Finding God’s Love In The Yet

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone. Lamentations 3:31-33 NIV  

I’m a member of two completely different Facebook groups—one for decluttering and the other for recycling/repurposing. Am I conflicted? Maybe just a little. LOL. I’d like to think I’m using two different skillsets, kind of like the mudskipper fish who, of course, swims but also walks on land. 

But what about the serious, often gut-wrenching, conflicts of life?

 

We find ourselves wondering what God has in mind when those happen. How can we experience such overwhelming grief, like I’ve felt since losing my daughter, and at the same time embrace the idea that God’s love is unfailing? After all, if he loves us, why the grief or affliction to begin with?

 

The broad answer goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned. They had the perfect life and still weren’t satisfied. God did not want them to sin and fall out of fellowship with him. And when they did, he didn’t cast them off. But he did allow them and the generations since to feel the brokenness of fallen humanity.

 

Our individual whys are often so complex that we may not get an answer this side of heaven, nor would we understand if God tried to explain. And it's likely we wouldn't agree. 

 

So where is our hope?

 

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. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him… Lamentations 3:21-25

 

Jeremiah spent the majority of Lamentations describing what had gone wrong for Jerusalem and him personally. His overwhelming grief and despair cry from the pages. You can feel the agony in his words almost as vividly as your own painful circumstances.

 

Then Jeremiah turned to his “yet” moment. It’s almost as if he couldn’t continue one minute longer in his despair without reminding himself of God’s faithfulness.

 

When you are tempted to give in to the notion that God is not for you and he doesn’t really care, or the pain seems too great to bear one minute longer, dig into your heart and your past to the times God showed up—your “yet” moments.

God wants to hear our laments but also experience his unfailing love, even in the midst of difficulties. Seek his wisdom through prayer and studying the Scriptures to remind yourself of his faithfulness. Whatever your trial, know that God is right there with you, holding you up, and will never leave your side.

Blessings,

Laura

© Laura Hodges Poole

Photos courtesy of Pixabay.

Grief and Merriment Do Not Coexist Peacefully

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.  

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 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas one more time I would scream. 

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. 

Similarly, the Bible is full of stories of God’s faithfulness when life seemed hopeless. 

God’s Faithfulness

When 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.

“Lord, 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. 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? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘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.’  2 Chronicles 20:6-9 NIV 

If calamity comes upon us…

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.

Now as I face another Christmas without my daughter, God has filled me with His 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:

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. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

We have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us…

God’s Promises

“…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.’” 2 Chronicles 20:15-17

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.

 

The Lord will be with you. 

God’s Instructions

This is what the Lord 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…” Jeremiah 6:16 

Are you at a crossroads? Maybe you’re engaged in a full-on battle. Or trying to “get through” the holidays in your grief. 

·     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.

·     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.

…and you will find rest for your souls.

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. 

…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. Lamentations 3:20-23

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.

 

Blessings,

Laura

Enjoy these three free gifts. 

FREE Kindle download Friday, December 16, and Saturday, December 17, 2022.

 

While I’m Waiting 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.”

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. 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. 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. 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?

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?

Blog images courtesy of Pixabay.

Learning to Stand, Even When the Armor Slips

During the past four years as I’ve grieved the loss of my daughter, 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. 

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.

Ephesians 6:13 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.”

To stand. You don’t simply strap on God’s armor and stand. You have to keep standing!

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 king’s armor fit him. But unlike David, I can’t take off the armor. God has equipped us differently to fight spiritual battles. The more we saturate our minds and hearts with Scripture, the better the armor fits, and God's strength enables us to stand.

As the Apostle Paul said, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the … powers of this dark world” (Eph. 6:12).  Whether grieving a loved one, battling a pandemic, dealing with job loss or a difficult family member—our only hope in the struggle is God’s strength manifested through us.

My most recent inspirational romance novel released October 13. Not surprising that I share a few traits with Misty, the main character in Hope’s Gentle Touch. 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.

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 imagine. 

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!

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 here.

(Devotion photos courtesy of Pixabay.)

Click here to order your copy of Hope’s Gentle Touch

Praise for Hope’s Gentle Touch:

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.
~Sarah Loudin Thomas, Christy-nominated author of Miracle in a Dry Season

A heartwarming novel with characters you can't quit rooting for. This book is perfect for fans of small-town inspirational romance.
~Heidi McCahan, author of Unraveled

Hope’s Gentle Touch 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. ~Elaine Marie Cooper, author, Love’s Kindling, Scarred Vessels

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. 

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. 

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? 

Zachariah 4:6, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 62:1-2, Philippians 4:13

Ready To Ring In A New Year

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.

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 (John 14:27) that carries us even in the hardest of times. God bless you all.

In Memoriam, [Ring out, wild bells]

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,

   The flying cloud, the frosty light:

   The year is dying in the night;

Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

   Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

   The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind

   For those that here we see no more;

   Ring out the feud of rich and poor,

Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,

   And ancient forms of party strife;

   Ring in the nobler modes of life,

With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,

   The faithless coldness of the times;

   Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes

But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,

   The civic slander and the spite;

   Ring in the love of truth and right,

Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;

   Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;

   Ring out the thousand wars of old,

Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,

   The larger heart, the kindlier hand;

   Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in the Christ that is to be. 

