31 Days of Hope Day 31

My heart is full and I am very grateful for YOU!  Thank you for following me for these past 31 days!  It started off as a challenge and ended up being more than a blessing.  I have been encouraged, inspired, overwhelmed (in a good way), humbled, and giddy, all within this month! I know I wont be able to keep up the daily blog, however, I will be blogging more often than I was before. I hope you take advantage of signing up for the email list, this will enable you to receive any blogs I write automatically to your email.. The sign up box is located on the right side.  I also invite you to sign up for the monthly E Newsletter. It is filled with hope, encouragement, prayer requests, special guests, prizes, and more!  To sign up, simply email me your email address and tell me you want to be signed up!

For our last day together I wanted to highlight the different blogs through out the past month to remind you that: there is always HOPE!.  As long as we have breathe there IS hope!  We must never give up!  We must press forward and move towards hope.  

1. You are not forgotten!  (I am Not Forgotten song)

2.There is hope in friendships, prayers, and marriage

3. Repentance and forgiveness hold the key to hope  Forgiven by Sanctus Real

4. God desires our heart and not our routine

5. Pray that we don't have a "Jonah"  attitude-there is hope in listening to the Lord and obeying

6. To get to the hope of a matter, we have to be willing to keep our faith on firmly. Even when circumstances tell us differently.  Even when we can't see it. Even when we don't feel it. Even when all evidence suggests the opposite.

7.  Yesterday does not define us!  There is always HOPE for a new legacy! Family Tree by Matthew West

8. We ARE worthy!  We can accept God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23

9.  Be aware of the whispers of the enemy.  Those whispers contain lies. Put your faith in the HOPE of the truth!

10. We know what God has promised!  Click here to read the poem

11. I am the contractor and I can choose the quality that goes into my relationship with Christ


12. Among the fifteen things we learned that John Maxwell believes about HOPE, I love number fifteen the most:  "Hope gives us the strength and the courage we need to make the most of life."

13. We can learn from Jesus' example and his meeting with the woman at the well: Jesus never ignored red flag, put things under the rug, and He doesn't take responsibility for other peoples choices and behaviors-He spoke love in truth.... (While He died for our sins -we still have free will to choose)

 

14. Guilt, shame, and fear surround hope and strive to keep hopelessness alive

 

15.  A highlight of the other 31 Days bloggers!  Click here to read

16. "Don't allow yourself to be a stumbling block towards Jesus"....whether its our clothing, behaviors, or choices

17. H is for healing...

18. O is for over analyzing

19. P is for persevere

20. E is for euphoria

 

21.We need to see the glass as half full and ask ourselves the following questions:  

 

A. How can you make sure this situation never happens again? Are you willing to do what needs to be done to ensure it doesn't?

B. What weakness did this storm reveal? (did you ignore red flags? did you act in your flesh? did you allow pride to get in the way?  do you have a bigger issue/problem that needs to be addressed?)

C. Is your foundation strong and if there are any weak spots or cracks, where do you need to make repairs?  And more importantly, what will you do to strengthen and repair weak spots and cracks?

22. God does not measure sin, we do and there is not anyone who exempt from HOPE!

23. To walk in full confidence (and hope) with the Lord we need to walk daily with Him; He desires a relationship with us

24. What kind of second hand legacy's are we handing down....lets choose to hand down HOPE!

25. Hopes and dreams for my baby...what are your hopes and dreams for your baby? 

26. Psalm 32...repentance, forgiveness, and grace = HOPE

27. Joseph...a man of honor, integrity, and faith, is thrown into a pit (naked) and sold into slavery by his brothers

28. Joesph...continues to be a man of honor and integrity and full of confidence in the Lord...he is a man of HOPE, even in the face of false accusations, jail, and coming face to face many years later with his brothers

29. Even when we face trials and tribulations, even when we feel alone, or feel as if we have crossed the line one too many times, God promises to never leave nor forsake us.  He loves you! I Loved You Then by 33 Miles

30. The real meaning of the Proverbs 31 woman

 

31. Today's review and reminder that there is always hope...even when it seems as if the world is screaming, "there is no hope!", we must not listen to the lies! If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then my friend, hope is alive and will NEVER die!  (if you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and you want to, please email me and I will be happy to pray with you and give you more information)  

 

I have been blessed beyond measure through this journey into 31 Days of Hope.  Thank you for partnering with me.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Let's make a committment to KEEP HOPE ALIVE!  

