Fresh Resolve

Dictionary.com defines the word resolve like this:

1.  "to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something):  

      I have resolved that I shall live to the full."

First of all let me assure you that this post is not to try to convince you to homeschool.  Hubby and I believe that each family must pray about and decide how God is leading them in regards to schooling and then obey His direction.  We have a diverse group of friends who have chosen public school, private school, and homeschooling.  We see our friends thriving as families when:  they are being faithful to the path laid before them (Proverbs 3:5-7), they are involved in their children's education (no matter where that education is taking place), and they are intentional in parenting their children and knowing the condition of their flocks (Proverbs 27:23).

We are no experts, but we do have some experience.

Here are a few things I have learned over the past 5 years of homeschooling.

1.  Make sure you and your spouse are united in your decision, with each other and with the Lord. Whatever schooling decision you make will present challenges.  It is so much easier if you both are on the same page.  I was the one resistant to homeschooling at first...but God and Hubby were both clearly leading that way, so when I decided to follow (and stop worrying what others would think) there was a lot of grace and peace that followed as a result.

2.  It is hard (no matter what schooling option your family chooses, it is going to hard- it requires time, commitment, resolve and being intentional and involved...My dear friend Tami is a wonderful example of this.  Her children go to public school and she has always been involved- from praying for the school, to room volunteer, to subbing, to reaching out to needy students, she is a presence in her kids school and knows the teachers and students that are influencing her kids.  This obviously takes time, energy, and saying "no" to a lot of other things, but Tami counts it worth it).

3.  There will be tears, but there will be silver linings too (when reading finally clicks or their face lights up when they figure out a story problem on their own).

4.  What looks good on paper may not work out in reality.  Be prepared, but be flexible too...don't force something that is not working for anybody.

5.  "It doesn't have to be fun, but it does need to get done" (I read this in a homeschooling book, and at first it bothered me, but, I have used it many times.  I used to feel pressure to make everything amazing, and then I realized if we always do that... the house will never be clean, I won't have energy for other important things, and not everything is fun at any school anyway.  I want my kids to love learning, but there are somethings that are just plain mundane, albeit important).  Darling daughter likes to try and make math fun by drawing creatures out of the answers...3's become clouds, 5's become butterflies, and 11's get put in jail.  

6.  On the other hand, give yourself grace.  Realize that sometimes, instead of plowing through, it is okay to take a nature walk break or read together longer and slow down a bit. 

7.  They are learning.  You may feel like they'll never get something or aren't really listening...then they bring it up later and show excitement for it.  Yes!

8.  Network with other people...they can be a wealth of knowledge and support, but in the end you and your husband need to decide what is best for your family.  Resist the urge to compare, oh we women are bad at this!  Don't be afraid to do something "out-of-the box".  My sister-in-law is great at this- she requested her child to go half days instead of full days at an "all day" kindergarten (because that was best for her child and family).  She also is homeschooling their 4th grader this year (for the first time) but is not homeschooling her other two children (because this is what is best for him and their family at this time).  Our kids are enrolled part-time in a nearby school in order to be in a homeschooling co-op that provides some things we can't on our own.  Again, I am not saying this is best for others, but what works for us at this time.

9.  One of our rules at Roots & Wings Academy is "do your best".  Unfortunately I was not doing my best last year.  I was too distracted with phone calls, the computer, housework, and my desires that I was not doing my best with school.  So, insert the fresh resolve, and this year (only 3 days in) is going a lot better.  I was convicted that I needed to say "no" to more things so I could do the things that God had already asked me personally to do (being a respectful and considerate wife, an available and kind mom, and a prepared and intentional teacher).  It seems you get more criticism than pats on the back for attempting the above mentioned, which can cause you to be tempted to throw in the towel and long for things that will be more public, more praised, and just plain "easier".  I am far from making the grade, but in the resolve and follow through there is freedom and peace indeed.

A few years ago a friend gave me the book "Youniquely Woman" by Kay Arthur, Emilie Barnes and Donna Otto.  I am really enjoying reading it.  In the front my friend wrote, "May you walk as God has called you to walk".  I love that.  I don't need to try and be someone else, but I also need to be faithful to what He has asked me to do, with the strength and grace He supplies.

