Tag: Hope

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BIRTHDAY BLESSING: HOPE FOR BELLA’S FUTURE

Ciao, Bella!!!

Happy birthday with love to my precious granddaughter! How perfect that Bella in Italian means “beautiful.” I totally agree that you are — even if we’re not Italian!

Remember that it’s more important to be beautiful on the inside than on the outside. It’s better to be kind and good and loving than just to look pretty. Follow God everyday to become truly beautiful in your heart!

Remember that it’s more important to be wise than just smart. It’s better to be wise enough to make right choices and think good thoughts than to be smart enough to be a clever fool. Learn God’s ways to grow in His wisdom to live right!

God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. He will be with you ALWAYS! Remember one of our favorite verses: “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!” (Phillipians 4:13)

I remember your birth brought hope for your future, prayers, and excitement! The first time I met you as a beautiful bundle of baby I unleashed a load of love and released tears of joy. It was a moment I will always cherish and never forget.

You, granddaughter, are a gift from heaven, and I am blessed beyond measure to be your grandparent! To your parents: THANK YOU for your part in the Beautiful Bella miracle!

To God, the Creator of Life: Thank You for this amazing gift of a granddaughter! May her life be filled with Faith, Hope, and Love. May she walk Your Way, believe Your Truth, and live Life according to Your plan. Thank You for her time now on earth, and thank You even more for her eternal life to come in heaven that will never end, because her name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.” Psalm 127:3

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HOPEFUL or HOPELESS: HOPE RIGHTLY PLACED

Hope is a good thing. Hope is a needed thing, but it matters in whom or what my hope is placed. I believe it makes all the difference in the world.

Hope misplaced is, well, hopeless. Hope rightly placed results in whatever — or Whomever — hoped for being reached or received.

If my hope lies in something or someone false or even non-existent, will I receive that for which I hope? Of course not! My hope must lie in that which has the ability or capability to fulfill my hope. My hope must be rightly placed.

Perhaps the saddest thing in life is being hopeless. To live without hope is hardly living at all. Hopelessness may be the reason for many suicidal deaths.

How different is the life promised to believers who have chosen to place our hope in Jesus Christ. The difference is abundant living versus hopelessness. (That’s only in this life on earth. It gets even more important in the  afterlife, because the difference is eternal life versus eternal death.)

Jesus said, “…I came that they might have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Why would anyone choose less when it is so freely offered?

Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, so in Him hope is rightly placed. Hope will not be disappointed when placed in the One whom God gave for that purpose.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus) that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) That’s reason for hope!

As Edward Mote, the author of the beloved hymn, “The Solid Rock,” professed in 1834: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness….” Amen!

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PRECIOUS MOMENTS CHAPEL: MESSAGE of LOVE, HOPE, & INSPIRATION

The Precious Moments Chapel near Carthage, Missouri, is a unique place. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience a moving message from the heart of an artist.  It is a message of love, hope, and inspiration. The results of Sam Butcher’s dream that originated almost 40 years ago has blessed many lives since the Precious Moments Chapel opened almost 30 years ago.

I hope you will visit online at preciousmomentschapel.org to see photos, to learn about the artist, and to understand the history of this special place.  Even better, visit in person to experience firsthand the chapel, the museum, and the beautiful grounds. Enjoy the figurines, murals, fountains, statues, and more. Go, and allow your heart to feel loved, hopeful, and inspired.

Sharing more than his dream and artwork, Sam Butcher shared his faith and this prayer: “It is my prayer that through my work in the Chapel, I might share my faith with others and that the Spirit of God might touch the visitors’ hearts and bring them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

I am thankful for Sam’s beautiful testament that is a place where precious moments truly abound.

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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)

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MEMORABLE SONG: MY ONLY HOPE IS YOU

Via my auditory memories I can hear my children’s voices singing, “My only hope is You….” Almost 30 years ago at summer camp in Kiamichi hills of eastern Oklahoma we learned this song written by Keith Lancaster.

It blessed my heart to hear the truth of the message in the simple lyrics, the sweet tune, and their precious voices singing of our hope… peace… joy.

Past, present, or future all that I need is Jesus, because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

MY ONLY HOPE IS YOU

My only hope is You, Jesus,
My only hope is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only hope is You.

My only peace is You, Jesus,
My only peace is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only peace is You.

My only joy is You, Jesus,
My only joy is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only joy is You.

All that I need is You, Jesus,
All that I need is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
All that I need is You.

My only hope is You, Jesus,
My only hope is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only hope is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only hope is You.

(Keith Lancaster)

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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.)

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SAMARITAN’S PURSE: HOPE COMES ON A TRUCK

America’s National Weather Service announced that it “could be the storm of a lifetime,” for the Carolina coast of the United States. Powerful wind, record rains, and life-threatening storm surges sound like good reasons to me for more than a million people to follow mandatory evacuation orders.

