• Hope

    Morale Problems Lead to Moral Problems

    When you feel depressed and down When hope seems lost and life causes a frown When love seems to have grown cold When all that you have worked for begins to unravel and unfold When a diagnosis comes and all seems dim When tragedy strikes and life is grim When life happens… …our morale may sink we may feel desperate; on the brink we may feel overwhelmed with sorrow we may lose hope for tomorrow we may cry out in pain we may feel life is over; there is nothing to gain Our morale problems lead to moral problems We need to stop dwelling on the negative thoughts and attitudes.…

  • Hope

    Bitter or Better?

    1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. This morning as I walked around my yard, looking at my flowers, my heart was sad.  I worked so hard last Fall to plant tulip bulbs!  After the difficult year of 2020, I was hopeful to add cheer and beauty this Spring.  I love Spring!  I love flowers!  The colors, fragrance and beauty brighten my day.  Until a few days ago, my tulips were green and growing.  I was looking forward to seeing the colors and smelling their fragrance.  But now, they lie in their beds, wilted, brown and with little hope of life left in…

  • Hope

    Life is Hard BUT GOD is GOOD

    Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. These words from Proverbs speak to my heart this morning.  On one level, I trust the LORD with my whole heart, my entire being.  I know that He is good, faithful and true.  I have learned through the most difficult times when I can’t understand with my mind, that I can trust Him.  Yet, today, as I write with a heavy heart I find myself crying out for His grace, mercy and understanding. I am human.  There are things in…

  • Hope

    Light in the Darkness

    “Be still and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) There will be no more night.  They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. (Revelation 22:5) We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. (Hebrews 6:19) This morning as I pray and seek the LORD for words to write, there is a heaviness within my heart.  Outside, the birds are awakening and singing a cheerful melody.  The sun is…

  • Hope,  Love of Christ,  Mercy,  Serve

    Divine Appointments

    Photo Credit – Alexander Schimmeck 1Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Proverbs 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go.  Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Each day, as we look around us, there are different opportunities to serve, to help someone or to offer encouragement.  Sometimes it’s the small acts of kindness that mean so very much:  a…

  • Hope,  Lent,  Love of Christ,  Mercy

    Through Water and Fire

    Isaiah 43:1-3 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” A few years ago I went through a very difficult trying season with a pain filled unhealthy relationship. My focus was shifted off of Jesus and onto myself. This is never a good thing no matter how you try…