Hope Harbor

This is a repeat of an old post. Recently I saw on TV this guy talking about a book he had written called The Christmas Jars. He desceibed collecting spare change and daily putting it in a jar and then giving it anonymously to someone in need. Click on title link to visit the Christmas jars website. http://www.christmasjars.com/what_is_cj.php And here's a Youtube video discussing examples of implementing the custom of Christmas Jars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f30sNAr4rKo&NR=1   Let me know if you decide to do a Christmas Jar. It will be great to hear all about it.

I often feel uncertain about whether I hear clearly the direction I need and lack the confidence to know what I am supposed to do. Today I read a post on Chris Fabry's blog that I found significant and timely. He tells the story of his 12 year old son returning to first base at a little league game because of confusion and inability to discern the voice of the umpire. You may read it at: http://chrisfabry.blogspot.com/2013/10/base-path-voices.html This is my comment regarding how it touched me: Thank you for sharing this. I so often lack the confidence that I clearly hear the voice of my umpire. Just as your 12 year old son felt a need to return to first base, the voices of self-doubt and fear often cause me to retreat and not make progress toward goals or aspirations. Your post is quite timely. I am currently in a season in which I recognize a pattern in myself of doing and undoing. When I attempt to swing at a hope or longing and take a step forward, I am bombarded with noi...

Phoebe Fair was a tiny girl whose brief life made an enormous and powerful impact. She taught me a priceless lesson: Faith conquers fear. Phoebe inspired me to courage and caused me to realize that we can often misjudge based on size. This small child faced a giant foe and demonstrated strength.   At 2 years old, Phoebe was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain cancer. In spite of this those who loved this precious child remained hopeful. Phoebe herself was a shining example of joy and determination.   Her parents did not waste time on silly things that did not matter. This fine couple served as missionaries. They were also engaged in a fierce fight for their daughter’s life. As her sweet life slipped away grief could not be easily assuaged. They needed something extraordinary. They received their “A-typical Miracle” (which is the title of the blog about Phoebe’s life http://atypicalmiracle.com/ ) in the comfort of knowing she touched many in her short,...

I intend to renew my healthy eating challenge tomorrow. For at least 30 days I will refrain from consuming sugar (with the exception of fruit), refined carbohydrates, legumes and dairy. I have pondered several points that will help me with this dietary challenge. These principles can also be applied to other endeavors: Purpose It will be helpful to identify my motivation for developing healthy eating habits (or whatever activity I choose to implement), and remember the rationale while on the journey. In this case my reasons include improved health and ease of mobility. Add yes, I do hope an added benefit will be to shed pounds. Planning I had set this target date and gearing up for the effort mentally and practically. Preparation  I've purchased groceries and done research regarding menus and meal preparation strategies. Practice I just need to do it - to put into practice beneficial nutrition. And there likely will be a need to continue to le...

"Cancer is a gift." These astonishing words were uttered by my dear friend Joni Eareckson Tada. One would think that such a brutal disease should be considered a murderer. Not Joni. She is a woman filled with genuine and joyful faith as she tenaciously clings to the truth that “All things work together for good.” Joni’s cancer journey was riddled with difficulty. Quadriplegia weakens her physical capacity. This complicated her ability to cope with the toxic nature of the chemotherapy necessary to save her life. Her strength of character however enabled her to endure the suffering which she has dubbed “splashes of hell”. Joni was victorious over the impetuous vicious blows to her body and soul. Her paralysis was a trickster as she mightily conquered the evil assault with weapons of hope and integrity. An honorable response to adversity is admirable. I respect Joni deeply. I know she would be quick to clarify that she makes no claim to overcoming by a self-suffici...

