HOPE -FILLED LIFE!

Hope---as an acronym or acrostic?? Does the linguistics matter?

Regardless of the etymology for hope; hope involves wait.

Think a positive expectancy even in difficult situations. Optimistic!

Note "holding" as verb (Present Participle/Gerund) indicates an on-going action. That's what hope is......on-going!

As I often say.......Enough said!

BUILDING HOPE!

🎶"My HOPE is built......

on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness! 

"In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

He is my hope and stay." (Edward Mote)🎶

...... and stand on Christ the Solid Rock.🎶

A positive earworm to begin the week!

A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!

Hope in Print. Eyecatching and heart touching! 

Rejoice in hope. (Romans 12:12)

In you Lord do I hope.(Psalm 38:15 + Psalm 71:5)

Hope continually (Psalm 71:14) and praise You more and more. (Psalm 100:4)

Hope for all we cannot see as we wait patiently for it. (Romans 8:25)

Hope of the righteous will be gladness. (Proverbs 10:28)

Be of good courage. He will strengthen the heart of all who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 34:21) 

Always be ready to give to others the answer of the HOPE that is in you.(1 Peter 3:15)

Threads of Hope a gift of praise from Anne B., a true prayer Warrior.  

May these hope verses be passed on prayerfully to the McCormacks!

TUESDAY TRIADS!

Few pastors are as succinct as Scotty Smith! He says the most with the fewest words!

Think crisp with clarity!

A BIG thanks to Doris, one of his faithful followers, and Quad Squad member for sharing a recent Scotty NT Gospel Triad with me.

1. Who are believers? "Called, loved and kept" (Jude 1:1)
2. What are believers given? "Grace, mercy, and peace" (2 John 1:3)
3. What will last in a believers life? "Faith, hope, and love" (1 Corinthians 13:13)

How do I know this triad was for me? 

I needed it after a week's worth of being "off the grid" to focus on & care for Hubby after his serious reverse shoulder replacement surgery. 

He needs it as well. Think "right-hander" living with only left hand usage and pain.

For us, tonight's Allen Bible Church selection from the  ABC 2026 Reading Plan is 1 Corinthians 13 (A favorite Scripture of his)

Romans 12:12, a fave Bible verse for me from dear friend Dixie, is on my side of the bed to see as I get up to aid Hubby during the middle of the night! Controls to access his recliner are on the right side and unable to be reached by his left hand. One more affliction he faces. Grateful so many friends are faithful in prayer for us as Hubby heals. 

 

These triads are God's truth for all believers.

Today I see them as "God winks" for me, a needy believer who is so-so grateful!

STATIC KIND OF DAY!

Ever felt like this at the end of a day?

Photo by RK 2025

 Ever had a day as annoying as these flyaway frizzles?

Totally out of control?

Out of leaning in to God's control that is! The ONE who is truly in control!

Trusting God not only builds our faith but can turn our pain and fears into testimonies!

Knowing who is in control cultivates patience and peace.

For the physically and mentally wobbly....KNOW who is in control!

It's NOT you!

Let it go and enjoy the day God gives you......

......flyaway hair and all!!!

PITHY PONDERINGS!

How doe one survive the storms of life?

(Tim Keller faith in Christ reminder to "rest in Him."

Hope in the One whose name is majestic in all the earth. (Psalm 8:1, 9)

He is "our" God.

In short, to survive the storms of life, stay in the boat with Him!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAY............................

So grateful for this day designated by US Congress when our country observes  a time for our people to turn to God in prayer and meditation. Memorable times for me have been in the pews at FEC, around the flag pole with students at Houston High School and at a cathedral in Albuquerque, NM with Okie Dokie and CharChar.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13 NASB)

Above fave verse for focus on this National Day of Prayer!

GOD'S WISDOM --THE ONLY WAY!

The only way to walk on our life's journey is t take the path of unwavering faith. Faith faltering will take you through meandering moments that are way off  course. Think useless roaming on paths of unbelief.

Our WALK reflects the tenets of our lives.

What do our actions say we believe?

Almost 15 years ago, MS friend Carolyn F., shared with me how Isaiah 26:4 fortified her saying "God will supply my "fuel" for the journey. When looking for the RIGHT path, I've been told to take the first right and CONTINUE straight away to the FATHER!" (Emphasis hers)  

"My hope is in you all day long." (Psalm 25:5b) was written in her journal and yet at the end of the day, she realized once again that she had not Practiced the Presence of the Lord and thus her actions did not point to her "hope" and trust in Him! 

Her resolution was asking for God's wisdom to be reflected daily in her life.

What a powerful decision---choosing God's wisdom over man's wisdom as the only way to go! It's the right path.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2024!

WAIT AND WATCH WITH HOPE!

May this 4th Sunday of advent renew our hope in the One who is to come.

Waiting and Watching for the One who is to come!

Maranatha!

HOPE SPEAKS

Hope speaks in many languages.....but Morse Code was a first for me!

A gold necklace with hope in Morse code.

A gift of HOPE from Susan and Aubry......a reminder to be worn to help me "Rejoice in Hope." (Romans 12:12a)

H

O

P

E

.... ---  .--.  .

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13)

Lord use this beautiful "gift of hope" as a "A lead-in to gospel conversations." 

ADVENT!

Advent ie a faith season of waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus' birth and anticipation of His return at the Second Coming! 

The candles and wreath are accessories and may vary but all point toward Christ, the world's true light, who was, and is, and is to come. (Revelation 1:8)

HOPE-SETTERS!

Hope----"My One Word" 2024.