May God bless you and fill your heart with hope!

Love, Sheryl

31 Days of Hope Day 30

If you are a woman, have you ever wondered what it would be like to step in the woman of Proverbs 31's shoes, for one day. If you are a man, have you ever desired to have a wife who embodies every aspect of the Proverbs 31 woman?  My husband has often told me there is a Proverbs 32 woman, and he says this woman gives her husband massages all the time, needless to say, I have yet to find that verse or chapter!  :) 

Very early on in my Christian walk, I confess I felt intimidated by the Proverbs 31 woman.  She was so perfect!  She worked hard all day and stays up late doing more work, she gets up early, takes care of everyone's needs with barely a blink of the eye. She helps those in need; she doesn’t appear to worry about anything.  She is wise beyond measure, she is beautiful, she makes all of her and her family’s clothes, and she embodies all of the character traits that we all desire (strength, dignity, peace, honor, joy, grace).  She is also not afraid to grow old. Her children bless her, and her husband, well, he is blessed beyond measure, and he knows it!

It wasn't until several years ago, when I was on a mission trip to the Appalachia Mountains, that I understood Proverbs 31.  We were going to be ministering to the children and women, as well as repairing some homes. I was asked to lead one of the Bible studies for the women. The Lord put Proverbs 31 on my heart.  As I began to study and pray, a light came on: This woman isn't real!  This is simply a mother’s wish for the type of woman she wants her son to marry. She was giving him her "hopes and dreams for her baby" (see my blog Day 25). She was trying to explain the importance of finding someone who has her priorities right, not necessarily someone who is perfect. Suddenly I saw the Proverbs 31woman in a different light. Instead of being intimidated by her amazing qualities, I saw it as an example to strive towards.

As I wrote each verse out, I commented next to the verse to help me see the bigger picture. I wanted to relate to the words of the mother.  I wanted be able to apply Proverbs 31 to my life.

I will type out the verses and (BOLD) my comment about each verse.

Proverbs 31:10-31

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. (Valuable like a princess-like the daughter of the King!-and if you are female and have accepted Christ in your heart then you ARE a princess! and if you are a male and have accepted Christ you ARE a prince! )

 

The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. (She is a woman of integrity and she is trust worthy)

She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. (She is not lazy)

She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. (She cares for her family's needs-she is not selfish)

She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. (She uses money wisely)

She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. (She takes care of herself.  She is confident)

She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. (She uses her time wisely)

She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. (She is compassionate)

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. (She prepares for the seasons and makes sure her family is ready for the harshness of the winter and the heat of the summer)

She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. (She takes care of herself; she dresses "nice"- she isn't frumpy or sloppy)

Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. (Her husband is respected- in other words the mother is reminding her son of his responsibilities as well)

She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. (She uses her skills and talents-whether they are designing clothes, writing, teaching, administrating, accounting, etc)

Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. (She has confidence and self esteem-she is not worried about growing old- she is willing to grow old gracefully)

She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. (She thinks before she speaks, she has a kind tone, she is not lazy)

Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all."  (Her husband and children love and respect her. They appreciate all she does)

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates. (She puts God first in all she does.  The key to her beautiful character is her spiritual life. She is a godly woman who fears the Lord)

There is HOPE in striving to be or looking for a Proverbs 31 woman. Proverbs 31 is not about perfection or unattainable qualities. It's more so about character traits and values that we all (men and women) should strive for in our lives. First and formost is the reminder to put God first in all that we do. 

There is always HOPE!

31 Days of Hope Day 29

Wow!  Day 29!  We have two more days on this journey of hope together.  I hope you have had opportunity to visit the other 31 Days blogs (Victory,  Freedom,  Purpose,  Wellness-Mind, Body & Spirit).  I have truly appreciated the comments and encouragements you have taken time to send me.  I have also been blessed to *meet* many new friends and I am grateful!

Today I want to give you HOPE in the form of a song.  The words of this song speak to the never ending love that God has for YOU! It's also a reminder that we will face trials and tribulations, however, God will never leave nor forsake us, and His love never changes.  Never let go of HOPE!

