Hello readers!
From Exodus to Hidden Pictures, here are some reflections from life in the world of HOPE Unlimited since our last blog post!
HONORABLE LIVING
We are currently going through the book of Exodus at church. One of the intriguing things in the early passages is that “God hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” That seems counterintuitive—why wouldn’t God soften all hearts?
God’s glory is actually the best and highest thing for mankind, for when God is glorified, people are blessed. Pharaoh had already adopted a posture of arrogance—God simply worked within his choice and created a situation for more glory for Himself and a revelation of His miraculous power, preparing His people before they would face great hardship in the wilderness.
This helped me understand that sometimes God allows hard hearts to continue so that His glory can be displayed more fully. Sometimes that glory comes through changing the difficult person. Other times, it comes through changing those who are learning to respond to them with wisdom, perseverance, and faith.
It’s an intriguing perspective, especially when we encounter people who seem determined not to change.
ONGOING LEARNING
This month I discovered Amazon’s AutoBuy feature. I believe it’s currently available only to Prime members, and it’s a clever budgeting tool.
If you have something you want to buy, you can set a maximum price and choose how long (up to a year) Amazon should watch for it. If the item reaches your target price, it automatically purchases and ships it.
Of course, you’ll want to be mindful in case several items trigger around the same time, but I like that it lets me decide my spending limit once and then stop checking prices. It has already worked for one item I selected. As a bonus, once an item is purchased, it removes itself from the AutoBuy list so you don’t accidentally buy it again.
Not every item qualifies, but if you see the option on an eligible product, it’s worth exploring.
POWER SKILLS – Winsomeness
To be winsome is to be charming, approachable, and appealing in what feels like an effortless way. We all know people who naturally put others at ease, and we especially appreciate those whose kindness proves to be genuine over time. (Winsomeness is very different from manipulative charm that ultimately serves self-interest.)
Not everyone is naturally winsome, and that’s okay. But organizations are wise to place winsome people in public-facing roles.
I remember visiting a service business where the CEO happened to be on site for the day. Throughout my visit, I noticed they spent much of their time alone, either on the phone or working on their computer. I considered introducing myself but never found an opening that felt natural.
What struck me was that while the CEO clearly had an eye for operational details—walking the facility and making notes—they missed the opportunity to connect with the very people using their business. I couldn’t help thinking that those conversations might have built goodwill, loyalty, and stories customers would later tell others.
To be fair, they may simply not have had a naturally outgoing temperament. Leadership isn’t about becoming someone you’re not. But it is about recognizing your strengths and limitations. Sometimes that means stretching outside your comfort zone, and sometimes it means empowering teammates whose gifts complement your own.
EVERYDAY ENJOYMENT
This month I enjoyed visiting the Hidden Pictures exhibit at First Presbyterian Church Greenville with my grandchildren and daughter-in-law. The exhibit showcased the work of illustrator Tim Davis, a prolific contributor to Highlights magazine from 1994–2014.
I especially appreciated the verse the church selected to accompany the exhibit:
“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.” — Luke 10:21
Children often notice what adults overlook. Perhaps that’s one more reminder to keep our eyes open for the everyday glimpses of hope God places before us.
Here’s to looking for HOPE in all its forms every day!
Following my initial writing and crafting, this post was edited with AI, similar to using a human editor, for clarity and flow that stays true to my voice. The ideas, experiences, and opinions are my own.