So, all this to say, let the school year begin!  May we all have a great one, by being faithful to what He has called us each to, and walk with our heads held high as we carry it out by His grace, encouraging one another and cheering each other on to do our best.

Here's to fresh resolve!

 

The Difference a Year Makes

The earth rotates around the sun once.  A year passes.  We grow.  We change.  What a difference a year makes.

The peonies that once grew in my Poppy's yard; moved to my Mom's yard, then transplanted to our yard...grow thicker, more beautiful, more hearty this year than last.  One year of waiting brought more beauty.

We have gotten 10 "no's"....10 "not yets"...on Baby #4, waiting to adopt the one we love already.  Waiting longer than we anticipated.  Yet we grow closer, we love deeper, we communicate more openly....10 years, now almost 11; gift of grace, this marriage.  One year of waiting of made love truer.

He, youngest, grew up.  Almost four, and potty-trained just in time for birthday.  A faster runner, more independent, feet large like bricks wearing size 11 now.  He with the light in eyes and smile that melts, he grew.  One year of growing led to exit from toddlerhood to big boy emerging.

Last year I canned jam; delicious but taxing.  This year I did freezer jam, easier.  One year of "wising up" helped me learn that superwoman isn't a real person and I don't have to do all the things I think I should.  Celebrate small successes and shake off the guilt that accuses when you say "no" for the sake of margin and what is best for the family.  One year of learning (from many failures and some successes) births sweeter fruit.

He and she helped me pick strawberries this year.  They worked hard, they eased the load, they got along.  A great reminder to not give up, but keep going; keep working at being better parents and better nurturers of their precious lives; and keep entrusting their ultimate well-being to their Father God. Galatians 6:9  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  One year of growing produced more maturity.

One year older, and she is as tall as a bean pole...legs that don't end.  Highlighted hair and asking when she can wear deodorant.  She unloads the dishwasher now, not just the silverware (sometimes without complaining).  She is growing up; on inside and out.  One year down the road leads to new chapters being read and others waiting to be written.

What a difference one year makes.  Things you thought would happen don't and things you didn't plan on happen; and you are surprised.  Unpredictable weather brings a beautiful plant of tangled roots, seed-bearing fruit, and freezer jam (not canned).  You look back, thankful for the hard even though it's hard.  Thankful for the blessings, growing even more precious with the passing of one year.

Psalm 90:12  "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Joy Comes In Unexpected Places

Rewind.  Over 10 years ago I walked through the gun aisle of a sporting goods store and started crying as Hubby looked at guns.  I did not grow up with guns around.  Since I was a teacher, my connection with guns was hearing about school shootings and gun accidents.  Fear dictated my view of guns.

Fast forwarded to today.  I still don't feel real comfortable with guns, but I support my hubby's hobby and collection.  I have even attended a gun safety class and shot handguns several times.  Well, the other day I shot Hubby's new AR build and you know what?  I actually enjoyed myself by the second shot.  And I checked another thing off my Bucket List; I hit the target!

Joy comes in unexpected places.

We have had a lot of loss with the adoption process.  10 babies, not ours.  Still waiting, much longer than we expected.  Grief knocks throughout the days; but joy does too.  Joy came while I was doing something I feared.

Joy found in the three, right here, collected the bullet shells, once fired, a treasure hunt.  Find casings, memorials of the power displayed.  Keep counting...

#2081  Done with school for the year- quite the milestone.  We learned, we cried, we grew, we finished; joy.

#2082  Darling daughter started a Horse Blog and stopped crying about writing, when she got to use the keyboard to write.  She loves to use exclamation points!!!!!!!!!  Quite fitting for a girl who approaches life with such enthusiasm!

#2084  After big break from phonics and tears of frustration (from student and teacher) we found a reading program that works for sunshine-head.  He is one who can honestly say, "Hooked on Phonics worked for me!":)  So proud of you son.

#2085  For the flexibility of youngest while the others do school.  So ready to learn...chiming in with answers.  Your turn will come this fall buddy.

