During a season filled with peace and joy, it’s painful to experience grieving at Christmastime. But that’s what many people do. They celebrate. Simultaneously, they grieve.
There are always losses in life. Sometimes, these losses almost consume the space meant to be filled with peace and joy. Strategically, there are ways to keep these spaces free for healthy processes – even at Christmastime.
As I consider today’s material: “Strong Hope,” I’m reminded of a Bible passage in one of my quiet times. Interestingly, a thought struck me as I read that passage. Simply this.
If I were to make a list of all the struggles, issues, sorrows, and difficulties in my life so far –
– and if I were to put a column of dates next to them (similar to what I have in my Bible)
– then, if I were to record a verse or promise God gave me for that particular situation in a third column
– I would have an amazing record of God’s faithfulness in my neediness. In fact, I’d have enough material to publish a book about strong hope.
This is #5 in a series on hope.
Have you ever desperately cried out “change me, Lord?” I have.
I vividly remember a time I said this many years ago. Challenges had piled up. Demands were high. Expectations even higher. I was pulled in too many directions. And I felt overwhelmed.
I’m thinking of a specific person. Actually, a remarkable person. As I got to know and interact with them, I realized they are the perfect example of what we discuss today – well-thought, well-spoken, well-lived. Over time, I came to deeply respect this person because they represent a very well-lived life!
Who comes to your mind as you consider today’s content?
The highest motive is often identified when a person, family, community, or country is under duress. For instance, both world wars gave the global public – and nations – opportunities to choose motives that are honorable despite risks, sacrifices, and cost.
Incidentally, it’s helpful to know your personal highest motive. Additionally, to let it propel you into opportunities each day. Also, this gives you influence and purpose.
President Zelensky said – Read More …
A couple of decades ago, there was a commercial for Coca-Cola that claimed – “It’s the real thing.” If this is before your time, just google it. There was another trend during those years. Basically, how to be real. I also recall another phrase – “It’s the real deal.” Incidentally, that phrase inspired marketing strategies, shareable images, at least one podcast, creative pictures, and use in daily conversation.
Essentially, it means – “the real thing, genuine, not fake, not imitation, not a copy.”
What’s the theme of your life? Have you thought about it? Some people target a theme and work toward it for years. Others simply live – and notice a theme forms over time. Interestingly, if you engage some strategy, you can maneuver – and even change – your life theme.
Hope and opportunity are always available to help you move forward. Let’s explore.
You’ve heard the illustration of standing in front of several doors, having to choose one without knowing what’s behind each. Similarly, doors you choose for your life become your reality. This can be exciting. Contrastingly, some doors bring great sadness. Nevertheless, you discover new things behind doors. And new experiences can provide hope – if you hold God’s hand while you open and close doors of your life.
Back in the year 2000, in the Disney movie, “The Kid,” two grown-ups have a conversation about growing up. One of them, Amy, says, “Well, we can’t go around anymore talking about what we’re going to be like when we grow up. We are up.” Basically, she’s saying – it’s time to live grown up.
So, let’s explore what it means to live grown up.
In your opinion, what are the most important 3 things to care about? Do you have a list? For the record, I have a list. Interestingly, the things we care about most – directly influence how we live each day.
