a ministry of compassion since 1973
Hope for When It Hurts
As a young mother, I tried to do everything right for my sweet, baby boy, even the things that were difficult. On one occasion I took him for an immunization; I believe he was about nine months old. I was trying to distract him when the nurse put the needle in his chubby thigh. His only response was that he frowned at me. If he could have put his confusion into words . . .
Read MoreThink about Christmas - what was the greatest gift you ever received? Now when I think about the Greatest Gift, I think of the gift that God gave to us many years ago...
Read MoreExtending grace and restoration to another person brings peace. You may not forget what has happened but you are able to...
Read MoreI was just chatting with a bereaved dad whose son died over 10 years ago. He’s hurting today because of Connecticut. If you are feeling renewed sorrow because you know what these newly bereaved parents are feeling, know that I am praying for you.
Read MoreImmanuel ... … means God with us. That’s how God described to Mary who her son was – even before he was conceived.
Read MoreAs we face the financial situation here at H*VMI I feel we need to look at, look up and look ahead. First of all, we need to look at the picture realistically. As of today, we are $156,012.32 behind last years giving. . . .
Read MorePart of what God desires for us in our relationships with others is to “be compassionate to one another.” Being compassionate means to be...
Read MoreOn no other day do we count so much on things or events to make us happy.Most of us grievers would just as soon be sick through the whole shebang!
Read MoreAs Christmas approaches, our hearts are drawn to messages of being kind to one another as we think about spending time together and giving gifts to each other. After all, isn’t this the time of year when our kindness toward others kicks into gear and we are...
Read MoreAs the Christmas season approaches we are all thinking about gifts - ones we give to each other and ones we are hoping to receive. Many years ago . . .
Read MoreIf it is biblically mandated, do it. Something in this category is certainly going to be beneficial and healing, just the sort of activity you need to be involved in. This includes some time to worship. I know that the usual Christmas services could be overwhelming – with crowds and joyful music. Try to find a local “blue Christmas” service, planned for people just like you - hurting people. Plan to go to the smallest, probably the earliest, service at your church. Avoid the crowds but go and worship this God who came near. That’s what we are celebrating.
Read MoreA grieving person is exhausted by grief, has a hard time concentrating and making decisions, and can’t think as agilely as they used to... All those skills are necessary for Christmas shopping. So what’s a parent to do?
Read MoreWe have just come through celebrating Thanksgiving and now the holiday pace really picks up with many celebrations right around the corner! Thank the Lord that because of His great love we are not consumed by the pressures of the holiday season. He is...
Read MoreWe thank the Lord for the H*VMI retreat this past weekend. A great time of fellowship, testimonies, lots of laughter, good meals, fun games and the opportunity to share in God's precious Word together and pray. In addition . . .
Read MoreWhat is the connection between letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and being thankful, having gratitude and giving thanks? In the above verses we are challenged with letting “the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.” Letting God’s peace “rule” means to let it be...
Read MoreMy prayer for you this Thanksgiving is for a quiet (still) heart, eyes of faith to see His presence in your life and great courage to...
Read MoreAt this time of the year our hearts are drawn toward a particular holiday called “Thanksgiving”. The emphasis on this particular day is usually about...
Read MoreWherever I go, He is there. I can’t get away. I can’t hide. He sees from far away. He sees in the dark. I can’t leave His presence, because He is everywhere! He is being “with me” whether I like it or not. God is here. He won’t leave me and I can’t get away from Him.
Read MoreHave you ever thought about what God’s thoughts and ways are like? In these verses we see that His thoughts and ways are different than ours, even higher. The Hebrew word for "thoughts" also refers ...
Read MoreAs every newlywed couple can tell you though, there is always an adjustment period as we learn about each other and grow in oneness. In this learning and adjusting period the Lord has shown me some refining that he wants to do in me. Never a fun process, but . . .
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