Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 68

I Wuv You

Our recent week at the beach was one of the most challenging vacations my husband and I have taken in quite awhile.


 Past vacations have involved traveling with teenagers and then young adults who were pretty self-sufficient. This was our first trip with my daughter, son-in-law, and “the littles,” our two-year-old and eight-month-old granddaughters. We knew our time together would involve more work, more expense, more noise, and less rest.

It would also, we hoped, involve more fun, more laughter, and more love. 

We were right on both accounts. 

It was hard work helping our daughter and son-in-law feed, bathe, and occupy their busy two-year-old and pre-crawling baby. It took effort to ensure our hard-working daughter and son-in-law enjoyed much-needed rest and fun.

We washed mountains of dishes and piles of clothes. We helped with bath time, naptime, and beach time. We wiped sticky faces, floors, and bottoms. We made daily trips to the grocery store and changed diapers, clothing, and sheets.

But oh, the payoff!



What a joy to watch the little ones squeal with delight as the waves crashed over their tippy toes. How fun to share sandy games of Bocce, warm boiled peanuts, and late-night Farkle contests. How special to see our fisherman son-in-law’s grin as he showed off his salty catch and our daughter’s contented smile as she relaxed under a beach umbrella with her napping baby on her chest. How we loved watching the crushing demands of the day-to-day wash from their faces with every receding tide. 

Best of all were the sweet moments with our granddaughters.

When baby Caroline’s face lit up with her gummy, two-toothed grin every time she caught a glimpse of us. When she and her sister snuggled up close, tucked their heads under our chins, and drifted off to sleep in our arms. When little Lauren, the second-generation dandelion girl, wrapped her arms around our necks, planted sloppy, sticky kisses on our cheeks, and spontaneously declared, “I wuv you.”

Replaying the sweet memories of the week as I walked on the beach our last day, God gave me a moving insight into his Father heart for me.

Loving you is hard, he said to my heart. It’s messy, and sometimes you’re ungrateful. It’s sacrificial, and sometimes you don’t even notice. It’s costly, and sometimes you take it for granted. But when you wrap your arms around my neck, cuddle up close, and tell me how much you love me, it’s worth it all.

I love you, Lord Jesus. Thank you for loving me. Help me never forget the price you paid to save me. 

“We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

What about you? What have you experienced recently that reminds you of how much God loves you? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts. And if you’re reading by email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, and leave a comment. 


And if you're within driving distance of Columbia, SC, THIS IS FOR YOU.
Do you enjoy writing? Do you suspect that God might be calling you to do something with your ability? Do you have words, stories, and ideas that you wish you could communicate better to others? Whether you're an embryonic writer, toddler writer, or an all grown up and married writer, I invite you to attend the Lexington chapter of Word Weavers' Summer Writing Workshop on Saturday, July 23. 

Teaching by industry professionals, relevant and practical topics, and a CHICK FIL A lunch--it doesn't get any better. I'll be teaching two workshops, "10 Mistakes that Make Magazine Editors Say No"  and "Let It Go -- Why It Pays to Give Your Writing Away."  Don't wait. The rock-bottom price is for early registrants only. 

Click HERE for all the glorious details.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

11 Unexpected Life Lessons, Part II

Wisdom shows up in the most unexpected places. 

In Part I of 11 Unexpected Life Lessons, I shared seven valuable lessons I learned from my granddaughter Lauren during a recent beach trip. In this post, I'll share the remaining four.

8. Don’t let a lack of resources stop you. Because Lauren’s mommy knew the beach house we were staying in wasn’t equipped for children, she packed a basket of toys to bring with them. In the last-minute rush to get on the road, however, she left the basket behind. “I can’t believe I forgot it. What are they going to play with?”

We easily entertained Caroline, the 8-month-old, with plastic measuring spoons, bowls, and lids. Lauren, on the other hand, proved what I’ve always believed, that an imagination is the only toy a child needs.

One morning I turned from the stove where I’d been fixing breakfast to discover that she’d sorted all the Rubbermaid lids by shape and lined them up from smallest to largest across the kitchen floor. When she tired of that, she grouped them according to color.

