Courage Is the Mortar for 2016

 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear,

but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love

and of sound judgment and personal discipline

[abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”

1 Timothy 1:7 (amp)

 For the last couple of years, anxiety became a frequent companion of my life. Fear, worry, apprehension, unease, fretfulness… Nevertheless, my anchor of hope, Jesus Christ, has sustained me, has kept my feet on His steadfast path. His peace, which surpasses all comprehension, guarded my heart and mind from falling fully into the pit of depression and despair. He held me steady and kept me from drifting into danger so that I could heal and recover, be mended and restored from my season of grief.

[Grief from the losses of my brother & bro-in-law, the loss of my dream home, the loss of comfortable familiarity, the loss of what I thought was my new dream home]

Yes, 2015 was a year of healing my grief-stricken heart & mind. It was a year of resting in the everlasting arms of the Lord. It was a time of rebuilding my confidence and refreshing His power and strength to my weary soul.

How did I or He do that?

From Steadfast Hope… to Empowerment

"So, my dear brothers, since future victory is sure,

be strong and steady, always abounding in the Lord’s work..." 1 Corinthians 15:58 

 
Last year (2014) my word was steadfast. This year’s has been hope.

Steadfast kept me going forward, not giving up, pressing on, unwavering, resolute, committed… and I did. By the strength of the Lord, the stresses of moving twice in 18 months and losing two brothers—mine & my husband’s—within 3 days, I did not fall completely apart.

However…

HOPE Revived for 2015

“You will feel safe because there is hope;

you will look around and rest in safety.” Job 11:18 ncv

Happy New Year!!!

In 2014, God gave me the word “steadfast” to lead me…and boy, did I need His steadfast love to endure it?! For 2015, I’ve had a strong sense of His giving me the word “hope” to take me through the upcoming year…and I am so excited to receive it!

Purpose or Problems? That is the question

What is my hope? Where is my focus? Is it on the purpose of my life or upon the problems of my life? Do my eyes stay on the goal or upon the obstacles? Purpose driven or problem sluggish?

The book I am currently reading…and am only into the 2nd chapter…is hitting me smack in the face. Convicting. Awakening. Thought-provoking. (This may turn into a book review as much as about the impact it is having on me.)

Stalwart Power

“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

The God of hope: Steadfast. Dependable. Unwavering. Resolute. Unshakable.

God’s Guidance through Grief

Ready to write again

Over the past week, I slipped into some depression and couldn’t bring myself to write. However, because of it, as God restored my strength to remain steadfast to the A-Z blogging challenge, He also redirected my original “G” post idea. So, here goes…

“When my heart was grieved

and my spirit embittered,

I was senseless and ignorant;

I was a brute beast before you.”

Psalm 73:21-22 niv

Despite having a 2-session bad experience with a counselor recently, she did give me one wise thing to ponder. 

GRIEF: Consider your losses, and grieve

Encourage Another

“The scriptures—Old & New Testament—are for our instruction and encouragement, that by our steadfastness and encouragement, we might hold fast to and cherish Hope. God gives us perseverance and encouragement for unity on this journey of following Christ, empowering us with patient enduring steadfastness—So that with one voice we glorify and praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ [Messiah]” Romans 15:4-6 (my paraphrase)

They Get Me

art trade by kaitousamurai2

“For where two or three

have gathered together

in My name,

I am there

in their midst.” 

Matthew 18:20 nasb

Support groups come in all types of packages for all types of people in common situations—weight, grief, alcohol, depression, divorce, cancer, etc. People turn to such groups to find counsel, solace, information, and encouragement to keep pressing forward.

Over the years, I’ve belonged to a few. 

Crushed and perplexed, but not destroyed

“We are pressed on every side by troubles,

but we are not crushed.

We are perplexed,

but not driven to despair.

We are hunted down,

 but never abandoned by God.

We get knocked down,

but we are not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 nlt

The same day after writing and posting my last blog, something happened that shook my soul. I won’t share the details, but it certainly perplexed me.

All Christmas glitter does not bring joy

Cookies, Cards, Caroling

Snow, sleigh rides, sledding

Santa Claus

Trees, Poinsettias, Wreaths

Lights, Ornaments, Tinsel

Stockings hung, Gifts under the tree

Fruit cake, Pumpkin pie, Divinity

Get-togethers, Banquets, Dinners

Family

                                                                         Candlelight worship services

The star, Shepherds, Three kings,

A man, a woman, a stable

The Baby in a manager

HE, Jesus Christ, is the reason Christians celebrate this joyous season... and it is a season. It's more than a day. Churches rehearse sometimes for months for Cantatas, musicals, and candlelight services. We put trees in our homes as soon as the turkey carcass is in the trash. Wreaths hang on our doors, and candles in the windows. Children anticipate—touch, shake, look for a torn corner of paper—unwrapping the gifts in pretty paper with shiny bows. And it’s all to celebrate the birth of our Savior in a manager a little more than 2000 years ago.

However, this season also comes with conflict...

“Where Hope Starts” by Angela D. Meyer

“A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick 

He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.” Isaiah 42:3 nasb

“Where Hope Starts” is a book of betrayal, anger, rejection… pornography, dysfunctionality, secrets… reconciliation, forgiveness, and transformation.

Interview with Angela D. Meyer, author of "Where Hope Starts"

Today, it is my privilege to interview good friend, fellow Wordsower, and co-contributer to “The Benefits Package,” Angela D. Meyer about the release of “Where Hope Starts” on September 14;  a story full of dreams derailed by heartache, and hope restored through redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

New and Renewed Hope

“…I have hope when I think of this:

The Lord’s love never ends; His mercies never stop.

They are new every morning; Lord, your loyalty is great.

I say to myself, “The Lord is mine, so I hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 ncv

New house, new neighbors, new city, new state, new church…new beginnings with renewed hope