31 Days of Hope Day 7

I love the picture of this tree.  You can see the branches are strong and sturdy. The size of the tree shows it's age. The roots are thick and I suspect deep. It reminds me of a family tree.  Filled with many generations of legacy's.  Some worthy of passing on generation to generation and some are twisted,  knotted, and diseased, not something you desire to pass along as a legacy to your children or grandchildren.

Do you have a good relationship with your family?  Did you grow up with dysfunction or grace?  Did your parents model mercy, grace, and forgiveness?  Or maybe your parents were simply "just there" to keep a roof over your head and they did not connect with you emotionally. Some of you may have been abused as a child and you didn't grow up with tender, loving, kind hands. Maybe your family relationships are somewhere in the middle of dysfunction and grace.

What are in the roots of your family tree?  While I know my parent's loved me and I had other family members who were involved in my life, there are things within my family tree that I would rather not pass along; things like alcoholism, anxiety, low self esteem, manipulation, teen pregnancy, anger, abuse, co-dependency, and divorce, these are a few things within my family tree.

I confess I have also passed down some of these undesirable things to my children.  I am divorced,  I was in an abusive unhealthy marriage for nine years, I have ptsd (post traumatic stress disorder) along with panic/anxiety, I had a teen pregnancy that ended with an abortion, I struggle with low self esteem and I struggled with fear for most of my life.

In confessing this, I will also tell you that I am married to a wonderful Godly husband now for fifteen years, and we have created a new legacy together for our family. While I can not undo certain things, I am able to make changes. Together with my husband along the promises, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of the Lord, we have taken some of the knotted, twisted, and diseased  roots and strengthened them and straightened them out, creating new life within a scarred root.

While there is no such thing as a perfect family nor a perfect parent, there is hope for a new legacy. The patterns, behaviors, and choices within our family tree do not have to be our legacy. We do not have to let yesterday define us....There is always hope!

Family Tree by Matthew West  click here to hear the song

You didn't ask for this
Nobody ever would
Caught in the middle of this dysfunction
It's your sad reality
It's your messed up family tree
And now you're left with all these questions
Are you gonna be like your father was and his father was
Do you have to carry what they handed down?

No, this is not your legacy
This is not your destiny
Yesterday does not define you
No, this is not your legacy
This is not your meant to be
I can break the chains that bind you

I have a dream for you
It's better than where've you've been
It's bigger than your imagination
You're gonna find real love
And you're gonna hold your kids
You'll change the course of generations

Oh, this is not your legacy
This is not your destiny
Yesterday does not define you
No, this is not your legacy
This is not your meant to be
I can break the chains that bind you

'Cause you're my child
You're my chosen
You are loved
You are loved
And I will restore
All that was broken
You are loved
You are loved

And just like the seasons change
Winter into spring
You're bringing new life to your family tree now
Yes you are, you are

Oh, this will be your legacy
This is will be your destiny
Yesterday did not define you
Oh, this will be your legacy
This will be your meant to be
I can break the chains that bind you

And just like the seasons change
Winter into spring
You're bringing new life to your family tree now

31 Days of Hope Day 6

"The world or our circumstances may tell us, "Hope is dead. God is gone. There's nothing you can do." On those days we have to remember that we're committed to hope no matter what happens.  Even when we can't see it. Even when we don't feel it. Even when all evidence suggests the opposite."

So often in today's society, we get caught up looking at the outside of a problem, expectation, or situation.  The inside is where the hope is. Sometimes it is deeply buried, however, its always there. It's a matter of choice and sometimes a little work on our part. 

Think of a pineapple.  It is hard and kind of prickly on the outside but, the inside is juicy and sweet. If you only look at the outside of a pineapple you would miss the delicious fruit on the inside. To get to the fruit, you need to slice the pineapple open with a sharp knife. As you begin to cut into the pineapple, you need to be aware as the prickles on the outside, as they can poke you. Once you cut the pineapple open, the sweet aroma will fill your senses and make your mouth water. If you had never seen a fresh pineapple, you might not realize with a little work and attention, there IS something different than the outside, waiting on the inside.

When we focus on the circumstances of the outside of a problem we will only see the hard prickly conditions. I know from personal experience, it's easy to judge something on the surface rather than dig deeper into the heart of a matter. If I am honest, sometimes I don't want to exert my time and energy into digging deeper.  Other times, I don't want to face the reality of what brought me to this point in the first place.  There are also times when I wish God would simply make my life more like the inside of a pineapple. 

I have to remind myself that is not what this life on earth is about.  God did not promise us a comfortable carefree life.  Often times it's more about how we are choosing to look at our situation ; is the glass half full or half empty?  