I read a verse in the Bible this morning that caught my attention.   Psalm 33:22 Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You. The psalmist was extolling the mercy of God and how human effort is futile without the gracious intervention of our mighty God. It was encouraging and comforting to read how the Lord's eye is upon those who hope in  His mercy. And then the psalm closes with a prayer I'm not sure I would feel as confident to request.... that God would bestow mercy in proportion to my waiting and hoping! An online dictionary gives one definition of proportion as: "... A relationship between things or parts of things with respect to comparative magnitude, quantity, or degree. This makes me realize that I need a much greater appreciation for not only my need for mercy, but also for God's willingness to grant it. I wonder if the writer of this psalm was having a particularly good day in terms of...

Hope Harder. I think this just might become one of my new favorite sayings. Recently I attended a writer's group meeting held at a local library.  I felt like an imposter among all their talent- as a kindergartner pretending in a college course. I suppose the courageous thing would be to return and try and learn. As part of the introductions, I sheepishly told the group that I am a novice and I have a blog. The facilitator asked me how to find my blog so I provided the address. A few days later I received an email saying he was not able to locate the blog. He had misunderstood me. Rather than Hope Harbor, he thought I said Hope Harder! I like the title of Hope Harbor because hope is an anchor for our souls and a harbor is a place of safety and refuge...but now I really like the concept of "Hope Harder". Often their are disappointments in life. Instead of giving in to doubt and despair, I need to continue in hope. It is vital that my hope is secured in a firm foundatio...

I have been absent from my blog a while - broken computer and sickness, including a brief hospital stay. And regrettably I must confess, a lack of diligence. It might be overwhelming in one post to try and catch up on all the quotes from my Hope calendar I've missed, so for today I will share what would have been the next one after my last post as well as the entry for today's date. In future posts, I will likely add extra quotes from previous dates so we won't miss out on any encouragement and wisdom. Be on the lookout for mercies. The more we look for them, the more of them we will see. Blessings brighten when we count them. God's care for us is more watchful and more tender than the care of any human father could possibly be. - Hannah Whitall Smith I love the idea of looking for mercies and we will find them. The Lord's mercies are, after all, "new every morning, and His compassion never fails" (Lamentations 3:21-22) I'd be thrilled to he...

This is the entry on my Hope calendar today: There is nothing but God's grace. We walk upon it; we breathe it, we live and die by it. It makes the nails and axles of the universe. -Robert Louis Stevenson Acts 17:28 King James Version (KJV) 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.   The other day I had been wondering if there was a song I should post on my blog. Then I overheard my friend singing this worship song "Lord I Lift Your Name on High". Here is a link to that song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbDzQ-K8EQI

I have neglected to post for several days so here are recwnt entries from my Hope calendar: {God}... rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, Restoring dignity and respect to their lives— a place in the sun! For the very structures of earth are God ’s; he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation. He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step, -ISamuel 2:8-9 Message Of all the ills that one endures, hope is a cheap and universal cure. - Abraham Cowley Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view. - Ralph Waldo Emerson The burden of life is from ourselves, the lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Ullathorne Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that these branches would turn green and blossom, but we hope it, we know it. -Johan Wolfgang von Goethe We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, o...

The quote on my Hope calendar for today: Grace grows best in the winter. - Samuel Rutherford A music video of that classic Gospel song by an unlikely singer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDDlxmsciqY

The quote for today on my Hope calendar: I live on hope, and I think do all who come into this world. -Robert Seymour Bridges Hope I believe is essential for life. Hopelessness leads to despair, and that is misery. Since hope is so vital it is imperative that we are secure in where or in Whom we place that hope.

I neglected to post yesterday's entry from my Hope calendar. Here is that quote: This life is not all. It is an "unfinished symphony"... with him who knows that he is related to God and has felt the power of an endless life. - Henry Ward Beecher The author of those words I believe wanted to remind us that we have hope beyond this life here on earth. As I thought about this quote I was particularly struck with the phrase " unfinished symphony". A symphony is a collection of majestic music performed skillfully using a variety of instruments directed by a Master conductor. I am reminded that "...we are His workmanship..." We are the instruments of His hands. God who created us can cause our lives to make beautiful music to honor Him. The precious promise that God will complete His work also came to mind: Philippians 1:6 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will ...