Today, let's bring joy to unexpected places...like a dentist office, a stressful work environment,  a lonely neighbor, a spouse who could use a helping hand, a prayer offered for a difficult situation.


Jeremiah 31:13-14  
"Then (she) will rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old, together, for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and give them joy for their sorrow.  And I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness', declares the LORD."

Lamb of God

"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" -John 1:29

"Your only Son
No sin to hide
But You have sent Him,
From Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God"
(by Twila Paris?)


"So wrap our injured flesh around You- breathe our air and walk our sod- rob our sin and make us holy, perfect son of God" (lyrics from Welcome to Our World)

Expecting and Expectations

"O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms. O how bright the path grows from day to day- leaning on the everlasting arms."
I was reminded several times recently that I am expecting! Yes, we are adopting, and no, we do not know for sure when we will be chosen by a birthmom, but, we are still "with child" (in heart) and expecting the arrival of a newborn. It feels good to be reminded of this and let myself celebrate that fact. We registered at Babies R Us the other day (please don't scold us if you think this was not wise or necessary- it was something we needed and wanted to do and was an important milestone in our preparation to welcome #4 into our family). Someone dear started making our baby's blanket the other day, I could have cried- how special and hopeful to us. There has been such an outpouring of support- prayers, fundraising, people asking us how we are doing and how things are going; thank you for walking this journey
with us and supporting us in it; it means so much.
We were thrilled to find out that a waiting family, we have met online, just welcomed their adopted daughter into the world- oh, she is cute! They have been waiting just a bit longer than us and it brought much joy and hope to hear they are now holding their 4th child in their arms.
Daughter and I decided to pack/stock our diaper bag today, just in case we get a call from the hospital anytime soon- wouldn't that be exciting and wild?! But, regardless we will need it anyway once baby arrives.
Along with expecting a baby comes "nesting". Today I organized our bathroom, linen closet, and schoolroom closet and it felt great. During my nesting session today, I came across some articles about Sarah Edwards (Jonathan Edwards' wife). I had been prompted to look her up again and it was quite timely that I found these articles. What a woman it sounds like she was- her greatest success was being a great wife and mom; what a valuable legacy! At the end of the research paper I was reading it said, "Sarah Edwards was not remembered because of her profound writings or her legacy-making preaching. Rather she is remembered as a model theologian who spoke not in words but deeds" (Morrison, 1998).
I want that to be true of me- that my largest "sermons" come from what I do and how I live my life, not just by what I say. It is easy to say the right thing, to challenge others, and to paint this flowery picture of my life...but I want people to be inspired by how I live, really live. I don't want there to be a disconnect between what I say (preach) and how I am living...when I see that in others and myself it is ugly for sure and puts a bad taste in people's mouth. I can say "be present and spend quality time with your kids"...but am I yelling at my kids and too preoccupied with my interests, aspirations, and life on the computer? Yes.
In 2 Corinthians Paul says, "If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message". Amen, I don't want to be praised for things that aren't really worked into my life. I want to be real, to not have a gap between my message and actually everyday life.
Today's Challenge: How do you spend your time? Do you live like Sarah Edwards, spending the best of yourself on those God has placed in front of you- your family? A wise friend once told me that I can have the greatest impact on society and for God's
Kingdom by raising our children well. And as we know, this is hard work! Sometimes I think moms of young children stay so busy with the "other things" (even good things) that they miss out on a lot with their children. I think some reasons this happens is: identity crisis, not really grieving the changes that motherhood brings (don't get me wrong there are fabulous things about being mom, but you do need to give up a lot to in order to gain), not wanting to face the hard things in motherhood (the whining, yelling, character flaws, sins, and weaknesses of our precious kiddos)-- it takes work to set schedules, and boundaries, and discipline consistently; but it is worth it, and it will be worth it! Let's not beat ourselves up with Mommy Guilt, but resolve to do the hard thing today- to love our families well. To lay aside selfishness and keep our husbands in mind and heart, to cuddle with our kids and pray with them; to talk more calmly and play with them.
Speaking of spending time with your family...here is a quick, easy, and delicious recipe for granola to make together.