By nature we are hope-setters—looking to someone or something to make things better and put things right. By our new-nature, however, we know “horses and chariots,”  cash reserves and government leaders, graceless religion and our best efforts cannot save us. Salvation rests on Jesus. Either Jesus is the Savior of the world, or we are helpless, hapless, and hopeless. (Scotty Smith, emphasis mine)

So on the 1st day of November, 2024, hubby and I were thrilled to affirm Christ's  tomb has never been more empty. His throne has never been more occupied. Our Lord Jesus Christ's return has never been more certain! 

How grateful we are as the sermon at Redeemer Church, PCA, in Sylva, NC reaffirmed our hope that morning as we continue to mourn the deaths of sweet God-fearing friends, Ellen and Dixie.

On our Father's love relying

Jesus ev-ry need supplying

Yes in living or in dying all must be well

Psalm 130 (From the Depths of Woe)

Thx to RUF Rev. Andrew Shank who encouraged us in the "Lord's Day Worship" to "Wait on the King", and Scotty Smith for the faith affirming words for all hope-setters, who are going to the polls today as we trust in the name of the Lord our God and delight in His will! 

May His will be done today for the sake of His people all over the USA!

FORECAST FOR COASTER OF EMOTIONS!

This past week my emotions have run the gamut....medical tests that involve a degree of risk in facing the unknowns. Wait Time of many unknowns yet to be revealed. Machine broken. 

Fears and heart flutterings. Longer than usual time for results to be procured. Favored results not received. 

Insurance hold ups to obtain further testing. 

Feelings fluctuate. But God in His love and mercy has been present.....

.....the "Feels Like Forecast" has the ups and downs of a Memphis thermometer in August. But God is there! The heat index is keeping us on our toes and God is there. Sometimes we anticipate the worst. Fear feels hot. But God is there. One of the worst days had me numb, as if not only unable to face consequences but unable to feel anything or even make decisions of where God's way will take me. Numbness is nuts for a Christian!

But God's Presence and the prayers of his people are the best Hope RX! 

Emotions now encouraged even though circumstances have not changed---I have, with His help & reminder from a dear friend to "choose joy."

Regardless of the forecast, "Weeping may tarry for the night, but

joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5, ESV)

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY!

My friends are little lamps to me; their radiance warms and cheers my ways.(Rainbows The Book of Hope, 1946 p.47)

Page edges may be a bit yellowed (paper oxidation) as friendships have multiplied & some have died but the sentiments have been there since the 4th grade at Morningside Elementary's Book Fair when I chose this book of poetry with spiritual leanings. (Thank you, Alice Munday)

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”  Proverbs 27:9

CREATOR PRECEDES CREATION!

HALLALUIAH! 

Yesterday's temps allowed for a bit of time enjoying sitting outside! Along with the lower temps and bit of a breeze, I "took in" the beauty of the gooseneck and the Tiger Swallowtail by my weathered fence.

It was a much needed time of being still. But God allowed it to become more than that. More than "beholding" creation, my heart began to "behold the Creator." "Beholding we become," as author Jackie Perry writes. 

If our hearts are beholding Christ, Christ will be mirrored and manifested on our hearts. (holier than thou, p. 149)

Think reflection. Our lives reflect what we behold. We live it out.

John Piper's book title, Seeing and Savoring, says much.....not just about the beauty I was beholding from God's creation but the Scripture I was led to which reminded me that I need to enjoy the Creator above all else, even his creation/creatures! (Romans 1:25, NLT)

Yesterday I was able to enjoy both in the correct order.

HOPE-RENEWING STRENGTH

Essentials of life are faith, hope and love. My focus this year has been on hope!

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/a-prayer-for-drawing-strength-from-our-tireless-hope-renewing-god

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isa. 40:28-31

Gracious Father, thank you for providing your timely Word and prayers of others this week,  As Scotty S. once said, Our God who speaks truth through his word, does not stutter. I often speak in circles, but not the Lord. I grow tired and weary, but not my Father God. 

How grateful I am to be your child, O Lord and I'm thanking you today for renewing my heart, replenishing my strength and refreshing my hope.

My hope is in you, loving Father, who grants unending mercy through your son Jesus. 

MONDAY MUSINGS!

After the "Billboard Beckoned" on Saturday we spent some time in....

this sweet and savory place! My camera took over to supply me with scripture and thoughts to think and rethink. Meditation. More for others than self as needs are great for many people in my life who need to be covered with prayer.

For readers, choose one for your own Monday musing.

 The cardinal one is for my KY family and friends having gone through many trials as a result of storms during severe weather days.*

God is worth it all.....even the wait for the storms to pass.

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks him. (Lamentations 3:25)

In times of trouble it's good to remember to whom you belong.

All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

(John 17:10)

Don't lose hope!

THINK ON THESE THINGS! (PHILIPPIANS 4:8)

*....or at least muse for a moment until your electricity comes back on and your recliner works again.....and thanks for making me laugh!

JOURNEYS!

Big Day! 2024 Big Year!

Graduations! Moving Forward in different ways! College. High School. Kindergarten. Pre-School. Graduates dear to a grandmother's heart from 4 different states. To hear the recent one have his entire name read for his diploma, I puddled! His middle name was my Mother's maiden name.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Then, you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Then....an adverb to hang your hat on for all "going forward" in their maturity, regardless of age, stage or way.

HOPE /LOVE/FAITH

TRIAD OF VIRTUES IN ST. AUGUSTINE'S WORDS

Love gives us hope that one day we will see face to face the One who is love.

FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE ARE INTERTWINED!

It's His love we rely on. It's the core of our faith! (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Paul instructed his followers to be defined by love (John 13:34-35). 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

God is love. In Him we put our faith and receive hope.