She was also fascinated by the assortment of decorative soaps in the bathrooms. One day I let her sniff a pump bottle of lemon-scented soap and a pretty dispenser of orange soft soap. Ten minutes later, Lauren grabbed me by the hand and pulled me into her bedroom. There she proudly showed me what she’d done—tucked a bottle of soap into each of the twin beds. She placed them on the pillows and pulled the covers up to their “necks.” She’d even put her pacifier next to the largest bottle. While I watched, she patted their “heads,” planted a gentle kiss on each, and bid them “night night.”

Sometimes I let a lack of resources hinder me. Other times, I follow Lauren’s example and focus more on what I have than what I don’t have. When I think creatively, I’m often pleasantly surprised.

9. Talk to strangers. While some children are shy, most are eager and interested in the people around them. They don’t care if they’re young, old, black, or white. They can’t tell if a person is above or below their socioeconomic status, and they’re terrible at guessing a stranger’s education level. For them, all it takes is a friendly face to spark a conversation.

All week long I watched Lauren work her charm. She attracted people like a magnet. Within ten minutes she was chattering away with two little girls in a tidal pool. She told the cashier at BiLo her name, and told a shirtless man with a long beard that she liked “pink ice cweam.”

On our last day at the beach, she invited me into the tidal pool. Before long five cousins vacationing from North Carolina and Georgia had gathered around us. We had a lovely conversation. It’s amazing what you talk about when your toes are buried in silt.

Because of Lauren’s outgoing nature, I also talked with the parents and grandparents of the friends she made. We discovered common interests, swapped vacation tales, and shared faith stories. Lauren taught me that strangers are only friends you haven’t met yet.

10. Ask lots of questions. “What do turtles eat? Where do birds sleep? Where’d the water go? Why does Papa snore?” Lauren’s curiosity is boundless as she learns about the world around her.

My curiosity should be equally far-reaching. Because adults have a greater ability to understand and engage, we should ponder and question, then search out the answers.

Here are some questions my week with Lauren sparked: How many times a day does a child laugh? Why does humidity make hair curlier? How much sand can a child ingest before suffering ill effects? How long does it take 52-year-old muscles to recover from a week of carrying, lifting, bending, crawling, and running?

11. Sing often. It doesn’t take much for Lauren to break out into song. She sang about “the wittle white duck fwoatin’ on the wawer” on the way to the hardware store. She serenaded us with, “Zacchaeus was a wee wittle man,” as we played in the ocean.

She even made up a brand new chorus to Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Remember her love for the decorative soap at the beach house? The sweetly-scented toiletries inspired this: “. . . and on that farm he had a bar of soap, E-I, E-I, O. With a wash-wash here and a wash-wash there, here a wash, there a wash, everywhere a wash-wash.”

I noticed that when we sang along with her happy choruses, we smiled, too. It’s quite difficult to sing and frown at the same time, but why would we want to? Singing about how “God made the mountains, and God made the trees” reminded us that our great big Father God was perfectly capable of taking care of us. There’s a reason why the psalmist urged his listeners to “put on the garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness” (Isa. 61:3). Even if we’re not singing praise songs, music ministers to our hearts.

I hope by now you agree that profundity doesn’t have to be complex. Instead, it can be refreshingly simple, just like the little girl I spent the week with. As we officially enter the summer season, I hope you’ll take time to look closely at the world around you, ask for help when needed, spend time with people you love, laugh a lot, respect your limitations, slow down and savor, don’t let limited resources stop you, talk to strangers, ask questions, and, most of all, wherever you are, be all there.

 “. . . and a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6).

Have a great summer!

If you missed Part I of "11 Unexpected Life Lessons," CLICK HERE.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

11 Unexpected Life Lessons, Part I

Profound doesn’t have to be complex. Oftentimes, the most profound truths are also the simplest. 

After spending time at Edisto Beach recently with Lauren, my favorite two-year-old, I jotted down 11 rules I learned from her that I want to apply to my life. I think you'll find them worth considering, also. 

11 Life Lessons from Lauren 

1. Look closely at the world around you. Lauren examines everything. Seashells, fish, even the lemon-scented soft soap in the bathroom is worth a close-up look. She notices the tiniest crab as he scuttles along the beach, Papa and Gigi’s toothbrushes hanging in the bathroom, and the unfortunate snake that didn’t look both ways before he crossed the road. Because I’m not very observant, Lauren is a great example to me. 

2. Ask for help. There are many things two-year-olds can’t do. They don’t know how to eat a push up pop, build a sand castle, or open boiled peanuts. They don’t know how to get sand out of their bathing suits, catch a hermit crab, or jump over waves. They do, however, know when they need help and aren’t afraid to ask for it. Most of us could take a page from their playbook. Admitting our need or lack of knowledge is both humbling and empowering. 


