tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43143371193395200122024-03-14T13:21:14.600-04:00A Word of Encouragement"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love..." Colossians 2:2Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-48028377457353406432022-12-16T08:28:00.003-05:002022-12-16T08:38:17.907-05:00Grief and Merriment Do Not Coexist Peacefully<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrslIh9u92MAdYyun3aWQ4H1Yzm3usDCuhp9kmW2aVbYrd9kUQNkgk1tXcfxrPvqpKUAH5VI7twnldsu3dYsixoq813Q4_cZy98ru7KMgnSE-4GGItc_ZsT6yYRiZKoEgCBuWxV5sviEIyh8a3erPz_62dxp1MRsofgUwAWDKeygM5js4pJl_KPzhfw/s1920/woman-gf7492de09_1920.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1920" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrslIh9u92MAdYyun3aWQ4H1Yzm3usDCuhp9kmW2aVbYrd9kUQNkgk1tXcfxrPvqpKUAH5VI7twnldsu3dYsixoq813Q4_cZy98ru7KMgnSE-4GGItc_ZsT6yYRiZKoEgCBuWxV5sviEIyh8a3erPz_62dxp1MRsofgUwAWDKeygM5js4pJl_KPzhfw/w232-h155/woman-gf7492de09_1920.jpg" width="232" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times;">Christmas can be a difficult time for a
variety of reasons—grief often a major one. Missing my daughter is at the top
of my list. Most of you, whether young or old, probably miss someone in your
family or circle of friends. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">After my daughter
died a few years ago, Christmas was unbearable. It was all I could do to drag
through the month of December, often finding myself on my knees, literally and figuratively,
begging God to just “get me through it.” I thought if I heard <i>Have Yourself
a Merry Little Christmas</i> one more time I would scream. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Grief
and merriment do not coexist peacefully. The only peace I could get—the only
way I could “get through” was to remember God’s faithfulness before my loss,
lean on it, and apply those experiences to my grief. His presence and comfort had
sustained me years before after my sister’s death—and through many valleys in
my life. When sleep didn’t come, I’d turn my thoughts to memorized Scripture and
prayer to soothe my tortured mind and soul. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Similarly, the Bible is full of stories of
God’s faithfulness when life seemed hopeless. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">God’s
Faithfulness<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">When <span style="background: white;">Jehoshaphat, an ancient king of Judah, faced war, he prayed for God’s
help. He started his prayer praising God’s greatness and then listed past blessings
on the Jewish people.</span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; margin: 5pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 107%; text-align: left;"><span class="text"><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“</span></span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 107%;">Lord</span></span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God
who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and
might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.<b><sup> </sup></b>Our
God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people
Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 107%;"> <span class="text">They have lived in it and have
built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying,</span> <span class="text">‘If
calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we
will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will
cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’</span></span> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="text"><b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+chronicles+20%3A6-9&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Chronicles 20:6-9 NIV</a></b></span></span><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">If calamity comes upon
us…</span></i></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouw4aMBpaa5YTCKpcspa3OP_nqH0ISJbTewVbb-eAn7dwR31v1Cko73eANhgDnhMEt2tnErj6AvGAJRNiO47izz8XkpwHy4O2SCD5uqSJXr-DtBEreNhBSRpi6H6k5AwUsZ7UEXGmmQ8CiCGtO74vR0efCTT8GgUZJ04KmbQpi1-Dn4cjYHrvkFOZJA/s1920/blur-g0a64abc65_1920.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1920" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouw4aMBpaa5YTCKpcspa3OP_nqH0ISJbTewVbb-eAn7dwR31v1Cko73eANhgDnhMEt2tnErj6AvGAJRNiO47izz8XkpwHy4O2SCD5uqSJXr-DtBEreNhBSRpi6H6k5AwUsZ7UEXGmmQ8CiCGtO74vR0efCTT8GgUZJ04KmbQpi1-Dn4cjYHrvkFOZJA/w233-h156/blur-g0a64abc65_1920.jpg" width="233" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times;">Grief is the ultimate
calamity. Jehoshaphat’s prayer is spot on. How many times did I cry out in
distress and God heard me? I felt his physical presence as if He were cradling
me in His arms and brushing my tears away. This comfort gave me strength to get
through another day.</span><p></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Now as I face another Christmas
without my daughter, God has filled me with <i>His</i> peace and provided
encouragement through His Word and through friends and family. No matter how
bad life gets, God hears and saves. The Apostle Paul testified to this in the
following passage:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about
the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great
pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life
itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this
happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He
has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him
we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by
your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor
granted us in answer to the prayers of many. <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1%3A8-11&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:8-11</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">We have set our hope that
he will continue to deliver us…</span></i></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">God’s Promises</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times;">“…This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid
or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but
God’s…You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand
firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do
not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the
Lord will be with you.’” <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+chronicles+20%3A15-17&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Chronicles 20:15-17</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Whether Jehoshaphat, Jeremiah, or the Apostle Paul, all great men of the Bible
experienced grief and adversity in varying degrees. They knew that the ability
to stand in that adversity rested in God’s peace and assurance of His help.
This was vital in “getting through” their present trials. They took courage in
the promises the Lord made, which strengthened them to face tomorrow.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i>The
Lord will be with you.</i> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">God’s Instructions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="top-05" style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36mOh0V_FTfs9SSCweoeiDrnJjgoAk1xdjSki62UAciT1pXynh5u5mBg1l9UDUMzqQevDRjQnvz1ExFyeCUgMJiP6C6ArmPl_VckPZ2pEPvcFdkdAalBz6yYCIw3hlTdzz4e5Y3WrbK5YnjEJouKY0Ds23bcw8rsyFTtrnvo_waA30jbyExQIUL9tdw/s1920/hope-g4eafcfa4b_1920.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36mOh0V_FTfs9SSCweoeiDrnJjgoAk1xdjSki62UAciT1pXynh5u5mBg1l9UDUMzqQevDRjQnvz1ExFyeCUgMJiP6C6ArmPl_VckPZ2pEPvcFdkdAalBz6yYCIw3hlTdzz4e5Y3WrbK5YnjEJouKY0Ds23bcw8rsyFTtrnvo_waA30jbyExQIUL9tdw/w235-h157/hope-g4eafcfa4b_1920.jpg" width="235" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times;">This is what the <span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> says: “Stand at the crossroads and
look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in
it, and you will find rest for your souls…” </span></span><b><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+6%3A16&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 6:16</a> </span></b></span><p></p><p class="top-05" style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Are you at a crossroads? Maybe you’re
engaged in a full-on battle. Or trying to “get through” the holidays in your
grief. </span></p><p class="top-05" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><b>·</b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Seek
the ancient paths – Study Scripture, seek out a wise elder in your church or
family, or perhaps someone who has been in a similar situation. Memorize Scripture
for those agonizing sleepless nights.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="top-05" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><b>·</b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Ask
where the good way is – Pray! The Apostle Paul said pray without ceasing. He
learned God’s constant presence was a must to face his adversities. When you
combine prayer with Bible study, you will experience the peace that God can
give.</span></span></p><p class="top-05" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="top-05" style="background: white; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">…and you will find rest for your
souls.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Remember the Lord’s faithfulness to you in
the past. Cling to God’s promises, as you pray for strength in your
discouragement. You can be as sure of His presence and comfort as the old Bible
greats were. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">…my soul is
downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because
of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+3%3A20-23&version=NIV" target="_blank">Lamentations 3:20-23</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">How
may I pray for you today? Feel free to leave a request in the comments below. Also,
please share any Bible verses that have comforted you during adversity or grief.
I’d love to hear from you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Laura</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Enjoy these three free gifts. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">FREE
Kindle download Friday, December 16, and Saturday, December 17, 2022. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJmZxd0GkhfS32SiMiaWPpp8Gq3Ex7SblwWwgh-1lDcLN72Za6QdmOn1p5hG5sTkVmTOvuMkITNaqMIZJdR2dfnovAQEXT2p2yNHN_TFzHBo39kEF47N_OyiIaVvWF8SmJ_3w-KjT5VfR5l8pqP4bTTUgTITv7JS6oY5Jixw2oyEeiul070ALGuo87g/s500/While%20I'm%20Waiting.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJmZxd0GkhfS32SiMiaWPpp8Gq3Ex7SblwWwgh-1lDcLN72Za6QdmOn1p5hG5sTkVmTOvuMkITNaqMIZJdR2dfnovAQEXT2p2yNHN_TFzHBo39kEF47N_OyiIaVvWF8SmJ_3w-KjT5VfR5l8pqP4bTTUgTITv7JS6oY5Jixw2oyEeiul070ALGuo87g/w105-h169/While%20I'm%20Waiting.jpg" width="105" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/While-Im-Waiting-praising-contentment-ebook/dp/B00S58XK5G/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">While I’m Waiting</a></i> is adapted from some of the author’s blog devotions, appearing
for the first time as a collection. This 31-day devotional will inspire the
reader to wait on God patiently and reverently to answer prayers according to
His perfect timing. The author shares her own struggles and shortcomings in a
relatable way that encourages and brings hope even in the most difficult
circumstances. The devotions show that it is possible to walk through the
valley and not despair while praising God and choosing contentment during
trials. As missionary Jim Elliot once said, “God always gives His best to those
who leave the choice with Him.”</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Stars-Bethlehem-Little-Christmas-ebook/dp/B017PHSM4G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30U5D65KXPFA3&keywords=silent+stars+of+bethlehem&qid=" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="217" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjGyQJI_9QQzMS2SzlbMixAhVuIx59vEn42Q1vcNllHsbgH8sjPtC0dPY-6NmElJItunaCGeG5pV2DenxM6ofCy-2GFyQCjVgB2il0tGtlG7yiHtP3p1wTfO39JzhTUcy6JoqsJtz6AzghbQq8YPpTvIZTGUc_HubK0rxSvD-jBtZzffo_EUoxif7zA/w108-h171/Silent%20Stars.jpg" width="108" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times;">From the time she was a child, Carly Shepherd has gazed at the silent stars in the night sky of her home town of Bethlehem, North Carolina. With her childhood overshadowed by her father’s abandonment and mother’s alcoholism, she wonders how anyone can believe in an equally silent God. After all, she’s not felt his presence any more than her earthly father. <span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Drew Middleton is seeking shelter from a rain storm when he walks into Carly’s vendor tent at a fall festival, but he’s quickly taken with the talented artist and her creations. Feeling an instant connection, Carly is confused by her feelings, especially when she realizes his spiritual commitment. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Carly’s past and their chance of future together collide when she’s snared into refurbishing sets for a Christmas pageant with Drew’s help. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Will Drew’s love and their shared experience bring about a spiritual awakening in Carly this Christmas? Or will time run out as the stars continue to shine silently over Bethlehem?</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Chance-Laura-Hodges-Poole-ebook/dp/B00P33UPIG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EPWM0YJ93F3C&keywords=a+christmas+chance+laura+hodges+poole&qid=" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglezogyXBgc79SnAaaTRd_uIhqWSIcjXlsCxwrWt_959s0OyctZ3pP17ZSPYZrjxMDaQTUGHJyInbfem_FVyuaqcfLd17k9Ky5VrnXmVReFAtZWTOmGsmRsjC3QMudAm7seYDP8A7I1rB5nUn5SxLHIdoXEO-XOLgznCRL8hBcXDmfez1okCz4nsTT2g/w99-h158/A%20Christmas%20Chance.jpg" width="99" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: times;">Distraught that she and her husband are facing another childless Christmas, bakery owner Maddie Oliver tries to rescue every needy child who crosses her path. As the couple jumps each hurdle to adopt or become foster parents, they’re always disappointed. Then eight-year-old Chance Simmons comes into Oliver’s Bakery with his elderly grandmother, and Maddie is immediately smitten. Chance’s impish personality draws her in. Determined to stop focusing on her own problems, Maddie sets out to make this the best Christmas ever for the little boy and his ailing grandmother. What she doesn’t count on is him capturing her heart in the process. Will God orchestrate an even bigger Christmas gift than Maddie could imagine, or will she lose Chance for good when the Simmons family suffers a setback?</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blog images courtesy of Pixabay.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></p><i><span style="font-family: times;"></span></i><p></p>Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-16861888061059729472022-10-04T09:41:00.001-04:002022-10-04T09:45:20.159-04:00My Heavenly Conversation With Papa<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG-jqvrSVIUwhq_7WtoG5ffLqlh_wstRLdmVRg3IZPLILfGvBfMm_UEKtx2V_ehm7h796aexTCOnI3QZvAmeLAfZ-G6QUt3Ln6s8JJRuYW-gGHZTRZQ5TP-dwH-xgOcX39NMe7ysCURUX9EDt8Z2BGx_3AIbVyGR40jOpKiabdBWR-mjYG4_v-lQRiA/s912/Heaven%20blog%20post%20-%20fantasy-gbc3f6c94b_1280%20-%20from%20Pixabay%20October%202022.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="912" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG-jqvrSVIUwhq_7WtoG5ffLqlh_wstRLdmVRg3IZPLILfGvBfMm_UEKtx2V_ehm7h796aexTCOnI3QZvAmeLAfZ-G6QUt3Ln6s8JJRuYW-gGHZTRZQ5TP-dwH-xgOcX39NMe7ysCURUX9EDt8Z2BGx_3AIbVyGR40jOpKiabdBWR-mjYG4_v-lQRiA/w282-h181/Heaven%20blog%20post%20-%20fantasy-gbc3f6c94b_1280%20-%20from%20Pixabay%20October%202022.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In
my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that
I go to prepare a place for you?</i> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A1-2&version=ESV" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">John 14:1-2 ESV</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><p></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“Where do you believe heaven is?” my 86-year-old
father asked. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of the most spiritual and philosophical
conversations I’ve had in my life have been with Papa. This was no different.
Our conversations are often about heaven, and not just because of his age. As
we grow closer to Christ, our longing to be with him increases. I truly believe
that we reach the point where our souls outlive this broken down world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Much can be gained by being in the presence of an elderly
person who chooses to spend his precious time learning all he can about God and
eternity. Our society often looks upon the elderly in a sad way, especially
those infirmed. But maybe, just maybe, God reveals things not only to those
closest to him, but those closest to heaven. While my father’s earthly vision is
almost gone, his eternal vision sharpens daily. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I shared with Papa that God who created the earth, the
solar system, the vast innumerable galaxies, and all the wonders we haven’t
seen and can’t grasp, surely can create our eternal home any place he chooses.
