HOPE for 2012 and ALWAYS

The hope that the world offers is fleeting and imperfect.  The hope that God offers is unchanging, unshakable, and unending.  It is no wonder, then, that when we seek security from worldly sources, our hopes are often dashed.  Thankfully, God has no such record of failure.  So, as you embark upon the next stage of your life's journey, praise God, have hope, and consider the words of the Psalmist:  "You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence" (71:5)  ~ Finding Hope

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, when life is difficult, I am tempted to abandon hope in the future.  But You are my God, and I can draw strength from You.  Let me trust you, Father, in good times and in bad times.  Let me perservere - even if my soul is troubled - and let me follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, this day and forever. Amen

A BROKEN LIFE

Each of us has something broken in our lives; a broken promise, a broken dream, a broken marriage, a broken heart...and we must decide how we're going to deal with our brokenness.  Are we going to wallow in self-pity or regret, accomplishing nothing and having no fun or joy in our circumstances; or we can determine with our will to take a few risks, get out of our comfort zone, and see what God will do to bring unexpected delight in our time of need.     ~Luci Swindoll

THE DECISION TO CELEBRATE LIFE

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

As God's children, we are blessed beyond measure, but in this demanding and busy world we are slow to count our gifts and even slower to give thanks to the Giver.

God knows everything.  He can manage everything, and He loves us.  Surely this is enough for a fulness of joy beyond words.

Joy is a by product not of happy circumstances, education, talent, or wealth, but of a healthy relationship with God and a determination to love Him no matter what.

WHAT WAITS FOR US

The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead.  Yet a glimpse is enough.  It's enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrows currently assail us aren't worthy of comparison to that which waits for us over the horizon (Heaven). ~ Joni Erickson Tada