Need Hope?

Hope. We all want it. We all use this word more than we realize. 

"Hope you have a great day."

"Hope you feel better soon." 

"Hope it works out for you."

But what is hope? The dictionary would state that it is "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best". Does anyone else read this and feel like it falls flat? That's it? Maybe a little sprinkling of fairy dust and "something" just might happen? Don't you want more to rely on? Isn't the world in need of something bigger than a mere inkling or feeling? Can we rely or put our trust in to a best case scenario that may or may not actually happen? 

Naw. I am not inspired.

Hope is more than a simple sentiment. Hope is the certainty of something unimaginable, something we could not dream up on our own. Hope is the gift of nourishment and sustenance gently given in the exact portion needed to quench hunger. Hope is life giving water springing forth out of a ROCK satisfying an endless thirst. Hope is clearing barriers out of the way to create possibilities that are not humanly attainable. 

Hope is the power of God at work in our lives. It is more than a fleeting emotion but a promise by the creator of the universe. Hope is the Lord Jesus Christ. 

I hope you find Hope today. 

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.” Romans 15:13

Image source: https://jewelcitychurch.org/2015/04/01/hope-floats/

Adoption: Will I choose love?

The brown eyes are larger than life. They have a depth beyond the boy’s  young age because of the poverty he endures, daily. He is hungry and forgotten by most of the world. There is a glimmer of optimism in his smile though. How could I not love him? I see that smile every day I walk in to work (Feed My Starving Children). I see the promise of hope. I know we are making a difference around the world.

But the kids that I see on the banner, magazines and pamphlets are easy to love. They do not sass me or question my authority. They do not complain when it’s bed time. They do not steal from me or lie. They are perfect and lovely, permanently adorned on the wall. However, it is the reality of an actual orphan brought in to our home (not a million miles away) that is not always fashionable and simple. Adoption is complicated.  Adoption is unpredictable. The daily life forces a test of all that I say I am. Will I sacrifice? Will I swallow my pride? Will I muster the grace? Will I choose love over everything else?

Love is effortless when it does not require much; however, the impact is shallow and short lived. Jesus set a better example. He humbled Himself, gave what no one else could give and did it without holding back.  The results are eternal. That divine love has changed me, changed who I strive to be. I am grateful. I am inspired. It is the only source of power that allows me to say, “Today, I will choose to love.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the unending love you extent to us. I want to learn to love like You love. Teach me and give me the strength to follow Your example. It is only by Your power that I can.  Amen.

Image source: http://fmscblog.com/from-the-field/pierre/

Forever Marked

I remember wanting to write it down. Reaching, digging through the desk, scraping around for a pencil. Not finding one, I reluctantly settled my hands upon a pen. I paused. With closer examination I frantically threw it back in the wasteland of writing utensils in the drawer. No, that just won’t do. I needed to write it down with permanent ink. I didn't want to forget; I wanted it forever marked somewhere to remind me of what I had seen, done, experienced. I didn't want to have this day go by and not remember.

Today is April 11th and they are seven years old now. There were three heartbeats, three precious children formed and brought to life. I was a surrogate and an eye witness to something indescribable. I no longer think I need a permanent marker. No one ever forgets a miracle!

Happy Birthday to the triplets!

My Prayer: Lord, today is an anniversary of just one of so many “impossible” things you have done. With every breathe I have been given I will praise You, Lord. My heart beats with continuous gratitude and awe! 

Image source taken from Google Images://loriromano.com/2012/01/07/excavation-2012-day-7-confessions-of-a-pen-whore/