Heaven could be a planet much like Earth was intended to be before sin entered
our finite little world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">After all, the Bible says in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40%3A22+&version=NIV" target="_blank">Isaiah 40:22</a> that “He
sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like
grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out
like a tent to live in.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheohifH4f3R-srxqGeRuEwW5AkL2QxykfDNJOeZqhB6TDLHF3dlZcrnJ2A2yOg8gMNrF3BfYgKp8E3KEZaGMrRiliDsX8ljiVV0xuf4fufwQoiQ4v2xKQ_YhywING0YT9aeBreD5zQD-wndtOnQ2MfVyUodinNexgUSi6N__ASKOXIr3Ey-OIbHydStw/s940/Revelation%20214%20(2).png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheohifH4f3R-srxqGeRuEwW5AkL2QxykfDNJOeZqhB6TDLHF3dlZcrnJ2A2yOg8gMNrF3BfYgKp8E3KEZaGMrRiliDsX8ljiVV0xuf4fufwQoiQ4v2xKQ_YhywING0YT9aeBreD5zQD-wndtOnQ2MfVyUodinNexgUSi6N__ASKOXIr3Ey-OIbHydStw/w277-h232/Revelation%20214%20(2).png" width="277" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Papa said he’d been thinking the same thing. We
rejoiced that wherever heaven is, we'll both be in that glorious place one
day, whole and untroubled. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our discussion turned to angels. He wondered if an
angel escorts you to heaven when you die. After all, he couldn’t find Mercury
or any other planet, if he had to.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Well, why not? It’s plausible we would get a heavenly
escort on the most important day of our lives. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus shared an account of an angel escorting a beggar to heaven in Christ’s only parable believed to be a real-life event in
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16%3A19-31&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 16:19-31</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">No matter how we get to heaven, it’ll
be the most exciting journey we’ve ever experienced!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Even more exciting is knowing that God has an
infinite array of choices for eternity unhindered by our finite
thinking. At the same time, he instills a desire in our soul for all things
eternal. He wants us to question and wonder. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God also chose my godly father. I cherish every
conversation and insight this wise, godly man shares with me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I challenge you to slow down and do the same with the
elders in your family. Far from a waste of time, it’ll be time well spent. Possibly
the best time ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Have you been blessed by a conversation
with a wise elder or someone else you cherish? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below, along with any prayer requests you may have. </span></p>Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-63358672639216248862021-04-01T09:14:00.000-04:002021-04-01T09:14:30.915-04:00Lent – A Lifestyle, Not A Season<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19bMD2LqHfzcQogHnaf3tduZVzERvvbZS_OM1gcBOs6gA2SfG9DWnCIsrC4AOowQwfS1vfj6bq0I_CctZPF_DT28eicxH2P2r3dFHGuWMgavSJpz3EJGI9AgDrBm9LAMWzJK1roWA-MAU/s640/love-699480_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19bMD2LqHfzcQogHnaf3tduZVzERvvbZS_OM1gcBOs6gA2SfG9DWnCIsrC4AOowQwfS1vfj6bq0I_CctZPF_DT28eicxH2P2r3dFHGuWMgavSJpz3EJGI9AgDrBm9LAMWzJK1roWA-MAU/w296-h197/love-699480_640.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">My teenage son decided a few years ago to give up
pizza for Lent. My first thought was <i>ugh, not pizza!</i></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was also amazed and proud that he would give up
something he loved so much. So I <s>suffered</s> sacrificed with the rest of
the family through forty days with no pizza. The experience is amusing now. At
the time, I grudgingly embraced it as a learning experience for my son. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yet, in our quest as Christians to observe spiritual
holy days and seasons, do we miss the mark with our sacrifices for Christ—as if
we can really give up anything for Him? Lent is supposed to be about reflection
and self-denial to commemorate Christ’s sacrifice as we approach Easter. The
intention is to spend more time in Scripture and prayer with God in place of
the item we have sacrificed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But what if we were to embrace the idea that Lent is a
lifestyle for Christians instead of a season? Not self-denial in the pre-Protestant
manner. We all need downtime and recreation. Rather, give up the things that
mindlessly occupy our time or are harmful to our spirits—and replace them with
Christ-honoring activities so that we may become more Christ-like. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put
off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful
desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put
on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and
holiness.</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+4%3A22-24&version=NIV" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:22-24</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
put off our old self when we became Christians. To be made new in our attitudes
and put on a new self, created to be like God, takes conscious effort. Lent
offers a new beginning in this regard, a chance to reflect on old ways and create
new spiritual habits.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">… the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A6&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 8:6</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
peace we yearn for, the new beginning—like spring after a long, cold
winter—comes when we allow ourselves to be governed by the Spirit of God. As Lent
ends and we approach Easter, fellowship with the Spirit of peace in a way you
never have before. Then challenge yourself to embrace the idea of Lent as a
lifestyle—a constant renewing in the midst of life’s challenges. The
reassurance of God’s peace and our spiritual growth is worth any sacrifice we’ll
make.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</span></span></p>Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-31284833753130224982021-01-16T17:50:00.007-05:002021-01-17T09:33:31.614-05:00We Put Our Hope In You<p><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fJSDtWk_a37pJH_pOhwEoT1N873ld-aE3iJwdRrgxF4EiR_nvfsu8ohEo6XzmFR35yO-8z9xE5IxR8iQmbkWc7cjqn-nHtEdR7k2Qm-2vYorLpARmUyiTIO0KSbIqjyRz66aqtaGq9sK/s1280/sky-2667455_1280.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fJSDtWk_a37pJH_pOhwEoT1N873ld-aE3iJwdRrgxF4EiR_nvfsu8ohEo6XzmFR35yO-8z9xE5IxR8iQmbkWc7cjqn-nHtEdR7k2Qm-2vYorLpARmUyiTIO0KSbIqjyRz66aqtaGq9sK/s320/sky-2667455_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span class="text"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Blessed
is the nation whose God is the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 107%;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">,</span></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">the
people he chose for his inheritance.</span><b><sup> </sup></b>From
heaven the </i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 107%;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> looks down</span> and sees all mankind;</i></span><i> But the
eyes of the </i><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 107%;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> are on those who fear him,</span></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">on those <u>whose hope is in his unfailing love</u>.</span></i></span> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+33%3A12%2C+13%2C+18&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 33:12-13, 18</a> </b></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
<span id="en-NIV-14386"></span>If you’re like me, you looked forward
to 2021. A new start, a fresh slate to create beautiful memories. To laugh and
hope again. Instead, it seems the beast of 2020 threatens to engulf those
hopes. Without a doubt, our nation is hurting—collectively and personally.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Yet, as Christians, our hope is in an
unfailing love—that of God through our Savior Jesus Christ. God looks down from
heaven and sees us. Wow, such comforting thought!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God is not caught unaware of any trial we
walk through. No matter how bleak the present feels and the future looks, we
can embrace that hope and the strength that comes from the Holy Spirit residing
in us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">‘Not by might nor by power, but by <u>my
Spirit</u>,’ says the Lord Almighty. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+4%3A6&version=NIV" target="_blank">Zechariah 4:6</a> </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As we face next week and the months ahead as a nation,
let us consider this prayer from President George Washington: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I now make it my earnest
prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that he
would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination
and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for
one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and
particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that
he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love
mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper
of mind, which were the Characteristics of the Devine Author of our blessed
Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we
can never hope to be a happy Nation. Amen (adapted from Washington’s Circular
Letter to the States, in June 1783)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">May God continue to bless us, according to His holy
will. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I’d love to join you in prayer! Please leave a comment
or email me your requests. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What Bible verse sustains and encourages you in difficult times? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Blessings,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Kunstler Script"; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 107%;">Laura</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-large;"> </span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span class="text"><i>May your unfailing love be with us, </i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i>,</i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i> </i></span><span class="text"><i>even as we put our hope in you.</i> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+33%3A22&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 33:22</a></span></p><p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VRf1Hko-uP8" width="320" youtube-src-id="VRf1Hko-uP8"></iframe></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</span></p>Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-39638197015616903812020-12-30T17:25:00.008-05:002020-12-31T09:28:30.438-05:00Renewed Hope In The New Year<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB1yoB7c7HnlV7Ci2C02hvXmsFMR6mERk3L1t8kkf7wLdel-R_Xduo8j2sUKipsfMdPJ7SB-JEsmbulqTCiPoCIIxIpdP9zK5CyX2gNZsHMq_Ua2fYTXQ9ZiS5M-QOPo87A4_-Pnr5xY7/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB1yoB7c7HnlV7Ci2C02hvXmsFMR6mERk3L1t8kkf7wLdel-R_Xduo8j2sUKipsfMdPJ7SB-JEsmbulqTCiPoCIIxIpdP9zK5CyX2gNZsHMq_Ua2fYTXQ9ZiS5M-QOPo87A4_-Pnr5xY7/" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><br />…And we boast in
the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character;
and character, hope. And <b>hope does not put us to shame</b>, because God’s love has
been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to
us.</i> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A2-5&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 5:2-5 NIV</a></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Romans 5 tell us
that perseverance leads to hope and that hope doesn’t disappoint. We've all
had to persevere through a tough year, and we can only hope that 2021 will be
better. For Christians, this isn’t an ordinary hope. It’s a hope that comes
through the Holy Spirit living in us—that no matter what happens in our earthly
life, we have a resurrected hope in eternity. We're able to lean on God’s strength to face
whatever challenges lie ahead, and be filled with His supernatural hope to see us through.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As we ring in the New Year, enjoy this excerpt from <span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Lord Alfred Tennyson</span>'s poem, <b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Memoriam, [Ring out, wild bells]</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The flying cloud, the frosty
light:</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The year is dying in the night;</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ring out the old, ring in the new,</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Ring, happy bells, across the
snow:</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The year is going, let him go;</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ring out the false, ring in the true.</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ring out old shapes of foul disease;</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Ring out the narrowing lust of
gold;</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Ring out the thousand wars of
old,</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ring in the thousand years of peace.</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ring in the valiant man and free,</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The larger heart, the kindlier
hand;</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Ring out the darkness of the
land,</span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ring in the Christ that is to be. </span></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't know about you, but I'm determined to embrace a renewed sense of hope in 2021 that only Christ can bring! Happy New Year!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">God bless,</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Laura</i></span></b></span></p><p></p>Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-50531058228992025792020-10-26T07:15:00.004-04:002020-10-26T07:20:51.640-04:00Learning to Stand, Even When the Armor Slips<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzDJ4lSHPjBIrFxRkfvpAi0aG_HQLZSCxw4mpiS_upi036GPWaOMYhMafNhcBo0Fsv5a3Gx9JGgBJXsNSvyPyqDGLSEjV0bxi5fSYBZ_Ihd1d1hW4Q_ckiqT_re9cGfELcYClM7GJARbH/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzDJ4lSHPjBIrFxRkfvpAi0aG_HQLZSCxw4mpiS_upi036GPWaOMYhMafNhcBo0Fsv5a3Gx9JGgBJXsNSvyPyqDGLSEjV0bxi5fSYBZ_Ihd1d1hW4Q_ckiqT_re9cGfELcYClM7GJARbH/w200-h133/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">During the past four years as I’ve grieved the <a href="https://laurahodgespoole.blogspot.com/2016/09/four-words-i-never-thought-id-say.html" target="_blank">loss of my daughter</a>, one of my lifelines has been reading Scripture. Memorized verses transform
into prayers when my mind and heart get caught in a cycle of despair. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently, I’ve studied strength verses because strength
is what I need most. Strength to continue to face the future without my daughter. Strength
to keep going despite health issues. Strength to get through pandemic
challenges. I’m sure you can relate in our “new normal” of 2020. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+6%3A13&version=NIV" target="_blank">Ephesians 6:13</a> says to put on the armor of God so that “you may be able to stand your
ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To stand. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You
don’t simply strap on God’s armor and stand. You have to <i>keep standing!</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxyltt1Vx8ko0nzz3b0jvsUFOua7o3Lq_7-OzmqwaDxolZFFRXHo90buZEhh1uMvsi_uXgKkQMni2iRll8NCWFxwxbBpiOR9sDqBfGa5pnyKfAYaiPqsC6GFp_v1CxNDegKa57IzO7gg_/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1280" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxyltt1Vx8ko0nzz3b0jvsUFOua7o3Lq_7-OzmqwaDxolZFFRXHo90buZEhh1uMvsi_uXgKkQMni2iRll8NCWFxwxbBpiOR9sDqBfGa5pnyKfAYaiPqsC6GFp_v1CxNDegKa57IzO7gg_/w200-h138/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I don’t know about you, but I often find that challenging. Sometimes I feel like King David when he was merely shepherd boy David,
struggling to make the </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+samuel+17%3A38-39&version=NIV" style="font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">king’s armor</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> fit him. But unlike David, I can’t take off the armor. God has
equipped us differently to fight spiritual battles. The </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">more we saturate our minds and hearts with Scripture, the better the armor fits, and God's strength enables us to stand.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As the Apostle Paul said, “<span style="background: white; color: black;">our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against
the … powers of this dark world” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+6%3A12&version=NIV" target="_blank">Eph. 6:12</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether grieving a loved one,
battling a pandemic, dealing with job loss or a difficult family member—our <b><i>only</i></b>
hope in the struggle is God’s strength manifested through us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">My most recent
inspirational romance novel released October 13. Not surprising that I share a
few traits with Misty, the main character in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hopes-Gentle-Touch-Laura-Hodges-ebook/dp/B08G9H1MCD/ref=sr_1_2?crid=CV0KWF4K9MYB&dchild=1&keywords=hope%27s+gentle+touch&qid=1602792325&sprefix=hope%27s+gentle+touch%2Caps%2C318&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Hope’s Gentle Touch</a>.</i> She also lacked strength, though her lack of strength
came from living in abusive relationship. Her story is a journey of learning to
stand again, and intertwined with that strength is love and hope. God intended His
strength to be the force by which we’re able to stand—and His gentleness to be
a fertile ground for love and hope to grow. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHmzFhHQrYM6Sj_bip6-1qQ2Db-7B-VjUN3G_88deVaDRmJMLTtKLoYnDV2tvC3u-rqIo98fN0euj74T0kQf78-Qd3_dbCAkGkyuCwGjQeGEWNkusQsXdWJPcksfzaENjToopm3XY1_pM/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHmzFhHQrYM6Sj_bip6-1qQ2Db-7B-VjUN3G_88deVaDRmJMLTtKLoYnDV2tvC3u-rqIo98fN0euj74T0kQf78-Qd3_dbCAkGkyuCwGjQeGEWNkusQsXdWJPcksfzaENjToopm3XY1_pM/w200-h134/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Do you struggle with
letting God be your strength—and thus being a source of gentle hope to those in
your life? Spend time in His Word and at His feet in prayer. You’ll be able to
stand, knowing His presence surrounds you, no matter what circumstance you’re
in. He’ll give you strength and meet your needs in ways you could never <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+3%3A20&version=NIV" target="_blank">imagine</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How may I pray for you today? Please leave a comment or email me. While you're at it, share a favorite Bible verse that sustains you. I've shared a few at the end of this post. I’d love to hear from you!</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10.5pt;"><i><span style="color: #111111;">Laura Hodges Poole is an award-winning Christian author. Her novel, Return to Walhalla, was a Selah Award finalist. She enjoys encouraging others through her writing and mentoring. On beautiful days in South Carolina, you might find her hiking instead of writing. A mother of two and empty-nester, Laura enjoys a quiet life with her husband. Visit her website by clicking <a href="https://laurahodgespoole.com" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">(Devotion photos courtesy of Pixabay.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8WpyIUQTtOMb3MBnusjLIz1NmF7VWu_vSB0Sdy4aqnNQvRpqab_ZCfXkQkwxutxOslJVrDMhuqfSHmOTCcA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Click
</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hopes-Gentle-Touch-Laura-Hodges-ebook/dp/B08G9H1MCD/ref=sr_1_2?crid=CV0KWF4K9MYB&dchild=1&keywords=hope%27s+gentle+touch&qid=1602792325&sprefix=hope%27s+gentle+touch%2Caps%2C318&sr=8-2" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">
to order your copy of </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Hope’s Gentle Touch</i></p><p></p></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Praise for <i>Hope’s Gentle Touch</i>:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #111111;">Poole handles the tender
topic of abuse with grace and just enough tension to remind the reader that our
happily ever afters are often hard won. She writes with the kind of
authenticity and wisdom that transforms a sweet romance into a meaningful tale
that will give readers something to think about long after turning the last
page.<br />
<strong>~Sarah Loudin Thomas, </strong>Christy-nominated author of <em>Miracle
in a Dry Season</em><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #111111;">A heartwarming novel with
characters you can't quit rooting for. This book is perfect for fans of
small-town inspirational romance.<br />
~<strong>Heidi McCahan, </strong>author of <em>Unraveled<o:p></o:p></em></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hope’s Gentle Touch</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
is a profound look at the effects of spouse/ date abuse on its victims.
Heartbreaking and honest, the story weaves a realistic psychological study of
the long-lasting turmoil faced by those who are trapped or have been trapped in
abusive relationships. Yet author Laura Poole offers words of hope in the midst
of tragedy, light in the midst of the darkness. A well-crafted novel that will
bring understanding about this often-hidden evil. ~<b>Elaine Marie Cooper, </b>author,
<i>Love’s
Kindling, Scarred Vessels</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></i></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #111111;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hopes-Gentle-Touch-Laura-Hodges-ebook/dp/B08G9H1MCD/ref=sr_1_2?crid=CV0KWF4K9MYB&dchild=1&keywords=hope%27s+gentle+touch&qid=1602792325&sprefix=hope%27s+gentle+touch%2Caps%2C318&sr=8-2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3LiPGB50vYtIKz51HXlX6LTbvgZ8stwsVk4s4d4rC9qgcohWPen6_VMeD_B6Mw1cN9yovxOiqazmuX7hKB2rM6MK1D0Ie6jr_QrRVTh4yQXTlv0s-qAacF4plaslh2W_enoxM2cxqaH9/w133-h200/Hope%2527s+Gentle+Touch+Cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-top: 5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 5.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #111111;">After her abusive husband’s death, Misty Stephens returns
to her job as a nurse and volunteer at a women’s shelter. She intends to put
her life back together and has no intention of ever being vulnerable to a man
again. But when an abuse victim dies in her care, Misty finds herself consoling
the girl’s brother ... and fighting attraction.</span><span style="color: #111111;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-top: 5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 5.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #111111;">Adam Jenkins sees Misty’s heart
for the oppressed and implores her to help build Hope House, a women’s shelter,
in honor of his sister. Though grieving, Adam is drawn to Misty. But he approaches
romance the way he does ranching—quick and decisive—an almost disastrous
mistake. While dealing with family fallout and troubles at work, this new
project and Misty become a light shining into Adam’s grief.</span><span style="color: #111111;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="color: #111111;">A common
purpose binds them together, and Misty’s heart starts to open to Adam. But she
finds it much harder to lower her defenses than she imagined. Can any man be
fully trusted—especially a powerful, wealthy rancher? When the past rears its
ugly head and her reality starts to crumble, Misty's trust in God and hope for
a bright future are put to the test. Will hope’s gentle touch finally bring the
love Misty’s heart needs to heal?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+4%3A6&version=NIV" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Zachariah
4:6</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+1%3A9&version=NIV" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Joshua
1:9</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+62%3A1-2&version=NIV" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Psalm
62:1-2</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A13&version=NIV" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">Philippians
4:13</a></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p>Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-17903701813923651072020-04-10T15:05:00.000-04:002020-04-10T15:32:23.165-04:00The Last Supper And Jesus’ Quandary<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaaFAK6K_15qBfGfJQdGTYcMkEpdhbntyTBrj94hMaJdDRguGBZeRB_EOI8XOfzcY8Ym9mxRwQcUdLMi1Zzxnok-S4hI0GjNaDmGPo_KTHcxiNEye4HqkRUgdppRkdoB0ukD4n0xXMBGq/s1600/leonardo-da-vinci-1128923_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1280" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaaFAK6K_15qBfGfJQdGTYcMkEpdhbntyTBrj94hMaJdDRguGBZeRB_EOI8XOfzcY8Ym9mxRwQcUdLMi1Zzxnok-S4hI0GjNaDmGPo_KTHcxiNEye4HqkRUgdppRkdoB0ukD4n0xXMBGq/s320/leonardo-da-vinci-1128923_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Leonardo da Vinci’s depiction of The Last Supper is
one of the most famous paintings in history. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why did this scene captivate da
Vinci, along with untold numbers of other folks over the last few centuries?
