Hope Archives - Page 4 of 27 -

The Great Caregiver and Comforter

What did I hear?

Momma said we are safe here.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8-9

As I opened my kitchen door and prepared to go out, I was about to interrupt a wildlife picnic. One more move and those beautiful deer would have been out of sight.

In the walnut grove below, a pair of tiny fawns heard the noise and afraid to move another step, they froze in place. As I quietly closed the door, Momma Doe wandered over to her babies. Immediately they relaxed and melted right into the soft grasses below, totally oblivious to anything around them except for a mother’s reassuring presence. Fear was replaced with confidence as they felt the comfort of a mother’s love.

Likewise, the turkeys in the cow pasture stopped as if frozen in their tracks. Sensing danger, they turned quickly and wobbled down the hillside to safety. Secure in the shadows of thick brush, and no longer filled with fear, they gingerly resumed pecking the ground for tasty morsels.

I learn much from watching the critters outside my windows. I relate all too well to those feelings of fear and doubt that paralyze and hamper good judgment. There are new challenges every day of our lives, especially when caring for others.

Can you relate? Do you ever stand paralyzed or frozen in your tracks when facing some circumstance in your life? Maybe it isn’t even anything too great; it just seems overwhelming at the moment. Your breath is short and you can’t seem to shake that feeling of hopelessness.

We have a Comforter who is waiting to help. He is a Great Caregiver. He knows us; every hair on our head is numbered, and every breath we take is by His command.

Click here for 50 verses of comfort.

I want to encourage each reader, whatever your circumstance, to take time to lean on Him for rest.

His word in Psalm 23 reminds us that He will lead us beside still waters and restore our souls.

Again in the 29^th Psalm, “ The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

Today I pray for you that you will “cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you.” And that you will, like the baby deer, allow yourself to melt down into the soft grasses and allow a loving Father to bring you comfort, hope, and peace for your journey.

Hugs,

Susie

Thanks for taking the time to comment. How can I pray for you?

Is It Exhaustion or Life Without Purpose

Third Biblical Coloring and Activity Book, Patches Friendships, Coming Soon

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

Jesus generously. poured out His love and grace at our 24th annual Ladies’ Retreat this week. God did a work only He could do. My entire month has been blessed beyond measure.

Even so, a feeling of total exhaustion reared its head again as daily chores, trying to meet writing deadlines, and home and ministry commitments took their toll.

My deadline for completing Patches’ third book, Friendships, was pushed back a bit more as I adjusted my schedule one more time.

My ‘free time’ seemed never to be enough. Time, energy, and the will to push on dwindled fast.

Ever been there? Are you there now? It’s hard to pull out of that mode. You don’t want to do anything right now, see anyone, talk on the phone, or eat — well, let’s re-think that last one!

I needed a short break. A steaming cup of Hazelnut coffee, a double chocolate protein bar, and my feet up on a cozy pillow for a few minutes should do the trick!

As I clicked on the TV for a bit of music, God provided exactly the reminder I needed. A familiar tape was playing of a young man proclaiming the overwhelming joy of Jesus! He beamed as he talked freely about how personally blessed he was and how much God had done for him. This bold young man was perched on the top of a desk.

This enthusiastic man was Nick Vujicic (click to see photo). Nick was born in Australia without arms or legs. His parents worked hard to get him accepted into a public school where, from an early age, he accomplished what seemed impossible. He learned to use his one “foot” to type on a computer and perform many other tasks.

My feet slid off the stool and onto the floor. I sat straight up in my chair as he continued revealing how anything is possible if you want it badly enough. His early years, I am sure, were extremely difficult. I realized my present tiredness would not hold a candle to his true exhaustion as he worked every day to strengthen and train what muscles he had to achieve his goals.

I struggle with finding time to meet writing deadlines, to read more books, and to become a more faithful witness and friend to others. It takes so little to pull me away from my goals; I wonder how committed I am to finding my purpose.

According to this young man, life without purpose is no life. Living without limbs, he is an author, musician, and actor, and his hobbies include fishing, painting, and swimming. Nick says, “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!” Click here for a life-changing video.

Well, dear friends, that program sure did a lot for my exhaustion! I turned off the television and spent some time asking God for forgiveness and a clean heart. Enthusiastically I sorted the stack of papers lining the dining table and sent out requests for artwork for Patches (drop me a note if you know someone who enjoys sketching.)

You know me well enough to know, I believe we need to rest when we are tired. We need to care for ourselves as we care for others. I believe there is a time to work and a time to play. I believe total exhaustion is real! There are times in our lives when we must stop and care for ourselves.

However, there is also—at least in my life—a form of tiredness that comes from “stinkin’ thinkin’” and I am choosing to change that attitude every time it appears.

I pray for you to find rest and renewal in your life today.

Thanks for leaving a note; I will pray for you.

Restoring Honor to God’s Masterpiece

Richard (Butch) and Carrol Sue Kinslow 1945

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

I am quite sure that 3 1/2-year-old Carrol Sue would have agreed that she and her little brother were indeed masterpieces. Children have simple faith and a view of the world uncluttered by the opinions of others.

Little children are loved for who they are; each precious, each a masterpiece. Heavenly Father, help us to know and understand that we never outgrow being Your child… Your masterpiece!

Too often I see my reflection in a storefront and cringe. Who is that chubby old, wrinkled, bent woman? My friend’s hair is so cute, why is mine so straight? I wish I had different hair or different whatever.

With the world trying to tell us how we need to improve every part of our being, we can all have down days. If we allow these negative feelings to grow, they will affect all aspects of our lives and the lives of those around us.

Study the phrase above: we (YOU) are God’s masterpiece! That’s a fact! As they say, you can bank on it!

God’s Word says in Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

For a very good article entitled “What does it mean to be Fearfully & Wonderfully Made”, click here.

Wonderfully made? Really? I don’t feel wonderfully made! Too often I feel like a wreck.

We say believe in the Bible. It’s God’s word; it never changes. We believe God is the giver of life. We enjoy telling little children how God made them special; just like He wanted them to look. Why do we have such a hard time believing it for ourselves? If you want a revival in your heart and soul, read and study Psalm 139 in its entirety. Trust God to do work in your spirit as only He, your Creator, can.

Father, when negative feelings begin to crop up, remind me often that You created me and You have never made a bad thing. You created the hair, nose, and body that I have, and were pleased. (For the benefit of those who need to hear it, I agree that He would have us take care of what He has given us.)

One more commercial on how to get rid of my wrinkles or look ten years younger and out goes the TV! I earned every wrinkle and gray hair. I have stories. And, for your information, I do not waddle when I walk, I’m exercising my legs by pushing my weight from one side to the other.

Seriously, I pray as we enter springtime together, we will enjoy the joy God has for us. Take (MAKE) time to praise God today for His masterpiece—YOU!

Hugs,

I look forward always to your comments and your prayer requests. I pray for you often; and thank you for praying for me.