I Loved You Then 
by 33 Miles 

Click here to see the video

I Love You Then

Pain touches everyone
Heartache falls on every heart
And all of us go through the storm, it doesn’t matter who you are
And you’re up against the wind, and you feel you’ve lost your way
Listen to me say

I loved you then, I love you now
I will love you tomorrow
When this world breaks you down
I will give you strength to stand
Look to me, take my hand and just believe
Before this day ever began, I loved you then

Time changes everything,
Moments fly by like the wind
You can try to hold on so tight but you’ll never get time back again
You feel stuck with your mistakes, can’t turn anything around
And it seems there’s no way out

I loved you then, I love you now
I will love you tomorrow
When this world breaks you down
I will give you strength to stand
Look to me, take my hand and just believe
Before this day ever began, I loved you then

I won’t let you go, not even for a minute
So don’t lose hope
Pain touches everyone
Heartache falls on every heart

31 Days of Hope Day 28

Thank you for joining us today for the conclusion of... Joesph's life

 Once Joseph became a slave for Potipher he was originally in a good place.  He was respected and treated well.  That is, until Potipher's wife decided she wanted a little "lovin" from Joseph.  Joesph was apparently a very good looking man and Mrs. Potipher had a major a case of lust and no boundaries. Joesph was a man of honor and integrity with boundaries. He continually rebuffed her advances, however, the last time she approached him she was able to grasp his garment and rip it as he fled from her.  She then became angry at his refusal and turned the tables on him and told her husband he  tried "to make sport" of her and showed him the ripped garment. Potipher chose to believe his wife and threw Joseph in jail, even though Joesph was well trusted and respected, even as a slave. Again, I have to wonder did he stick up for himself?  Did he even try to defend himself or did he simply cling to hope and know God had a purpose and a plan?

Once in jail we know that scripture tells us the Lord was with him, so I have believe that is the hope that he felt. He knew the Lord would continually take care of him, no matter what the outwards circumstances were. While he was in jail he found favor with the guards and chief jailer.  He ends up making friends with Pharaoh's chief cup bearer and chief baker (they had offended Pharaoh and were put into jail).  Joseph ends up interpreting  their dreams and tells them to please remember him when they are back in Pharaoh's graces.  It is the first time that Joseph explains his situation and defends himself.  And there does not seem to be bitterness or "entitlement" coming from his heart.  I only hear his hope!

Just as the chief cup bearer and chief baker promised they did not forget Joesph. However, it didn't happen quickly, it took two years. I am not sure that I would still cling to hope as Joseph was....two years is a long time! Well, the day finally came as Pharaoh was perplexed by his dreams and no one was able to interpret them or help him, so the chief cup bearer told him how Joesph had interpreted his dream while he was in jail after he offended Pharaoh.  Joseph was brought before Pharaoh and he told him of his dream. Joseph was able to interpret it and this allowed Pharaoh to make a plan with Josephs help, to prepare for the years of famine that were to come. He knew Joseph was a man of wisdom, integrity, and a that God had favor on him.

Pharaoh ends up making Joseph in charge of all of Egypt, saying no one will be higher than he, except Pharaoh himself.  Pharaoh gave Joseph his signet ring, clothed him and gave him jewelry.  He even gave him a Egyptian name and a wife!

Fast forward: the famine does come and low and behold Joesph's brothers come looking for food.  Joseph's dream finally comes true after spending thirteen years in slavery and the long purposeful road he was on  to become a high ruler, next to Pharaoh.  He ultimately  brings his entire family to live near him and he forgives his brothers. Pharaoh blesses his family with more than they could imagine. Joesph realizes God's will and purpose in everything he went through.  He tells his brothers   (45:5) And now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here: for God sent me before you to preserve your life.  Seeing that verse convicts my heart; I am not sure I would be willing to have the same attitude, oh, how I pray I do though!  Joesph never once doubted God. He never whined and complained. He trusted. He waited. He always clung to hope even when it seemed hopeless.  

My hearts desire is to have that kind of solid hope. I also want the patience that Joseph had! I do believe and I do have faith and hope, however, I know my flesh is sometimes weak, so I must fill my mind and heart with God's word and focus on my relationship with Him.  We must never lose hope!

