Waiting in Hope

As December 1 rounded the corner, my heart longed for hope and rest. The trials and events of 2016 had taken their toll on me, and I was feeling a bit beaten up. When my grandfather suddenly passed away in November, I remember telling my husband, "I just don't think I can take much more." I know God promises to never put more on us than what we can endure, but I truly felt that I needed a break. My grandfather helped hold my little world together...he was that person that was a part of and reminded me of my biological father that I lost 30 years ago. When he died, my heart broke, and I truly felt that part of me was missing.

The anger began welling up inside along with frustration and doubt. The prayers that usually flowed freely from my lips became whispers for help. As I told my mom one day that the words just weren't there to pray, she recommended the hymnal. So I started with the hymns, which led to playing the piano, which led to singing, and slowly the worship followed which finally allowed the words to come again in praise to God. You see, even in the midst of pain and struggles, God blesses us with good.

As the advent season began, it represented for me a time of waiting and resting in the promises of God...A time of hope and longing for the restoration that we have through our Savior Jesus Christ and the coming fulfillment of His promise to return. So, as we wait in this imperfect world full of pain and struggles, we have promises of a God who loves us, who will never leave us, and who searches for us when we get lost in the hurt of this world. 

I trust the words of Ann Voskamp from Unwrapping the Greatest Gift will encourage you as much as they did me and bring hope to your soul-

"Because of His unconditional, unbeatable, unfailing, unwrappable love, your God refuses to give up on you. Your God looks for you when you're lost. Your God calls out for you when you're ashamed and broken and hurting. God doesn't run down the rebel. God doesn't strike down the sinner. God doesn't flog the failure.

"Whenever you fall, whenever you fall short, whenever you sin, your God whispers to you with a love that wraps around you like a gentle arm: 'Wherever you are, I will always come find you. Whatever you've done, I will always keep looking for you until My eyes see you, till My hands of healing reach you, till I can hold you close again to My heart.'

"No matter what the day holds, no matter how the season of your life unfolds, God holds you and enfolds you."

Wondrous Love

The air is pleasant as I sit in the warm sunshine by a river basking in the love of Jesus Christ. I just completed reading the book of Leviticus. I cannot even tell you the number of times I have started reading through this book of the Bible and quit midway because of getting bogged down in the rituals, sacrifices, and cleansing. I would move on to another book thinking, "Really, what does this have to do with me?" This time I was determined to get through it and prayed that God would, "Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law." (Psalm 119:18)

As I have read through Leviticus this time, and yes, it can be confusing and difficult reading, I have been struck with the amount of work and faith it took the children of Israel to live a life that allowed God to abide in their presence.God is holy and just. He could not abide in their presence without the proper sacrifices and cleansings taking place to make atonement for the sins of His people. Therefore, the Israelites had to constantly abide by God's laws or face judgement and separation from Him.

As questions rolled through my mind-"How would my life be different if I was alive in that time period?" and  "How would I handle that lifestyle?"- My heart began to swell in thankfulness and praise to God for Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth and lived that perfect lifestyle that none of us are capable of. He was spotless, perfect, and without blemish. He was the example of the lifestyle that God requires of each of us, yet we are unable to live because of sin. BUT GOD, in His awesome mercy and grace, and because of His amazing love for us, had a plan. He would allow His perfect Son without blemish to become that spotless Lamb that would be sacrificed for the sins of His people. He would become the ultimate sacrifice which would allow those who put their faith in Him to have a direct relationship with Him. There would no longer be a need for the constant shedding of blood to cover the sins of His people, and there would no longer be the veil that separated the people from God's presence. In fact, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Spirit would indwell every believer giving them direct access to a relationship with their Savior. Jesus Christ died...shed His blood...endured great pain and agony to become the sacrifice for my sins and the rest of the world when we were incapable of anything good. Everyone now has the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ when they put their faith in Him.