3. Spend one-on-one time with those you love. Lauren loves snuggling on the porch swing, cuddling for a nap, or talking about whatever comes to mind. Summer vacations are great opportunities to spend time with extended family and friends, but they shouldn’t be the only time we hang out. Even if you don’t live nearby, a visit by phone, Skype, or Face Time can be great for letting friends and family know you love them. 

4. Laugh often. Every day Lauren makes silly jokes and funny faces. Her giggle sounds like joy bubbling out. Her original songs, dramatic gestures, and perceptive insights keep us smiling. She is our family’s comic relief. Even after she goes to bed, we’re still laughing as we compare notes on the hilarious things she did that day. Since laughing boosts our immune system, relieves stress, and lowers our blood pressure, we’d all be wise to follow Lauren’s lead and laugh often and laugh well. 


5. Respect your limitations. Lauren needed a little help with this one. I noticed that her normally sunny disposition would take a nosedive if she felt hungry or tired. Thankfully, she has attentive parents who recognize the signs and intervene. A well-timed snack or nap restores her equilibrium, and she’s good to go again. 

We, too could benefit from understanding and respecting our limitations. If our bodies function best on seven or more hours of sleep, we should do everything we can to allow for this. If we work best in the morning or the evening, in a quiet atmosphere or a busting one, we should try to accommodate these dynamics instead of fighting against them. There will always be times when we have to make do in less than ideal situations, but ignoring the way God created us is always counterproductive. 

6. When you’re there, be all there. There’s something delightful about the abandon of a child. They don’t hold back, hedge their bets, or have one toe in. Since this was Lauren’s first real trip to the ocean, we were curious to see how she’d react. Enthusiastic is an understatement. She chased waves, dug in the sand, and lay on her belly and splashed. She came home every day with sand in her hair, mouth, ears, and, well, other places we won’t mention. Bottom line for us grownups? Wherever we are, be fully engaged. Multitasking shortchanges everyone, including ourselves. 


7. Slow down and savor instead of gallop and gulp. Ever watched a two-year-old eat a peanut butter cracker? First you twist it to separate the top from the bottom. Next you scrape the peanut butter off with your teeth. Then you eat the top. Then, because you notice the seagulls gathering around you, you break off a corner and toss it their way. One piece for Lauren, one piece for the birds. One piece for Lauren, one piece for the birds. It’s not a speedy way to eat, nor is it the most efficient, but it sure is satisfying. I wonder how many simple pleasures we miss because we’re gulping instead of savoring?
". . . and a little child shall lead them" (Isa. 11:6).
In my next blog post, I'll share Part II of Life Lessons from Lauren. If you haven't subscribed to receive twice-weekly blog posts, now is a great time to sign up so you won't miss a single post.




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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Maybe God Can Even Use Cowards

Few know that Joe is a secret disciple. A prominent man, he just can’t risk the social fallout that will come if he openly declares his allegiance to Jesus. There’s too much at stake—his reputation, his position, his family. Everyone knows religion and politics don’t mix. 

Besides, if he comes out of the closet about his relationship with Jesus, he’ll lose the chance to be a light in a dark place. At least that’s what he tells himself when the twin rats of shame and cowardice gnaw at the edges of his conscience. But he’s a good man, and he wants to do what’s right. 

Nic struggles too, and he and Joe often talk about it. They compare notes in hushed conversations punctuated by long silences. There is much to think about. They know the prophecies. They’ve heard him preach. They’ve witnessed his miracles. It is undeniable, but they just can’t risk it. They’re too afraid. 

But into every coward’s life there comes a time when fear goes toe to toe with faith. 


Joseph thinks the time has come when the late-night council called for a vote. He waits, heart pounding, as the moderator calls the role. Surprisingly, a few before him also voice quiet nays. Perhaps they, too, are secret disciples. 

After the moderator calls his name, a string of angry yeses overshadow his soft dissent, and the murderous motion passes. 

I tried, he thinks. What else could I do? Guilt and shame hangs heavy as he looks across the council room at Joe. The slump of his friend’s shoulders mirrors his own. Their eyes meet for a moment of shared misery, then drop again to their hands. No blood stains their fingers, but they take little comfort in that. 