One day at a time, one moment at a time, there is always hope!

31 Days of Hope Day 27

Did you know the average person can live without air for three minutes, without water for three days, and without food for three weeks.  How long do you think a person could live without hope?  There have been countless stories in the news of people in unthinkable horrific situations that miraculously held onto hope and survived. Some how their hope gave them the courage to stay alive, doing whatever they needed to do to survive. Even though their situation looked as hopeless as hopeless could be, they remained hopeful in spite of what their outward circumstances were.

There are many examples of those holding onto hope in the Bible. Think of Joseph, his story is found in Genesis chapter thirty-seven through chapter forty-eight.  Joseph was well loved by his father and hated by his brothers. The were jealous of him and made a plan to kill him. Then Reuben, the oldest brother, felt some sense of responsibility and conscious, so he encouraged his brothers that they should not take his life,  instead he suggests, they throw him into the pit.  So, they stripped him and put him in the pit. Then they sat down to eat a meal. When I think about this; to eat a meal would have entailed a lot of preparation and time. It wasn't like they brought sack lunches with them. So, as they are going about preparing and eating a meal, their brother is naked in a pit, they seem to carry on as if their brother isn't even there and this is just a normal day.

Sibling rivalry is nothing new, however, it seems rather evil to strip your brother and put him into a pit with no water, food, or hope of ever getting out. And then go and sit down to enjoy a meal together. They couldn't have been very far from the pit.  I wonder...was Joseph yelling or screaming, HELP ME! SOMEBODY GET ME OUT OF HERE, as he stood in the pit, while they were causally eating? Do you think Joseph fought them as they stripped his clothes off and put him in the pit? Did he ask them why they were doing this to him?  Did he try to run away?  Or was Joesph afraid and intimidated by his older brothers and simply succumbed to what his brothers did, maybe he felt if he fought back or tried to bring attention to the situation, he would be in worse shape. Or maybe he was simply holding onto hope. The hope that the Lord gave him in his dream. The dream that showed him someday he would be over his brothers, as well as his parents, and they would bow down to him. Was he simply going along with his brothers knowing and trusting that hope was on the way and all he had to do was cling to it?  (* later on in chapter 42:21-22 it does say Joseph pleaded with his brothers, yet they did not listen)

One of Joseph's brothers Judah, convinced the rest of the brothers it would be a better idea if they sold him to the Ishmaelites as a slave. The brothers agreed and along came some Ishmaelites and they pulled Joesph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels. I have to wonder if Joseph ever said anything or did he simply bow his head and go along with everything, courageously clinging to hope? 

Some how the oldest brother who convinced them not to kill Joesph and to put him in the pit (apparently with the motive to go back for him later), he left and returned to find his brother missing from the pit. When he realized what his brothers had done, they decide to come up with the plan to say that Joseph was killed and they slaughter a male goat and put the blood on Joseph tunic (that they had stripped off of him) and took it the their father. Joesph's father believed Joesph had in deed been eaten by a wild animal and he tore his clothes and put on  a sack cloth and mourned.  

In the meantime the Ishmeleites took Joesph to Egypt and sold him to Potipher, who was Pharaohs Captain of body guards.  Here again I have to wonder, did Joseph try to explain the situation to anyone?  or was he simply trusting God that there was a plan a purpose in all of this?  I will confess that even if I felt the Lord telling me a specific outcome for my future, if I were ambushed by my siblings, stripped and thrown in a pit then sold into slavery...I don't think I could do it quietly.  My flesh would want everyone to know the truth.  Especially since Josephs dream did not explain how he would get into the position of authority or that he would have to endure some serious trails before he got there. I guess that is why God choose Joseph.  God knew Joseph had enough faith and hope to get him through the dark tunnel as he led him to the other side. 

TO BE CONTINUED...Please tune in tomorrow to find out the conclusion of Joesph's life...how did Potipher treat Joesph as his slave?  What word does Mrs. Potipher not like?  and you wont believe what she does when she hears it!  Find out what a cup bearer, a baker, jail, and dreams have in common with Joesph.  You wont believe what Pharaoh does to Joesph!  Will Joesph lose the hope he started off so strongly with?  What becomes of the brothers who betrayed him?  Tune in tomorrow to find out!  

