Live from The Cove (Billy Graham Training Center)

I don’t know if you’ve noticed lately, but my posts have been few and far between. Whether you call it a rut or just plain exhausted and stretched too thin—my ability to write dissipated. Not completely, but I’d sit at the computer, start a devotion, article, or even a blog post and after a paragraph or two say, “That’s junk,” and walk away. I’m sure those of you who artists and writers can relate.

This weekend, I’m attending a writers’ conference at The Cove in Asheville, NC.  Arriving on “the mountain,” each year is like stepping into the presence of God. Don’t get me wrong. Every day I live in His presence. He’s in everything I see and experience. But here…words don’t exist in the English language to describe the tranquility and holiness of this place.

I first stopped at the chapel, slipped inside, and sat on the back row while the guide talked to a couple near the front. When the guide finished, I moseyed up as she took their picture and then offered to take mine as they left.

She asked if I played the piano, which I do. She insisted I play the grand piano at the front of the chapel—the one played by George Beverly Shea. If you know me, performing in public scares me. Actually, performing in front of anyone makes me anxious. I made some lame excuse about not being able to play without music, and she pointed me to a stack of hymn books. To my surprise (and relief) I was totally at peace as I picked up the hymnal and flipped through, settling on the great Billy Graham crusade invitation hymn, “Just As I Am.” The music reverberated through the chapel, a beautiful tone like no other piano I’ve ever played.

When I finished, I strolled through the chapel by myself, spent some time in prayer, and then took a few photographs. You’ll notice from the photos there are no stained glass windows. The Grahams wanted God’s nature to show through the windows instead. Wise choice.

My desire and zeal for writing has been rekindled. I'm excited about writing and feel so blessed that God has gifted me to share His message through the written word. 

As I sit here at my laptop overlooking the beautiful landscape, a few snow flurries flutter by my window, I wonder—is this what Moses felt when he went onto the mountain to meet God (Exodus 24, 33-34)? Based on the radiance of his face when he came down off the mountain, certainly his spirit was renewed each time he fellowshipped with God in that special place and time.

The peace and tranquility I’m experiencing for this finite time is only a slice of what heaven will be like and what Moses experienced, but I’ll soak up as much as I can and return home with a renewed spirit to do the work God has equipped me to do.

Thanks for joining me on my journey.

God bless,

Laura

©Laura Hodges Poole

True Love?

Certain holidays, like Valentine’s Day, bring joy to some and sorrow to others. Though the holiday has traditionally meant expressing love to those we hold dear, if you’re not in a relationship, the mushy romance displayed can be both irritating and heartbreaking. Marketers tell us it’s the best day of the year to show love in a tangible way. Hmmm. A billion-dollar industry, Valentine’s Day, instead, should emulate love in its truest form.

But what is love?

Love is difficult to define. We know it by feelings, by the actions of those around us, by the longevity of those who choose to be in our lives, and sometimes even by the actions we refuse to tolerate in others—tough love. And sometimes we know it by its lack—between relationships, waiting for the “right one” to enter our lives.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Wow. Can you think of another love equal to this expression by the Apostle Paul?

To say Paul’s life was difficult as a follower of Jesus is an understatement. Some of his persecution is recorded in 2 Corinthians 11. Yet, he never whined about his hardships, nor did he blame them on God. Instead, he embraced the idea of hardships as necessary to a Christian’s life. James continued this theme in his ministry. In doing so, their lives embodied the idea that, in spite of our trials, God is still present.

So then, how can Paul—despite his willingness to endure hardships and concede God’s presence in them—take it a step further and equate the totality of his life with God’s love? There’s only one logical answer.

It’s a love that never separates. How could love be defined any better? There’s not a human equation that even comes close.

No matter what unknown tomorrow brings, God’s love will be present. I don’t know about you, but that’s a tremendous comfort to me.

Reflection: Being alone during any holiday is tough, but especially on Valentine’s Day. You may have experienced this and prayed for someone special to spend your life with. Yet, how does God’s love manifest itself in your life? Is there a way for you to show it in a tangible way to others in your community—either through volunteering your time or resources? Spend some time in prayer asking God to show you how His love can flow through you and into others. While you’re doing this, you might discover that soulmate you’ve been praying for. 

If you'd like prayer, please leave a comment or email me confidential requests. I'd love to pray for your needs. 

God bless,

Laura

This post is a selection from my new devotional, While I'm Waiting, available for 99 cents on Amazon.com. This devotional offers encouragement to those waiting for an answer to prayer. 

What people are saying about While I’m Waiting:

“Hope. It’s a foundation of our faith, but a difficult concept to live out. Author Laura Hodges Poole understands that, and this devotional gives us the roadmap for the path from despair to hope. She writes from the perspective of someone who has traveled that road. Her honesty and humility draws us in, while her wisdom shows us how living in hope truly is possible. This book will have a coveted place on my bedside table and will be a resource that I return to again and again.”

