Hope Archives - Page 10 of 28 -

What Does Abundant Life Mean to You?

One of Many Abandoned Churches

He was rugged looking: skinny, tattered clothes, stringy hair, and a scruffy beard. Perched like a pigeon on the edge of the pew, he was soaking up every word the pastor said.

After the service, I met Joe; the most well-scrubbed shabby person I ever knew. In the same way that his appearance spoke volumes of his prior lifestyle, his firm handshake and broadening smile warmed my heart.

“…I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b Joe clearly had met Jesus personally. He was saved, rescued, and turned around leaving drugs and old cronies in the dust as he made his way to God’s house. He understood abundant life more than most.

Some would say the abandoned church building, the aging well-known pastor/musician and his wife, and Joe have seen better days. Perhaps, but I’m not so sure. There was joy here, pure joy. New life in Jesus spilled out all over the place as the tiny congregation lifted their voices to their Lord. Abundant JOY. Abundant PEACE. Abundant COMFORT. Abundant ACCEPTANCE. “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine…!” Hungry souls had found peace and rest; they knew what they had in Jesus.

Click here to enjoy some of that preacher’s original music.

In this tiny town in SW Missouri, an aging preacher/musician and his wife have opened an abandoned church building to the “least of these”. Addicts and alcoholics and the down and out are finding love and compassion, healing, and restoration, one weary soul at a time. New Life! Abundant Life. Not on things, bank accounts, prestige, but simply based on the overpowering soul-saving Love of Jesus.

My heart longs for that newness of life; that joy unspeakable and full of glory! I pray for that for my family, our churches, our pastors, and our congregations. Holy Spirit, fall fresh on us. Take away the worldly view of the abundant life we have come to rely on; to desire; to work to attain. Renew in us a right spirit.

My challenge this week for each of us is to check out our own “Abundant Life”. Lord, teach us to be grateful for what we have; for our families; our friends; our home; our jobs. Grant us opportunities to share Jesus with those who have no hope. Life without Jesus offers nothing. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me.

Hugs,

This Beautiful Bouquet and I Share a Common Need

Fragrant Flowers from My Gardens

A cool breeze swept across the fragrant blooms and filled my world with joy as I gathered this beautiful bouquet from my gardens.

Finally, for a few moments at least, much-needed peace and contentment refreshed my weary soul.

The last nine months seem like a bad dream. However, this is not a dream, this is reality. I did not choose this solo flight, and I do not like it.

Prayer support from coast to coast keeps me afloat. Yet I question myself as I face unfamiliar duties with vehicles and home. Every day I climb a new mountain.

God has provided great leaders to fill hubby’s positions; I am so thankful. Yet, every turn to release more of the ministries is a reminder of twenty one years of serving together.

Well, back to the bouquet and our common need. The beautiful bouquet is actually not yet a bouquet. It is individual flowers tucked carefully into the honeysuckle vine on my fence. Absolutely breathtaking, right? But this beauty is fleeting; to thrive my bouquet needs water.

Water? Water! You know where I am going, don’t you? That is what I need as well. Fresh Living Water that flows from the heart of God. Let this song speak to your heart and be refreshed.

I am thankful and blessed to have a Heavenly Father Who knows my needs and supplies generously. He does not push Himself on me, but when I cry out; He is waiting to give me that fresh, Living Water; cool my spirit. Replenish my dry land.

I desperately need time with Jesus, soaking in His Living Water.

Before you go away, let me tell you how Living Water is refreshing my soul and putting my daily life in perspective.

#1 My beloved Russell is Home with the Father, healed and happy.

#2 I have health, home, food, family, friends, and freedoms. I have good vehicles and for a while at least, gas money! (Sorry, that just slipped in!)

#3 I have the opportunity to pray for and support those who have lost s spouse, family member, child, or health. I have a ministry He has for me to do.

Refresh yourself with that Living Water each day and let’s bloom for our Savior where He has planted us.

Hugs,

How has Jesus met you this week? Let me hear your story.

Overwhelmed? Help is on the Way!

Look beyond the brokenness

Let’s be honest. Life sometimes stinks! I’m tired of being told where I can and cannot visit or told what to wear or do. In fact, my plans for this very day did not include thunderstorms and power outages. I struggle with keeping my calm; my focus goes awry

I am weary of trying to help a relative who will not help herself. Being even a part-time caregiver/advisor is work. It takes all the energies and resources I have and then some. It alters my priorities, ties me down, and wears me out. Seems to be a thankless job with no end in sight.

Can you relate? Are the tasks looming before you overwhelming at times? Do you wish for help only to find the help was inadequate at best? Feel you should have done the work yourself although you know you could not?

Like water heating in a teakettle; these feelings can quickly boil and soon break out into unkind words or actions if not held at bay. (I speak from experience here).

Study the photo. What do you see? The dead limbs, the battered old tree? The overgrown brush? The darkened sky? Look closer, soak up the soft colors of that rainbow. Rest on the wings of the One Who has it all covered.

“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.” (Psalm 23:1-3, TLB). Click here for some more inspiring words from the One who knows our needs.

There are no easy answers or quick fixes. Each situation is different; circumstances vary; needs versus wants must be defined.

Here are five very, very simple ideas that continue to help me cope when the load seems too heavy to carry. I must tell you, just a few minutes ago while thunderstorms raged (outside and in my spirit as well). I walked out on the porch and did #1 and #2 below. My spirit calmed; I am now renewed and pressing on.

#1 Breathe. Too simple? Not really! When you feel stress coming, stop long enough to look away from the situation and breathe deeply. Stand up tall, close your eyes and breathe in for five counts through your nose. Hold that a few seconds, then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Relax, repeat.

#2 Hum or sing a little bit. I confess I am not a singer (my entire family will agree). However, when life feels really tough, I sing softly, “Jesus loves me, this I know … “as I continue my work. And, yes, today as thunderstorms raged (outside and in my spirit as well). I stepped out on the porch and slowly breathed the fresh air. Then I loudly sang that song and my spirit calmed.

#3 Exercise. Even though you feel you cannot do any exercise—no time, energy, or ability—you can do something. A simple stretch works wonders. Stand on tiptoes, hold a chair for balance and slowly do a few squats. Then stand and reach for the stars, one hand, then the other, then both. A few minutes every hour or so will help keep your blood flowing and your body limber.

#4 Write. Keep a notebook handy to jot down your feelings—good and not so good. Let all that anger flow from your brain through your fingers and onto the page. Don’t fail to find something good to write down about the ones you are caring for or working with and about yourself.

#5 Smile. Now, I know this suggestion sounds a little misplaced. Just try it, look in the mirror, and smile—big, big cheesy grin. You tried it and giggled, didn’t you? Laughter IS the best medicine!

Perhaps life can become overwhelming at times. But truthfully, it should be a fantastic blessing, an opportunity to be Jesus’ hands and feet. It’s a privilege, an awesome responsibility, an opportunity to encourage, to make a hurting soul feel happy and loved. The ability to care is a gift from God.

Repeated on purpose: The best help is always found in God’s unchanging Word! “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.” (Psalm 23:1-3, TLB).

Blessings and hugs to you as you care for yourself and others,

Please take time to share your hints with me; I could use a few more!