Until then remember....There is always HOPE!

31 Days of Hope Day 26

Several years ago in a Wednesday night Bible study we were asked to gather in small groups of four or five and share about our favorite Psalm in the Bible.  At the time, I had never considered a "favorite" Psalm. I had read through Psalms many times and wrote notes and highlighted, but I had never  considered a "favorite" one.  I am still not sure I could say I have a favorite one, as there are so many (150!) and the fact that there are many topics covered in them. However, I do have one that I have read often and it reminds of the HOPE I have today.

Psalm 32

In this Psalm, David is broken and humble. The sad part is that it took him two years to get to the point of repentance in his sin with Bathsheba.  The good part is that he did get there and he is encouraging others in this Psalm, to seek the Lords deliverance rather than live in denial and sin. By his confession  and repentance he has opened the door for forgiveness and grace which leads to HOPE!  The same hope that David had, is the same hope God has for you and me today!  As long as there is breathe there IS hope!

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! 

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away  Through my groaning all day long. 

 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.  

I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord "; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. 

 

Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.  

You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.  

Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you.  

 

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.  

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones ; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. 

There is always hope!

31 Days of Hope Day 25

If you have a blog, you know you can check your statistics to see what part of the world your readers are coming from, you can see what time of day most of your readers are reading your blog, and you can see which blog generated the most interest. 

I was looking through my statistics and noticed my most popular blog was on December 9, 2009, which happens to be the blog I share about my book!  The blog is titled A Scarlet Cord of Hope Book Order.  The second most popular blog is one I wrote April 13, 2009 titled Hopes and Dreams For My Baby.  I am going to add more comments to bring it up to date.  I will ** the updated comments and type them in italics.

** When I originally wrote this in 2009, my daughter was almost twenty one years old and now she is almost twenty three years old.  She was also dating my son in law at the time.  They celebrated their first year anniversary this April 2011. 

As my children continue to age and mature I find myself thinking about topics that I dreamed about in years past, however, I never focused much on them, because they were my hopes and dreams for when my babies got older. The time has come, and I feel myself filling my mind and heart with particular hopes and dreams, especially for my daughter. My daughter is my oldest child. When I think about her, I confess, like most mothers, I am filled with motherly pride and love for her. I have loved her since the very moment I thought I was pregnant with her (and that is true for my son as well). 

I have loved her through good times, sad times, and even bad times. I have loved her even in the midst of her what I call her, prodigal daughter journey. I won't pretend that was an easy time to love her, it wasn't, but I held tight to my love for her, and more than that, the Fathers love for her. At certain times in that season, even though I loved her, I wanted to seriously hurt her. Not in an abusive way, more so in a way that said, "GIRL WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? HOW COULD YOU DO THESE THINGS TO YOURSELF? WHY?! WHY?! WHY?!"  By God's mercy and grace she finally softened her heart and allowed truth and love to over rule the lies she believed.  God is good and He continued to call her back until she answered. Well, more like until she got caught, however, she will tell you herself, she was glad she got caught, she was tired of running and tired of all the empty promises of the world.  (**My daughter shared her testimony at her church this past year, myself and my friend Cynthia, went to hear her share...needless to say I was proud of her and was reminded once again about how far she has come, how grateful I am for her and for the beautiful Godly woman she has become!)

I don't say this lightly....Praise God we are out of that season!  Being on this side of the situation for a while now, I would go through it all over again, knowing the outcome that I know now. Although at the time, in the midst of that season, I doubt I would agree with that statement. Time heals all wounds and actions speak louder than words. My daughter has proven over and over her repentant heart, her desire to put God first, her love for family and herself. She is not perfect by any means, but the growth and maturity in her shows fruit. I see it, hear, and feel it in her. It is real. (**I still see it, hear it, and feel it in her!)

She has been steadfast in her walk with the Lord and has finally begun to figure out who she is and what she wants in life. She also has a serious boyfriend. They have taken things slow and steady. They have made a point to get to know each other first and more importantly, they have kept God in the forefront. (**that serious boyfriend is now her husband!  We are very grateful for our son in law.)

