Hope Harbor

The extravagant love of God through the ministry of Joni and Friends has made a big impact on my life. Following are a few examples of how I have been blessed by the impact of extravagant love. One summer I arrived early for a Joni and Friends Family Retreat. These events are a splendid time of recreation and inspiration in a supportive and accessible setting. I watched dedicated volunteers diligently decorate and set up the facilities for the upcoming programs. I was particularly impressed with the elaborate preparation for the children/s area. Exquisite costumes and beautiful scenery far exceeded the bath robes and cardboard back drops I had seen used in Sunday School Christmas pageants or Vacation Bible School settings. When I told a staff member how I was touched by all of the labor that was going into a quality production for the kids, whom most would consider rather unimportant, she without hesitation replied “God’s love is extravagant, and that is what we want to commun...

I was asked by a staff member of Marketplace Ministries to write an article on the topic of prayer for their magazine.   What meager words can I offer to convey the value and purpose of communicating with God – especially to men and women who faithfully serve to demonstrate the love of Christ in the workplace? It occurred to me that our own inadequacy is precisely why we pray. We come in our weakness with all our needs, trusting in the All Sufficient One to help us. It is not the eloquence but the earnestness that enables us to connect to the heart of God. As I doubted my capacity to write something of sufficient quality, I avoided preparing this article. I suspect that could be true of our prayer life as well. If we feel we need to be perfect or articulate, or have robust courage and confidence before we can approach God, we will hesitate to make petitions and be reluctant to enter God's presence. I propose a few points to ponder: Prayer is a privilege - When c...

God makes a promise - faith believes it, hope anticipates it, patience quietly awaits it. 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. That power is the same as the mighty strength   , God has always used ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary mission   When things go wrong as they sometimes will When the road you are trudging seems 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.    This life is not all. It is an "unfinished symphony" ... with him who knows he is related to God and has felt the power of an endless life. - Henry Ward Beecher Gra...

Quotes from my 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. -Anne Bradstreet The three grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. -Thomas Chalmers For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love . - Psalm 33:4-5 NIV The best of all is, God with us! -John Wesley 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 wellspring of joy.... And joy is always a source of strength. -Hannah Whitall Smith Hope, like faith, is nothing if it is not courageous. -Thomas Wilder 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 nee...

This is an entry from my Hope themed calendar: God of the years that lie behind us, Lord  of the years that stretch before, Weaver of all the ties that bind us, Keeper and King of the open door... Hold us close in Your tender keeping,      O Maker of all New Years!

I earnestly hope that this year is filled with abundant blessings. In addition it is my desire that we be on track as it seems God wants to accelerate His plans and purpose. Many of us at this time of year have hope to start afresh. We set goals and even dare to dream. I have several areas in which I want to have renewed vision, expectation and determination. Cultivate a deeper and more genuine faith - Bible study, prayer, worhip Explore avenues for service - Joni and Friends, Make A Wish, school Exercise and improve the craft and art of writing - blog, journal, children's stories Enhance knowledge and improve skills - vocabulary, Spanish, knitting Resume healthier lifestyle - nutrition, hydration and exercise Accountability partnership is beneficial. I welcome any input or support you would offer to keep me steadfast with these goals. Furthermore, I would be honored if you would share with me any aspirations you may have. May God richly bless you in 20...