~Edie Melson, Co-Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and author of Prayers for My Soldier

“Author Laura Hodges Poole knows first-hand about the power of love and the gift of faith. With every inspirational word, she generously shares her innermost self. Laura openly writes about her personal trials and tribulations…the grief of losing her dear sister to suicide and the deep abiding love she has for family and friends. No matter the circumstance, Laura manages to draw from a well of love and hope. She eloquently expresses the depth of her faith and her very intimate relationship with God. Laura has “died to self” and trusts in our heavenly Father to guide her every step of the way. While I’m Waiting gives witness to Laura’s commitment to our loving Creator and her heartwarming devotion to Him.”    

~Dolores Ayotte, inspirational author of Up The Down Ladder: Simple Ideas to Overcome Depression and book reviewer

Click HERE to purchase

“Hearts Background” image courtesy of Feelart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

“Love Puzzle on Laptop” image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

When The Going Gets Tough

We all know the cliché: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Right? This implies, if we have enough moxie, we can endure anything just by being tough.

Well, there’s a reason hardships are called that—they’re hard.

God doesn’t allow trials in your life to determine your mettle—He already knows. Trials show you what you’re made of and strengthen you as a Christian.

A building inspector goes over new construction step-by-step, to uncover deficiencies or weaknesses that could jeopardize the entire structure. In the same way, our weakness of spirit needs to be exposed in order for us to become stronger.

The oft-quoted Bible verse, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength,” (Philippians 4:13) shows us that God doesn’t expect us to walk alone in trials, but this verse is validated only by suffering hardships.

You might shake your head and say, “But I’m already a strong follower of His. My faith is solid. I’m compassionate. Why should I have to suffer?”

The apostle Paul had a few things to say about this.

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea … I have labored and toiled … I have known hunger and thirst … I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches … If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 2 Corinthians 11:24-30

Most Christians look to Paul as a standard bearer. If we are to grow to his level of commitment, the commitment first has to be tested. He didn’t develop strong faith outside of being shown his weaknesses.

James took the concept a step further. He said, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Not only do we develop perseverance, we become blessed through the trials.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trials, because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

In turn, we’re able to bless others because of our trials. Take comfort in the knowledge that God knows the trials that lie ahead. He’s waiting in our tomorrows, ready to strengthen our spirit, our faith, and our mettle, and to bless us with the joy whose depth only comes from suffering first.

How can we consider trials pure joy? How do we persevere? Trials are exactly what they sound like—something to be avoided.

Instead, I challenge you to:

Count your blessings. It seems elementary, almost too simple—and at the same time difficult—to do in the midst of a storm. But even finding one or two small things to thank God for will drastically change your perspective and ability to persevere.

Find a Christian friend or family member to share your rough times—someone who will listen and pray for you, perhaps even offering practical advice when asked. Part of the reason God doesn’t shield Christians from hardships is to force us to grow together and carry one another’s burdens. Trying to be self-sufficient in this fallen world not only leads you away from other Christians, but from God. Often God puts someone in our path who has struggled with the same issues.

Reflection: Ask God to help you learn what He wants you to learn from your trial. It may not be readily apparent, even for years, but your willingness to be molded will have the desired effect—becoming more like Christ.

How can I pray for you today? Please leave a comment or email me confidential requests. I'd love to hear from you. J

God bless,

Laura

This post is a selection from my new devotional, While I’m Waiting, available for 99 cents on Amazon.com. 

What people are saying about While I’m Waiting:

“Hope. It’s a foundation of our faith, but a difficult concept to live out. Author Laura Hodges Poole understands that, and this devotional gives us the roadmap for the path from despair to hope. She writes from the perspective of someone who has traveled that road. Her honesty and humility draws us in, while her wisdom shows us how living in hope truly is possible. This book will have a coveted place on my bedside table and will be a resource that I return to again and again.”

~Edie Melson, Co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and author of Prayers for My Soldier

“Author Laura Hodges Poole knows first-hand about the power of love and the gift of faith. With every inspirational word, she generously shares her innermost self. Laura openly writes about her personal trials and tribulations…the grief of losing her dear sister to suicide and the deep abiding love she has for family and friends. No matter the circumstance, Laura manages to draw from a well of love and hope. She eloquently expresses the depth of her faith and her very intimate relationship with God. Laura has “died to self” and trusts in our heavenly Father to guide her every step of the way. While I’m Waiting gives witness to Laura’s commitment to our loving Creator and her heartwarming devotion to Him.”    

~Dolores Ayotte, inspirational author of Up The Down Ladder: Simple Ideas to Overcome Depression and book reviewer

Click HERE to purchase

While I’m Waiting

“Hard Times Ahead Means Risky Sign And Warning” image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

 “Difficult Sphere Means Hard Challenging Or Problematic” image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.