This is the topic of reflection for me, because of their age, their desires, and the seriousness of the relationship, I find myself asking; what do I hope and dream for her for the future?  I have often  wondered to myself, what did my mom and dad want for me?  What were the hopes and dreams for them from their parents?  What about my mother in law? I  know she loves me, but what were her hopes and dreams for her son?  What kind of woman did she dream of for a daughter in law?

Most of these things I did not even consider in my first marriage (to my daughters father), however, I am very happy to say I was blessed to find these things in my husband Doug. Doug and I will celebrate thirteen years in May.  (**we celebrated fifteen years May 2011 and I am more in love with my husband each day!)

My Hopes and Dreams For My Baby 

1. I hope she always keeps God first and a priority in her own life and someday in her marriage (**she has)

2. I hope she never ignores a "red flag," as they usually never change color

3. I hope she knows, that she knows, whom she has chosen to marry  (**she has!)

4. I hope she marries her true love  (**she did!)

5. I hope they will both have open communication lines-even when it would be easier to cut the line  (**they do!)

6. I hope her husband will be a man of integrity and honor  (**praise God, he is!)

7. I hope she will be her husband's true love  (**she is!)

8. I hope she always remembers that as she leaves to cleave, we are still here and will always be  (**she knows!)

9. I hope her husband shares many laughs with her and holds her tightly through the hard times  (**he has laughed with her many times and I am sure even at her-in love of course!)

10. I hope she is never afraid of her husband (**she isn't)

11. I hope her husband never feels the need to intimidate or control her  (**he doesn't)

12. I hope she trusts the man she marries with her whole heart in all areas of life  (**she does)

13. I hope he is truly a man after God's heart  (**he is-and we are ever so grateful!)

14. I hope he is man of self control  (** he was before they married and he continues to be)

15. I hope he is a man who can embrace and accept us as her family  (**he does...in fact that was one of the things he told my husband and me when he took us to dinner to ask permission to marry her,  he said, one of the things that attracted him to her was the fact that she was family oriented and close with us and that family was important to him)

16. I hope he is man who accepts responsibility  (**he does)

17. I hope he is man who is willing to work hard for his family, but knows the balance of keeping family his priority  (**he does)

18. I hope he is wonderful husband and an amazing father  (** he is a wonderful husband for my daughter and I know someday he will be amazing father. I look forward to writing the blog that will someday say...I am going to be a grandma!)

19. I hope he leads the family by prayer and example  (**he does)

20. I hope that she and her future husband love and serve each other well through out their life time together  (**they are and I pray they will continue to do so)

31 Days of Hope Day 24

I am revisiting a blog I wrote on December 6, 2010, titled Second Hand... I have added some additional thoughts and wanted to share them with you today.

Last week I heard an interesting interview on Midday Connections. The women were talking about the kind of legacy we leave for our children and they challenged listeners to consider, as we all know, second hand smoke does affect those around us, but what about our second hand; attitudes, behaviors, habits, motives, and fears, etc.

While this can be convicting on many levels as you consider this, I encourage you to let this move you towards a place of healing and wholeness....a place of change.  Allow this to be a call to get rid of undesirable traits, patterns, and thinking, so that our children don't have to carry the same second hand issues into their families. We all have things in our life that we hope our children do not continue in, or worse than that, pass down to their children. How often do you see habits like smoking, alcoholism, financial instability, worry, promiscuity, anger, or even prejudice, carried over generation to generation? 

Does a  smoker actually say, "I hope my child grows up to smoke?"  What parent wants to see their adult child in constant financial turmoil?  Are alcoholics really happy? do they wish their children the same emotional baggage as they have?  Does a parent who has anger issues hope that their children learn to deal with stress and unexpected circumstances in the same angry way as they do?  Does a mother who lives with guilt, shame, and fear, desire her children to carry the same burdens? I believe with all my heart, that the answer to these questions is a loud NO. However, when we are unwilling to change our patterns, behaviors, and attitudes that do not reflect a Godly legacy, we are passing the same baton that was most likely passed to us, on to our children. 

This is a reflective opportunity to recognize all of our attitudes, behaviors, habits, motives, and fears do matter and our children are watching and learning from us. Knowledge is power and we have the opportunity to be honest (even if the honesty hurts) and aware to make changes. The key is...we have to be willing to change.  Change starts with an acknowledgment. 