The story behind the Last Supper of Jesus and His disciples is compelling on so
many levels.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For Christians, it symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice on
the cross for the atonement of our sins. For centuries, we have commemorated it with communion
in our churches.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Bible records the Last Supper of Christ and His
disciples during Passover in the four gospels. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke
give a snapshot of the evening, John gives a more detailed, personal account of
Jesus’ purpose for the evening in chapters 13-17. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus’ life and ministry culminated on the night of
the Last Supper. Jews all over Israel celebrated the Passover Feast, but Jesus
had a much higher agenda for His “family” of three years. He was there to say
good-bye and give final instructions to prepare His disciples for ministry.
With the Holy Spirit’s help, they would pick up the torch and carry Jesus’
ministry forward. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A15&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 22:15</a> records that Jesus “eagerly desired” to share the
Passover meal with them. Yet, from their words and Jesus’ admonitions, we see
there was still much for them to learn.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Like most families during the holidays, Jesus’ inner
circle wasn’t without its foibles.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0wKLCViHyve-DG9yYZW8GiFozP1cDz8SlrFXRV_DkZ8gZpNbwtXaNIGtG7FrP979SbGhyphenhyphenqnLespGTlteit-1Ouvw1CHGDzP5RyXJZGRIbHhDY5Zz314H13EgXQLE2lokMAMMhbbwi_EY/s1600/chain-297842_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0wKLCViHyve-DG9yYZW8GiFozP1cDz8SlrFXRV_DkZ8gZpNbwtXaNIGtG7FrP979SbGhyphenhyphenqnLespGTlteit-1Ouvw1CHGDzP5RyXJZGRIbHhDY5Zz314H13EgXQLE2lokMAMMhbbwi_EY/s320/chain-297842_1280.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foibles = Weaknesses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even after Jesus washes their feet in a lesson about
servanthood, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A24&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 22:24</a> shows the disciples still squabbling over their places
in His kingdom. One brooded about his perceived notion of Jesus’ earthly
kingdom, and Jesus called him out on his plan of betrayal in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A18-27&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 13:18-27</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Was Jesus disappointed, with so much at stake, that
His followers still behaved in a very human fashion? After all, He had spent
three years trying to mold them into men capable of carrying His ministry into
the future.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We don’t see the frustration Jesus displayed in other
places in the Gospels, such as <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+9%3A14-29&version=NIV" target="_blank">Mark 9:14-29</a>. We see patience in our Lord at the
Last Supper, even though He corrected the men. This was to be the last time before his death that they sat together, sharing a meal, receiving instructions, and praying. Jesus
was in His brother mode as well as His father mode.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s easy for us to believe we would’ve behaved
differently than the disciples. If Jesus were here today in the flesh, teaching
us, surely it wouldn’t have taken three years for us to comprehend that He is
the Messiah and to overcome our human nature. Yet, as we look at our own lives
and Christ’s hand in our trials and triumphs, we are capable of being just as
whiny, divisive, and self-promoting as the twelve disciples.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We can all think of occasions where a situation didn’t
work out the way we envisioned, and we took matters into our own hands to make
it work. Maybe not to the extent Judas did, but nevertheless we tried to give
God the agenda we wanted Him to work by. And if we’re honest, we’ll admit we’ve
argued our point of view, much like Peter, even when through God’s Word or
prayer we’re being told something different.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus’ quandary wasn’t so much that He had to go to
the cross, although that was a dire situation to be in. Rather, the intensity
and depth of His words in John 13 through 17 show us that like all teachers,
His concern was whether His pupils were ready for graduation. He gave them
final instructions and then handed them over to the Holy Spirit, who would take
them into the future. He ended the supper by praying for Himself, His
disciples, and all believers (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 17</a>).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then He went on to fulfill God’s plan for His own
life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2UExJPOh2BdiHPMKZFisjxrCnDBfUMfnTKPbG6S_6lEmVOx5GAXCV7oy3ig1jjc-ki1-6tKV3onZwBGMVPTFwRO3P4bSrOuNnwFS3ll3Cd_eRlzv4cwd6TRatzjFLajyHGOCaO7JG3Cw/s1600/man+at+cross+banner-949932_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="1280" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2UExJPOh2BdiHPMKZFisjxrCnDBfUMfnTKPbG6S_6lEmVOx5GAXCV7oy3ig1jjc-ki1-6tKV3onZwBGMVPTFwRO3P4bSrOuNnwFS3ll3Cd_eRlzv4cwd6TRatzjFLajyHGOCaO7JG3Cw/s320/man+at+cross+banner-949932_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When I look back over my life, the lessons I tried to
teach my children, the plans I’ve tried to fulfill, whether
career or ministry-wise, and every decision I’ve made—I realize after I’ve done
my best; what happens next often isn’t up to me. Daily, I must choose to hand the reins to God, take up my cross, and follow Jesus. I believe that,
above all else, this was what Jesus tried so hard to instill in His disciples.
It’s a lesson He ultimately modeled by going to the Garden of Gethsemane,
praying, and then yielding to His Father’s will. It’s a lesson I'm still learning to put into practice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As we enter the final Holy days before celebrating Resurrection
Sunday, what problem are you wrestling with that you simply need to hand over
to the Lord and instead take up your cross and follow Him?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Are you willing to let Him lead—no matter where it
takes you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-17058491849519851562018-05-11T08:18:00.001-04:002018-05-11T08:29:29.053-04:00God’s Solution For Worrying Mothers<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49IEerynYTpRdgUXTVS7__A3Nb24M9iRVoieRa1MgpufndtpyGqt9R_zq8iHrYEwMfPYwb11YPHj_dPUZZ_1wxROO30x5HyDgdm7So6pUJUhYE_CqzbKu6MiObT3KhqmNNcgByCyfUxaA/s1600/people-2566854_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1280" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49IEerynYTpRdgUXTVS7__A3Nb24M9iRVoieRa1MgpufndtpyGqt9R_zq8iHrYEwMfPYwb11YPHj_dPUZZ_1wxROO30x5HyDgdm7So6pUJUhYE_CqzbKu6MiObT3KhqmNNcgByCyfUxaA/s320/people-2566854_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Motherhood is one of the toughest challenges women face,
whether we're raising a gentle soul or a tantrum-throwing type A personality.
Part of the challenge of motherhood is worry.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Jesus cautioned His followers not to worry about
tomorrow because today has worry enough, but mothers spend many sleepless
nights worrying about their children, whether they’re safe, and what their
future will be. Add to this the many stages a child goes through, and you find
yourself wondering why God thought you were up to the task of motherhood.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>Speak God’s Truth</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+1%3A10-18&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Samuel 1:10-18</a>, we see Hannah pouring out her
heart to God. Her biggest desire was to have a child. We see no emotion in
Abraham in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 22</a> when he takes Isaac up onto the mountain to sacrifice him
as God commanded. However, in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22%3A5&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 22:5</a> we get a glimpse into Abraham’s thinking
when he tells his servants they will be back. So whatever emotion he felt, he
countered it with the truth God had spoken to him in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+17&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 17</a> when He
promised to make Abraham a father of many nations, establishing a covenant with
Abraham and his descendants.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Maybe that’s where the answer to the challenges of
motherhood lies. Instead of worrying, the best thing we can do for our children
and ourselves is speak God’s truth over them and to them.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">How do we do this? It starts with being saturated in
God’s Word and staying on our knees in prayer. The best guidance we’ll get is
while being in tune with God’s directives.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>His Promise</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjwHLqbomq3sUqIKlJQSescrGhYQgmzQZq0zrlJpFGpBR5uhqO29Bg3mqJ78RGCuUP43PPPjzkhBUag5XJakESNWINMokCJ9hDuJTAy7LVnaY2X0K68HrJaz9lejFoPlrjCCH0vQWx2dL/s1600/mother-1651340_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjwHLqbomq3sUqIKlJQSescrGhYQgmzQZq0zrlJpFGpBR5uhqO29Bg3mqJ78RGCuUP43PPPjzkhBUag5XJakESNWINMokCJ9hDuJTAy7LVnaY2X0K68HrJaz9lejFoPlrjCCH0vQWx2dL/s320/mother-1651340_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+6%3A6-9&version=NIV" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a> is one of the best templates for
teaching our children about God. If God is truly everything to us, then it’s not
difficult to incorporate that love into our daily lives when sitting, walking by the way, lying down, or when we get up.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">If we don’t impress anything else upon our children, God's love is most important. It will undergird them in all of life’s challenges
and decisions. Is this a guarantee that their life will turn out perfect—that
no harm will ever come to them? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">No. God doesn’t promise that.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> He only promises
to walk with us through life’s trials. And absolutely nothing is averted or solved by worrying. Even when the worst happens, if we keep
our eyes fixed on eternity and the promise that one day there will be no more
suffering, no more pain, no more tears <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Revelation 21)</a>, then no matter what comes
our way on this earth, God will provide a way to get through it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco7Xeglf1-qx2e7olkZHcPjxMMdjRi0hL5vF5qP7Gsu2oU1xh2samn0PJrRI6XThzeBQylh3wYoKMinzeQn3XHs1oQaVIXN5GCshmVYTlBbLfirYASnG9dFhV-xlnBidTxIHDQcB2flh_/s1600/blur-1867402_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco7Xeglf1-qx2e7olkZHcPjxMMdjRi0hL5vF5qP7Gsu2oU1xh2samn0PJrRI6XThzeBQylh3wYoKMinzeQn3XHs1oQaVIXN5GCshmVYTlBbLfirYASnG9dFhV-xlnBidTxIHDQcB2flh_/s200/blur-1867402_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Cover your children in prayer. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A13-16&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 139:13-16<span style="color: #b00000;"> </span></a>tells
us that God knew them before they were even knit together in your womb. As much
as we love our children, He loves them even more. What a comforting thought to
deflate worry when it attacks!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><b>His Love Sustains </b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This year, as I mark my second Mother’s Day after my
daughter’s passing, God’s love sustains me. The Biblical promises I have
stored in my heart and soul for decades, some of which my mother instilled in
me early in life, will help carry me through Mother's Day and again later in the week on Lindsay's birthday. His love will sustain you on tough days, also.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">What difficulty are you facing with your children? </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Do you have a Bible verse or passage that gives </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">you comfort and strength as you walk through this
trial? </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Join the conversation below and be an encouragement to
other mothers.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">If you have a prayer request, p<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">lease
leave a comment or email me confidential requests. I've love to pray for you! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Have a blessed Mother's Day.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In Christ,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "kunstler script"; font-size: 24pt; margin: 0px;">Laura</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">©Laura Hodges Poole</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Photos courtesy of Pixabay.com</span></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-44326384090115900372018-03-31T15:13:00.000-04:002018-03-31T16:45:18.997-04:00Jesus' Destiny, The Empty Tomb, and Our Free Will<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccPqJv5jPAWH4sp0pxiBRAn78r88tjkZdM8-vbQ5qX-qomSbA9rq6XDsU44If-tnSo45b34mJBJdNH5ilIdH5KQhwxuAP0b1fPfmznh_FEOmewrHGwyJmZKiL5vAvhP6Whc6ziQkSTZvv/s1600/ID-10013955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccPqJv5jPAWH4sp0pxiBRAn78r88tjkZdM8-vbQ5qX-qomSbA9rq6XDsU44If-tnSo45b34mJBJdNH5ilIdH5KQhwxuAP0b1fPfmznh_FEOmewrHGwyJmZKiL5vAvhP6Whc6ziQkSTZvv/s1600/ID-10013955.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i>“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A29-30&version=NIV" target="_blank"><b>Romans 8:29-30</b></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I love Easter, even more than Christmas. Perhaps it has something to do with the purity in celebrating the resurrection versus the almost total commercialism Christmas has become. Maybe it’s because I feel the renewing of my spirit as I celebrate Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, much like nature when it's reborn each spring.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Easter is a time for Christians to explore whether their lives conform to the image of Christ. How do we do that? By embracing the fact that it’s our destiny.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
If you've chosen to be a Christian, then God has predestined you to fellowship with Him and do His Kingdom work. But how is this possible, when sin and our own self-focus often interfere? There’s only one way—through the cross.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Jesus’ earthly life and ministry culminated on the cross for our salvation. This was the central focus of everything He did. He loves us that much! <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A13&version=NIV" target="_blank">(John 15:13).</a> One could say His destiny was the cross. Yet, in order for His death to mean anything, He had to <b><i>choose</i></b> it.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
God created us with free will to choose our own path. Once we encountered the cross and became Christians, we were no longer our own. Because of this, <b><i>every</i></b> decision we make reflects Christ to the world.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i>“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? </i><b style="font-style: italic;">You are not your own; you were bought at a price.</b><i> Therefore honor God with your bodies.” </i><b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+6%3A19-20&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a> </b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><br /></i>Christianity means living much deeper and broader than ourselves. We must never forget what an awesome and enormous responsibility it is to carry the name of Jesus.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
The cross was costly. When Jesus was resurrected, an enormous price had been exacted on Him. He bore the wages for our sin. This Sunday, when we celebrate His resurrection, take a moment to consider that cost. It’s easy to become complacent in the politically correct society we live in, when faced with moral and social issues, and forget the price of our redemption. We have been “predestined to be<i> </i>conformed to the image of his Son.”</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Are we willing to take up the cross of Christ and the cost it encompasses? Consider these thoughts from Jim Elliot, a martyred missionary:</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 6.66px; margin-left: 48px; margin-right: 48px; margin-top: 6.66px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
“We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the twentieth century does not reckon with. But we are "harmless," and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, <b>outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross</b>. We are "sideliners"<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.66px;">—</span>coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh, that God would make us dangerous!”</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Amen!</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjlU7naM4V3PPdcklR8nxOBK2Q_YjSU1eveGwwG-kfl7C6FP8o9eNGF5OvjkyqY5jaPzMle7i2o-b895-RuhBiSl6s-Z2bEXPL-mwhCxFRTsyIr7dDaFdI0jLauSyWjUDSyrIAw0U3xFR/s1600/ID-100129981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjlU7naM4V3PPdcklR8nxOBK2Q_YjSU1eveGwwG-kfl7C6FP8o9eNGF5OvjkyqY5jaPzMle7i2o-b895-RuhBiSl6s-Z2bEXPL-mwhCxFRTsyIr7dDaFdI0jLauSyWjUDSyrIAw0U3xFR/s1600/ID-100129981.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
When you analyze your life, does it resemble the world or the cross? For Jesus, it was all about the cross. As we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior on Easter morning, can we say the same?</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
If you have a prayer request, leave a comment or e-mail me confidential requests. I’d love to pray for you.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Have a beautiful Resurrection Sunday!</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16px;">Shalom,<o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "ms gothic"; font-size: 18.66px;"><b><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 24px; line-height: 28px;">Laura </span></b>✞</span><span style="font-family: "segoe script" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 21.33px;"><o:p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "ms gothic"; font-size: 18.66px;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0Oun5rUI4xQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Oun5rUI4xQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i>“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A10&version=NIV" target="_blank"><b>1 John 4:10</b></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 13.33px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.33px;">©Laura Hodges Poole</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 13.33px;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.33px;">“Golgota” image courtesy of
bela_kiefer/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.33px;">“Sunrise and Misty at Mountain”
courtesy of Photokanok/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-55490791136020014132018-03-27T08:36:00.001-04:002018-03-27T08:42:03.425-04:00God Speaks Even In Silence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQqCBiEC3yaTm4rICUJkP87nttPSXkwNSC551LMlAW4N6sGx5r1NXXzg3qAyhDjLuNNp6erdtzoNwaZ3YbqSmGM_GV6qdP9ZEAhS5nJ_EIwu0ucA7fD2enh54LGIEERohqXuz_HaUxIOD/s1600/praying-1319101_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQqCBiEC3yaTm4rICUJkP87nttPSXkwNSC551LMlAW4N6sGx5r1NXXzg3qAyhDjLuNNp6erdtzoNwaZ3YbqSmGM_GV6qdP9ZEAhS5nJ_EIwu0ucA7fD2enh54LGIEERohqXuz_HaUxIOD/s200/praying-1319101_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="margin: 0px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">When he came near the place where the road goes down the
Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in
loud voices for all the miracles they had seen…</span></i></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Some of the
Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">“I tell you,”</span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"> he replied, </span></span></i><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><i>“if
they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” </i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+19%3A37-40&version=NIV" target="_blank"><b>Luke 19:37-40</b></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Jesus triumphant entry into
Jerusalem before the Passover brought cheers from the crowd. Their response
infuriated the Pharisees. Given all the evidence of Jesus being the Messiah, it’s
hard to fathom that religious leaders would rebuke him. Yet, there it was. And
the Pharisees carried their hatred all the way to Golgotha. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Jesus’ reply to the Pharisees sends
chills up my spine. Imagine stones crying out about our Savior. This shows the
supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. He can’t <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i></b> speak about Christ!