It is the way of quiet cowardice. Don’t take a stand unless you have no other option. Don’t make waves. Don’t take risks. 

But something changes that day on Golgotha. 

Maybe it’s the way the earth shakes and the sky darkens, visible manifestations of the battle that rages as the Creator breathes his last. 

Maybe it’s the words he speaks, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” 

Maybe it’s the gut-wrenching cry, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” that echoes in their ears long after the wind carries away his words. 

Somehow they know.

Long before he breathes his last. Long before the soldier jabs his sword into his side and blood and water burst forth. Long before the buzzards begin to circle. 

They know they can’t let his body rot in the common criminals’ boneyard. 

A hurried consult at the fringe of the crowd, then they part ways. One to gather the donkey and the spices, the other to beg Pilate for his body. 

It’s a foolish attempt, really, to think that the same governor who had sentenced Jesus to death might grant him a decent burial. But raising his eyes from where he had prostrated himself before him, Joe looks deep into Pilate’s soul. 

In the instant between his stammered request and Pilate’s surprising consent, he knows what Pilate knows—that he has betrayed an innocent man and perverted the justice he was supposed to uphold. The least he can do is grant him a decent burial. 

He meets Nic on the hill as the sun begins its descent into the valley. Hurriedly, for the day of Preparation is near, they wrap Jesus’ body in linen and tuck spices among the cloth. Only the occasional trickle of sweat from their faces testifies to the emotional and physical struggle raging in their hearts. 

“Lift him gently,” he says as they prepare to move him into the tomb. 

"I’m glad I bought the finest tomb on the hill. I never dreamed . . .” 

Nic grunts under the weight of Jesus’ prone body and ducks into the yawning mouth of the cave. Taking a clean cloth from the bag at his waist, he hesitates. For the first time since they lifted his body from the cross, he looks into his Savior’s face. 

Dried blood plasters his hair to his skull. One cheekbone is swollen, and the other is crushed. Dark bruises make his face almost unrecognizable. The lips that had taught, and laughed, and cried are silent. 

“Forgive me,” he whispers, and places the cloth gently over his face. The words of a long ago conversation settle like snowflakes onto the frozen soil of his heart: 

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. . . . He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed.”* 

“I believe,” he whispers. 

Ducking outside, he joins Joe in pushing the stone down the incline to seal the mouth of the tomb. A silent handshake, a hasty hug, and a mutual parting sends each man home a different way. 

The guilt and shame that had lain like a thick blanket across their shoulders lifts and a new thought lightens their footsteps. 

Maybe God can even use cowards. 

What about you? Are you a secret disciple? Do you struggle to take a stand and share your faith? What part of Joe and Nic’s stories resonate with you? Is there a lesson you can apply to your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below or, if you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll down, and leave a comment.

* John 3:14, 15, 18
This narrative is based on John 19:38-42.


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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Hello Summer! The only thing better than summer reads is FREE summer reads

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Can you think of anything better than summer reading? What about FREE summer reading . . . ?

To celebrate the first day of summer, my publisher, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas is offering FIVE FREE KINDLE books to everyone who purchases a copy of my devotional book, Hungry for God ... Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women. 

And to make the offer sweeter than fresh squeezed lemonade on a summer day, they've even lowered the paperback price from $10.99 to $7.95. The Kindle version is at a ridiculously low price of $1.99. Thank you, Lighthouse!

Summers are supposed to be more relaxed, but most days I'm busier than ever. If this is your story, too, be sure that busyness doesn't squeeze out time spent with God. 


Hungry for God ... Starving for Time, a 31-day collection of 5-minute devotions, is the perfect companion to your busy summer schedule. It's the perfect size to tuck into your swim bag, suitcase, or purse, ready for anywhere you find five minutes for quiet reflection. 

If you already own Hungry for God (and I hope you do), I bet there's a busy woman in your life you can gift a copy to. Ask God to show you who needs an encouraging word from the Lord wrapped in an everyday story every woman can relate to. Then send a copy of HFG her way.

If you do that, here's the best part--you can gift a copy of Hungry for God and still keep the other five books we're giving away FREE! What a great way to bless someone who needs a little spiritual encouragement AND add to your Kindle collection of great books to read this summer.