It is important to communicate awareness of undesirable legacies to your children.  Children (and other adults) need to see our example of repentance and change.  They need to see that while we are not perfect, when we become aware of certain patterns, behaviors, and attitudes that do not reflect a Godly legacy, we have the option to stop, repent, and change at any given moment. We can begin to stop generational sin cycles!

Let's consider our legacy and all of the second hand issues we are leaving unchanged for future generations. What strong holds are we passing down?  Again, I encourage you not  to allow this to be a time of negativity, but rather an opportunity to become aware and pro-active.  Be willing to do the "heart work" to set the stage for generations of HOPE! 

One day at a time, one moment at a time...there is always HOPE

31 Days of Hope Day 23

Is there ever a time when you can have too much hope?  I think not!  Although, I do think there are times, when we can make what we want (i.e. what we are hoping for) so much of a priority, that we don't stop and pause to pray and genuinely give our hope to the Lord and seek His will. Often times we get our heart set on something or we desire a specific outcome that we forget to seek God's will.  Then when the expected outcome doesn't happen the way we planned (hoped for), we are angry at God or we wonder, what is God doing? 

Sometimes our ears are full of wax (wax that we have carefully placed inside our ears).  We choose not to listen to the Lord. Sometimes we ignore the closed doors. You know, the ones you specifically asked the Lord to obviously open and close. The ones we keep pounding and sometimes kick open.  God will allow us to force it open. I know I am guilty of forcing a few doors open myself.  I have  considered praying that the Lord make it obvious by open and closed doors; and if it's a closed door, I pray it will be a steel door that is bolted with several super strength locks, that will forbid me to force it open (ha ha-I am only half joking on this one!). 

I have a friend who is in a financial situation that has put her in a position that she must move.  This decision was not made lightly. I know she has been praying for a long time for God to make obvious open and closed doors, specifically with her job and finances. She confessed to me recently that she feels the Lord has been trying to tell her to move for a while and that she is missing out on His next plan for her life. She has hung on to what she has wanted and now she has come to a point of complete exhaustion. I know my friend was not being intentionally disobedient to the Lord, she was praying for God's will to be done and for open and closed doors, however she now admits she sees that she had been forcing doors open.

When we pray for God's will to be done along with open and closed doors, it is important that when we find a closed door that we do not continue to stand at the door and knock (it's closed; no one will ever answer it, and we will have wasted a lot of time and energy standing and knocking)  It is also in our best interest not to try to force the door open or worse yet, kick it in with sheer determination. The Lord will allow us our free will to choose (or force) a door open, even if His perfect will is to have it closed.  That is the double edged sword when it comes to free will.  We have a choice. 

We will never be able to walk in full confidence of God's will for our life if we are not walking daily with the Lord. That is His desire, He wants a relationship with us. He wants us to choose Him. He wants to give us our hearts desires when we are walking in His will. Sometimes it can be a fine or difficult line trying to find the difference in our will (hope) and God's will (hope) for our life, however, God is a God of grace and mercy and if we are truly seeking His will we will ultimately get there. He wants us to desire His will for our lives. And praise God, He is loves us in spite of our stubborn strong will!

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.   Ephesians 5:15-17 

pray without ceasing  1 Thessalonians 5:17

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16 

31 Days of Hope Day 22

As I have been focusing on HOPE for twenty two days now, I feel the Lord showing me the concept of hope in a way that I have never fully noticed before. I am asking myself some serious questions.  Some of the questions are an easy, YES!.  Some of the questions are a hesitant, yes.  A few of these questions, I will admit, I had a hard time answering yes to at all, however ,in the end the answer to all of the questions is, YES!  

This is where I am grateful I am not God.  How amazing to consider what I judge to be hopeless, God says there IS hope.  There is much I don't understand about God and yet, those same things make me love my Saviour even more.  The depth of His grace. The beauty of His mercy. The purpose for His hope. 

In my flesh there are a few things listed below that if I were God, I would never consider extending hope to, no matter how repentant a person was....that in itself is why I am NOT God!  That is hard for me to admit, however it is true.  God sees all of the things on this list (and more!), and yet ,hope is kept alive and waiting, until the last breath, even for what I judge to be "the worst of the worst". 