And if He can’t do it through a person, He’ll find another way.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I became even more aware of that within
the last month as we celebrated the life of one of the most impactful pastors that our
country, and possibly the world, has ever seen. Reverend Billy Graham passed
away in February at the age of 99. I respected and loved Billy Graham. I grew
up watching his crusades in the 1970s, and they had a huge impact on me. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">As many other folks did after Graham’s
death, I watched videos of his life, including one about his crusades to
London, England. In 1954, at his first big international crusade, over 2 million
people attended with 40,000 professions of faith. He returned in 1955 and again
in 1966.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgV0fRcS6rvwvduBlmTepv87rBQEogc0I2ZWh2dEotDvx17Qd6MzV25duxtNIZB-f-38SSzLn5RtPNAHey_qAO3br6a83KYNtPMV8a_jk2cg3ols0Nbyt71u1tvKzojoXMcTs95d0Edqs/s1600/bible-1948778_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgV0fRcS6rvwvduBlmTepv87rBQEogc0I2ZWh2dEotDvx17Qd6MzV25duxtNIZB-f-38SSzLn5RtPNAHey_qAO3br6a83KYNtPMV8a_jk2cg3ols0Nbyt71u1tvKzojoXMcTs95d0Edqs/s320/bible-1948778_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">As stadiums packed out for the crusades,
the British media began writing scathing reviews of his ministry. They claimed Billy
Graham whipped his audiences into an emotional frenzy with the playing of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just As I Am </i>for the altar call. They
credited that with the mass number of conversions—not a genuine call of Christ.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">So in 1966, when Billy Graham
returned to England and held services at Earl Gray’s Court and Wembly Stadium,
he ended the services differently. Cliff Barrows, Graham’s music director,
recounted the story <a href="https://billygrahamlibrary.org/crusade-city-spotlight-london/" target="_blank">here:</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><em><span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;">That first night at
Earl’s Court, Billy preached his heart out. There was a real sense of the
presence of God. When he finished he said, “We are not going to have any music
tonight. There’ll be no singing. But if the Spirit of God is speaking to your
heart, then right where you are, just stand in your place, and make your way
out to the aisle. Come down to the center through the side aisles and stand
here in front of the platform.” He stood back and said, “Now, you come.” </span></em></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><em><span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;">For about fifteen seconds
nobody moved. And that’s a long time. Then all of a sudden a seat squeaked, and
then another, and another. Then hundreds of people began to stand. They walked
to the aisle, shuffled down the long wooden floor that had been put down to
cover the turf, and stood at the front.</span></em></span></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #004000;"></span></i><i><span style="color: #b06400;"><br /></span></i>
<div style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><em><span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">We went thirty nights
without a single note of the hymn, “Just as I Am,” which has been the signature
tune of our Crusades through the years. We had never done that before.</span></span></em></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><em><span style="color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the reporters
began to write about the invitation at Earl’s Court, they said that all they
heard was a shuffling of feet on the floor. “Bring back ‘Just as I Am!’ The
silence is killing us!” they wrote.</span></span></em></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I’m pretty sure the reporters
didn’t realize what an amazing testimony they were giving—not for Graham <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but for Christ</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“The silence is killing us”—or as
Jesus put it, “Even the stones will cry out.” Even in the silence, the Holy
Spirit was speaking. The Pharisees couldn’t silence the Holy Spirit, and the reporters
couldn’t either. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Hearing this story of Graham’s
crusade confirmed for me that—even in what we perceive as our weak, human
attempts to share the gospel—the Holy Spirit shines through our words, and often
in our silence. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">St. Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach
the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I’ll take it even one step further.
Our testimony is more than what we tell people about our salvation experience.
It’s also lived out in our actions. That’s when God’s spirit is most evident. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">And then when we do speak, people
will listen. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxReFDfW84clxLIujQFt7Mbv9Aory50p_ZvrQGND-wZB1b4ZQ1pEyA0csktfJzY0lzhKHxDMxMYwQuulE3ccQiaXhpOZ0EsiHOVJ3hKXwVBkEOnX_zfO5UwQbrEpcWc7Lr8nf-bZ_w2i0i/s1600/bible-879086_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxReFDfW84clxLIujQFt7Mbv9Aory50p_ZvrQGND-wZB1b4ZQ1pEyA0csktfJzY0lzhKHxDMxMYwQuulE3ccQiaXhpOZ0EsiHOVJ3hKXwVBkEOnX_zfO5UwQbrEpcWc7Lr8nf-bZ_w2i0i/s200/bible-879086_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Have you ever felt
inadequate when telling people about Christ? Perhaps you have a Bible verse
that’s encouraged you when you felt weak. I’d love for you to share in the comments
below.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">If you need prayer
today, please feel free to leave a comment or email me confidential requests. I’d
love to pray for you! </span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">God Bless,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "kunstler script"; font-size: 24pt; margin: 0px;">Laura</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">©Laura Hodges Poole</span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">Photos courtesy of
Pixabay.com.</span></div>
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-3571390741277522772017-10-13T08:57:00.000-04:002017-10-13T08:57:23.334-04:00Happy Friday! (Book Winner announcement)<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">…do
not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through
the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you
will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your
God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Do not be afraid, for I am with you</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">… Isaiah 43:1-3,
5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Happy Friday! We made it through another
work week. I don’t know about you, but I have a lot to be thankful for. Sure,
each day is filled with difficulty. I wake up to the reality that my daughter
is gone and then have to figure out how to live despite that reality. But God
is so good and faithful to walk with me in my grief. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This Bible verse from Isaiah
encourages me that no matter how difficult life is, I can always count on God.
I know that promise intimately. When you’re tempted to be discouraged or be afraid,
remember this verse from Joshua 1:9:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“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.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My prayer for you today is that
God will strengthen you and fill you with courage. May His comfort surround
you, especially those struggling with chronic illnesses, grief, or
facing family crisis. May you sense His
presence in all that you do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God bless,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Laura<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">**The
book giveaway winner from last week is <u>Charlene Canfield</u>. Congratulations on
winning a copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Journey-Through-Fibromyalgia-Ravages-ebook/dp/B06ZYZT1W7/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid" target="_blank">"My Journey Through Fibromyalgia: Rumors, Ravages & The Rescue."</a> Please send me your contact information and address at <a href="mailto:laurapoole565@gmail.com">laurapoole565@gmail.com</a>.**<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7nJUijQpX9uazZbZ2dwZMLG5uX2dteACsCKwhRuM8MnHMhiWwzJYdK-3LIkSBzWPI993PpTQdoke_IIFUanthq7mMg0dbWM7ziPy9OVHmUd0ye5o22GCu4Nc14OBM6R8L6h6fzVPuXwj/s1600/My+Journey+Through+Fibromyalgia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="231" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7nJUijQpX9uazZbZ2dwZMLG5uX2dteACsCKwhRuM8MnHMhiWwzJYdK-3LIkSBzWPI993PpTQdoke_IIFUanthq7mMg0dbWM7ziPy9OVHmUd0ye5o22GCu4Nc14OBM6R8L6h6fzVPuXwj/s200/My+Journey+Through+Fibromyalgia.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For twenty-five years, Nancy
Alexander battled a mysterious illness without a diagnosis. Despite spells of
total debilitation and hospitalizations with no answers, she managed to fight
through and raise two sons and create a successful business. Like many marriages
where chronic illnesses are at the forefront, Nancy’s suffered. This is her
story of fighting the medical system to receive a diagnosis and to not only
save her marriage to Steve but restore it to a place of joy. Years of rumors
from doctors and friends, the ravages on her body from disease, and the rescue
in the form of a doctor and nutritionist culminated into a place of wellness
that Nancy now shares with her readers. Though she didn’t always know it during
her journey, God’s hand guided and protected her and Steve. Nancy’s story will
uplift and encourage those with chronic illness that answers are worth fighting
for, and God’s strength is sufficient on even the worse days. (Available for purchase on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Journey-Through-Fibromyalgia-Ravages-ebook/dp/B06ZYZT1W7/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-10619621579371023382017-10-05T12:49:00.000-04:002017-10-06T10:52:12.592-04:00A Journey Through Chronic Illness – *Book Giveaway*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJURyC3GnAv5Lws-Zqd0ENN9lFlJKoD-sE2g4ag0wLIuHY8JT4KLm114C-PyUDt8ATo4uaa4zcmnLmM5VwdMq7xuuMh9olTsbMWsSsiHG4iPNhm0DVgZxGLg0EUrJOts9VAfRty-MA6ls/s1600/mountain-2562482_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJURyC3GnAv5Lws-Zqd0ENN9lFlJKoD-sE2g4ag0wLIuHY8JT4KLm114C-PyUDt8ATo4uaa4zcmnLmM5VwdMq7xuuMh9olTsbMWsSsiHG4iPNhm0DVgZxGLg0EUrJOts9VAfRty-MA6ls/s200/mountain-2562482_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Six years ago, I met Nancy
Alexander, owner of <a href="http://www.ladybugwreaths.com/" target="_blank">Ladybug Wreaths.</a> We sat down to chat about her life and the
possibility of writing a book. I didn’t know anything about her but soon
learned she’s a successful entrepreneur, master wreath-maker, and fibromyalgia
champion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You don’t typically associate the
word <i>champion</i> with fibromyalgia, but it
didn’t take me long to realize that’s what Nancy is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As we collaborated on writing her
book, I also learned she has a big heart. Nancy possesses a special kind of
strength, one that could only come from the Holy Spirit working through her.
Despite the obstacles she’s had to overcome, and maybe because of them, she has
a determination to succeed on all levels, but particularly as a wife, mother,
and grandmother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her heart for others, like the
women suffering from chronic illness who’ve emailed her over the years, is what
drove her to finally share her personal and painful story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nancy is an overcomer and a
champion. I hope in reading her story that readers, like yourself, will become
inspired to defeat your Goliath and let God use the adversity to shape you to
become more like Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I waited patiently for the Lord;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he turned to me and heard my cry.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> He lifted me out of the slimy pit,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">out of the mud and mire;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">he set my feet on a rock<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and gave me a firm place to stand.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He put a new song in my mouth,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">a hymn of praise to our God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many will see and fear the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and put their trust in him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+40%3A1-3&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 40:1-3 NIV</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Are you fighting a chronic illness or walking through a valley in your life? We’d love to pray for you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do you have a favorite Bible verse that’s helped you in times of despair? Or maybe a quote that’s inspired you? Please feel free to share to encourage others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Leave a comment to be entered in the contest to win a copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Journey-Through-Fibromyalgia-Ravages-ebook/dp/B06ZYZT1W7/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid" target="_blank">"My Journey Through Fibromyalgia"</a> (Deadline to enter is October 11, 2017). Winner will be announced next week.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xT7tlC8aunEun5vNnWNN_8QLnwT2_2_5v-keiJbXzUQid7FhM1My5BX_3DH2W5WCIJnJ7j_J3uIXZavb2rfGe0eLxhnhRcjZL2QfOZvQHl1qiEVqJOfudVp1yykSyw8mnhwZqqfc0PQ3/s1600/My+Journey+Through+Fibromyalgia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="231" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xT7tlC8aunEun5vNnWNN_8QLnwT2_2_5v-keiJbXzUQid7FhM1My5BX_3DH2W5WCIJnJ7j_J3uIXZavb2rfGe0eLxhnhRcjZL2QfOZvQHl1qiEVqJOfudVp1yykSyw8mnhwZqqfc0PQ3/s200/My+Journey+Through+Fibromyalgia.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For twenty-five years, Nancy
Alexander battled a mysterious illness without a diagnosis. Despite spells of
total debilitation and hospitalizations with no answers, she managed to fight
through and raise two sons and create a successful business. Like many marriages
where chronic illnesses are at the forefront, Nancy’s suffered. This is her
story of fighting the medical system to receive a diagnosis and to not only
save her marriage to Steve but restore it to a place of joy. Years of rumors
from doctors and friends, the ravages on her body from disease, and the rescue
in the form of a doctor and nutritionist culminated into a place of wellness
that Nancy now shares with her readers. Though she didn’t always know it during
her journey, God’s hand guided and protected her and Steve. Nancy’s story will
uplift and encourage those with chronic illness that answers are worth fighting
for, and God’s strength is sufficient on even the worse days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Available for purchase on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Journey-Through-Fibromyalgia-Ravages-ebook/dp/B06ZYZT1W7/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid" target="_blank">Amazon.com.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Follow Nancy:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Twitter: @LadyBugWreaths<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nancyladybugwreaths/">https://www.facebook.com/nancyladybugwreaths/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ladybugwreaths">www.pinterest.com/ladybugwreaths</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Mountain photo courtesy of
Pixabay.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">© Laura Hodges Poole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-72618948393042653652017-09-07T08:52:00.000-04:002017-09-07T15:20:33.967-04:00I'm Not Really Angry At God<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBxWWngKw9fnJPA53IsA7IuqF9e8UDssotZWxJKCrx28GtrHcDEUMcLPOCd5u3Akza4x7vlny1AvFZT2QWPHYLYxuUV1ShJBBzEmCEVwexz0g-pLvBWEp_GIQak16LIw42MJA7m4f_hEo/s1600/cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBxWWngKw9fnJPA53IsA7IuqF9e8UDssotZWxJKCrx28GtrHcDEUMcLPOCd5u3Akza4x7vlny1AvFZT2QWPHYLYxuUV1ShJBBzEmCEVwexz0g-pLvBWEp_GIQak16LIw42MJA7m4f_hEo/s200/cemetery.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the agonizing days after Lindsay’s
death last August, our feelings were raw and battered. Somehow James, Josh, and
I functioned well enough to plan her funeral and deal with issues surrounding
her death while welcoming friends and loved ones into our home bearing food,
hugs, and tears. Maybe that’s what’s referred to as “being in shock” after a
traumatic event.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There were questions and comments—and
a theme began to emerge: Why did God allow Lindsay to die? The anger expressed
was a normal, necessary grief reaction—one I’ve felt many times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Regardless of how devastated I was,
I discovered it is possible to have a crushed heart and still be able to state
what I firmly believe: Everyone suffers this side of heaven. Parents sometimes
have to bury their children. While the incredible pain of losing our daughter
is unique to us, death is not unique in this fallen world. As awful as Lindsay's death was, God is faithful and would carry us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even so, I questioned God, cried
out to Him, disagreed with His decision to take Lindsay, and begged Him to undo
this nightmare. Resentful and hurt? I’d be lying if I claimed I wasn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And even now, I get angry about
the whole situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But angry <i>at</i> God? Not really.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve thought about how I was able
to separate the awfulness of what happened from the goodness and sovereignty of
God in the middle of a crisis. The short answer is I was on auto pilot, rotely moving through time and space, and clinging to the faith that had carried me through every valley I'd ever walked through. The underlying truth: It was the power of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6I0NbWzik2AL5zysuT-veiz6Z0YfFABZqOUODVYmLBXUhly6cvOspzhYVgWG9aRVx8SuSY4xd6jeU3o0o_8tuTmpheJVlBd-KccrdhYPzqlmEBu_MhcoNYx_Syo5EDPMhwOPELWJ1YEU/s1600/read-369040_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1280" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6I0NbWzik2AL5zysuT-veiz6Z0YfFABZqOUODVYmLBXUhly6cvOspzhYVgWG9aRVx8SuSY4xd6jeU3o0o_8tuTmpheJVlBd-KccrdhYPzqlmEBu_MhcoNYx_Syo5EDPMhwOPELWJ1YEU/s320/read-369040_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In a crisis, the totality of a
Christian’s life carries them. Your basic instincts while in shock override
everything else. If your mind, heart, and soul are filled with God’s Word, and
you’ve experienced His presence in your life, intuitively you reach for Him in
a storm. His truth comes out of your mouth. Even when the waves crash around
you, you <i>know</i> He’s holding you up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The other part of this assurance
comes through prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> “… pray in the Spirit on <u>all</u> occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be <i>alert</i> and <u>always keep on praying</u>
for all the Lord’s people” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+6%3A18&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Ephesians 6:18)</a>, and “pray without ceasing” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A17&version=KJV" target="_blank">(1 Thessalonians 5:17).</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In other words, <b><u>stay</u> </b>in God’s presence.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A8&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Peter 5:8,</a> we again see the instruction to be alert. Why? Because our enemy, the devil, seeks ways to
destroy us. He is proficient in crippling us emotionally and spiritually through
our children and loved ones. Being alert means being aware, but it also means being prepared for the battle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In addition to being equipped for
earthly trials through Bible study and prayer, I’m also able to <i>rest</i> in God’s promises. Believe me,
physical and emotional rest did not come easy, still doesn’t some days, but
that’s when spiritual rest provides respite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christ said, “Come to me all you
who are weary and burdened, and I will give you <i>rest</i>” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Matthew 11:28)</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for
I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find <i>rest</i> for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A29-30&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Matthew 11:29-30).</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isn’t it a comfort to know we’re
not walking this road alone? Christ is yoked beside us, sharing our burdens, and carrying us through the valleys and over rough, rocky roads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjQW-RKPnthaIDaUdoawShHOcGphNKQNu2GM1wR4gh3ruQYUbK0OX3qRtwuVKUJ06mtDFmhVZZan68vNgD-jVOmpRGj-qoJOj2E_6Xk-qtKO1_DYhMcEa5IKYopjte2ybjIQwyijcqmEx/s1600/aurora-2069242_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1280" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjQW-RKPnthaIDaUdoawShHOcGphNKQNu2GM1wR4gh3ruQYUbK0OX3qRtwuVKUJ06mtDFmhVZZan68vNgD-jVOmpRGj-qoJOj2E_6Xk-qtKO1_DYhMcEa5IKYopjte2ybjIQwyijcqmEx/s320/aurora-2069242_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Every night, I step outside with
Lindsay’s dog Sugar before we go to bed. Stars blanket the night sky, and the
vastness of the universe envelops me. Lindsay loved star gazing, and in those
quiet moments I feel close to her—almost like I could reach out and touch her.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That vast blanket of stars also
paints a vivid picture that God’s <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55%3A8-9&version=NIV" target="_blank">thinking is higher</a> than mine. I cling to the
verse in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+50%3A20&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 50:20</a> that what man meant for evil, God will use for good.
