Finding Hope

First and foremost I am thankful for a Savior (Father, Friend) that loves me unconditionally. That gives me HOPE no matter what life throws at me. I want to share a story which happened almost 3 weeks ago now to give other HOPE. I was feeling discouraged with various personal things going on in my life. I was looking forward to a weekend filled with love, family and friends some women may be able to relate, a time to refresh your soul. On Friday, November 13th, I was going to a Women of Faith conference which for me has been a reset button (the conferences always seem to occur in Fall which implies a time for change) for the past 10 years I have attended this event with family to learn and grow in my Christian Faith.

This particular weekend did not start out as exciting or fruitful as I thought it would since this was a Women of Faith Farewell Tour and I had heard some of the same stories that were shared in past years. I wondered what God had in store for me since I knew I was there for a PURPOSE. There was a simple quiz they were offering women to fill out to get a free REIMAGINE bracelet I thought why not. After you complete the quiz it will say something like the following: living a life of…… well my quiz said Living a Life of COURAGE. You can take the quiz: (http://www.womenoffaith.com/2015/05/free-quiz/) I thought pretty cool I am always pushing myself to have COURAGE and get outside of my personal box. That evening I was Blessed to be with family and friends to celebrate an annual party at my cousin's home called Friendsgiving which was nice visiting with family and friends.

The next day we went to church as usual and planned to go on a short hike as a family. It was beautiful following the Metacomet Trail in East Granby. I was in awe of the beauty that God has created which daily I fail to notice, take in and admire. We hiked up to a lookout point to observe the beautiful landscape where the trees were barren of leaves although still such a wonderful sight.

Then we returned to the trail and began heading back out of the woods from where we had begun our hike. It was then my youngest son Devin had picked something off the ground with excitement in his voice. I turned around to see him holding a rock but not just any rock this rock had a cross on the front and when he flipped it over it read Joshua 1:9. My first thought was Jesus is speaking to me through someone's kind gesture. For those of you who may not know the verse Joshua 1:9 reads as follows: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I know there are some people who have a hard time believing in Jesus let alone Him speaking to them. Twice that weekend Jesus sent me the message to have COURAGE and to Trust Him with the things going on in my life now and always! I want to share this story to give others who might be going through struggles and storms in their lives HOPE. Jesus hears you and He cares for you deeply!
Have you lost Hope or Courage? You can regain lost hope or courage, with Jesus' help. Right now, turn to the Author of all hope in prayer and rest in Him.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast - Hebrews 6:29