Tag: hope

THE EAGLE REMINDERS

Do you ever feel like God’s spoiled child and wonder why He blesses you so much? Truth be told, I do! It’s the little simple ways I experience His presence that make me in awe of His goodness.

A perfect example is the other day when I was taking a walk in my neighborhood while soaking up the beautiful, warm fall day and taking time to commune with the Lord.

Walking up one road I heard a strange loud noise behind me. I have never heard anything like it before. I looked back and about two feet away I saw a second eagle working itself out of this metal culvert that was under the driveway. Their feathers and bodies moving back and forth against it made the strange noise that I heard. As the eagles emerged they both flew away in the opposite direction from where I was going.  I was in awe of seeing not one but two eagles so close up after them being on the ground! What are the chances that ‘ordinary me’ was walking by at just the perfect time to see such a sight?

Continue reading “THE EAGLE REMINDERS”

LIGHTNING BUGS

At a recent visit to Lake Ontario I was mesmerized in the dark of night watching the numerous fireflies, better known as lightning bugs, flashing their lights everywhere. What a beautiful sight it was to see amidst the plentiful stars too.

 

Here are a few interesting facts about lightning bugs: Continue reading “LIGHTNING BUGS”

HOPE

HOPE

 

Have you ever considered what a vital role HOPE plays in our lives?

 

Upon further digging into the word hope, it was enlightening for me to reflect on the fact that there is hope, more in the “worldly” sense and there is hope in the “Biblical” sense.

Continue reading “HOPE”

THERE IS HOPE

Shattered dreams,
   broken hearts,
       lonely people passing us by every day.
People without hope,
   searching for happiness–
       a lost and dying world.
 

What can we offer these people?

This world we live in seems to offer happiness to them in the form of

riches,
  fame,
    sex,
      drugs,
        alcohol.
But, this happiness does not bring them anything to hope in,
    for these “worldly” pleasures last but a few fleeting moments.
They don’t offer anything lasting and real,
    and there is nothing to cling to.

In this world, the only true hope is found in and through Jesus Christ.

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 Photo credit by Lex McKee under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)
With Christ as the center of our lives, we can possess a lasting happiness that will carry us through this life.
Christ gives a peace that surpasses all understanding despite all the trials we may be facing.
He is our best friend and will never, ever leave us even though others may desert us.

Our greatest hope is in the day we will meet Jesus face to face, and then spend eternity with Him.

This (Christ) is the lasting hope we can offer people as we live it and walk it each day. As Paul states in his First Letter to the Corinthians, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Cori 15:19)

Christ is the hope we need to offer others–it will change their lives forever!

I think the song, Cry Out to Jesus, by my favorite Christian band, Third Day, is such an inspiring, encouraging song that talks about the hope that Jesus provides.  Take a listen and be blessed!  Let the words penetrate your heart and soul.

Remember…
There is HOPE for the helpless…..
    REST for the weary.
        And LOVE for the brokenhearted.
                                –Excerpt from Cry Out to Jesus by Third Day
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  –Jeremiah 29:11

PRECIOUS ANGEL

This reflection is dedicated to all the parents who have lost a baby or child, no matter what age. These words come from Jesus’ heart. May you be comforted by Him and others who care. I think the thoughts are also fitting for anyone who has lost someone special.
Every life is so precious to me
  No matter how small the child
Even the tiniest baby within its mother be
  is a treasure and special “angel” in my plan.
I know every tear you’ve shed
  Every dream you’ve dreamed
I hear every prayer that is said
  And I know how much your heart aches.
Though many sacrifices and pain
  You have endured
Know that they were not in vain
  They are steps that were part of my plan.
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Photo credit by Scripture As Art under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
I know the burden is hard to bear
  And the pain is great
But know that I care
  And I bring you comfort.
Some day soon you will see
  Your “angel” in my heavenly kingdom
But in the mean time be
  Assured that your “angel” is safe in my arms.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  –Matthew 5:4  (NIV)