Because make no mistake about it, Lindsay’s death was the enemy’s evil doing, <i>not</i> God’s. And the day of reckoning will
come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I also must daily choose to “take
hold of the hope set before us” so I “may be greatly encouraged. We have this
hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary
behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf”
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+6%3A18-20&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Hebrews 6:18-20).</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSSMR5TBQH0NNiRriOXE7C5rtpHiKZgL8n2WOwHj_RHCeL869uNtwoOpkiR8eJY6E0-iMxIjuVa6EUn6pxR-p0fbfmEFNZT8prTfmxUQQ6t2Ejgp6dEkJc5XZSJjYA3RmRi02DvYhb6oF/s1600/lonely-557913_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSSMR5TBQH0NNiRriOXE7C5rtpHiKZgL8n2WOwHj_RHCeL869uNtwoOpkiR8eJY6E0-iMxIjuVa6EUn6pxR-p0fbfmEFNZT8prTfmxUQQ6t2Ejgp6dEkJc5XZSJjYA3RmRi02DvYhb6oF/s320/lonely-557913_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You may not ever face the loss of
a child, but you will suffer loss, disappointment, pain, and heartache. You
have the choice to face it alone or face it with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pontius Pilate asked a very
insightful <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A22&version=NIV" target="_blank">question</a> on the night Jesus was crucified, “What shall I do then
with Jesus, who is called the Messiah?” We all have to answer
that at some point. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As for me, I know I’ve faced the
worst year of my life, and yet somehow I’ve survived. That “somehow” was Jesus
walking with me, at times carrying me, and at other times allowing me to rest
while he took my broken heart in his tender hands and held it close. He’s never
left my side. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christ has been my anchor. I can
say unequivocally that God’s grace was the only way we got through this
year—and it’s His grace that will carry us into the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Perhaps you are facing a crisis—something
that has altered your world. I’d love to pray for you. Please leave a comment
or email me confidential requests. Thank you for lifting my family and me up in prayer through this difficult time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resting in His Grace,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 24.0pt;">Laura<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">©Laura Hodges Poole</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/B6fA35Ved-Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6fA35Ved-Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credits:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cemetery ©Laura Poole</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">Other three photos courtesy of
Pixabay.com</span></div>
</div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-31621300538743045282017-05-18T08:39:00.000-04:002017-05-18T09:16:53.108-04:00The Hollow Spots of Grief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao0WcMx_1fqznYzWf1CEf-N7ja7dRH6UHN-OXzywPRmSZN-DhKyyECisyAwdm1xY4VoTfzEX2wX-rg99D7LcOMFoUdVeI_oLSj6p5I5Jbkd1sf7WIxyej9wA_PBh15vptNLfvGZUe2dc1/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao0WcMx_1fqznYzWf1CEf-N7ja7dRH6UHN-OXzywPRmSZN-DhKyyECisyAwdm1xY4VoTfzEX2wX-rg99D7LcOMFoUdVeI_oLSj6p5I5Jbkd1sf7WIxyej9wA_PBh15vptNLfvGZUe2dc1/s200/042.JPG" width="164" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">“Her
absence is like the sky, spread over everything.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> ~</span><i style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">C.S. Lewis, </span><i style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">A Grief Observed</i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Normally, I would be wrapping a
gift and baking a chocolate cake for Lindsay’s birthday today…anticipating the
glee she showed with any celebration…maybe surprising her with balloons like I
did last year…</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">…signing a sparkling, colorful birthday
card, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">We
love you, Lindsay! Hope you have a wonderful day!</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">But there’s nothing normal about
life now…just hollow spots where normal once resided.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">It’s been almost nine months since
my daughter died—the same length of time I carried her in my body before giving
birth to her thirty-four years ago. Funny, it seemed like a long time then—an
eternity now.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I watched a movie a few years ago
called “Holes.” The premise involved youths in a juvenile detention camp
digging holes for the warden in search of a buried treasure. Holes of all sizes
dotted the desert landscape for miles around the camp. Year after year, more
holes were dug, the treasure seemingly just one hole away, yet ever elusive.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">My life feels like that
desert—stretching out around me endlessly—filled with holes. Just about the
time I think I’ve got a handle on my grief and perhaps back on level land, another
hole appears. Not all bad ones—sometimes beautiful, but bittersweet memories I cherish. Then
other days, like Mother’s Day and her birthday, have the potential to drag me
under. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I cry out to the only One who truly
understands—the One who watched his own son die on a cross over two thousand
years ago. You might be tempted to rebut, “Yeah, but God knew he was going to raise Christ from the dead.” </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">True. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">But, as Christians, we also have
the promise of our loved one’s resurrection in heaven—and the day of our own
homecoming when we join them. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8-bvbAR6HRbqZDkOlY8kSfFZDp6ZPZXM_iB4h5ECktEkLYJ0jpToDPiC2ySYWUsAyYyVv_k-b9W0Ht830dPXeNHRBt1jO4t9xOWxUS6WYIN-YleJw4gV00pfVMzroLui1BhEvVqL8FhY/s1600/Lindsay+senior+pic+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8-bvbAR6HRbqZDkOlY8kSfFZDp6ZPZXM_iB4h5ECktEkLYJ0jpToDPiC2ySYWUsAyYyVv_k-b9W0Ht830dPXeNHRBt1jO4t9xOWxUS6WYIN-YleJw4gV00pfVMzroLui1BhEvVqL8FhY/s320/Lindsay+senior+pic+b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Lindsay was a beautiful, precocious
child who dreamed big and had the tenacity to go out and try to make those
dreams come true. Life looked bright from where we sat, the landscape dotted
only with hope. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">We never saw the holes…until it was
too late.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Now her death is spread over
everything, and likely to some degree, it always will be. I seek to find joy in
my memories of her contagious laughter about something silly, her sparkling
eyes when she dreamed, and the indelible imprint my daughter made on my life in
so many ways. I cling to the hope I have in eternity. I praise God that ours is
a temporary life, one to be cherished and lived, but one we’ll shrug off some
day, like a butterfly does a cocoon before it takes flight.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Lindsay’s soul flew away last
August. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Until
we meet again…</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Love,</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Mom</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/192W0bhJNEg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/192W0bhJNEg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with
them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their
God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or
mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21%3A3-4&version=NIV" target="_blank">Revelation 21:3-4</a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-12799605309014704882017-03-29T10:10:00.000-04:002017-03-29T10:55:36.302-04:00Death, Grief, and Moving On<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmP6M_0Pb2_rgT_fjDsDQ8wdPjlWgt5oAG_0MxalS3de6FFVC_1E7zEfYxyxGChHhUjoMY3t1bRZkpbZDJK5OpOQxMHuw8WuACCD9Y7B3MyodoHG0y05Q76k24mf86H7psDZCT7AS0d8x/s1600/Lindsay+and+Roxie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmP6M_0Pb2_rgT_fjDsDQ8wdPjlWgt5oAG_0MxalS3de6FFVC_1E7zEfYxyxGChHhUjoMY3t1bRZkpbZDJK5OpOQxMHuw8WuACCD9Y7B3MyodoHG0y05Q76k24mf86H7psDZCT7AS0d8x/s200/Lindsay+and+Roxie.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Seven months have passed since my
daughter Lindsay died. Hard to believe it’s been that long, though even harder
to grasp the time’s fleeting compared to the years that lie ahead without her. </span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">In those first weeks after her
death, waking up each morning and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just</i>
breathing hurt. On the nights I slept, Lindsay was still alive. I’d have
conversations with her, but she always seemed just beyond my grasp. The more I
reached for her, the more elusive she became, until finally I awoke. Then reality
crashed down on me, and grief flooded in. She <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> gone. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">My whole life, I’ve heard the
verse, “Where, O death, is your sting?” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A55&version=NIV" target="_blank">(1 Corinthians 15:55)</a>. The meaning is, for Christians, death isn’t an end but a beginning. But it’s only a
beginning for the deceased. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The sting is for those left behind.
An unrelenting sting that pierces the depths of your soul. Losing a child means
part of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> has ended—like closing a
door never to be re-opened. It’s not so much the legacy most of us reflect on as
we reach middle or old age that’s lost. Lindsay’s hopes and dreams that blossomed
as she grew from a little girl into a woman—along with our hopes and dreams for
her—will never bear the fruit they were meant to. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I appreciate the encouragement of
people who’ve continued to reach out to us and include us in their prayers.
Isolation in grief is not healthy and leads to depression, but I’ve found most
of the time I do best by myself. I don’t have to pretend or engage in
conversation. I don’t have to answer the question, “How are you?” I understand
people are genuinely concerned, and I love them for it, but it’s a question with an ever-changing answer.
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">So I usually respond, “I’m okay,”
which really means I’m up, functioning, and doing the best I can, which sometimes is fairly good, depending on the day. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">But I’m not okay and never will be…and
that’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">okay</i>. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">See, I don’t have to be okay for
life to go on. I wake up each day grateful that I’m one step closer to
eternity—one step closer to seeing Lindsay again—one step closer to my Savior
and living the life I’m supposed to be living. Not the temporary one in this
fallen, beat-up world. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Or as the Apostle Paul said, “…to
live is Christ and to die is gain <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A21&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Philippians 1:21)</a>.” </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">This is another verse that became
more vivid for me in the wake of Lindsay’s passing. For the first time, I can
feel Paul’s angst of being torn between this life on earth—where much is still to be accomplished for God’s glory—and going on to heaven where life is
no longer a struggle. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">But until He calls me home, I’ll
continue to get up each day and seek God’s will for my life, and continue the
process of grieving with my family.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFcspSIt_1dzu_znRfTMw8Hd00gEPlhNbbebRtsKrAA8dQfl3wScp28EBghtEWIUUQmPc-9jxezqK7hT71JfCEwc4JkYWmftkQtPAb-EoSA7KMwwGBf7UUMLhD7I69OcUJK2OzuX6cmhF/s1600/20170327_164704+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFcspSIt_1dzu_znRfTMw8Hd00gEPlhNbbebRtsKrAA8dQfl3wScp28EBghtEWIUUQmPc-9jxezqK7hT71JfCEwc4JkYWmftkQtPAb-EoSA7KMwwGBf7UUMLhD7I69OcUJK2OzuX6cmhF/s200/20170327_164704+%25282%2529.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Just as we got through the “first”
holidays in November and December without Lindsay, other “first” milestones
will be marked in the coming months—her birthday and Mother’s Day in May,
Father’s Day in June, and then the anniversary of her death in August. To say I
dread them is an understatement, but at the same time, her beautiful life
should be celebrated. Her birth made me a mother. Likely, I’ll go out to the
cemetery on her birthday, sit on the stone bench atop the hill overlooking her
grave, reminisce…</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">and cry.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">And that’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">okay</i>. Tears are God’s provision for managing grief. Tears dredge up
your deepest pain and bring it to the surface like dross. You scrape away the
pain in those moments and then gather your strength to go on and live another
day. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Meanwhile, Lindsay’s backpack sits
in her room. Waiting to be unpacked. One day. Occasionally, I go through the
clothes in her closet, my fingertips seeking her favorite shirts, or drawing a
scarf close to my cheek, closing my eyes and drinking in her scent that lingers…for how much longer? For now, I don’t worry about it…her physical imprint
is still here. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS6ud4EbVO5NXtqfQOphrlglQ6El0xralvXY3xe0sVsRpVVXc4rg9h5DvC7zS6fmaU5Gos4t4LVkXGMp8iwuJ1m5_2eS16wetV2oE_7LnaRuU_TCFEjjZ7X0Pwc2B5H1phxuIXP4yHXi6/s1600/saint-valentines-day-2059927_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS6ud4EbVO5NXtqfQOphrlglQ6El0xralvXY3xe0sVsRpVVXc4rg9h5DvC7zS6fmaU5Gos4t4LVkXGMp8iwuJ1m5_2eS16wetV2oE_7LnaRuU_TCFEjjZ7X0Pwc2B5H1phxuIXP4yHXi6/s200/saint-valentines-day-2059927_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Someday, maybe I’ll be able to say my
heartbreak has lessened. Today is different than seven months ago, or even two
months ago, and it will be different two years from now…but broken hearts never
truly mend. Especially when one of the broken pieces is buried. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Life has moved on…and yet it will
always be the day we lost her. In a weird sort of way, time stood still. The calendar will always seem to read August 27, because that is the day her laughter stopped and we were left with only memories. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">In our grief, God has shown us compassion, showered us with His
mercies, and given us hope to sustain. We continue to walk the path laid before
us, and we thank you for your prayers and encouraging thoughts along the way.
