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From "The Perfect Storm" to A Story of Hope

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A few years ago, as the result of the "perfect storm" of circumstances, I was trapped in my garage for about eight minutes. Because I deal with some mild to moderate claustrophobia, eight minutes felt like an eternity to me. The door to get into the house was locked, I didn't have my key, the pad to open the garage was on the other side of that locked door, and I didn't have my phone to call someone to help me.  To make matters worse, after about 2 minutes, the light went out and I was in the pitch black.   I pounded on the garage door, screaming for help, but it was raining, and the likelihood of someone hearing me was pretty slim. I was alone in the house and would be for at least the next 18 hours. The front door was wide open. The poor dog was barking hysterically. Claustrophobia and panic filled my mind with all kinds of absolutely worst-case scenarios. I was unable to think rationally or to pray anything except, "please help me Jesus." I repeatedly pre...
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Wings Of Hope

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Sometimes it feels as though you've survived one storm in life only to find that you're being pummeled by yet another.  As believers, we have reason to hope, even in the midst of difficulty. Here are just a few reasons for our hope: -In Isaiah 43:2, we read God's promise to be with us as waters rise around us and as we walk through fires of life.  -Psalm 46:10 reminds us that we don't need to strive.  We can be still and rest in the goodness and faithfulness of our all-powerful God.   -In John 16:33, we read the words of Jesus himself, telling us that  we WILL face trials in life, but that we can be comforted and at peace knowing that HE has overcome the world.  -Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28 that God works ALL THINGS for the good of those who love Him and are called to His purpose.   -And James 1:2-3, we are encouraged to rejoice in difficulty, as trials that test our faith produce perseverence.   If you are struggling in the stor...
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  "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop and look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do." ~Eleanor Roosevelt So many times in my life, I have allowed fear to get in the way. I've delayed moving forward, or I've simply left opportunity on the table out of fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of failing. Fear of succeeding. Fear of disappointing people. Fear of people thinking I'm crazy or foolish. A few years ago, I KNEW God was calling me to something new and unknown. It was scary, and definitely out of my comfort zone! And I figured there would be some who would think I had lost my mind. For all I know, they did and still do! But I stepped out in faith. It WAS bigger than I could handle on my own. It WAS scary. But I knew then and know now that God is with me wherever I go, and that truth gives me courage. I know that as a follower of Jesus, He walks each trembling step with me...
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From Broken To Beautiful

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                                            While on a ministry trip to Myrtle Beach, our group visited Jesus Shells (be sure to check out her FB page! ( https://www.facebook.com/misskarentheshelllady) Karen, the woman who started this shell ministry, decorates shells that she and others find to spread the love of Jesus, and teaches classes where people can create their own shells, decorating them in ways that are meaningful to them. Some of the shells she uses are perfect and lovely. Others are broken or somehow “damaged.” Our group decided to attend one of Karen’s decoupage classes. She led us in decorating a “practice” shell, then we picked the shells we would use for our projects. My friend chose the whelk shell in the pictures below for hers. She had a particular plan in mind to create something for her mom that would represent their family. As you can see, the shell sh...
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A Different Way To Look At "Setbacks"

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I’ve spoken/written often about getting out of your comfort zone or taking a leap of faith, and how doing so results in growth.  I took a HUGE leap of faith 7 years ago and have regularly moved out of my comfort in various ways over these last few years, and this has been a springboard for growth both personally and spiritually. As I’ve stepped into the unknown and God has given me grace to increasingly allow Him to guide me on the path, my faith has grown tremendously.  I’ve experienced God’s loving kindness and trustworthiness in deep and meaningful ways and have learned to listen for and discern His voice more clearly.  I’ve come to enjoy the presence of Jesus walking the path God has laid out before me in ways that feel more “real” and more personal than ever before in my walk as a follower of Jesus.  There have been a lot of “good” things that have happened in these several years that have been very clearly God’s blessing.  I imagine I’m not alone in wishin...
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Focus On Jesus

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One evening during a visioning retreat, I was chatting with a friend while sitting out on the beach and noticed the reflection of the skyline in her sunglasses. I decided I wanted a picture of the same reflection in mine, so turned to face the skyline and took the picture. As I looked at the image, I felt the beginning of a word of encouragement - a little bit of light from the Lord stirring in my heart. I thought I'd pass a bit of that light on to others who might be encouraged by it. 💜🙏💜 What we focus on is reflected in our lives. 🔎Focus on Jesus. He is light and life, peace and joy. He brings healing and hope. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ~John 1:5 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” ~John 15:11 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~ John 1...
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