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.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

*make sure to check out the other topics today; Victory, Purpose, Wellness, Passion, and Love-the links are provided on the right side*


 

31 Days of Hope Day 5

Today is day five of our time together!  Time is flying by. When I originally prayed about this challenge, I kept thinking, 31 days is so long!  I didn't  think I could commit to it. I felt in my heart, that the Lord said, "you need to do this".  Now five days into this, I KNOW I needed to do this.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the comments and emails. I have also appreciated reading the other blogs.  I feel as if I am getting to  know my friends better, and I am gaining new friends, as well as being challenged in my walk with the Lord. 

Today I want to encourage you that there is HOPE in listening to the Lord.  There have been other times in my life, as I am sure yours as well, that I heard the Lord loud and clear, but I chose to do my own thing. There have been other times when I doubted what I knew I needed to do; it didn't make sense, so I kept praying for a better answer, or maybe an answer I wanted to hear.

This reminds me of Jonah and how the Lord specifically told him to do something. He did not want to do what God clearly told him to do.  In his mind it didn't make sense.  He was fearful and at the same time, I think he doubted that God could really want, what He asked Jonah to do.  Once it became clear God was intentional with His request, had a purpose and a plan, Jonah still kept trying to do his own thing.  The story ends with Jonah reluctantly giving in to what the Lord told him to do, and in spite of Jonah's feelings and earlier decision, God still used him and His will for the Ninevites. Jonah ends up remaining bitter and resentful. He didn't think they deserved God's grace, mercy, or forgiveness. 

My hearts desire is to hear the Lord and commit to His will. It's not always easy, as my flesh can get in the way.  My prayer is that I wont be a Jonah.  I don't want my heart to be full of judgment and fear.  I know what it feels like to have a scarlet cord of guilt, shame, and fear wrapped around my neck, squeezing the faith, desires, and life out of me. I know what it feels like to make a choice or decision, knowing that was not God's best for me.

Even with all that I have been through and all that I have found (grace, mercy, and forgiveness), it is still a choice.  I fight my flesh daily.  We are all capable of being a "Jonah" at any time in our day, life, mind, or heart.  That is why HOPE is vital. We must hold tight to the promises in the Bible and trust the Lord, when we hear His call.  It might not be a audible booming voice, however, if we are open and willing, we can hear the Lord and then it is our choice...do we choose our will or do we choose obedience?

"Let us choose for ourselves what is right; Let us know among ourselves what is good"  Job 34:4

Don't forget to read the other blogs...the Lord is good to give us this time to share!

31 Days of Hope Day 4

"Hope is more than a word. It's a state of being. It's a firm belief that even if you don't know how, even if you don't know when, God will come through and better days are ahead!"

I am a visual learner, I need to *see* it, to fully understand what it is. No matter what kind of learner you are, we all need reminders of God's word. It's easy to think, I will commit to have a daily quite time and read the Bible. The reality of that is that "life" can get in the way. Or if you're like me, I am a routine person, so if something changes my daily routine, my entire day can look different, and before I know it, it's bed time and I realize I didn't have my quite time!

I have learned God desires my heart and not my routine. I can pray through out my day, it doesn't have to be only during my morning routine. There are also other times through out my day when I can pick up my Bible and read. I have learned to be flexible, and more than that, I have embraced God for God, not a boss or someone who will have a consequence waiting for me.

I have found if I post scriptures or quotes (on index cards or post it notes) on mirrors, inside cupboards and closets, in my wallet, or anything that I open or look at through out my day, I am *seeing* God's word which gives me HOPE!

God knows us more personally than we realize and He STILL loves us, in spite of ourselves, and desires a relationship with us. Contrary to what the devil wants us think, God is not looking for every sin and failure within our day. He is not the old mean Principal waiting for us to fail, hoping he can dole out a consequence. The truth is God wants a relationship with us. He desire us to have that FIRM belief that even if we can't see how something could possibly work out, our faith in Him is stronger than the circumstances around us.

Hopeful thoughts for today:

You are loved (John 3:16)

You were created with purpose (Romans 8:28)

You are free (Colossians 1:14)

Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39)

There is always hope (Romans 15:13)


*(Don't forget to stop by the other 31 Days bloggers-see their links on the right side)

31 Days of Hope Day 3

Welcome to day three of our 31 Days of Hope!

We know hope means to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence. We also know the enemy has a purpose to devour us (and our hope). 1Peter 5:8 warns us..."Be of sober spirit, be on alert. Your adversary the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour". The devil wants us to feel hopeless. He wants us to have a sense that what is desired can not be had. He wants us to give up. I know there have been many times in my life when I gave into the feeling of hopelessness. I think we have all experienced the feeling of, " whatever" or even thought, "why keep trying (or hoping), its pointless anyway,' and many of us have believed the biggest lie of all, and said, "I am not worthy of a second chance, I do not deserve forgiveness."

We must stop believing the lies! We have to focus on the truth!

As far as the east is from the west, so far He has removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

I have wiped our your transgression like a thick cloud and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22

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

The keys to hope are within your reach. You no longer have to be surrounded by hopelessness.

The first key is repentance. Jesus calls us to repent-Matthew 4:17 "From that time Jesus began to preach and say, " Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". Repentance is an acknowledgment of your sin and a willingness to turn from it.

The second key is forgiveness. Unfortunately, forgiveness doesn't come with an eraser, however it does come with freedom. It's important to not only forgive those who have wronged us, but we must learn to forgive ourselves as well. Sin is sin and forgiveness is forgiveness, whether it is towards others or our self.

Once you hold these keys, it's important that you put them inside the lock, turn the key, and then it will unlock the hope that is within your reach (notice it takes action and willingness on your part)

A reminder of forgiveness is found in the lyrics by Santus Real  Click here to hear the song

Forgiven

Well the past is playing with my head


And failure knocks me down again


I’m reminded of the wrong


That I have said and done


And that devil just wont let me forget

 In this life


I know what I’ve been


But here in your arms


I know what I am

 [chorus]


I’m forgiven


I’m forgiven


And I don’t have to carry


The weight of who I’ve been


Cause I’m forgiven


My mistakes are running through my mind


And I’ll relive my days, in the middle of the night


When I struggle with my pain, wrestle with my pride


Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry


In this life


I know what I’ve been


But here in your arms


I know what I am

 [back to chorus]


When I don't fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere


When I don’t measure up to much in this life


Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ ‘cause
 
(back to chorus)

*(Don't forget to stop by the other 31 Days bloggers-see their links on the right side)

31 Days of Hope...Day 2

Today we will look at The Hope of Two. There are three scriptures I want to focus on;

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But, woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three have gathered, together in My name, there I am in their midst.

Matthew 19:5  "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife: and the two shall become one flesh"

Each of these scriptures offer hope:

In Ecclesiastes we see hope in friendship and the purpose of fellowship.

In Matthew 18 we see there is hope in prayer. Of course, we know God hears our prayers if we are alone, however, this verse reminds us again, of the purpose of other's being involved in our life. We were not created to be "loners". We need each other.

Matthew 19 tells us of the hope and beauty of marriage. God wants us to enjoy the companionship and commitment of marriage. We are expected to leave our parents and become one with our spouse. The marriage commitment is deeper than any relationship mentioned in the Bible outside of the relationship God desires to have with us.

Be encouraged today and find hope in your friendships, prayers, and marriage!

From time to time I will include some of your comments/answers that you sent to me regarding the questions I asked about hope.

* David M- tells us 1 Peter 3:15 is a verse that reminds him of HOPE- David has an incredible story of hope and redemption http://thefatherslovebook.com


(Don't forget to stop by the other 31 Days blogs- see their links on the right side and be encouraged today!)

31 Days of Hope...Day 1

Welcome to our first day together as we journey towards HOPE for 31 Days.

My heart is full of anticipation and hope as I begin this blogging challenge. I have never participated in anything like this before. I have always preferred not being tide down to a specific day or time frame to write blogs.  I am an relational writer and relational writers have to relate or experience something in order to write. I instantly develop writers block when I consider writing a piece of fiction or on a topic I am not passionate about.

I attend a Writers Group that meets twice a month.  One week is critic and the other is creative writing.  Whenever we have a creative writing exercise that has to do with fiction or we are given a topic that I can not relate to, I struggle through it.  I feel as if I have grown in this area however, I don't enjoy it and for that simple reason, I am looking at this opportunity to stretch and grow in my writing.  I have also looked at this month as a "fast" of sorts. My hearts desire is to drawer nearer to the Lord and connect more with those who are reading this blog...now onto HOPE!

As I was praying about 31 Days of Hope, I was reminded once again, that God always has a purpose and a plan.  God is intentional in every detail.  Today, July 1st marks our first day into 31 days.  Today is also the day I am speaking at Lighthouse Church, in Farmington, New Mexico.  For the past five years my family has been invited to Farmington, my husband helps an affiliate radio station (KPCL Passion Radio) with  a fundraiser for Passion Play International Ministries. Last year when we came, I was honored and blessed to speak at three churches.  This year, we were a little late in organizing our details, so it looked as if I wouldn't have a speaking opportunity. Through a series of conversations and God ordained details, I spoke with David Velasquez, who connected me to Pastor John Shrock of Lighthouse Church. Lighthouse Church is a Messianic Jewish church.  If I had spoken at Lighthouse last year, I would have enjoyed it and appreciated the experience.  For those who may not know; I am going to Israel in the fall.  In light of my involvement with a Biblical Study Program that culminates with two weeks in Israel, it is more than I could have hoped for to have this opportunity today, especially on this first day of Hope!

If you are feeling hopeless about something in your life today, please let me encourage you, God has not forgotten you.  God always has a purpose and a plan.  God is always intentional. God is our HOPE and we have not been forgotten!

"Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands" Isaiah 49:16a

Here is a song to keep on your mind all day...There is HOPE and you are not forgotten!

I am Not Forgotten (video and lyrics)