Want to see which books we're giving away? Here's the collection:






Praying for the Prodigal Running from a Crazy Man Fear is Louder than Words Come Empty Chasing the Butterfly
Here's how it works: [image error]
1. Purchase a copy (Kindle or Paperback) of Hungry for God ... Starving for Time . Click the image to go straight to Amazon.
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2. Email a copy of your receipt to:
  freekindle@lighthousepublishingofthecarolinas.com.

3. Be sure to include your Kindle email address in the email. If you're not sure what your Kindle email address is, see below*.

4. Your five free ebooks will be sent to your Kindle within 48 hours.

Now, to get you in the mood for summer, here are a few scenes from one of my favorite places to read and relax, Edisto Island, South Carolina.










*Here's how you find your Kindle email address: Go to Manage Your Content and Devices.From Settings, scroll down to Personal Document Settings.Under Send-to-Kindle Email Settings, your Send to Kindle email address will be listed.





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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

4 Steps When Life Gets Hard

Betrayed, persecuted, grieving, uncertain, confused, abused, and struggling. 

Can you identify with any of these words? Most of us can, sometimes more than others. 

Life is a struggle, and most days we feel the angst of living in a difficult world, with difficult people, under difficult circumstances. I think this is why God includes stories about real people in the Bible. Reading other people’s stories, the good, the bad, and the ugly, gives us perspective and, most important, hope. 

King David was a man who experienced just about everything life can throw at someone. His memoir includes a humble beginning and an exalted ending. He came to faith early, and God used him in mighty ways to lead the nation of Israel. He also disappointed God greatly and lived much of his life with the consequences of his sin. 

The book of Psalms records many of his soul-searching, gut-wrenching conversations with God. Psalm 71 is one of them. Listen to David’s cry: 

“O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. . . . in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. For my enemies are whispering against me. They are plotting together to kill me. They say, ‘God has abandoned him. Let’s go and get him, for no one will help him now’” (v 1,2, 9-11 NLT). 

His example reminds us that it’s OK to pour out our hearts to God when we are distressed. But Psalm 71 isn’t just a lament and cry for help. It’s a prescription for how to weather difficult circumstances. 

Listen to David’s 4-step plan as outlined in verses 13-17: 

1. Don’t lose hope. David expresses his commitment to trust God: “But I will keep on hoping for your help.” No matter what happens, we must never stop believing that God hears and answers our prayers. 

2. Don’t stop praising God. “I will praise you more and more,” he says. “I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power.” Praising God reminds ourselves and others that God is good, even when our circumstances are not. 

3. Don’t forget what God has done. “I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord.” Reflect on the many ways he has worked in the lives of faithful men, and remember how he has worked in your own life. God’s long history of faithful care for his children strengthens our faith, because we know God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

4. Don’t stop sharing your faith with others. “I will tell everyone that you alone are just.” Sometimes when difficult circumstances enter our lives, we’re tempted to slander God with our words or our lack of faith. We must resist, choosing instead to take a faith stand and continue to testify of God’s goodness, no matter what. 

If you’re betrayed, persecuted, grieving, uncertain, confused, abused, or struggling, King David’s four-step plan for weathering difficult circumstances is powerful and effective. 

My prayer for you is that you will soon be able to testify, as David did, “You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side” (v 19-21). 

What about you? When you struggle, which examples from Scripture give you hope? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you’re reading via email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll down to the end of the post, and leave a comment.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Three Skirmishes in the War on Pride

I was editing an article a writer had submitted to the magazine I work for. Her topic was pride. “At the risk of tempting your pride,” I wrote, “your article is well-written, thought-provoking, and timely. Well done.” 


The writer responded in a way that made me nod. “No worries. God does a good job of keeping me humble.” 

Isn’t that the truth? I’ve had several skirmishes recently in the war on pride. 

A friend dressed me down. Her words were angry and sharp. My first response was to respond in kind, but something checked the words that threatened to fly from my mouth—I realized there was some truth to what she was saying. I was not guiltless, as my righteous indignation first led me to believe. Instead of defending myself, which I really wanted to do, I apologized for my wrongs. 

I’ve also been in professional situations that have wounded my pride. My flesh wanted to take my marbles and go home, but the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit wouldn’t allow me to. He reminded me, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” And then he added the coup de grace: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,” (Mark 10:25). 

And finally, I had to choose to love people who’d hurt my heart. I didn’t want to love them; I wanted to punish them. I wanted to withdraw my affection and sulk. I wanted to make them to feel the same sting of neglect I felt. 