4 cups Old-Fashioned Oats (Meijer Naturals Brand is what I use)
2 cups chopped Almonds (I use unsalted, or salted with sea salt)
4 tablespoons butter (melted)
1/2 cup raw honey or maple syrup (with no high fructose corn syrup)
I like to use a mixture of both of these (honey and maple syrup)

Mix the oats and almonds in a big bowl, then pour the melted butter with honey and/or syrup mixed in with it. Stir it all together. Bake in a lightly greased large glass plan in the oven on 300 degrees for 25 minutes, stir and then cook for 5 more minutes. Let granola cool and then place in an air tight container for up to a week. Trust me, you'll go through it quickly! You can add raisins when you serve it...eat as cereal or use as a yogurt topping. Yum!

Starting to see...

I feel like I am starting, just starting to wake up; starting to really see. God has and is using the ideas from "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp, along with His Word, Holy Spirit, and circumstances to help show me that He is all around...yes, my head knew that, but my heart didn't really get it. I am starting to see Him, His love, in the most surprising places...Pam lent me her new camera, not just any camera, but THE CAMERA, the Nikon D90, this is the camera I have been wanting. It was fun to play around with it. I take a picture out the window on a raining, dreary, cold Saturday afternoon. Click, a nice photo, out our window:


Then later I edit it... wait! I almost missed it, I crop, I zoom in- there it is, I almost missed it...



A cross....the cross. It was right there and I had never seen it there before. A subtle, yet strong reminder of grace. Why hadn't I seen it before? No matter, now I see it. GRACE.
The children and I return down the dirt road that leads to home a few weeks ago. The dirt road, bumpy- the day full, we are tired; and then, here comes the leaves...falling, swirling, floating, dancing from above and on top of our van and we laugh and gasp...He is sending down leaves on us- covering us with love; we delight, we smile...what a surprise. Before I would have missed it, but His Spirit quickened my heart- these leaves were not just leaves, but love. All around reminders of the depth of His love. How much have I missed? What matters is now. Taking account now- keep counting; all around in grace, love.

Even in the lump...
Lump of dough.
Lump of flesh.

Today- holy....a holy lump. Learning to live with open hands. It is "easy" when the leaves dance down, but what about when the pain comes up? When the doctor says "there is a lump here and we need to check it out". Really God, is this a test? A test to see if I'll keep the hands open in trust? Or will I shake the fists, or clench them in control, or hold them half open, reluctantly? Or will I keep them open- letting you give and take and thanking You in it all. Will I try and be numb and hurry along, or will I slow and feel deep and dance clumsy and keep standing- leaning on Your everlasting arms? Yes, somehow, I will thank You for the lump.
Today I discovered that the lump is just how You made me. How fitting- after hearing Kristien C. talk at the Women's Banquet about being made wonderfully complex. You knew what You were doing, didn't You? You knew somehow this lump would be used for Your glory; keeping me close, bringing others closer.
#148 somehow thank You for the lump
Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father, we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and all of us are the work of Thy hand."

#155 banner over the table where I ate lunch at Panera today..."Baked Fresh Today"- hands shown, forming around dough. That's You God, you bake grace afresh each day (no matter the outcome...today it was a favorable, wonderful outcome- a cause to celebrate...but regardless of the news (good or hard), we give thanks- we acknowledge You). You form each day. Thank You for daily bread; for making us, for forming us, for being so much more than we know, yet so very near.
Psalm 139:16 "Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them."

Of carmel corn and angels

So, the other day Kale asked me to make caramel corn instead of regular popcorn. For sure! This recipe is so easy and quick. I adapted it from "Better Homes and Gardens" cookbook. -Pop 2 bags of microwave buttered popcorn, or make your own and lightly salt and butter it (sea salt and real unsalted butter). Grease a LARGE baking pan and put the popped popcorn in it.
-Over the stove, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add 3/4 cup brown sugar and 3 tablespoons maple syrup.
-Cook and stir over med. heat until it boils- then cook it (without stirring for 5 minutes), watch it closely you don't want it to burn...turn it down if you need to.
-Remove from heat and add 1/4 tsp. of vanilla and 1/4 tsp.baking soda, stir and pour over popcorn, mix it to make sure it is all coated.
-Cook at 300 degrees for 15 minutes, then stir and cook for 5 minutes more. Cool and serve (store in a air tight container).


