VETERANS DAY: HOPE in BLESSINGS for AMERICA
A favorite patriotic song of many Americans was written by Irving Berlin in 1918. Yet “God Bless America” wasn’t introduced publically until 1938 when sung by Kate Smith on a radio program on Armistice Day (now Veterans Day). It was — and still is — an expression of deep love for our great and beautiful land. Perhaps more importantly it expresses hope in God’s blessings for America. Berlin didn’t want to personally profit from his patriotism so assigned royalties from the song to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
“God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.”
(Irving Berlin)
Remember to thank a vet today! Celebrate Veterans Day, and be thankful for the brave military men and women to whom we owe so much. God bless America and our heroes both past and present!
MATTERHORN: MOUNTAIN POINTS TO GOD OF HOPE
Have you paid any attention to the stunning picture when you visit this blog? Its inclusion here is not accidental and is for a specific reason.
You may recognize the peak, because it has been photographed countless times. Maybe you’ve seen the well-known mountain range of which it’s a part. Maybe you’ve even scaled heights that resulted in this view and feelings of awe and wonder.
I remember when I first saw those mountains 15 years ago. I was excited to see spectacular views both while I was flying directly over and from a distance while on foreign soil in Italy and Switzerland. Those were special moments in time that have remained in my memory. (I’ve reached an age where I realize more and more that remembering such moments is a blessing.) Anyway… it’s special to me personally, because I’ve been there, and recalling the beauty of those snow-covered mountains takes me back and makes me smile.
I’m referring to Europe’s amazing Alps. More precisely, this photo features the Matterhorn in Switzerland or called Monte Cervino in Italy. Both countries share this magnificent summit. I chose this image, because it does what I want this blog to do. It points up toward God, the source of hope.
This photo represents hope to me, so I chose it for this blog. My intent is that this blog is “where hope is found.” If the first image one sees on this website is an awesome mountain peak pointing heavenward, then maybe that’s a peek (excuse the pun) of what’s to come.
God is the Source of hope, and my desire is that others are finding His hope via these blogs. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share. Also I’m glad to have such an amazing photo to represent this blog and to greet readers.
Such an image also represents beautiful inspiration from Psalm 121: “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth….” Something that brings Scripture to mind brings hope.
As you now know, I love this particular Matterhorn picture. Perhaps you feel the same. It’s likely to be on this website for a long time to come!
I’ll close by acknowledging my thanks to God for His beautiful Creation that includes mountain peaks to point us to Him and to remind us from whence comes our help… and hope.
LIFE IS HARD: HOPE FOR ETERNAL LIFE
I don’t have to tell you that life is sometimes hard. Probably no one will argue with that statement except those who say it is always hard. The good news is this life isn’t the end. The bad news is this life isn’t the end.
Let me explain what I mean…. If you have no hope for a better life after this one, then the idea of never-ending death is worse than terribly sad news.
However, if you have hope for eternal life in heaven after this one, then faith in Jesus of the Bible brings better than incredibly good news!
The Bible tells us “…God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Accepting, trusting, believing in Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, as means of eternal life results in living forever in heaven, a place of no more death nor crying nor sorrow. Why would anyone not want to go there? To know Jesus is to know eternal life. This idea brings hope.
Rejecting God’s gift given at Christ’s expense results in one getting his own way. In other words, if one doesn’t want to be with Him, he can have it his way. No Jesus means no eternal life, therefore no Jesus means to know eternal death. This offers utter hopelessness.
Worth pondering…. the consequences of this one choice of what to do with Jesus will last forever! I pray you will have faith to believe the Truth and be filled with hope for eternal life.
AUSTIN PERINE: HOPE FROM A HERO
Austin Perine is a hero, who brings hope to the homeless every week along with the usual chicken sandwiches and his advice to “show love!” He seems to be a natural at showing the love for which he so frequently advises.
The people Austin helps will often return his kindness and optimism with genuine smiles even in the midst of dire circumstances. Many in need are reaping the benefits of his presence in their lives. Those accepting his chicken sandwiches also receive love and hope.
Their gain from a positive connection with Austin is more than just physical. The amazing change in their countenance is evidence of a deeper emotional change. The difference is visible; their look becomes less depressed and more hopeful as if Austin’s joy and optimism are infectious.