Fortunately, my devotional reading for the day, “On the Power of Divine Love,” in Thomas a’ Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ didn’t let me. 

The disciple to his Lord: “Because I am still weak in love and imperfect in virtue, I need to be comforted and strengthened by you. So you often visit me and instruct me with your holy discipline. Deliver me from evil passions, and cleanse my heart from all unholy desires. May I be healed and thoroughly cleansed within so I may be ready to love, strong to suffer, and steadfast to endure.” 

Luke 14:11 reminds us, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." 

I don’t want to exalt myself; I want God to do it. I don’t want God to resist me; I want him to extend grace. I don’t want to be prideful. I want to be humble. More than anything else, I want to be like Jesus. 

Like my writer friend, I suspect God will have many opportunities to keep me humble. The real success will be when I eagerly embrace the process, instead of fighting against it. 

What about you? What challenges make humility especially difficult? What helps you embrace humility and resist pride? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you’re reading by email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, and leave a comment.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

How to Face Uncertain Times and Battle Fear

Sometimes the most profound words come from the mouths of little children. 

My daughter and son-in-law were heading out for a date night, and my husband and I were babysitting the littles.

“Come give Mommy a hug,” my daughter said to Lauren, the 2-year-old. Kneeling, she wrapped her arms around her daughter’s wiggly body.

“You come back, Mommy?” Lauren asked, burying her face in her mother’s neck.

“Yes, I’ll come back,” my daughter replied. “Mommies and daddies always come back.”

Later that evening, Lauren asked me, “Mommy and Daddy come back?” Before I could respond, she answered her question with the words her mother had taught her: “Mommies and daddies always come back.”

My daughter is wise. She recognizes that every parting won’t always be as pleasant as this separation with Gigi and Papa. She knows there will be times when their parents' leaving might create anxiety or fear in her daughters’ hearts. She’s preparing them by teaching truths to carry them through the uncertain times and protect their hearts from fear.

I watched another example of this parenting approach during our playtime together. One of Lauren’s favorite toys is a yellow giraffe that rocks and plays music when she sits on it. Now that her little sister is becoming more mobile, the giraffe has also become Caroline's favorite toy.

You see where this is going.

“Lauren, you’ve been riding Giraffe for a while now, it’s time to share with Caroline.”

Her shoulders hunch up and her hands hold more tightly to the handles. I see the struggle on her face.

Then sunshine breaks through, and she hops off. “You can take a turn, and then you’ll get it back,” she says, repeating the words her mother has taught her. 

Smart girl. 

She applied the principle to the situation and made the right choice. Smart mama, too for teaching her little girls to speak truth to themselves.

The philosophy behind my daughter’s parenting approach is the principle that words have power. When we embrace truth, remind ourselves of it often, and apply it to our lives, we live better.

Maybe this is why Jesus called himself, “The Word,” and why he gives us his Word to base our lives on. If we learn God’s truth and apply it to our lives, we live better. If we learn God’s truth and repeat it to ourselves often, false and destructive thoughts flee. God’s Word guides us, comforts us, and empowers us. 

But we must actively engage it or it does us no good.

What situation are you facing today? Which truths from God’s Word can you apply? Our family is currently facing the challenges of unemployment. Here are a few truths we're choosing to focus on:







I’d love to hear the Words you’re claiming today. Leave a comment below and share them. And if you’re reading by email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the end of the post, and share your thoughts.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

3 Ways to Hear God Speak

Have you ever heard God speak? 

If you ask this question, you’ll get a variety of answers. 


“I hear God speak all the time.” 

“I’ve never heard God speak.” 

“Sometimes I think I hear God speak, but I’m not sure.” 

“God speaks to special people, like Billy Graham, but he’s too busy to speak to ordinary people.” 

One morning recently I was struggling. Unexpected circumstances had pulled the rug out from under us, and a thousand thoughts were whirling through my head. 

“Lord, I need a word from you,” I prayed. 

Every morning I read  The One Year Bible , so I opened it to the reading for the day. I began by reading 2 Samuel 22. The final words of the chapter were, “(God) is the tower of salvation to his king, and shows mercy to his anointed, to David and his descendants forevermore.” 

I know this passage was originally written about Israel’s King David, but my husband’s name is also David. Through this ancient passage, God reminded me that he would show mercy to my husband and my family. That God would send such a specific passage, with my husband’s name in it, was very sweet and comforting to me. 