How full of thankfulness and praise our hearts should be! We no longer have to live a life full of laws and rituals. We have direct access to a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ. And yes, He cares for each one of us and what is happening in our lives. He loves us enough to die for us, and He longs for a personal relationship with each one of us. For those of us who profess faith in Christ, our lives should spill forth hope to those around us. For those seeking faith or even unsure about Christianity, I want to encourage you that there is a God who loves you very deeply and who offers hope and peace for your soul.

May our hearts overflow with praise to God for His Son...

1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul?

2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, sinking down;
when I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.

3 To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM -
while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
while millions join the theme, I will sing.

4 And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and through eternity I’ll sing on.

The Last Week in July

Ever since the spring of 2014 when I talked with my cousin Greg for the first time, I have looked forward to the last week of July with great anticipation and excitement. I love missions. I love to be involved in things that make a positive difference in people's lives. Victory Sports Outreach does just that. During the last week of July, Victory Sports comes to St. George with a whole lot of volunteers and brings a lot of love and hope to share with the community. 

This year my excitement was mixed with anxiety, and I had waited until the first of July to even sign up for the trip. My recent physical issues had brought me to a low point, but I still wanted so badly to be a part of this week in St. George. I was struggling. Even the Sunday that I was heading to St. George, I told my husband that I hoped that I was making the right decision to go. He in turn said, "You need to go. This is going to be good for you." 

It's always exciting to meet up with the group when they arrive on that Sunday at Old St. George Baptist Church, reconnect with team members from past trips, and meet new ones. This year was no different. In Hebrews there is a verse that warns Christians not to neglect meeting together. There truly is something about surrounding yourself with like-minded believers, especially when there is a common goal. My excitement was building, but over the first couple days there were hurdles to overcome physically and with my children who were struggling with missing there daddy after a week away at camp the week before. 

God was doing a good work in the community through the work of Victory Sports. This was quite evident through the devotions, Bible stories, relationships, and outreach that were taking place. I was excited and humbled to be a small part of this. To see change happening in people lives is amazing, and it's always awesome to see God move. 

I had no idea how God was orchestrating things to move in my own life. Wednesday night at share time, I told Greg that I wanted to share a little of my story in hopes to encourage the team. As I finished, team members began to circle around me, place hands on me and the kids, and proceed to pray. I don't often cry, but this brought me to tears, and still does today. I was humbled and moved by the love and care of Greg, my team, and God. Here I came in hopes to minister to others, but God moved in my life. He used Greg and my team to minister to me at a time when I needed it the most. And that's just how God is... He never ever leaves us. He picks us up when we are down. He puts people in our lives when we need it most. He always provides. He loves and cares for us so much more than we will ever know. 

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

There have been answers to those prayers that night, and I am incredibly thankful. I serve a God who hears and meets our needs. 

Thank you Greg, Mia, Cody, Christopher, and the many more "Blue shirts" who surrounded the town of St. George and ME with love,prayer, and encouragement!!! BUT GOD!!!

In my weakness...

I remember this day well. The sun was quickly rising on what was appearing to be a beautiful and sunny but hot July day. I was supposed to be at the beach with my mom and sister. Instead I was following my husband and his mother to the hospital. My father-in-law was having heart surgery that morning. Not even a month earlier I had been wheeled into the OR for my own surgery, and the past few weeks had taken a toll on my mind and emotions. I had not been prepared for the roller coaster of symptoms that go along with your body adjusting to fluctuating thyroid levels as it adjusts to a new normal. Since my surgery, there had been one thing after the other, and I was not having the down time that I so desperately craved to recover. That was the reason my mom made arrangements to take me to the beach, and now, that time of rest and relaxation had been taken away. My stress level was very high this particular morning, and I had struggled through a panic attack the night prior. Ever since my surgery, I had dealt with anxiety and panic attacks.., something I had never had problems with before. As I followed my husband down the interstate toward the hospital, my mind was on everything that I had been doing to help my body heal. I had changed my diet to include foods to increase thyroid function and had taken food out of my diet that hindered thyroid function. I was exercising. I was taking supplements. I was striving really hard to lower my stress load, but everywhere I turned, I seemed to land in the middle of stress. In the realms of anger and frustration, my question to God that morning was, "How am I ever going to heal if I can't catch a break??? "

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was focused on everything that I was doing. I was changing my diet. I was trying to decrease my stress level. I was doing all this stuff, but how many times had I cried out to God and really believed that He was able to help me? My focus had been on finding healing and help in the medical realm. And, yes, I believe that God uses diet changes, doctors, medical treatments, medication, and the like to bring healing; but I also believe that our hope must lie in the One who is the Great Physician. I had become so caught up in my struggles and actions that I forgot to fall into the arms of the One who could uphold me and bring me healing and peace.

I honestly did not know how I was going to get through that particular day. I was struggling. A few months prior I would have told you that I felt like I was in the best shape physically, mentally, and spiritually that I had ever been in my life. In this moment, I truly felt at my weakest. But at that moment, I knew I could call to the One who knew my needs before I even asked, and it dawned on me that if He is the Great Physician, He could heal me despite my circumstances.

In those moments of feeling very weak, God brought verses to me that became my prayer. I began to cling to God's promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." I also began to pray Nehemiah 8:11, "for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

God met me in my weakness. He enabled me to overcome the challenges of that day and the weeks that have followed. No, it's not always easy, but when we rely on His strength, He is faithful and carries us through. He equips us with everything we need to handle any situation that is thrown our way. I have realized that when we have nothing left, we acknowledge God more because we realize that it is only by Him that we have made it through. Therefore, all glory goes to Him which is where it should have gone from the start. He is the only One worthy of our praise.

"Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven." Psalm 148:13

One Week

One week ago today I walked into the hospital a little anxious about the surgery that I was about to undergo. I had never had surgery before and was not too thrilled with the idea of being put to sleep and everything being out of my control. I took a deep breath as I was guided to my pre-op room. As I laid down on the bed, a calmness came over me. Every staff member that came in that room was so kind and caring. Finally my husband was brought to my room, and as we waited for the nurse anesthetist to come in, he handed me my phone. I was humbled and blessed as I read the messages and prayers from my family and friends. God's peace surrounded me as they took me back to the operating room, and the next thing I remember was waking up to a sore and scratchy throat.

The past week has been filled with many ups and downs. Of course after surgery, there is going to be pain mixed with some nausea and lots of grogginess. I do, however, remember the wonderful feeling of walking through my door at home and feeling that pain level drop just a bit because I was home with my little family. There was still anxiety because even though the doctor told my husband everything looked good, we still didn't have the pathology report. There was stress from the surgery, and then the unexpected happened. The very weekend that I had surgery, some not so good things were happening at my husband's job, and he found himself resigning. I was broken and numb and stressed and thinking, "Can we not just get a break!" Just when we thought that one thing was behind us... BUT, in the midst of the pain from surgery, the stress of knowing Chris would be looking for a new job, and the anxiety of waiting...there was good. So, in the midst of recovering from surgery, I continued to count gifts...my mom...successful surgery... awesome doctors and nurses...caring family and friends...prayers...meals...pain meds...God's promises to cling to in trying times...my mom, dad, and brother coming to stay with me for a while Sunday morning.

Yes, there have been tears in the past week, but there has been joy also. Yesterday was my followup appointment. My surgeon opened the door and set the pathology results in my husbands hands. "You are all clear. It was benign!" I did not realize how anxious I really was until the weight lifted off my shoulders. And today, one week after surgery, I headed out for a walk which resulted in a 2 mile walk and JOG! And I praise God! I praise God for life today! I praise God for victories today! None of us know what the future holds for us, but if we are given today, embrace every minute of it. Yes, we will face the bad, but there will be good mixed in with the bad if we look for it. I praise God that He promises to provide and be near to us in whatever we are facing. I trust that whatever you are going through, that you will see light in the midst of darkness. That you will find blessing even in the hard times. One day God will make everything right. There will be no more physical pain, no more cancer, no more suffering, no more murders, and no more tears. He has won the final victory, but as we wait for the day that He makes everything right, embrace the victories of today and trust through the trials.

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

Pouring Out Your Heart

The rain was pouring down over my vehicle as I ran errands on Monday. As I drove, my thoughts drifted to our Sunday School lesson from the previous day. It was the first lesson in the book of
1 Samuel. The story was of a woman named Hannah. She desperately wanted a child, but throughout her marriage had been unable to have children. On one of her family's yearly trips to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord, Hannah entered the temple to pray. It says in verse 10 of chapter 1 in 1 Samuel, "She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly." We are also told that she was so distraught and passionate in her prayer that the high priest thought that she was drunk. After he approached her and was explained the situation, he encouraged her, and she left encouraged with hope and peace.

As this story resonated in my heart, I thought about an afternoon several weeks ago. I was in the midst of having my thyroid biopsy done and waiting for results. I didn't have details of anything, and the fear of the unknown was paying its tole on me. I was struggling with fear and anxiety. I was struggling in accomplishing my daily task and keeping my eyes on my Savior. I was struggling with a very attitudish preteen know-it-all. It all came to a head that afternoon, and I needed to escape. I laced up my shoes, put in my ear buds and ran. As I ran the tears flowed, and I poured my heart out to God. I told God I was angry... I didn't want to have to deal with this...I didn't want this interruption. I told God I was afraid...that there was so much I wanted to do..I need to homeschool...what about my kids...what about ministry opportunities. AND, if I was going to have to deal with physical stuff right now, could my preteen just be a little easier to deal with??? My faced was streaked with sweat and tears, my breathing was heavy, and the words were audible as I poured our everything that was in my heart. I was truly hoping that no one would drive by because surely they would think I had lost it.

As I prayed, a calmness came over me, and by the time I got back to my house, I was OK.  Like Hannah, my situation at that time had not changed. Yet, God met me and reminded me of His promises.The promises of God offer hope that lead to peace.

I think that many times we are afraid to really pour our hearts out to God...to be honest with Him about our thoughts and feelings. He knows everything about us, including the number of hairs on our heads and the thoughts in our minds. God knows that the effects of sin on this earth are real, and sometimes life is hard and messy. He is abounding in love and full of mercy and grace. God wants to meet us in our messiness. He wants to give us that hope and peace that we only find through pouring our hearts out to Him and trusting His promises. He does not expect perfection from us because He was perfection for us.

Scott Sauls writes it best in his book Jesus Outside the Lines, "Jesus wants to fix everything that's broken about us and everything that's broken around us. But before he does this, he wants us to know that he is with us and for us in what's broken about us and around us. He shares in our situation." How encouraging to know that we are not alone in this messy life! I pray that as you pour your heart out to God, that He give you hope and the peace and strength that come only through Him.

Everyday Blessings

Disclaimer: The next few posts that I plan to share are more of a journal for me to serve as a reminder of God's work in my life through my recent journey. I realize that many of you are facing bigger obstacles in life than I am, but I wanted to share this with you in hope that it may inspire and encourage you in your walk of life.

The tears streamed down my face as I listened to the voice on the other side of the phone. A few hours earlier I had gotten the phone call that confirmed that there was something wrong with my thyroid gland. I had used up all of my composure as I talked to my mom, and now, as I heard my dad's voice on the line, my tears flowed freely. Anxiety and fear of the unknown were beginning to set in. I could barely speak, so I listened. My dad was not new to obstacles in life, and just a few years earlier, he had his own battle to fight. His quiet, caring words provided the reassurance, comfort, and encouragement that I needed. "Facts are friendly," and we are gonna deal with this...those were the words that rang through my ears as I attempted to compose myself and get on with my day. Reports and doctors notes needed to be gathered for referrals, and my two children needed their mom to help them finish their schoolwork for the day.

As I continued to take the next step in my day which included getting my daughter to her softball game, I decided to call my dad back to assure him that I wasn't the blubbery mess he had talked to earlier in the day. As we talked, he mentioned a 5K that he was planning to do the next day. This was a race that just a few weeks earlier I had thought that I would do with him...but now...I didn't know...should I...I've been running..;this shouldn't change anything...right? The thoughts swirled in my head, but the words out of my mouth said, "I think I'm gonna come run too." I always enjoyed running with my dad. Maybe this was just what I needed. I texted my dad back later that night to let him know I was definitely coming.

That Saturday brought a fresh outlook. As I awoke, I was excited. Excited to go see my parents. Excited to do a race with my dad, the man that trained me to run and inspires me more than he knows. Excited for new mercies every morning. I got to my parents house, and my dad and I headed off to register for the race. We warmed up as we waited for the race to begin, headed to the starting line, and took a pre-race selfie :) As the race was about to begin, I told Dad that it was probably going to be a slow run for me, so I would see him when I got to the finish line. Then we were off.

The air was cool and just perfect for a run. The race was small, so it didn't take long for everyone to spread out. As I run, I use that opportunity to enjoy nature that God puts on my path (unless it's a snake) and thank Him for promises that He brings to mind. This morning was no different. I was enjoying the quiet run and sound of feet hitting the pavement, Mandisa streaming through my earbuds. I was thankful for deep breaths of fresh air filling my lungs. As I neared the end of the first mile, I knew I must be doing pretty good when I could still see my dad ahead of me. Mile marker 1 and I hit the mark for a pretty fast mile for me. After the first mile, I struggled a little with my breathing, and after mile 2.5, I was getting a little tired. As I rounded the curve that led to the finish line a police officer stopping traffic yelled out, "You're doing great!" Then I saw my dad. It wasn't the first time he had done this. He finishes his race and then comes back to run with me to the finish line. It was just the pick me up that I needed. The time was called out as I crossed the finish line, and amazingly, I had run my fastest 5K yet. By a runners standpoint, no, it wasn't that fast, but for me, it was a victory. And, not only had I achieved a personal best, I was the first female finisher!

My heart was so full. I could have so easily missed the blessings that this morning held for me. Had I allowed my feelings and emotions to dictate my day, I would have stayed in the bed, wallowed in self pity with blankets pulled up to my neck, and probably eaten my weight in ice cream or cheesecake. But, I had hope because I had promises... promises of a God who loves me (Jeremiah 31:3) and who cares about what is going on in my life. Promises of a God who will be by my side no matter what life throws my way (Deut. 31:6). Promises of a God who has plans to prosper me and not harm me, but  plans to give me a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

I don't know what you may be facing today, and your battle may be so much bigger than mine. BUT, I know a God who loves you and who wants to be by your side as you face life's obstacles. My God wants to give you a hope and a future. He wants to bless you with His presence and peace as you walk through life. He showed us how much He loves us by giving His life for us, and He wants to display that love to you today. Ask Him, and He will be near you. He will bestow His mercy upon you and equip you with what you need to handle today. May you see the everyday blessings that God has bestowed upon you today and feel embraced in His love.

My Life the Past Month...Waiting

Nobody wants to hear the words mass, lump, or biopsy; but for someone whose family has been touched by cancer more times than they wish to count, those words can cause crippling fear to creep up your  spine. At a routine doctor's visit a month a and a half ago, my doctor discovered that my thyroid gland was enlarged. Thyroid problems run in my family, so no big deal, right? I was scheduled for a test which revealed a lump on my thyroid gland. Then I was referred to a specialist who sent me for a biopsy. Then waiting, waiting, and more waiting as 7...10...14...16 days go by. As I was waiting, fear kept trying to creep its way into my days. As much as I wanted to handle this situation with grace and faith, some days were a constant struggle.                                                                                              

What do you do in the midst of waiting? I claim to have faith, but how do I maintain trust when faced with a situation that is not ideal? Just being honest, for me some days are a constant battle to focus my eyes on Jesus Christ, but resting in His promises is the only thing that can provide the strength to carry on when situations become difficult. We are given so many promises in the Bible. God knew that life would not be easy when sin entered this world, but our loving God had a plan and has given us so many promises to abide on when things are not easy. 

Here are a few of my favorite promises that give me strength and hope: 

• I will never leave you (Joshua 1:5)

• You are loved with a steadfast love (Isaiah 54:10)

• The Lord is the strength of His people (Psalm 28:8)

• God is faithful (Psalm 36:5)

• ALL things work together for good (Romans 8:28)

I love hearing God's promises in music form also. There are many mornings that hymns and praise music are needed in the start of my day. For me, there is much peace and healing that comes from truth spoken in music. I haven't forgotten the words I read from Ann Voskamp. It is what her mother-in-law told her... "When it is hardest-that is when you sing the loudest. The devil flees at a hymn."So, yes, in the midst of waiting, keep singing. 

We often hear that life is full of ups and downs. My mom has a friend who likens it more to railroad tracks...two parallel lines...there is always good in the midst of bad. And, yes, in the midst of hardship and waiting and uncertainty, there is good and there is always something to be thankful for. Giving thanks changes our perspective. Instead of focusing on our situation, it helps us focus on the One who blesses us with these things we are thankful for. Another quote from Ann Voskamp that I love is, "The answer to anxiety is the adoration of Christ." It may be thanking God for the hummingbird at the bird feeder, or the sunrise over the trees, or an unexpected phone call or text, or a simple piece of toast...whatever the object or truth that compels your thanks, you are acknowledging the Creator, Provider, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Savior. 

We have done nothing to deserve good in our lives; yet, He chose to love us. Every good thing that happens in life is only by God's grace. So, as we wait through the hardships, trust in His promises, sing, and give thanks.

At this point, I have inconclusive biopsy results, and I am waiting for surgery. I am very thankful for God's grace, and my surgeon tells me that no matter what the results are, the treatment is surgery and I am going to be fine. As I continue to wait on my surgery date, I will strive with God's help to battle each day to trust and keep my focus on Jesus Christ, sing, and continue to count gifts and practice gratitude.

God has provided so much love and encouragement to me over the past few weeks, and I am so grateful to each of you who has been a vessel of God to show me how much He loves and cares about me. My prayer is that through my story I point you to Jesus Christ who is my hope and my deliverer. No matter what you face today, call to Him and He will be near you. May each of us find encouragement through His love and promises today.

As the Mountains...

I don't know about you, but sometimes I just need encouragement. These verses bring me encouragement, and I trust today that they will do the same for you.

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 125:1-2

What does it mean to trust in the Lord? Our relationship with Jesus Christ begins when He puts a desire in our hearts to seek Him, and we realize that we are sinners in need of a Savior. By His grace, we are able to repent of our sins and live in the forgiveness that is offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our relationship with Christ is a lifelong commitment. By His grace and through His strength, we want to grow in Him and live a life that follows His commands.

Psalm 125 holds promises for those who truly have their faith in Jesus Christ. We can be confident that God will never leave us. Jerusalem was surrounded by mountains that helped serve as protection for the city. We are promised that God surrounds His people just like those mountains surrounded the city and protected it.

 Oh, Lord, thank You that You are with us and will never leave us. Thank You for Your promises. Give us strength as we want to grow in You. Praise You, Father, for your promise of surrounding us with Your protection.

Light is Sweet

The early morning was quiet as I sat in my chair with my Bible propped open on my lap. My thoughts, however, were not so quiet. As I scrolled through facebook before rolling out of bed, the many needs and struggles just overwhelmed me. We live in a world full of pain and struggles. There are young people battling cancer and other illnesses, people struggling in their relationships, financial stress, political unrest and arguing, racial and religious divisions, orphans in need of parents, slaves in need of being rescued, and disasters happening throughout the world.

Even this particular morning, I was headed to take my daughter to her dermatologist for a biopsy of skin lesions that they were concerned about. My anxiety was mounting- yes, I am a worrier and my 11 year old does not handle some medical situations very well! I needed to quiet my own thoughts so that I could help my daughter deal with hers. 

My Bible was opened to Ecclesiastes where I had been reading lately. Now I was in chapter 11. I trudged through the verses. As I had been reading through Ecclesiastes, some of the teachings that had stood out to me were- 1) without God, nothing else matters 2) Nothing except Jesus Christ brings lasting satisfaction 3) God gives purpose to our lives 4) even though life does not always seem fair and we do not always understand things, our sovereign God has a plan. The verses that I was reading were more of the same until I reached verse 7. The words that I read as the sun rose on a new day were, "Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun." On this particular morning those verses resonated in my soul and brought HOPE. It immediately brought me to the verse in John where Jesus says, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).

When I get focused on all the hurt and pain of this world, it overwhelms me. So many things are out of my control, and at times I feel crippled by fear and anxiety. When I focus on Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, it puts things in a different perspective. He came to earth to overcome the effects of sin and darkness. He won that victory!

Yes, here on earth we will endure pain and hardships, but we are equipped to handle the things that come our way through Christ. He brought hope and light to a world that was overcome with darkness, and we are given the gift of that hope today.

When we accept the light of Christ in our lives, we too become light (Matt. 5:14) and can offer hope to a world that desperately needs to see the love, light, and hope of Jesus Christ. Just as the sun lights up the horizon at sunrise or shines through the clouds after the rain, may we shine forth the light of Christ to offer hope to our world of darkness and storms. 

Striving After Wind

As I sit reading my Bible this morning, I need encouragement. The past 2 days have been, well, pretty cruddy. As a homeschooling mom, when your kids all of a sudden "forget" all that you have taught them over the past several months, it makes for some long days. When the housework is never ending, the to do list is a mile long, the 30 hours of continuing education you need to complete are barely touched, the plans for the kids 2016-2017 school year need to be figured out, and other responsibilities need to be met, it leaves a mom feeling quite overwhelmed.

So, as I sit reading my Bible, these are the words that come from the pages of Ecclesiastes - "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?" And, "All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full...All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing."

Well, at first look, these words seem quite depressing! "All is vanity (which, by the way, means worthless and futile)...what does a man gain by all the toil..." These words DO NOT seem to give much hope. Even in verse 13 of Ecclesiastes chapter 1, Solomon calls the work that God has given to man "an unhappy business," and later in the chapter equates it to "striving after wind." But, as I read these verses over and over, I begin seeing that there is encouragement to be found here.

On this earth, we are dealing with the effects of sin. When Adam and Eve sinned, the ground was cursed. Genesis 3:19 says, "By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread." So, yes, we have work set before us. The to do lists and the work before us will never fully be satisfied, just like without Christ in my life, I will never fully be satisfied. And that, dear friends, is where I find the hope and encouragement that I need this morning... In Jesus Christ. You see, in Christ, my story doesn't end in worthless and futile work. I have a God who has overcome the effects of sin in my life. I have a God who makes things that are futile and worthless, worthy. I have a God who brings satisfaction to an empty life. I have a God who gives purpose even in the mundane work of this life.

Oh Father, thank you for hope through Jesus Christ. Thank you for satisfaction in Him. Thank you that sin and death was not the end of the story. Thank you for life and purpose even in the everyday toil of this life.

Friends, may you feel God's grace upon your life today. As you go through your work, may you feel purpose through Jesus Christ.