Unfortunately the storm that peaked at Category 5, Hurricane Florence, is a natural disaster that doesn’t leave calmly. Even now as a tropical depression, because of major flooding, the storm has “never been more dangerous than it is right now,” Gov. Roy Cooper, North Carolina Governor, related at a news conference Sunday.

Where’s the hope? It’s arriving by a convoy of 18-wheel trucks loaded with the materials and supplies that are needed and were ready to roll Saturday morning. The name on the trucks reads “Samaritan’s Purse.” What does that mean?  To many in distress and dire need, it means hope comes on trucks.

THE LATEST (Sept. 16, 8:41 pm) samaritanspurse.org:

“Samaritan’s Purse staff, two disaster relief units, and equipment are in eastern North Carolina to serve homeowners in the areas hardest hit by Florence. We have established our first relief base at Port City Community Church in New Bern….. Volunteers officially begin tomorrow, Sept. 17—some already started on Sunday….

Our task is to serve as  hands and feet of Jesus for those in need in the hardest hit areas… Samaritan’s Purse staff will continue to monitor Florence and prepare to respond in additional storm-affected areas, as needed…. Please pray for residents in Florence’s path and for our staff as they serve in Jesus’ Name….”

Hope also comes with teams of volunteers that have  been mobilized by Samaritan’s Purse to help homeowners with cleanup. Billy Graham Rapid Respond Team chaplains have also been called on to serve.

For info regarding their relief work, how to volunteer, or how to send donations, please visit samaritanspurse.org/florence or call 800.567.8121.  And please remember to pray for all affected… residents, victims, workers… from rescuers to rebuilders.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”   Hebrews 6:10

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:10

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Acts 20:35

“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
Isaiah 58:10

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-9

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”   Galatians 5:13-14

“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”  Titus 3:8

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, …” Philippians 2:1-11

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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)

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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)

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LOU HOLTZ’S LIFE RULES: SOMETHING TO HOPE FOR

Harvey Mackay and I have something in common. We are both Lou Holtz fans and for more reasons than football. We both respect his motivational influences on others.

I benefitted personally from his life lessons about 40 years ago when I listened over and over to one of his talks on an audiocassette in the pre-CD era. I think his lessons are memorable and full of hope today.

Mackay wrote the following in 2012, but I want to share it because of its relevance today.

Lou Holtz’s 3 Rules of Life by Harvey Mckay:

“Everybody needs four things in life: Something to do, someone to love, someone to believe in and something to hope for.”

“I wish I had said that, but it is from my friend Lou Holtz, the author, motivational speaker, sportscaster and retired football coach. I recently invited Lou to speak to a professional group I am mentoring, and he was his usual outstanding self. It’s no wonder that the Washington Speakers Bureau calls Lou one of the best speakers in the world.

I’ve heard him speak 100 times, and he still amazes me with his practical, down-to-earth and simple advice.

…Holtz simplifies things by following three simple rules:

Rule No. 1 — Do right. ‘Just do the right thing,’ Lou says. ‘We’ve all done dumb things and wish we hadn’t done them, but you can’t go through life with an albatross around your neck saying, ‘I made a mistake.’ Say you’re sorry, make amends, and move on.’

He added: ‘I think it’s wrong to be bitter. We all have a reason to be bitter. We’ve all had injustices done to us by society, by a spouse, by a friend, but you can’t go through life being bitter. We’re always blaming someone else. Wherever we are, it’s because of the choices we make.’

Rule No. 2 — Do everything to the best of your ability with the time allotted. Lou says: ‘Not everybody will be an All-American. Not everybody will be first team. Not everybody will be great. But everybody can do the best they can with the time allotted.’

Rule No. 3 — Show people you care. I have seen this rule in action many times. Lou is constantly asking people, ‘How can I help you? How can I assist you?’ He means it. He has a burning desire to help people.

Lou Holtz says he can get by with only three rules because the people you meet have three basic questions.

The first question: Can I trust you?

‘Without trust, there is no relationship,’ Lou said. ‘Without trust, you don’t have a chance. People have to trust you…. The only way you can ever get trust is if both sides do the right thing.’

The second question: Are you committed to excellence?

Lou explained, ‘…you are committed to certain standards….do everything to the best of your ability.’

The third question: Do you care about me?

Holtz said: ‘…Caring about people is not making their life easy. Caring about people is not being their friend. Caring about people is enabling them to be successful.’

A few years ago I was asked to help raise money for a Lou Holtz statue at the University of Notre Dame. On the pedestal, his players had chosen three words — trust, love, commitment. Those words represent Lou’s core values.

If people follow these three rules, their self-confidence grows. They don’t worry when the phone rings. They have no doubt about what they are doing. They lift everyone up….

  1. Mackay’s Moral: Life is a lot easier if you always play by the rules.”