loves us, we are to love one another. The good Lord became man to show us the way, giving us His Holy Spirit as our daily guide. May our hearts remain open to God’s presence, revealed to us through the generosity and gentleness of helping one another.

Those of us living within the loosely defined time frame known as “aging” often find a sense of community in shared aches and pains. This may be a kinship of mild discomforts or a fellowship marked by serious sorrow and suffering. Within these communities, God “comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction” (2 Corinthians 1:4a). We share this comfort because we live within a larger community marked by the cross. Jesus shared our sorrows. He suffered and died for us, and through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness and eternal life. Through the trials, we endure, God is conforming us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). We share sorrows, but we also know joy as together we grow daily to be more like Jesus!

Although I prefer summer over winter, one of my favorite seasonal activities is our church’s Christmas Eve candlelight service. After we sing, review the story of Jesus through the Old and New Testaments, pray, and share other Spirit-filled moments, we darken the room. Our pastor lights his candle from the Advent wreath’s Christ candle. He then lights the candles of church leaders who share their lights with everyone else. While we sing, “Silent Night,” we hold our candles high to celebrate the birth of our Savior. However, we do not have to wait until Christmas or lift candles to share the light of Jesus. Any time we reflect Jesus’ love, we experience a win-win situation. In addition to our connection with God and other believers, we reach out to a world in need of everlasting light and life.

I met my best friend in 1974, and July 24, 2026, marks 50 years of being married to her! God blesses me every day with Deb, who loves me back, who forgives me, and even laughs at my jokes — now, that’s undeserved grace! It’s impossible to imagine what my life would be like without my best friend! Jesus sacrificed His life to save us, and He desires to be our Friend. He loves us, forgives us, and has already prepared a place for us in heaven. Let’s thank Him for His salvation and for befriending us, and let’s share this Good News with our friends.

“Jesus loves you so much.” We’ve heard these words often, but do we believe them enough to honor Him with worship and praise when circumstances drag us down? The love of Jesus is beyond human understanding, and His grace constantly covers us. That doesn’t mean we are happy all the time, but it can mean that we love Him so much we can rejoice in the wonder of who He is. A special promise has been given us in Habakkuk 3:19. In the process of our rejoicing, He will give us the feet of a deer; we can tread on high places. We can better understand the sacrifice Jesus paid for us when He suffered and died. The best part: His promise of a resurrection becomes ours, as well. His joy is ours. No greater gift is given.

Our youngest daughter will soon complete her DCE (Director of Christian Education) internship where she is serving all age groups in the “church family.” She’s also newly engaged, and her fiancé is a godly man who quit his job, secured another, and moved more than 1,200 miles to be closer to her internship city to support her desire to serve the Lord’s people within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. These details may not mean much to you, but this is the future of our church, and it excites me. Young people following God’s call, getting married, having children, and growing old, like us, in the faith. Our faith parades cohesion. We are one bride of Christ with one Lord, one faith, and one Baptism. Years may separate you from our 22-year-old daughter, but they do not divide us. You are connected to her in Christ.

I was thrilled. Last year, our oldest grandson, Josh, chose to attend a Christian conference during his college break. He even signed up to attend the conference during an upcoming school vacation. The grandma inside me is ecstatic! Although research says some teens and young adults are cautious or even hesitant about organized religion, many welcome thoughtful engagements about faith issues. Josh is among the growing number of young adults who want to continue learning about Jesus. Connections with family members offer a natural opportunity for faith-focused conversations. We can do many things for the next generation; after all, shopping carts are full, and kitchen counters are loaded with treats. However, only the Holy Spirit can open hearts to Jesus’ forgiving love.

Pastor Rob held the newly baptized baby and looked out into the congregation. Spotting an older gentleman in the second pew, he tenderly placed the church’s newest member in his arms. “She’s your baby now,” he said, “and yours, and yours ... .” The words and water of Baptism bound that baby to Jesus and made her a child of God’s family, the church. As her human family bears responsibility for her care, the church family is called to nourish, support, and encourage her as a fellow member. We include even the youngest family members in worship and provide opportunities for them to grow in their faith. The physical hand-off of newly baptized babies ended with COVID-19, but the principle remains — as baptized Christians, we are responsible for even the youngest members of our family of faith.

Psalm 101 appears to be a coronation oath. Its words are a king’s pledge and promise to live with integrity in a world that doesn’t live that way. There are 10 phrases in this psalm that begin with the words, “I will.” The newly crowned king is promising to rule with equity, fairness, and justice. He will exhibit honesty, uprightness, grace, and fairness. He will oppose any evil around him. Wouldn’t life be different if you could live this way, living a life of integrity and acceptance? Yet, each of us will inevitably fail in our relationships or our behavior. We want to do what is right, but we can’t. There’s One who does so live. Jesus shows us integrity, forgiveness, and love. The qualities we strive for, He has. What the psalm idealizes, Jesus realizes. Our Lord offers us steadfast love, forgiveness, and justice. Our Lord shows us how to walk and helps us when we stumble.

Birds are one of God’s most beautiful creations. Looking out our window, I can see a whole community of birds — goldfinches, robins, bald eagles, Baltimore orioles, and chickadees. Each has its own color, song, and eating level. At the end of Matthew 6:26, Jesus says of birds, “they neither sow nor reap ... and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Another beautiful community God created is the community of believers — His church. This community includes people of many colors and cultures. The people of this community may sing different songs of praise to God, but they are united by their faith in Jesus. Members of this community may be at different levels in their faith journeys, yet like the birds, your heavenly Father feeds them the spiritual food they need.

Amanda looked out the window of her kitchen as she sipped her coffee and read her daily devotion. She recalled sharing this time with her husband, sharing their home, daily chores, struggles, but sharing laughter and happiness, too. Now, it was just her. The house often felt big and uncomfortably empty. One moment a tear and the next a smile of joy. Somehow Jesus always sensed her lonelinessand seemed to draw nearer, wrapping Amanda in a warm embrace. It was in these moments Jesus lovingly reminded Amanda she was never alone. Jesus gave her wonderful neighbors, a supportive community made up of family and friends, and a loving, caring, attentive church that helped her stay connected. Remembering her blessings gave Amanda strength to fulfill her new mission of making sure people felt connected to Jesus and others.

It was Tuesday evening at La Mesa, “The Table.” Our homeless friends were encouraged to stop by for food for the body, a small homily, prayers for the soul, and a visit with us. Not wanting to pry, we asked our friend how his foot was; he had been wearing a surgical boot and slipper on the other foot. He told us, “There isn’t anything wrong with my feet. Just can’t afford to buy shoes yet.” Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). It took only a few minutes to secretly gather enough to afford a pair of size 11 tennis shoes that evening. Everyone in that room was cheering when he took off that boot and slipper! The shoes fit. To God be the glory!

The importance of community came alive when my family accepted a call to teach at Hong Kong International School in the early 1980s. Answers were few to the multitude of questions asked when we told our families that we were moving there. However, while my parents were taking the family’s only grandchild to the other side of the world, my grandparents assured us of their ongoing love and prayers. We did experience the importance of relying on our faithful God and His ambassadors — those faculty members and international staff who also had no extended family members in the vicinity and lovingly welcomed us. We shared meals, shopped, and even traveled together, cementing the bonds of forever-friendships. What a blessing it still is as we continually keep in touch with many of our overseas “family!”

Grief can make you feel so alone. We might begin to wonder if God sees our tears. The world seems to move on without a care. I have been there. Friends sent cards and flowers and brought comforting food. One freezing cold day, a box was delivered to my door. It contained flower bulbs which adapted quickly to my warm sunroom. As I watched them grow each day, I realized that God’s beautiful gift of nature was showing me His love. The Creator cares for His creation through every hug and hot dish from friends. Each prayer and flowering bulb showed me that God is listening. I have learned that there will be tears on my face, but I still have joy in my heart.

Selah. That word in the psalms is a pause to meditate on a powerful truth. When my grandmothers’ group finishes our prayer time, we look up and around and say, “Selah.” We have met with God, thanking Him, and pleading for our families. Our quiet pause reflects our powerful experience. Prayers for jobs, childhood bullying to stop, academic struggles, spiritual growth, future mates, and more have been answered. We also wait for answers, trusting in God’s timing and purposes. We believe that “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16b). Some children and grandchildren are local; others live many miles away. But in our prayer time, distance doesn’t matter. God is near. His presence is real, and He hears us. Have you considered meeting with another grandparent or senior friend to pray for your families? It’s one way we adjust our crowns.

It’s Sunday morning after late service. A couple sits at a large round table with a cup of coffee and a donut hole. Soon a widower joins them. And then another single guy stops and asks to join. Conversations begin about the sermon that day. The next week they all head for that same table and another couple joins. Community happens. By the work of the Holy Spirit, that community is sustained as they make their Christian walk. Recently a member of that group died suddenly, and the others supported his family through a difficult journey. It’s part of being community to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. Each Sunday morning, I see this group greeting each other with hugs and smiles. And I leave with a smile, as well!

Last week, I headed to a new restaurant in my community. Confident in my directional skills, I chose not to use my GPS. Three wrong turns later, I finally conceded and pulled over to examine the map on my phone. Sometimes, we do the same with the Lord, don’t we? Relying on our own strength, we charge into the day believing we know and understand the path ahead. Then, when obstacles come, we cry out in prayer. Let’s not wait for trouble to seek the Lord. Start each day with His GPS: God’s Positioning System — the Bible. Ask Him in prayer to lead the way. After all, we do not journey alone.

I used to be a doer, in fact, a super doer. I used to be the pianist, choir director, youth director, Sunday school teacher, food pantry coordinator, and activities director. All that while trying to be a wife and mother to three children under 2 1/2 years of age. What was I thinking?! I look back at all I accomplished then and feel guilty that at 65, I’m no longer a super doer. I don’t have the energy, health, or even the desire to be a super doer anymore. But the Bible doesn’t say, “Don’t grow weary of doing 100 things at once.” It simply says, “Don’t grow weary of doing good.” Age has its limitations. Let’s not feel guilty that we can’t do all the things we used to do. Instead, let’s be thankful for all the good we still can do.

On January 9, 2026, with the two of us remembering the 33rd anniversary of our daughter Becky’s death in a Seattle hospital, our cell phone rang with an unknown number and name. My wife decided to answer and gave me the phone. On the other end of the call, an 81-year-old pastor of a church in the Florida Keys was preparing to retire after 40 years of service in Iowa, Minnesota, and Florida. He was calling to thank me for helping to prepare him as a pastor (along with other professors). After more than 30 minutes of conversation, we knew that God used that call to connect both of us with “the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33a). God brought comfort through the mutual loss of young adult children and encouragement through the shared joys of ministry.

Sometimes it is hard to accept the fact that our heavenly Father knows what is best for us. We want to be in charge of our lives. Many years ago, I suffered a miscarriage after praying for another child for about five years. While I was waiting to have surgery, one thought kept going through my mind, “Well He knows what best to grant me.” Later I found comfort in the whole hymn verse, “Well He knows what best to grant me; All the longing hopes that haunt me, Joy and sorrow have their day. I shall doubt His wisdom never; As God wills, so be it ever; I commit to Him my way” (LSB #732). God granted me a little girl one and a half years later. Recently, my husband of 59 years died, and once again, this verse brought me much needed comfort. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I was able to accept that it was Len’s time to die and that God still has plans for me on earth.

I sing in the choir as a member at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Prescott, Ariz. Our pianist/organist is a former opera singer. With her expertise, our 16 voices are instructed in timing, correct pitch, and necessary tone changes when appropriate. As an 81-year-old retired missionary, teacher, and pastor, I have been involved in many choir/ worship services. We come together to make joyful (hopefully in tune) music to the Lord. When Paul began his letter to the members in Ephesus, I am sure he wanted them to be an uplifting-sounding choir in song and deed. Singing does bring us together. In my church choir, the four basses have been correctly positioned according to vocal ranges, as are the other three vocal sections. Doesn’t that remind us of God placing us where He wants us for His work in our sin-filled world? We know we have a heavenly home awaiting us where we will sing with the angels, probably in tune. Ha. God’s blessings.