         ~Lord Alfred Tennyson, 1809–1892~

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV 

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.” Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 NKJV 

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.

If you have a prayer need, please leave a comment or email me confidential requests.

Happy New Year!

God bless,

Laura

Silent Stars of Bethlehem

FREE Kindle download December 31, 2016 through January 1, 2017.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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? 

Click here to get your FREE kindle download now. 

Fireworks Celebration and the City Night Light image courtesy of Areeya/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Wringing Our Hands Isn’t An Option

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.

Where do we find relief?

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.

How is this possible when it feels like the world is crashing around us?

Because our lives are not rooted in external circumstances.

We are not of this world. We are to be peacemakers—not of worldly peace but inner peace (Matthew 5:9). This begins with resting in God’s assurances.

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. Isaiah 41:10 NLT 

“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.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT 

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.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT 

Jesus warned of hard times in Matthew 24. 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.

Hope that is found in Jesus’ words:

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12-13 NIV 

Isn’t this a great promise to hold onto in the midst of worldly turmoil? If we stand firm, we will be saved.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV 

We all have a story to tell!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

~Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915

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!

Share that encouragement with those around you. Bless others with your story of hope, peace, and optimism rooted in Christ Jesus.

What’s your favorite Bible verse that lifts you up when you’re tempted to despair?

If you need prayer, I’d love to pray for you. Please leave a comment or email me confidential requests.

Lost in His Love,

Laura

©Laura Hodges Poole

“Holding Hand Gesture” image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

“Ray Blue Sky” image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

“Bible” image courtesy of pazham at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

“Silhouette of a Man” image courtesy of markusa at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Standing at the Foot of the Mountain

Am I the only one who thinks 2016 is flying by? Seems like we just celebrated New Year’s, and now we’re headed into summer.

At the beginning of each new year, many folks pick a “word” to motivate them or define what they believe the year will be about. Or perhaps it’s a word they believe God gave them as a promise for their future.

This year a phrase came to me that seemed to fit my vision of the future.

Hope Restored. 

As the concept behind those two little words sunk in, I realized it wasn’t just for me. God wanted me to share it with those visiting this blog. After all, you’re here because you want encouragement. Some of you are walking through a valley. And perhaps, some of you have even lost hope or had your faith shaken by a trial—maybe even recently.  

I’ve not blogged much over the last year and a half. To be honest, I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of commitments and stressors in my life and something had to give. After prayer and consideration, the blog was one of those areas.

To be even more transparent with you, my faithful readers, I spent much of this time in a valley. I’ll spare you the details, but family issues dragged me through some tough patches. At times, I felt like I merely treaded water. I'm amazed when I look back that I managed to write anything. By the grace of God, I released two books on Amazon (one of which I'd already written), and then write proposals for two other manuscripts now under consideration at publishers.

If you’ve followed my blog and writing for any length of time, you know my mantra has always been hope, not despair. In fact, that’s the theme of my devotional, While I'm Waiting: Going from despair to hope while praising God and choosing contentment during trials.  And perhaps that philosophy is why the enemy attacked me as he did.

God’s strength is the stalwart I’ve always leaned upon. This past year even more so. In addition, He provided friends who raised my arms on tough days, much like Aaron and Hur did for Moses when he grew weary (Exodus 17:12). And when the temptation to despair crept in, I remembered God’s faithfulness in my life—and in the lives of the ancient saints.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock…I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:5, 13-14 

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed… Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18 

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. Lamentations 3:22-23  

Though I never lost hope in the One True God, my human fortitude waned at times. I’m so thankful for the strength He gave me when mine faltered.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. 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 hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5

What a beautiful assurance of resting in the peace and hope of God through Jesus! God’s hope alone saw me through some days.

Though some of my personal situation has improved, other aspects became even more challenging. Yet, I’m emerging from the valley and standing at the foot of the mountain again. As I stand here and survey the landscape, I see the sun shining through, and I’m reminded that only God can truly restore hope and give us the promise of a future when all else looks hopeless (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Most of the time that means coming to the end of ourselves and totally trusting Him for everything.

Hope has been the basis for my life, and that never changed. Part of my hope now is to return to blogging regularly and the excitement of being able to interact with you, my faithful readers. Not only do I want to give you encouragement, but when you leave here, I want you to feel your hope has been restored. I feel so strongly about this, I’ve added it to my blog title for now.

I’d love to hear how you’d been doing since we interacted last. How has your year been so far?

If you have a prayer request, I’d love to pray for you. Please leave a comment or email me confidential requests.

May God richly bless you,

Laura

© Laura Hodges Poole

“Canyon Of The Colca River In Southern Peru” image courtesy of xura/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

 “Hope Despair Post-it Papers” image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

 “Faith and Believe” image courtesy of thepathtraveler/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

“Sunset On The Mighty Chimborazo Volcano” image courtesy of xura/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.