Only days ago, Hurricane Harvey made landfall, bullying its way into the Gulf Coast and bringing a nightmare upon south Texas and Louisiana. Though thousands of people tried to prepare, many leaving their homes for higher ground, but no one could escape its ravaging power. If the hurricane itself didn't blow you down, the rain... Continue Reading →
Her Name is Jen: Ghost Town Encounter in Canada
"Are we there yet?" My husband Hank jokingly asked the childlike question again, as our friend Karen took a turn driving part of 1,858 miles (2,990 km) from Oklahoma, USA to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We were part of a twelve-person mission team, headed north to share God's love with the people of this huge, international... Continue Reading →
Life Past Murder, Suicide, & Job Loss
July is a difficult time for our family. At times, the stinging twinge of grief hits us again out of nowhere. It takes us back to that phone call in 2014 that caused me to fall to the floor, wailing in tears. Our oldest son was dead -- and by his own doing. The grief... Continue Reading →
Miracle in My House! The Power of Prayer (and Music)
This will be the LAST weekly blog post. Beginning today, June 4th, 2017, Inspiring Hope Blog (for the time being) will be published MONTHLY, instead of weekly. Becky is working on writing three books, recording more songs, and devoting more time to family. Thank you for your continued support, and please SHARE Inspiring Hope with... Continue Reading →
Hitting the Panic Button: Let Me Out of This Pressure Cooker!
Insert ear plugs to muffle the maddening noise of the MRI machine. Close my eyes so I don't see the smothering, claustrophobic encasement three inches above my nose, and almost touching my shoulders. The technician places a rubber bulb in my hand, attached to a tube. "Just squeeze this 'panic button' if you need, and... Continue Reading →
Joy in the Waiting? Lyndall Jones, Guest Blogger
Welcome Lyndall Jones, this week's Guest Blogger! Lyndall has been in music ministry for 25 years and currently serves as Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church in Piedmont, OK. He has been happily married for 11 years and has one son who is 9 with a calling to choose to adopt another child when God... Continue Reading →
The Prison of No Purpose; Autographed CD Giveaway!
This weekend marks the 1-Year Anniversary of "Inspiring Hope Blog"!! Just to say "THANK YOU" for reading, I'm GIVING AWAY an AUTOGRAPHED CD, to you or someone you choose. How to enter: Read ANY blog post on this site, then leave a sincere COMMENT below it, between May 14 - 24th. (Must comment on a blog... Continue Reading →
Losing Lily: The Crisis of Foster Care
A couple years ago, my second-grade daughter, Jaycie, came home from school with a heavy heart. With tears in her eyes, she lamented: "Mom, I miss my friend, *Lily. She had to go into a foster home far away, so now she's not in our school any more." Once again, my own heart broke for... Continue Reading →
Making Lemonade: Why Does the Wind Blow, Anyway? Guest Blogger Janet Short Bradburn
Welcome Guest Blogger, Janet Short Bradburn! I have enjoyed Janet's writing for YEARS, and am excited to introduce her to Inspiring Hope readers. Love to hear your comments below :)) Making Lemonade For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you... Continue Reading →
Perfectly Inedible: The Ants Tell All (Sweet Attracts: Grumpy Repels)
My niece and I were picking strawberries today from my parents' garden while they're out of town. It was misting rain, so we hurriedly picked all the red ones, as well as the near-ripe ones. I noticed several deep red ones that fifteen-year-old Jenny had seemingly overlooked, so I pointed them out. "No, I don't want... Continue Reading →