On the way to church, I checked my email. My friend Heather, who had no idea what was going on in our lives, sent me an encouraging note, which she ended with a Scripture reference, Romans 15:1-13. I looked up the verses, and verses 4, 12, and 13 stood out: 

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. . . . Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

And when we reached church and settled into our Sunday school class, our teacher stood before the group and wrote four big letters on a dry erase board: H – O – P—E. 

Do you think God answered my prayer? And what do you think his message to me was? 

This series of events is a classic example of a few of the ways God speaks to his children. 


One of the most common ways he speaks is through his Word. When I opened my Bible that morning, I heard a personal and powerful word from the Lord. 

God also speaks through his people. My friend who sent the email had no idea our family was struggling; she simply obeyed what God told her to do—send Lori an encouraging email and share this Scripture passage with her. 

God also speaks through preaching and teaching. My Sunday school teacher presented material that someone had written and published years ago, but God used it (and her) to remind me to have hope, even when circumstances say otherwise. 

I began this post by sharing several responses to the question, “Have you ever heard God speak?” My recent experience demonstrated three ways God has spoken to me. 

I realize, however, that if I hadn’t positioned myself to hear him, I might have missed his voice. If I hadn’t read my Bible that morning, I wouldn’t have read the Scripture that used my husband’s name. If I hadn’t cultivated friendships with godly believers, I wouldn’t have received my friend’s encouraging email. If I hadn’t gone to church, I would have missed the HOPE-filled message from my Sunday school teacher. 

Our family experienced an unexpected challenge, but we were not unprepared. Because we had built spiritual disciplines into our lives, we were positioned to be able to hear God when he spoke. The reassurance we received bolstered our faith, calmed our fears, and reminded us that he is fully in control. And that, my friends, is what the Christian life is all about.

Have you ever heard God speak? How does he usually speak to you? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. If you're reading by email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, share your thoughts.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Why Would Jesus Ask a Stupid Question?

At the risk of sounding irreverent, why in the world would Jesus ask a stupid question? 


Here’s the scene: Jesus and his disciples are hanging out on a mountainside. He gazes off into the distance, and what to his wondering eyes should appear but a multitude of people, far as the eye can see, headed his way. They’re bringing their friends, and they’re as hungry as teenage boys after a football game. 

That’s when Jesus asks the question: "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" 

Philip’s the first one to speak. “Are you crazy? (my paraphrase) It would cost $15,000 to buy matzo for that crowd.” 

Then Peter (God bless him) speaks up, “Lord, there’s a boy with a Captain D’s kids meal. For all the good it does us.” 

You know the rest of the story. Jesus takes the five loaves and two fish and does a miracle. Five thousand men plus women and children eat until they’re full. 

Buried in this account and immediately following Jesus’ “stupid question,” “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat,” John records a most interesting statement: 

“But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.” 

He himself knew what He would do. 

Jesus knew he was going to feed the multitude. He'd planned it from the beginning of time. He knew he was going to take a tiny boy’s tiny lunch and multiply it so far that the decimal didn’t even remember which column it started in. 

So if he already knew what he was going to do, why did he ask the question? 

To give his disciples a chance to believe. 

He asked Andrew, “Where can we buy enough bread for all these people?” 

Andrew looked at his circumstances and the insurmountable odds and said, “There is no way we’re feeding this crowd.” 

Peter looked a little higher and considered his resources. “We’re got a little Lord, but it’s nowhere near enough.” 

Neither of them stated the obvious: “Lord, why don’t you feed them? After all, you are the Christ.” 

Only Jesus saw the potential for a miracle. 

“Have the people sit down,” he said. “At least act like you believe in miracles, because I’m about to do one.” 


I wonder how many times God allows impossible circumstances and overwhelming odds into our lives to give us a chance to believe? 

I wonder what might happen if, the next time an impossible situation comes our way, instead of counting the people on the hillside and the lunch in our baskets, we turn our eyes to the Savior and say, “Lord, only you have the power to change this situation. I trust you.” 

Oh, what miracles we might see. 

I’m thankful that Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes despite the disciples’ lack of faith. But how much more might their faith have grown if, instead of counting heads and hedging bets, they’d asked God for a miracle? 

I want to be the disciple that answers a stupid question with a smart answer. Don’t you? 

What impossible situation are you facing right now? I challenge you—trust God for a miracle. Your disbelief might be the only thing standing in the way.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher