Tag Archives: Hope

Catkins and Contradictions

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NLT)

Catkins and Contradictions

I love spring and one of my favorite signs of it’s arrival is when the catkins appear on my Pussy Willow trees. This week I went out to admire the branches adorned with soft, white puffs marveling at how they looked against the blue sky. Then, something else caught my eye. There, in the middle of the day, in that same bright, blue sky, was the moon. I know it happens, but it’s so strange to me to be able to see the moon when the sun’s still up and it creates a disconcerting feeling inside of me.

Having the nighttime moon in the sunny daytime sky reminds me that things in this life don’t always make sense. Think about joy walking hand in hand with grief, seeing light in our darkest days, finding blessings in the midst of devastation, or gaining greater faith as we feel least able. These contradictions weave their way throughout my days, pushing and pulling me in different directions and stretching me in a most uncomfortable way. Maybe you know exactly what l mean.

It’s through all that tugging and straining that I question how such complete opposites can show up at the same time just like the moon and sun did.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega-the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God.”
Revelation 1:8a (NLT)

Well, it doesn’t get more opposite then that does it? God is the beginning. He’s with us as we step into our circumstances. But….God is also the end, enabling us look back and recognize the gifts those circumstances brought with them. And my friends, He’s with us in all the in-between too!

I think that’s why I love spring so much. It too, is such a contrast with the winter months. Where it seemed there was death, new life springs forth. The long, dark days become lighter. And just about the time I think it will never happen, catkins appear outside my window. I don’t know about you, but to me, it feels an awful lot like hope.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Isaiah 43:19a (NIV)

There are so many who I care deeply for walking through challenging times right now. I write this for them, and you too, as a reminder that “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning!” (Psalm 30:5) I’m also writing these words for myself to read again and again as I need reminding that though it seems contradictory, impossible even, the moon does shine with the sun and that the Light shines in the beginning, the midst, and at the end of our bleakest days, too. I don’t know about you, but to me, this IS our Hope!

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28

Suffer ~ Five Minute Friday

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“After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you.” 1 Peter 2:21 (CEV)

Hopeful Suffering

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me.
While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up!
I have defeated the world.”
John 16:33 (CEV)

There are verses in the Bible that I cling to for hope and encouragement. Some, I struggle to understand. And then there are others that are just plain hard. For me, the above verse is one of those difficult ones.

This is Jesus speaking. With His very own words He’s telling us that there are no if, ands, or buts about it; We. Are. Going. To. Suffer.

Anguish, pain, distress, disappointment, grief, I could go on and on. But, we’re told point blank, that all of this and more, whether we want it or not, will be part of our lives. May I just say that I don’t like it? If you know me or have read much here, you know that I’m a cling to control, linger in my comfort zone, happy ending kind of gal. Suffering? No thank you. I don’t want any part of it..

Of course, you know I’ve suffered much. I know you have, too. And we know we will again. Maybe like me, you find it easy to get stuck in all this suffering. But let’s look at what Jesus says about it, “Cheer up!” Wait, He said what? I don’t know about you but cheering up in troubled times doesn’t come naturally.

As usual this is a lesson I need, one I’m slooowwwly learning. Maybe it’s one you need too. Jesus is teaching us by example. He’s been there! God used His suffering, one we can’t begin to comprehend, for one reason only: so that we may have peace in this world full of agony.

How is peace possible? That’s the difficult part for me.

“Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he told them, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt down on the ground and prayed, ‘Father, if it is possible, don’t let this happen to me! Father, you can do anything. don’t make me suffer by drinking from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want.’”
Mark 14:32,35-36 (CEV)

Jesus knew he was facing the ultimate suffering, not just anguish, pain, distress, disappointment, and grief, but total separation from the Father. And at this moment in Gethsemane, like me (us), He didn’t like it or want any part of it. But, our Savior didn’t get stuck in His own suffering, instead He released His control, comfort, and the ending to the One who can do anything.

How is peace possible? I think Jesus shows us that there’s only one way: Trust. (Yikes!)

I’m beginning to understand that it’s only when we depend on God’s power more than our own, believe as He did for Jesus’ suffering, that God has a purpose for ours, too, we can finally start to look beyond the cups that have been poured for each of us to find the peace that Jesus promises for our hearts even saying with Him.

“But, do what YOU want, and not what I want.” (emphasis mine)

Just plain hard? Oh my!

Hope and encouragement we can cling to? There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it!

Day 16: Promise

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“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79(NLT)

Day 16: Promise #writetogether31days

There are mornings I just don’t want to get out of bed. You too? I’m at an age where sleep is hard to come by some nights and my body aches in places it never did before making rolling out more difficult, so pulling the covers over my head despite light filtering through the blinds can seem more desirable than getting up. But, I’m also old enough to have learned that no matter the circumstances surrounding me, how I feel, or what I desire, the promise of a new day is a precious gift.

“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 (NLT)

It’s not always easy to face those days that come after our darkest nights, but I’ve found that in God’s backward world, it’s in the midst of them that the Light shines most brightly. Being offered the chance to be a blessing to someone else on my “bad days,” often ends up blessing me more! It’s amazing that when I have felt so alone and could barely face climbing out of bed, a song, devotion, or conversation has reminded me that Jesus sacrificially left us so that He could make a Way for us to never be alone. And, more often than not, on those terrible, no good, very bad days when all I want to do is grumble, the wise words of my beloved neighbor come to mind, “count your blessings.” And she was right; gratitude rises above grumbling!

Whether it dawns with challenges, heartache, loneliness, stress, aches and pains, or any of the other things that can lurk in the dark, a new day also always brings to light opportunities for us to bless others, share the Good News, and many reasons to be grateful. Yes, God has taught and continues to teach me that no matter how it dawns or sets, the promise of a new day is always a precious gift!

“Yet I dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Lamentations 3:21-23 (NLT)

Cancel ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10a (NLT)

Hope is not Cancelled

As much as I loved teaching (and that’s a lot), I also loved the saying: “There’s no day like a snow day”! Receiving the early morning call notifying me that school was cancelled because of snow often led to a little celebratory dance that, if I do say so myself, rivaled any ever performed in an end zone! Those first moments were filled with anticipation about what I would do! Maybe I’d bake, watch movies, craft, or something else fun and relaxing. What I wouldn’t do was my normal housework or grading papers. There was just always something extra-special about the gift of an unexpected day at home!

Fast forward to 2020. We’ve had a few too many unexpected days at home, haven’t we? We find our normal life has been cancelled but there’s no celebrating and any anticipation has been replaced with anxiety as we wonder what we’re going to do. Gather with family and friends? Take that trip we’ve been planning? Attend in-person church services? If you’re like me, these decisions and many others like them have taken the fun right out of my days and are anything but relaxing! That’s why I’ve had to remind myself of what I’m NOT going to do: give up hope!

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!”
Psalm 43:5 (NLT)

“Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying.”
Romans 12:12 (CEV)

These have felt like cold, dark days and winter hasn’t even arrived yet. It’s hard to find our way as we slog through all the conflicting information, daily number updates, and just everyday life in the midst of a pandemic; but…the storms of life don’t cancel our Hope! Yes, we’ve had unexpected days at home and yet, if we stop and look, there have been times when they’ve been a gift, too. We may not feel like dancing, but we can try and be patient, never stop praying, and praise Him again because… There’s no day like…well, today, to put our trust in God’s plan.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Today’s post was written to the prompt “Cancel” shared at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I’m looking forward to clicking over and reading what others have written. I know you’d enjoy it too! I never know where these prompts will take my little mind but it seems I always end up with a lesson I need. These are difficult times and like everyone else I find myself discouraged. I hope the scriptures today will encourage you as they have me! Thank you for stopping in. I appreciate it more than you can ever know!

The Other Side

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

The Other Side

One of my favorite projects I did with my Second Graders was our Life Cycle of a Butterfly unit. Each Spring, the children, my husband, and I would set out on a hunt through the tall Milkweed stalks hoping to find a treasure trove of Monarch Caterpillars. Usually within a week, my trusty, large, glass pickle jar was full of leaves and the emerald colored caterpillars who ate them. With hand-made journals out on our desks, we’d watch closely for changes throughout the day and then, record all our observations.

One of the most fascinating behaviors I noticed over the years was the closer each caterpillar came to the stage of becoming a Chrysalis, the more they would struggle! Hanging upside down, their rippled bodies would writhe back and forth, swinging side to side as if they were actually fighting against what they were going through. We’re like that too, aren’t we? Changes in our lives can cause us to also struggle and fight. Right now, we’re wrestling with this new, unfamiliar stage of pandemic life.

The fact is, in order for a caterpillar to become a chrysalis, they must let go of who they’ve been and enter into a confined, limiting space. They don’t understand it, don’t know for how long, and have no idea how it will all turn out. In many ways, we find ourselves in exactly the same position. It’s difficult to understand all that’s going on and to accept that our boundaries are much smaller. Our where, when and with whom have been greatly constrained. We’ve also been comfortable with defining who we are by the jobs we do, activities we’re involved in, the achievements we’ve made, or what we see in the mirror. But now, living a “cocoon-like” life has each of us questioning all that and maybe we’re even finding ourselves squirming a bit! We ask, who am I really? How long will this last? What will life look like when we make it to the next stage? We’re left hanging, waiting for the answers.