Today's quote from my Hope Calendar: When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must - but don't you quit!

Today's quote from my Hope calendar: God has always used ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary mission.

Ephesians 1:18-19 New International Version (NIV) 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe The Bible verse above is the today's entry on my Hope calendar. The Apostle's prayer request for the people at Ephesus is God's desire and intention for all of us - that we would see clearly with our hearts the greatess of our hope because of His incomparable power. When my eyeglasses are smudged my vision is impaired and I cannot see clearly to read or do other necessary activities well. When my heart is soiled by wrong thoughts or actions and doubt and unbelief, I am limited in accessig His grace and I am hindered in reaching for and accomplishing what I have been called to. One of my favorite definitions of enlightened is "free from illusion". God wants us to tr...

This is the quote from my Hope calendar for today: God makes a promise - faith believes it, hope anticipates it, patience quietly awaits it. When someone we love has proven themself to be trustworthy, we can be secure and confident that they will do what they have said. We can expect and calmly trust it will come to pass. I am very grateful for dear friends who have stood with me. I am also deeply thankful for my faithful God Who has kept every one of His promises. Here is a link to a video of a song I find quite moving: "Faithful God": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH8_SKkieJg Here is an excerpt from the biography of the composer of that song Robert Critchley: "Shortly after making a decision for Christ, Robert moved to Niagara Falls and became a member of Niagara Community Church. It was there that He met his lovely wife Dawn . He then turned his talent for music and song writing to writing and playing worship songs. Emerging as one of the worship leade...

Today's quote from my Hope calendar: If you have a special need today, focus your full attention on the goodness and greatness of your Father rather than on the size of your need. Your need is so small compared to His ability to meet it. According to Webster's online dictionary to focus is to give full attention and concentration... Focus is distinct or maximum clarity When things are out of focus our vision is blurred and we do not seerightly we could make mistakes or stumble and fall. When our perspective on God is not clear it is dangerous too. We could slip into the pit of despair and anxiety. If we arte looking only at the need or problem it can be overwhelming but if we are gazing at the One who cares for us we can have prace. I thought of this hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" Here are links to diffedrent versions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8mBurjrWMo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czxd5oa-gi0

Todays Hope calendar quote: Hope, like faith, is nothing if it is not courageous. - Thornton Wilder What is courage? Why is it important? I heard someone say that courage is not the absence of fear but rather feeling afraid and doing it anyway. We may fear all sorts of things - growing old alone, not having sufficient resources, being a failure, being rejected or ashamed. However, if we focus on tuth we can prevent fear and promote courage.  We are commanded numerous times in the Bible to be courageous. Jesus also instructs to fear not. How do we do that?       Many valuable truths come to mind. I found many precious promises to ponder. Perhaps they can be summarized in this way: God is our P apa. His p resence is with us. He p rotects. He p rovides. God gives us a p urpose.  We also need to persevere in p rayer. "We were made to be courageous". Here is a link to a  music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk...

When we love someone, we can be compelled at times to do sacrificial seeming unreasonable things. In recent days my dog Tanner has awakened me before dawn. I don't know whether his bladder was full or he was hungry. Whatever the reason, his need seemed to be urgent. I wish I could report that I instantly and happily responded and got up to help my beloved dog who does so much to assist me. I confess I was rather slow and a bit less than cheerful. However, as he continued to pleadingly nudge me the thought clearly came to mind that when you love someone it means there must be a willingness to give of ourselves even if it is not easy or convenient. So as I struggled to get myself out of bed, I told Tanner, okay buddy because I love you, I am getting up. I have been the beneficiary of kindness that has imposed hardship on others more times than I can recount. Just to name several: I have friends who have done repairs and major rennovations in my home without any compensation F...

