Hope and Faith

There Are No Barriers

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Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

People are often branded early in life and unable to get past whatever label is pinned to them.

She grew up with abuse and cruelty, her fate is sealed.

He grew up with alcoholic parents, he will be an alcoholic.

Domestic violence in that house shaped the children; they will grow up damaged.

And the list goes on.

God recognizes no barriers. He sees in all of us the potential for change and renewal. His promise is to be with us in all circumstances and to see us through whatever may occur. We change our future when we give up who we are to God and allow him to be at work in us.  

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Morning Has Broken

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

Every day is a new day. Persevere. That’s my word for 2012, adopted at the first of the year. God’s time and mine may not be the same, that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t keep going, stay on the road, and walk through every door God opens. On Jan. 1 and every day since, I have resolved to remain positive and work hard. God has a plan. My job is to make use of my gifts, learn and prepare, work at the work I have to do with all my heart, as working for the Lord, and be ready to go when called upon. Failures are self-inflected. Successes are God-driven. Stick with it. Hang in there. Trust God. He knows what he is doing.

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A Spring Moment

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Luke 12:27

This week the first tulip in our yard opened. Now there are several more, an irregular row of yellow blossoms bright against the spiky green leaves. The flowers open as the day progresses, folding back into themselves as evening falls. I am astounded by the beauty of these harbingers of spring. Awed by their color. Filled for a moment with a desire to laugh with joy at the sight of them. Were I a child I would drop to my knees and stare at them, believing I could watch the wax and wane of their life cycle. I would touch them with care, fearful of damaging something so delicate. I shake my head and hurry on, and then stop for just one moment and say, "Thank you Creator God, for your gift of tulips."

Majestic Creation, All For Me

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

There are places in the world where the word majestic applies. I imagine the Andes and I think, majestic. I see the Grand Canyon and I think, majestic. The Alps are very likely majestic in ways I can't imagine having only seen photos and film of their soaring heights. The awesome ocean with its astounding sea creatures and plant life is majestic in its intricate design. The power of creation's variety is absolutely breathtaking. And then I think, God made all that, and he made it for me. Imagine that.

Renewal

For He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11

Self-doubt is a thief;

It takes away courage,

creativity and constancy.

Self-doubt looms over achievement

and hides possibilities.

Self-doubt takes away faith in God,

belief in His liberally given gifts

and success.  

Trust finds unseen paths

along life's journey.

Trust ignites faith

to navigate rocky roads,

ford raging rivers and climb rugged hills.

Trust is God's catalyst, a means

by which we become more

than we ever thought we could be.