God has truly blessed us through both.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 16px 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><i>I remember my
affliction and my wandering,<br />
the bitterness and the gall.<br />
I well remember them,<br />
and my soul is downcast within me.</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><i><br /></i>
<u><i>Yet</i></u><i> this I call to mind<br />
and therefore I have hope:</i></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 16px 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><i>Because of the </i><span style="font-variant: small-caps; margin: 0px;"><i>Lord</i></span><i>’s
great love we are not consumed,<br />
for his compassions never fail.<br />
They are new every morning;<br />
great is your faithfulness.<br />
I say to myself, “The </i><span style="font-variant: small-caps; margin: 0px;"><i>Lord</i></span><i> is my
portion;<br />
therefore I will wait for him.”</i></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 16px 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The
<span style="font-variant: small-caps; margin: 0px;">Lord</span> is good to those whose hope
is in him,<br />
to the one who seeks him. </span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+3%3A19-25&version=NIV" target="_blank">Lamentations 3:19-25</a> </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">If you’re going through grief or
experiencing difficult times, I’d love to pray for you. Please leave a comment
or email me confidential requests. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Because of His faithfulness,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "ar decode"; font-size: 26pt; margin: 0px;">Laura</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px;">
<br /></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-10011968948574793102017-02-25T09:37:00.000-05:002017-02-25T09:57:58.967-05:00Depression and Suicide: Reflecting Over My Sister’s Death<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh0gI3ZGVbdrPY84YvyBH31qqToX8BLNhuqX4RqzuxdscIrrtDxSr_487d2QSMgqdJrsHAEhM-2E-sj5z8MVUFL4qkh1LGZEhHDB_eEndyT8KfbJgOYPDa-3Q4ovpcN2VvHplmf7rqL56/s1600/11_27_17.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh0gI3ZGVbdrPY84YvyBH31qqToX8BLNhuqX4RqzuxdscIrrtDxSr_487d2QSMgqdJrsHAEhM-2E-sj5z8MVUFL4qkh1LGZEhHDB_eEndyT8KfbJgOYPDa-3Q4ovpcN2VvHplmf7rqL56/s200/11_27_17.JPEG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle - 1980s</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="margin: 0px;">That warm, sunny day in February 2005, when I
learned my older sister Michelle had ended her life, was agonizingly
contradictory. Her death placed a punctuation mark at the end of a long
battle with major depression. Yet, as I took a walk outdoors to clear my head
and try to make sense of the news, birds tweeted and daffodils were already in
full bloom, raising their little yellow heads to the sun as if to say, “Oh,
what a beautiful day.” </span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">And that’s the quandary in which many
people suffering from mental illness find themselves. They’re often surrounded
by happy people saying, “Cheer up, snap out of it. Find something useful to do,
and you’ll feel better.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">Don’t get me wrong. Good physical
and spiritual habits, as well as having purpose in one’s life, are all part of mental wellness. But severe
depression can be debilitating and challenging to treat, despite the best
efforts of those suffering or their loved ones.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3ddWSWNRw4IY27CRGqzeP6FwCDJCL-PA2aM0Y3IZ6Kzg1K8lkfhiNAWIm7km2zMUbZJNMyHZZnZYfRXcwb5a35xYniJc3W-r4CLGyr8fB_tCHJKWGeOBu9ouSwFrY9x7rLBiacVziXCI/s1600/Me+and+Michelle+1980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3ddWSWNRw4IY27CRGqzeP6FwCDJCL-PA2aM0Y3IZ6Kzg1K8lkfhiNAWIm7km2zMUbZJNMyHZZnZYfRXcwb5a35xYniJc3W-r4CLGyr8fB_tCHJKWGeOBu9ouSwFrY9x7rLBiacVziXCI/s200/Me+and+Michelle+1980.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle and Me<br />
1979</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="margin: 0px;">When I was sixteen and Michelle
was eighteen, sometimes we’d go to the University of Florida track and run.
Michelle loved to run. Me, not so much. I had a tentative grasp on Michelle’s
changing moods that were progressively growing darker. She tried. Oh, she
tried. After all, we were out running, something she enjoyed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">One afternoon when we finished, we
went into the restrooms. I heard her lean against the wall in the adjoining stall
and begin to cry. I asked what was wrong. Most of what she said I already knew.
In my naivete and helplessness, I said, “We’ll figure it out. I’ll help you.”
Of course, what was I going to do? I was a kid myself.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I had no way of knowing this was only the
beginning of a long journey—one I’d learn more about than I ever cared to know.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">I’ve written many times about
mental illness. My family experiences have mirrored others I’ve met at local
and state National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) functions. I get emails
from people walking this difficult path. I’ve read numerous scientific studies
and first-person accounts. Yet, I don’t have the answers to explain the mystery
of major depression—why some people overcome while others succumb. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">Of a side note, one thing that
alarms me after a suicide are folks who speak with great authority on the
subject, yet their opinions often prove they have little actual experience with
or knowledge of mental illness…which is why I continue to write.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">For twenty years, Michelle
suffered with major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, the former being the
most intractable to treatment. </span>Her heart broke for others battling major
depression. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She once said, “I wouldn’t
wish this on my worst enemy.” <br />
<br />
We had many conversations about the state of mental health care. A<span style="margin: 0px;">t times, she shared my excitement for the
latest news and scientific studies in medical journals. She’d say, “Laura,
don’t ever quit looking for an answer.” </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f5sFTUPEz2AR-G6Ku-py3ejKmXe5aLEU3Ux2IaHoLRdznIdKYgi2lSZ9eBiRIZMkXM0CxCT02RzQs3U6s9eREQRIJ38HXgLWgqECnmCKi1yPdwu8axPVjmy3qL44TUm45VMvuuBTruNF/s1600/05_09_0.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f5sFTUPEz2AR-G6Ku-py3ejKmXe5aLEU3Ux2IaHoLRdznIdKYgi2lSZ9eBiRIZMkXM0CxCT02RzQs3U6s9eREQRIJ38HXgLWgqECnmCKi1yPdwu8axPVjmy3qL44TUm45VMvuuBTruNF/s200/05_09_0.JPEG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle - 1997</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="margin: 0px;">But then, once, in a dark moment,
she wrote: "There are so many people who love me and they just do not know
what to do. Nothing is the answer. I have to do this on my own." </span><br />
<br />
Years later, in her final note, she said, “I just can’t cope anymore.
Forgive me, please.”<br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">It’s in those dark, impenetrable
moments that one takes their life. For those of us on the outside or left
behind, we cope in differing ways. Some grasp for immediate or obvious answers:
the person was selfish, only thinking of themselves; if only they’d gotten
right with God, He would’ve fixed it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">(I wrote about the selfish angle
on my blog a few years ago after country singer Mindy McCready’s suicide. Click
</span><a href="http://laurahodgespoole.blogspot.com/2013/02/some-days-life-really-stinks.html" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"> to read.) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">I certainly know the validity of
spiritual wholeness with God in order to maintain one’s sanity because I’ve
experienced that myself, many times, especially since the death of my daughter
six months ago.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">But suicide goes much deeper than either of these quick explanations. It’s a riddle those of us left
in the aftermath struggle to unlock. The conclusion I’ve reached in
the twelve years since Michelle’s death is there are no easy answers. Ultimately, suicide reflects deep hopelessness in a person at the moment they make that decision. The only thing we can do is </span><span style="margin: 0px;">keep advocating for better mental health services and reach out to those suffering with a willingness to listen, encourage, and point people toward effective
resources. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="margin: 0px;">Behind every suicide is a real
person with a real family who never gets over it. The fact there's still a
stigma associated with treating depression medically or with counseling is a
form of insanity itself. I can’t believe in the 21<sup>st</sup> century we’re still
having this discussion, but we are. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa-ZTBaD6FF8jDuom2dDUYz81kxFpCmITUZ9hV4aJ4GQh_Xd7uyxNcCrDSx_a7f9vwuXCV8hOyxtlE_SY4ZZti5i_fNt6OWgwepioiQw8Aj1y7QNmUdQ1PFm8uleMjMXO5ZyFCHX2UI8F/s1600/Michelle+letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa-ZTBaD6FF8jDuom2dDUYz81kxFpCmITUZ9hV4aJ4GQh_Xd7uyxNcCrDSx_a7f9vwuXCV8hOyxtlE_SY4ZZti5i_fNt6OWgwepioiQw8Aj1y7QNmUdQ1PFm8uleMjMXO5ZyFCHX2UI8F/s320/Michelle+letter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Today, I also choose to think of the good memories because Michelle’s life
wasn’t all dark. She had a happy, mischievous side. She loved to play practical
jokes, like the time she put red pepper on my pizza when I had my back turned.
Her risk-taking behavior often pushed me out of my comfort zone as a teen. As
adults, I’d occasionally be surprised with a letter from her. The stationery
was usually dotted with her familiar “smile” notations accompanied with a
smiley face. Though she often didn’t feel like smiling, she wanted others to
smile.<br />
<br />
I treasure the quiet conversations we shared. These became rarer as physical
distance of living almost 500 miles apart separated us later in life, and her
schizophrenia interfered with her rational thoughts. But in those quiet
moments, Michelle spoke from her heart. During her stretches of wellness, she
modeled what I feel Christian behavior should be in its truest form—caring for
others more than herself and uplifting others to make them feel better about
their life situations. <br />
<br />
If Michelle was ever angry toward God for how her life played out, she didn’t
voice it in our conversations. Instead, she embraced the promise of a better life
one day in eternity. She understood what so few grasp—life on earth is
temporary. Her temporary life was a minefield. I pray she found the peace in
eternity that seemed to elude her here on earth.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwKcJc9N1QlkyzejnMIxYjCRdX_A6nFzvZwSEGDfbDl1-c33VP1guyU6AgscjwiXGMkgTJCQEs9cu9paW75I_lQJXnRqIMP4D9D7UaFfPrK-ZLOBcpXDd9AQhtWi5uYzr-c01BixdagUY/s1600/michelle+at+anniversary+part+2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwKcJc9N1QlkyzejnMIxYjCRdX_A6nFzvZwSEGDfbDl1-c33VP1guyU6AgscjwiXGMkgTJCQEs9cu9paW75I_lQJXnRqIMP4D9D7UaFfPrK-ZLOBcpXDd9AQhtWi5uYzr-c01BixdagUY/s1600/michelle+at+anniversary+part+2004.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle - 2004</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Are you struggling with depression, the suicide of a loved one, or maybe just a situation that's overwhelming you? I’d love to hear your story and pray for you. Please leave a comment or email
me confidential comments or prayer requests. Also, check out the mental illness tab at the top for
a list of resources that might help you or your loved one.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">©Laura Hodges Poole</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-24554055148038902932016-12-31T09:46:00.001-05:002016-12-31T09:53:40.816-05:00Ready To Ring In A New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw-rezBQurote7Pn-AB590A4JAHDSoKRFgwrwnhXUynS5Ik1lWT6LBrYrvRfMhR2OFtZoiR2otpm02WmnYWRkRWzemb1weqJM3guP0k58Xsg6ipH-i__y-wM5zaKOz9dXSER8ycmvAIct/s1600/ID-100384041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw-rezBQurote7Pn-AB590A4JAHDSoKRFgwrwnhXUynS5Ik1lWT6LBrYrvRfMhR2OFtZoiR2otpm02WmnYWRkRWzemb1weqJM3guP0k58Xsg6ipH-i__y-wM5zaKOz9dXSER8ycmvAIct/s200/ID-100384041.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm not gonna lie. 2016 was the worst year of my life. But it was also the year of grace that I spent with my daughter before she died, so I'll cherish that forever. Even so, I'm ready to rip 2016 from the calendar and get on with 2017.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My prayer for you, dear reader,
is that 2017 will be filled with blessings…and when trials come, as they always
do, you’ll seek the solace of Christ’s peace <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A27&version=NKJV" target="_blank">(John 14:27)</a> that carries us even in the
hardest of times. God bless you all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
Memoriam, [Ring out, wild bells]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
The flying cloud, the frosty light:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
The year is dying in the night;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring out, wild bells, and let him
die.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring out the old, ring in the
new,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
The year is going, let him go;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring out the false, ring in the
true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring out the grief that saps the
mind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
For those that here we see no more;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring in redress to all mankind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring out a slowly dying cause,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
And ancient forms of party strife;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Ring in the nobler modes of life,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With sweeter manners, purer laws.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring out the want, the care, the
sin,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
The faithless coldness of the times;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But ring the fuller minstrel in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring out false pride in place and
blood,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
The civic slander and the spite;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Ring in the love of truth and right,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring in the common love of good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring out old shapes of foul
disease;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Ring out the thousand wars of old,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring in the thousand years of
peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring in the valiant man and free,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Ring out the darkness of the land,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ring in the Christ that is to be.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> ~Lord Alfred Tennyson, 1809–1892~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore,
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+5%3A17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Thus says the Lord, who makes a
way in the sea and a path through the mighty waters, “Do not remember the
former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now
it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the
wilderness and rivers in the desert.” </i><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A16%2C+18-19&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 NKJV</a> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you have a favorite Bible
verse or poem that inspires you? I’d love to hear it! Share it in the comments
for everyone to enjoy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you have a prayer need, please
leave a comment or email me confidential requests. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God bless,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 26.0pt;">Laura<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FJ-8UxPNHdwKoQC_jcfQvZnP-Ful4InvbgHSuXwGBhgR02_XGuWfNZ1A37cOvftp5t5910dPYQyqayVoKTWQxUv8R_R6VZ5MrVe90Q5hXxIBYXGckYurmfZVz1nHYhQb0bO3d2vstEu_/s1600/SIlent+Stars+of+Bethlehem+Cover+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FJ-8UxPNHdwKoQC_jcfQvZnP-Ful4InvbgHSuXwGBhgR02_XGuWfNZ1A37cOvftp5t5910dPYQyqayVoKTWQxUv8R_R6VZ5MrVe90Q5hXxIBYXGckYurmfZVz1nHYhQb0bO3d2vstEu_/s200/SIlent+Stars+of+Bethlehem+Cover+2015.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Stars-Bethlehem-Little-Christmas-ebook/dp/B017PHSM4G/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=" target="_blank">Silent Stars of Bethlehem</a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>FREE Kindle download December 31,
2016 through January 1, 2017.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">From the time she was a child, Carly Shepherd has gazed at the silent stars in the night sky of her home town of Bethlehem, North Carolina. With her childhood overshadowed by her father’s abandonment and mother’s alcoholism, she wonders how anyone can believe in an equally silent God. After all, she’s not felt his presence any more than her earthly father. Though she remembers Christmas pageants and attending church as a child, she no longer has any use for what she considers fairy tales.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Drew Middleton is seeking shelter from a rain storm when he walks into Carly’s vendor tent at a fall festival, but he’s quickly taken with the talented artist and her creations. Feeling an instant connection, Carly is confused by her feelings, especially when she realizes his spiritual commitment.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Dealing with a wayward brother and career opportunities that may require relocation, Drew knows now is not the best time to begin a relationship, especially with someone who doesn’t share his faith.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Carly’s past and their chance of future together collide when she’s snared into refurbishing sets for a Christmas pageant with Drew’s help. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Will Drew’s love and their shared experience bring about a spiritual awakening in Carly this Christmas? Or will time run out as the stars continue to shine silently over Bethlehem?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Click<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Stars-Bethlehem-Little-Christmas-ebook/dp/B017PHSM4G/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=" target="_blank">here</a> to get your FREE kindle download now. </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Fireworks Celebration and the
City Night Light image courtesy of Areeya/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-24754804957490954192016-12-08T14:16:00.000-05:002016-12-08T14:38:24.564-05:00My Dr Seuss Tree<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I made a pact with myself today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m not going to cry. For one
day. No tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After thinking about Christmas
and what it’s always meant—the family traditions and celebrating Christ’s birth—I
decided maybe I could do a Christmas tree after all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Trouble is I didn’t want to put
up a big traditional tree so late. It’s a lot of work, and my energy level is
unpredictable from one moment to the next. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So in the pouring rain, I decided
to go to Lowe’s and see if they had live trees. Maybe even a Charlie Brown
tree. </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;">J</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> I could picture
in my mind what I wanted, and when I walked through the front door of the
store, there on the left sat a display of live Norfolk Island pines almost
four feet tall. Glitter had been sprinkled their branches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Perfect! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I hefted one into my shopping cart,
added a $2 strand of lights to the purchase, and headed home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After finding something to place the tree on to give it more height, I went up into the attic and sorted through our
ornaments. I carefully selected a few that held special meaning. An angel Josh
bought me when he was about ten years old, little wooden ornaments my in-laws
bought us when Lindsay was just a baby, some from Pigeon Forge that Lindsay had
helped pick out when she was six, and a few others that would hang gently from
the small branches of our Christmas tree. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJqih3mtmp0XhMJ8Gj3BYVaKlFIQgJAwgYv6Q91CyCbsWDDgExeb9rTd2-x6gGuGsVKKvO0WJd8WdPDfE1Mq3G0neLCsnX76qyAkzCKrSk7eW0pI36VOolJT8-8c9UTQ98wpWJ7PmBVuP/s1600/20161208_113239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJqih3mtmp0XhMJ8Gj3BYVaKlFIQgJAwgYv6Q91CyCbsWDDgExeb9rTd2-x6gGuGsVKKvO0WJd8WdPDfE1Mq3G0neLCsnX76qyAkzCKrSk7eW0pI36VOolJT8-8c9UTQ98wpWJ7PmBVuP/s320/20161208_113239.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I stood back and surveyed my
work. My throat ached, and those dreaded tears threatened to spill. Then I
thought about what Lindsay would say about my abstract, nontraditional, wacky-looking
tree. My Charlie Brown tree. Although looking at it now, maybe it's one the Grinch or the Cat-in-the-Hat would've picked out. It's very Dr. Seuss-ish, wouldn't you say?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even though she loved Cinderella as a child and still believed in fairy tales, Lindsay had
grown to be a minimalist. I could hear her saying, “It’s perfect, Mom. I
like it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her laugh filled my mind, and I
smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And my pact?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well, a few tears did fall, but
they didn’t just reflect my sorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I choose to celebrate the joy of
my Savior’s birth and the joy of having a beautiful daughter, even if it was only
for thirty-three years. I savor the memories of her child-like approach to
Christmas each year and how, in the end, she chose to see joy in simple things.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Boy, do I miss her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 24.0pt;">Laura<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">©Laura Hodges Poole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-34217280920643349882016-12-02T15:13:00.000-05:002016-12-06T15:23:26.819-05:00Grieving Through The Holidays<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I thought I'd try something different this time by sharing a
video—my first. I hope you find it encouraging if you are grieving the loss of
a loved one, as my family is this Christmas.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/785DRbojWE8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/785DRbojWE8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">God bless you all,</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "kunstler script"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Laura</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">©Laura Hodges Poole</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-65781326742642351322016-11-03T15:02:00.000-04:002016-11-15T09:59:52.995-05:00Moving Forward Through Grief<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipi0VebSwtkQh6fICqTNiiBkfugDpsyv6FDxtGeY-9MX7NNMsxNBNL_7-TDg1R5IzrtqfmXcdqaXu1Avwt1u955k6oQh52DJujAFQiXxZGHBBLWqtoTzpCv1f66fqyCB7JlgVnwJkO6pK/s1600/20161106_171128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipi0VebSwtkQh6fICqTNiiBkfugDpsyv6FDxtGeY-9MX7NNMsxNBNL_7-TDg1R5IzrtqfmXcdqaXu1Avwt1u955k6oQh52DJujAFQiXxZGHBBLWqtoTzpCv1f66fqyCB7JlgVnwJkO6pK/s200/20161106_171128.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary grave marker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I stare at the email on
my computer monitor, my finger resting on the mouse. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Do I click send? </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Will approving the headstone
for Lindsay’s grave mean she’s truly gone? Is that why it took eight proofs to
get it just right? Perfect…and yet oh, so final.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
All I know is fresh,
hot tears flow down my cheeks once again, as I grieve for Lindsay, for what was
lost, for what might have been—her dreams and yes, my dreams for her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
There’s something
really wrong about having to bury your child. Sounds cliché, but there’s really
no other way to express it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Trying to make sense of
an unexpected and tragic death from a human perspective doesn’t work. As my
husband and my mom said, Lindsay’s death is senseless. At least to us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
So we choose to trust
the One who it does make sense to. God has the master plan, and our faith tells us that He works all to our good <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Romans 8:28)</a>, even something meant for evil. God has been faithful to us in so many ways
throughout our life. He wouldn’t stop now. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Even when life doesn’t
work out the way we want…Even when living without our loved one hurts to the
marrow of our bones…Even when we don’t understand the hurtful path we now find
ourselves on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so
that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive
from God.</i> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+1%3A3-4&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:3-4</a> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrOfsmziJWpvRsnOHh8sUpz_jUmfmsxOihMgdeNmN6Y1kpV55nXjRAHgGOil3SyQybjViC9XBdwazVzorO4Iul7Qrk9lTq9UaJGywGo4aTili2vy6m53503oIvEWUaD53AWKs07VnjtB1/s1600/lindsay+cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrOfsmziJWpvRsnOHh8sUpz_jUmfmsxOihMgdeNmN6Y1kpV55nXjRAHgGOil3SyQybjViC9XBdwazVzorO4Iul7Qrk9lTq9UaJGywGo4aTili2vy6m53503oIvEWUaD53AWKs07VnjtB1/s200/lindsay+cemetery.jpg" width="150" /></a>And maybe therein lies
at least part of the answer. We’re never given trials for us alone. There is a
greater purpose. Something outside ourselves. Perhaps for others to gain some
comfort from us as they grieve their own loss. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I click send, and the
proof is forwarded to the marker company. Sometime before Christmas, the
headstone will arrive, and James, Josh, and I will make the trek to the
cemetery to see it laid at the head of Lindsay’s grave. No doubt, more tears
will flow that day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Meanwhile, we move
forward—in time, in life, in circumstance. Though we’ve always known life
is precious and often short, Lindsay’s death altered our lives irreparably. So we
look above for comfort and cling to the knowledge that one day we’ll see Lindsay
and other loved ones again who’ve passed. And we cherish our memories of the beautiful person she was. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3FagzWr9CemBrfaBKFaRuqZZ2GzTgXfyEfu9WwVs2bl2-_gYFq2uCjNmTZQG_Tt2YaYwGG29huse7lKz8q7-CcLaQTZ8FJQT5CTCQ1Bf9Nq0JwdctTIP6UlFdUozZ-EOh3nDZDzb00E3/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3FagzWr9CemBrfaBKFaRuqZZ2GzTgXfyEfu9WwVs2bl2-_gYFq2uCjNmTZQG_Tt2YaYwGG29huse7lKz8q7-CcLaQTZ8FJQT5CTCQ1Bf9Nq0JwdctTIP6UlFdUozZ-EOh3nDZDzb00E3/s200/IMG_0002.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
There’s still much to
accomplish in this life, or God would’ve already taken me, yet I long for the
day when my Savior returns, and there’ll be no more suffering and no more tears <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation+21%3A4&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Revelation 21:4).</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i>Come, Lord Jesus, come…</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
What’s your go-to verse
for comfort in times of grief? Have you ever had a chance to help someone from
a trial you’ve been through? </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
If you’d like me to pray
for you and your family, please leave a comment or email me confidential
requests.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Looking above,</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 22.0pt;">Laura<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;">©Laura Hodges Poole</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-85696691160432111762016-09-22T09:39:00.001-04:002016-09-22T10:04:50.711-04:00Her Journal Will Never Be Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G6pJgBffVzZlqQ0wPG6WlweKhGHEL8NH550humUuFDy5lj1jJrkMQyvaDRRiwMzTveKJmDk5-J7AXmKCEJitzVXCpnmvywXH6FaSLSAOx4iT-S5eHkHfQbf5JpGBj9BNSrnsagxsXIzA/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G6pJgBffVzZlqQ0wPG6WlweKhGHEL8NH550humUuFDy5lj1jJrkMQyvaDRRiwMzTveKJmDk5-J7AXmKCEJitzVXCpnmvywXH6FaSLSAOx4iT-S5eHkHfQbf5JpGBj9BNSrnsagxsXIzA/s200/024.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">After experiencing several deaths
in my life and watching friends lose loved ones, I noticed a common theme among
mourners—the regret that there wasn’t more time to say or do one last thing
with the deceased. As I grew older, I became more purposeful in my living,
stopping to hug my kids good-bye or telling them I loved them, even when they
were in a hurry or thought I was being melodramatic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In fact, that was the case the
last time I saw my daughter Lindsay alive—the morning I left for Nashville. She rushed
through the house to leave so she wouldn’t be late for work. I yelled after
her, “No, you don’t. Come here.” She laughed as I gave her a hug, told her I
loved her, and to be safe. She would be off to Kentucky before I returned from
Nashville. She gave me the assurance I wanted and sprinted away, the kitchen
door slamming behind her moments later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">About six years ago I decided to
start two journals—one for Lindsay and one for my son Josh. My
intention was to write in them periodically, recording personal thoughts, Bible
verses, poetry, quotes, basically whatever struck my fancy that was meaningful
to me and hopefully, would be to them. One day I’d be gone, and they’d want one
last thing from me—a tangible reminder of my love, and I knew I could do that through
my words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sadly, I didn’t write in the
journals as much as I’d planned. Often, months would go by before I’d “find the
time” to sit down and write. While in Florida last month to help my mom through
cancer treatments, I made the time to reflect back over Josh and Lindsay’s
childhoods and write in both journals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi5Hijouk01XI5BHshCoPjju9F8XwD7oku3iIpTigeJUdsxF5AtV1lTUq_ztPBzufyNDuH9crofX0kQveYpJW1AwHQ0cPrkTRWoybIa_5IRUGRZATQJ1A6rPzlp2kEnA5VO6r9MGP95sd/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi5Hijouk01XI5BHshCoPjju9F8XwD7oku3iIpTigeJUdsxF5AtV1lTUq_ztPBzufyNDuH9crofX0kQveYpJW1AwHQ0cPrkTRWoybIa_5IRUGRZATQJ1A6rPzlp2kEnA5VO6r9MGP95sd/s200/025.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now Lindsay’s journal sits here,
untouched, except by me, and she’ll never read the words I wrote to her. Her
death changed the whole scheme of things. Our pastor used the phrase “death out
of time” at her funeral. I wholeheartedly agree. There’s something really wrong
about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The cliché that parents aren’t
supposed to bury their children rings true. It’s certainly not something I ever
imagined myself doing. Now I’m acutely aware of the club I belong to as I look
at my friends and count the number who’ve also lost children. It is unnatural,
but at the same time, God has a purpose for our suffering, even when we don’t
know what it is or we rail against it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh, how I long to know what that
purpose is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Meanwhile, as I trudge through this
valley, becoming more worn and tattered by this earthly life, I can only put my
hope and trust in God that one day all things will be made new and there will
be no more suffering, no more tears <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21%3A4-5&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Revelation 21:4-5).</a> I look forward to the
reunion in heaven with my loved ones!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I echo the words of the Apostle
John when he said in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A20&version=NIV" target="_blank">Revelation 22:20</a>, “Come, Lord Jesus.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Please
come.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">How many I pray for you today?
Leave a comment or email me confidential requests. I’d love to join you in
prayer. And while you’re at it, if you have a verse of encouragement, I could
use it right about now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Looking above,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 22.0pt;">Laura<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">©Laura Hodges Poole</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-78039827339112800202016-09-15T09:20:00.001-04:002016-09-15T09:20:27.125-04:00Four Words I Never Thought I’d Say<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQjQAUBKC88U9Y3oiaxptgcI_oKAPG4IDH8Q3xQ0x4uTspGwuvIzaSBUtq1f6wL_K7maHb5sDC0fDbUNdhGJNckuKKtbB9QjXIcpPrDnbYg9TLZSl8Kfq-OC0IUVXmevzSPIkrdgvHYvt/s1600/Lindsay+mountains+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQjQAUBKC88U9Y3oiaxptgcI_oKAPG4IDH8Q3xQ0x4uTspGwuvIzaSBUtq1f6wL_K7maHb5sDC0fDbUNdhGJNckuKKtbB9QjXIcpPrDnbYg9TLZSl8Kfq-OC0IUVXmevzSPIkrdgvHYvt/s200/Lindsay+mountains+2011.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Every parent’s worst nightmare
came true for my husband and me almost three weekends ago. As my tears flowed
and sobs wracked my body, the agony spread to my mind as I tried to process the
news…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">…my daughter is dead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s hard to see that in
print—almost as hard as replaying it in my head constantly. Somehow typing that
sentence and seeing it makes it more real. I wish it were as easy as
backspacing for it not to be true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One day, maybe I’ll be able to discuss
the specifics of that weekend, but for now, I’m just trying to get through the
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The word has not been invented
for what my husband, my son, and I are feeling. Somebody smarter than I am will
have to figure out what it is. For now, devastated and heartbroken come close.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-MWZzzz8Pf0JU5rbuzXmLyIozBnRqYDC0pNf0cNgbuMApM8RhkKuB_QXrCVBUZdNzd9GR-p_SRZsyZdCGCcRYPHNjOmendzaycpthsXryM_8y2MAradbJ-aOFuxKubZUksIhM6X88YUQ/s1600/Lindsay%2527s+funeral+pictures+068+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-MWZzzz8Pf0JU5rbuzXmLyIozBnRqYDC0pNf0cNgbuMApM8RhkKuB_QXrCVBUZdNzd9GR-p_SRZsyZdCGCcRYPHNjOmendzaycpthsXryM_8y2MAradbJ-aOFuxKubZUksIhM6X88YUQ/s200/Lindsay%2527s+funeral+pictures+068+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An assortment of roses, lilies, wildflowers, <br />thistles, eucalyptus, vines, and other <br />plants that reflected Lindsay's <br />love of nature.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The blur of having Lindsay transported
back to South Carolina, planning, and then having her funeral hasn’t quite
figured out where to settle in my mind. Friends and family arrived, along with hugs,
tears, and food. Beautiful memories were shared, and questions were asked that
don’t have answers…for now. Maybe one day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And right now, as difficult as it
is to handle Lindsay’s passing, four equally powerful words prop me up each
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My God is faithful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He has wiped my tears. He has
wrapped his arms around me. He holds my grieving heart in his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My big “why” question hasn’t been
answered, and maybe it won’t be this side of heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Am I angry? Oh, that’s an easy
one to answer. Yes! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But faith means trusting God,
even when He allows tragedy in my life. It was a lesson learned when my sister
committed suicide eleven years ago and still rings true today. If you’ve
followed my blog for any length of time, you know my motto has always been
“trust Him to get it right” when walking through trials. This means in all
circumstances—even the ones I don’t like or disagree with. I don’t begin to
claim to understand Him <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11%3A33-34&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Romans 11:33-34),</a> but I do feel His love and comfort
as I walk through each mind-numbing moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My family and I cling to the
promise of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 8:28,</a> “And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Though Lindsay’s death doesn’t make
sense now, we’re praying that one day some good will come from this tragedy. Meanwhile, we cling to the wonderful memories we have of her. She was a beautiful, bright child from day one, and her laughter still rings in my mind. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcplNxym7HD8nFxo8SOW5GcFtHV1quk1dLHtyMkxVCJTqKdwIt9Pp3jxObJHvXC9pRWX8X5-kYsnqGPAyB1nuomnBqNClNM_70LdQ0Bq6V5LM2mfjLhw1D-X1ZgwSvDy9J0kLOtDvQJHLj/s1600/Lindsay+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcplNxym7HD8nFxo8SOW5GcFtHV1quk1dLHtyMkxVCJTqKdwIt9Pp3jxObJHvXC9pRWX8X5-kYsnqGPAyB1nuomnBqNClNM_70LdQ0Bq6V5LM2mfjLhw1D-X1ZgwSvDy9J0kLOtDvQJHLj/s320/Lindsay+wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happier Days - Wedding Rehearsal Dinner 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please continue to pray for
James, Josh, and me as we walk through this dark valley. If you need prayer
today, please share in the comments or email me confidential requests. I’d love
to join you in prayer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Standing on the Solid Rock,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Laura
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">©Laura Hodges Poole</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ype1xE0wzsg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ype1xE0wzsg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-44938777036199497002016-08-04T09:25:00.000-04:002016-08-04T09:25:19.673-04:00Borrowed Hope<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";"><i>Today, I have the honor of welcoming a guest, Dr. Michelle Bengtson, to share a few words about hope. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiar8p_PiEspBp8Wpk5hAPMTMr5KmjXj22tIWOs8zC9W5atnS82xT_JJb-1Izl47JXjrSjbTdFQeZaPg544Iw62jQC15af9kEeqCPwqX4Kw5b6VxKPptX8M_U5O4T-FHobFIlTrU5RJnBsh/s1600/ID-10079698+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiar8p_PiEspBp8Wpk5hAPMTMr5KmjXj22tIWOs8zC9W5atnS82xT_JJb-1Izl47JXjrSjbTdFQeZaPg544Iw62jQC15af9kEeqCPwqX4Kw5b6VxKPptX8M_U5O4T-FHobFIlTrU5RJnBsh/s200/ID-10079698+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";">“I don’t
know if I can do this anymore. What if it never changes? What if things stay
this bad forever?” She pulled her sweatshirt sleeve down over her hand and
dabbed at the streak marks left on her cheeks from the cascade of tears that
had been flowing for several minutes before she added, “What if I don’t have
enough faith to get through this?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";">I reached
over, took her spare hand in mine, and held it quietly for just a moment before
responding, “I know. I understand. I’ve been there before. Now that I’m on the
other side, you can borrow some of my hope while yours is weak. We’ll get
through this together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";">I could
offer to share my hope with this dear one because my well was full. I could
look back and see the faithfulness of God in my own valley of depression and
despair years before. Yet I remember feeling the same way, asking the same
questions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";">I remember
the attacks of the enemy causing me to question and doubt what I knew to be
true, and wondering how I would ever make it not just another day, but
sometimes another five minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";">The Lord
sent a friend across my path in His perfect way and in His perfect timing. I
remember thinking, “I’ve believed all my life, but what if my faith isn’t
enough to get me through this this time?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";">God used
this friend to speak life and truth into the dry and discouraged places of my
heart. She reminded me of God’s promises:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> v<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";">“</span><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them,
for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake
you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> v<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">“You intended to harm me, but God
intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the
lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> v<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">“And we know that God causes
everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called
according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "wingdings"; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> v<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the
morning” (Psalm 30:5).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">What I know is that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). In my despair, I had
lost my hope, and my emotional health had become sick, but as I began to see
God’s plan for me, it was like He breathed fresh air into me. Yet in the valley
of depression, we often feel like we are dying a very slow death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Sometimes in the valley of our despair, we have to borrow
on others’ faith and hope while He restores our own. That restoration comes
when we identify the lies we have believed about ourselves and our situations
and replace them with God’s truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In my despair, I began to believe that my situation would
never change and that I was destined to remain in the valley forever. Once I
identified that lie and replaced it with God’s truth, my hope was renewed. God
promises, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope” (Jeremiah
29:11). Whenever I became frightened or unsure of my future, I recited that
verse aloud, reminding myself of His promise, and restoring my hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Once my hope was restored, I was then able to comfort
others with the comfort He had given me (2 Corinthians 1:4), and let them
borrow my hope while theirs was lacking. And in time, they will be able to do
the same for others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010f18; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Who can you lend hope to today?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi8ONFk_dizXwQhP7JMjQFUAcGzq_CuxXqn7Y27A3K7u8KUmMrNBCXMmSQPsBONyfqWxBx9bFsE5rMsz43w3lw06Zw92FGzD0S0XeJmDViPt1KVF4PDtfSuLyN0L1zbnEcbm_F7JhByFZ/s1600/Michelle+Bengtson+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi8ONFk_dizXwQhP7JMjQFUAcGzq_CuxXqn7Y27A3K7u8KUmMrNBCXMmSQPsBONyfqWxBx9bFsE5rMsz43w3lw06Zw92FGzD0S0XeJmDViPt1KVF4PDtfSuLyN0L1zbnEcbm_F7JhByFZ/s200/Michelle+Bengtson+photo.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Dr. Michelle Bengtson</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> (PhD, Nova Southeastern
University) has been a board certified neuropsychologist for over twenty years.
