Hope Victorious

  We feel gratitude, but it is more than an emotion. I believe that gratitude is a choice and when it is an intentional and repetitious choice, it becomes a lifestyle. A lifestyle of being thankful and expressing that gratitude has numerous rewards!                 Gratitude is a choice - a disciplined perspective deeper than feelings and unmoved by circumstances. Gratitude is anchored in truth When we acknowledge what we are grateful for, it anchors us more deeply than the current circumstances. Much of our life may seem out of control and constantly changing. Focusing on what we have to be grateful for can train our eyes and minds to look for those things that are deeper, more constant and dependable than the daily changes of circumstances and feelings. Truth anchors us and gives us a sense of identity, security and stability. Gratitude reminds us that we have a source beyond ourself. Gratitude builds faith Gratitude supports hu...

  Waiting can be hard. We all have to wait for things, and often these times are marked by frustration, doubt and uncertainty. Recently I have been challenged to better manage my thought-life in times of waiting. I want to offer some practical strategies for easing the discouragement of waiting. Fiercely go after any place where you are tempted to think “if” ·        If things change… If God shows up….. If the questions get answered ·        Thinking in terms of “if” breeds uncertainty and discouragement. ·        When you focus on doubt – it only increases. Intentionally exchange the word “when” for “if”.   This simple switch is SO powerful. “When” builds hope and anticipation, it focuses your attention on the future and the expectation of change. So often when we wait, we are looking down and filling our mind with what is not changing, what is not working or only what we are w...

  Faith is something.             It is no small thing.             It is not nothing Faith doesn’t just lead us to something, or give us access (although it does!) But the faith,           on its own,               it is something too. Faith has its own reward.             Faith is substance.              Faith is real. When there is none – you feel the absence of it.       You feel the empty void. That frightening place of uncertainty – where questions outnumber answers 1,000 to 1 Where hope and joy are sucked out of the atmosphere by a vacuum of fear, You feel it when there is no faith.   Yes, faith is something I...

  How can a heart hold love like this and not explode? I didn’t think I could love you more You kept growing; changing and becoming So did I Now I love you differently: stronger, more resolved And more – so much more You’ve hurt me and I’ve hurt you We have disappointed one another I’ve seen your best – all the delightfully good and sparkling aspects of you I have seen the hard and less than beautiful parts too I have held the treasure of you closely Just as I have held the sorrows and pain Through it all – love has grown   Love changes Strengthens and holds on You are a part of me I am a part of you Love holds us both