SUCCESSFUL FAMILIES: HOPE IN WISE COUNSEL
A Focus on the Family bulletin had something interesting to say about traits of successful families. According to a study of more than 500 family counselors, below are the top traits of successful families.
Communicating and listening;
Affirming and supporting family members;
Respecting one another;
Developing a sense of trust;
Sharing time and responsibility;
Knowing right from wrong;
Having rituals and traditions;
Sharing a religious core; and
Respecting privacy
Giving serious attention to these traits may lead one to heed instruction found in the New Testament book of Luke. “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37) Do it, and then be hopeful that a successful family may be your reward!
Please visit focusonthefamily.com for more about strengthening your own family. Ministries at Focus on the Family have brought hope and have blessed individuals, marriages and families for decades.
“Listen to counsel and accept discipline that you may be wise the rest of your days.” (Proverbs 19:20)
ZACHARIAS & VITALE: HOPE IN SUFFERING
WHY SUFFERING?
Life on this planet includes suffering. Perhaps you’ve heard or even asked this question: “Why would a loving and powerful God allow so much pain and suffering?”
I recommend an important book, WHY SUFFERING? FINDING MEANING AND COMFORT WHEN LIFE DOESN’T MAKE SENSE.
Co-authors Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale offer an answer that makes sense even when life’s circumstances that are full of pain and suffering don’t. I believe reading this book will bring hope, comfort, and sense to even hearts that are hurting.
When thinking eternally and one considers the possibility of love, doesn’t one have to consider the reality of freedom? Of the possibility of pain?
This book is “written for the Christian struggling for an answer, the seeker who thinks suffering disproves God’s existence, and the sufferer who needs a glimpse of a loving God.” In other words, it is for all of us. Surely each reader is described here at one time or other!
Whichever description fits you, I believe you will be blessed with comfort, meaning, and hope by reading WHY SUFFERING?
Ravi Zacharias is founder of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, and Vince Vitale teaches at Oxford University. I wholehearted recommend any book either author has written. I am thankful for their ministries that have blessed my life.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
FROM CUSTODIAN TO PRINCIPAL: HOPEFUL EXAMPLE
According to a BBC News article this week, an American man became principal of the school he once cleaned.
Michael Atkins’ life was changed by his second grade teacher, Mrs. Brown. Years after he left school and because of helpful guidance, “doors he once cleaned were opened up for him in the education system.”
Michael had a custodian job in a local school before being hired at an elementary school in Denver, Colorado. It was this job that helped lead him onto the path to become the principal of a school that had been his own neighborhood school when he was a child.
“It’s truly meaningful to be back in my own community,” Michael told the BBC.
He had liked school, but it was difficult for him when “some teachers made students aware of their differences based on where they came from and what they looked like.”
“Schooling was more like compliance for me,” he realized.
After high school Michael’s life lacked but still needed guidance from caring teachers.
“There was no-one to show me how to access higher education. No-one in my family had the tools to guide me.”
When he was about to become a father at 19, he needed to earn money fast, so he got a job and decided to go to state college.
Michael knew he was good with children and applied for assistant teaching jobs while he attended college part-time to study business.
He wasn’t hired for that but instead was hired for positions as a school custodian. As it turned out the principal of one of the schools was Carolyn Brown now Riedlin.
“She embraced me, asked about my family. I told her how I wanted to work with kids.” Riedlin even created a new position and hired him as a reading and writing paraprofessional.
“She was one of those teachers in elementary school who instilled a few good things into me — self-worth and love. She was very caring. She’d ask questions beyond school. Those things were meaningful.”
Her attitude and approach had made a difference to Michael. According to him, social and emotional development and wellbeing are just as important as academia.
“If we have children struggling with identity, culture, self-worth, then it’s hard for them to learn. It’s difficult to ask a child who’s experienced something traumatic in their lives to sit down and learn academic subjects. That’s a big ask.”
Today Michael Atkins is the new principal at Stedman School. Mr. Atkins acknowledges that becoming a father when he was so young and that his past experiences have helped him “…to model excellence and strive for more.”
Also he notes the value of hard work and dedication when “the cards might not be set up in our favour….”
When a student is struggling, Mr. Atkins has helpful advice for the adults in the student’s life.
“I’d tell their parents and teachers to give them the tools of advocacy…. by creating self-worth and celebrating the student. It’s our responsibility as educators to create self-worth and celebrate our cultures.”
Mr. Atkins’ hopeful example impacts more than just students. His story touches many teachers across the United States who wish to visit his school. Hope continues to spread, and that means his example really is full of hope — all the way to overflowing it seems.
(Inspired by “US man becomes principal of the school he once cleaned” by Sherie Ryder, BBC News, June 2019)
“Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their lives.”