I wish I could tell you that I know what comes next, but of course, you and I know that I can’t; but, I DO know where we can find some much needed encouragement for such a time as this. It’s been recorded in God’s Word!

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NLT)

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

“And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:17-18 (NLT)

Finding joy, clinging to hope, and waiting for glory to reveal itself in times like we’re in doesn’t come naturally. Honestly, I fling back and forth! I might do well one day and then swing backward the next. Maybe you can relate! So, let’s return to my butterfly project for what I pray will be a little more reassurance for us all. Time passes and after spending what seems like an eternity suspended between who it was and what it’s becoming, the chrysalis becomes dark as night; and just when you begin to think it didn’t make it, out from its confinement emerges a beautiful, bright orange butterfly!

Yes, things for us feel upside down and dark right now and there’s a real chance we’ll have to let go of life as we’ve known it. But, here’s why I think this old school project has come to mind again at this time. It’s reminding me and I hope you too, that God has a plan! A perfect plan where His amazing transforming power takes any struggle we face, and in time, makes it beautiful on the other side!

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT)

This was always a miraculous Science lesson I loved sharing with my Second Graders. How God-like that now in this place and time, years later, it’s a miraculous Life lesson He loves sharing with you and me!

Let’s pray together:

Heavenly Father,
We come to you in the midst of a difficult and challenging stage of our lives. There are many burdened with grief, illness, fear, worry, and so much more. Be with us LORD as we struggle. Help us to look to You and trust the promises given in Your Word. We know You work all things for good. Remind us of that when we so easily forget. Thank you for the blessings that we can see coming from a changed world and for your grace, peace, and love that are always with us. Let us share those with others, being Your bright light in a dark world. And finally, please enable us to take our eyes off our present situations and look forward to the other side where Your glory outweighs all our troubles.
In Jesus name,
Amen

As always, I am grateful for you taking your time to stop in here. I wish I had more wisdom and insight to offer you. Please know that I’m praying for our world and if you have a specific need and feel comfortable leaving it in the comments, I will be honored to pray for you. Stay safe and be well, Cindy

Share Four Somethings ~ March Gifts

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Time is funny. It seems Christmas was just yesterday and yet it also seems we celebrated it long ago. So much has happened since then. And March? Goodness what a month! But here we are on the last day and as I’ve pondered on my Four Somethings, I realized something important! March has given me many good gifts:

Something Loved~Unexpected Gifts

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

In the midst of this unstable, uncertain, un-anything time, I’ve been trying to be aware of all the good things happening which wouldn’t have, except for the fact that “normal” life has come to a standstill. And guess what? I’ve found many wonderful things occurring in my family and in families across the country! One of the most special to me so far, is our first “Girls Zoom Meeting”. My mom, sisters, nieces, daughter-in-love, daughter, and I all joined together for a coffee chat that lasted over an hour. Stories were told, lives updated, memories shared, and we laughed…..A LOT! I loved spending time with these women and it would have never taken place if everyone was immersed in their regular day to day lives. Unexpected gifts….what a blessing!

Something Read~Gift of Words

“Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.” Proverbs 22:17 (NLT)

I read several blogs, but I have a couple that are my favorites. I eagerly watch for each new post on those, so I’m sure not to miss their wisdom. This past month, I’ve been especially inspired by the encouragement written by Julie Lefebure! She recently shared that she’s felt God leading her to offer hope to others this month through her writing. And has she followed His lead faithfully! Julie’s relatable, creative, faith-filled words are a gift to her reader! They truly have touched my life in a most positive way! You can find her at http://www.julielefebure.com

Something Treasured~Gift of Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

In the process of building our new house I lost all my spring blooming plants, that is until NOW! Last summer as I was packing up and getting ready to head home after visiting my family, my sister came along and with a swing, she plopped a big (and I mean big) bag of daffodil bulbs into the back of my car. I asked her what I was to do with all those bulbs and she simply answered, “Plant them.” I thought it a little extreme at the time, but plant them I did. Fast forward to March. Green leaves began emerging from the ground, pushing their way up between the dried, crunchy leaves of winter. Soon, stems with buds joined the new leaves. Before I knew it, sunshine bright, yellow blooms began opening up all around my yard. Am I ever grateful I have a sister who goes to the extreme for me! I treasure each beautiful golden gift; gifts of hope, promise, and renewal. Something I think we all need right about now!

