Place your hope above

At this time of year – and truthfully throughout the year – we will be disappointed, let down or unpleasantly surprised by another’s words, actions or lack thereof. Our hope is misplaced when placed in a person – for we are but human and prone to err. But if our hope remains in our Creator and Savior, then we are standing on sturdy ground with room to launch.

How would you treat people if you assumed they were good? If we gave one another the benefit of the doubt, how would it change the way we treated each other? Would we be more generous with our time and possessions? You know today you can smile at someone who has brought you grief because your trust and hope is not in them. It is in the Lord, who loves you without measure. So walk today with confidence. You are a child of the King and no one can take that away from you. And next week a good portion of the world will celebrate the Son’s birthday – whose suffering on your account made you a joint heir. Run with it!!!

Live, breathe, smile, laugh and celebrate this day ON PURPOSE because….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 NIV

Tired and sun-scorched - come you will be strengthened

While my blow dryer at home has seen it's last days, the outside weather seems to take it's place with the 110+ degree weather and winds that have ranged
between 5-25 mph at any given time. Sometimes the heat can cause me to be irritable and experience "brain fog" among other things, leaving well laid plans
abandoned for comfort and a desire to simply rest. I am so glad we have a guide to lead the way.

God is good and has given us this amazing promise.

The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

So in this very sun-scorched land, I find strength in the knowledge that the LORD will guide the way, strengthen me and His living water will flow through me...me...(oh my goodness - imperfect sinner/saint me) and those waters will never fail. I can be used as a spring of life in all of my frailties and human-ness - we all can! Isn't that exciting? Imagine and step into that truth today. God bless you richly as you do.