So the other day, we looked out the window and saw this:
Brooke said, "Mom, it looks like the angels are coming down Heaven!" I readily agreed, when I see light rays coming down from the sky it reminds me of the spiritual realm and how God is Creator, Lord, and King of Kings, majestic, holy and always present (even when I forget). This reminded me that God is the One who keeps us, is fighting for us...spiritual warfare is real. Just yesterday a friend reminded me to be mindful of the battle that is raging...the enemy was trying to trick me to focus on other people's attitudes/faults and hurtful behavior and get upset at them, instead of extending more grace and standing strong in the Lord. Satan is the one who hates us and wants to destroy us and he will use people to discourage us and get us down...but let's keep our eyes on Christ- He is our hope, shield, and defender. We can be free in Him! I am so glad I know the One who has won and will keep winning! "Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things and because of Thy will they existed and were created." -Revelation 4:11

Autumn Aromas

Okay, so I don't think milkweed has much of a scent, but I just liked this photo and wanted to include it in the post. We had a great time celebrating Kale and Aunt Laura's birthdays this weekend (age 5 and 30 respectively). I still smile that Kale was born on my sis's birthday. I wasn't smiling much 5 years ago when I had 14 hours of intense back labor with him, but was so glad to meet him once he was born! This photo was taken at a disc golf course we all went too. It was so warm, no it was hot, and sunny- a lovely fall day!

The Birthday Duo amidst musty, dusty, crisp brown oak leaks that never seem to stop falling in my parents' yard (adult children convicted at how NOT hard we used to work to help with the continually raking). Endless fun jumping and swinging from strategically-placed hammock to awaiting and overflowing leaf pile. Coughing from leaf "fragrance"; precious moments with each other on the "day of rest" the sweetest perfume of (f)all. Uncle Kirk and Bro's g-friend Sarah also share b-days with these two.

Concord grapes are so fragrant! We had the joy of picking these at a local orchard nearby and turning them into grape juice; delicious. Reminded me of John 15 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who ABIDES in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing" (vs. 5) ABIDE....to remain, to stay. Are you abiding? Are you fighting the vine or fighting being attached to the vine? Do you want your own way, to call the shots, to produce your own fruit? I know my fruit was pretty stinky today....exasperation with the darlings, yelling to try to motivate obedience, trying to do too much, unrealistic expectations of myself and others, etc. Thank You God for grace, beautiful grace among my ugly sin; for redemption, for rest, for reminders all around of Your love.

A harvest of apples from a dear old 98 year old man and his son...made delicious applesauce (Courtlands, Jonathans, McIntosh apples). Fragrant old barn full of apples; inviting, nostalgic, welcoming. God asked me to go back a second day and ask the elderly man if he knew Jesus. Honestly, ashamedly, I didn't want to. Not because I didn't care about him and his salvation, but because I felt annoyed, embarrassed, frustrated; and also very convicted that I don't do these kind of things more often (telling others about the Savior). Oh what a sinner I am (the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak)! I changed my mind though and decided to obey...an opportunity to teach children (about sharing the good news and also about my weakness and struggle), opportunity to grow, opportunity to plant seed. Arrived at barn, old man not there, his son was...asked if they knew Jesus (he said "yes" his dad did and "more or less" he did). Shared how much Jesus loved him, simply, brief; tried to communicated His love and care. Thank You God for Your patience with us...help us to obey without tantrum; knowing that You are good and desire us to share Your good news with others- as You lead, even when it is uncomfortable at times. The apple barn experience was sweet, not as hard as I thought, brought joy- I've missed opportunities before, haunting; not this time, hopefully, not next time either.