(Proverbs 22:6)
“But as for you, continue in the truths that you were taught and firmly believe. You know who your teachers were, and you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.” (Psalms 127:3)
“Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples scolded the people. When Jesus noticed this, he was angry and said to his disciples, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16)
D-DAY: HOPE FOR RIGHT WEATHER
Today is the 75th D-Day anniversary, and my focus is the weather forecast that changed the tide of WWII.
One of the most important weather forecasts in world history occurred in early June 1944, as Allied meteorologists prepared the final word for the long awaited D-Day invasion of Normandy. Thousands of lives and the tide of the war fully depended on Allied meteorologist teams who decided on possible weather conditions for the invasion within a small window of time.
Allied forces needed low tide on the landing beaches and the airborne needed a full moon for proper dropping conditions. The circumstances needed for Allied success were not dependent upon military genius, leadership, strength, nor might but on forces of nature — on God Who is Sovereign over natural elements that include weather.
High winds and rough seas could impact the amphibious assault, and low clouds could block vital air support. Weather factors, such as wind, visibility, and cloud cover, would definitely impact the invasion.
“On the Allied side, six meteorologists working in three different teams were responsible for the D-Day forecasts,” reported James R. Fleming, President of the International Commission on History of Meteorology.
On June 4, just hours before the launch of D-Day operations amid an approaching storm, British Group Captain James Stagg urged General Eisenhower for a last-minute delay of 24 hours, according to Television’s History Channel.
Also according to History Channel, only a few invasion dates were possible because of the need for a full moon for illumination and for a low tide at dawn to expose underwater German defenses; June 5 was the first date in a narrow three-day window.
“The American team used an analogue method that compared the current weather with past conditions. Their forecast was overly optimistic and would have resulted in disaster on June 5, 1944,” Fleming said.
Gen. Eisenhower postponed the invasion at the last minute, heeding Stagg’s and other British forecasters’ advice. “June 5 becomes quickly off the table because of a terrible storm that is coming in, and it’s going to make any invasion basically impossible,” McManus said.
So… the Allied invasion at Normandy was on Tuesday, June 6, 1944. Despite heavy casualties its success was a turning point to end the war. Thank God for Allied victory over tyrannical Nazi forces that threatened world peace and freedom.
Is there any doubt that God created an environment to help the side whose cause was to bring peace to the world? Does this give you hope that God is involved in such affairs of humans? The full story offers more details if history interests you and if you choose to investigate D-Day and its weather aspect.
Peace has always been a condition important to God and is a result of knowing Him. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27)
Peace is also a gift or fruit of the Holy Spirit along with love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5: 22, 23)
The Bible instructs, “If possible so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18) If peace is important to you, then follow God’s instruction and be hopeful.
PLANET HOPEFUL: HOPE TO CONTINUE
Today marks a one year anniversary of Planet Hopeful by this hopeful messenger. This blog has nearly 100 posts published, and I continue a second year with today’s post #89. I hope to continue as long as I am able.
I am humbled to know others are reading these posts (evidenced by comments). It is my sincere desire to remind readers that hope can be found if our hearts are open to receive it. When I find hope in my observations and experiences then I like to share.
I want my efforts to make a difference in lives. I believe hope is needed in our world, and there may be someone who desperately needs it.
I’m incredibly blessed to recognize hope as I encounter it. I urge you to share hope as you recognize it.
The most important thing is to know the One Who is the Hope in the world Who actually IS the difference needed. If you’ve read many of my posts, then you know I refer to Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
What a difference He’s made to me! He is my Hope for each day, each night, every aspect of my life! He makes life worth living on this planet. Regarding what’s to come in the next life, He’s even more vital if one believes the Holy Bible. I do! My faith is in the One Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I’m thankful that He is always with me. I am never alone. When problems come (and they do in this life), I have peace that comes from His presence (via His Spirit).
My beliefs are based on Biblical teachings and result from a personal relationship with Jesus, the Source of my confidence and hope. May His hope be real to you, too!
“Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
“Jesus said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” (Hebrew 13:5)
“Jesus said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.'” (John 14:6)
NEBRASKA FARMER: HOPE FOR SURVIVAL
Today 63 year old Nebraska farmer Kurt Kaser is minus part of his left leg but heavy on the plus side when it comes to optimism for his return to walking and working his large farm after physical therapy and a prosthetic leg.
His amazing attitude and presence of mind served him well a few weeks ago when he performed his own leg amputation with a small pocketknife to free himself from farm equipment in which he was accidentally caught. This desperate action showed amazing courage and strength that resulted in his survival. It shows hope, too, I believe.
Mr. Kaser surely found hope from deep within to do what had to be done if he were to survive. He did the unthinkable then remained conscious, crawled a surprising distance, and reached help to be life-flighted to medical care. Mr. Kaser, I’m thankful you survived.
I think a deep-rooted hope helps you to do more than survive. I am confident that you excel in being the salt-of-the-earth kind of man who gets the job done. You don’t quit until the crop is in the barn, so to speak, as you have learned by decades of hard work and often difficult farmlife.
