Tag: Romans 15:13

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Crossing Cultures Memoir

Hopewords

Last year, I saw a random ad for a writers conference called HopeWords. In Bluefield, West Virginia. 

Glancing at familiar and not-so-familiar names of presenters, I somehow knew—I’d be there in April 2024. 

I recruited my friend and fellow writer to sign up. It’s not like other writers conferences, we were told. But then, having never been to one before—what did I know?

This past week, I’ve been reflecting on those 24 hours of HopeWords Writers Conference 2024. Remembering Bluefield’s generosity: homemade desserts, excellent musicians, rides on the trolley. Considering the words of Travis Lowe, Daniel Nayeri, Mitali Perkins, Jackie Hill Perry, Hannah Anderson, and more. 

And feeling thankful for that not-so-random ad.

Some of the authors and books at HopeWords 2024.
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Categories
Crossing Cultures Making Disciples Memoir

Broken pieces

In December, a treasured necklace from Japan falls on the floor. Breaks. 

And I get on my knees. Gathering broken pieces. Fragments. 

Trying to put the puzzle back together. But it sits.

Incomplete.

So I place what remains in a bowl. Not ready to give up on it yet. Perhaps a shard or two skittered under a cabinet. 

Broken pieces.
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Devotional

All we cannot see

The new year approaches.
And we’re looking sideways at the year that was. 

2020.
Planned calendar undone.
Change unexpected.
Grief unwanted.

Up close and personal reminders
of all we do not know. 
All we cannot see. 

All we cannot see. Image by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.
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