Maybe such a change is to be expected when one experiences a real hero, especially a self-proclaimed “Super Hero” with super powers and wearing his own cape! Maybe that’s not really surprising when you realize he’s only four years old!
Austin’s parents have my respect. They are doing something right in their parenting roles. May God bless them as they continue to guide him. May Austin always use his special gift to help others. May the rest of us learn by his example to show love!
Psalm 146:7: “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry….”
Visit Austin’s website @ presidentaustin.org to learn more about this great American super hero in Alabama who plans to run for President when he’s old enough. Until then he’s getting used to the sound of “President Austin Perine” and often uses the alias. I think it has a nice sound to it!
SAM BUTCHER: PRECIOUS MOMENTS AND HOPE
Even the most talented artists don’t always lead charmed lives. Sometimes the extraordinary beauty of their artwork that blesses us most comes after great suffering.
Sam Butcher is an American artist who has experienced the painful loss of 2 sons by death and has faced struggles that included bi-polar disorder, depression, anger, and excessive alcohol. Yet his artwork carrying the name, “Precious Moments,” brings hope, peace, and beauty to multitudes.
I plan to share more on Sam’s art and legacy in a future blog and will end today’s post with a poetic explanation of how he ultimately faced his struggles. Do you doubt that precious moments and hope can follow profound pain and suffering in one’s life? Read the poem below to understand how Sam Butcher found personal hope and peace he desperately needed.
“The sad loss of a loved one Can be so hard at times; I understand, because I lost Two precious sons of mine. I lost my way and wandered In a valley of despair, Because my heavy burden Was too much for me to bear. But then I heard a still small voice So warm and tender; It was the voice of Him, who said I’m here, just trust in me. Then all at once, I felt a touch. It was the hand of God So gentle, warm, and soothing Like a balm in Gilead. We need not be afraid, my friend, When sorrow comes, because The Lord will bless us and keep us By the power of His love.”
(Samuel J. Butcher)
COLLEGE of OZARKS GRAD: HOPE and a FUTURE
Here’s a true story of hope that begins with a newborn girl found abandoned in a trashcan in China. With this nearly hopeless beginning would she have a future?
The infant was found by a family who provided care for five years until she was passed on to a different family. In their “care” for the next six years she took care of herself mostly on the streets of China. Had she gone from little hope to no hope? Surely there was no future for her!
Then at age 11 she was placed in an orphanage. How much hope could be in this situation now? What about her future?
Just prior to turning 14 she was adopted and brought to America, which seemed like heaven to her. Her life’s vastly different situation brought changes where hope could be found and dreams of a positive future finally could be realized.
Speaking no English and barely literate, she was now homeschooled by her “forever” family who provided not just an education but love and care. She earned an Associate’s degree at a community college, dreamed of a Christian education, and applied for College of the Ozarks, where she was placed on a waiting list.
Although it didn’t appear hopeful that she would be accepted right away, she was. It wasn’t easy, but she faced the struggles, which already had been so much a part of her life.
“While at College of the Ozarks there were a couple of times I felt like giving up, but I gained a lot of perseverance…. I learned to ask for help even when I didn’t want others to see me struggling,” she expressed and acknowledged the support and prayers of others that helped her succeed.
She studied. She learned. She worked. She became stronger. She experienced growing hope and enjoyed planning for her future.
She graduated from College of the Ozarks with honors in May 2018. It was a worthy accomplishment but even more importantly, she had learned to trust God who spoke these words found in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans to give you hope and a future.”
Congratulations, Katelynn Corkern!
(Did you know that C of O students participate in a Work Education Program to pay for their education and an opportunity to graduate with a 4-year degree without student debt? For more info about College of the Ozarks — called “Hard Work U” by Wall Street Journal — go to www.cofo.edu.)
PATRIOT DAY: BALD EAGLE SYMBOLIZES HOPE
Be sure to read the Associated Press article about the bald eagle that landed on a fire truck, part of a Patriot Day tribute in Minnesota and view the photo on Andover Fire Department’s Facebook page.
I don’t need to remind you that the bald eagle is our national bird and a symbol of Freedom. In the instance of this wild and free eagle, its timing and the particular location of its landing surrounded by American flags could not have been better than if it were scripted as part of the 17th anniversary tribute. If you consider its flight path and landing may have been choreographed by its Creator and not merely coincidence, then you may appreciate the event even more and be filled with hope and awe.
Once more “the Eagle has landed” (Neil Armstrong), and many Americans were reminded that Almighty God is sovereign. I was also reminded in whom to hope.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
PATRIOT DAY: EXTRAORDINARY HOPE REMEMBERED
Since the birth of our nation countless Americans have suffered personal sorrows and tragedies. Yet perhaps none were so memorable collectively as the acts of terrorism on America on September 11, 2001. Like December 7, 1941, it is “a date which will live in infamy” (President Franklin D. Roosevelt). I believe it is fitting that this anniversary is recognized.
You may wonder why a sad and seemingly hopeless topic is today’s subject in a blog focused on hope. It is chosen, because the horrific and cowardly attacks resulted in great displays of extraordinary hope, heroism, compassion, courage, and unity.
All the books that have been written and documentaries that have been filmed barely scratch the surface of the greatness of the American spirit that was shown that day and days following. I feel inadequate to now add my few sentences, but I can’t let Patriot Day pass without remembering.
My spouse and I visited “ground zero” in New York in 2006. We chaperoned a group of 55 international high school exchange students.
We remember that time with hope for future relationships between nations. We were mindful that those students could become future leaders in their own countries. Any positive experiences with Americans they would have during their American stay could one day play a role in promoting peace on our planet.
Today’s blog is dedicated to those no longer with us physically but who remain in our hearts; those left to grieve whose lives were forever changed; those who bravely sacrificed to rescue survivors; those who shared hope, support, and encouragement to others through it all; our military men and women who honorably met duty’s call to preserve freedom and to protect fellow Americans; those whose deep sense of American patriotism was strengthened or discovered; and those who prayed for our country then and continue to do so now.
Today I remember September 11, 2001, and am thankful for hope! May God bless America, and may America bless God! I will close with some hopeful quotes.
“Time is passing, yet for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.” (former President George W. Bush)
“September 11, 2001, revealed heroism in ordinary people who might have gone through their lives never called upon to demonstrate the extent of their courage.” (Geraldine Brooks)
“We will win this struggle — not for glory, nor wealth, nor power, but for justice, for freedom, and for peace… so help us God.” (Tom Harkin)
“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” (former President Harry S. Truman)
“Americans never quit.” (General Douglas MacArthur)
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)
CHUCK COLSON: FREEDOM, MEANING, and HOPE
I remember 1973 when Watergate was a daily news topic. It proved to be an interesting time to be a college student in Dr. Robert McChesney’s political science class.
Fast forward 20 years to 1993 in Pittsburgh at a Billy Graham Crusade. Chuck Colson was invited to share his testimony 20 yrs after Watergate and more importantly 20 years after his surrendering his life to Jesus Christ.
Chuck Colson had been heavily involved with illegal Watergate thefts and had fallen from high political power and influence to a low of incarceration in prison.
Colson’s words brought hope then and still do now. His message: “I thank God for Watergate, and I thank God for prison, because through that experience I came to know what it is to have a day-in and day-out relationship with the Living God, Jesus Christ. And I’ve discovered, over these last 20 years as I reflect back on it, the three most important things have come from it: Freedom, Meaning, and Hope.“
Colson explained those three lessons. Freedom from guilt and sin was more important than freedom from prison. Meaning is not what you do but what Sovereign God chooses to do through you that matters in life. Real hope is not in government but in the power of God working in the hearts of people.
He related, ” I wouldn’t trade the worst day of the last 20 years for the best day of the 40 years preceding it, because I know Jesus Christ is true.”
According to this former marine, fallen top White House aide, ex-felon, best-selling author, founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries, and hopeful born-again Christian, you, too, can experience freedom from guilt and sin, meaning when you surrender yourself to God, and “hope in One Who was raised from the dead and Who lives today, the Hope of Glory, Jesus Christ.” (CC)
(Visit prisonfellowship.org for info about Prison Fellowship Ministries, which now serves in 117 countries. To learn more about Chuck Colson’s life and beliefs, read BORN AGAIN or any of his many books.)