Another quote from my hope calender" God knows everything about us. And He cares about everything. Moreover, He can manage every situation. And He loves us! Surely this is enough to open the wellsprings of joy ... And joy is always a source of strength. - - Hannah Whitall Smith I awoke early this morning with this phrase wchoing in my mind: "Jesus Lamb of God, worthyis Your name..." I knew it was from a worship song which contains many very importan lines including this one: "...Lord to give up, I'd be a fool..." May we contintinue to find grace and strength to persevere assured that God knows. And He cares. Here is a link to a music video of this inspiring song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEVVkf5DqX8 Here is a copy of the complete lyrics: You are my strength when I am weak You are the treasure that I seek You are my all in all I'm seeking You like a precious jewel Lord, to give up I'd be a fool You are my all in all Jesus, Lamb...

Quote from my Hope calendar: The best of all is, God with us! - John Wesley

  Psalm 33:4-5 New International Version (NIV) 4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.   This verse is the entry on my Hope calendar for today. My attention was drawn to,the line  " the earth is full of his unfailing love"  and I was a bit challenged by this proclamation. It is truth and was written by the psalmist with absolute confidence. However, it occurred to me that sadly it seems it is easier to seethat the world is full of difficulty and heartache. I was struck anew by the importance of believing that this earth is full of God's unfailing love. Divine love. Love that is constant. Love that is inexhaustible. Love that is trustworthy. Love thatdoes not fail. Humans are not invincible. We fail. Mere mortals are not infallible. We make errors -lots of them. Entire industries have developed because of th...

Tanner my service dog helps me with many tasks throughout the day - Sometimes in amazing ways. Yesterday he did something remarkable. And pretty cute too! I was attempting to sort the medicine and vitamins which I take regularly. As I tried to pick up the bucket in which they are stored, it slipped from my hand. This container filled with pills was dangling out of my reach precariously between the foot rest of my wheelchair and the floor. One wrong move and things could be a real mess. It was didtressing to envision the prospect of prescription bottles and vitamins strewn all over the kitchen. Much to my surprise and delight, Tanner came to my rescue. He gingerly and adeptly grabbed the pail by its handle, lifting it and holding it in his mouth, contents intact, until I had it securely in my grasp.       As I was thinking about how proud I am of my beloved canine companion for his efforts, I was encouraged to remember that Go...

Today's quote from my Hope calendar: The three essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. - Thomas Chalmers

The title of this post is mine but the words below are a quote from Anne Bradstreet -Today's entry in my Hope calendar. If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome..

The page feom my Hope Calendar for today is mysteriously missing. I wanted to be consistent and faithful to post a daily dose of hope so I decided to search for an appropriate inspiring quote. I found this encouraging thought about the topic of hope on a website titled Finest Quotes Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible. Anonymous   I also found that a friend posted this on Facebook today: "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)  Wow! That should certainly give us hope. With God - that is the key. He is the source of all reason to hope and the power to bring everything to pass. Nothing is impossiple - He is completely  able to do any thing   There is no need to be hopeless. Whatever the situation -It is not too difficult "with God".   That missing page caused me to be reminded of God's miraculous power.

Below is a quote for today from my Hope calendar: The very least you can do in life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. - Barbara Kingsolver I would enjoy hearing  from others. What do you hope for? How are you "living inside that hope"? Another way to phrase it might be what are you pursuing? What action steps are you taking? Please leave comments. I would appreciate engaging in a dialogue. I heard someone say once that one definition of hope is uncertain desire (as in I hope the traffic is good so I can make it to work on time...), but a more secure premise of hope is confident expection based on the character of the One who is trustworthy. Therefore, a better question is; Who are you hoping in? Psalm 65:5 Contemporary English Version (CEV) 5 Our God, you save us, and your fearsome deeds answer our prayers for justice! You give hope to people everywhere on earth, even those across the ...

Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes. - Oswald Chambers

I woke up today with this phrase echoing in my mind: "Let us come, let us come, let us worship the Lamb..." I knew it was from a song, but couldn't recall any additional lyrics - so I needed to research. (That Google is terrific. I am so grateful I have access to it.) I learned it is a portion of a song by Jessa Anderson. I found this video with music and lyrics: http://www.onlylyrics.com/jessa-anderson-lyrics-1080971.php  (You will need to scroll down on the web page to find the video.) The basic premise or message of the song is that our Savior is infinitely glorious and words are inadequate to describe His splendor. The composer expressed it in this way: But there is nothing i could say I could sing To give an adequate description Of my glorious king For you are Indescribable and that's why we sing Hallelujah to the great i am I find it interesting that when we encounter someone or something that touches us beyond words often all we can utter is Aww.... ...

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This verse was on my daily Hope calendar for today. I did quote it in a recent post,( http://hopeharbor.blogspot.com/2013/01/all-things-do-work-together-for-good.html  ) ,but a precious promise is worth repeating ... and believing! Such a power-packed proclamation. It contains much on which to meditate and place our hope and confidence. God Himself is stating emphatically that He intends for us to grow in strength and increase in His blessings. He has a wonderful design and destiny for us.We need to receive instruction and direction to properly position ourselves for His good plan to be fulfilled.  It gives me hope that indeed "the best is yet tocome." I awoke this morning with the song "Shout to the Lord" in my mind. I had to look it up. It is a great song that i...

Below is a quote from my Hope calendar. It is expresses my desires for my loved ones. When you are lonely I wish you love; When you are down I wish you joy; When you are troubled I wish you peace; When things are complicated I wish you simple beauty; When things are chaotic I wish you inner silence; When things seem empty I wish you hope.

God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him. Author: Jim Elliot I am thinking about my dear friend today. She and her husband are facing a huge disappointment. After many months of unemployment a very promising job prospect became available. Not only did this particular position seem tailor-made for this highly skilled architect with an MBA, it was in a location close to my friend's family. It seemed perfect. A good job that would sllow him to use his talents with a salary that would alleviate their financial burden and relieve the stress of my friend being the sole bread winner for her family, not to mention the much desired geographic proximity to loved ones. As you can imagine the anticipation was significant. However, any excitement was deflated as they learned that my friend's husband did not get that job. Understandably he is feeling really down and it is rough for their family right now. The challenge in the midst of difficult circumstances...

I chose to post 2 encouraging quotes about hope: He that lives in hope danceth without music. George Herbert When you say that a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God. Charles L. Allen

A quote from my calendar 365 Days of Hope We don't know how this is true - where would faith be if we did? - but we do know that all things that happen are full of shining seed. Light is sown for us - not darkness.

Hebrews 6:19 Amplified Bible (AMP) 19 [Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot [ a ] break down under whoever steps out upon it—a hope] that reaches [ b ] farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil,   It has occurred to me from time to time, that I never explained why I entitled my blog Hope Harbor. To put it simply - Hope is confident expectation and a Harbor is a safe place to be anchored. The Bible tells us that hope is an anchor fr the soul. I want to live securely confident in the One Who is trustworthy. I have a calendar with daily quotes and Bible verses to inspire hope. I have decided to regularly post them on my blog so readers can have doses of hope. I chose the following Scripture and inspirational quotefor this first day of the New Year: Romans 15:13 English Standard Version (ESV) 13 May the God of hope fill you with all ( A ) joy and peace in beli...

It is common for us to make "resolutions" at the start of a new year. I have needed to implement some changes for quite some time  As 2013 begins I seem to have new resolve to have a quality life filled with purpose and meaning.  Webster's online dictionary defines resolution as: "The state of being resolved, settled, or determined; firmness; steadiness; constancy; determination.That which is resolved or determined; a settled purpose; determination." I need to be settled, determined, firm, steady and constant regarding my goals and the things I know I am supposed to be doing. It can be helpful to ensure follow through on our intentions, if we are open about our need and enlist the support of others. A friend who hosts a Facebook page entitled Living Intentionally posted this comment: A blessed & happy New Year to all! If you, like me, have some dreams or goals for 2013, for getting in better shape, here's the encouragement: we'll all do better ...