Something Ahead~Gift of Life

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 13-14 (NIV)

March has given me many gifts; but the biggest, most wonderful one of all, is learning I’m going to be a MiMi to a third grandson in August! Talk about something to look forward to! I can’t wait to see his little face and personality! The gift of life is so very precious and honestly, I think that’s what March has been trying to teach me all along!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

What about you? As you look back over the month what gifts have you received? I’d love for you to share them in the comments! You can find others sharing their Four Something over at http://www.heathergerwing.com And I always want you to know what a gift you are to me! Thanks for joining me here today!

It Would Be a Mistake

Influence ~ Five Minute Friday

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It’s Friday! I’m once again joining in with the special group of writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com thinking about the prompt “influence”. It’s always important to stop and think about what we allow to influence our lives. Here we go……

The Influence of Prayer

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

The remnants of Christmas at my house are slowly being tucked back into their boxes and stacked into closets where they’ll stay, out of sight and out of mind, forgotten about until next year. That’s what we seem to do with Christmas, isn’t it. The anticipation starts early. The sights, smells, and sounds conjure up warm feelings that cause us to be just a little kinder, more patient, and willing to give more throughout the season. We sing and read of the baby in the manger and we promise ourselves we’ll carry those attitudes and Him with us into the new year. I hate to admit it, but all too often, Jesus ends up packed away right along with all my other holiday memories.

This new year has been different though. I’ve recognized the presence of the Heart and Hope of Christmas that is Christ, lingering longer. The important word in that sentence is “recognized”. Christ is always with us; it’s just that often, we allow life to obscure our view. I’m seeing more clearly recently because my focus has been under the influence of prayer!

Advent this year, found me “beneath the tree” as I prayed my way through the devotional, “Jingle and Joy” written by Jodie Barrett. Spending** time in prayer each day for specific things changed something…..ME! Little by little I began to notice a transformation taking place:

~My relationship with God improved. (It’s only common sense that spending more time together brings you closer!)

~Praying for others also made me more aware of how blessed I am!

~Jesus, born in a manger, became more vivd and meaningful as I prayed, studied the scriptures, and read Jodie’s devotions.

It’s evident I’m sure, that my daily quiet time is usually hit or miss. I have the best of intentions; but we all know where that leads! Being under the influence of prayer throughout the holidays has once again made me realize what I miss when I’m not spending regular, consistent time with God and that He’s always ready and waiting for me, for us, to make Him a priority in our busy, distracted schedules, even when we don’t.

The time I spent in the soft glow of lights and under the boughs of our Christmas tree praying, made me more hesitant to take it down this year. But like Jodie shared, it’s not about the tree. No, the “where” is not important but choosing the “what”, is! We can allow our calendars, moods, those who surround us, and innumerable other things fill up our days OR instead of putting the Babe in the manger out of sight and out of mind, we can keep Him close, by spending time each day in prayer. Yes, Christmas has come and gone, but living under the transforming influence of prayer reminds us that the Hope of Christmas remains long after we’ve put everything away and that my friends, is something we can celebrate all year long!

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

If you would like to know more about Jodie Barrett’s book and her ministry go to http://www.faithfullyfollowing.org You won’t regret it!

Moment ~ Day 26 ~ 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

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This post is part of the October 2018 Edition of 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes. I hope you”ll join me in seeing where each prompt takes us.
P.S. Just so you know, I’m finding it difficult to stick to five minutes (**) and it may take me longer than the 31 days to finish all the prompts. Not easy for this rule follower!
You can read more 31 Days entries at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Take a Moment

“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in a blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And those who are living will also be transformed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 / Pixabay

Take a moment. Close your eyes, quiet your mind and focus your thoughts on all that is important to you. A tragedy has once again reminded me that it only takes a moment, a split second, for our lives and all those things we just thought of, to forever change. We’re pretty good at moving through our days as if we are invincible, but then in an instant the doctor stops us in our tracks with an unwanted diagnosis, we lose our balance when someone we trust betrays us, we sink in despair when our finances fail, or we’re shattered when a loved one is taken away too soon. The truth is, there are so many painful scenarios that in a blink of an eye turn our lives upside down, break our hearts wide open, and cause our souls to cry out for relief.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT) Continue reading →

Hope ~ Day 7 ~ 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

My Sea of Thought

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Tag Archives: Hope

Catkins and Contradictions

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Suffer ~ Five Minute Friday

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Day 16: Promise

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Cancel ~ Five Minute Friday

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The Other Side

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It Would Be a Mistake

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Influence ~ Five Minute Friday

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Moment ~ Day 26 ~ 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

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Hope ~ Day 7 ~ 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

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