May 3

Recently, after our youngest daughter seemed done crying after burning her mouth on some hot food I put my forehead against hers to empathize with her. She then let out a few more wails and hiccups even though she had finished crying once. How does Christ empathize with us after we have been through difficulty and fear? I am thankful for the times my Jesus has cared deeply for me and shown me His love.

May 2

Fear is contagious but so is Hope. That is what this blog is about: holding out hope to myself first and then to others so that it might spread like a plague. Wishing you a good day.

May 1

Today I need to own my thoughts and guard against negative thinking. The cause of unhappiness is never the situation you or I may be in but the thoughts we have. Today I will make the best of what of everything given me.

April 30

Although my mother was healthy when I was young, both physically and emotionally, her health has begun to fail physically. I was privileged to be set up for life from her care, given the keys to conquer the world; now I am seeing a different opportunity she giving me – the chance to repay the debt I owe her for her selflessness.

April 29

Too often I am tempted to try to impress others with what I own or control. I stake my reputation on what I have. However, what I really want others to notice is that I have unselfishness, love, and Christ in my heart. Christ is more impressive then me.

April 28

While walking in soft gravel on our yard, I noticed my footprints lose their long stride when I walked beside my 1-year-old daughter. I want to slow my world for my children so that Christ might slow His stride for me.

April 26

If how men treat you makes you lose faith in God then your faith was not in God but in man. You and I are not always treated fairly, are not always appreciated or loved; sometimes even by close friends. Reach higher and put your faith in God.

April 25

Here is a profound thought: if man does not master his circumstances then his circumstances will master him. Are you going to allow what you cannot control to dictate your happiness? Live above the things that would drag you down.

April 24

I have come to conclude that sharing our talents is less about being talented then it is about sharing. I may not be the greatest speaker but I can smile and say “Hello”. I may not be have many possessions but I can share what I have. I am determined not to get discouraged but to keep on sharing.

April 23

I am thankful today for the ability to choose love over fear. So often it feels like there is no choice but to live in fear and doubt but I have found that the way to conquer is to choose love. Love is stronger then fear.

April 22

I am thankful today for the smell of coffee. It wakes me up in the morning and gets me going. It has a beautiful, rich odor that is distinct to those who know it.

April 21

We live in the country where the air is clean and free. We sometimes have smells from livestock or from crops but usually we smell flowers, sunshine, rain and many other good things. I am thankful for our clean air.

April 20

I was blessed to be taught Bible stories at a young age, most of them have stuck with me. I am unworthy to be blessed with parents who invested so much in me.

April 19

The sun is so amazing on spring days! There can be snow on the ground and the breeze may be cold but the sun is strong enough to conquer. I will pause today to drink up the sun and enjoy its blessings.