expectant hope

When I started created art after 20 years of not creating, I hoped that “maybe” I might sell a few things. I was very surprised to find many things sold!

And then – a dry season. A time of lacking inspiration, personal crisis, unknown future and more. As a missionary and an artist – it was the perfect time to learn patience and trust in God’s ways and timing. I was at the end of self-sufficiency and learning that real hope isn’t found in what I could do but on the One who created hope for all!

I discovered the gift of holding loosely to things of this world and tightly to those things of God. This world is passing away. It’s not just a climate change issue and it won’t be another flood but God did not create this world to look as it does, or us to be left on the side of the road. He does truly have plans to give us a future and a hope (Jer 29:11) but it does require us to posture ourselves as and where He leads.

^1-2 By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
^3-5 There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Romans 5:1-5 MSG

Thank you Lord for the hope that you have given us deep in our hearts. Let it be revived and strengthened today as we wait patiently for Your voice to guide us to what is next. We do want to receive all that You graciously long to give us and open our arms, our hearts and our spirits to You!

give thanks always

I could writing on thankfulness every day!

It’s not always how I felt but I know that giving thanks and recognizing how God is at work in my life is part of keeping my foundation firm and my sanity. I don’t stand on my own two feet by myself. Christ in me is what gives me strength and focus!

Even in the midst of chaos, shutdowns, protests and more, we have so much to be thankful for. We are not left to our own devices and now more than ever we should take time to really thank God for the good that is around us.

A neighboring house of five is recovering from covid. I called when I was going to the store and picked up something for them. Regular prayer with others over jobs, relationship issues and more is a way God is shining brightly. Laughter – there is joy even in the midst of sorrow. I think we often forget what a weapon our joy really is too.

I love the story in 2 Chronicles 20:21, “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” When God heard their praise, He set up an ambush and their enemy was defeated!!

God does not change. He is the firmest of foundations and worthy of praise! It does turn things around!

You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise. Come right into his presence with thanksgiving. Come bring your thank offering to him and affectionately bless his beautiful name! Psalm 100:4 TPT

I am thanking God for each of you today and praying that He deepens the spirit of joy and praise in you. That you will see a multitude of heavenly blessings in each day and even if the cat is jumping all over your computer keyboard, you will find humor instead of frustration! (Symi is actually trying to lay on the computer but has no fear of walking over the keys.)

Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking, because you were all called together in one body to have peace. Always be thankful. Colossians 3:15

choosing simple

God says all things are possible. Not just some things.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

Why do we live with limited thinking?
Why do we keep God in a closed box?
Why do we pray if we don’t believe something is possible?
Will He do it for another but not for us?

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

I am choosing to believe Your Word Lord. I am choosing to believe ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! I pray those who call on Your Name will choose Your simple Truth today!

“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19

I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

Let God know those things you want to believe Him for. That relative that doesn’t know Him. That child that has gone in a bad direction. The healing doctors say won’t happen. A job that will take care of ALL the family needs. New direction with your business. Even the little things matter to Him.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23