She interned at the University of Oklahoma with “The Father of
Neuropsychology,” Dr. Oscar “Oz” Parsons, and completed postdoctoral
training at both the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and the
University of Alabama Health Sciences Center in Birmingham, Alabama.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Author
and speaker, Dr. Michelle Bengtson is also a wife, mother and friend. She knows
pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal
experience with her faith to address issues surrounding medical and mental
disorders, both for those who suffer and for those who care for them. She
offers sound practical tools, affirms worth, and encourages faith. Dr. Michelle
Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of
the storm. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She lives in Dallas/Fort
Worth with her husband, their two sons, and two dogs. Among her favorite things
are beaches, boating, and sea salt caramel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">She
blogs regularly on her own site: <a href="http://www.drmichellebengtson.com/">http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com</a>.<span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span>Her book <i>“Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through
Depression”</i> (Revell publishers, August 16, 2016) is available for purchase
now: <a href="http://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/">http://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">For more hope, stay connected with her at:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">To order Hope Prevails</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">:
<a href="http://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/">http://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Website: </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="http://www.drmichellebengtson.com/">http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Blog: </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="http://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/">http://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/</a><span style="color: #31849b;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Facebook</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">:
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson">https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Twitter: </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/DrMBengtson">http://www.Twitter.com/DrMBengtson</a>
(@DrMBengtson)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">LinkedIn: http://</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson">www.LinkedIn.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson</a>
<span class="full-name"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Google+:</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">
http://<a href="http://www.google.com/+MichelleBengtson">www.google.com/+MichelleBengtson</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Instagram: </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson">http://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Pinterest: </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails">http://www.Pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">YouTube: </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn92DHzGSZk8psDb2FKazOQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn92DHzGSZk8psDb2FKazOQ</a><span style="color: #31849b;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Neuropsychologist
Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-By
2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An
estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from some form of depression<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
with the bestselling <i>My Stroke of
Insight</i>, the author experienced the same condition she treats<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Helpful
features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music
recommendations<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3vxlVcvNlhLIlR71OsfQF1hF8djyehdTSJSmY7C8Sr0gd2s4NzFF6J02LDDIQ3Q-lpRxxojmvjnqt2o7bpePsIz2EmzKAQen7f8QLdG6Z_2b0OH7yY7OVJYl2v3VucbnLusq8-pHmLFb/s1600/Michelle+Bengtson+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3vxlVcvNlhLIlR71OsfQF1hF8djyehdTSJSmY7C8Sr0gd2s4NzFF6J02LDDIQ3Q-lpRxxojmvjnqt2o7bpePsIz2EmzKAQen7f8QLdG6Z_2b0OH7yY7OVJYl2v3VucbnLusq8-pHmLFb/s200/Michelle+Bengtson+book.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">As a board-certified neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson has
seen the devastation that people experience when depression sweeps into their
lives. She knew what research advocated in terms of the most effective
treatments and prescribed them to her clients. But when she personally
experienced to the ravages of depression, she found that the treatments she had
been using with her patients didn’t help her. As a result, her personal
experience became the catalyst for a more holistic approach to treating
depression in others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">In <i>Hope Prevails</i>, Dr.
Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive
training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and
grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them
spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment
plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">For those who struggle with depression and those that want to help
them, <i>Hope Prevails</i> offers real hope
for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Catching Hope Word” image courtesy
of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-29535981300301694102016-07-28T09:17:00.001-04:002016-07-28T09:23:27.396-04:00Persevere—You’ll like what comes next<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRNPacNCeA8n0eMIdq65S1wXyxU9sm2u6YBk7ClC98LABGnZ6QRER5kqlq0fHl0yAsZWEKDgKBF0AVatcffDW98FwqwblylK-lV8bNsqlaU5vxcmjyxdYHWMrHSUuprkwkx9xhNelKIAU/s1600/ID-100163247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRNPacNCeA8n0eMIdq65S1wXyxU9sm2u6YBk7ClC98LABGnZ6QRER5kqlq0fHl0yAsZWEKDgKBF0AVatcffDW98FwqwblylK-lV8bNsqlaU5vxcmjyxdYHWMrHSUuprkwkx9xhNelKIAU/s200/ID-100163247.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Persevering in the midst of a
trial is difficult. Giving up is appealing, but realistically, is surrender an
option? If not…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
do we persevere? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">First, we admit our humanity and
our inability to go it alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the Bible, we see Moses, Job,
King David, John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul, to name a few, caught
between the proverbial rock and hard place—with the hard place usually being
death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Job said, “Shall we accept good
from God, and not trouble?” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+2%3A9-10&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Job 2:9-10).</a> We then see his humanity in the next
chapter when he sits down and laments his own birth <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+3&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Job 3).</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus said, “My soul is
overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” He prayed twice for God to take
the cup of crucifixion from him but ultimately yielded “may your will be done”
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A38-42&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Matthew 26:38-42).</a> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Apostle Paul “pleaded” three
times for his thorn to be removed <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+12%3A7-9&version=NIV" target="_blank">(2 Corinthians 12:7-9).</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We see each of these men in a state
of human despair, yet they didn’t rely on humanity to save them, because,
frankly, it wasn’t equal to the task. So what was their secret to persevering?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you read further into the book
of Job, the Gospels, and the letters written by the Apostle Paul, you’ll see
that when these men cried out, it was to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj606iQvYcQ6Z4UNbg7PLh6pA-bBLaVw9dsCRXT2v6FPRZuVXeMKPbjwRmYqdBRoVloL5BuE9EZ-O_l6vwVstAJiLnuFCkoHHr2WO08nm2Qh1XLi4bb3G1rQfoUndbTcqIH6f9_Ks_Fv_Py/s1600/ID-10095434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj606iQvYcQ6Z4UNbg7PLh6pA-bBLaVw9dsCRXT2v6FPRZuVXeMKPbjwRmYqdBRoVloL5BuE9EZ-O_l6vwVstAJiLnuFCkoHHr2WO08nm2Qh1XLi4bb3G1rQfoUndbTcqIH6f9_Ks_Fv_Py/s200/ID-10095434.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As Christians, we know our
perseverance comes from God. He said His grace is sufficient for all things.
He’s not going to allow a trial into our lives that He's unwilling to equip us
for. We must "pray without ceasing" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A17&version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a>) and delve into the Word and see God's promises and instructions laid out for us
through His apostles.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But,
dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They
said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their
own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere
natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, <u>by
building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
keep yourselves in God’s love</u> as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus
Christ to bring you to eternal life.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1%3A17-21&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jude 1:17-21</a> </b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore,
since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us <u>throw off
<b>everything</b> that hinders</u> and the
sin that so easily entangles. And let us <u>run with perseverance</u> the race
marked out for us, <u>fixing our eyes on Jesus,</u> the pioneer and perfecter
of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. <u>Consider him who endured
such opposition from sinners</u>, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12:1-3&version=NIV" target="_blank"><b>Hebrews 12:1-3</b></a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That sounds like a pretty good
formula for persevering. If we keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, we won’t
grow spiritually faint and lose heart. We’ll also be able to throw off that
which tries to hinder us—namely Satan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But what’s the purpose of a
trial? Why doesn’t God just fix things? In other words…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why
do we persevere?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">…we
also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, <u>character</u>; and character, <u>hope</u>.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A3-4&version=NIV" target="_blank"><b>Romans 5:3-4</b></a><b> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">…because
you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance
finish its work <u>so that you may be mature and complete</u>, not lacking
anything.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
<b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A3-4&version=NIV" target="_blank">James 1:3-4</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to
goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control,
perseverance; and to perseverance, <u>godliness</u>; and to godliness, <u>mutual
affection</u>; and to mutual affection, <u>love</u>.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter+1:5-7&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Peter 1:5-7</a></b> </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Be
diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may
see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them,
because if you do, <u>you will save both yourself and your hearers</u>.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+4:15-16&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Timothy 4:15-16</a> </b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In addition to the spiritual
growth we experience, our ultimate reward will be in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>So
do not throw away your confidence; </i><u style="font-style: italic;">it will be richly rewarded</u><i>. You need
to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, </i><u style="font-style: italic;">you will receive
what he has promised</u><i>. </i><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+10%3A35-36&version=NIV" target="_blank">Hebrews 10:35-36</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Blessed
is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that
person </i><u style="font-style: italic;">will receive the crown of life</u><i> that the Lord has promised to
those who love him. </i><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A12&version=NIV" target="_blank">James 1:12</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnO4jdQXCwjlyyPS5zwRU9_7NxiCQNn9O1TpMjsGLTNUJL16bpCVQWQz6gKK5G69DGOK_-BwSo3mSo9NXlCbAhPN3zOwTdHAB86ZGFDoHHw5hpqLpurvROyNnLcJsp4AMnDdUZ3QUy5am/s1600/ID-10079871+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnO4jdQXCwjlyyPS5zwRU9_7NxiCQNn9O1TpMjsGLTNUJL16bpCVQWQz6gKK5G69DGOK_-BwSo3mSo9NXlCbAhPN3zOwTdHAB86ZGFDoHHw5hpqLpurvROyNnLcJsp4AMnDdUZ3QUy5am/s200/ID-10079871+%25282%2529.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Are you walking through a trial
and having trouble persevering? Be encouraged by God’s Word that He keeps His
promises, He walks with you through difficult times, and your faith will grow. In turn, you'll often find yourself in a position to encourage someone on the path behind you going through a similar trial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Best of all, you’ll stand before God one day and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A21&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Matthew 25:21),</a> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you have a
Bible verse that has encouraged you during difficult times?<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you need prayer, please leave
a comment or email me confidential requests. I’d love to pray for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God bless,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 22.0pt;">Laura<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">© Laura Hodges Poole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Woman Climbing Rock” image
courtesy of olovedog at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Young Woman Praying” image
courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Faith and Believe” image
courtesy of the pathtraveler @FreeDigitalPhotos.net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-63789746605431979922016-07-20T09:43:00.000-04:002016-07-20T09:43:47.495-04:00Wringing Our Hands Isn’t An Option<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuNX8K2Tt7S9TihF_C2Pu8zpp4eqWy-W5igBQL2Jm2zLQsHuYwviNE_c3XsenAC-1uERRgFLoBkp50gS2XxSUdJl_SKUI-YCnrIw90_f7RdD5gn0K9i9nR-BAlGo4Tm78ZDAgJ8YvXmWM/s1600/ID-10038480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuNX8K2Tt7S9TihF_C2Pu8zpp4eqWy-W5igBQL2Jm2zLQsHuYwviNE_c3XsenAC-1uERRgFLoBkp50gS2XxSUdJl_SKUI-YCnrIw90_f7RdD5gn0K9i9nR-BAlGo4Tm78ZDAgJ8YvXmWM/s200/ID-10038480.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Feeling despair is easy with current
world events. If you live long enough, you realize the world seems to go from
one catastrophe to another. And certainly, our nation hasn’t seen this much
inner turmoil since the 1960s and 70s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Where do we find relief?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The key is not to give into
despair. Wringing our hands isn't an option for Christians. Our role is to
lead when it comes to bringing peace, hope, and optimism to those around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How is this possible when it
feels like the world is crashing around us? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Because our lives are not rooted
in external circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are not of this world. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are to be peacemakers—not of worldly peace
but inner peace </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A9&version=NIV" target="_blank">(Matthew 5:9).</a> This
begins with resting in God’s assurances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgx3NlxTLgU1WuMhP244_3jsxk18tFSapNBiyVlsn2-RtCUQz6ADOvUd1KZK3ueDuLKf4D_eLv6w56wLzPmCzOHKbY8hcw6jTlut_pwDZLcNjnCHiVXuW-4-7UaP7k51c9vvGfV51giYa/s1600/ID-100232002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgx3NlxTLgU1WuMhP244_3jsxk18tFSapNBiyVlsn2-RtCUQz6ADOvUd1KZK3ueDuLKf4D_eLv6w56wLzPmCzOHKbY8hcw6jTlut_pwDZLcNjnCHiVXuW-4-7UaP7k51c9vvGfV51giYa/s200/ID-100232002.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Don’t
be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+41%3A10&version=NLT" target="_blank">Isaiah 41:10 NLT</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“For
the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take
delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He
will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah+3%3A17&version=NLT" target="_blank">Zephaniah 3:17 NLT</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgErD_WjiuilkR7sF1aD1Z1GbGi87Huo460BdZ6LkiqjXwj2fmwjCm5_u4S3Ld7RqgygxJzzZXKgD-1zgVmCweLMsGko8KMRHwMzkWE9Q1UVurCdx6q9oqJC7g95ksdrN6fBSsXlBb45N6/s1600/ID-10015132+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgErD_WjiuilkR7sF1aD1Z1GbGi87Huo460BdZ6LkiqjXwj2fmwjCm5_u4S3Ld7RqgygxJzzZXKgD-1zgVmCweLMsGko8KMRHwMzkWE9Q1UVurCdx6q9oqJC7g95ksdrN6fBSsXlBb45N6/s200/ID-10015132+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If our minds and hearts aren’t
focused on the promises in God’s word through Bible study and prayer, Satan
will work to render us impotent in our Christian walk by sidetracking us with
worry and anxiety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and
self-discipline.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
<b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A7&version=NLT" target="_blank">2 Timothy 1:7 NLT</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus warned of hard times in
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 24</a>. He specifically warned Christians that we would suffer because of
him. But we don’t have to get dragged into the propaganda wars that engulf
social media and the 24-hour news cycle. Christians can and should mediate to
diffuse divisiveness and show compassion. Stand up for the oppressed and weak. Champion what is right. In doing so, never lose sight of bringing the hope found in Christ Jesus
through salvation, the peace that envelopes the believer, and our spirit of
optimism that radiates outward to others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hope that is found in Jesus’ words:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Because
of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but <u>the one
who stands firm to the end will be saved</u>.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A12-13&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 24:12-13 NIV</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isn’t this a great promise to
hold onto in the midst of worldly turmoil? If we stand firm, we will be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to
everyone who asks you to give the <u>reason for the hope</u> that you have.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A15&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Peter 3:15 NIV</a> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We all have a story to tell!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!<br />
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!<br />
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,<br />
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Refrain:<br />
This is my story, this is my song,<br />
Praising my Savior all the day long;<br />
This is my story, this is my song,<br />
Praising my Savior all the day long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Perfect submission, perfect delight,<br />
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;<br />
Angels, descending, bring from above<br />
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Perfect submission, all is at rest,<br />
I in my Savior am happy and blest,<br />
Watching and waiting, looking above,<br />
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">~Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJju9FVIVLUBYZyknSAHSl98VhmK3Idfzun5oIOzLsx7mtY5hAwi1vpyn1dejl3Sb9Pm6YRLQDmqwgFTocDaCwf1WIA2AhudDUJoOev6HB5cEr2EHyfrtrXmpWq7RAkReTCR5bZC-pKj77/s1600/ID-10027894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJju9FVIVLUBYZyknSAHSl98VhmK3Idfzun5oIOzLsx7mtY5hAwi1vpyn1dejl3Sb9Pm6YRLQDmqwgFTocDaCwf1WIA2AhudDUJoOev6HB5cEr2EHyfrtrXmpWq7RAkReTCR5bZC-pKj77/s200/ID-10027894.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Revere Christ. Be prepared with
an answer for the reason of your hope. Be encouraged that angels are around us
with echoes of mercy and whispers of love. We are born of His spirit and washed
in His blood!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Share that encouragement with
those around you. Bless others with your story of hope, peace, and optimism
rooted in Christ Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What’s your
favorite Bible verse that lifts you up when you’re tempted to despair?<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you need prayer, I’d love to
pray for you. Please leave a comment or email me confidential requests. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lost in His Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 24.0pt;">Laura<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">©Laura Hodges Poole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Holding Hand Gesture” image
courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Ray Blue Sky” image courtesy of pakorn
at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Bible” image courtesy of pazham
at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Silhouette of a Man” image
courtesy of markusa at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.</span></div>
Laura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.com0