Sweet & Spicy Taco Soup! A fall favorite for sure...confession, I am a creative cook (I am not a big fan of following recipes exactly- unless I am baking), I use what I have on hand and like to add my own portion of spices. Mind you, I have had some big blunders in the kitchen, but feel like for the most part my family is learning to be braver when I throw the word "Surprise" to the end of a dish (ex. Burrito Surprise for dinner last night- basically throwing together whatever I have (that makes sense) into a tortilla- last night it was drained pinto beans, chives from the yard, handful of spinach leaves, chopped green pepper, part of a can of chili verde (green) salsa, a bit of monterey jack cheese, taco-seasoned meat, dashes of hot sauce and a little sour cream. Top with more filling, taco sauce, salsa, and bit of cheese).








Now, back to the taco soup...
One 64 oz. can of Tomato Juice
One can of corn (drained)
2-3 cans of your favorite beans drained (black, dark red, red, garbanzo, pinto, etc.)
One can baked beans (drain just a bit then put it all in)

2 tablespoons brown sugar
One cup of your favorite salsa
One can diced tomatoes (or one large tomato cut up)
One pound seasoned taco meat cooked
Add some of the taco season to the meat also (however much you like)
(see picture above for my sis-in-law's homemade taco seasoning recipe)
Put in crock pot on low for 4 hours or so
Serve with shredded cheese, crushed up tortilla chips, and sour cream on top.

Zucchini Muffins make a great side with the soup or for dessert (or use corn bread for a delicious side). Two summers ago, as I read the following verses, I felt impressed to start building up a food supply in the summer, for the winter (freezing food, canning food, and buying extra canned goods to start an emergency/winter supply). "Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the the summer, and gathers her provision in the harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8).
I admit I did not do much that first summer...but this summer we had a garden, made strawberry jam, grape juice, froze jam and applesauce, and froze veggies from the garden. A lot of work, but a lot of fun too! This muffins were made with some of the zucchini we froze from the garden. I use the recipe found in the traditional Better Homes and Garden cookbook. I used coconut oil (melted) instead of regular oil and a bit less sugar.

Savory Squash and Carrot Soup
This is how I made it today...
Few tablespoons of cooking oil (previously infused with fresh rosemary)
4-6 cups of water
3 tsp of beef base
Dashes of dried rosemary/thyme/sage spices, celery salt, marjoram, cumin, coriander, sea salt, pepper
Bits of fresh basil, sage, and rosemary
Chunks of 5-8 peeled carrots
One large cooked butternut squash cut up in chunks
Boil all ingredients on medium high for awhile, then run it through a blender. Soup will be like a puree. Serve as is or top with a sprig of fresh herb and/or sour cream.

Had to end with a few photos from our impromptu Fall photo shoot the other day. Anna joined the darlings and we had fun coming up with different poses and angles. I hope you are all having a fantastic Fall- hasn't it been beautiful?! May your Fall be fragrant with: wonderful and delicious aromas, an appreciation for God's bountiful blessings all around, opportunities to share His Good News, and thanksgiving for so great a salvation!



"But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings." -Hebrews 2:9-10

The anchor of hope

Hope...I like this word. The idea of hope....lightness, joy, excitement; life giving. As we wait for Baby #4, hope has been present in (seemingly) various degrees...sometimes very bright, floating to the surface in vibrant colors...others times still present, but buried deep and softly lit. When we focus on circumstances hope can seem to fluctuate, but the hope that God gives, is everlasting- real- always present, an anchor to the soul.

Hebrews 6:17-20a "In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor to the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner with us..."

1. He is hope.
2. He gives hope
3. He becomes our hope
4. We are to share His hope

I confess I struggle with #4...why don't I share His hope, His truth, more? Why do I fear man and possible rejection from them...shouldn't I delight to give/show/tell others of this everlasting Hope found in Him? The hope of forgiveness, salvation, restoration, abundant life here and in eternity.,
I have caught glimpses of what it is like to share hope, and it is beautiful. Why don't I do it more...more than glimpses... I want to do it more. The world needs us to share it, we need to share it- we are changed in the process.
May we know You are true hope Lord, thank You that you give hope. Thank You that are our hope, help us to share Your hope each today as a gift to You and others.