Hope Archives - Page 15 of 28 -

Prepare Ahead for a Rough Journey

Workers building our new sidewalk had to prepare ahead for a rough journey through mud and mire this week! All the tools had to be in place before wet cement was delivered!

So it is with daily living. Life isn’t just sunshine and roses; it can get brutal without notice! How do we prepare ahead for a rough journey? Click here for Habakkuk’s answer from God..

Last week Cheryl had to leave a conference early. Her husband’s caregiver called: he suffered a stroke and was taken to the hospital. Her plans changed quickly, yet she remained calm.

This week, Sondra played piano for Sunday School and worship and heard her son preach. She then rushed home after services to her ailing husband instead of taking time for her usual lunch outing.

This month a young pastor led worship and encouraged his flock while his wife and her mother were planning his father-in-law’s funeral. Hearts were touched with his powerful message.

A local neighborhood in mourning over a young couples brutal murder, came together to encourage and strengthen the families involved. This tragedy affected us all; yet with God’s help, we strengthen and move forward.

A group of churches stood together this month to sing, pray, and praise God in the midst of challenging times for their association. What was the glue that bonded them through a rough journey?

How do people face these challenges, day after day, year after year? What are the tools they have to prepare ahead for a rough journey?

You will not be surprised the basic tool needed is God’s Word. Warning: a casual reading now and then will not prepare you adequately. People survive major catastrophes by daily Bible study and time with God. Find time – NO – MAKE time to sit and soak His Word!

One of my favorite verses is “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 You can always trust God! Always, regardless of circumstances!

Follow this link to find 37 wonderful verses to gain strength from the Bible. You will benefit by copying them and using them daily to meditate on.

No matter what you are facing today; God is Greater! And God knows. And God loves you more than you can ever, ever imagine! Trust Him!

Hugs,

Praying for you; let me hear from you soon.

Happiness Really is a Choice

happiness really is a choice

Happiness really is a choice.

If happiness really is a choice, then why am I not choosing it? There are times when a heavy cloud hangs over my head and won’t go away!

There is work to be done every day.

People to care for, family and friends with needs and an endless pile of paperwork must be done before week’s end. I open a window, take in the fresh morning air, gaze at the flower-laden hillside, and hear the birds calling me outside.

Click here for a helpful article to relieve some stress in making family decisions.

Visiting children’s church camps and Vacation Bible Schools this summer has been filled with mixed emotions. Smiles and hugs and laughter from young ones fill my hungry soul. Yet, deep down I grieve because health needs and work obligations keep me from getting to stay and be more involved.

Below is six doable ways to choose happiness in your world.

I don’t like having to work inside all day. I’m angry with myself for not taking better care of my health needs. I feel resentment raising its ugly head inside me. It seems unfair somehow that I have to be inside while others enjoy the sunshine. I could quite easily become a grumpy old woman. (Actually, sometimes I am!)

Many of you are caregivers 24/7. Some are parents working jobs and coming home to mounds of household chores and responsibilities. Do you ever have those feelings? The feelings themselves are normal; but we do not have to give in to them.

John Ortberg has said: “What repeatedly enters your mind occupies your mind, eventually shapes your mind, and will ultimately express itself in what you do and who you become.”

Wow! Happiness really is a choice.

Here are 6 ways I am choosing happiness over the grumpy old woman!

1. I will recognize my way is not always the best way. Ouch! Today I bit my tongue before I tried to “help” my husband arrange groceries in the trunk the way I would have done it — the best way!

2. I will be thankful I have work to do and the ability to do it. I will thank God for each person I have privilege to care for in some way. I will be thankful for the talent and the equipment to do reports and to write.

3. I will enjoy the view from the window; and be thankful for the beauty and for fresh, clean air to breath. I can share cheerful memories with those in my influence and rejoice.

4. I will be thankful I have eyes to see, ears to hear, people to love on, and people who love me … that list can go on and on!

5. I will smile a little more and grumble less. That means I will smile when interrupted at my busiest times. I will remember those interruptions are most often God’s appointments. I will rejoice and be glad.

6. I will plan a little better and organize my “has to be done list” to allow for short breaks. I will not complain when I do not accomplish all I feel I should. I will remember I am not Wonder Woman and be happy.

So, for me, for this day, happiness really is a choice and I will make that choice. Will you? We can make it together, one day at a time.

From Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd … He restores my soul.

Hugs,

Let me hear how your day is going. What helps you choose happiness?

The Truth about Our New Year Resolutions

The Truth about Our New Year Resolutions and why we can’t keep them looms clear for me this year. As I look at my list carefully, it is more of a wish list than resolutions.

What makes the difference?

By definition, resolution is a firm decision with clearly defined intentions. A true resolution is a commitment to make definite plans to accomplish the goals. Our wish lists are simply what we hope to do or to be in the coming year, and usually about our own personal self-improvement.

Our resolutions or goals need measurements and benchmarks.

Consider these questions as you look at your New Year Resolutions, your plans for 2018. Are they basically the same as last year? Are you hoping to do better this year? Do you have plans to measure your progress? What do you plan to do differently (beginning now) to achieve your goals?

Check your personal wish list vs. your resolutions/goals.

For me, I wish I would lose some weight; I wish I would exercise more; I’d like to cook healthier meals, keep the house better … Truth is I have no set goals or plans for those things … not any that are measurable.

Make a list of your resolutions (goals) for the year. Here are a few of mine.

I am resolved to care more this year; to pray more faithfully for others; and to regularly call or send notes to those who need encouragement; be more diligent in visiting those I love; to listen more earnestly.

I am taking a few positive steps to keep me on track.

I will set each Friday as my card day; keep address book, well-stocked card box, pens and postage in place! I will keep an up-to-date prayer calendar with my Bible and use it daily. I will keep a notepad by the phone to list those I need to call, and date when called.

Join me in scheduling time for those you “wish you could visit”.

For me it’s too late for long talks about childhood I meant to have with my brother; he is gone now. There are others I hunger to see; I am calendaring time for them. No, I can’t do it all, but I can respond the the Lord’s urging and put people ahead of “stuff”. I can learn to say “Sorry, I have a previous appointment on my calendar.” Then keep it!

Are their people in your life that have been a blessing to you?

Who do you know that could use a blessing about now? It’s near zero here today and will be tomorrow; I wonder how many people living alone could use a cheerful call from me to help shorten their day and give them some much-needed encouragement?

Today I put my note cards, pens, stamps, and address book on my desk and plan to use them every week. A ready pad and pen are by the phone; prayer list is by my Bible. How about you?

Hugs,

Have you met Patches the Awesome Turtle yet? He’s only been around thirty days and already wowing young and old! So thankful for a way to share God’s powerful word!