God does not measure sin.  All sin is simply sin. In our humanness, we measure sin according to our values, beliefs, and even in our experiences. God is ready and willing to forgive anyone for anything if they are truly repentant. That is the reason He willingly sent His son, Jesus Christ, our HOPE.  He allowed His only begotten Son, to pay the price for our sin so that we can HOPE! 

As you read through my questions, I encourage you to pray for those you know who may be struggling with hope in one of these areas.  If you are struggling in one of these areas and you need someone to pray with you, please let me know. 

Is there hope for someone who chooses abortion?

Is there hope for the abortionist? 

Is there hope for alcoholics 

Is there hope drug addicts

Is there hope for liars?

Is there hope for self mutilators?

Is there hope for abusers?

Is there hope for those who choose to hold onto unforgiveness?

Is there hope for the abused and neglected?

Is there hope for homosexuals?

Is there hope for thieves?

Is there hope for manipulators?

Is there hope for murderers?

Is there hope for prostitutes?

Is there hope for those in adultery /fornicators

Is there hope for kidnappers?

Is there hope for rapists?

Is there hope for the bully?

Is there hope for the bitter and angry?

Is there hope for drug dealers?

Is there hope for gang members?

Is there hope for sex addicts?

Is there hope for pedophiles?

Is there hope for the gambler?

Is there hope for the vindictive?

Is there hope for the unbeliever?

Is there hope for the racist?

Is there hope for the person who feels they have crossed the line one to many times, and is so far down in the pit, it seems utterly impossible to get out?

My friends, the answer to all of these questions is:  as long as there is breath THERE IS HOPE!

"and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us"  Romans 5:5

"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins"  Colossians 1:13-14

 
 

31 Days of Hope Day 21

"After Hurricane Katrina came, the city of New Orleans did some serious reflection. Teams of people gathered and asked, "How can we make sure this never happens again?"  It's wise for us to do the same after a storm comes into our lives. We can ask ourselves, "What weaknesses did this storm reveal? Where is my foundation strong and where do I need to make repairs?" 

In the fallen world we live in, it is easier to focus on the negatives of a "storm", instead of facing it head on and seeing growth and renewal in it.  Sometimes I have to catch myself viewing a storm as if I am looking at the glass as half empty instead of half full.  It's the same amount, with the same ingredients, however, it's really in how I choose to see it, as well as, how my heart attitude is about the situation.

The way to see any situation as a glass half full, is to ask yourself the same questions as stated above:

1. How can you make sure this situation never happens again? Are you willing to do what needs to be done to ensure it doesn't?

2. What weakness did this storm reveal? (did you ignore red flags? did you act in your flesh? did you allow pride to get in the way?  do you have a bigger issue/problem that needs to be addressed?)

3. Is your foundation strong and if there are any weak spots or cracks, where do you need to make repairs?  And more importantly, what will you do to strengthen and repair weak spots and cracks? 

Once you have asked yourself these questions it is important that you take time to honestly and prayerfully answer them.  If we focus on what we can learn from our storms instead of allowing the storm itself to hurt us, we will always have HOPE!  

In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us    
Hebrews 6:17-20

31 Days of Hope Day 20

Yesterday we talked about the letter P in HOPE.  P is for perseverance. Today is the last letter in  the word HOPE- letter E.  The letter E in HOPE stands for euphoria. Euphoria means a feeling of happiness, confidence, or well-being. 

You get a feeling of euphoria when you turn your hopelessness into HOPE! I still have things I hope for, and as long as I live, there will always be a need for HOPE, however, I do know the feeling of euphoria when I was able to turn things from my past from hopelessness into HOPE!  Praise the Lord!  

As we wrap up the letters of HOPE here are some scriptures to remind you of the joy, happiness, and well being, that comes with turning hopelessness into HOPE! The feeling of euphoria is waiting for YOU! Claim it in the name of Jesus!

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns." Let the sea roar, and all it contains; Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD   1 Chronicles 16:31-33

O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.  Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms 
Psalms 95:1-2

Rejoice always;  pray without ceasing ; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The joy of the LORD is your strength  Nehemiah 8:10b 

Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full   John 16:24
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  Colossians 1:13-14

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace  Ephesians 1:7