A few years ago, my husband suffered a heart attack that required bypass surgery. After we arrived home from the hospital, church members and friends regularly checked on him. They brought food, sent cards, made phone calls, and took care of some household chores. The outpouring of love we received reminded me of one reason why God tells us not to forsake assembling ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). Without our support from loving people, we would have felt alone. The task of caring for his needs and our home would have overwhelmed me. We need our heavenly Father, but we also need each other. The Bible tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). This brings us to a unity of faith because all believers are part of the family of God.

Perhaps you’re thinking that your life is in such a routine that it’s almost boring — same schedule, same meals, same TV shows, same medical visits. “It’s the same every day,” you might say. We are to be mirrors of Jesus — to be His followers, His imitators. Note this Biblical attribute of our Savior: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” His sameness is as powerful Creator (yesterday), constant Redeemer (today), and Preparer of a place for us (forever). By imitating Jesus, our routine days will be exciting, engaging, and examples of the Christian life. There is nothing boring about living a life that exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23a).

“I do it myself!” This is the exclamation of every 2-year-old striving for independence. This is great when the goal is to dress oneself, but independence is not always the best strategy. In fact, Christians are not designed for independence but to live “in-dependence” of God and of fellow members of the Body of Christ. As we mature, we learn how vulnerable we are to the attacks of Satan, the world, and even ourselves. “I do it myself!” just doesn’t work! Jesus provides us with strength to face all trials and temptations when two or three gather to pray, encourage one another, study God’s Word together, serve together, and forgive one another. God not only knit us together as individuals, He weaved us together as brothers and sisters in Christ — a bond that is not quickly broken!

Intending to call a friend with whom I had not spoken to recently, I scrolled through my cell phone contact list. Among the names of family members, businesses, and ministries, I saw A. and S., former students from the Middle East. Have they trusted Jesus as Savior? I say a quiet prayer for them. I give thanks for C. who still serves God in her mid-nineties. I thank God for the lives of some who now dwell in heaven: a ministry founder, a good friend from high school, and a neighbor. I pray for M.’s new baby, K.’s health problems, D.’s safe travels, and J’s expensive home repair. Yes, an efficient person would update her contact list, but I am in no hurry. I have a handy prayer list at my fingertips whenever I have a bit of time to redeem.

Isaiah 41 was written to the Israelites while they were in exile in Babylon. For 70 years, they experienced hardship, fears, and abandonment. I’ve never been in Babylon, but I have endured a different version of what the Israelites felt. When my husband died, I was thrust into my own exile — bills to pay with much less money, decisions that needed to be made, and loneliness. I questioned the presence of God in all of this. Philippians 4:13 reminded me that “I can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens me.” Actually, I really wasn’t alone in this strengthening journey. God sent family and friends who propped me up when I felt as if I couldn’t go on. And how did they do this? They prayed with me, they sat with me in church, and they fed me. As a result, I did feel God’s presence as He strengthened me and brought me out of the exile of loneliness into the arms of the body of believers.

Before me lies the local funeral home’s photo calendar. I admire Big Ben (July), Mount Rainier (August), and an Indiana shoreline (September). During these months, our neighbors and church members are away on vacation. Soon I will notice they’ve returned. Maybe they’ve had a memorably good time: good weather, seeing family, enjoying the land or water. Maybe they’ve had a disappointing experience: bad weather, family feuds, or disagreements about activities. It’s a natural time to listen to their excitement or empathize with their sadness. With conversation comes an opportunity to mention our creator God regarding the beauty these folks witnessed. With conversation comes an opportunity to gently share our encouraging understanding of their vacation disappointment, that is, the encouragement of Jesus. Whatever situation presents itself, the “stranger” will be happy to have been welcomed back ... by the listening ear of a Christian.

Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are making what’s old new again. Buying vintage from secondhand stores and consignment shops is the new craze. Some call it “thrifting.” I call it “re-purposing.” As we age, it’s tempting to think we are “past our expiration date,” or that we no longer serve a purpose. While it’s true that we can no longer do everything we used to, through Christ we have been made new. The old is gone (yes), but the new has come. We are older (yes), but we are a beautiful mix of past and present, gifted by God in unique ways. We’re vintage, and if we look hard enough, we’ll find ways to re- purpose our gifts by the power of God. Happy thrifting.