Friends and neighbors can surely count on you and would declare you to be a dependable man. If I am ever in a desperate life-or-death situation, then I hope someone like you is beside me.
May God bless you as you follow your plans to continue farming and living life to the fullest.
“Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” (Hebrews 2:18)
“Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious. I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
TOLSTOY: LIGHT BRINGS HOPE
If you have read Tolstoy’s novel ANNA KARENINA, then you know it is rich with ingredients of life on this planet. He wrote of life, death, love, hate, marriage,
infidelity, regret….
You may have sensed this brilliant author compared Anna’s life with light when he wrote, “And the candle… flickered, grew dim, and went out forever.”
Considering the novel’s ending may not fill readers with hope. However I was reminded of another — and much better — comparison of Someone with light.
Unlike a novel the Bible is a source of truth about the life of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. He brings hope to an otherwise hopeless world. A dark world needs this Light, and a dying world needs the life He brings.
Unlike a fictional character’s comparison to light, the Light of Jesus Christ will never go out, never flicker nor dim, because He’s Eternal. As Light of the World, His light shines on the path and shows the Way. He offers light, hope, and life to the world…
He’s the Light to shine on believers’ hearts and then reflect His light to the world to show His Way for others to follow. He’s the Light that removes the darkness that hides hope from hearts.
In the “final chapter” of a believer’s life, He is the Light that is Hope realized forever. Readers of ANNA KARENINA may not jump ahead to read the ending before reading through the story, but it’s gratifying at any time to read the final book of the Bible, the Revelation, where the Light of the World — the Alpha and Omega — is the Hope to the World.
“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life.’” (John 8:12)
ROYALTY: HOPE in the FUTURE
In case you missed the news on May 6, a new baby became an official citizen of Planet Earth. Such a blessing was delivered to Britain’s royal family! Welcome, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor; congratulations, Prince Harry; and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, Duchess of Sussex!
Births — new lives — give hope. The future with its potential and possibilities is where hope is realized. This baby boy has a future ahead of him, and many prayers are being voiced for his good and for those responsible for his upbringing in this imperfect world.
May his spiritual teaching be a priority for his parents to be remembered as he receives instruction and training in academic education and royal responsibilities. He will likely experience the best this world offers, and with help from his loving parents and other caring attendants, it is anticipated that he will offer this world his best in return.
For a baby there is nothing but hope in his or her future. Even more important than a position in royalty is to grow up to realize a position as a child of the King of Kings. In that identity one will know the greatest hope known on earth or in heaven. Citizenship in heaven is far more privileged than that of any royal lineage on earth.
“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me when as yet there was not one of them.” (Psalm 139: 13-16)
“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them….” (Psalm 127: 3-5)
“Train up a child in the way he should go; Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22: 6)
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” (Deut 6: 5-7)
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8: 36, 37)
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom 15: 31)
A man is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” (Jim Elliot)
MESSAGE ON A WALL: WORDS OF HOPE
I am so thankful for my mother. She was the one person on this planet most responsible for my understanding of God, His love, and the Way of salvation. She taught me Bible stories during years of my earliest recollections, had me in a Bible-preaching and -teaching church every Sunday, and faithfully modeled the life of a believer in Christ.
I remember wall decor hanging in my childhood home that read, “LOVE NEVER FAILS.” On her mother’s wall another read, “GOD IS LOVE.” Although my maternal grandmother died when I was a child, I remember experiencing the same motherly love from Granny as from Momma. How precious to have two such women in my life during my formative years!
Each message on the wall led me to ponder its truth. Momma believed it; I believed it. There was no reason for me not to. Then years later when difficult times came as usually happen in life, the truths were realized and proven time after time. I learned that indeed God IS love and Love NEVER fails.
Those few words on simple wall decor gave and still give me hope. Life lessons taught by my mother filled my young life with hope and still give me hope even as I am now older than she lived to be.
When she was terminally ill with cancer, I witnessed her faith in One Who is Love as He provided grace and peace that passed all human understanding. Her spirit was strengthened by One Who never fails, the One Who never left her alone. She received the ultimate healing by the Great Physician and was ushered into heaven.
Only in my mid-twenties, I experienced this huge personal loss but was left with hope. I am confident that I will see her again, because I believe in eternal life after this life as taught in God’s Holy Bible.
The God Who is Love loved humanity so much that He gave His Son to be the Savior of the world. Jesus Who never fails was the Sacrifice Who accomplished the redemption that saves my soul for eternity. I thank God that He chose my mother to lead me to accept Him many years ago. I still believe the message on a wall that offers words of hope: God is Love and Love never fails.
“Beloved, let us love one another for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God for God is love.” (1 John 4:7,8)
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
“Love never fails….” (1 Corinthians 13:8)
“All that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother.” (Abraham Lincoln)